Back in SXM.

I got in this afternoon. There were a couple of AUC students in Miami and we were all on the same flight, which made it a little nicer (and less scary). We got into St. Maarten, along with the east coast people on the JetBlue flight and proceeded to clog up the lowly immigration booths of the island. But eventually, we got through and now I'm back.

Phuong and I got the keys to the apartment. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get my stuff from Degaulle's apartment, so I'll hopefully be picking it up tomorrow. I have most of what I need to get by for a couple of days, but I will be nice to set up my room.

I still have an irrational fear of flying. I was talking to someone else about it and I think he explained it to me. The problem with our fear is that when we get on a plane, we start thinking about all the ways the plane could malfunction and visualize the events of an untimely death. I try to think about all the things that are statisically more dangerous (driving a car, holding a large metal pole in an electrical storm, etc.) to help calm myself in knowing I have a safe way to travel.

The other component is the loss of control involved in flying. When I drive, I have control over the car and my decisions determine where I go, but with a place of course, I'm at the mercy of the pilot, who I trust fully (well, as much as I can).

Tomorrow is the first day of class. I'm much less nervous this time around, since I know what to expect (for the most part). It also feels nice to not be the lowly new class on campus. I feel like I can boss the 1st semester students around. Maybe I'll toss one of them in a trash can.

We'll be back in LH4, which is a welcome carry over. I much prefer the table setup to the folding desk on a traditional lecture hall. I need the ability to set out my notes and laptop, while also having elbow room to work with. I imagine it will be the same seating arrangement as last semester and any deviation will cause major upheaval. So long as I get my center-left spot approximately 2/3rds from the back, I'll be fine.

AWOL is not until next week. I should have stayed home for a couple more days.