Greg Robinson died hungry.

I'm still trying to figure out how to balance it all. Last year I don't think I felt this overwhelmed, but only because I was naive about college as a whole. I thought I could handle 18 units, marching band commitment, and a social life. I couldn't.

This year I know I can handle it much better than before, but I'm also trying to realistically organize and allocate time wisely for each commitment. Personal commitments are harder to handle though. I can't make as many phone calls. I can't visit as many friends. I can't go home every other weekend. My family might not see me for multiple weeks at a time. To some that might not sound bad, but for me it is. As much as I can get irritated with my overbearing grandparents, troubled father, and distant mother, there's still a void in me when I'm away from them for a long period. I even worry about what will happen once I graduate. Will I be able to get a job and stay close to home? Will a lack of money cause my mom to move away?

But I just have to keep living day-to-day. That's how I've survived the first 19 years of my life, and that's how I hope to continue surviving.

Thug Life

Long distance relationships... I guess there's no perfect way to handle them.

Soulglow

I cannot remember ever being this tan. When my mom came to drop off some food for me last night she said she didn't even recognize me at first. I was offended and perplexed. I was so sad when she visited though because my brothers had fallen asleep during the car ride here. That meant that they wouldn't be getting out of the truck to see my apartment. My mom did come up to see it, but only for about two minutes. I miss all of them so much. I got really teary eyed when I saw my brothers sleeping peacefully. I kissed Henry on the forehead. I had to close the truck door quickly and say goodbye, I could hardly stand it. I miss being able to see them on a regular basis. I think they'll still remember me though. The baby won't, but Henry and Jonathan will.

Today I had my first Journalism 202 class. It's very small and intimate, I think there are about 12 girls and 1 guy in the class. They're mostly broadcast journalism or public relations majors. I was one of three print journalism majors. I hate that all the girls are so perfect looking. I swear it's some sort of prerequisite to have to be really really really gorgeous and confident to get into our school of comm and journalism. I was a special exception or something. And they're all so talkative and outgoing. I like to sit back more and observe what's going on. I only participate when I feel strongly compelled to do so. This needs to change.

Tonight at 6pm I have my Classic Rock N Roll Class, which I'm very much looking forward to. My roommate says I'll like the professor, and it's an interesting, easy class. Can't wait!

Tomorrow morning I have two interviews for work study jobs. I'll be amazed and appalled if I can't get a job. I have nothing working against me. They know I'm a student and they're looking to hire students. Gosh I hope it works out. One interview is for work in the Mathematics Dept. Office and the other is for the School of Businesss Office. I really hope I do get an office job. I like office environments.

Another beginning.

Tomorrow is the first day of Fall 2009 classes at the University of Southern California. Oh yay! I've actually been back in Los Angeles since the 14th of August because of band camp. This year's band camp felt 10 million times better than last year. I know what I'm doing, I'm growing closer with the other girls, and it's fun =) My feet and ankles really gave me trouble though. At times I really thought I had reaggravated my foot injury, luckily I seem to be okay now. I just hope my feet can survive the upcoming football season. I canNOT wait until September 5th for so many reasons! Pete Carroll is gonna make this Fall so much better. He came out to band practice yesterday and really pumped us up. He loves the band! =)

Anyway, I really can't believe classes start tomorrow. I think it's tougher for me because there really wasn't any break between band camp and classes. Today was the last day and I've only got tonight to mentally prep myself. But Mondays shouldn't be too bad. I just have a morning class and a night class. During the day I guess I'll just relax, maybe go to the grocery store. But if I manage to get a work study job, my Mondays will probably be pretty busy. Plus, band practice runs on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 3:45 to 5:45, and Saturday mornings from 7 to 10ish. I will officially have no life. Everything is starting to pile up.

Oh, and I am now the official president of USC Quiz Bowl. Fight On!