A-100

It's hard to believe but A-100 is half over, and I haven't even blogged about it. Between classes, social engagements, house guests, unpacking, and attending to miscellaneous other responsibilities, I haven't managed to find the time. I fall into bed exhausted every night, thinking "I really should blog about this. . ."

So, how is it? I think it's everything you imagine it will be, and more. It totally rocks. My classmates are smart, charismatic and engaging. The classes themselves are generally interesting and well presented, although the pace is a bit frenetic. Most days fly by. The topics are all over the map. Some days there are light assignments to prepare for the next day, but there is not a ton of homework. For those of you wondering (and worried) about the tigers, I have waited for the inevitable warnings about blogging, but they have not yet come. No one has actively discouraged us from blogging, although I was ready for that.

The bid lists have come out for our first assignment, and bids have already been submitted. It was really a fantastic list. We had an amazing array of places to consider. I think most people were pleased when they saw the possibilities. Our Flag Day, the day we learn our assignment, is next week. This is a day that we've been anticipating for so long; it's almost surreal to think we will actually live it soon. It's terribly exciting. And terribly frightening, but mostly exciting.

DC itself is also just phenomenal. There is always something to do here, no matter what your interests. It has been really fun to be able to just hop on the Metro and explore. There are great restaurants, great music, fabulous museums, all of the tourist stuff. I could live here for years and never get bored.

All in all, this has been a really good experience, and we're really glad to be here.