Hey Internet, it’s me again. I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who makes Monkey Robot the most popular website on the Interweb. The chilly air, overcast sky, and utter lack of other people on campus indicate to me that Fall Break 2004 at Bucknell University is upon us. I’m not home yet, but I’m getting there. I have a few loose ends to tie up, but then I am free for the rest of the weekend!

It’s times like these that never cease to amaze me. Bucknell’s campus can be utterly desolate when (almost) all the students have gone home. An eerie quiet infests every corner of the campus. Normally Bucknell is a hustle and bustle of activity, with students, faculty, and staff moving to and fro, even at one or two in the morning; but now, the place is empty. Walking up to work today, I ran into many students waiting on curbs for their rides home. Most of them are gone now. There are still some athletes and other students around, but not a lot. The place is a ghost town, like something out of an old Western movie.

I’m not terribly excited to go home. It’s not that I don’t want to, but I live seven minutes from my house—going home is not the thrill that it is for students from California, Texas, or even New Jersey. I can go home anytime I want. I’d almost consider staying here, but it would be a good idea to see my family. Besides, it’s going to be a pretty dull weekend at Bucknell. I sympathize with the athletes, international students, and other students who can’t go home. They’re probably going to be bored out of their mind.

Had I gone to some place like USC (that’s the University of Southern California, not the University of South Carolina, for those who were confused) or NYU, perhaps going home would hold some charm. If I was on the other side of the country in downtown Los Angeles, going home would be a thrill. Of course, I wouldn’t get home all that often—but it would be exciting when I did. But alas, I am here, at Bucknell, seven minutes from home. (Of course, I’m still keeping the idea of a transfer in my mind, but that’s a different story for a different time.)

I do have few loose ends to tie up here. Some people in my wing are not leaving until tomorrow (or not at all), including one girl whose birthday is tomorrow. I’m sticking around for a small birthday celebration tonight, then leaving tomorrow morning. I also have to move a few things into my room that I didn’t get around to moving, as well as feed some fish that have been placed in my care for the weekend. I’m really nervous about these fish. What if they end up dead? I’m not a professional fishfeeder. But I guess I’ll do my best and hope that the little guys make it through the weekend under my guidance.

Anyway, I know you all love Monkey Robot and will miss it, but I’m afraid I might not update until after break. Oh, perhaps I will get a chance before then, but don’t count on it. You might not hear from me for a few days, but no worries—I’m still here, (probably) still alive, and planning on updating as soon as classes start up again next Wednesday. Have a good weekend, everyone!