So X-files has nothing to do with why I'm going to Memphis. It's just that all my life, or at least since 1997, I've only thought of X-Files and Elvis when I heard Memphis. And even though I've seen every X-files episode, that's the only episode I can remember. I feel so creeped out every time I hear that song now.

So I guess I never imagined Memphis to be my "first." I think maybe I thought Chicago would be. Either way, I'm getting excited about leaving and learning about another place. I know it won't be dark and full of post-modern Prometheuses. Or at least I hope it won't.

Every year USF puts on something called "Alternative Spring Break." Instead of going to Panama City to get burnt and sign up for the Army and National Guard for free t-shirts, students can go to a place where they can make a difference. The trips consist of an Advisor, 2 site-leaders, and participants/students that work together to make a difference. This year they have people going to places like New Orleans to help rebuild after Katrina, New York to give support services to people with AIDS/HIV, and MEMPHIS! where I'll be going to help families who are currently homeless and I'll tutor children who need it. The scariest thing is, I'll be the Advisor. Top dogg. Boss-man. Director. Task mistress.

I don't know all of the details, but someone told me that since I'm going to be an advisor, then I'll be in charge of driving the van (yes, that's right... we are taking a van!) to Memphis. Freaky! I don't think they realize that I have (a) not driven outside of FL before, (b) really only driven a VW Beetle (c), no sense of direction; I am very spatially challenged, and (d) (I could keep going... but I'll stop here) I have trouble thinking of my left and right. I just don't think it's a very good idea to put me in charge on the van. ;) I'll make the best of it. At least I can decide when and where we are going to make pit-stops. If I see something cool, like a plastic stegosaurus on the side of the road, then we're definitely stopping. Perfect photo-op.

Anyway, I'm excited. I get to do all of this for only $50; everything is included. And then, as part of my Masters program, I have to travel to another state during the summer to work at a different university. I get to choose that location too! I'm thinking Chicago, Boston, New York City, or maybe somewhere in Pennsylvania or Vermont. I don't know.  

I feel so exhausted. I woke up early; I went to a meeting; I went to work; I went to class; I went to another meeting, and then I ate sushi. The sushi was supposed to be good, but it had too much cream cheese and raw salmon. I don't know how I feel about raw salmon. Or raw fish in general. That's not really my thing.

But on the drive home I finally got to do some thinking. Not much, but some. Part of that thinking was that I never have time to think anymore. School, work, homework, and social life (or something like that) have completely consumed my life. I rented a movie a month ago, but I still haven't watched it. I haven't checked my mail in well over a week. I can't remember the last time I went grocery shopping. I have voicemail on my phone that I haven't even checked. The garbage needs to be taken out... three days ago. I just feel like I want a day to rest. Maybe it will clear my mind. Maybe I could get some housework done. Oh, and exercise. When's the last time I did that?

Alright, sh, it's just been one of those days. I'm a big girl. I can handle grad school. Sure it feels bad for me right now, but that only means it will be good for me in the long run. Like vegetables. Yeah, they taste gross, but I guess they're pretty important. Anyway, I'm okay. I really like my assistantship. It pays me and it covers all my tuition. I have a great supervisor who is really nice to me and I really like the students I work with. So things are good. :)

I'm just going to go take a bath and then, wait, then I think I have homework to do. I just want to sleep. Good night.

My brother just came home with a $400 laptop. I didn't even know that was possible. I'm sure the video card isn't that great, but it has 2 GB, which I think is pretty good. With deals like that, and having connections to the USF Computer Store, I'm pretty confident I can upgrade my computer just to play Spore. ;) I saw a sign on the USF Computer Store window the other day that was advertising Windows Vista for $88 for students, and about $20 for faculty/staff. Even though I'm only a Graduate Assistant, I might be able to get a faculty member to find a cheap graphics card for me there.

Okay, I'm just thinking right now. Planning it out. The computer I have is pretty good, I don't want to buy a new one. I just need a new video card, maybe some more RAM, and a good Windows Office 2007 package, and maybe Vista too because it looks cool. Heh, I just want Spore really bad. I might pick up a second job to find funding for my HAL 9000. Maybe that second job will be to ask my parents for some dollars here and there.

Wow, I find the most boringest material for posts. Boringest. I'll try better next time.