I never know how to begin these things. The first post on a blog is just as bad as an icebreaker on the first day of class or camp: "Tell us something interesting about yourself." Well, how interesting are we talking? Am I going to try to play it safe and say, "My favorite color is green," and risk having no one else talk to me for the rest of the semester because, to them, I am possibly the most boring person ever? Or do I say, "I once dressed up as a man for an auditorium full of high schoolers," and risk having no one talk to me because I am possibly the weirdest person ever?
I also hate, "Tell us your major and why you're taking this class." If we're in a class small enough to do an icebreaker, more than likely we are all the same major and we are all taking the class because it's required. Not always the case, but it seems like it is in every class that that question comes up.
I have heard exactly two good icebreaker questions of any I can remember, and both were creative writing teachers. My English 212 teacher asked us for something quirky or funny about ourselves--anything--so she could remember us. For once, I actually thought of something perfect. I told her that the weirdest first date I was ever on was to a live performance of High School Musical.
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| Somehow, we ended up going out again. |
The other was my English 412 professor, who asked us all how we got into writing. That was less funny, but just as interesting. And it didn't force me to think of something on the spot, something not too weird or boring, but catchy and funny and memorable. I should just start a list for future icebreakers.
I digress. If you haven't noticed, I've been digressing for this entire post. I hate writing first posts, introductions, etc. I like to jump right in. I feel like a lot of formalities are fake, and truth and personality come gradually. As you read the blog, you'll sense what I'm doing. I don't feel like I have to make a big presentation of THE BLOG. That said, if you want that, I plan to write an About page in a short while that will be a tab at the top. Woo!
There there, I won't leave you hanging entirely. This is going to be a blog about Germany. I've tried to start several blogs in the past and failed because, well, I just didn't have quite enough discipline. But in just under a month, I'll be embarking on the trip of a lifetime, and I'd be selfish if I didn't share some of it with the people I know. (Hmmm...I actually like the word "remiss" there also: "I'd be remiss not to share some of it with the people I know." Can't decide. Such are the trials of an English major.) If I have enough gumption to pick up and spend time in Berlin, I have enough gumption to blog about it.
I mean, if you want all the fanfare...
I present to you...
THE TRAVEL BLOG **trumpet fanfare** There, now that that's out of the way, we can begin. Don't expect many posts in the next few weeks; I'll be enjoying the last of my summer and trying to fit my many essentials in limited luggage. I'll post here and there, but then...Berlin! Get ready (I'm reminding myself of this as much as you).
P.S. This, on the other hand, would be a great way to start a new class/meeting:
