Bay Day

Today I went on a walk with my roommate. We walked down to the bay, and skipped some rocks.

We also dropped some objects from a balcony six stories up in a building on campus. I didn't know something so light weight could hurt so bad. I guess when something reaches terminal velocity, it can pack a punch.

We also had a 'competition' to see who could design a piece of paper that would take the longest to reach the ground. It is hard to say who lost, but we both won when we figured out we could go up and down the elevator instead of using the stairs.

Found Lost Lake

Today I decided to find Lost Lake. When I go trail running, I always pass a sign that reads "Lost Lake 4.1 miles", and today I decided it was time to try the trail to find the lake. It takes around 2.5 miles to get to the trail head for Lost Lake. I had no clue the trail to Lost Lake was going to be nearly all uphill. 4.1 miles doesn't seem to far, but it does when it is all uphill.

I passed a sign that said 2.4 miles to Lost Lake. I kept going, my legs hurt, another sign 1.9 miles to Lost Lake. Suddenly, I questioned whether I really needed to make it all the way to Lost Lake. Other, shorter alternative trails branching off sounded more and more appealing. I decided I had made it this far, so I may as well keep going.

The trail eventually hit snow level. Just when I thought that Lost Lake didn't exist, I saw what looked like a lake in front of the trail. The trail then disappeared. I had to head to the water on my own. I finally made it to the lake. It was larger than I expected, and also frozen over. I was trying to go out on some logs in the water so I could throw a log and break the ice, but my right foot slipped and went in the ice cold water. I now would have to run all the way back with a soaking wet foot.

I didn't have long to rest and gaze at Lost Lake's beauty, it was getting dark. I was a bit scared when I felt lost trying to refind the trail I had left to get to the Lake, but eventually it was found. It was really getting dark fast, and I was miles from civilization. It was downhill on the way back. It was basically a controlled sprint on the way down. I was worried I would loose my footing in the mud, slip on snow or ice, or trip over a rock, root, or branch. This could have potentially been very bad. Running down a hill, in the woods, in the dark, by yourself, tired, low on oxygen, with trip hazards all around is not definitely not something I would recommend.

I got scared when a dog came up behind me out of the woods, but it was only returning to its masters, who ironically, thought I was their dog coming up behind them on the trail. Thankfully, I managed to escape the forest unharmed, and made it back in time to get to dinner before closing. After finding Lost Lake, I may have to return to those shores, but remember to allow more time so I make it back before it gets dark and the trail creepy.

Majors Fair

Today I went to a majors fair. Although I have already decided what I plan to major in, it was helpful to go to and talk to a representative from the departments and learn what I have to do to declare a major. Chances are against it, but maybe I will win a prize from the raffle as well.

emiT paN

Today it was nice to not have a test to worry about. So nice in fact, that after my classes were done I took a nap. I had things I wanted to do, but I found myself drawn to my bed and shortly thereafter, asleep. It felt good to just relax.

Free Feeling

Today I had my third and final test of the past few days. I spent nearly all day studying for it. There was a lot of information I needed to know, and a lot more information I thought I might need to know. It was overwhelming trying to memorize so many names, locations, contributions, dates, etc. Whether it be from the amount of studying or design of the test, it seemed easier than I thought it was going to be. I am mainly glad to not have a test looming over my head and free time anymore. I feel free, but only until it is time for the next round of tests.

Scanning for a Scantron

Today I had my Economics test. I woke up early so I could buy a scantron, a form for filling in the bubbles on the test. The checker at the first market I went to didn't know what they were. I couldn't find any at the bookstore. When I asked the checker at the bookstore, she said she thought the professors handed them out. She was right. The test itself went well. I have one more tomorrow before I can relax a bit.

Sunday Sundae

Today I thought I was going to participate in a board game tournament. I got a flier for it a couple weeks ago, and had been looking forward to it. I got to where the flier said the tournament was supposed to be, but I didn't see anybody. I looked around for the next hour, but never found the tournament. My guess is there was no tournament.

Tournament or no tournament, I had plans for the day. I had an economics test to study for, homework to finish, miles to jog, and laps to swim. I got quite a bit accomplished today. As if in celebration, I had a Sunday sundae. It was very good, and a tasty way to end one week and start another one.

Trail Trial

Today I went running on a path further than I normally go on it. It was fun exploring the new trails. The trails are scenic, going by a river, past a waterfall, past trees, and up steep slopes. On the way down one of these steep slopes, I hit a patch of ice. I completely lost my footing, and hit the ground hard. Thankfully, only my knee was scraped. In order to not miss lunch, I had to keep running even if my knee hurt and had blood running down it. I got a lot of funny looks from people who passed by.

Alarm Awakening

Last night, I had trouble falling asleep. This morning, I woke up much earlier than I planned on getting up. I was just about to fall back asleep when our stack's fire alarm went off. We all had to exit the building. The steam from a hot shower had set off the alarms.

Without having time to fall back asleep, I decided to go jogging. It was earlier than I usually go, and much colder than normal. This time I had trouble with my route being crowded because the school was starting, not getting out. It was not the best start to my day.

Math and Path

Today I had my first math test of the quarter. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. It went fairly well. I ran out of time correcting a problem that I knew I had answered wrong. At least I caught the mistake in time to correct most of it.

I usually go running before class on Thursdays, but I thought I should study for the test instead. After the test, I went running. I wasn't used to dodging all the kids, cars, and buses that were in the path. With leaving later than normal, the school I pass by was just getting out. I will have to remember that for next time.

Test Time

Today I found out that I have an economics test on Monday. That means I have a test tomorrow in math, a test Monday in economics, and a test Tuesday in my art class. With each test being around 25% of my total grade for the class. Tis weekend will have to be spent studying. Hopefully my test tomorrow goes well, but I think it will.

Back to the Books

Today was back to the classroom. I also went jogging and swimming. I have a math test on Thursday. I don't think it will be that hard, but maybe that is wishful thinking. I do need to study for it though.

Dog Jog

Today I went jogging down to the waterfront. It was a nice day out, and lots of people were out walking. A lot of them out walking their dogs. I was a bit nervous as I passed the dogs, especially the larger ones. I must have passed 25 dogs. Thankfully, none of them tried to bite me.

Weekend Extend

Today I went trail running on the hills behind my dorm. It is really hard to run up something that is steep, a lot harder than running down something steep. I also went to the pool and swam a couple laps. Sitting in the hot tub was nice and relaxing, as was knowing I have one extra day added on to this weekend before classes start on Tuesday.

Unmermanish

Today I swam some laps at the pool. It was the first time I ever swam laps. I didn't go very far, or very fast. On my planned last lap, I got a severe leg cramp. It was painful.

Coin Collector

Yesterday, I saw a quarter on the ground and picked it up. I used to collect all the change I found on the ground, even pennies. As of late, I have been a bit more discriminating, not picking up every penny I've seen. Today, I found one of the new president dollar coins on the ground. I wonder what coin I will find next.

Bite Flight

Today I went jogging before my classes. I was trying to set a new time record. I was on my way back, when the path was blocked by two older ladies and their dogs. One of the dogs had a muzzle on, so I thought it might be mean and decided to pass on the other side by a different dog.

As I passed, and tried to indicate my presence to the ladies, her dog bit me. The dog was out for blood. Thankfully, I think I surprised it. It only mainly bit into my shorts. It didn't hurt, but it really surprised me. The lady panicked as she had to try to control her dog. I just kept on running. Neither man nor beast was going to slow me down.

Pickleball Played

Today at the Rec Center, I played some pickleball. We weren't keeping score, just hitting the ball back and forth. It was fun, but it made me miss playing pickleball with 'the guys'.

Running on Routine

I have basically developed a daily routine now. Each day seems like what happened a week ago. This sounds a lot worse than it is. That is probably because I enjoy my routine, and enjoy the benefits of having a routine. I stay busy and productive.

It also makes me more observant and appreciative of subtle changes and occurrences that vary from routine. Such as leaving for a class later or earlier than normal, using a different type of bread for lunch, finding a quicker route to class, etc. Each day has something new to offer, even if the things offered are not always drastically different than previous days.

Unmundane Monday

Today I had three classes. On Fridays and Mondays, I spend the most hours in the classroom. Fridays are a bit easier to deal with, knowing I am on the brink of the weekend. Today went by fine also, but for other reasons. Thankfully, I don't have class until noon tomorrow.

Weekend Ended

Today was the end of my first weekend back at college. I finished the small amount of homework I had left to do before tomorrow. I also played indoor soccer with some of my teammates from my fall rec team. It was fun, and made me wish I had signed up for a sport this quarter.

Down by the Bay

Late last night, I played in a soccer game. We played on a shortened field with small goals, it was around 14 vs. 14. It was fun even if you couldn't tell who was, or wasn't, on your team. I had two shots hit off the top crossbar.

Today, I decided to go jogging. I went down by the bay. It was cold, windy, and wet. I ended up jogging around 14 miles, the first 9 felt good, the last couple didn't. The rest of the day I was really tired and sore, but I think it was worth it.

New and Old Routine

Today wrapped up my first week of the quarter. My classes are fairly interesting so far, and I am enjoying them. I missed dinner again by a little over a minute. Dinner normally ends at 6:45pm, so I thought getting there at 6:31pm was plenty early. Turns out, they close at 6:30pm on Fridays. I was able to go to a market across campus that closes at 7:00pm and buy something for dinner, so it wasn't a big deal.

Jolted to Jog

Today my neighbor's loud music woke me up a bit earlier than I planned on getting up. I couldn't fall back asleep, so I decided to do something useful with my time. I jogged off campus for the first time. I discovered a nice running trail a little ways from campus. I jogged a total of 5 miles. I had a class I needed to get back for, it was a bit of an incentive to run faster. It was a lot more fun than running around the 1/10 mile track in the Rec Center.

Classes Continued

Today I had two classes. My macroeconomics class, which seems like it will be interesting. Also, my Introduction to Political Theory class which I think I will enjoy as well. So far, I am really happy with my classes and schedule this quarter.

In my political science class, the teacher informed us our class is really done 1o minutes sooner than the scheduled time. This was a rather pleasant surprise. It has been raining quite a bit here. While my dorm entrance isn't flooded anymore, you can still smell that it was.

A New Beginning

Today was my first day of classes. I had a math class at noon. I think I will like this class. It has been two years since my last math class. The class I'm in now should mainly be review for me, but I would rather be in a math class that was mainly review than one that was too advanced.

My next class was at 5:00pm. It is a class where we learn about the "foundations of visual communication." I think I will like this class as well. The entire class was stunned when the syllabus said the class went over an hour longer than we all thought. Thankfully, she was mistakenly quoting from another class. Tomorrow I will find out how my other classes are.

Returning Routine

Today I didn't do a whole lot. It was my last day before classes started, and I wanted to spend my time relaxing. I did get a few things done that I needed to before classes start. I am ready to get back in a daily routine. Hopefully, my classes will be interesting. I'll find out tomorrow.

Say Cheese

Today I returned to college. I don't know who left if or why, but there was a bunch of cheese left in our bathroom sink over the break. It smelled terrible, it was one of the worst things I have ever smelled. I was the last person to make it in to dinner before they closed the door, some things don't change.

When I first came to college, it took my over a month to completely unpack. It was as if I didn't want to admit this is where I had to be, that it was only a temporary 'trip'. But this time, I completely unpacked as soon as I got back. I guess I have realized this is where I will be no matter how slow I unpack. No matter how hard I try to hold on, I will be here the same amount of time so I might as well unpack completely and have full access to all my stuff. I miss my family and home.

Family, Farm, Food, Fun

Today we finished our trip to Oregon. We visited our cousins at the farm, and made it home in time to have a meal with relatives in Shelton. We had a good time. I've had a good break, and I am sad to see it end tomorrow.

Fun Flakes

Very early this morning, it snowed. It was amazing snow, the flakes were huge. We were out at 2:00am building snowmen, we built over 15 of them. Tonight, I am on my way to my first Blazers game. It is also my first NBA game, it will be fun.

New Year Cheer

Very early today, we were at a friend's house celebrating New Years. It was a lot of fun. This morning, we traveled to my relatives' house in Portland. We usually visit during Christmas, but we were snowed in this year. The past few days a lot of games have been played and a lot of fun has been had.