Scholar of the Year (Sort of)

I'm a pretty good student: I do my homework, go to class (most of the time), and I generally do my best. I've always received A's and B's in classes, with the exception of Quantitative Literacy a few semesters ago, but we won't talk about that. I've never considered myself to be an outstanding student because I've always had friends who were much more devoted, smarter, better at sucking up to teachers, etc.

In the past few months I have received a few notable letters: the first came from the National Dean's List organization congratulating me for being accepted onto the list. Only 1/2 of one percent of college students make it onto the list, the letter said, so I should be extremely proud of my accomplishment. They even suggested that I inform my local newspaper. What?!

Today I received a letter--no, more like a packet--full of information from the International Scholar Laureate Program. The opening line of the enclosed letter reads: "as a result of your exemplary academic record, leadership potential and community service . . . you have been nominated to represent John Brown University this winter at the 2005 International Scholar Laureate Program." Hmmm. Community service? I haven't done any of that since I returned to the United States in 2000. So, I've been chosen to join 23 other students from around the nation for a time of "discovery and mentorship" January 5-9, 2005 in Arlington, VA. They will send me a "press release to distribute to the local news media." Alright, why would the media care? I suppose it is an honor to be one out of twenty-four people chosen, but I still can't understand why I was chosen.

I am suddenly reminded of a tragic episode of the Brady Bunch in which Jan is notified that she won an award at school, but when she goes onstage to accept the award, the school principle says: "The winner of this award is not Jan Brady." It was all some crazy mix-up, and the award went to someone else, and Jan cried. She cried a lot. I'll never forget her tears. I don't want that to happen to me. If I show up to the International Scholar Laureate Program and they say, "wait a second. That letter was supposed to go to Andre Wegnarl. Sorry for the mix-up," I'll feel pretty bad. I know I'm a good student, but what is all this about?!

Puppy Trouble

Spanky has been very sick today. This afternoon she threw up on the carpet, then a few minutes later threw up again. I left her outside for awhile in the hope that she would get everything out of her system. Rascal wanted to go outside, as well, so I let him out. When I let them both back in twenty minutes later, Rascal was acting strange. He kept following me around and looking up at me as if he was trying to communicate something. I soon found out what: Spanky had thrown up all over his backside, and his fur was covered with white chunks. He was miserable and shaking, the poor little guy. I gave him a quick bath and then put Spanky in her cage, where she will remain the rest of the evening.