Well, today was very productive but also very stressful. I was at school from 8 am until 7 pm, for no reason after 4, except to hang out with Claire.

I am happy about Free Verse. After I went around and told all the classes that we wouldn't have the magazine if people didn't submit work, we doubled the number of entries. Students actually cared about what I had to say. Things will be alright with it and I'll get to be the editor of a literary magazine and have all that fun. It's all good.

I did a bunch of stuff I have really needed to do for my Columbia application today. Wow. It's due on November 1st. That is really soon. I need to have everything ready next week. If anyone out there missed it, I REALLY want to go to Columbia. I think I would have a wonderful time there. When I started my college search, I wasn't sure I wanted to do Early Decision because it is binding.. but now Columbia is my only *real* choice. I have other schools in mind, but they are only for if I don't get into Columbia.

Today Judith made me feel really good about myself. She told me how she never had a doubt that I could (and will) pull off being editor and then she told me she'd write me a knockout letter of recommendation and that I was a wonderful student. She also said that Columbia should accept me. It made me smile a lot. I am trying to just relax and chill with all of this college stuff.

My friends make me happy as can be, but also confuse me, worry me, and bring me down.