and that was just the beginning!

OK, that's one day down. Only 287,520,682 to go. No, wait, that's not right; it only seems that long. :-)

I hope that today was a good start for everyone and that you all settled into the new year reasonably well. I also hope that perhaps I might have alleviated (look it up) some fears you might have had regarding whether I am in reality the Wicked Witch of the West. (I do a pretty mean impersonation of her, and might be enticed to do it for you if you're really good, but I'm not her.) We're in this together, and my only goal is to help you to improve. There will be work, and sometimes it will be hard, but I sincerely hope that it never becomes overwhelming.

And as to that portfolio...well, just keep your eyes on the ball and don't put everything off until the last six weeks and the thing really won't be that much of a bear at all. Honest.

OK, a few words about the video recording: I'm still at school as I write this, so I have yet to watch it, but my intention is to watch it again tonight and look at what you had to say, and maybe have a ghost of a chance of actually retaining some of it (like, for instance, how to pronounce "Bonamico"). {Sophs, your vid recording will be tomorrow.}

Reminder: Buy a journal. You should do this within the next few days. We will be writing journal entries in class beginning tomorrow. If you do not have a journal yet, bring something on which to write; you may transfer it to your actual journal later. When you enter class, I will play music to which you will write journal entries. There will be a suggested topic on the white board. (In Room 305 it will be on the small white board up front.) It is only a suggested topic, and it will often be very silly. Use it if you desire; if you have something else you'd rather write about, feel free unless I request that everyone use the topic of the day.

Do not compose continuous pieces in the journal. once you've come back to it a couple of times, take it out and make it a workshop piece. Journals are for playing, not for drafting.

E2H: Find out what transcendentalism is and where it comes from. We'll be starting the year discussing this American philosophy.

Everyone: Go to the link above that says "boards" and click it. Register for the class boards using your actual name and email. I need to approve new members, so you will not be able to access the boards immediately. Once you can, though, take a look around. Look through some conversations. (These will be deleted soon to make room for yours.) Get an idea of how the boards are used. We'll talk more in class.

Anyway, have a great night. See you all tomorrow!