I've been busy...

One of my students today (and whenever I say that, it is always one specific student) said, after I handed him an assignment and told him not to lose it, "I'm sorry Mr. Johnson, but I can give zero promises on that." I responded "It's okay, [student name], because I can give zero grades." 

So basically I get a zero for blog-updating over the past month. Why? Well, I've been busy. Busier than usual? Yes. I made a choice at the beginning of the semester that I was going to just go ahead and try my hardest at a lot of things. As it turns out, trying takes a lot of effort, and effort is paid for in the currency of minutes and hours. I was worried at the start of the month because I had so many things on my plate and, as with anything, there was a chance that none of it would work out. I stopped posting because I kept waiting for things to feel finished, and up until now nothing has felt that way.

So, what have I been doing?

Well, I have been having as much fun as usual. I saw the winter play, Cloud 9, and did some ushering for it. Kelsey was the head usher and did a wonderful job. Josh and all of my other friends in the show were great, and I enjoyed getting to go to the traditional after-show parties. I also had the opportunity to emcee the Georgetown annual talent show. I certainly wasn't going to say no to that. It had a "roaring 20's" theme and the people who put it together did a really nice job. Georgetown even tweeted a clip from the show: http://bit.ly/VPa9Rk. That guy was really great, but he wasn't even in my top three performances- the talent pool here is astounding. I was thrilled to be a part.

I've also been applying for jobs. I had nine interviews over the course of two weeks, which were fun. They went well, and I will be working at my top choice this summer- the Office of Special Counsel- doing things in their investigation divison. Ben, my roommate from last year, will be spending his summer in their ADR (alternative dispute resolution) department, so it will be great to spend some time with him.

I also decided to try out for the Mock Trial team again this year, in part because I have been kicking myself ever since last year for flubbing out of round two by performing a closing argument that had me sarcastically yelling "the gun was filled with bullets! It wasn't filled with cheese!" One of my other big motivations for doing well was that if I got on I could perhaps do a mock trial with Stephanie R; we're a good team. I did end up doing better this time. In fact, I got to do a few full trial rounds after I had made the team, as part of the subsequent tournament. I made it to the final round before getting bested by some truly amazing competitors who just refused to mess up at all. I did not mention cheese in my closing. I almost referenced ninjas, but then thought better of it. This was a good call, as the judges seemed to really like my closing and I know I would have lost points by talking about ninjas.

I have forgotten many other things that happened this month. This is why I need to update regularly.