I would like a Long-Eared Jerboa as seen here.
I also apologize in advance for lack of Christmas cards and gifts to everyone - my mind is a tad preoccupied with getting myself to Texas.
401
That is just how many days this entire deployment has lasted. I just got a call this evening from Andrew to say he is stateside - not in Texas but stateside nonetheless.
I am relieved - although I am not sure it has fully hit me yet.
I am relieved - although I am not sure it has fully hit me yet.
Golden Compass and 1 week of class to go
Last week of classes for the semester. I can not believe that I have made it this far. It means giving two presentations , wrapping up a semester's worth of teaching, and finally getting the chance to call Andy (not him always calling me - not to mention the time difference gets cut down to two hours). I feel somewhat relieved - not totally but almost there.
I went to see a sneak preview of the Golden Compass last night. The movie was good - so good I did not look at my watch once, actually i was hoping the movie would continue on, but alas it did not. I don't want to say much more since the movie doesn't come out until next Friday - but it was a pretty good adaptation of the book. Leaps and bounds above whoever decided to write the screenplay for Eragon - boy did that turn out a flop. But I will say this - watch for the armored bear fight scene - it is....wow!
Well I should get back to doing a spot of work so that this week doesn't feel too overwhelming.
Oh - Andy is currently in Kuwait and will hopefully be in Texas by Tuesday evening. That is all.
I went to see a sneak preview of the Golden Compass last night. The movie was good - so good I did not look at my watch once, actually i was hoping the movie would continue on, but alas it did not. I don't want to say much more since the movie doesn't come out until next Friday - but it was a pretty good adaptation of the book. Leaps and bounds above whoever decided to write the screenplay for Eragon - boy did that turn out a flop. But I will say this - watch for the armored bear fight scene - it is....wow!
Well I should get back to doing a spot of work so that this week doesn't feel too overwhelming.
Oh - Andy is currently in Kuwait and will hopefully be in Texas by Tuesday evening. That is all.
1.5 Weeks to Go...
that is if you don't count finals week. So what is there left to do
In other news, my parents have yet again gone to Disney World without me. It's very sad. Not that I could really go anyway - seeing as it is crunch time for the semester and my students would be totally lost without me. I do wish I could have gone, take a break from the Turkey Day /wedding break. But they did leave me a very early Christmas present. A navigation system. So that wherever life happens to take me - I can always manage a way home (yes even in the event of a 10 mile back up or construction detour). I was very surprised needless to say. I haven't played with it yet. Hope to do that maybe this weekend. Any ideas where I should go?
On a food related note - I love fettuccine alfredo. I don't ever make it for myself. But I always get huge portions at restaurants. Like all good people - I doggie-bag the leftovers. Whenever I have had left overs - I always threw it in the microwave. Isn't that what you are supposed to do with leftovers?? Not fettuccine alfredo. I have learned the secret. Throw the leftovers in a small fry pan and add a splash of milk and whatever cheese you may have on hand. Heat that up real quick - just like in the restaurant. *You can now commence with the - oh but didn't you know that was what you were supposed to do?*
I don't have much else to update except I want to see the Lights at the Zoo, the Golden Compass, and I just saw the trailer for Sweeney Todd starring the oh so dreamy Johnny Depp. That is all.
- Teaching -
create 3rd exam and the final exam;lots o'grading - Applied Math -
problem re-writes, case study write up, one more presentation about my case study - Fourier Analysis - a presentation of my choosing
- Graph Theory -
two problem sets, a final exam - Masters work - a humongous pile of papers t
o readand start making sense of
In other news, my parents have yet again gone to Disney World without me. It's very sad. Not that I could really go anyway - seeing as it is crunch time for the semester and my students would be totally lost without me. I do wish I could have gone, take a break from the Turkey Day /wedding break. But they did leave me a very early Christmas present. A navigation system. So that wherever life happens to take me - I can always manage a way home (yes even in the event of a 10 mile back up or construction detour). I was very surprised needless to say. I haven't played with it yet. Hope to do that maybe this weekend. Any ideas where I should go?
On a food related note - I love fettuccine alfredo. I don't ever make it for myself. But I always get huge portions at restaurants. Like all good people - I doggie-bag the leftovers. Whenever I have had left overs - I always threw it in the microwave. Isn't that what you are supposed to do with leftovers?? Not fettuccine alfredo. I have learned the secret. Throw the leftovers in a small fry pan and add a splash of milk and whatever cheese you may have on hand. Heat that up real quick - just like in the restaurant. *You can now commence with the - oh but didn't you know that was what you were supposed to do?*
I don't have much else to update except I want to see the Lights at the Zoo, the Golden Compass, and I just saw the trailer for Sweeney Todd starring the oh so dreamy Johnny Depp. That is all.
3 Weeks to Go...
To-do update:
On a side note: I got this massive killer headache on October 25th. It has slowly diminished in intensity but lately I feel as if it is coming back. i know I am stressing about the end of the semester. So many tiny little things I need to get done before the end. I feel it coming from my shoulders (it's where i store all my stress.) But I also think I am happy, excited, nervous and who knows what Andy coming home. Going to my friend's wedding this weekend is sort of putting all of this into perspective for me. This will be me in exactly 6 months - to the day. But I haven't yet figured out a way to release any of this energy into something good. Reading just makes me more nervous - but it is exactly the thing I need to do. I hope that exactly a month's time when I get off the plane and see Andrew that all of this will just wash over me and I will feel better.
I'm back to watching the AMA's and avoiding reading.
- Teaching -
create 3rd exam and the final exam;lots o'grading - Applied Math -
problem re-writes, case study write up, one more presentation about my case study - Fourier Analysis - a presentation of my choosing
- Graph Theory -
onethen one more problem set, a final exam - Masters work - a humongous pile of papers t
o readand start making sense of
On a side note: I got this massive killer headache on October 25th. It has slowly diminished in intensity but lately I feel as if it is coming back. i know I am stressing about the end of the semester. So many tiny little things I need to get done before the end. I feel it coming from my shoulders (it's where i store all my stress.) But I also think I am happy, excited, nervous and who knows what Andy coming home. Going to my friend's wedding this weekend is sort of putting all of this into perspective for me. This will be me in exactly 6 months - to the day. But I haven't yet figured out a way to release any of this energy into something good. Reading just makes me more nervous - but it is exactly the thing I need to do. I hope that exactly a month's time when I get off the plane and see Andrew that all of this will just wash over me and I will feel better.
I'm back to watching the AMA's and avoiding reading.
4 Weeks and counting
Wow - only 4 more weeks to go. It has been crazy this past week. My constant headache has continued - I know probably to the amount of stress I am created for myself. Awful. I know. But I did manage to get a few things knocked out.
Just keep swimming!
- Teaching -
create 3rd exam and the final exam;lots o'grading - Applied Math - problem re-writes,
case studywrite up (I only cross out half because I have half of it done), one more presentation about my case study - Fourier Analysis - a presentation of my choosing
- Graph Theory -
onethen one more problem set, a final exam - Masters work - a humongous pile of papers to read and start making sense of
Just keep swimming!
5 Week To-Do List
I am sure you all have just been waiting - pins and needles - to hear about everything I need to do in the last 5 weeks of the semester.
Also must enjoy Thanksgiving, as well as the ensuing wedding that weekend. Should take lots of pictures of me in a very pink (okay it's called primrose) dress and shoes with a heel (so it's a small heel).
Just don't want my mind to worry about too much math over the break. ;o)
- Teaching - create 3rd exam and the final exam; lots o'grading
- Applied Math - problem re-writes, case study write up, one more presentation about my case study
- Fourier Analysis - a presentation of my choosing
- Graph Theory - probably one more problem set, a final exam
- Masters work - a humongous pile of papers to read and start making sense of
Also must enjoy Thanksgiving, as well as the ensuing wedding that weekend. Should take lots of pictures of me in a very pink (okay it's called primrose) dress and shoes with a heel (so it's a small heel).
Just don't want my mind to worry about too much math over the break. ;o)
October 29, 2008
1 year
12 months
52 weeks
365 days
8,760 hours
525,600 minutes
If I really wanted to be dramatic, I would multiply the 525,600 by 60 to find out how many seconds. Ehh, that would be overkill. Tomorrow marks one whole year of having to deal with time zone issues, scheduling phone calls, crazy emails, sending packages, having calls cut out, and more. I almost would like to celebrate it - make a nice fancy schmancy dinner, dress up, do something special- the exact opposite of my less-than-noteworthy graduate student life. I would like to celebrate it - but there is only one person who I want to celebrate it with (he is still "over there" :::as I point aimlessly:::). I suppose the upside is that in just over a month this will be over and done with. Mind you it will be an absolutely crazy month - but only 1 to have to deal with.
Just need to keep focused and productive. Keep the eye on the prize - finish this crazy semester without putting myself in panic mode, don't skimp out on my teaching (there isn't that much more to cover), and enjoy what will be a festive Thanksgiving/wedding weekend.
Side note: I plan on doing laundry tomorrow evening in case you were wondering. Very classy - can't you tell?
12 months
52 weeks
365 days
8,760 hours
525,600 minutes
If I really wanted to be dramatic, I would multiply the 525,600 by 60 to find out how many seconds. Ehh, that would be overkill. Tomorrow marks one whole year of having to deal with time zone issues, scheduling phone calls, crazy emails, sending packages, having calls cut out, and more. I almost would like to celebrate it - make a nice fancy schmancy dinner, dress up, do something special- the exact opposite of my less-than-noteworthy graduate student life. I would like to celebrate it - but there is only one person who I want to celebrate it with (he is still "over there" :::as I point aimlessly:::). I suppose the upside is that in just over a month this will be over and done with. Mind you it will be an absolutely crazy month - but only 1 to have to deal with.
Just need to keep focused and productive. Keep the eye on the prize - finish this crazy semester without putting myself in panic mode, don't skimp out on my teaching (there isn't that much more to cover), and enjoy what will be a festive Thanksgiving/wedding weekend.
Side note: I plan on doing laundry tomorrow evening in case you were wondering. Very classy - can't you tell?
Winter Wish List
I feel like it has been forever since I have actually had a list of wants that coincided with the upcoming holiday season. This is not a cry for people to get me anything, they just happen to be things I have my eye one and maybe someday - preferably in the near future as opposed to the much much later future - I will get my hands on them:
1. Mac OS X Leopard for my laptop. boy that would be happy - not that my laptop isn't great to begin with, but you know how it is.
2. External hard drive. I suppose this is more practical than anything else. I would feel better if I could back up my files - music, videos, photos, oh not to forget about all that math work I have done.
3. Iphone - I can't reconcile the cost at the moment but maybe someday. Not to mention the ATT plan is somewhat expensive. I am waiting to see if Apple will either come out with a bigger drive or drop the price again for the holidays.
4. Dance Dance Revolution for Wii. Really the only other game I want outside of maybe the Big Brain Academy. (yes I know I am a dork.)
5. Third season of Grey's Anatomy and Numb3rs.
6. I think I got hooked on a makeup line. Yeah awful isn't it? I want to find some nice eye shadows/blushes/lip gloss (I don't really do lipstick), although I don't wear them too often.
Finite randomness.
1. Mac OS X Leopard for my laptop. boy that would be happy - not that my laptop isn't great to begin with, but you know how it is.
2. External hard drive. I suppose this is more practical than anything else. I would feel better if I could back up my files - music, videos, photos, oh not to forget about all that math work I have done.
3. Iphone - I can't reconcile the cost at the moment but maybe someday. Not to mention the ATT plan is somewhat expensive. I am waiting to see if Apple will either come out with a bigger drive or drop the price again for the holidays.
4. Dance Dance Revolution for Wii. Really the only other game I want outside of maybe the Big Brain Academy. (yes I know I am a dork.)
5. Third season of Grey's Anatomy and Numb3rs.
6. I think I got hooked on a makeup line. Yeah awful isn't it? I want to find some nice eye shadows/blushes/lip gloss (I don't really do lipstick), although I don't wear them too often.
Finite randomness.
Countdown Commencing
I have a bought a ticket. December 18, 2007 I will be making my way to El Paso, TX. Only 64 more days!! Keep your fingers crossed everyone that I don't have to push that ticket back any farther.
I apologize in advance that I won't get to see anyone over the winter break. I plan on spending most of it with Andrew. I know El Paso seems an odd place to spend the holidays but hopefully it won't be.
Just felt like sharing.
More depressing news - my apartment is so quiet it is freaking me out. Not that I don't mind the fact that my neighbors are being good. Hurray for no thumping music. It just isn't busy like home is. Oh well. I still have not gotten any good amount of math done - now that I'm thinking about it - I should probably do that.
I apologize in advance that I won't get to see anyone over the winter break. I plan on spending most of it with Andrew. I know El Paso seems an odd place to spend the holidays but hopefully it won't be.
Just felt like sharing.
More depressing news - my apartment is so quiet it is freaking me out. Not that I don't mind the fact that my neighbors are being good. Hurray for no thumping music. It just isn't busy like home is. Oh well. I still have not gotten any good amount of math done - now that I'm thinking about it - I should probably do that.
Wedding checklist
Despite not having completed my Graph theory work or studied one ounce of Applied Math this weekend - I managed to get a lot accomplished while I was back home in Jersey.
Done: have a date, the church, reception hall, photographer, florist, dj, limo service, bridal party, my dress, the ladies' dresses ordered, oh yeah not to forget the fiancee as well.
Now if I could just figure out the sort of invitation I want - I had one in mind, and then I saw the plethora of colors/ papers/ inks that I could do - yeah right down the tube. But outside of that, only little things are left to tackle - but I don't think they need to be tackled until next year. Good too, because if this distracts me anymore - I might just not finish school in time.
Random journey - I made my way into the Sephora store in the mall - ooo I could have been there all day - but I had them do a quick foundation set up for my face and I really liked it. I might go all girly on makeup soon. Someone stop me if it becomes an obsession.
Ack it's late - I should sleep so I don't freak out on students tomorrow.
Done: have a date, the church, reception hall, photographer, florist, dj, limo service, bridal party, my dress, the ladies' dresses ordered, oh yeah not to forget the fiancee as well.
Now if I could just figure out the sort of invitation I want - I had one in mind, and then I saw the plethora of colors/ papers/ inks that I could do - yeah right down the tube. But outside of that, only little things are left to tackle - but I don't think they need to be tackled until next year. Good too, because if this distracts me anymore - I might just not finish school in time.
Random journey - I made my way into the Sephora store in the mall - ooo I could have been there all day - but I had them do a quick foundation set up for my face and I really liked it. I might go all girly on makeup soon. Someone stop me if it becomes an obsession.
Ack it's late - I should sleep so I don't freak out on students tomorrow.
Semi-Amused
I downloaded a program a few days ago called Yum. It's a very simple program. I'm guessing from the title you can figure out what it is. It is a recipe program. I guess it is the 21st century solution to having one of those metal boxes filled with recipe cards. Mind you - Yum is free, so it doesn't do anything fancy schmancy.
But I must sing it's praises. I typed in all of my favorite recipes (Sue me - I have like 30 total - I just haven't had the time in grad school to really get to experiment). I don't have to go searching through all of my cookbooks now to find "that" recipe - you know the one with the stuff - from that book. I can put the recipes into categories and also cross reference them - you know like they cross reference books in the library. So when I look for chicken soup I can find it under Chicken recipes or Soups. Even cooler- I get to choose the categories to be whatever my crazy head comes up with. Say you want to make sure you had ingredients for a couple of recipes during the week - you can select the recipes and then print out a shopping list of the necessary ingredients. Very snazzy. My favorite aspect - which I hope to put to use soon, suppose you are in the kitchen. Me - I am constantly moving around - and constantly moving the sheets I have the recipe on too. So I get a tad lost about halfway through my cooking. The program lets you blow up your recipe card like a huge powerpoint presentation on your screen (you know 48 size font) and scroll through the steps without me losing the recipe card or having to squint to read the words - or have to figure out how far I am into the recipe.
So I am amused by it all - and am still looking to add to my new computerized cookbook database. But it is all happening slowly - silly school getting in the way of fun things.
Chat more later. It's late and past my bed time.
But I must sing it's praises. I typed in all of my favorite recipes (Sue me - I have like 30 total - I just haven't had the time in grad school to really get to experiment). I don't have to go searching through all of my cookbooks now to find "that" recipe - you know the one with the stuff - from that book. I can put the recipes into categories and also cross reference them - you know like they cross reference books in the library. So when I look for chicken soup I can find it under Chicken recipes or Soups. Even cooler- I get to choose the categories to be whatever my crazy head comes up with. Say you want to make sure you had ingredients for a couple of recipes during the week - you can select the recipes and then print out a shopping list of the necessary ingredients. Very snazzy. My favorite aspect - which I hope to put to use soon, suppose you are in the kitchen. Me - I am constantly moving around - and constantly moving the sheets I have the recipe on too. So I get a tad lost about halfway through my cooking. The program lets you blow up your recipe card like a huge powerpoint presentation on your screen (you know 48 size font) and scroll through the steps without me losing the recipe card or having to squint to read the words - or have to figure out how far I am into the recipe.
So I am amused by it all - and am still looking to add to my new computerized cookbook database. But it is all happening slowly - silly school getting in the way of fun things.
Chat more later. It's late and past my bed time.
Lost
My explanation for my last post. *First I didn't realize people were such big internet stalkers as I am - I wasn't expecting the comments for a couple of days or something like that.*
Writing here as always been therapeutic. I know I am not the most amazing writer but I don't think it matters much if I am trying to get rid of the random thoughts that just seem to fill up my head. It seems to just bring a bit of closure to any sort of situation that I have gone through.
I am a person who knows what my next step will be. I think I have been like this for a very long time. Even when I was younger my parents would ask me about switching schools. After a few days I would sit down and talk to them about a decision. I knew I wanted to play piano - so I asked for lessons. I knew I needed to switch high schools because the one I was at was slowly going down the toilet. I knew I wanted to go to college - I didn't let anyone read my application essay - I got in everywhere I had wanted to. I wanted to run - I knew when it was time to stop running competitively. I just seemed to see the next step. It was all just so natural.
Right now I am not that person. I am staring over the edge of the "infinite abyss" (I love Garden State), and I see no steps. No actions to take. I am lost. After about a month of simmering with the thought - I have decided to try to end my program here at a Masters. Why - when I can most surely stick around to get the doctorate? The most obvious is that I can not and do not want to be living a life for the next year or so filled with back and forth plane flights to see Andrew. It hurts. I am living less than that right now and I feel pain all the time. But what I feel that maybe even trumps that - is the simple fact that I lack any and all curiosity in math. Something has beaten it out of me. You can not be in a environment like this and expect to do well without some sort of inquisitiveness about the subject. Right now I seem to be holding it together from sheer will to not have wasted all of this time. I refuse to walk away from this situation not having accomplished anything.
But this is not the only thing. You might say *as I say to myself quite often* - but you have so many things to look forward to. Now you will have a master's and you have this wedding to plan. Big huge steps right? Yes, in a sense, but I still feel like I am lacking that next step. Maybe if I say it like - I love the fact that Andrew and I have decided to "take the plunge" - but I am trying very hard to not let that be the only way I define myself. I need a step that is mine. I have pondered maybe applying for a physics, or mathematical sciences program - but I stop myself. I would not want to lose that curiosity as well - nor do I think I can deal with another round of graduate school stress. I thought about possibly riding out the time in El Paso by getting teacher certification (high school physics and math?). But I am not sure. I don't really know what other sort of job I would hold. Mind you I need a job. Andrew has said on several occasions that it would be okay - if I didn't want to work for a while. It's a great gesture and I really appreciate it - but I need something to occupy my time. Sitting at home with no work on the weekend is great - but everyday I might just go insane.
So I think that was it. I probably should have just waited to write this entry and not written the one before - but I needed a tiny little outlet.
Life steps for the moment: Make it through this semester unscathed. Get to see Andy over winter break. Spend spring semester working on thesis and wedding. Get married. Move to El Paso? Then who knows what - I don't want to stay lost for long because then my anxieties about money will start kicking in and that...that my friends will be bad.
Writing here as always been therapeutic. I know I am not the most amazing writer but I don't think it matters much if I am trying to get rid of the random thoughts that just seem to fill up my head. It seems to just bring a bit of closure to any sort of situation that I have gone through.
I am a person who knows what my next step will be. I think I have been like this for a very long time. Even when I was younger my parents would ask me about switching schools. After a few days I would sit down and talk to them about a decision. I knew I wanted to play piano - so I asked for lessons. I knew I needed to switch high schools because the one I was at was slowly going down the toilet. I knew I wanted to go to college - I didn't let anyone read my application essay - I got in everywhere I had wanted to. I wanted to run - I knew when it was time to stop running competitively. I just seemed to see the next step. It was all just so natural.
Right now I am not that person. I am staring over the edge of the "infinite abyss" (I love Garden State), and I see no steps. No actions to take. I am lost. After about a month of simmering with the thought - I have decided to try to end my program here at a Masters. Why - when I can most surely stick around to get the doctorate? The most obvious is that I can not and do not want to be living a life for the next year or so filled with back and forth plane flights to see Andrew. It hurts. I am living less than that right now and I feel pain all the time. But what I feel that maybe even trumps that - is the simple fact that I lack any and all curiosity in math. Something has beaten it out of me. You can not be in a environment like this and expect to do well without some sort of inquisitiveness about the subject. Right now I seem to be holding it together from sheer will to not have wasted all of this time. I refuse to walk away from this situation not having accomplished anything.
But this is not the only thing. You might say *as I say to myself quite often* - but you have so many things to look forward to. Now you will have a master's and you have this wedding to plan. Big huge steps right? Yes, in a sense, but I still feel like I am lacking that next step. Maybe if I say it like - I love the fact that Andrew and I have decided to "take the plunge" - but I am trying very hard to not let that be the only way I define myself. I need a step that is mine. I have pondered maybe applying for a physics, or mathematical sciences program - but I stop myself. I would not want to lose that curiosity as well - nor do I think I can deal with another round of graduate school stress. I thought about possibly riding out the time in El Paso by getting teacher certification (high school physics and math?). But I am not sure. I don't really know what other sort of job I would hold. Mind you I need a job. Andrew has said on several occasions that it would be okay - if I didn't want to work for a while. It's a great gesture and I really appreciate it - but I need something to occupy my time. Sitting at home with no work on the weekend is great - but everyday I might just go insane.
So I think that was it. I probably should have just waited to write this entry and not written the one before - but I needed a tiny little outlet.
Life steps for the moment: Make it through this semester unscathed. Get to see Andy over winter break. Spend spring semester working on thesis and wedding. Get married. Move to El Paso? Then who knows what - I don't want to stay lost for long because then my anxieties about money will start kicking in and that...that my friends will be bad.
I have been meaning to write an entry lately. I just have not been able to bring myself to fleshing out the details. If I write all of this out - then it seems final, no more debating or wavering. I know I need to be firm. I need to put my foot down. Right now I don't have the stomach to do it. Maybe this weekend I will fill-in the blanks here. And then, then it will really be happening.
A brief interlude
:::::Semi-happy dance:::::
My wedding dress is in at the bridal shop. I'm excited. I'm going to go Friday in the morning to try it on - and buy the necessary footwear and maybe a veil.
insert high-pitched squealing noise here
enter math work
sad face :o(
My wedding dress is in at the bridal shop. I'm excited. I'm going to go Friday in the morning to try it on - and buy the necessary footwear and maybe a veil.
insert high-pitched squealing noise here
enter math work
sad face :o(
Issue(s)
1. Teaching a class and taking classes has become a major pain in my behind. For some crazy reason I can not find enough "bouncy-happy" math enthusiasm to make it through my morning teaching and be semi-interested in my classes. My classes are interesting - don't get me wrong - but after 5 minutes in I am bored out of my mind and am desperately trying to keep my attention focused. And it isn't like there is super amounts of work - I just thought maybe after my quals life would get a bit easier - but the problem sets just seem sooo out there.
2. I don't know what to do with my life - or with Andy's. Do I want to stay in the program here? Do I want to get out? Does Andy want to stay in the army or get out? Is there someway to make this work so that neither of us regrets the answers to those questions? For the past year, I have felt so...lacking in skills. I truly felt inadequate and that maybe - just maybe the department would let me slide along to get my masters degree. Fast forward to having nicely typed up letter in my hand - and it is like my mind is in overload. I don't know how to process it. I had successfully talked myself out of the thought that I would be staying here much longer - I am just baffled now. Neither myself or Andy can seem to make a decision - except for the obvious - it needs to work out so that we aren't apart (this is a whole other issue). The army has upsides - pretty stable pay and living situation - even if you move around quite a bit (at least you won't get bored with the scenery). But I hate being in the middle of a downside. Being here at school - in the short term - well my pay stretches just enough for me to live on - two not so much. But in the long run I could probably get myself a sweet job at some university or college in about 3 more school years if you don't include this one. Ugh - all I can say is I wish someone could show me what will happen over the next 5 years in every case and then say this is the best one for you two. I could probably spend an entire entry on this alone - I know Andy and I have spoken about it many a time - but I think this sorta sums it up.
3. I feel a bit homesick - for everything and everyone. I especially miss my Kona puppy - I wish I could have a pet in my apartment. But the best I could do is probably a fish - and it really is not cute if you try to squish your face up against the glass to try to hug and talk to the fish.
4. I am absurdly emotional. Unusual, isn't it? I think I have been this way for the past couple of months. I think Andy's coming home right when I had gotten a hold on it threw me off. I was able to sort of stall all of it while I was studying- kinda. Now I could be reading my 1000 page fourier series book and get set off. Andy's phone calls and emails - yeah I can't have company around after those. I don't understand it. I have never been so consistently agitated. It isn't me - and to be honest it scares the crap out of me. I'm trying to get it under control.
5. Someone mentioned to me that they thought I had lost some weight. Yes, I know most people would say that is a great compliment. No. It means I've let all of the above come to a head - that is, I am so stressed I feel I have no appetite. When I don't have an appetite, I tend to eat very tiny meal portions. So now - I'm stressed about making sure I eat enough and I'm stuck in a bit of a cycle.
Anyone want to magically get rid of some of these for me?
2. I don't know what to do with my life - or with Andy's. Do I want to stay in the program here? Do I want to get out? Does Andy want to stay in the army or get out? Is there someway to make this work so that neither of us regrets the answers to those questions? For the past year, I have felt so...lacking in skills. I truly felt inadequate and that maybe - just maybe the department would let me slide along to get my masters degree. Fast forward to having nicely typed up letter in my hand - and it is like my mind is in overload. I don't know how to process it. I had successfully talked myself out of the thought that I would be staying here much longer - I am just baffled now. Neither myself or Andy can seem to make a decision - except for the obvious - it needs to work out so that we aren't apart (this is a whole other issue). The army has upsides - pretty stable pay and living situation - even if you move around quite a bit (at least you won't get bored with the scenery). But I hate being in the middle of a downside. Being here at school - in the short term - well my pay stretches just enough for me to live on - two not so much. But in the long run I could probably get myself a sweet job at some university or college in about 3 more school years if you don't include this one. Ugh - all I can say is I wish someone could show me what will happen over the next 5 years in every case and then say this is the best one for you two. I could probably spend an entire entry on this alone - I know Andy and I have spoken about it many a time - but I think this sorta sums it up.
3. I feel a bit homesick - for everything and everyone. I especially miss my Kona puppy - I wish I could have a pet in my apartment. But the best I could do is probably a fish - and it really is not cute if you try to squish your face up against the glass to try to hug and talk to the fish.
4. I am absurdly emotional. Unusual, isn't it? I think I have been this way for the past couple of months. I think Andy's coming home right when I had gotten a hold on it threw me off. I was able to sort of stall all of it while I was studying- kinda. Now I could be reading my 1000 page fourier series book and get set off. Andy's phone calls and emails - yeah I can't have company around after those. I don't understand it. I have never been so consistently agitated. It isn't me - and to be honest it scares the crap out of me. I'm trying to get it under control.
5. Someone mentioned to me that they thought I had lost some weight. Yes, I know most people would say that is a great compliment. No. It means I've let all of the above come to a head - that is, I am so stressed I feel I have no appetite. When I don't have an appetite, I tend to eat very tiny meal portions. So now - I'm stressed about making sure I eat enough and I'm stuck in a bit of a cycle.
Anyone want to magically get rid of some of these for me?
Returned
I have successfully managed to get my internet situation all worked out. We will glaze over the fact that I have been inadvertantly (probably more like advertantly) accessing a not password protected wireless network for the past year - and jump to the fact that I feel like an adult for having done this all myself - outside of several rantings to the parents about the insanity of it all.
The whole situation made me feel really disconnected from everything - work that needed to be accomplished online for my classes (not that I really enjoy assigning work online for my students but alas), communication with Andrew, paying bills, wedding planning (yes i do a lot of legwork by checking information out on line), general email, accessing news (yes i have a perfectly good television - but I'm not a fan of news bias), my favorite checking the weather (which should be easy seeing as a have a perfectly good balcony to step out onto). I also felt like I lacked some sort of basic human knowledge on how to lead my life without the gateway of the internet.
I believe what made all of this seem even more out of proportion is the fact that this week was the first full week of classes - I had so many little tasks to get done - I was exhausted by Monday afternoon. What's worse - to use the internet I needed to be in my office at school - and yeah offices are great - but they are in no way comfortable. I feel like I was on the verge of becoming sick from stress and overworking myself. I think that I have calmed down. At the very least this weekend is a long weekend and I should be able to relax.
Sad note: This week two very very close people have decided to put their pets to sleep. Both pets lived long lives - about 17 years in each case. It makes me think about Kona - and even though I'm not there - what a wonderful dog he is. That throughout high school - I would wake up early and he would sit in my lap and watch some silly cartoons before I had to head out. That when I would have the house to myself for a couple of days - Kona always made it a point to fall asleep in my room so I wasn't by myself (not to mention make sure i got up at the crack of dawn by jingling his collar and jumping onto my bed). Pets are so wonderful like that. They make you feel like you are a part of something - or a Cesar Millan would say - part of the "pack" and being part of the pack is all you needed.
The whole situation made me feel really disconnected from everything - work that needed to be accomplished online for my classes (not that I really enjoy assigning work online for my students but alas), communication with Andrew, paying bills, wedding planning (yes i do a lot of legwork by checking information out on line), general email, accessing news (yes i have a perfectly good television - but I'm not a fan of news bias), my favorite checking the weather (which should be easy seeing as a have a perfectly good balcony to step out onto). I also felt like I lacked some sort of basic human knowledge on how to lead my life without the gateway of the internet.
I believe what made all of this seem even more out of proportion is the fact that this week was the first full week of classes - I had so many little tasks to get done - I was exhausted by Monday afternoon. What's worse - to use the internet I needed to be in my office at school - and yeah offices are great - but they are in no way comfortable. I feel like I was on the verge of becoming sick from stress and overworking myself. I think that I have calmed down. At the very least this weekend is a long weekend and I should be able to relax.
Sad note: This week two very very close people have decided to put their pets to sleep. Both pets lived long lives - about 17 years in each case. It makes me think about Kona - and even though I'm not there - what a wonderful dog he is. That throughout high school - I would wake up early and he would sit in my lap and watch some silly cartoons before I had to head out. That when I would have the house to myself for a couple of days - Kona always made it a point to fall asleep in my room so I wasn't by myself (not to mention make sure i got up at the crack of dawn by jingling his collar and jumping onto my bed). Pets are so wonderful like that. They make you feel like you are a part of something - or a Cesar Millan would say - part of the "pack" and being part of the pack is all you needed.
Best First Day of School....EVER!
This is my phrase for the day.
This summer has been grueling. Not relaxing, not super fun, but annoyingly filled with work. Last week I took both the Algebra and the Analysis Qualifying exams. The Algebra exam was a bit harder than I thought - but doable if I didn't have a mental road block the size of Texas hanging around my brain. The Analysis exam must have been a god-send for me. The questions were exactly the questions that were on the exams for the semester. It was good then that I had spent a bunch of time on the exams we had done in class.
But still everything this summer has been unsure.
I taught my first class today - an intensive basic algebra course. Forty students. I have felt overwhelmed the past two days with the amount of prep work I felt I needed to do. But that feeling has somewhat washed over me - if I just spend a bit of time early in the semester getting all of this planned out - the course will seem like a non-issue at the end of the semester. I think it will be a good group - but that is just my initial impressions.
When I returned from teaching - I had heard that the qualifying exam results were in. Almost everyone had checked to find out how they did. So I traipsed up the stairs to my mailbox. My mailbox is one of the top-most boxes, so I slowly slid the envelope towards me. I held onto the envelope and walked back downstairs to my office. I opened the letter. First glance - crap there is like nothing at all written in the letter I must have failed. Second glance - "your performance on the blah blah blah exam"..."so we have decided to recommend you"...Third glance - "congratulations on this milestone" What??!?!?! It wasn't until the 4th reading of this tiny letter that it sunk in - I have PHD passed the qualifying exams and I am officially part of the PHD program here at SC.
Now this brings up a lot of decisions - particularly life decisions. I don't know all the possible options I have to complete this doctorate - that is if I still want to. It is quite an ego boost to see that these people believe I have some sort of mathematical ability. The Sparacio theorem is still very tempting to me. But I need to really think this through.
I also had graph theory and fourier analysis today - both of which turned out to be halfway decent and I managed to finish up my work for those classes. It is very satisfying.
Anyway - I am tired from worrying and hungry from a long day. So I might just sign off.
This summer has been grueling. Not relaxing, not super fun, but annoyingly filled with work. Last week I took both the Algebra and the Analysis Qualifying exams. The Algebra exam was a bit harder than I thought - but doable if I didn't have a mental road block the size of Texas hanging around my brain. The Analysis exam must have been a god-send for me. The questions were exactly the questions that were on the exams for the semester. It was good then that I had spent a bunch of time on the exams we had done in class.
But still everything this summer has been unsure.
I taught my first class today - an intensive basic algebra course. Forty students. I have felt overwhelmed the past two days with the amount of prep work I felt I needed to do. But that feeling has somewhat washed over me - if I just spend a bit of time early in the semester getting all of this planned out - the course will seem like a non-issue at the end of the semester. I think it will be a good group - but that is just my initial impressions.
When I returned from teaching - I had heard that the qualifying exam results were in. Almost everyone had checked to find out how they did. So I traipsed up the stairs to my mailbox. My mailbox is one of the top-most boxes, so I slowly slid the envelope towards me. I held onto the envelope and walked back downstairs to my office. I opened the letter. First glance - crap there is like nothing at all written in the letter I must have failed. Second glance - "your performance on the blah blah blah exam"..."so we have decided to recommend you"...Third glance - "congratulations on this milestone" What??!?!?! It wasn't until the 4th reading of this tiny letter that it sunk in - I have PHD passed the qualifying exams and I am officially part of the PHD program here at SC.
Now this brings up a lot of decisions - particularly life decisions. I don't know all the possible options I have to complete this doctorate - that is if I still want to. It is quite an ego boost to see that these people believe I have some sort of mathematical ability. The Sparacio theorem is still very tempting to me. But I need to really think this through.
I also had graph theory and fourier analysis today - both of which turned out to be halfway decent and I managed to finish up my work for those classes. It is very satisfying.
Anyway - I am tired from worrying and hungry from a long day. So I might just sign off.
Holy Metal Batman!!!
Oh this has nothing to do with Batman - although lately I have seen Christian Bale a number of times when I have had the opportunity to turn on my tv.
MONKEY!!!
This story by far has been the most amusing thing I have read over the past couple of weeks.
But in less than 10 days - I most likely will have completed my qualifying exams. I will be free to relax for a total of 6 days (yeah right!) before classes begin for the fall.
Who's totally excited?!?!?!
not me.
MONKEY!!!
This story by far has been the most amusing thing I have read over the past couple of weeks.
But in less than 10 days - I most likely will have completed my qualifying exams. I will be free to relax for a total of 6 days (yeah right!) before classes begin for the fall.
Who's totally excited?!?!?!
not me.
Studying bites...
I just figured I would let everyone know that in the next few days Andrew is moving to yet another place in Iraq. So if you have been sending him little notes - I have a new address for you. Just drop me a line and I'll pass it along to you.
Studying bites the big one. I don't understand the need for this - two daylong events to muddle the brain thoroughly. I did manage to pass all 4 classes on which this material will be comprised - why if I had to take a final for all 4 of these, do I need to take more exams on it?
Blech. I'll stop complaining now. I'll just continue to feel grossly inadequate for the next two and a half weeks.
Studying bites the big one. I don't understand the need for this - two daylong events to muddle the brain thoroughly. I did manage to pass all 4 classes on which this material will be comprised - why if I had to take a final for all 4 of these, do I need to take more exams on it?
Blech. I'll stop complaining now. I'll just continue to feel grossly inadequate for the next two and a half weeks.
What's Due...
Well - surprisingly...or maybe unsurprisingly - it seems like I have managed to be quite busy and productive over the past couple of weeks.
In math news - I believe although I have not confirmed (since I still have a few more problems to go) that I am pretty much done with all the Algebra (Linear and Numerical) studying. For some reason - it seems to come somewhat easily. Maybe the classes were taught really well - who knows. I just feel like I have a really good foundation in it. So what does this mean? It means for the next 2 weeks or so, I need to work on Analysis. I'd rather stab myself in the eye with a pencil. No - I'd rather write a 20 page paper on, I don't know, the effect of Velcro on society. Yes, it is indeed that bad. But if I can muddle my way through two semesters of it alright - then maybe just maybe I can muddle through this as well.
In wedding news - My mom was supposed to fly down for a weekend of fun dress shopping. Her flight ot cancelled. So instead my mom and dad decided to drive down to visit for the weekend. I went out dress shopping with Mom, Amanda, her mom, and Mrs. Sawyer (Amanda's soon to be mother-in-law) in the Charlotte area for the day. We both found our dresses and bridesmaid dresses. What I suppose is the funny thing - is that the dresses we both loved - were right here in Columbia. My bridesmaid dresses are here too. It turns out great because I won't have to spend half a day - if I need to get alterations done or anything like that. I think I have pretty much found my photographer, I just need to contact her. I think I may also have the florist in the bag as well. All I need is the DJ. What I feel bad about is the fact that - they (the DJ's) keep calling my home in Jersey. So my parents try to tell them that I am in South Carolina in graduate school at the moment - this is apparently not an acceptable answer. She won't be back in New Jersey until October - still no good. So I think just to get them all off of my parents back - I will need to pick one - and soon. The end of May is prom season - big time for DJs - and I want a good one. If I can manage that - then I think I am home clear for a little while.
In NOT my wedding news - well, most of the group of friends I made here in Columbia is all engaged. Next summer is going to be quite a busy time for me. But it will be really fun. For the upcoming November wedding I am in - there was what one would call a huge argument leading to falling out in the bridal party. So there was lots of drama going on. But it seems to have died down now. I picked up a nice gift for the bridal shower, and prizes for some games we are playing (yes the drama was about these little games and favors - yet for some reason, I, the person in charge of obtaining said prizes and favors, did not start any of the drama).
In Harry Potter news - I went to the midnight showing of Order of the Phoenix. For some reason, I just did not enjoy it - could have been the movie itself, or it could have just been the really annoying audience. I'd like to give the movie a second chance but I have no idea when I will have a chance to see it. I hope it comes out soon on DVD. I spent most of yesterday reading the Deathly Hallows. I think what may be more impressive is that this weekend I completed about 15-20 Numerical problems and read all of the Harry Potter book. Yes, it was a bit quick. But prior to this I was only half way through book 5. So I will continue on through 5, finish six, and then slowly read 7 again. Because I really wanted to find out how it ended and knew that if I read it while studying for the quals - it would take me until August to finish the book. That would just be unacceptable. I've heard that some people are unhappy with it - oh well. I enjoyed it - and I suppose that is all that counts right? I think though that I might go through some withdrawl now. I'll need to find some other series to get hooked on. I hear the next good book is by Roderick Gordon called Tunnels. I believe it is out in the UK but won't be in the US until next year - see if I can get my hands on a UK version of it. I guess too that I am still waiting for the third installment in Eragon and Eldest.
In me news - 15 days of leave is the biggest tease the army could have ever thought of. Jerks. I feel almost exactly like when Andy first left in November. It is starting to wear down a bit - but that just might be the fact that I'm getting really nervous about these stupid tests.
Update you all when I can.
In math news - I believe although I have not confirmed (since I still have a few more problems to go) that I am pretty much done with all the Algebra (Linear and Numerical) studying. For some reason - it seems to come somewhat easily. Maybe the classes were taught really well - who knows. I just feel like I have a really good foundation in it. So what does this mean? It means for the next 2 weeks or so, I need to work on Analysis. I'd rather stab myself in the eye with a pencil. No - I'd rather write a 20 page paper on, I don't know, the effect of Velcro on society. Yes, it is indeed that bad. But if I can muddle my way through two semesters of it alright - then maybe just maybe I can muddle through this as well.
In wedding news - My mom was supposed to fly down for a weekend of fun dress shopping. Her flight ot cancelled. So instead my mom and dad decided to drive down to visit for the weekend. I went out dress shopping with Mom, Amanda, her mom, and Mrs. Sawyer (Amanda's soon to be mother-in-law) in the Charlotte area for the day. We both found our dresses and bridesmaid dresses. What I suppose is the funny thing - is that the dresses we both loved - were right here in Columbia. My bridesmaid dresses are here too. It turns out great because I won't have to spend half a day - if I need to get alterations done or anything like that. I think I have pretty much found my photographer, I just need to contact her. I think I may also have the florist in the bag as well. All I need is the DJ. What I feel bad about is the fact that - they (the DJ's) keep calling my home in Jersey. So my parents try to tell them that I am in South Carolina in graduate school at the moment - this is apparently not an acceptable answer. She won't be back in New Jersey until October - still no good. So I think just to get them all off of my parents back - I will need to pick one - and soon. The end of May is prom season - big time for DJs - and I want a good one. If I can manage that - then I think I am home clear for a little while.
In NOT my wedding news - well, most of the group of friends I made here in Columbia is all engaged. Next summer is going to be quite a busy time for me. But it will be really fun. For the upcoming November wedding I am in - there was what one would call a huge argument leading to falling out in the bridal party. So there was lots of drama going on. But it seems to have died down now. I picked up a nice gift for the bridal shower, and prizes for some games we are playing (yes the drama was about these little games and favors - yet for some reason, I, the person in charge of obtaining said prizes and favors, did not start any of the drama).
In Harry Potter news - I went to the midnight showing of Order of the Phoenix. For some reason, I just did not enjoy it - could have been the movie itself, or it could have just been the really annoying audience. I'd like to give the movie a second chance but I have no idea when I will have a chance to see it. I hope it comes out soon on DVD. I spent most of yesterday reading the Deathly Hallows. I think what may be more impressive is that this weekend I completed about 15-20 Numerical problems and read all of the Harry Potter book. Yes, it was a bit quick. But prior to this I was only half way through book 5. So I will continue on through 5, finish six, and then slowly read 7 again. Because I really wanted to find out how it ended and knew that if I read it while studying for the quals - it would take me until August to finish the book. That would just be unacceptable. I've heard that some people are unhappy with it - oh well. I enjoyed it - and I suppose that is all that counts right? I think though that I might go through some withdrawl now. I'll need to find some other series to get hooked on. I hear the next good book is by Roderick Gordon called Tunnels. I believe it is out in the UK but won't be in the US until next year - see if I can get my hands on a UK version of it. I guess too that I am still waiting for the third installment in Eragon and Eldest.
In me news - 15 days of leave is the biggest tease the army could have ever thought of. Jerks. I feel almost exactly like when Andy first left in November. It is starting to wear down a bit - but that just might be the fact that I'm getting really nervous about these stupid tests.
Update you all when I can.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Wow. What a good book! I am not disappointed in the slightest. I won't go into detail either - Rowling created a wonderful story. That I think is all that I will say.
IOU
I plan on writing a more substantial note about life in general. But I was in the car and I heard this Avril Lavigne song. I don't know how I feel about it on the whole - musical composition wise - but the lyrics hit home.
When You're gone
I always needed time on my own
I never thought I'd need you there when I cry
And the days feel like years when I'm alone
And the bed where you lie
is made up on your side
When you walk away
I count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now?
When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone
All the words I need to hear to always get me through the day
And make it OK
I miss you
I've never felt this way before
Everything that I do
Reminds me of you
And the clothes you left
they lie on my floor
And they smell just like you
I love the things that you do
We were made for each other
Out here forever
I know we were
Yeah Yeah
All I ever wanted was for you to know
Everything I do I give my heart and soul
I can hardly breathe, I need to feel you here with me
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is out tonight - I plan on picking it up at 12:01 am. Then I will commence on reading it - so the next post will go up after that is all finished. I am excited, yet sad about it. Rowling says either people will love it or loathe it - I would hope after six books that I do not end up loathing the entire story. Then it seems like all the thoughts and contemplations would have gone to waste. And really would take you seriously if you say - you know what I only read up until the 6th book - I just don't like that 7th.
Oh well I need to manage some more math in for the day. :o(
When You're gone
I always needed time on my own
I never thought I'd need you there when I cry
And the days feel like years when I'm alone
And the bed where you lie
is made up on your side
When you walk away
I count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now?
When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone
All the words I need to hear to always get me through the day
And make it OK
I miss you
I've never felt this way before
Everything that I do
Reminds me of you
And the clothes you left
they lie on my floor
And they smell just like you
I love the things that you do
We were made for each other
Out here forever
I know we were
Yeah Yeah
All I ever wanted was for you to know
Everything I do I give my heart and soul
I can hardly breathe, I need to feel you here with me
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is out tonight - I plan on picking it up at 12:01 am. Then I will commence on reading it - so the next post will go up after that is all finished. I am excited, yet sad about it. Rowling says either people will love it or loathe it - I would hope after six books that I do not end up loathing the entire story. Then it seems like all the thoughts and contemplations would have gone to waste. And really would take you seriously if you say - you know what I only read up until the 6th book - I just don't like that 7th.
Oh well I need to manage some more math in for the day. :o(
Last Evening of fun
I feel like I need to say this somewhere and for it to matter. Right now I lack any and all motivation.
This is the end of the procrastination. Tomorrow starts a new day. Days where I stick my head in a math book and that is where it will be for a good number of hours. I will eat, drink, and sleep math. I have spoken to a couple of you about my qualifying exams - and thank you for all of your support. But I lack some, okay, a lot of confidence in myself that I will do well. But I suppose the only time I will know for sure is after I finish the exams.
So for now I am going to put some of my wedding planning on hold - excepting maybe my dress shopping and speaking with some dj's because I could spend all day (ie today) just doing research. Oh I can't forget - I will make time for Harry Potter- (10 days movie, 20 days book). EEEP! But I will accomplish some major mathematical feats in each of those time periods, or well, I intend to.
With that - a little video games to finish off my last night of fun.
This is the end of the procrastination. Tomorrow starts a new day. Days where I stick my head in a math book and that is where it will be for a good number of hours. I will eat, drink, and sleep math. I have spoken to a couple of you about my qualifying exams - and thank you for all of your support. But I lack some, okay, a lot of confidence in myself that I will do well. But I suppose the only time I will know for sure is after I finish the exams.
So for now I am going to put some of my wedding planning on hold - excepting maybe my dress shopping and speaking with some dj's because I could spend all day (ie today) just doing research. Oh I can't forget - I will make time for Harry Potter- (10 days movie, 20 days book). EEEP! But I will accomplish some major mathematical feats in each of those time periods, or well, I intend to.
With that - a little video games to finish off my last night of fun.
Residues and Residuals
So I have finally gotten myself into a respectable routine. I apologize to everyone who has contacted me recently via email, phone, im, telepathically - I will get in contact with you. I swear.
Yes, Andrew and I got engaged. Sam says I'm not enthused enough. I am very happy, overjoyed - but it got overshadowed by the fact that I knew Andrew was leaving again. But I have gotten myself together again - working on planning the wedding has really helped (not only giving me an excuse to try on expensive pretty dresses), I feel like by accomplishing all these big/little tasks it brings him closer to being home. I need that. But I am torn somewhat because I am not able to discuss all of my frustrations and triumphs with getting things ready in a 25 minute phone call, or emails (absolutely wonderful) but those don't cut it emotionally.
At least while we were both together, we got to decide on date, church, and reception site. Even got the ball rolling at my church - yes Roman Catholics do have a bunch of things to do : apply to the church, do FOCCUS, marriage prep sessions, and meetings with the pastor. I'm glad Andrew was around for that. I seem to have trouble doing the big decisions, I always get caught up in the little details of things. Now it is just a matter of everything else - gowns, bridesmaids, groomsmen, save the dates, invitations, thank yous, registries, caterers, photographers, favors, djs, bridal showers, bachelor/ette parties, flowers, linens, silverware, god knows there is probably more. No wonder people make a ton of money in the wedding industry. I think they just make up stuff as tradition so that people will buy into it.
But as you can imagine - working all of that out is a tad bit more enjoyable than all the information I should be studying for my qualifying exams in August. It is a it tougher since I am in South Carolina and nowhere near Jersey. I talked to a dj last night (no, actually he called me - i did not make first contact) and he wanted to know when I could come and see all the dj's. I tried to tell him I'm not at the dj stage and I'm nearly 700 miles away. But it didn't stop him at all. "When will you be back?" "Maybe....October." "oh" "I can't come back any earlier - I'm teaching in July through August, the next semester starts in August - my first free long weekend is in October". Really - they expect me to drop three to four hundred bucks on a plane flight every time I need to see a florist, photographer, or a dj, then they are freakin' nuts. Oh well, I suppose I will be very very busy when I go home in October.
Happier note - Mom agreed to come down middle of July to come dress shopping with me, Amanda, Amanda's mom, and Mrs. Sawyer in Charlotte. Keep your fingers crossed that I find "the dress". I don't want to get scolded by any more bridal boutique attendants that I should be buying my dress - right now for it to be ready in time for my wedding.
I suppose I should do something productive - like stare at the stack of math books I have - maybe something will sink it. Catch ya later.
Yes, Andrew and I got engaged. Sam says I'm not enthused enough. I am very happy, overjoyed - but it got overshadowed by the fact that I knew Andrew was leaving again. But I have gotten myself together again - working on planning the wedding has really helped (not only giving me an excuse to try on expensive pretty dresses), I feel like by accomplishing all these big/little tasks it brings him closer to being home. I need that. But I am torn somewhat because I am not able to discuss all of my frustrations and triumphs with getting things ready in a 25 minute phone call, or emails (absolutely wonderful) but those don't cut it emotionally.
At least while we were both together, we got to decide on date, church, and reception site. Even got the ball rolling at my church - yes Roman Catholics do have a bunch of things to do : apply to the church, do FOCCUS, marriage prep sessions, and meetings with the pastor. I'm glad Andrew was around for that. I seem to have trouble doing the big decisions, I always get caught up in the little details of things. Now it is just a matter of everything else - gowns, bridesmaids, groomsmen, save the dates, invitations, thank yous, registries, caterers, photographers, favors, djs, bridal showers, bachelor/ette parties, flowers, linens, silverware, god knows there is probably more. No wonder people make a ton of money in the wedding industry. I think they just make up stuff as tradition so that people will buy into it.
But as you can imagine - working all of that out is a tad bit more enjoyable than all the information I should be studying for my qualifying exams in August. It is a it tougher since I am in South Carolina and nowhere near Jersey. I talked to a dj last night (no, actually he called me - i did not make first contact) and he wanted to know when I could come and see all the dj's. I tried to tell him I'm not at the dj stage and I'm nearly 700 miles away. But it didn't stop him at all. "When will you be back?" "Maybe....October." "oh" "I can't come back any earlier - I'm teaching in July through August, the next semester starts in August - my first free long weekend is in October". Really - they expect me to drop three to four hundred bucks on a plane flight every time I need to see a florist, photographer, or a dj, then they are freakin' nuts. Oh well, I suppose I will be very very busy when I go home in October.
Happier note - Mom agreed to come down middle of July to come dress shopping with me, Amanda, Amanda's mom, and Mrs. Sawyer in Charlotte. Keep your fingers crossed that I find "the dress". I don't want to get scolded by any more bridal boutique attendants that I should be buying my dress - right now for it to be ready in time for my wedding.
I suppose I should do something productive - like stare at the stack of math books I have - maybe something will sink it. Catch ya later.
Engaged
Andrew arrived in Columbia early in the morning on June 4th. Shortly upon arriving back at my apartment, Andrew proposed out on the balcony.
For the past several days we have been running around from parents' house to parents' house to get a chance to see a good number of people. It has been somewhat exhausting but great to see everyone.
Now we are back in Columbia trying to relax. Just thought that a post was due here.
For the past several days we have been running around from parents' house to parents' house to get a chance to see a good number of people. It has been somewhat exhausting but great to see everyone.
Now we are back in Columbia trying to relax. Just thought that a post was due here.
I did it.
Oh what did I do? Honestly nothing spectacular - but I feel so proud having accomplished on my own. Yesterday in the midst of some driving my car tells me that the battery in my key is dying. Yes, my car is very smart. No, I am not making up the fact that my car talks to me. Okay so it doesn't exactly talk, it leaves coherent messages on my dashboard like - Take for Oil Service, Key Battery Low, Right Passenger door Ajar. Helpful things like that. *No they are not little stupid lights on the dashboard...it actually types out little words on a screen.* Impressive right?? So anyway, back to the battery in my key dying. Ack. I read the owner's manual to find out the battery type and any sort of work I might have to do to get to the battery. Now my initial thought is I can just take it to the dealer and have them fix it. No luck, dealer is closed on Sunday. I decided to take matters into my own hands. Road trip to CVS to obtain said battery. Back home - whip out manual and my toolkit. In under fifteen minutes I have the old battery out and a brand spankin' new one in. But I couldn't be sure of my handiwork. I run outside in the ooky rain and attempt to unlock my car doors. Presto - I hear the magical click of the locks unhinging. Oh joyous day. I did it all on my own - no manly help at all. :o)
On an even happier note - around this time tomorrow Andrew will be here. I almost don't know what to do with myself - outside of fixing my car keys.
Catch ya later.
On an even happier note - around this time tomorrow Andrew will be here. I almost don't know what to do with myself - outside of fixing my car keys.
Catch ya later.
Memorial Day
It's a holiday, the unofficial start of summer. I have nothing spectacular to do. For about two months or so, I have been wanting to try to make a new recipe. As you can imagine, I haven't been able to because of the rigors of school. I wanted to make a proscuitto/chicken dish. I've been pseudo-scouring around for some good recipes, nothing really catching my eye. To the rescue - the Italian and Pasta cookbook Suzer got me a while back. It had something really good, but I didn't like the entire recipe. So I cut out the part that really didn't rock my boat and tried my hand at it this evening. It turned out superbly. I really do enjoy cooking - I think maybe I missed my calling. I feel so good while I'm doing it...and then getting to eat it afterwards. Ah, heaven. Oh maybe you want the recipe:
Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken
1/2 cup frozen spinach, defrosted (next time I might try it fresh) and chopped up a bit (don't get the creamed or with butter sauce kind :oP is the response I think you will get if you do this)
1/2 cup Ricotta cheese (I didn't use whole milk)
4 boneless chicken breasts
4-8 thin slices of proscuitto
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
parmesan cheese
pecorino remano cheese
salt & pepper
Mix spinach and Ricotta cheese. Add a bit of the two other cheeses for some flavoring along with a bit of salt and pepper. In each chicken breast make a slit in the chicken to form a pocket. Then fill the pocket with the spinach mixture. Reshape the chicken and wrap the breast with a slice (or 2) of proscuitto. Secure the proscuitto to the chicken with a toothpick. Heat the butter and oil in a skillet. Brown each chicken breast for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish (I like to drizzle what is left of the butter and olive oil over the chicken to keep the flavor in). Now cook uncovered in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Can serve with side of green beans...or maybe carrots...or rice or whatever tickles your fancy.
On a happy note as well - I got my final class grade. I did well. So I am a happy camper.
Just one week to go to total relaxation time. :o)
Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken
1/2 cup frozen spinach, defrosted (next time I might try it fresh) and chopped up a bit (don't get the creamed or with butter sauce kind :oP is the response I think you will get if you do this)
1/2 cup Ricotta cheese (I didn't use whole milk)
4 boneless chicken breasts
4-8 thin slices of proscuitto
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
parmesan cheese
pecorino remano cheese
salt & pepper
Mix spinach and Ricotta cheese. Add a bit of the two other cheeses for some flavoring along with a bit of salt and pepper. In each chicken breast make a slit in the chicken to form a pocket. Then fill the pocket with the spinach mixture. Reshape the chicken and wrap the breast with a slice (or 2) of proscuitto. Secure the proscuitto to the chicken with a toothpick. Heat the butter and oil in a skillet. Brown each chicken breast for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish (I like to drizzle what is left of the butter and olive oil over the chicken to keep the flavor in). Now cook uncovered in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Can serve with side of green beans...or maybe carrots...or rice or whatever tickles your fancy.
On a happy note as well - I got my final class grade. I did well. So I am a happy camper.
Just one week to go to total relaxation time. :o)
Been a while...
Well, I haven't been posted in a while. I might as well now.
My trip home to Jersey was good. Got the new-fangled license...and can you believe it only took me 15 minutes at the DMV? I know it was a fantastic experience. I met up with the cousin for lunch. That was yummy and delicious. Also met up with Beckie for some Corner Confectionary ice cream. It doesn't get much better than corner confectionary ice cream, lemme tell ya.
I'm back in Columbia though. Just chilling out. I try to do a little bit of math work everyday. Actually I just finished up a study guide from one of my first semester classes. Yes, I'm making study guides so that I have all the important theorems in one spot and don't have to spend hours on end trying to hunt them down. I only have one more study guide to make. Go me. I did really well on my Numerical Linear Algebra final exam. I'm still waiting on a grade for my PDE class though. The professor still hasn't graded the exams yet. :o(
Other than that, I'm just biding my time - less than two weeks now until Andrew is home. You can not believe how excited I am about it. Can you imagine it...we've already made it over 6 months, actually almost 7 months. I think for the first time since I've been in SC I'll finally be able to relax a bit.
Umm.. I'm going to go play nintendo- I have no desire to watch who wins American Idol tonight - cause America was stupid when they kicked off Melinda last week. She was the best. There is my two cents.
My trip home to Jersey was good. Got the new-fangled license...and can you believe it only took me 15 minutes at the DMV? I know it was a fantastic experience. I met up with the cousin for lunch. That was yummy and delicious. Also met up with Beckie for some Corner Confectionary ice cream. It doesn't get much better than corner confectionary ice cream, lemme tell ya.
I'm back in Columbia though. Just chilling out. I try to do a little bit of math work everyday. Actually I just finished up a study guide from one of my first semester classes. Yes, I'm making study guides so that I have all the important theorems in one spot and don't have to spend hours on end trying to hunt them down. I only have one more study guide to make. Go me. I did really well on my Numerical Linear Algebra final exam. I'm still waiting on a grade for my PDE class though. The professor still hasn't graded the exams yet. :o(
Other than that, I'm just biding my time - less than two weeks now until Andrew is home. You can not believe how excited I am about it. Can you imagine it...we've already made it over 6 months, actually almost 7 months. I think for the first time since I've been in SC I'll finally be able to relax a bit.
Umm.. I'm going to go play nintendo- I have no desire to watch who wins American Idol tonight - cause America was stupid when they kicked off Melinda last week. She was the best. There is my two cents.
Finally!
I managed to finish it all up today. Yep, all of my exams. Last Thursday I completed my Algebra final exam. Not too terribly difficult. Today, I finally sat down and just wrote some piece of crap answer to this one question that has been bugging me on my take home final. So now I am officially done. I feel great. Even better I did really well overall in my Analysis class. I totally surprised myself. I just need to keep it up through the summer. Not let my brain become inactive.
In about a week, I get to take a trip home. I am happy about that. Sometimes I miss just being around the hustle and bustle of a full house. I don't know if I am excited or happy or what...but I need to get a new license while I am home. So for the first time in my life, I'll have a license....that actually looks like a license, and not like somebody laminated two pieces of paper back to back in the trunk of their car. A brand spankin' new license. I keep constantly being surprised why no one here has ever actually said you know I think this license is a fake. I guess that is a good thing.
Oh and I can't leave without saying.....4 weeks til Andrew comes home.
:::does happy dance:::
In about a week, I get to take a trip home. I am happy about that. Sometimes I miss just being around the hustle and bustle of a full house. I don't know if I am excited or happy or what...but I need to get a new license while I am home. So for the first time in my life, I'll have a license....that actually looks like a license, and not like somebody laminated two pieces of paper back to back in the trunk of their car. A brand spankin' new license. I keep constantly being surprised why no one here has ever actually said you know I think this license is a fake. I guess that is a good thing.
Oh and I can't leave without saying.....4 weeks til Andrew comes home.
:::does happy dance:::
As if you can't get enough of me today...
I just feel the need to share a couple of quick recipes, which are yummy and delicious.
Sour Cream/Cheesey Rolls- I swear they taste so close to the Cheese biscuits at Red Lobster, it's amazing.
2 cups Bisquick
1 Stick Butter, room temperature
1 cup Sour Cream
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
Preheat oven to 425. Grease muffin tins. Mix all ingredients until well blended. Fill muffin tins about 2/3's full. Bake between 12 - 15 minutes, or until the biscuits start to get golden.
Orzo Pilaf - I'm always sort of weary about the recipes printed on the back of a pasta box, or any sort of box really. But I tried this one this evening, and god is it great.
1 tablespoon of butter
some fresh pressed garlic
8 ounces of Orzo pasta (about half a package)
2 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of steak seasoning
parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Add butter and garlic to saucepan on medium high heat. Melt the butter somewhat, and stir in the orzo. Cook orzo for about 3 minutes stirring frequently. Stir in water and steak seasoning. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes with a cover. Stir when it strikes your fancy. Remove pan from heat and stir in salt, pepper and parsley. Cover and let stand for 4 minutes before serving.
Happy cooking everyone.
Sour Cream/Cheesey Rolls- I swear they taste so close to the Cheese biscuits at Red Lobster, it's amazing.
2 cups Bisquick
1 Stick Butter, room temperature
1 cup Sour Cream
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
Preheat oven to 425. Grease muffin tins. Mix all ingredients until well blended. Fill muffin tins about 2/3's full. Bake between 12 - 15 minutes, or until the biscuits start to get golden.
Orzo Pilaf - I'm always sort of weary about the recipes printed on the back of a pasta box, or any sort of box really. But I tried this one this evening, and god is it great.
1 tablespoon of butter
some fresh pressed garlic
8 ounces of Orzo pasta (about half a package)
2 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of steak seasoning
parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Add butter and garlic to saucepan on medium high heat. Melt the butter somewhat, and stir in the orzo. Cook orzo for about 3 minutes stirring frequently. Stir in water and steak seasoning. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes with a cover. Stir when it strikes your fancy. Remove pan from heat and stir in salt, pepper and parsley. Cover and let stand for 4 minutes before serving.
Happy cooking everyone.
Feeling...More Relaxed
I believe that I have made it through the major trying part of school. I have no more classes, hurray. I took my Analysis final exam and I finished most of take home final exam. So I decided to take today off from studying of any nature. Yes, I do have one more exam on Thursday but the class and previous exams were not so terribly bad in my opinion. So I am safe in taking a bit of time to relax.
So all the relaxing...well I start thinking that I haven't cleaned in about 4 weeks, nor have I really gone food shopping. You know it's bad when the freezer has food in it, but not the fridge. But I feel better now because although it took me 3 hours, I did get my apartment into a state that is acceptable, and I now have the essentials in my fridge : beer, soda, meat, eggs, and milk. Definitely needed milk.
I'm not quite sure I know what I am going to be doing the next month or so while I wait for Andy to come home - I don't have homework sets, or exams, or even calculus quizzes to grade. I am really really really excited about it everything though. It will be nice to have a visitor. I don't get to many of them actually. Maybe I'll take some walks around Columbia - although it is getting to be really warm - 80 -90 degrees warm...so I may not be walking to far.
I felt like I had more to say...but I guess I don't. Anyone know where I can watch the Sopranos online?
So all the relaxing...well I start thinking that I haven't cleaned in about 4 weeks, nor have I really gone food shopping. You know it's bad when the freezer has food in it, but not the fridge. But I feel better now because although it took me 3 hours, I did get my apartment into a state that is acceptable, and I now have the essentials in my fridge : beer, soda, meat, eggs, and milk. Definitely needed milk.
I'm not quite sure I know what I am going to be doing the next month or so while I wait for Andy to come home - I don't have homework sets, or exams, or even calculus quizzes to grade. I am really really really excited about it everything though. It will be nice to have a visitor. I don't get to many of them actually. Maybe I'll take some walks around Columbia - although it is getting to be really warm - 80 -90 degrees warm...so I may not be walking to far.
I felt like I had more to say...but I guess I don't. Anyone know where I can watch the Sopranos online?
Copying from Suzer....
Golden Compass movie fun-ness!!! Rate my daemon, pretty please?
http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/?46630
Better entry due to come later....
http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/?46630
Better entry due to come later....
Before I have to go teach
I just wanted to let everyone know that Matt's friend is out of surgery and they say she should be alright.
Now I have to get ready seeing as I didn't do much of anything yesterday.
Now I have to get ready seeing as I didn't do much of anything yesterday.
Update
One of Matt's friends...a gal on the crew team, was shot this morning and is in surgery.
Here's to hoping she pulls through.
Here's to hoping she pulls through.
Scared
So I am not studying this afternoon.
My parents are stuck in Jersey without phone or internet access because of the huge storm.
I called them to let them know there was a shooting at Virginia Tech. While I was on the phone with them, Matthew called from Switzerland. Thank god he was in Switzerland and not at school. Last semester he was living in the dorm West Ambler Johnston with a sophomore engineering student. If he hadn't gone to the land of the Swiss, he would still have been living there. It is the first place the shooter decided to hit at 7 this morning. The next place they hit was a class in the Engineering building at around 9. I feel absolutely horrible. My parents feels worse because they aren't so much connected to anything.
Thank goodness Matt has been able to get in touch with most of his friends. A good majority of the novice crew team (freshies and soph's that Matt had coached in a couple of races) lived in the same dorm. The only person we hadn't heard anything about is Matt's roommate from last semester. We hope he is alright.
The worst university shooting since 1966 when that crazy dude went up to the Tower of University of Texas and shot like 20 some odd people.
I know this isn't exactly on the same level - but my first reaction was that of Junior year, walking out from Adams Hall on a snowy morning and seeing the police tape around a mound of snow - only to find out one of our own had gone out the 4th floor bathroom window of Drayer.
Now tell me how the hell am I supposed to do any sort of work today.
My parents are stuck in Jersey without phone or internet access because of the huge storm.
I called them to let them know there was a shooting at Virginia Tech. While I was on the phone with them, Matthew called from Switzerland. Thank god he was in Switzerland and not at school. Last semester he was living in the dorm West Ambler Johnston with a sophomore engineering student. If he hadn't gone to the land of the Swiss, he would still have been living there. It is the first place the shooter decided to hit at 7 this morning. The next place they hit was a class in the Engineering building at around 9. I feel absolutely horrible. My parents feels worse because they aren't so much connected to anything.
Thank goodness Matt has been able to get in touch with most of his friends. A good majority of the novice crew team (freshies and soph's that Matt had coached in a couple of races) lived in the same dorm. The only person we hadn't heard anything about is Matt's roommate from last semester. We hope he is alright.
The worst university shooting since 1966 when that crazy dude went up to the Tower of University of Texas and shot like 20 some odd people.
I know this isn't exactly on the same level - but my first reaction was that of Junior year, walking out from Adams Hall on a snowy morning and seeing the police tape around a mound of snow - only to find out one of our own had gone out the 4th floor bathroom window of Drayer.
Now tell me how the hell am I supposed to do any sort of work today.
Quickie
A quick note: We are pretty sure, although not technically confirmed, that Andrew's tour is extended to 15 months. It probably is being confirmed as I type this though.
But on a happier note- Andrew will be on leave Iraq round-about June 2nd. Just thought you all would like to know.
These last two weeks of the semester are going to be the biggest pain in my ass ever. Now is when all the prof's have decided, lets end early...so we are going to have to fit about 9 more hours of class in to make up for everything that we are missing. It doesn't help when parts of those hours are exams ...so when do you find time to study for the damn things if you have to be in class?? Ah, I guess the only good thing is April 27th is it...no more classes, no more insanity.
I should get started on some studying. Catch you later
But on a happier note- Andrew will be on leave Iraq round-about June 2nd. Just thought you all would like to know.
These last two weeks of the semester are going to be the biggest pain in my ass ever. Now is when all the prof's have decided, lets end early...so we are going to have to fit about 9 more hours of class in to make up for everything that we are missing. It doesn't help when parts of those hours are exams ...so when do you find time to study for the damn things if you have to be in class?? Ah, I guess the only good thing is April 27th is it...no more classes, no more insanity.
I should get started on some studying. Catch you later
:o( or why Theresa will go into hiding for the next month
First off, pigeons are a pain in my ass. They congregate on my balcony and stare at me through the window while I work at my computer. Not to mention they poop on my balcony, which is in and of itself a reason to hate them.
I plan on going into hiding for the next month. Yes, next month. I hope by May 5 I will be done with all this cock-a-mamy "stuff" by then. What stuff you ask? Oh this stuff and here it is in play by play format:
Retest in PDE class, oh that is tomorrow
Grading student quizzes and requizzes
Homework Set for Linear Algebra due next Tuesday
Grading Hour Long Lab Quizzes
Exam 2 in Linear Algebra next Thursday
Grading stupid Project Reports (Suzy- I can't believe you do this on a regular basis, cause well I'll admit it, I find it boring as hell)
Grading homework quizzes
Exam 3 in Analysis April 19th
probably another Linear Algebra homework set in here...or maybe two
more student quizzes to grade
Final Exam Analysis April 26th (yes...that's right a week later, oh and the semester isn't technically over yet..not until the 30th)
Final Exam Linear Algebra May 3
Take Home Final in PDE class
After all of that, then I'll be happy that my life can return to some sort of normalcy. My parents have gone off to visit the lil bro in Switzerland for Easter. So I am going to visit my friends in NC for the weekend. I realized afterwards that I probably shouldn't because of all of this accumulating crap in the next four weeks. But I really need something to break up my holding pattern that is studying.
Oh, one of my other friends...Amy here in SC got engaged a couple of days ago. What craziness.
Til I have recovered from graduate school, I am signing off...I'll be lurking around...but unless something major happens you probably won't hear from me in a while.
I plan on going into hiding for the next month. Yes, next month. I hope by May 5 I will be done with all this cock-a-mamy "stuff" by then. What stuff you ask? Oh this stuff and here it is in play by play format:
Retest in PDE class, oh that is tomorrow
Grading student quizzes and requizzes
Homework Set for Linear Algebra due next Tuesday
Grading Hour Long Lab Quizzes
Exam 2 in Linear Algebra next Thursday
Grading stupid Project Reports (Suzy- I can't believe you do this on a regular basis, cause well I'll admit it, I find it boring as hell)
Grading homework quizzes
Exam 3 in Analysis April 19th
probably another Linear Algebra homework set in here...or maybe two
more student quizzes to grade
Final Exam Analysis April 26th (yes...that's right a week later, oh and the semester isn't technically over yet..not until the 30th)
Final Exam Linear Algebra May 3
Take Home Final in PDE class
After all of that, then I'll be happy that my life can return to some sort of normalcy. My parents have gone off to visit the lil bro in Switzerland for Easter. So I am going to visit my friends in NC for the weekend. I realized afterwards that I probably shouldn't because of all of this accumulating crap in the next four weeks. But I really need something to break up my holding pattern that is studying.
Oh, one of my other friends...Amy here in SC got engaged a couple of days ago. What craziness.
Til I have recovered from graduate school, I am signing off...I'll be lurking around...but unless something major happens you probably won't hear from me in a while.
Sad
I have been doing an experiment. Since I came back for the Spring semester I decided to cut back on my fast food consumption, ie allowing myself 1 trip to the McDonald's a week. Believe you me, it has been tough. I have a soft-spot in my heart for Mc-eey D's. Those french fries, chicken nuggets. God, I love the chicken nuggets.
But recently, within the past month or so, I have noticed that when I go for my indulgent once a week trip of yumminess after a couple of hours my stomach becomes extremely unhappy with me. I can't tell if the stress of school causes this or if it is the actual McDonald's. I won't say it is the food, because I really only have it the day of the week when I feel the worst and have no time to think about actually making a meal.
I suppose my conclusion is to no longer have the McDonald's at all. The upside - ummm I guess I won't be taking in the huge calorie hits anymore that come with the fastfood territory.
Other than that, I just have to make it to April 30 when classes are over. Scratch that, May 9th when finals are over. Maybe my tummy will recover by then.
Sorry, I know you just wanted to hear all about my food issues. Till whenever something interesting happens....
But recently, within the past month or so, I have noticed that when I go for my indulgent once a week trip of yumminess after a couple of hours my stomach becomes extremely unhappy with me. I can't tell if the stress of school causes this or if it is the actual McDonald's. I won't say it is the food, because I really only have it the day of the week when I feel the worst and have no time to think about actually making a meal.
I suppose my conclusion is to no longer have the McDonald's at all. The upside - ummm I guess I won't be taking in the huge calorie hits anymore that come with the fastfood territory.
Other than that, I just have to make it to April 30 when classes are over. Scratch that, May 9th when finals are over. Maybe my tummy will recover by then.
Sorry, I know you just wanted to hear all about my food issues. Till whenever something interesting happens....
Studying bites the big one...
I figured a post was in order for two reasons,
1) I feel like I have lost touch with a bunch of people by not leaving a little entry
2) Because the constant stream of studying which I have been doing...well it sure as heck is crimping my style (I have no idea what my style is but it isn't studying)
My trip out to see Suzie was awesome. There was very little that could make it...not awesome. It was great to see Pittsburgh- it seems to me more like a sprawling sort of city as opposed to like NYC. We did a lot of chatting and hit up a cool museum and a wonderful breakfast place. I'm so glad I went. I was in need of a trip to see someone from college. Don't get me wrong- I like my group here at SC but it isn't quite the same (waffles and ice cream, singing a cappella, campus dances, concerts *grrr JM why the heck are you at Dickinson when I am not...not great thinking on your part*, meeting for dinner at the cushies, grab-n-go lunches, parties at the boys' townhouse, playing pool at the Quarry). But I really should be saying thanks...cause for the first time in a while...I got a chance to talk about Andrew without having to explain any sort of background history...cause well, she's knows all of it.
Because of Suzy and her Wii, I was finally convinced to buy one for myself. I love it. I play it now whenever I get the chance, which sadly is maybe once a week. How awful.
My parents came to visit at the end of Spring Break. What an adventure that was. They knew it was going to snow on Friday, so they decided to start driving Thursday night and lo and behold they're flight got cancelled. Friday afternoon they arrived- we went out for some pizza, some shopping, and then for dinner we went to this nice little sushi restaurant. Saturday though- the airline tried to get them on another flight out of Newark. But you couldn't get anyone on the phone to fix it...seeing as they were already in Columbia. So what did we do...drove to the airport to actually talk to someone to fix it. After a bit of haggling...and waiting for the person who held all the power to come over and say yes...press that button, we got it all worked out. Then we hung out at Five Points for a bit to enjoy the St. Paddy's Day festivities. Took a drive up to NC for dinner and some shopping with the Picc's. Sunday we walked around the state museum and then they left. It was nice to have them here for a bit.
Other than that- I feel entirely overworked. Too much studying for tests that get squeezed into the last couple of weeks of the semester. I think I have like 4 more in the next 5 weeks. Eww. Other news I suppose- Andrew got moved to a new job, somewhere else, doing something else in Iraq. I know lots of fun. So who knows when he will actually come home. It's been...frustrating to say the least. But I signed on for it...so I shouldn't complain...a lot. I hope I get to see him before the start of next semester. That is all I am hoping for right now, not much else.
Well crazy kids- I'm gonna get back to studying or something that resembles studying. In the meantime- just smile and nod.
1) I feel like I have lost touch with a bunch of people by not leaving a little entry
2) Because the constant stream of studying which I have been doing...well it sure as heck is crimping my style (I have no idea what my style is but it isn't studying)
My trip out to see Suzie was awesome. There was very little that could make it...not awesome. It was great to see Pittsburgh- it seems to me more like a sprawling sort of city as opposed to like NYC. We did a lot of chatting and hit up a cool museum and a wonderful breakfast place. I'm so glad I went. I was in need of a trip to see someone from college. Don't get me wrong- I like my group here at SC but it isn't quite the same (waffles and ice cream, singing a cappella, campus dances, concerts *grrr JM why the heck are you at Dickinson when I am not...not great thinking on your part*, meeting for dinner at the cushies, grab-n-go lunches, parties at the boys' townhouse, playing pool at the Quarry). But I really should be saying thanks...cause for the first time in a while...I got a chance to talk about Andrew without having to explain any sort of background history...cause well, she's knows all of it.
Because of Suzy and her Wii, I was finally convinced to buy one for myself. I love it. I play it now whenever I get the chance, which sadly is maybe once a week. How awful.
My parents came to visit at the end of Spring Break. What an adventure that was. They knew it was going to snow on Friday, so they decided to start driving Thursday night and lo and behold they're flight got cancelled. Friday afternoon they arrived- we went out for some pizza, some shopping, and then for dinner we went to this nice little sushi restaurant. Saturday though- the airline tried to get them on another flight out of Newark. But you couldn't get anyone on the phone to fix it...seeing as they were already in Columbia. So what did we do...drove to the airport to actually talk to someone to fix it. After a bit of haggling...and waiting for the person who held all the power to come over and say yes...press that button, we got it all worked out. Then we hung out at Five Points for a bit to enjoy the St. Paddy's Day festivities. Took a drive up to NC for dinner and some shopping with the Picc's. Sunday we walked around the state museum and then they left. It was nice to have them here for a bit.
Other than that- I feel entirely overworked. Too much studying for tests that get squeezed into the last couple of weeks of the semester. I think I have like 4 more in the next 5 weeks. Eww. Other news I suppose- Andrew got moved to a new job, somewhere else, doing something else in Iraq. I know lots of fun. So who knows when he will actually come home. It's been...frustrating to say the least. But I signed on for it...so I shouldn't complain...a lot. I hope I get to see him before the start of next semester. That is all I am hoping for right now, not much else.
Well crazy kids- I'm gonna get back to studying or something that resembles studying. In the meantime- just smile and nod.
I needed to share the new Jack's Mannequin song. No I did not see the new Superman movie. But that doesn't matter.
Meet Me At My Window
Meet me at my window
At my window
I could use a hero right now
You could use someone to save
Someone like me
Someone who's not brave
Someone who's not free
Meet me at my window
With the darkness, cometing down
I could use your, saving now
Meet me at my window
Meet me at my window
I will wait for you there
I will talk to you, no
When there's no one, around
Come on, you could change me
You could steal me
You could turn all the lights on
And show me the real me
Then maybe, if I'm lucky
You'll offer me protection
You could even heal me
Just meet me at my window
Meet Me At My Window
Meet me at my window
At my window
I could use a hero right now
You could use someone to save
Someone like me
Someone who's not brave
Someone who's not free
Meet me at my window
With the darkness, cometing down
I could use your, saving now
Meet me at my window
Meet me at my window
I will wait for you there
I will talk to you, no
When there's no one, around
Come on, you could change me
You could steal me
You could turn all the lights on
And show me the real me
Then maybe, if I'm lucky
You'll offer me protection
You could even heal me
Just meet me at my window
Roller Coaster
Most of you don't know about the Roller Coaster. It is a project we do in Calc 1 labs- design a roller coaster. We give you certain specifics about the coaster you need to meet, you come up with the functions needed to make the roller coaster we want. You get to make a pretty picture of the roller coaster and find out how high the coaster takes you. We don't just throw it at you though, I go through a wonderful, superb, fantastic explanation of a nice simple coaster. Then I pass it off to you to attack. But why did none of my students (well that is wrong I know 2 students who actually followed my advice) believe me that it will take a while to do, that you should start it early? Have I ever steered them wrong in the past? Do I talk just to hear myself say the words, "Guys this may seem really simple after what I just did, but you are going to need time to finish this. It won't magically code itself up in one night.." Not to mention the fact that I said, "Don't try to catch me Monday night, cause I don't want to hear it...I'm watching 24...just like most of you would/should be doing...if you follow my advice." Oh well, alack...I suppose you can't win them all.
Happy March by the way. Already halfway through the semester. It is unbelievable. That means the semester is halfway done...and in no time it'll be over. More importantly, Andy will be home (April 18- thereabouts he starts his trip back to the States from Iraq). Friday I get to see Suzy. I'm very excited, I am trying to get as much work done this week as possible so that I don't have to do so much work...or take work with me on the plane trip. I'm bringing my camera...I've never been to Pittsburgh...I need to save the sights for posterity. Then the parent's visit on St. Paddy's Day. I'm actually really looking forward to seeing them. I think the space has really helped us have a great relationship recently...oh not to mention they are staying in the hotel down the street...3 people in my apartment is just to crazy and hectic.
I'm still keeping up with going to the gym- albeit, my sleep schedule is sooo messed up I am at the gym at like 6 in the morning. I think the stress is messing with the whole getting a good night's rest. But really I need my soapbox for a moment. What the heck is up with people who drive around looking for a close parking spot to the gym? Are you not going to exercise your little bum off at the gym?? Will it kill you to walk the 20 extra feet cause you didn't get the closest parking space? Doesn't that defeat the whole point?!?!!? Secondly, I know spring break is upon us, but really do you truly believe that you can whip your body into Cancun/skimpy bikini weather shape in just week before break? If you can, I am sure there a ton of people out there who would like to know your secret. Ugh, thirdly, No-one I repeat no one wants to see you and your girlfriend make out at 6:30 in the morning by the elliptical machines. That's just disgusting...think of all the people who have been sweating in the spot, it's almost unsanitary.
But I guess the more important thoughts- I have been thinking long and hard about this. Actually my mom thinks it has to do with Andy being away. Well a little teeny part of it is, but really the majority of it is all me. I think I am not going to push through to the phd. I think I will get my masters, and then either get a job (most likely teaching) or I am considering either a physics or engineering grad program. I have yet to sit down with any homework or problem and feel good when I finished it. Well I feel good because I've stopped pounding my head against the wall, but I don't feel that proud accomplishment of some work completed. I realize that really isn't the best reason not go for the doctorate- but all of my work has no meaning to me...I'm not using it to tackle an interesting problem. I longing for the long days I sat with Scott working on our physics research- as much as I wanted to shoot Mathematica for taking hours to compute what I asked...only to find out I had messed it up in the first place. But at least I was doing something that I could say I was interested in. But who knows...I could be looking at it totally the wrong way- I could just not be cut out for grad school period. I feel like I am stuck though, I like math to work out problems affecting how people live, work, play...I thought applied math would be a good way to go. But maybe my premises were wrong. Maybe since I enjoy the physical aspects I should have gone Mathematical Physics route. But I will complete what I do here. There is no mistaking that. I never hand in work that is not my best. So I will continue here, but I really feel that this is probably my best road to the future.
Jack is on in about an hour...time to finish up helping the damned roller coasters.
Happy March by the way. Already halfway through the semester. It is unbelievable. That means the semester is halfway done...and in no time it'll be over. More importantly, Andy will be home (April 18- thereabouts he starts his trip back to the States from Iraq). Friday I get to see Suzy. I'm very excited, I am trying to get as much work done this week as possible so that I don't have to do so much work...or take work with me on the plane trip. I'm bringing my camera...I've never been to Pittsburgh...I need to save the sights for posterity. Then the parent's visit on St. Paddy's Day. I'm actually really looking forward to seeing them. I think the space has really helped us have a great relationship recently...oh not to mention they are staying in the hotel down the street...3 people in my apartment is just to crazy and hectic.
I'm still keeping up with going to the gym- albeit, my sleep schedule is sooo messed up I am at the gym at like 6 in the morning. I think the stress is messing with the whole getting a good night's rest. But really I need my soapbox for a moment. What the heck is up with people who drive around looking for a close parking spot to the gym? Are you not going to exercise your little bum off at the gym?? Will it kill you to walk the 20 extra feet cause you didn't get the closest parking space? Doesn't that defeat the whole point?!?!!? Secondly, I know spring break is upon us, but really do you truly believe that you can whip your body into Cancun/skimpy bikini weather shape in just week before break? If you can, I am sure there a ton of people out there who would like to know your secret. Ugh, thirdly, No-one I repeat no one wants to see you and your girlfriend make out at 6:30 in the morning by the elliptical machines. That's just disgusting...think of all the people who have been sweating in the spot, it's almost unsanitary.
But I guess the more important thoughts- I have been thinking long and hard about this. Actually my mom thinks it has to do with Andy being away. Well a little teeny part of it is, but really the majority of it is all me. I think I am not going to push through to the phd. I think I will get my masters, and then either get a job (most likely teaching) or I am considering either a physics or engineering grad program. I have yet to sit down with any homework or problem and feel good when I finished it. Well I feel good because I've stopped pounding my head against the wall, but I don't feel that proud accomplishment of some work completed. I realize that really isn't the best reason not go for the doctorate- but all of my work has no meaning to me...I'm not using it to tackle an interesting problem. I longing for the long days I sat with Scott working on our physics research- as much as I wanted to shoot Mathematica for taking hours to compute what I asked...only to find out I had messed it up in the first place. But at least I was doing something that I could say I was interested in. But who knows...I could be looking at it totally the wrong way- I could just not be cut out for grad school period. I feel like I am stuck though, I like math to work out problems affecting how people live, work, play...I thought applied math would be a good way to go. But maybe my premises were wrong. Maybe since I enjoy the physical aspects I should have gone Mathematical Physics route. But I will complete what I do here. There is no mistaking that. I never hand in work that is not my best. So I will continue here, but I really feel that this is probably my best road to the future.
Jack is on in about an hour...time to finish up helping the damned roller coasters.
A-waiting
I suppose for the first time since I have been at SC I taught my first class. The professor of the calculus class that I ta for is away at a conference. He needed coverage for two classes. Guess who got that little job. I was kinda somewhat nervous. I was more annoyed that I had to get up at the butt-crack of dawn to get my workout done and still manage to make it to the class on time. Not to mention the lecture is not held in the math building but in the god-awful Physical Sciences Center, trust me it looks like no one decided to clean that building in ages. You would think it was spotless with all the chemical crap students are working with over there, but no. I'm going to make a blanket statement- and this has nothing to do with the prof who I tag team with- but I am pretty sure the students were a bit happier I was there to teach them. Sentiments were of the nature- for the first time this semester I was able to understand the lecture...several of those. Nice ego boosters. We'll see how happy they are when I introduce the crazy derivatives next time.
I had my first Analysis exam last week. I guess the best thing happened, comparatively to last semester, I did really really well on this exam. I guess what is awful is that on the whole the class didn't do spectacularly. The exam had 4 questions. The 4th question- no one, i repeat no one in the class got right, not even the really really smart people (yeah I'm not one of them).
I spoke to Andrew just lately- his leave has been changed yet again (I'm not counting how many times) to the end of April. I believe this is the official time frame- confirmed and all that jazz. It's a little sad it being changed what seemed like everyother time we've spoken, but it will definitely be a nice present at the end of the semester. By that time we'll be halfway done with all this "stuff". What a comforting thought.
Well, in just about 2 weeks, I get to see my Suzer in P-burgh. Not a long trip, but a trip nonetheless. I am excited. I have never been out to Pittsburgh- I fear that I won't have enough cold weather gear (who goes North on Spring Break???). Oh well.
Can you tell I have been trying to avoid doing my actual work or studying? If you have insights on the problem: f_n is a sequence of nonnegative measurable functions such that f_n converges to f almost everywhere and suppose that the integral of f_n converges to the integral of f less than infinity, then for each measurable set E we have the integral over E of f_n converges to the integral over E of f. please forward thoughts and comments in my general direction.
Apologies- I won't bore anyone with such "obvious" (as my professor would say, it is his favorite phrase) simple thoughts. I'll check back in sometime when I have something useful to say. oh and I leave you with a super awesome oldies song- Bus Stop by The Hollies :
Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say
Please share my umbrella
Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella
All that summer we enjoyed it
Wind and rain and shine
That umbrella, we employed it
By August, she was mine
Every morning I would see her waiting at the stop
Sometimes she'd shopped and she would show me what she bought
All the people stared as if we were both quite insane
Someday my name and hers are going to be the same
That's the way the whole thing started
Silly but it's true
Thinkin' of a sweet romance
Beginning in a queue
Came the sun the ice was melting
No more sheltering now
Nice to think that that umbrella
Led me to a vow
Every morning I would see her waiting at the stop
Sometimes she'd shopped and she would show me what she bought
Other people stared as if we were both quite insane
Someday my name and hers are going to be the same
Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say
Please share my umbrella
Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella
All that summer we enjoyed it
Wind and rain and shine
That umbrella, we employed it
By August, she was mine
I had my first Analysis exam last week. I guess the best thing happened, comparatively to last semester, I did really really well on this exam. I guess what is awful is that on the whole the class didn't do spectacularly. The exam had 4 questions. The 4th question- no one, i repeat no one in the class got right, not even the really really smart people (yeah I'm not one of them).
I spoke to Andrew just lately- his leave has been changed yet again (I'm not counting how many times) to the end of April. I believe this is the official time frame- confirmed and all that jazz. It's a little sad it being changed what seemed like everyother time we've spoken, but it will definitely be a nice present at the end of the semester. By that time we'll be halfway done with all this "stuff". What a comforting thought.
Well, in just about 2 weeks, I get to see my Suzer in P-burgh. Not a long trip, but a trip nonetheless. I am excited. I have never been out to Pittsburgh- I fear that I won't have enough cold weather gear (who goes North on Spring Break???). Oh well.
Can you tell I have been trying to avoid doing my actual work or studying? If you have insights on the problem: f_n is a sequence of nonnegative measurable functions such that f_n converges to f almost everywhere and suppose that the integral of f_n converges to the integral of f less than infinity, then for each measurable set E we have the integral over E of f_n converges to the integral over E of f. please forward thoughts and comments in my general direction.
Apologies- I won't bore anyone with such "obvious" (as my professor would say, it is his favorite phrase) simple thoughts. I'll check back in sometime when I have something useful to say. oh and I leave you with a super awesome oldies song- Bus Stop by The Hollies :
Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say
Please share my umbrella
Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella
All that summer we enjoyed it
Wind and rain and shine
That umbrella, we employed it
By August, she was mine
Every morning I would see her waiting at the stop
Sometimes she'd shopped and she would show me what she bought
All the people stared as if we were both quite insane
Someday my name and hers are going to be the same
That's the way the whole thing started
Silly but it's true
Thinkin' of a sweet romance
Beginning in a queue
Came the sun the ice was melting
No more sheltering now
Nice to think that that umbrella
Led me to a vow
Every morning I would see her waiting at the stop
Sometimes she'd shopped and she would show me what she bought
Other people stared as if we were both quite insane
Someday my name and hers are going to be the same
Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say
Please share my umbrella
Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella
All that summer we enjoyed it
Wind and rain and shine
That umbrella, we employed it
By August, she was mine
Juxtaposition
So it is finally completed. The blanket that is. I've finished sewing up all the sections that I had knit. I had to take a picture for everyone...so that I have it for posterity. Unfortunately I don't have a wonderful livejournal account so it won't post the picture in my entry. I did put it on facebook though. 1 whole year of my life. So much has happened in that year. Amazing. I need another long project to put my energies into. Maybe I'll knit a bunch of scarves with the left over yarn from the blanket. We will see.
This weekend I went to the shooting range with Greg and Trey. I shot a 22 and 9 mm gun. Yes, you read that correctly. I shot two guns. I feel like if these are machines that are in all the guys' homes...I need to be comfortable handling it (there is a lot of gun talk in the group...and besides, I am in the South). Trey showed me how to load the clips (magazines) with rounds, get the gun set up for shooting, as well as how to grip the gun. I started with the 22. It seemed more like a toy gun then an actual gun. No sort of recoil. Now the 9 mm. That was an intimidating experience. It had some weight to it - and I have very little armstrength to begin with - so holding it out steady at arms length took a lot of getting used to. This gun had some kick to it, so much so, that I was readjusting the gun in anticipation of the shot. It took me a while to get used to it...not to mention the force at which the shells are released from the gun. I shot at a couple of targets. The guys seemed kinda impressed. I didn't do to badly, I guess. I wasn't lining things up really exactly but I was consistent in my area of shooting. I wasn't shooting all over timbuktu...a nice compact area on the targets. It was quite an experience.
Yesterday afternoon I found out that my friend Amanda got engaged to her boyfriend Dan. Very exciting. Surprised at the time...but it is wonderful.
I should probably be studying and getting ready for the class today. Catch ya later.
This weekend I went to the shooting range with Greg and Trey. I shot a 22 and 9 mm gun. Yes, you read that correctly. I shot two guns. I feel like if these are machines that are in all the guys' homes...I need to be comfortable handling it (there is a lot of gun talk in the group...and besides, I am in the South). Trey showed me how to load the clips (magazines) with rounds, get the gun set up for shooting, as well as how to grip the gun. I started with the 22. It seemed more like a toy gun then an actual gun. No sort of recoil. Now the 9 mm. That was an intimidating experience. It had some weight to it - and I have very little armstrength to begin with - so holding it out steady at arms length took a lot of getting used to. This gun had some kick to it, so much so, that I was readjusting the gun in anticipation of the shot. It took me a while to get used to it...not to mention the force at which the shells are released from the gun. I shot at a couple of targets. The guys seemed kinda impressed. I didn't do to badly, I guess. I wasn't lining things up really exactly but I was consistent in my area of shooting. I wasn't shooting all over timbuktu...a nice compact area on the targets. It was quite an experience.
Yesterday afternoon I found out that my friend Amanda got engaged to her boyfriend Dan. Very exciting. Surprised at the time...but it is wonderful.
I should probably be studying and getting ready for the class today. Catch ya later.
February...
Wow. It's February...already. I am amazed. As of today, well I consider Friday's one class part of the weekend...I have finished 3 weeks of the semester. Where did it go? If you find it, please be kind (rewind) return it to me. I'll need it when exams start.
Happy news though- I get to be a bridesmaid in the wedding I am attending in November. I'm excited. It gives me more motivation to keep up my exercise regimen this semester. I guess I can throw the pretty dress investigation out the window...but I believe I might just continue to look for them anyway.
I heard from Andrew that it's likely that his leave will be the last two weeks in March. If that is true...I only have 6 weeks to wait. Hell that ain't bad.
I am really proud of myself though. Last evening I finished knitting the final third section of my blanket. I have been working on it for over a year. All I have left is to finish sewing the portion to the other sections and it is complete. When all of the pieces are together, I'll have to take a picture for everyone to see.
Oh...July 21st - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The end of a worldwide phenomenon. Do not figure on any sort of communication from me then...because I'll be reading...and reading until I come to the last word... "scar." It's exciting and depressing all at the same time.
Catch ya on the flip side.
Happy news though- I get to be a bridesmaid in the wedding I am attending in November. I'm excited. It gives me more motivation to keep up my exercise regimen this semester. I guess I can throw the pretty dress investigation out the window...but I believe I might just continue to look for them anyway.
I heard from Andrew that it's likely that his leave will be the last two weeks in March. If that is true...I only have 6 weeks to wait. Hell that ain't bad.
I am really proud of myself though. Last evening I finished knitting the final third section of my blanket. I have been working on it for over a year. All I have left is to finish sewing the portion to the other sections and it is complete. When all of the pieces are together, I'll have to take a picture for everyone to see.
Oh...July 21st - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The end of a worldwide phenomenon. Do not figure on any sort of communication from me then...because I'll be reading...and reading until I come to the last word... "scar." It's exciting and depressing all at the same time.
Catch ya on the flip side.
One week down...
Only 13 more to go. I really don't have to much to say about classes, because well, they are classes. But for some reason this semester I just don't feel the love so much for them. I think last semester beat it out of me.
Other than that I am doing alright. I have been going to the gym, which is a practice I hope I can keep up. I've got a couple of things to look forward to- trip to see Suzer and P-burgh, parents coming to visit for a couple of days, Andy's leave time, and probably a trip to the beach with the crew here.
If you would allow me one moment to be a girly girl, I have a wedding I get to attend in November. I know, it's January- shut up. That means I have leave to look at pretty dresses. Need to find a really good one for this shin-dig.
Tune in next time.
Other than that I am doing alright. I have been going to the gym, which is a practice I hope I can keep up. I've got a couple of things to look forward to- trip to see Suzer and P-burgh, parents coming to visit for a couple of days, Andy's leave time, and probably a trip to the beach with the crew here.
If you would allow me one moment to be a girly girl, I have a wedding I get to attend in November. I know, it's January- shut up. That means I have leave to look at pretty dresses. Need to find a really good one for this shin-dig.
Tune in next time.
A Series of Fortunate Events...
Okay so maybe this wouldn't constitute a series, but this is a very fortunate event. Last week, I realize that my one course, Numerical Linear Algebra to be exact, did not have a specified text book. So I decided to do a little search on line of a good reference book, that would hopefully help me through the course, just in case. I realize I should have a bit more faith in my own ability, but I think it is a comfort issue. If I have some sort of reference book, even if I do not use it (case in point my 728 class, I didn't crack either of the two books open all semester) I feel like I can own the material. So I found what apparently is one of the best texts out there. Amazon to the rescue, and just a few days ago I received it in the mail. Today I got an email from the professor of the course. Mind you, the class begins on Tuesday. He has a textbook for us. I continue reading the message to see the book which I had just fortuitously purchased last week. Hurray for not having to buy some other crazy book. Even better for being able to read ahead before classes start.
Actually I think I will go do that before Jack is Back later this evening.
Actually I think I will go do that before Jack is Back later this evening.
Fire!
I am sure that you all will be happy to know that I am still alive...literally. I am not being facetious. This evening there was a fire on the 7th floor of my apartment building. The blaring sounds of fire alarms in the central hallway on the 5th floor alerted me to the danger. Magically, I was transported to junior year at Dickinson. Infamous Adams Dormitory. Every other day- 3am, 9 am, 1:30 pm, 6:49 pm, you name the time...the alarm probably went off at some point. So I figured the alarm would turn itself off after one or two rings. Try again, Theresa. I did after about 30 seconds realize that this was the real deal. Thank goodness I am so used to walking up and down the stairwell- I was out of there pretty quick. The fire department didn't get to turning those extremely lifesavingly annoying alarms until about a half hour after the alarms initially started.
But I am still alive, breathing, and enjoying the finer points of life. I am sure you are happy for me. Check back in Sunday or Monday evening...after 24 has started back up again.
But I am still alive, breathing, and enjoying the finer points of life. I am sure you are happy for me. Check back in Sunday or Monday evening...after 24 has started back up again.
New Year
I blame the lack of updates on the fact that I was at home, ie dial up connections. :oP
I was home for about 2.5 weeks. Feels like everything gets crammed into such a short amount of time. But I'll admit it was nice to be in the middle of hustle and bustle for the holidays. Not to mention I really didn't have to worry about anything- no classes or studying. I'm finally back in Columbia and all of a sudden the pressure just seems to have magically reappeared.
I don't make new year's resolutions...but now is a good a time as any...I just want to make time every week to do a bit of exercising- whether it be taking the stairs instead of the elevator in my building, doing pilates, or going to the Strom Thurmond Center on campus. (I guess the guy did live a long time *even if I don't really follow all that political nonsense*...probably due to some regular fitness routine.)
I knew I had more things to write about, but they seem to have floated right out of my head. I'm sure you will hear more ranting about graduate school in the coming future, til then...
I was home for about 2.5 weeks. Feels like everything gets crammed into such a short amount of time. But I'll admit it was nice to be in the middle of hustle and bustle for the holidays. Not to mention I really didn't have to worry about anything- no classes or studying. I'm finally back in Columbia and all of a sudden the pressure just seems to have magically reappeared.
I don't make new year's resolutions...but now is a good a time as any...I just want to make time every week to do a bit of exercising- whether it be taking the stairs instead of the elevator in my building, doing pilates, or going to the Strom Thurmond Center on campus. (I guess the guy did live a long time *even if I don't really follow all that political nonsense*...probably due to some regular fitness routine.)
I knew I had more things to write about, but they seem to have floated right out of my head. I'm sure you will hear more ranting about graduate school in the coming future, til then...
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