After a Long Period of Absence,

there is nothing better than trying to remember what has happened. Let's see.

Friday -- Lewis retreat @ Dr. Jackson's house. That was quite the event. I was attempting to turn in my politics paper, and helping others with formatting their papers, when I realized that I had missed my train. Fortunately, another group of guys was going up later, so I rode up with them. We ended up having a spirited discussion (I don't recall the topic, probably the validity of the War in Iraq), and then gathering around a fire for s'mores and more conversation. The O'Dhouls (non-alcoholic beer) and cigars were passed around - I abstained on both counts. Eventually, a group was dispatched for a secret mission in the dead of night -- a mission that ended an abject failure. Unfortunately, I am forbidden to disclose further information.

Saturday -- went hiking with Dr. J and his son, Zach. The hills were much bigger than anything I've seen in Iowa ... ate lunch near a placid lake. The park we hiked in was five minutes away from the train station, but it took three trips to fit all of us in Dr. J's car. Eventually, we ended up missing our train by minutes, and waiting an hour and a half for the next one. Finally, we got back to NYC, where homework awaited us.

Sunday -- MSNY again. Campus ministry hosted a lunch after church -- I wasn't going to pass on free pizza. At 5, I attended a lasagna party in Herald Towers -- it was good to have homemade food again.

Monday - Friday-- School as normal. Breadbreakers on Tuesday. Interviewed for and received a TA position with the adjunct New Testament prof ... had to create a powerpoint for him. First Macro quiz on Wednesday, first Western Civ literature quiz (over Gilgamesh) on Thursday. Visited the NYPL for a College Writing I assignment. Meeting of the houses of Thatcher and Lewis on Friday, to discuss our city involvement project -- working with Student Venture, a Campus Crusade organization targeted at highschools. Walked around, trying to meet kids. Met none.

Saturday/Sunday -- worked on a presentation for Macro, a test for NT, a paper for English. Went to MSNY again. Had another campus-ministry-sponsored lunch. Began to discuss the nature of time -- i.e., does choose to limit himself within time, or is he outside of time? Also -- is time created by God, or by men to measure creation? That was a great time-waster.

Monday -- school again. Presented for Macro. That was passable. Worked on my paper, studied for NT test. Had a Lewis meeting to plan our drama for the fall retreat.

Tuesday -- today. NT test was a killer. I'll be very happy with a 'B.' A low B, mind you. Worked on my paper some more. Ended up 45 minutes late for my Breadbreakers meeting.