Winter Term Here I Come

David R.

January 4, 2011 - 12:15 PM

"Travel Day" going back to school can always be a little hectic, especially coming back for winter term when the airports are a mad house. As I usually do I put off packing until the morning of my flight back to Portland, giving my self little room for error. Packing wasn't too difficult, but I went back to Eugene with way more than I came home with after Santa dropped off some extra clothes this Christmas. My suit case was literally stuffed full and it took two people to be able to get it to shut. I usually carry on my suit case to avoid the hassle of checking bags, and I usually get some strange looks as to why I am trying to carry on such a large bag even when it is only partially full. This year I could barely lift my bag when I tried to put it into the car so I decided enough was enough I handed it over to the friendly employees at Southwest Airlines (luckily bags fly free!).

My flight left Denver and arrived in Portland on time with little interference, and I was able to grab my bag at baggage claim with no issues. If you can remember back a while, my bag was lost on my way back to Portland from Las Vegas last spring break. Luckily I received a $100 voucher for the inconvenience, but it truly is annoying to not have any of your belonging for a few days. Those of you who have experienced this know the frustration. I was afraid this might happen again when I checked my bag in Denver, but luckily the airlines came through like I knew they would and I was on my way.

I usually arrive back to Eugene at least a few days before the term begins on Monday so I have some extra time to prepare. I didn't get back until Sunday this time so I had to rush a little more than usual to prepare for the term, but it was well worth it to be able to spend some extra time at home considering I came home a little later than usual. I had one class yesterday which was BA 318, the finance class (and my last class) for the business minor. It is said to be one of the more difficult classes for the minor but our teacher seems great and to me anything is better than battling through another math class. I have two more classes this afternoon and I'm looking forward to diving right in.

It's been great to have everyone back, but so far I have spent a good portion of the free time that I have had simply preparing for another term. I came back to my house and realized that not only was I "foodless" but I was also out of some bare essentials like shampoo and body wash. I have made a few runs to the grocery store to fill in the holes and I have also purchased all my books for the term. I haven't received my $300 dollars from the athletic department yet so that will be a nice boost. With classes beginning I know my mind should be focused on nothing but academics, but the BCS National Championship is only six days a way and my roommates and I can't get the thought off our minds. The scheming for the trip is in the final stages and it should be one for the record books. Before I head out I'll let everyone in on the juicy details!