v-dickman's blog

My trip home was uneventful almost to the point of being boring, but I'm getting ahead of myself, because I haven't written since last Saturday after my visit to the Hare Krishna temple, which I won't talk anymore about. The reason why is because that the second week of the program is when things start to get crazy. Sunday was uneventful really, except that we (Atlantis and I) had training for EMILY's list. Then we walked around Denver for awhile and saw that it was starting to get crazy.

I was unfaithful yesterday. I didn't post. Actually I was just really tired and passed out before I could do so. Yesterday was interesting. We got to listen to Governor Ritter of Colorado speak, followed by a panel on media and politics. Then we toured the Pepsi Center, and got to see the floor and the podium, etc (not that close though). We then volunteered with the Democratic party for several hours, and got to see Governor Howard Dean speak. To be entirely honest, I was a little upset that Governor Dean didn't get more excited.

Today was something of a light day for me, as I chose not to venture into the city after our small group meeting. We had two very exciting guest speakers today, Ms. Elbra Wedgeworth, president of the Denver host committee and Special Agent O'Connor of the Secret Service. Ms. Wedgeworth talked about what it took to get the convention to come to Denver (and I'm glad she was so determined, because it is a beautiful city), and Special Agent O'Connor talked about what being a Secret Service Agent entails, focusing on the campaign process.

I got my fieldwork placements today, and they are the most extraordinarily awesome placements I think I could possibly manage!

Last night was amazing!

I cannot get over how beautiful it is here in Denver. I won't say anything more on the topic, because to do so I would be forced to use cliches that take away from what I'm feeling. The campus is absolutely gorgeous as well. I have not encountered any problems with altitude thus far. As for the program, last night we had the basic introduction/icebreaker/explain the rules session typical to any program like this. This morning we had our first academic session with Dr. Cronin the Faculty Director and Dr. Genovese the Scholar in Residence.

The reality of this whole thing is still setting in. I am sitting in my room (in the amazing apartment where all of the ONU girls are staying) at the desk that earlier this morning (or afternoon, I really have no idea of the time with this time change) gave me a bump that could very easily turn into a black eye, writing the first entry for my blog because I have nothing better to do for the next three hours.