Short Week

October 13th, 2004

I just love shortened weeks. We didn't have classes on Monday or Tuesday, and the fact that I only have one real day of class left is making me smile as I write this. It isn't all a bed of roses; I DO have two midterms tomorrow, along with two other classes, but the break allowed me to study - or at least finish all my readings - for the classes, and I'm feeling good.

We're reading "As I Lay Dying" by Williams Faulkner in my English survey course, and it's exciting to see in the notes of the book "Original manuscript available at Alderman Library, University of Virginia." Since the book was published, those manuscripts have moved to our brand new Special Collections Library, which is literally about 50 yards from where I'm sitting right now. Faulkner taught at U.Va in the late 1950's, and I found a great article written by a '61 graduate about what he was like in student-faculty interaction. I just visited my English professor's office hours to give him the article and talk about the book. I definitely needed the conversation, because even though I finished the novel it turns out I hadn't understood what actually happened in it. That's Faulkner for you.

Tonight is library night, as Wednesdays usually end up becoming when I fail at accomplishing anything in my room. I'm studying for my two midterms: one in History of the American City and one in American Film. I also have a screening of two episodes of "Bewitched" for my American Studies seminar; this week we begin our unit on "Magical Women" in post-WWII society. Should be a fun break between the studying.

Tomorrow night at nine o'clock is our intramural flag-football championship. I'm doing my best to rouse some sort of cheering section, but having limited success . . . I'll need to come up with a halftime snack or incentive. Earlier in the evening we're decorating T-shirts and cups for our new "little guides" in the tour guide service (aka The University Guide Service). We pair up the new guides with more experienced guides so they feel, ironically enough, 'guided' in their transition to becoming full-time tour guides.

I received my absentee ballot in the mail today! It's very offical-looking and exciting. A lot of groups around Grounds are constantly encouraging kids to register and/or get their absentee ballots, so now I can proudly walk past their tables on the Lawn with my head held high.

Over and out,
Shannon