insomnia

This week is a week of hell. I apologize if I have used that term before, or if you've heard it so many times that it has become annoying or completely ineffective in the terror, workload and sleeplessness it brings. But its true- this is going to be one !@#$%^& week.

It started off with last weekend, when the sophomore Macaulay class went to Black Rock upstate near West Point. I have to say the hike up the mountain was gorgeous and I would love to do it again, but can someone remind me why we went there in the first place? Although we were told time and time again it was to tie in what we are learning in this semester's seminar, " Science and Technology in New York City", the trip was somewhat a failure at doing so. We spent more time hiking and enjoying nature ( which in itself was actually relaxing and enjoyable) than learning about green design and architecture. Which is quite funny- going all the way upstate to learn about green architecture when there are countless examples and attempts going on right here in the city. I have to say that the coolest thing I learned on that trip was not to take pictures on your cellphone- the mountain world will claim it.On a more serious note, the green design bathrooms in the forest lodge were interesting- very little water is used to wash down excretion and waste, and whatever goes down the pipes is actually saved to make human manure in a huge compost machine in the basement. Pretty cool. And guess what? Doesn't really smell near the compost machine, even when you see the dehydrated manure( unless you go at an inopportune time).But the trip to and from the forest was quite reminiscent of field trips in elementary school- riding in our little cheese buses, having barely any leg room, sitting with friends and such.

Essentially though, the trip did not mesh well into the course objectives, and it definitely did not bode well with my study schedule. Having less time to study for my orgo test this past Monday ( yesterday) was not a fun experience. But now that the test is out of the way, I can look forward to not only reading for classes, but also writing up 2 organic chemistry laboratory reports ( by hand woo hoo), a 1,500 word explication paper for English, a response essay for CHC/MHC, and last but not stressfully least, filling out, budgeting and writing a statement for the opportunities fund deadline this Friday. Getting at least 4 hours a day anytime in between will be a sure blessing.