Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I-24 Hates Rain
I swear, Nashville drivers cannot handle even the THREAT of rain. Overcast, misty days are automatic accident causers. And the ridiculous traffic piles up as drivers slow down to stare at the poor unfortunate, stupid souls stranded on the side of the road next to a car with an accordion for a hood.
Hello!? It's called "leave enough room between you and the car in front of you to stop on a slick road," people!
Hello!? It's called "leave enough room between you and the car in front of you to stop on a slick road," people!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Grad School, Hockey, Roommates, Life, and God
Well, I got my Economics professor to give us all an extension of time on our due date. He gave us from Friday until Sunday. Then, he gave us until Monday, due to a technical difficulty. I really needed that extension. I've now completed part of 6 out of 10 questions, after having spent about 13-15 hours of work this week alone on the homework. I feel like I can complete at least two more, and add the excel diagrams to the homework before the deadline tomorrow night. But I am worried about the quiz, since I have expended all my energy on the homework, which is on one topic, while the quiz is on another entirely. This is what drives me crazy about that class! It is so scattered ... ahh, but I *do* feel better about it, in the long run this week. That is an improvement, to say the least. I actually learned quite a bit.
On Thursday night, I went to a Predator's game in Nashville and watched with excitement as the game went from BORING to EXCITING, all the way into the anti-climatic shoot-off that gave the game to the Canuck's in the last seconds. There was a fight in the middle of the second period. Blood was on the ice for the rest of the game.
In other news, my roommate and I interviewed another girl today to share the house. We're so used to each other that it will be a little strange to have a third girl around, but we will get used to it. Splitting the utilities will be nice. We'll be able to afford more reliable Internet access than our nice neighbor's free wi-fi access, which is usually a very weak signal.
Speaking of signals, I'm trying to figure out my life ... again. I'm asking God to show me which direction to go. There's been some interesting developments lately that have influenced my perceptions of the present. Work is getting increasingly frustrating as I become more and more adept at doing more in less time. I've essentially worked myself into a corner: I can't grow, and I can't leave. Meanwhile, I've been re-assessing my school situation (is an MBA really the way to go?) and my roommate and I are both questioning whether or not we want to even live in the Nashville area past this year. Jobs in non-health care or educationally related fields are shockingly hard to come by.
On Thursday night, I went to a Predator's game in Nashville and watched with excitement as the game went from BORING to EXCITING, all the way into the anti-climatic shoot-off that gave the game to the Canuck's in the last seconds. There was a fight in the middle of the second period. Blood was on the ice for the rest of the game.
In other news, my roommate and I interviewed another girl today to share the house. We're so used to each other that it will be a little strange to have a third girl around, but we will get used to it. Splitting the utilities will be nice. We'll be able to afford more reliable Internet access than our nice neighbor's free wi-fi access, which is usually a very weak signal.
Speaking of signals, I'm trying to figure out my life ... again. I'm asking God to show me which direction to go. There's been some interesting developments lately that have influenced my perceptions of the present. Work is getting increasingly frustrating as I become more and more adept at doing more in less time. I've essentially worked myself into a corner: I can't grow, and I can't leave. Meanwhile, I've been re-assessing my school situation (is an MBA really the way to go?) and my roommate and I are both questioning whether or not we want to even live in the Nashville area past this year. Jobs in non-health care or educationally related fields are shockingly hard to come by.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Rant
May I just say: I DESPISE MY ECONOMICS CLASS.
Or, more accurately, the homework and quizzes. The general information isn't so bad. But the absolutely RIDICULOUS amount of work and study needed to pass this class is beyond insane. When am I EVER going to use these functions, calculations, and theories? NEVER!
(OK. I'm done now.)
Or, more accurately, the homework and quizzes. The general information isn't so bad. But the absolutely RIDICULOUS amount of work and study needed to pass this class is beyond insane. When am I EVER going to use these functions, calculations, and theories? NEVER!
(OK. I'm done now.)
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Quotes From IHOP Tonight
"I know I just ate a waffle, but I kind of want a cheeseburger."
"Hannah Montana is taking over the world, and I'm not okay with that."
"I just got back from Nashville, but we could always go back to Opry Mills and play Whack-a-Mole."
"Hannah Montana is taking over the world, and I'm not okay with that."
"I just got back from Nashville, but we could always go back to Opry Mills and play Whack-a-Mole."
True Friends
-Come over, see your messy house, and don't care.
-Can talk about nothing, and have it mean something.
-Never question your urgent need for dark chocolate or mint chocolate chip ice cream.
-Bring flowers.
-Tell you what to do when you can't decide. And are right.
-Know the importance of a good chick flick fest.
-Tell the truth, even when it hurts.
You know who you are ... thanks!
-Can talk about nothing, and have it mean something.
-Never question your urgent need for dark chocolate or mint chocolate chip ice cream.
-Bring flowers.
-Tell you what to do when you can't decide. And are right.
-Know the importance of a good chick flick fest.
-Tell the truth, even when it hurts.
You know who you are ... thanks!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Winter Wonderland
So, this is a way blurry shot from my little Nokia, but I found these icicles on my mailbox when I got home tonight. Icicles. In Tennessee.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Little Life Lesson from Economics
According to the lecture slides from my online Survey of Economic Theory class at MTSU,
Thank you, Dr. Graddy. I'm not sure if you were aware of this or not, but you just made an argument that supports the Bible.
Amazing, isn't it, how knowing God enhances our understanding of the way the world works?
People reveal their true preferences by what they do (an action), not by what they say.
Thank you, Dr. Graddy. I'm not sure if you were aware of this or not, but you just made an argument that supports the Bible.
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (I John 3:17-18)
Amazing, isn't it, how knowing God enhances our understanding of the way the world works?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Night Owl is Sleepy
I have found myself longing for bed sooner in the evening, lately. This is a little disturbing to me, since I have always been a night owl. I dislike getting up at six o'clock in the morning. I dislike driving an hour to get to work after getting only five or six hours of sleep. I wish I could stay up into the wee hours of the morning doing research online, crafting, collaging, or blogging.
But I can't. I must sleep. Amazing how my brain protests these days when I push it to its limits.
But I can't. I must sleep. Amazing how my brain protests these days when I push it to its limits.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
How I Juggle Working Full-time and Being a Full-Time Student
Grad school is hard.
I have questioned myself many times over during this first month of classes. Is this something I really need to be doing? Is the fatigue and stress worth it? Will something good come out of this? I still believe in what I'm doing, but I do admit that it is harder than I ever thought it would be. Add to that the personality conflict of my artist/idealist dreamer personality that is in stark contrast to the give-me-the-facts/numbers-don't-lie hard-edged business world, and I have an interesting dilemma: can I survive business school with my true self intact? I know I'm only doing this for my own reasons, but are they enough to get me through?
I only reduced by work week by 4 hours, so I still am considered a full-time employee. Since I am limited as a graduate student to 12 credit hours per semester, I thought I was taking it easy. After all, as an undergraduate, I took a minimum of 15 credits per semester and worked in at least one part-time job on the side.
Little did I know. Those 12 hours are pushing me to the limits of my strength. Only six of my hours are graduate-level, and they are online classes (Business Report Writing and Survey of Economic Theory). The two evening classes I take (Legal Environment of Business and Survey of Accounting for General Business) are undergraduate, but equally time-consuming.
As one of my coworkers pointed out, I live two, if not three separate lives all at once. There is my work life, my student life, and my personal life. All three lives require an investment of time, energy, and emotional strength. My brain is being over-clocked! No wonder I crash into my bed and groan when the alarm goes off each morning.
Resenting the time my homework and studying consumes is a new emotion for me. To apply a theory from my Economics course, the opportunity cost of my schooling is the time I get to sleep and/or be with the people I care about. It's a steep price to pay. I have a decision to make each evening when I get home from work: do I crash and watch TV for an hour or two, call a friend to chat, clean house, or study. If I choose any one of those options, then all of the others is neglected. It does not make for a very balanced existence.
Granted, I can use the accounting and business report writing classes, in particular, to further my career or use in any business I choose to start. They are tangible talents. Knowing my way around accounts receivable and unearned business revenue or being able to whip out a professional marketing proposal in a flash will, inevitably, be good for me. Meanwhile, having a basic knowledge of the legal environment is inarguably beneficial, and knowing the economic principles behind business decisions is equally useful. If I can just get through the semester with decent grades, I will happy. Yet, I still wonder, at what cost am I getting this education? Will it truly provide for me three or four years from now, when I am approaching banks for a small business loan, or applying for marketing director positions at mid-sized firms?
Time will tell. In the meantime, I am doing a lot of praying!
I have questioned myself many times over during this first month of classes. Is this something I really need to be doing? Is the fatigue and stress worth it? Will something good come out of this? I still believe in what I'm doing, but I do admit that it is harder than I ever thought it would be. Add to that the personality conflict of my artist/idealist dreamer personality that is in stark contrast to the give-me-the-facts/numbers-don't-lie hard-edged business world, and I have an interesting dilemma: can I survive business school with my true self intact? I know I'm only doing this for my own reasons, but are they enough to get me through?
I only reduced by work week by 4 hours, so I still am considered a full-time employee. Since I am limited as a graduate student to 12 credit hours per semester, I thought I was taking it easy. After all, as an undergraduate, I took a minimum of 15 credits per semester and worked in at least one part-time job on the side.
Little did I know. Those 12 hours are pushing me to the limits of my strength. Only six of my hours are graduate-level, and they are online classes (Business Report Writing and Survey of Economic Theory). The two evening classes I take (Legal Environment of Business and Survey of Accounting for General Business) are undergraduate, but equally time-consuming.
As one of my coworkers pointed out, I live two, if not three separate lives all at once. There is my work life, my student life, and my personal life. All three lives require an investment of time, energy, and emotional strength. My brain is being over-clocked! No wonder I crash into my bed and groan when the alarm goes off each morning.
Resenting the time my homework and studying consumes is a new emotion for me. To apply a theory from my Economics course, the opportunity cost of my schooling is the time I get to sleep and/or be with the people I care about. It's a steep price to pay. I have a decision to make each evening when I get home from work: do I crash and watch TV for an hour or two, call a friend to chat, clean house, or study. If I choose any one of those options, then all of the others is neglected. It does not make for a very balanced existence.
Granted, I can use the accounting and business report writing classes, in particular, to further my career or use in any business I choose to start. They are tangible talents. Knowing my way around accounts receivable and unearned business revenue or being able to whip out a professional marketing proposal in a flash will, inevitably, be good for me. Meanwhile, having a basic knowledge of the legal environment is inarguably beneficial, and knowing the economic principles behind business decisions is equally useful. If I can just get through the semester with decent grades, I will happy. Yet, I still wonder, at what cost am I getting this education? Will it truly provide for me three or four years from now, when I am approaching banks for a small business loan, or applying for marketing director positions at mid-sized firms?
Time will tell. In the meantime, I am doing a lot of praying!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
I'm a Mutant
Well, science has finally proven what I already knew: I'm a mutant.
I'm not sure what this all means for my gray-blue eyes, but supposedly all people with blue eyes can be traced back to a single mutation of pigment in the iris.
Of course, I know that I have only two ancestors, anyways, so no big shocker there. But I wonder which son of Adam or daughter of Eve was the first to develop this distinctive trait of all fellow blue-eyed mutants of the world?
I'm not sure what this all means for my gray-blue eyes, but supposedly all people with blue eyes can be traced back to a single mutation of pigment in the iris.
Of course, I know that I have only two ancestors, anyways, so no big shocker there. But I wonder which son of Adam or daughter of Eve was the first to develop this distinctive trait of all fellow blue-eyed mutants of the world?
More Wal-Mart Atrocities
Two shirts in one. What a brilliant idea. I NEVER can find that silly white button-down top when I need it. Now I'll never have to look again! It's a twop! TWO-tOP! No adjusting the sleeves to poke out just so from under my sweater. Maybe it's a swop! SWeater tOP.
Whatever it is, it should never have happened.
I'll bet it was made in China!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Cheap Flights
Skybus has just released their new $10 flights for summer. Check it out!
They only have ten $10 seats per flight, which sell out incredibly quickly, and they only fly to smaller airports, so you might have to book a couple of round-about flights to show up at your desired destination, but it is well worth it.
I plan on trying to get in at least one just-for-the-fun of it trip this year for $50 or less.
They only have ten $10 seats per flight, which sell out incredibly quickly, and they only fly to smaller airports, so you might have to book a couple of round-about flights to show up at your desired destination, but it is well worth it.
I plan on trying to get in at least one just-for-the-fun of it trip this year for $50 or less.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Apple Has Done It Again
Not only am I once again entranced by a product release (Mac Fan, here! Want an Air Book!), I am also once again entranced by the music behind the ad.
Yael Naim, whom I think I actually heard of BEFORE the ad (vaguely remember reading something about an up-and-coming Israelian who sings in Hebrew, French, and English), is featured in the lightweight laptop's introduction to the world. I looked her up and loved this video. It's so charming, upbeat, and sweet. What's not to like?
Yael Naim, whom I think I actually heard of BEFORE the ad (vaguely remember reading something about an up-and-coming Israelian who sings in Hebrew, French, and English), is featured in the lightweight laptop's introduction to the world. I looked her up and loved this video. It's so charming, upbeat, and sweet. What's not to like?
Darling, Do You Love Me?
Prove it. Buy me an over-sized Teddy Bear from China holding a pink satin heart with a ridiculous amount a lace and poorly stitched words of endearment.
Try Wal-Mart. It'll make me even happier that you got a deal! Go to the front of the store and find these cheerful guys all lined up by the checkouts with care, in hopes that St. Valentine soon will be there ...
The SNL folks would be sooooo proud!
Try Wal-Mart. It'll make me even happier that you got a deal! Go to the front of the store and find these cheerful guys all lined up by the checkouts with care, in hopes that St. Valentine soon will be there ...
The SNL folks would be sooooo proud!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)