Saphhous

Hooray!

In addition to the other wonderful things that have happened recently, let's add one more to the list. I found out via email today that I got into the AP's Diverse Voices program. Accordint to the email, I'm one of 12 college sophomores/juniors nationwide to be chosen for the five-day program.

"Diverse Voices is an intensive one-week program in which participants work one-on-one with a mentor on an assigned reporting project," according to the email.

And, if that wasn't good enough ... It's all expenses paid in Seattle, Washington. Five days. Paid hotel, airfare and all meals. Like I've said, it's AP recruitment camp, and I'll gladly be there. In fact, I annoyed the hell out of the director trying to find out when they'd send out decisions.

The Diverse Voices program.

The internship I want next year. (Or the one at the C-J, or the Herald-Leader ...)

Damn.

I'm in the midst of a 12-year-old girl's birthday party. I'd like to sincerely apologize to my father for a) being 12 and b) throwing an 18x24-inch sheetcake all over the house.

Been awhile ...

Since I wrote a poem, at least.

you're the kind of man girls write home about --
make 2 a.m. phone calls to their friends about --
stay up late thinking and dreaming about --

you're the kind of man girls dream about --
read in Harlequin romance books about --
look at other couples and fantasize about --

you're the kind of man girls cry about --
and after years and years of searching about --
you're the man I shout in the streets about.

Heretofore untitled: Ramblings 1

Some downtime, some alone time ... Time, I suppose, for some reflection. I wrote 2,100 words today, about. I did some research on another story, but somehow I still feel inefficient. Must work harder to achieve maximum production. I wish I could write that much every day, but some days must be reserved for doing the stuff that goes into the story.

However, I suppose I still write more than I could expect -- and, like a good writer, I stayed in with my bourbon and coke to write this evening while Dylan went to Chuck's. All after he said he had so much to do. Silly.

School may be suffering from my influx of assignments -- but that just reminds me that school is holding me back. I must make up the physics test I missed Friday. More silliness. That means reviewing the stuff I need to know, which I haven't had time to do, and contacting my teacher, which I have also not had time to do.

I've had two bourbon-and-cokes tonight. I don't like bourbon. But liquor lubricates my writing wheels and allows me to churn out decent copy. If it worked for Des for 30-something years, it must be a good way to go. I apologize to my family if they're concerned by my drinking.

I have two more pieces to write this week for The Cardinal. Dylan and I are going to share a byline. We're going to keep the article for posterity. Or some such.

His kids are great. I should add that in, I think, because I was originally scared of this whole arrangement. But, in usual form, I decided it was worth a shot. I feel like I should carry pictures of them around and show them to people. Is that weird? I don't care, really.

I should be in bed. I have to be up at 7:30 a.m. or so. Alas. Why can't every day be Tuesday?

Also, why is it March and snowing? I'm not happy. The solarium I live in is cold, but fortunately today was sunny so I didn't mind too much. Sunshine makes me feel better. I need another cigarette.

I feel disorganized even though I'm not. I don't know if I'm OCD or just deal with stress by organizing. Or both. I need my filebox.

Cigarette. Bourbon. Sleep.

Addendum: I will never be as good as I want to be. I believe everyone is worth a thousand words.

What I learned

From KIPA and post-KIPA:

• Our half-assed efforts aren't good enough


• Ebay is the best place to get graphics


• Good design just means thinking about it before laying it out on Sunday.


• We really can put out a good-looking paper.


• Column rewriting is fun. Rewriting in general is fun — I should do it more.


• I need more dedicated writing time. Thank you, Tuesdays.

Today is law enforcement funding story and laundry day. And go-to-lunch-with-Allie day.

Today would be better if it wasn't cold and there wasn't snow on the ground. Spring, please come.