In which Fern contemplates procrastination, a college visit and woodsmoke, among other things

So much for a resolve to update more often.

Last weekend I went to visit Principia, a college I've always heard about and had recommended to me and toyed with the idea of, but never really given it much thought, until recently, since "OMG I NEED TO THINK ABOUT COLLEGE"-itis has struck at last. Yes yes, I know. I can't believe I'm that old either, unfortunately my birth certificate and my maturity level seem to be at odds. Eesh.

Anyway, Prin. It's a small liberal arts college for Christian Scientists in Elsah, Illinois. They also have a great program for kids who want to visit; they fly you out there and you get to spend 4 days (Thursday through Sunday) visiting classes and participating in weekend activities.
So, Thursday afternoon/evening we took a tour of the college, and went bowling. Guess what? I'd never been bowling before. I was completely horrid at it, but it was fun, so it's all good.
Friday was class visiting. Unfortunately, it seemed like some of the classes I REALLY wanted to go to I couldn't for whatever reason, and when I chose Intro. to Philosophy over Foil Fencing (it was a super tough call) the class was basically just the teacher assigning their project. *tragic sigh* I heard the fencing was awesome. Alas.
Friday night I got to see the college's production of Robin Hood and fell madly in love with all of it. From the "wanted" posters advertising the play to the costumes to the set to the quite lovely cast to the music, I was enthralled. So much so that I went to see it again Saturday afternoon.
Other things I did on Saturday included watching part of a rugby game, exploring "Prinstock" and being reassured that there are indeed some crazy hippies at that school, watching Alice in Wonderland, listening to music, using the public telescope on the bluffs to look at the night sky and skipping the entire way from the dining hall to the visitor's dorm.

In all, it was a great visit. I left the college a lot more enthusiastic than I had been before, and with some wonderful new friends who I hope to stay in touch with, regardless of where any of us end up going to school. *happy warm fuzzy feeling*

I was sad to leave, but we got to stop by HAWK's house on the way home from the airport, which made coming home a lot easier to bear. Also, he makes incredible chocolate chip cookies.

On Monday the 24th we went to the Folger Shakespeare Library for Kate Eastwood Norris's one-woman adaptation of Hamlet, called Now I am Alone. Let me just put a plug in for this woman, she is a fabulous actress. I don't know of anyone else who could pull off playing 6 characters at once and having it completely clear and easy to follow. There really aren't words to describe the amazingness of that performance. Suffice it to say that it was quite incredible.

So, that's the highlights, today I spent at Sarah's house just hanging out, goofing around, getting smoked to death by the campfire, consuming copious amounts of sugar and potato chips, etc. A good day, in other words.
Though on the way home a motorcyclist seemed to think that because I'm a teenager in an obnoxiously red convertible with the top down I'd want to drag race. Uh, no? Sorry dude.
Now it's late and I've officially started rambling too much. Goodnight!

Perhaps it's time to get rid of the mothballs...

Well, when I started this blog I had vague ideas of using it for general ramblings instead of documenting only my sailing adventures, thus "creekside musings" as opposed to "I'm on a BOAT!" or something of that ilk. However, I ran out of either inspiration, enthusiasm, time, energy or conviction that anyone would want to read about whatever I happen to be pondering at the moment (or perhaps a combination) and it's been languishing and getting musty. And that absolutely cannot do, of course, so I've decided to resuscitate it.
So, if you can forgive the layer of dust and cobwebs, I'm open for business again, and still mulling over posting about any and everything. So be prepared if I start unloading gunk from the dark and confusing recesses of my mind.

As anyone who even knows about this blog most likely is aware of already, I'm counting down the days until I get on board the Niagara again. 23 days, to be exact. I'm quite excited to see everyone again, though I must admit that the prospect of being away from home for three months is a little daunting. I seem to keep thinking of things that I'll be missing, like mom's cooking, family, friends, Circles-my-feline-boyfriend, my car that I can finally drive alone, being able to sleep on my stomach (which is devilishly tricky in a hammock), daily showers, sleep....y'know, good stuff like that.

And another thing you might know or guess at is today is my birthday and I'm inspired to write this by procrastinating doing my geometry homework. However, if you'd like to send virtual flowers, chocolate or adoration, feel free to.
And now I really must change the equation ABxJK=CDxLM to a proportion.