First week of classes have ended so now I am able to make a proper report on the new classes, the new year, and other such tidbits that I know that people are swarming to read. Let's face it, I have the most interesting life.

So, the skinny on the new classes:

I dropped PostWar Korea, as the prof is not my favorite and, let's face it, nothing can beat Schmid and the first semester version of this course. Plus, I only need 3 or so credits left to graduate, and this 200 series course was definitely not necessary.

Then there was Social Engineering of Women, with a prof whose first impression I didn't really enjoy and the announcement that there would be several research proposals, peer reviews, research papers and the like almost made me cry. But, it is a 300series course, which i really need, so i will suffer through it!

And then, there was Japanese Monsters. You know the class will be good when in walks the prof wearing a Godzilla t-shirt and asking if he is in the right class. We then proceeded to watch the first hour or so of the original Godzilla and then had a quick discussion of what Godzilla represents. The textbooks are really interesting (ranging from the Ring, Japanese Kabuki, folktales and legends, scary stories) and we will be watching Akira, Ghost in the Shell, among others. So, here is hoping for a good semester.

I have been trying to de-stress my life in an effort to make myself a happier person. Thus, I dropped floor presidency and have been making an effort to get more organized. Of course, we are only one week into the new year, so whether or not my efforts will make any difference or even if i keep them up is unknown, but I can't help but try.

Going to the bank and getting my finances in order was a huge thing for me. Not only did I get things online set up, but i opened a new bank account just for my paycheques, to start planning for my future. Graduation looming on the horizon is scary. That, and my birthday- 21 seems pretty damn adult to me.

Not to say that I'm not having fun- I am working out and feeling great, and getting to see friends everyday is something that I feel very lucky to be able to do. Last night I went and saw Sweeney Todd at the movies (which I LOVED), but i also loved the fact that I was able to get out and just chill for a couple hours with friends.

So, here is to 2008.

I will be happy, be organized, grow as a leader and as a person, and be grateful for what I have.

Hopefully this will be the year that all McKnights are reunited in Canada.