Christmas 2006

As many of you may know, I spent the last 4-ish months leading up to this Thanksgiving in California living on a pear farm with my grandma. This material somewhat falls out of the scope of focus for this blog (the focus being pretty much anything that happens to me after right now), so to learn more about my California days, speak with my associates.

So today is Saturday, December 16th. I'm leaving, via train, this coming Thursday for the prosperous lands immediately surrounding Washington DC. The train ride is not quite 24 hours, and I'm riding alone in coach...hilarity will probably ensue. I'm spending about 5 days out there I believe, visiting my Uncle's family first, including Christmas Eve dinner (?). From there, off to Alexandria Va./Bethesda Md. to see my step-mom's family: parents, sister's family, and brother's family. I'm thinking the climax of the time spent there will be the customary visit to the Chevy Chase Club. I "get" to wear a suit. Well, at least I finally have one. I'm not really sure what else is planned during this time, except for gift-giving/receiving and I'm guaranteeing I'll be receiving lots of Principia hardware (window stickers, clothing, maybe even another license plate cover). Which is fine with me.

At the end of the trip, I get back on a train and return to the mothership, but only for 3 days. Alas, I was surprise, yet very pleased, to hear I need to be at Principia earlier than I anticipated: December 31st. A Sunday. I have to drive there alone (~5 hours), but Dad will probably meet up with me but a couple hours later, or the next day. Plenty to look forward to when that day comes. I think I read I'll be at least looking over classes to sign up for, if not sign myself up that very day. Hopefully I'll know BEFORE I get there what credit they transfered from my time at Illinois. I'll probably have to take the whole slate of classes within my major, which is fine, can't know enough, but I'd rather not retake Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, or Shakespeare, as some examples. Hoooooooo dang, I also can't wait to check out the new athletic facility they built, which is opening right when I get there. My goal is to make the varsity basketball team. I'll be living in Lowrey House. No, you aren't deceived, it DOES say "The Rumpus." I rather appreciate the supposed open-door policy within the house.

So lots to look forward to. I'll also be visiting some old timey friends (Chris, Doug, Paul, & comp.) tomorrow, as well as hitting up the Museum of Science & Industry on Tuesday with Carolyn. So make your reservations today, I'm almost sold out! Ta

WGM IV