the ocean

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, and I am far too lazy to check, but I've been serving on the board of my college, Millikin University, for several years. I of course can't discuss anything substantive about our work, because it's all super confidential and if anyone finds out the average retention rate for sophomore chemistry majors the world shall surely end, but I can tell you that it's been nice getting back to campus periodically and connecting with other alumni. A lot has changed since I graduated in 2000; there don't seem to be as many desktop computer labs and the Dave Matthews cover bands have dwindled to near zero. On the other hand, student apparel seems to be circling back to about where it was when I was just a 19 year old with a giant Felicity-style sweater and a dream.

It's kind of a pain in the ass to drive down to Decatur and back, and the pleasures of a stay at a Country Inn and Suites may be somewhat overstated, but the campus and the people are as warm and welcoming as ever. I got the chance to interact with some of the current students, who were energized and idealistic in a fashion seldom seen outside the Hallmark Channel, and the faculty, who in a just world would be summering in the Mediterranean while CEOs take second jobs at Hobby Lobby and sell their plasma to cover the mortgage. And I stopped by Wal-Mart to purchase some snack cakes and Pringle flavors that are not to be found in the comparatively modest grocery stores of Chicago. So I do have a feeling of accomplishment in addition to the rather sore back an extended period in the Prius tends to afford me.

And tomorrow is Monday! Who doesn't love that? Besides Garfield, of course, but everyone knows he's a rebel.