Wacky Adventures at Westmont

Being back at school has been busier than I had ever imagined. I can't believe I've only been here two weeks; it feels like two months. My classes all require an insane amount of reading this semester, but I think I'm really going to like most of them. I'm taking Principles of Art, History of Western Art (which is SO interesting, but also SO much information to take in), Major American Writers (I'm really enjoying that, since I feel like I don't really have a good basis of American Literature), Christian Doctrine and Outdoor Education (we get to hike, boulder/rock climb and kayak for that class!!! how sweet is that?!?!). Despite the work load, classes are going well so far.
In addition to classes, it's been great being back and seeing everyone again. Already this year we have had quite a few memorable experiences; late night walks in the moonlight, a night hike in order to show Shanan this awesome tree house we found, cooking dinner in the common kitchen, Barrett going on a rampage, throwing things around the room and a section beach day. Barrett's rampage was initiated one night when she said she "...simply wanted people to let her annoy them, but they [were] ignoring [her] efforts." She sat down in the middle of our floor, doing Indian calls and throwing objects at the ceiling. Amy and I tried to sedate her by the method of smothering her with a blanket. It failed and Barrett then grabbed a jacket and threw it in the air, hitting a string we have going across our room with pictures hanging on it and causing all the pictures to fly every which way. Hysterical.
Another evening, Shanan made us all laugh so hard we cried. I don't even know exactly what he said...something about a cookie, but in one of the weirdest voices I've ever heard. As soon as the tears of laughter began coming to our eyes, he jumps up from the table, screaming "I made Barrett cry!" and then does a victory lap around the building, which only made the three of us laugh harder.
But, I think so far the most embarrassing moment of the year goes to me (surprise, surprise). One afternoon I decided it was necessary to build a contraption that would allow the hot water pot and i'ts heating base to stick to the desk for easier access. I was quite proud of my invention, despite my roommates unsupportive comments. Later that evening a wire rack that was holding pictures falls off the wall and crashes down. As I was trying to stand on my desk, putting the thing back on the wall, Amy and Barrett start making fun of me, sarcastically saying how great my handy work is. I retort "Well, my hot water heater contraption has stayed so far and it's been all afternoon...and it will be there forever." Just then, I stepped to the left onto the edge of my desk, hitting the hot water pot, causing it to fall and spill all over Barrett and the futon that was underneath it. Luckily it wasn't hot, but it was full and she was completely soaked. We all couldn't breath for the next ten minutes because we were laughing so hard. Then Barrett thought it would be good punishment to tackle me, but she forgot to move her bowl of coffee ice cream, which my face went into. She saw that it was already ruined and proceeded to smash my face into it even more. Our suite mates actually came over to see if we were okay because they didn't know if we were all laughing or crying. They probably think we are insane...not too far off either.
It's been different being back with college students all the time, but I'm loving the randomness that college life brings. It was so much easier to adjust this year, coming back to something that is familiar. Living in Armington with Amy and Barrett has also been great thus far. We have been having a lot of fun and not getting much studying done...kidding, of course we are getting our school work done.
Anyway, I'll tell more about being back at Westmont soon.
Ciao!