Mazal, Mazal Everywhere

This weekend: my sis in law got a RAD fellowship, my lil bro got a PHAT job, I got a bike. OK, my gets aren't quite as awesome, but I'm looking at the little things in life.

I've been a bit distracted of late so please excuse the lack of posting and general weakness of this post.

I'm learning about how inaccurate hydrology measurement equipment is, what is political ecology, how to make a mental map (I still have no sense of direction), other cool stuffy stuff. I'm nearly half way through the Einstein book and still recommend it. I'm also psyched to finish this season of holidays. Time to move on with the year!

Onwards and upwards.

Hot Soup on a Cold Night

The best thing on a freezing cold night like tonight:
Crack soup, broccoli and tofu. Yum!

Happy Camper

I am going to tread lightly in this new incarnation of my blog in areas related to my studies or those classes that I am assisting. This blog is not anonymous and even though my name appears infrequently, a diligent searcher would find it easily.

That said, I LOVE my classes. OK, one of them inspires the students to talk in order to hear their own voices, but all the others are substantive, the profs are master lecturers, and I'm totally engaged. How's that for a resounding vote of confidence in an academic program. Surprisingly, it is my most science oriented class that gets me up in the morning. Damn you, Mr. Foster!

One of my classes is a partial credit course designed to introduce the newest grad recruits to the discipline and to the academicians in the department. It has a bit of a push/pull aspect to it. The teachers both want to assimilate us neophytes into their conception of what the discipline is and how it should operate, and they want to empower us to create our own unique and relevant conception. Does this happen in every school? It is a marvelous course.

Happy camper. Now if the rain would only let up just a bit.

Shameless, I know....

I added more books to my Wishlist at Powells, but it felt awesome to actually delete some that managed to read this summer! And if you ever want to surprise me with something awesome, that list is a terrific place to look.

Headache free... for now

I'm doing the I have-no-headache-dance this morning. Yes!!

Headaches, Offices and Rain

It's always bad news when the first thing in your mouth in the morning is a pair of aleve, chugged down with some ice coffee. Yea, this wasn't the greatest morning.

This headache has been hanging on for three days and I have been fighting with all the ammo I have: proper hydration, sleep, caffeine, pain killers... What more do you want from me?

I am really hoping and praying that tomorrow will be the end, cuz I'm not nice about it anymore.

And in other news: I finally got into my office which is across campus from my department building! Don't think there will be a whole lot of actual work that I can get done there. Thankfully, I have a terrific workspace at home. Too bad students can't just meet me here during my office hours.

I am keeping up with the reading and consider how early it is in the semester, I may even be a little bit ahead. I'm sure that won't last long, however...

Paper chains didn't actually happen at my little brunch summit meeting with three other Jewish graduate students. But food did. Although, I must say, that I haven't quite mastered cooking over an electric stove. Things take too long to heat up and then you never can tell how hot they are. So my french toast was tough and spongy, rather than light and delicate.

And Geshem is in force just a few days early. We don't start praying for rain till FRIDAY, did you hear me GOD, FRIDAY!! I pulled my boots out of the closet early this year and it has continued to pour buckets over the last few days.

I look forward to hearing from everyone.