Roger Haak Starts a New Semester!

It’s been blowing my mind how quickly time is passing for me. I’ve come to the realization of being a junior, and the end of my college career is now closer than it's beginning. It’s a very weird feeling even though I’ll be a super senior.

I’m doing a lot of things differently this semester than I have in ones prior. For starters, I haven’t been blowing off classes or assignments. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been making pretty decent grades, especially for someone who wasn’t as studious as others. Maybe it’s having a 3.2 for the first time or the fact that I don’t want to be home in Springdale, but I’ve been at the University either studying, preparing, going to class, or (to segway to my next point) working out at the HPER.

That has been some great fun. I’ve only focused on running the track, but I rode a stationary bike once. Have to say it didn’t appeal to me, but it’s probably because I enjoy riding a real bike too much. What’s been really nice about running at the HPER is I can keep track of my time as I run, which in turn has helped me improve my speed, distance, and time. As of now, I can run six miles at a nine minute mile pace. I remember over the summer when it used to take me an hour to run four miles (15 minute miles!). Before I got to the HPER I was coasting at six miles at a 12 minute mile pace. What a difference it has made! I feel pretty accomplished.

I do have to make note of something silly. During the first week of classes I ran around the track a few days, and the place was packed with runners. A lot of people wanted to start the school semester off on the right foot (or left. Personal preference), but the second week was shocking. I ran the same days at the same times, and there was significantly less people running. On a day where there was 30 people running, I shared the track with 5 people tops. Sad to see how the ambitions of a college student can fade away and/or be distracted so easily. You would think that Arkansas would be better than that considering the 40+ NCAA track  championships we’ve won.

I’ve also been helping start the first barbershop student group in the music building, and I’d have to say it’s pretty exciting and not to mention the amount of fun I have is unmatched! Seems like the other folk who show up express the same sentiment. I’m very much looking forward to going out and performing for the students and community. I’d expand further, but it’s not the easiest thing to express the amount of joy I have singing with the fine fellows of the UABHSPEBSQSA (University of Arkansas Barbershop Harmony Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America. I absolutely LOVE the name).

On top of all that, I’ve put myself on a $10 a day spending limit for food and gas and such. I’m trying to save up as much as possible by the summer months so I can be ready to move out safely and comfortably. Living at home is wonderful and a money saver, but I do need to live on my own in order to fully become Roger Haak. I have to say it’s a little rough moving out and having to move back home, so needless to say I’m itching to be back in my own place.

It’s not the easiest thing limiting yourself to $10 a day, but its’ not too difficult either. You just learn to adapt. I’m only 5 days into the plan, and I’m $9 ahead, which means I’m saving even more! I think the only downside to the whole ordeal is a $10 a day budget means I don’t have much of an option for dating or a girlfriend. At the same time, I can’t say that is too much of a worry considering my dating life (or lack thereof) last semester. Grand total of… *drum roll*… one date. Don’t think I’ll have much to worry about this upcoming semester. The opportunity obviously doesn’t arise for me too often. Maybe I should look a little harder/not get so intimidated…

I’ve also been spending more time with friends and less time by myself, which has been so nice. Last semester I would come back home just to sit around by myself. Nowadays I’m either spending time with someone(s) when I’m not studying/working. I have to say it’s a relief, and golly gee I love my friends.

With that, I do believe it’s time to raid the refrigerator for some chow…

But speaking of “chow,” I have a little tangent. What’s up with wait-staff at restaurants and their quirky vocabulary? I’m sorry, but it really rubs me the wrong way. It probably wouldn’t be so bad hearing words like “munch,” “chow,” and “chomp” if I knew the waiter/waitress wasn’t looking for a better tip. Just seems to add on to the phoniness because someone saying “enjoy” no different than any other server doesn’t make me feel like he/she really cares about me and my food. I’d much rather someone genuinely care about my experience or do a better job at faking the feeling rather than this half-hearted selfishness searching for a better tip.

I don’t care what kind of budget I’m on. The next waiter/waitress that says, “I hope you like the food. Please let me know if I can do anything else to help you,” over the empty and meaningless “enjoy” will get a $20 tip from me on top of the bill along with a very lengthy “thankyouthankyouthankyou” from me.