...two weeks of madness

I just arrived in Dartmouth for selection camp for the under-23 US national team.  It is nice to be able to: take naps, read books, cook, not worry about school, just in general hang out.  I met most of the other guys who are trying out, and they seem nice, but very nervous.  I am hoping that this year will be lower anxiety than last year; last year I had trouble sleeping because I was so worried about making the boat.   This afternoon we went for a technical row.  I sat bow-seat which was really fun.  It is definitely going to take me some time to adjust to a different rowing style.

The past two weeks have been pretty nuts.  We finished 5th at the national championships, which was a mixture of satisfaction and disappointment.  We were really satisfied with 5th place, with making the grand final, and with beating some really good crews in the semis.  However, it was a disappointing to underperform in my last college race, and to feel like we didnt go our fastest.  

After the IRA, we returned home and I slammed through my last college finals.  Lots of work, very little sleep.  On tuesday I finished, and commenced a 5 day party-session until graduation.  To be honest, I am tired of partying.  I really will miss my friends, but for now it feels nice to have some peace and quiet.    On sunday I had commencement, listened to Oprah tell me how I could have a meaningful life, packed up my stuff, and took a redeye to Boston, then a bus to Dartmouth, where I am now.  I am exhausted, but looking forward to sleeping, eating, and rowing, and nothing else.