Brainwashing

Every couple of years, James and I like to take the kids up to the University of Alberta (our alma mater) for a "propaganda tour". Today was the big day again.

And you know, wandering around the campus, exploring the engineering buildings, and meandering down HUB mall, made me nostalgic for those younger student days. As it happens with most things, time has softened the memories...I forget the stress, the hard work, the worries over my future, and I remember only the fun, the friends, the new experiences, and the immense opportunities to learn (most of which I never actually took advantage of...). There is an energy about a university campus that exists no where else. And those years of being a part of that community can be so great. Never did I imagine then that I'd be back towing a handful of my own kids along those same hallways.

At one point we found ourselves walking down the chemistry hallway - the one just off of CAB - and it smelled just the same as it did 20 years ago!! That smell reminded me so strongly of walking down that hallway between classes, usually in the dark of winter (to avoid the outside as much as possible) - trying to not be late, thinking of all the homework and studying I had to do that night, and wishing I could get a date. I turned to James and said: "Do you smell that - it's the smell of stress!!"

Ahh...the golden days of university...

Today's highlights included:

1. My picture in the MecE building
2. My name on the Engineering Generations wall - next to my uncle, my sister, and my brother
3. The Timms Centre for Performing Arts
4. HUB mall and the Rutherford atrium/breezeway

Here's a couple of pics:

James and kids at Convocation Hall
Me at the Engineering Wall of Fame