Golden Compass movie fun-ness!!! Rate my daemon, pretty please?
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.
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