Getting Back in the Groove.

I am back! And, as far as I can tell, all is well. I haven't really got any exciting stories as of yet, but I can tell you about my classes... because, well... that's all that has been occupying my life lately, hehe.

I have a grand total of ten classes this semester, but overall it's an easier workload this time since it's a bunch of easy low-credit classes and a few difficult ones.

My first class is Calculus 2... which shouldn't be that bad since I already know the material, and I know the professor already. I have it every single day. Unfortunately, since I know the stuff that's being taught already, I have a teensy tendency to doze off in class... in the front row... midsentence or midsymbol in notes... right under Dr. Cardon's nose. I have tried various methods of staying awake in this class. Varying amounts of sleep the previous night seem to have no impact... high dosages of sugar usually get me through the first half... but by far, the best method is totally not paying attention to the lecture and thinking about something exciting. If I try to pay attention, sadly I shall inevitably fall asleep, and miraculously still have all the notes at the end of class. (Accurate and precise sleep-note-taking is a valuable skill.)

My next class is by far the hardest. Physics 220 is reputed to be the most difficult and most failed class on campus... after all, unlike mechanics and dynamics, the physics of electricity and magnetism isn't intuitive. Now add in the calculus to the difficult concepts, and we have a challenge. Which, quite frankly, I am deathly excited for. Jackie is also in this class with me. The trick to learning physics is simple. Study buddy. A study buddy whose bed is about fifteen meters from yours is even better. It also helps if she happens to be a physics major... like Jackie. The class itself has a few fun demos, but mostly we haven't done anything particularly exciting, not even real lectures. Apparently class time is for clarification rather than learning what the book says... well, that's all fine and dandy I suppose.

When I get out of physics, I dash like a madwoman to the HFAC for University Chorale. Yes, I got in. And yay! I'm a second alto. Such a thing thrills me! I haven't learned much yet. Most of the techniques so far I learned in elementary school choir, or in marching or symphonic band. And since I'm not terrible at sight reading music, this class is a fun break from an otherwise plain ol' stressful academic Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Another added benefit in this class is that I happen to be among the taller altos, so I'm in the back, and can spy on my friends, like Marissa, Krista, Will, Ryan, and Dallin (in order of distance from me) from my perch near the top of the choir. Sweet, glorified pudding.

When I get out of choir, I run back to the building where I had physics for biology, which I also have with Jackie. I have yet to see if I will like this subject... so far we've only talked about critical thinking, and how to find reputable studies, and well... nothing biology-ish yet. I am actually quite proud of myself for not falling asleep in this class yet, since we haven't done anything particularly exciting.

My Book of Mormon class is amazing. I usually sit with Hillary and Ryan, and Brother Swift is engaging. He tends to go off on random, but appropriate, tangents all the time, which serve a multipurpose use. The first, I stay awake. The second, I pick up on "side note" principles that I hadn't noticed before. And since it happens to be my last class on Monday (an evil day if I may say so), I happen to enjoy more exquisitely the sound of the bell at the end of class, even if class was enjoyable. I mean, this is the time where my eyelids are starting to droop, and I'm hungry, and I can't possibly intake anymore academic material. Home, sweet home, here I come!

My first class on Tuesdays and Thursdays is social dance, which is basically... beginning ballroom dance. Although I was terrified that I would suck royally at this class, I have found myself to be among the better dancers. This, my friends, is quite thrilling. I know, I know, all we are learning so far is Foxtrot... but, the point is, I'm good at what I've learned so far. My marching band experience has given me a preface to the experience of learning smooth and continuous footwork, and a sense of rhythm. The only thing that I have to adjust... one of the ten commandments of marching band is, "Thou shalt not bounce when moving." Welcome to dance, where you're supposed to move up and down with your feet.

I also have an Isaiah class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am SO excited for this one. As the sort of person who hates not understanding things, I figured I'd better shape up and at least develop the skills to understand Isaiah. That guy and I have some serious communication issues, but I'm sure he has some important things to say... so here goes! I sit in between Jon (my FHE husband, haha) and Angela (Clifton's girlfriend), so again, I have wondrous study buddies. Except I've learned that Jon is quite the chatterbox. It's just that he's never in a situation where he's heard (remember he talks so quietly I have to strain to understand him). All I know is that there's a continuous strain of Jon-commentary going throughout the class. He also snickers to himself a lot. It would be annoying if it weren't for.. well, okay. It is annoying. Quite. But the seats have been assigned and there's no moving away from Sir Jon the Mumbler.

My last class on those days is Irish dance... beginning level, of course. So far, this has been a tad bit more frustrating than social dance. The teacher for this one doesn't have as spiffy a set of teaching skills as my social dance teacher, so I'm struggling a little more to pick up the footwork from her. And, if most of the more agile class has figured it out, she moves on to a new, more complicated move. Oh dearie goodness me, though. I feel so lost sometimes in that class. But the great thing is... both Hillary and Rachel are also in this class, so we can have our own Irish dance practice in our lobby... slow-paced just for me. Usually they pick it up faster and are better at teaching me the moves.

The last class that has a scheduled time for is University Orchestra... yes, a full orchestra! I am quite literally squealing with delight at the thought of it. I'm playing bassoon, and the better thing is... we are playing some of my most favorite pieces, including Swan Lake, Carmen, Hungarian Dance, and the Unfinished Symphony. I am SO excited! It meets once a week in the the evening time, and although we don't start playing until tomorrow... well. Let's just say my heart is pounding out of my chest in anticipation.

My last class... is a joke. Genuinely. It is comparable to Chandler High's safety ed course. A joke. Same material minus the driver's ed portion... basic information about healthy living. It's even more of a joke since it's only offered online, and it's only half a credit. So... whatever.

That's my life at the moment, and I have to dash off to Irish dance in a few minutes, so I may write you some amazing stories later.