It is very cold in NE Iowa

Hello again everyone. I hope you are all warm and cozy in your homes, surviving this very cold winter. It has been very mild here until recently. On Saturday, the low was recorded being -37 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill. Today wasn't that cold, but it was -17 without wind, so it is pretty bone-chilling. And yet, I still ride my bike in it...is that stupid?

Well, I want to thank those of you who posted questions and jokes (and promotional offers) on my blog, they were very appreciated. I like the interaction, so keep it up. If there is anything at all you would like to know about life and Luther, life in Decorah, or my life in general, ask me. Also, I know a few things about biking, music, wild and edible plants, kangaroos, and a mix of other topics. So in other words, ask me about anything and I will come up with some answer, whether it is relevant or not is an entirely different story.

To answer the question set forth by eri10 (where are you from?) ; I am from Decorah. How interesting that you happened to think that I was from somewhere other than the United States when I am a resident of the very town of Luther College. I have lived here for 12 or 13 years now and before that I lived in Minneapolis, MN. I have done a bit of traveling abroad, but I am a valid US citizen (as far as I know). Another note: that was a good joke about the pretzels, I have used it many times already.

Now, on to the business side of things. J-term is winding down. Tomorrow is the last day of classes and then we have a break until next week. It will be nice to have a short break before we dive back into normal semester scheduling. I could really get used to this concept of one class at a time. Especially when my class consists of constructing arrows. It was very nice. Speaking of my class, tomorrow we get to shoot the arrows we made. I am guessing the majority of those being shot will end up broken or damaged to some extent. They all seemed to turn out well cosmetically, but in function they may be subpar.

Other than that, there is not a whole lot going on at school right now. There are really no finals at the end of J-term. I had a 5-page paper to write that was not too terribly difficult, and some people had some more extensive assignments, but it is pretty low-key.

However, a few exciting things have happened in my life. First, my friend Abby just returned from New Zealand and has great stories to share. I am trying to convince her to accompany me on my own adventure this summer when I will be working as a whitewater rafting guide in Durango, Colorado. It is one of my dream jobs, and I am incredibly excited. You all must come and take a trip down the Animas River with me, and I will probably end up telling the pretzel joke that eri10 shared with me. Hopefully I will have a few more by then.

Well, that is probably enough for now. The lady in charge got some digital cameras for us to use, so I will try to get some photos up here sooner or later.

I will leave you with a joke that was told to me by my friend, Chris. If you have the time, tell me via comment or email (thomco02@luther.edu) if you understood it upon first reading. I have found that it has been difficult for quite a few people, but I find it absolutely hilarious.

Q: What did the zero say to the eight?

A: Nice belt.

Peace,

Collin

Busy like a bee.

Sorry to all my loyal readers out there. It has been a while since I last wrote, but hopefully you have not lost faith.

 

It has been quite hectic in the life of Collin. This weekend I had several things going on and they all seemed to fall at conflicting times. 

 

First:

The platform committee met on Saturday. (I mentioned this last entry, if you have no idea what I am speaking of) It was pretty interesting. I know some people get very bored with politics, but I am kind of intrigued by it all. We all sat in a room, divided into groups based on varying topics of proposals people submitted for the Democratic platform, and made small adjustments so they were clear and concise. I started out at the environmental/agricultural group, but had to move to the economy/taxation group (I know, fun). However, the work at the economy/taxation group went really quickly because all the proposals were very similar to each other and little revision took place.

 

Second: 

My place of work, the Oneota Foo Co-op, is currently moving from one building to the next. It is a huge job, but it is going to be quite nice when it opens up. For this reason, I have been spending a bit of time there, helping with all the tasks that must get done before the grand opening (Tuesday). I urge everyone to stop by when it reopens and get some organic quinoa or fantastic, homemade deli items, I guarantee that it will be tasty.

 

Third:

As if these engagements weren't enough for one weekend, my rotation for work at the rock wall fell on this weekend, so I was scheduled to work at that job both Saturday and Sunday. Not only that, but a group of 15 4-H girls came on Sunday to climb, but they arrived an hour before we opened, so I had an extended shift.

 

Finally:

To top it all off, I had my KWLC radio show squeezed in the mix. It was only an hour, but it fell at the exact time I wished it hadn't. 

 

Oh well, I am not complaining. I got everything done, I am still alive, and I feel healthy. It was fast-paced, but I enjoyed it. I hope you all had a nice weekend, too, but maybe a little more relaxing. Until we meet again (through this electronic wonderland)...

 

Peace,

Collin

 

 

p.s. I have a challenge for everyone out there. If you exist, and if you read this blog, post a comment. You can tell me a joke, just say hi, or whatever you would like. Ask me a question so I can make this more personal. I want to have some interaction here. Plus, I am running out of good jokes, and everyone is getting tired of my repeats.

Back again

Hello everyone. I hope you all had a nice holiday season, and are caught up with sleep and obligations. I think I am for the most part.

 

Here I am, back at Luther College. It is a little strange to be back, mostly because it seems a little quieter than it was last time I was here. People are less frantic because of the lack of finals, each person only has the responsibilities of one class, and there are fewer people on campus. Oh well, there are still a few things going on.

 

The most exciting event since returning has been the caucus. It was Tuesday night for those of you who may not know, and involved a lot of sitting, standing, and rearranging. This was my first caucus, and it was a blast. You must understand, I enjoy politics. I find it to be an interesting subject, mostly because it can bring out people's passions on a plethora of topics. There was talk of health care, war, education, energy, and much more. I started out with caucusing for the best candidate, by far: Dennis Kucinich. However, people often make the mistake of not taking him seriously and so there was minimal support. Upon failure of that, I moved into the crowd for another very respectable candidate, John Edwards. I walked into the caucus knowing that this was going to happen, and was entirely prepared to support Edwards, and so was out there convincing others to take part in the Edwards revolution. It was a lot of fun to talk to a wide range of people and hear their concerns and try to convince them that Edwards is the best candidate for x and y reasons. In the end, we got two delegates for Edwards, and I am one of them. This means I get to go and cast a vote for Ward 5 for Edwards for Winneshiek county. Not only that, but I am also one of two who will be on the Platform Committee, which is responsible for hearing, debating, editing, and submitting proposals for the democratic platform which will be passed up through many levels until a solidified platform is established. It is an exciting thing to be involved in politics at such a grassroots level. It seems that people have lost their faith in the system, and I would say that it is hardly a democratic system in many ways, but it is exhilarating to be involved first-hand, and know how my contributions will be utilized. So I urge all of you to take action in any way you know how. It is rewarding and exciting. Also, if you have any proposals for the democratic platform (and you live in Ward 5 of Winneshiek county), pass them on to have your voice heard.

  

Have a wonderful January, all.

 

Peace,

Collin 

What I've Learned

Now that the semester is over, it is time to reflect. What have I learned thus far? What are the most valuable aspects of college life? How have I changed as a human being? 

 

Quite the epic questions, eh? Here are a few things I have learned:

 

1. Dorm room odors are not pleasant, and are impossible to get rid of.

2. Caf food does not get better, you just grow numb to it.

3. Final exams are a lot of work, but it is so much easier if you keep up with the readings.

4. Washing clothes is not entirely necessary to have a social life. My mum has yet to be convinced.

5. Hammocks are beautiful things.

6. Facebook should be avoided at all costs.

 

That is what thousands upon thousands of dollars spent on a college education is teaching me. No, I am being silly, I have learned a lot, and my classes have been worthwhile for the most part. It took me a while to realize it, but finals week has really shown me how much information has been packed into my slightly above average-sized head. It's amazing how many pages I have read, and how many facts I have memorized in a few short months, and I am amazed to say I feel as though I know what I am talking about!

 

Now I am enjoying the much-anticipated holiday break, and everything that it involves. It's nice to be home, even though I am only two miles from my Luther residence. I am spending time with my family and old friends, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. I am afraid, however, that I may run out of things to do. I have already gone cross-country skiing, winter biking, been introduced to the world of video games, and eaten way too much. Life is good.

 

Well, I am off to have a boxing match with a couple of my mates; Jason, Daniel, and Paul, so I must go. Happy holiday season, everyone.

 

Peace,

Collin 

Snow is cold.

Hello one and all, this is an exciting day. I have only one remaining class and I am finished with the semester. Granted, I still have next week's finals, but the regular classroom sessions will be complete. And how grand that I get to go out with a bang, finishing it all off with a Paideia discussion about Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, followed by a quiz over the same material. How could I ever be so lucky.

 

All the loose ends are being tied up before everyone takes off for break. I am really looking forward to having some time off. I do feel, however, that it will be a lot different when I get back. This could be because I will have a different schedule, but there is also the fact that many students will be traveling abroad or elsewhere off campus for J-Term, meaning it may be a little less lively around here. Two of my good friends are having adventures during the month of January, one is going to France and the other to my adopted homeland of New Zealand. Both trips are going to be amazing, and I wish them the best of luck with all their travels. I also look forward to the study abroad opportunities in which I will have to take part later in my college experience.

 

Another strange sensation will be the lack of  responsibility for a couple weeks. I have grown used to the never-ending deadlines and assignments, so it will be very, I repeat, very nice, but a little awkward to fill my time with other things. I look forward to seeing my family and long-lost Decorah natives returning back from their own universities or other callings. It will be just like the good ol' days.

 

I would like to wish all of you out there in cyberspace an enjoyable holiday season, whatever holiday you are celebrating. And for those of you who are not celebrating any holidays, have a wonderful winter season. If I get the chance, I may drop a few lines over break, but if not, I will see you in January of 2008.

 

Peace,

Collin

The End is Near...

Now is the time where the tension begins to build and becomes nearly tangible across the campus. Yes, it is finals season! If this time of year were a recipe it could consist of two heaping cups of last-minute cramming, a pound-and-a-half of very late nights, 2 teaspoons of hair-pulling, and just a pinch of crying on the inside.

 

Honestly, it's not that bad, and a lot of it depends on the professor and the class. Some professors treat this time no differently than a normal couple weeks, finished with a typical exam. Others make a big deal of it. It is the luck of the draw, I suppose. 

 

I was not exaggerating the feeling of tension across campus, though. Christmas at Luther is taking up the majority of a lot of people's time, and the act juggling that commitment along with preparations for finals is not something I envy. I really admire the gumption of those involved, they are true go-getters. I look forward to the performance tonight, I've heard it is fantastic.

 

In other news, we had our first significant snow last night. We have already had small flurries and whatnot, but this stuck and now we are all immersed in a winter wonderland. A flood of people migrated outdoors last night to experience the first mini blizzard of the season. I learned a new technique for sledding last night, as well. It involves wearing a trash bag like a diaper and sliding down the hill on your bum. It looks like fun, and I just may have to try it once I can get my hands on a trash bag.

 

I should start hacking away at my biology lab report, so to all of my loyal readers out there in the virtual world; take care of yourselves and give your mothers a hug and a kiss for the holidays.

 

Peace,

Collin

Today's Sunday - the last day of Thanksgiving break. Like every other break in my past, I told myself that I was going to finish all of my schoolwork early so I could enjoy the last few days off with pure freedom. And again, just like every other break, I didn't and now I must spend my Sunday doing biology readings and finishing two papers, one in english and one in spanish.

 

I can't complain, though. I enjoyed the time off. It is really nice to have variations in a schedule that is often so repetitive. Although the security of knowing what comes next and what is expected can help avoid forehead worry wrinkles, I am the kind of guy who is fidgety and enjoys spontaneity and diversity in my schedule. So even a slight, and expected variation such as Thanksgiving break is welcomed with open arms.

 

But tomorrow it is back to the regimented schedule, back to classes and back to Luther's campus. No need to complain or moan, it is fine. Especially because I can rest easy knowing that soon there will be a new change, which is winter break and a new semester.

 

Everyone take care out there. Avoid the winter blues and flu's and keep on keepin' on. And do me a favor - go outside.

 

Peace,

Collin