Wednesday______(September 9, 1999/ Quarter Draft Night)

Dear Mom,

Well, it's been a week since you dropped me off and I'm starting to get used to college. I feel like things are getting settled. I met my roommate, Jane, after you left, and we decorated with_____(Anne Geddes/ centerfolds/ empty bottles), so it's starting to look a little more like_____(home/ a crack den/ a cash bar).

I think we'll probably get along pretty well. It's hard to get used to living with a roommate, but I'm sure once we get_____(acquainted/ loaded) we'll get along.

So far, class is_____(great, interfering). I'm taking_____ ____ _____(16 credit hours/ some time off) so my schedule will be_____(challenging/ open). That way I can_____(get ahead/ sleep/ catch up on soaps). I called TRIPS to change one of them, but the_____(recording/ TRIPS man) said it was full, so I guess I'm_____(pinkslipping/ S.O.L.). The night before class I was a little_____(nervous/ paranoid/ wired), especially because it was before my first day and I was worried I wouldn't be able to find my_____(classes/ clothes).

It's kind of weird being in a class with 400 people, but I made sure to sit in the_____(front/ back) so I could_____(ask questions/ leave early). It's nice to make my own schedule and the eight o'clock class is becoming more_____(manageable/ scarce).

I got my books yesterday - I can't believe they cost so much! I tried to save most of the money from my_____(summer/ night) job, but I've been spending a lot on my_____(supplies/ habits). I heard you can sell your books at the end of the_____(quarter/ first two hours) and get money back. In the meantime, I might need a_____(job/ check).

The first night was a little_____(lonely/ hazy). We met the people we live near and decided to just play_____(euchre/ I never/ Hi-Low). Our floor section had a_____(barbecue/ bingo / pony keg) in the_____(courtyard/ lobby/ closet) and later everyone began to_____(socialize/ boink).

I miss some of my friends from home, but I'm getting to know the people in my dorm. At first it was hard to meet people, but I realize we all really have a lot in common.

I know you were worried I'd be a little homesick, but I think I'll get_____(comfortable/ a fake ID) and be really happy here. I was thinking about trying to get involved in_____(intramurals/ hall council/ classes). You know, it might be a way to meet_____(friends/ a dealer). Who knows?

So, how are things at home? I think I forgot my_____(glasses/ glassware), so if you could send _______(them/ it) to me when you get a chance I'd really appreciate it.

I haven't had to do laundry yet. I figure I'll just wait until_____(next week/ break).

I'm eating breakfast, although I don't know why you insisted I get the Green Card. But it has been useful to get_____(essentials/ munchies) at Shively Corner.

The food is____(hot/ carb-loaded/ shady). The other night they had____(steak-ums/ roadkill), and I felt____(energized/ nauseated) for two hours afterwards. I'm convinced it was laced with____(vitamins/ laxatives). You'd be proud to know I've been drinking my____(milk/ Colt 45) and eating lots of____(vegetables/ take-out). There's always____(the salad bar/ pizza delivery).

I already can see why they say college is the best____(four years/ decade) of your life. I'm sure they'll be lots of memories! Jane and I are off to____(the library/ Ping/ the Cheese) to____(read/ work out/ grind). Say hello to Dad and Fluffy and show Grams that I used the stationary she packed in my bag. I miss you all!

Love You!

______

P.S.-Don't worry about me, I'll be____(studying/ sauced).

Hampshire, a senior journalism major, knows her mom will take this letter as seriously as you do. Really. E-mail her at hamp@frognet.net. And be nice. She's kind of scared of you guys.