Kickoff picnic

Yet another day of beautiful weather has me sitting on a bench, under a tree, enjoying a breeze and some better internet access. (And nearly being hit by errant footballs)

Last night, I drove out for the Theater picnic, which was hosted by one of the professors. The drive itself was a blast, along a few curvy, hilly backroads, and up one monster of a driveway. Set up on the top of a hill, on 40 acres was this amazing piece of architecture. Inside, there was exposed wood beams, lots of light and a really cool party kitchen. Outside there were probably about 50-70 people, more food, and some old dogs.


It was exciting to see such a turn out of faculty, staff and grad students. Without much difficulty, I met almost everyone at least once. Amazing what some beer, sangria, and grilling can do. It was fun to discuss setting couches on fire, ebonics and Klingon as legitimate languages, and general non-shop randomness with other theatre people. It was also nice to talk to people who were just as new to Athens and bored with packing/unpacking as me.


Things I learned:

• Along with the other MA, we are the guinea pigs for the theater history program.
• There are 35 first-year grad students, a bunch of 2nd years, but hardly any 3rd years (at least who made an appearance).
  
• The general consensus is that we have the best advisor (super intelligent, supportive, overall cool.)
• The other consensus is that yes, you will cry.
• Playwrights are cool.
• This will be a fun group to work and drink with.

We all stayed until it got good and dark, having watched a schnauzer find a tofu-dog, someone's kids manage to launch a Spiderman kite, and enjoyed some good food.