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.
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...
Excited
It's Christmas time....and what does that mean, the last Harry Potter book title is now known.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I hope that means she is just wrapping up the end of the book. So maybe we'll get the book next Christmas time, I think the summer may just be too soon. Not to mention that title sounds extremely ominous...
hmmm harry potter and death rites...i suppose that ties in with the horcruxes- voldemort is trying to bypass death and harry must find the ways (holy rites) to send his soul from this earth. Or I would propose that something big happens at halloween, when the spirits of the dead can return to the earth and possibly help harry defeat voldemort. those are just my initial thoughts on the new title. Anyone have something good?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I hope that means she is just wrapping up the end of the book. So maybe we'll get the book next Christmas time, I think the summer may just be too soon. Not to mention that title sounds extremely ominous...
hmmm harry potter and death rites...i suppose that ties in with the horcruxes- voldemort is trying to bypass death and harry must find the ways (holy rites) to send his soul from this earth. Or I would propose that something big happens at halloween, when the spirits of the dead can return to the earth and possibly help harry defeat voldemort. those are just my initial thoughts on the new title. Anyone have something good?
Little Update
Hey kids- I just wanted to say a little hello. It feels so good to be done with the first semester. Much to my surprise, even with the extremely poor showing in analysis, I still did really well in both linear algebra and numerical methods classes. So well that I get to keep my assistantship and am not on academic probation. Hurray. Now for some much needed r & r.
Scott got me started on checking out this little comic strip. it's amusing- my life in a nutshell pretty much.
I wish everyone a really happy restful holiday season and happy new year. I'll probably catch you all on the flip side- lots of parties and baking and storing up energy like a battery, and yeah...a bit of missing someone (2 months complete...well just about, I can do it.)
Scott got me started on checking out this little comic strip. it's amusing- my life in a nutshell pretty much.
I wish everyone a really happy restful holiday season and happy new year. I'll probably catch you all on the flip side- lots of parties and baking and storing up energy like a battery, and yeah...a bit of missing someone (2 months complete...well just about, I can do it.)
Wow
If we aren't being technical, today at 2:15 I have completed my first semester of graduate school (granted I still have 3 finals I have to complete in the next week, but that is okay). I am slightly amazed that we are here now. I remember the move to Columbia, the first days of orientation, the complete insanity of the beginning of classes-as if it were just yesterday. It feels surreal. In comparison to what I would have been doing- I feel totally accomplished. Not that I'm knocking being back in Jersey or working at Brookdale, it just seems like all of my talents and energy were well spent. I will be so happy to spend the next couple of weeks relaxing and storing up my energy for another round in January.
Oh as super happy news- my third analysis exam...oh this is so exciting, I'm so happy about it. I got a 94. After the disaster at the beginning of the semester, I feel like I have redeemed myself somewhat. Now just have to make it through the finals.
What else has been going on- besides exams- well this evening I am heading out for fun with the crew- dinner at Carolina Wings, the Lights at the Zoo (has anyone noticed that fact that I love the Zoo), and then a movie. My last little respite before major studying.
Anyways...I probably need to find some super warm clothing for this evening seeing as it is- I'm finally saying it- COLD here in Columbia. Catch ya later.
Oh as super happy news- my third analysis exam...oh this is so exciting, I'm so happy about it. I got a 94. After the disaster at the beginning of the semester, I feel like I have redeemed myself somewhat. Now just have to make it through the finals.
What else has been going on- besides exams- well this evening I am heading out for fun with the crew- dinner at Carolina Wings, the Lights at the Zoo (has anyone noticed that fact that I love the Zoo), and then a movie. My last little respite before major studying.
Anyways...I probably need to find some super warm clothing for this evening seeing as it is- I'm finally saying it- COLD here in Columbia. Catch ya later.
Domestic Traveller
I am typing this while sitting in the Newark Airport. I am too cheap to buy the 7.95 access to the internet to do this post live in real time. You would think that this is such a heavily trafficked airport that the internet access would be free. Hell the Columbia airport has free internet access.
I have been sitting around the airport since about 11:30 am. My flight doesn't leave until 2:55. Talk about being here early. But I suppose that is understandable- my parents wanted to attend the last Rutger's home game of the season. So I get the short end of the stick and have to sit around the airport by myself for like 4 hours. I really wish I was traveling with someone. So many families and relatives all moving around in large groups that it is somewhat depressing. I know who I would like to be traveling with but ... yeah not going to happen for a while. I feel kinda bad to be complaining. But the holiday would have been so much more fun.
About all of that Turkey-Day goings-on It was surprisingly uneventful. Outside of the fact that grandma is really losing her head, it was a good day. I made a massive load of mashed potatoes - lately each time I've been doing it I make it just a tad bit differently. Thank goodness it has tasted good each time. It would have been horrible if the masked potatoes turned out really yucky and disgusting with 18 people around.
I probably should be studying right now. But I just can't do it. Studying sucks all the life out of me. When I get back to Columbia I only have a couple of more weeks to deal with- only 4 more exams so it seems, one this week and 3 finals. Then a long drive back home with Happy Car. I haven't decided how long I will stay in Jersey...probably from Christmas through New Year's, then make the trip back to Columbia again.
I have been sitting around the airport since about 11:30 am. My flight doesn't leave until 2:55. Talk about being here early. But I suppose that is understandable- my parents wanted to attend the last Rutger's home game of the season. So I get the short end of the stick and have to sit around the airport by myself for like 4 hours. I really wish I was traveling with someone. So many families and relatives all moving around in large groups that it is somewhat depressing. I know who I would like to be traveling with but ... yeah not going to happen for a while. I feel kinda bad to be complaining. But the holiday would have been so much more fun.
About all of that Turkey-Day goings-on It was surprisingly uneventful. Outside of the fact that grandma is really losing her head, it was a good day. I made a massive load of mashed potatoes - lately each time I've been doing it I make it just a tad bit differently. Thank goodness it has tasted good each time. It would have been horrible if the masked potatoes turned out really yucky and disgusting with 18 people around.
I probably should be studying right now. But I just can't do it. Studying sucks all the life out of me. When I get back to Columbia I only have a couple of more weeks to deal with- only 4 more exams so it seems, one this week and 3 finals. Then a long drive back home with Happy Car. I haven't decided how long I will stay in Jersey...probably from Christmas through New Year's, then make the trip back to Columbia again.
Jersey here I come!!
Wow, it has been quite a while. So much as gone on that I should share. I probably won't remember all of it anyways.
Two weekends ago, the now dubbed "crew" went out camping for Greg's birthday. Yes camping. I went out camping. I haven't been out camping since I was in Girl Scouts. Girl Scout camp was a disaster. Not that I did not have a good time, but it was the unfortunate time and place where I learned of my inability to stand the sight of my own blood. That's right - don't ever let me do any cooking when I am camping. I have the tendency to cut myself, see blood, and faint at the drop of blood. You will all be glad to know that no such happening occured this time around but I am still weary of the whole experience. Saturday afternoon into the evening was absolutely gorgeous (pictures are up on facebook). But at about 9:30 it decided to rain. And rain it did. So after spending about 4 hours in a sopping wet tent in near close freezing weather, I sucked up and asked Trey (who was so kinda as to offer me a spot to sleep in his tent) if I could sleep in his very dry truck. In about 3-4 hours time I had nearly dried myself up in his truck when low and behold Trey comes to join me. So of the group of about 8 us, I think we were the only two that woke up and were dry. But the rest of the time was quite enjoyable.
I had a linear algebra exam, which didn't go over so hot. But the professor said not to worry, everything should be okay. I've been doing a lot of grading for my calculus sections- exams and reports. I would be delighted if I never had to read a project report ever again. I only have one more big exam before finals kick in. Can you believe it, after Turkey-day I only have 2 weeks til the end of the semester and then finals. It has been moving along quite quickly.
In other news, Andrew is settled in Iraq with his platoon - which means I get to start writing letters to him. I've been really holding off on them because I know if I get started on one I might kill a good portion of a day writing it. I probably won't have lots of time to do it until I get the semester over with - but I am going to try anyways.
Tomorrow morning bright and early I should be hopping on my plane back home to Jersey for the big T-day. Huge family gathering will ensue, and I am quite certain that I will get no, I repeat, no work done for the next week.
Oh I promised Suzer Laurie's Baked Potato Soup recipe but Theresa's little twist.
Baked Potato Soup
3-4 medium sized idaho potatoes
1/3 cup of flour
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz of light processed cheese (Velveeta Light is quite yummy)
1/2 cup of fat free sour cream
14 oz can of fat free chicken broth
Normally one would bake those potatoes, but I don't enjoy burning myself so much. So instead I peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2 inch-3/4inch cubes. Throw that in a good sized pot and fill the rest with water. Just enough to cover the tops of the potatoes. Bring the water up to a boil. Check the potatoes to see if they are done by making sure that a fork pierces them without any effort. Strain out the water and put the potatoes off to the side in another bowl for a moment. In the same pot, add the flour and whisk in about half of the chicken broth. Once it is blended, add back in the potatoes, pepper, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it is thick and bubbly. Add the cheese; stirring while it melts. While you stir it is best to add the remaining chicken broth until the soup is as thick as you would like. Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream.
Yum Yum Yum. Just so you know that beginning part is exacting how I start making mashed potatoes. (always mashed by hand, none of the using a machine works with me).
I suppose I better go get a little bit of relaxing in before I go to bed early and then awake up super early. Catch ya on the flip side.
Two weekends ago, the now dubbed "crew" went out camping for Greg's birthday. Yes camping. I went out camping. I haven't been out camping since I was in Girl Scouts. Girl Scout camp was a disaster. Not that I did not have a good time, but it was the unfortunate time and place where I learned of my inability to stand the sight of my own blood. That's right - don't ever let me do any cooking when I am camping. I have the tendency to cut myself, see blood, and faint at the drop of blood. You will all be glad to know that no such happening occured this time around but I am still weary of the whole experience. Saturday afternoon into the evening was absolutely gorgeous (pictures are up on facebook). But at about 9:30 it decided to rain. And rain it did. So after spending about 4 hours in a sopping wet tent in near close freezing weather, I sucked up and asked Trey (who was so kinda as to offer me a spot to sleep in his tent) if I could sleep in his very dry truck. In about 3-4 hours time I had nearly dried myself up in his truck when low and behold Trey comes to join me. So of the group of about 8 us, I think we were the only two that woke up and were dry. But the rest of the time was quite enjoyable.
I had a linear algebra exam, which didn't go over so hot. But the professor said not to worry, everything should be okay. I've been doing a lot of grading for my calculus sections- exams and reports. I would be delighted if I never had to read a project report ever again. I only have one more big exam before finals kick in. Can you believe it, after Turkey-day I only have 2 weeks til the end of the semester and then finals. It has been moving along quite quickly.
In other news, Andrew is settled in Iraq with his platoon - which means I get to start writing letters to him. I've been really holding off on them because I know if I get started on one I might kill a good portion of a day writing it. I probably won't have lots of time to do it until I get the semester over with - but I am going to try anyways.
Tomorrow morning bright and early I should be hopping on my plane back home to Jersey for the big T-day. Huge family gathering will ensue, and I am quite certain that I will get no, I repeat, no work done for the next week.
Oh I promised Suzer Laurie's Baked Potato Soup recipe but Theresa's little twist.
Baked Potato Soup
3-4 medium sized idaho potatoes
1/3 cup of flour
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz of light processed cheese (Velveeta Light is quite yummy)
1/2 cup of fat free sour cream
14 oz can of fat free chicken broth
Normally one would bake those potatoes, but I don't enjoy burning myself so much. So instead I peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2 inch-3/4inch cubes. Throw that in a good sized pot and fill the rest with water. Just enough to cover the tops of the potatoes. Bring the water up to a boil. Check the potatoes to see if they are done by making sure that a fork pierces them without any effort. Strain out the water and put the potatoes off to the side in another bowl for a moment. In the same pot, add the flour and whisk in about half of the chicken broth. Once it is blended, add back in the potatoes, pepper, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it is thick and bubbly. Add the cheese; stirring while it melts. While you stir it is best to add the remaining chicken broth until the soup is as thick as you would like. Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream.
Yum Yum Yum. Just so you know that beginning part is exacting how I start making mashed potatoes. (always mashed by hand, none of the using a machine works with me).
I suppose I better go get a little bit of relaxing in before I go to bed early and then awake up super early. Catch ya on the flip side.
Infestation
I woke up yesterday morning to what must be the oddest thing I have had to deal with since I moved to Columbia. It seems a fairly large portion of the SC ladybug population has decided that my balcony/apartment would be a great place to start a colony. Yes, a colony. I really don't mind it if they are chilling out on my balcony, but when they just started walking in through the cracks in my door (the door doesn't sit flush against the doorjam) I hit the breaking point. I'm not going to house those critters when they aren't paying any part of my rent. :oP on the lady bugs. My first attempts at trying to capture them and throw them out the door did no good. They just keep tcoming through the little crack again. *Mind you, I had slated my morning for studying.* I then consult the father. What sort of bug spray? What sort of regiment to keep them out of my apartment? I then make a trip out to Publix (my favorite place to be) and pick up some all natural bug spray. I start spraying the crap out of them. I mean I know that the ladybug is a good bug. Not good though when I find them dead all over my apartment. Who knows what sort of diseases they may be carrying and such. But I suppose the good news is that I have decreased the population of ladybugs chillin' out in/out of my apartment. The only thing is I have exhausted my can of bug spray and need to make another trip to Publix to get more.
In other super big news, Rutgers...you know the state university of NJ. You know that football team, which I've watched games for god knows 8-10 years now, just beat Louisville (#3 ranked in the nation) in convincing underdog fashion. I guess they just needed me out of the state to do something big. Very very excited. They are 9-0. Bowl game here we go...maybe even BCS game.
I made yummy baked ziti and garlic bread for Wednesday night dinner. It was a hit. Hurray. That was a good feeling. I do have lots of leftovers though, so I'll be eating that for quite a while. But that is cool.
I am doing pretty well. I've gotten used to things now, so that is good. Still unhappy with the situation, but I'm okay with it. It is almost Thanksgiving, so time is moving (although this past two weeks have felt like an eternity). Just gotta keep plugging along.
Well I need to get my butt back to studying for my Linear exam on Monday. This is going to be nuts.
In other super big news, Rutgers...you know the state university of NJ. You know that football team, which I've watched games for god knows 8-10 years now, just beat Louisville (#3 ranked in the nation) in convincing underdog fashion. I guess they just needed me out of the state to do something big. Very very excited. They are 9-0. Bowl game here we go...maybe even BCS game.
I made yummy baked ziti and garlic bread for Wednesday night dinner. It was a hit. Hurray. That was a good feeling. I do have lots of leftovers though, so I'll be eating that for quite a while. But that is cool.
I am doing pretty well. I've gotten used to things now, so that is good. Still unhappy with the situation, but I'm okay with it. It is almost Thanksgiving, so time is moving (although this past two weeks have felt like an eternity). Just gotta keep plugging along.
Well I need to get my butt back to studying for my Linear exam on Monday. This is going to be nuts.
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