Too much fresh air?

The semester has begun, and we're already running full tilt. I'm working on campaigns for tap water, leaf blowers, breast cancer in the UK, and the Dictionary of American Slang. And that's just this week. But it beats the holiday slump of having nothing to work on except a promotion for our school's new name.

And our new building is more than exciting. It's HUGE.
My department used to be crammed in a cozy space that smelled persistently of chinese take-out and ancient carpet funk. Now we're lost in a massive sparkly structure filled with sunlight, brick and glass, steel and concrete, day-glo colors and, thank god, fresh-smelling air.

But that air comes at a price.

The student area's ventilation system is incredibly loud. One must raise their voice considerably to be heard over the massive whooshing air ducts, making meetings awkward and close-huddled. Plus the student body is scattered across a sprawling new space, so we have to work a lot harder to connect with everyone, including the faculty who have an entire separate floor to themselves. No one's really sure where to hang out, get drinks, or go for food yet. But there's really no reason to leave this gorgeous huge building, ever, especially when incessant hordes of undergrads swarm just beyond the front steps.

Nevertheless, I adore our new home. I'm sure everyone will acclimate soon.

Speaking of climate, I've updated Flickr thru early September 2007, when a tornado almost struck my apartment. Heart-pounding excitement, that.

There's the rotating part!