Freeloading

With only a week and a half left until I leave for Massachusetts, I decided that I had better start writing about... something. So let's see, for the past month or so I have been going back and forth between Ripon and Madison. Some of you may have seen me on campus over the weekends. I know I have had to do a lot of explaining in response to questions like, "Why are you still here?" and "Aren't you supposed to be gone?" It's good to know everyone is going to miss me...

But seriously, it is tough being on campus without a room or even a functioning keycard. I basically lived out of my car. I stayed with several friends in the apartments (which are very nice, by the way) and also in Tri-dorms. I had to mooch off them for food, too. So thanks, guys, if you're reading this. Although I guess I could have slept in Farr Hall if I needed to. There's a shower and everything, and the cleaning lady wakes you up at precisely 5 am. Plus, there's coffee in the lounge. A person could probably live there pretty comfortably. Hmmm... maybe I could save $3000 on room and board next year.

So anyway, although I am still working at my job in Madison, I have officially started packing and getting ready. The tough part is getting my mind back in school mode. Because, despite what the program might sound like at first, this is not going to be a vacation. During the first six weeks in Woods Hole, MA, I will be taking several classes as well as designing a research project that I will do on board the ship. Oh, and I should mention that right now, I know absolutely nothing about sailing. Yep, this isn't a cruise... the students actually help crew the ship. So I have to know how to navigate and everything as well. At least I won't be bored.

I also just bought my plane tickets... which were pretty expensive. The ship ends up in Tahiti, so I had to get a one way flight back to the US. Through STA (Student Travel Agency), I got about a 50% discount off of normal prices. So if anyone is planning a trip for next semester or spring break or whatever, STA is a good place to buy your tickets. It's about time we get something back for being students.

Anyway, that's all I've got for the moment, other than I am pretty excited to get to Woods Hole and get started. Strangely, I miss being in classes every day. I'm such a dork. Well, until next time. Cheers.