One week down.

So here we are, after the first full week of the 2008-2009 school year at Luther College. It went relatively smoothly, but it did seem a bit long. I've grown accustomed to Luther life again, but because of that it seems like I have been here several weeks, rather than just two. However, I know that at the end of the year it will seem like it flew by, just as it always does.

I jumped off a cliff the other day. I know that sounds like a bad idea, but it was actually pretty fun. A few of my friends and I decided it would be a good idea to go and do something adventurous in order to ease ourselves into Academia from our habits and love of summer. So I took them to a place near town where the river cuts through the limestone and we jumped from a 25 foot ledge into the water. It was really cold since there was no sun and the rain has chilled the water a few days earlier, but it was still a fantastic time. Definitely a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Speaking of pursuits involving the wilderness, our first Backyard Wilderness Pursuits activity - a meet and greet campfire - went really well. We had a surprisingly large turnout, and everyone showed a lot of interest and enthusiasm about the organization and activities. This coming Saturday, I will be instructing our first clinic on slacklining. I am very excited to see how that goes, because it seems like a lot of people are excited about it.

Another first happened on Friday - it was our first climbing event of the year. We hosted a headlamp/flashlight climbing party at the wall. Once again, lots of people attended, making it a huge success, and therefore, a lot of fun. I don't know what is different about this year, but it seems that more and more students are showing interest in things like BWP or the rock wall, so I am very excited to see where their (and my) enthusiasm will take us. I think it is going to be a good year.

One last "first" that I feel I must mention was the first Center Stage Series event last night. Luther does a fantastic job of bringing in quality performances for the students and community. Kudos to the Student Activities Council for all their hard work. Last night, as I said, was the opener of this series of events held throughout the year, and the performance was done by the Capitol Steps, a group of musicians/comedians that focused on political issues and scandals. It was a really funny performance, and they left no politician alone. They had a song or rhyme for every scandal, debate, and issue in Washington. So if you like political satire, check out the Capitol Steps.

All is well in our little corner of the Midwest. Now it is Sunday, so all the students are busy cramming all the homework that has been put off all weekend. So I suppose I must follow suit. Take care everyone, and feel free to drop me a line anytime.

Peace,

Collin