School, travel, cameras, and the elderly...

I certainly have a full plate these days...Let's get to the procrastination first...

I have three classes, and I am doing the reading, but verrrry sloooowly...I also need to get my butt in gear regrading some writing and reading for the Creative Non-Fiction course. There are essays, short stories, and writing I need to address. I have my first 'telephone class' with my American Civil War teacher next Thursday and I am behind in that reading. I also need to jump on my Asian Studies course work...I am not as behind there...Only 90 days left in the semester...Yikes! What has been holding me back?

I am easily distracted. This week has been a very busy week for mom and her doctor's appointments. She's fine, but it does cut into my day...It can be tiring , too. I have been going to the gym, so that's a plus. Maybe I should stop watching 'The Wire' at night after my meetings and read instead...Wow, what a goddamn concept!

I am also distracted by a new camera in my midst. My father has given me his antique Baby Rolleiflex Twin Reflex. Here's a picture (see above). Those are the myriad lens filters and the carrying case surrounding it. You pop up the hood and look down into a viewfinder. It's a sure thing to use the neck strap...you need both hands to focus and shoot. Another fun thing is that it uses 127 film which is available, but not like going to CVS or anything. Plus there are only 12 shots per roll, and you have to wind the film in by hand, careful not to let the tension up lest the film un-spool and expose itself. Guess where the film is made...?

Croatia. Coincidence? Probably, yes, but still it's kind of cool. Speaking of which, I have heard back from the hotel in Greece for the May convention and my room is all set. All I need to do is show up.

I know that I will have my homework done in time for class. I know that I will be able to have the energy to do all the things I need to do for my mother while still keeping an eye on my own well-being. I know that I will be able to take lovely photos with this unique piece of German engineering.

One item that is interesting to note...Many historians believe that a knowledge and understanding of the Civil War and all of the various whys and wherefores is a necessity to truly understanding what it means to be an American citizen. Could be true. After all, it was the defining moment for the nation in formalizing the union.

Johnnyboy