Catching up...

I'm new to this whole blogging thing, so hear me out and give me some feedback.

This Blog is inspired by my good pal Joteng who keeps a blog here: http://youthful-life.blogspot.com/?view=classic and the obligation I feel to write down some of the more memorable moments of my experiences at the University of Vermont. I don't think I'll be able to go into much detail (a lot's happened since September) but I will be reminded of these life occurrences in my later years. Here goes.

I started college off with Wilderness TREK. My TREK leaders were Elliot and Eliza, two of the biggest goofballs I've had the pleasure of meeting. Fellow TREKies included Sean, Rebecca (Coco), Rebecca, and Audrey. We hiked the south western corner of the 'Daks for six days over a total of 31 miles, summiting seven peaks, and getting a little swimming in along the way. The weather was absolutely beautiful all week and we had the best route of all.

Next I started my adventures in Jeanne-Mance res hall. There are lots of stories here that can't be posted in public... but I'll share some of the G rated ones. For example, when the padlock restricting access to the roof was cut and the roof was accessible for amazing sunsets, views of the lake and islands, and mountains. The first few weeks of bliss when it was warm and school work was light and everyone just kinda bummed around looking for stuff to do. I made a lot of friends at the Mance that I hope to keep for at least a little while longer. I joined Hall Council and became an IRA Rep, even though I had no idea what that meant. As a part of Hall Council I got to meet lots of the residents and the RA's as well as the ARD, Victor (who is wicked cool). On IRA I met people from all over campus who represented their hall councils and the one 'n' only Joseph Oteng. And I got the IRA perks, aka free t-shirts and awesome GB outings.

I remember one time when Carlo and I went for a walk and found ourselves at the lake front. The water looked really nice so we stripped down and ran in.... and out again after about 2.5 minutes of good 'ol Vermont water.

I was on the pistol team for a while and that was fun. I shot my first gun at the range with Alex and Andrew and the shooting guys. The rec shoots are definitely suggested if you are interested, lots of guns and no prior experience needed.

I specifically remember meeting McNeil. He was walking to go get pizza at Domino's as I was on my way back from lab and he called out to me from across the street, "Hey! We're goin' to get some pizza, wanna come?" And every time I've seen him since, I learn something about him or about what's going on in the world. Pretty awesome guy.

I went exploring around campus at night the first week of school and found a bird trapped in Billings.

On free wings day, to beat the line, my buddy and I went up and around it via the 3rd floor of Billings, saving 45 minutes.

I made some home cooked meals for my friends of the 6th and 3rd floor in the beginning of the year.

I got locked in the library on a Friday night. Luckily, Andrew and Alyssa came and "saved" me.

I met Angie, the person who fixes and makes all the custom glassware for the chem department. She does some really cool stuff with her free time and taught me how to make a glass swan.

I did some trail work for the Catamount Trail and afterward the overseer guy invited us back to his house for cider and brownies.

I experienced -20 degree weather.

I watched the sunset from a docked ferry and was told politely to come down off it by the police.

I expanded my collection of books.

I found a new love for trees.

I traveled all over Vermont for my NR-001 lab and it was awesome. Got to meet the founder of the Vermont Bird Museum and visit Moose Bog and to visit a fishery and to see Burlington from the lake.

I met some guy and talked for 3 hours about religion instead of studying for my final (still passed).

Tried some great tea at Dobra Tea downtown.

Walked around barefoot (salt really hurts bare feet) and cloud watched in the middle of the sidewalk on a fair 40 degree day.

I saw my TA play in his band and cooked some damn good instant potatoes for a potluck at his house.

I found the hand of God laying on the ground.

I've talked to countless people about life, theirs and mine, and learned a lot about myself in the process.

I joined a fraternity, Phi Mu Delta (PMD), something I never thought I'd do. All the men that are a part of it are great guys and I look forward to the rest of college spent with them.
                                                                                                                                                              

This is only a fraction of the things that I've done here and as I remember more I'll try to share them. Until then I'll make some more adventures.