I slept in until 10 am today.I felt like a champ. I made it through econ and writing seminar without feeling sleepy, then suited up in my Navy uniform and headed off to the Yale Bowl for sword detail practice. We learned what we needed to know for the sword detail at the Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball, and then we did what any group of young guys would do when given officer swords...we had epic swordfights when Staff Sergeant wasn't looking. He only caught us once, but I think he expected as much from us because he only screamed a little bit. The best part: at the end of drill he told me and the other 3 guys doing sword detail that we were to take the Naval officer sword back to our dorms to practice this week...which means I get to keep it for a week and officially feel like a six year old again...playing with swords and (I admit) we might have even made sound effects. Also, Staff Sergeant brought some M-16 rifles today for the marine-options to use (for the record we didn't have any live ammo...for all of you mothers out there that panic at the thought of automatic weapons in my hand) and as soon as me and a couple other Navy guys picked them up to check them out he turns around and screams some choice-words at us. I guess he heard me say "Crap dude, these things are automatic?!"
My roommate snagged this picture of me and the sword:

I actually dont think I feel so great about the way I look in Navy PT shorts. :)

Evidently with the government shutdown nothing is working properly. I still do not have my service dress blue uniform. Our ball is next friday night. Since our supply guy is still not back from being furloughed I am wearing a regular sized jacket and shirt. I need a long...the regulars have very short sleeves. But I'll make it work... even if I do look like I shrunk all my clothes.
This weekend is going to be insane!!!!!!!! Saturday is the inauguration of President Peter Salovey of Yale University, and this is the first inauguration in over 20 years. Along with that, on Monday we found out one of our bio professors just got awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. All of Yale is brimming with a celebretory mood at the moment. Yale is hosting the Inaugural Ball this saturday night, and then on Sunday Yale is hosting a huge block party on one of the main avenues...Yale has gotten lots of food and entertainment and it'll be a blast. A classy blast, but a blast nonetheless.
Here's a picture of one of the big tents they've put up outside my building:

Saturday my roommate and I are taking a trip to Costco to buy some stuff so I can get the suite ready to host company next week. My girlfriend flies up a day from tomorrow, so I have to polish the hardwood floors, clean the fireplace and mantle, and get some air fresheners. You know...just typical housecleaning. The very tragic part of all of the festivities this weekend is that I have two very important midterms and a Navy physical fitness assessment next week. So I need to study and rest... A LOT... this weekend.
My mindset? It's all about finding a happy medium...a balance of enjoyment and homework.

Lessons I learned today:
-Swords are fun. End of story. Even funner when you all talk like a pirate while using them.
-Don't mess with the Marine Corp's M-16s.
-No, I do not need the second helping of the "Tres Leches Cake" in the dining hall. One serving will suffice.
-Staff Sergeant has no mercy for pedestrians when he is driving.

Just lovin' life and living the dream.