Raucous Beginnings

Last night I went to my department's "Welcome Party". I was a little nervous, but ready to meet some people. Sitting here in my apartment is driving me absolutely mad. I know what you're thinking: "Why are you sitting in your apartment? You're in Boulder for Christ's sake! Get out and hike, bike, go hippy!" All I can say is that I'm working on it. I think I'm still going through the transition, trying to get used to the idea that I have moved to a completely new place, reconciling the friends I've left behind and the ones I've yet to find. Anyway, suffice it to say, I was nervous.

So was everyone else, apparantly, at least in the beginning. The few people there were quiet, we made superficial chit chat, until the alcohol started flowing, then things became a lot easier! I found my group of archaeologists, just the first years in the beginning but soon the second years joined the group. They seemed relieved that there was such a significant number of us, that philologists didn't dominate the group. We had a smashing good time and I felt more and more at ease as I found students who would be in my classes, students, who I wanted to be in my classes.

I even chatted up the professors. Hopefully I wasn't too brash. Hopefully I didn't interrupt them in mid-speech, but they were drinking as well, they hopefully didn't notice. But it was self-affirming, knowing that I can chat with them, be on their level, really express an interest, without losing my breath, without my heart pounding, without being forced. I was proud, now I'm excited to start. It will be tough, it will be long, but I have people who have to struggle through it with me, and who just might help me along the way.

As a parting thought, I saved my shallow mentions: those eligible bachelors, who really seem to be lacking! I'm shallow, I'm okay with that. I want someone remotely goodlooking. But I think the Fates with to thwart me in every way up here in the Rockies. Every male I found somewhat appealing....wore a nice shiny ring on his left ring finger. Damn it! I can't win! I suppose I really will have to start stalking the law students or the MBA's.