Good morning and happy Tuesday! We’re on Day 2 of flood days in Knox County. It rained non-stop for several days. And now roads have become rivers. Parking lots have become lakes. No joke. It’s almost hard to believe because the last two days have been so sunny and warm and beautiful. But many roads in the county are still closed because there is so much accumulated water. So, naturally, schools are closed because buses can’t get through to pick kids up or drop them off.

I wouldn’t have believed the craziness. Because from where we are and where we’ve been all weekend, we haven’t seen too much water. But, yesterday, when I was trying to get to school to do some work, I wasn’t able to drive down that main road leading to our building because it looked like this.

After a few unsuccessful attempts, I turned around and went out to lunch instead. Took myself out on a solo date to Zoes Kitchen, one of my favorite lunch spots in Knoxville.

Aside from that, I spent a lot of time at Starbucks this weekend – listening to lectures and working on assignments. I feel like I’m a ‘regular’ there because I’ve parked myself in the same spot for the past few weekends. I’m starting to see familiar faces. My personal favorite is this guy who comes in each morning with a squirrel on his shoulder. Yes, correct. A squirrel. Every time.

Yesterday afternoon, Ankur and I took advantage of the sunshine and went on a hike. Well, more of a walk. We didn’t want to go on any hiking trails because they’re probably all muddy. So we walked around the UT Arboretum.

Then we came home and finished watching the Oscars.

I was real happy that Green Book won for Best Picture. And I’m also slightly obsessed with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s love fest. And TOTALLY in love with Olivia Colman. I had no idea who she was. I don’t even think that movie she was in looks particularly interesting. But her speech made me fall in love with her. And now she is my favorite. Mostly I like that she said the word “snog” in her acceptance speech. She’s a winner in my book.

Then I had class from 8pm – midnight. I’m going to need all the caffeine in the world today. Maybe I’ll go back to Starbucks and say hello to my new squirrel friend.

I’m actually headed to NASP for the rest of the week so I really do need all the caffeine. I mapped out all the sessions I want to attend, all the different events I want to go to as a newbie to this school psych life, and all the coffee shops that are close to the convention center. So I’m all set.

I’m looking forward to all the learning that will be happening this week!

Hope you all have a beautiful day! 🙂

Question of the Day:

• Would you have a pet squirrel?
• Did you watch The Oscars? What was your favorite part?