Monday 8/22 . My first day at ASU West. I waited almost 25 years to get here. I wore tennis shoes-those little white numbers that you can get for between five and seven dollars at Target or Walmart. Good for walking but bad for blending. I was a “Ked” in a flip flop world. While this is not a new phenomenon for me, I was hoping to see other people I knew. I was hoping that other “Keds” would welcome me into their world of higher education. Nope. I did not see anyone I knew. Not a soul – or sole as the case may be. Standing in line to get my Sun Devil card I did meet some nice people but only because I initiated conversation . They were nice but certainly not willing to reach outside of their comfort zone to talk to anyone. Strange. You would think that the old lady would be the one who was quiet and the younglings would be chatting it up. I almost cried when the lady handed me my student ID. I’m so thankful to be here.

Tuesday 8/23 Started out my first class of the day 15 minutes late. A loose lid and a full vanilla latte was my obstacle. Stopping a little quickly at a light, the contents became part of my blouse. I faced a decision. Get to class on time as a vanilla sticky mess or just be late with clean clothes. I felt that my teacher would be more understanding than the person who would have to sit next to me as the milk slowly soured in my bra.

After class, I drove to ASU’s main campus. I parked at a meter and accumulated enough change to allow me 80 minutes to get football tickets and a book for one of my classes. I like ASU football and watch it on TV. Sometimes we go to the games. I was very happy to get season student tickets and a free Sparky Sun-Devil t-shirt. Almost cried again but I pulled it together. It was quite a walk around the campus. As I shuffled around (today I wore flip flops) I saw a totally different culture. People were talking, some said “hi” to me even though they did not know me (it was either the shoes or they mistook me for their “Journey through Tourism” teacher).

The stop at the alternative bookstore was an experience. It shares the parking lot with a tattoo/piercing shop. Evidently the employees swap services. I am fascinated with the tattoos and piercings. I can’t help but wonder if the Sun City residents of the future will still be sporting the big hole things in their ears or if they will just have big floppy ears. How will this affect their golf swing? What will happen to these young women with pierced eye lids as they age? Will those hoops and bars eventually block their fields of vision? Will their lip rings hide or enhance the female middle-age peach fuzz that often forms upon hormonal upheaval?

Speaking of hormones, I made an important discovery today. Hot and humid conditions are kinder to younger women. The bookstore line was long and the cooling system was totally ineffective. I was sweating as only a pre-menopausal woman can. My shirt was soaked, my hair dripping, and I was testing the danger level of my deodorant. My only saving grace was that my feet still looked totally cute.

Upon returning to my car, a mile and a half and 79 minutes later, I reflected on what I learned about pride, perceptions, and perspiration. I also learned that you could get a beer anywhere after 9pm for only one dollar.

I started to get teary again…my feet really hurt. (continue to next day)