Last night was amazing!

Greetings Polar Bear Nation from the Mile High City!Yesterday was our first full day and our first real day at the 2008 Democratic National Convention Seminar.

I have been in Denver just over 24 hours and already have experienced so much!  My flight from Akron to Denver went smoothly as I traveled with three other ONU students on the giant airbus to the Mile High City.  Arriving at Regis University, a Jesuit college just 20 minutes outside downtown Denver, ONU students attended an informational orientation session with over 400 other students and faculty from around the country.  There are 10 students from ONU and one student from John Carroll University that represent the state of Ohio here at the TWC Democratic Convention program. 

Getting into Denver was no problem; the plane ride and security was really smooth and I just bought David Sedaris's new book so I got to read about him catching crabs from thrift store jeans and etc.  The plane ride went fast.  So far Regus's campus has been really nice and besides the first orientation session, everything has been great. 

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.

Today was the first day of the lecture series. Professor Cronin did an excellent job setting the tone for the seminars. In fact, he discussed a number of points I typically bring up in my course on the Presidency (not surprising since I use HIS textbook). I guess our students have an inside track on that lecture!

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.

Who knew that the weather in Ohio would be better than that in Colorado?!  While Denver boasts 300+ days of sunshine, the last 2 days were not among them!  However, the weather forecast is looking good for the next 10 days!