Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Road Trip
It is currently 5:19am when I am writing this. I'm out of here in 20 minutes, and on the road to Arizona with Kristen. Look for the following blog upon my arrival...
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Finals Week
So why haven't I been blogging as much this year as I said I would be? Eh. I decided to put forth a great effort towards school. We all remember what happened last semester. Yeah, ouch. So this semester, there was a minimum of computer use for GAMES. I woke up most days at 7, and went to bed at 10:30 unless I was staying up late working on something.
On that note, I didn't actually stay up late much, as I tried doing my work on time -- starting as soon as the day it was assigned. Now, this is new to me. In high school, I could snag a 100% by cranking out an assignment while I brushed my teeth in the morning. But my freshman year here at UTA proved that that strategy was no longer viable -- believe me, I tried, and it was no honeymoon.
On one hand, it worked beautifully. I got my work done on time, and got better grades, and could get plenty of sleep. However, nobody else at UTA is on the "do work as it is assigned" system; they all use the "do work when it is due" system. Hence, my social life suffered big time. I would get an assignment on October 3, due October 24. My friends would all want to hang out October 3 - 20. I would be busy working on the assignment during that time, spending the last few days to perfect it. Then I would be free to hang out those last four days while they hopelessly toiled away and then complained about their sleep deprivation. Obviously, my system is better, but it is absolutely no fun unless we're all on the same page. HINT HINT.
So I have mostly high expectations for my classes this year. Let me break it down for you:
Political Science - I expect to fail this class. Not because I was doing horribly in it, but just because I'm not Mexican. The teacher has a list of complaints as long as his racist, anarchist history. I turned in great work, and did tons of extracurricular activities for him that not only violated my rights but cut into other class times. He's an ass and will fail me anyway. Looking back, I'm sorry I put as much effort into it as I did. The final was easy though.
Business Communication - This was a $1000 kindergarten class. I raked in A's and B's all semester and did extra credit, and also I was a bit of a teacher's pet. I expect an A. I take that final on Thursday.
Programming - This class was a bit difficult. I love Java and I did very well on the assignments, but I wasn't so hot on the tests. Everything balanced out to a low C going into the final, and this is the only class I am genuinely worried about! ARGH! I can't study enough for this. Final is on Thursday. Highest grade I can make is a high C, unfortunately.
Discrete Structures - Very challenging. The subject matter was easy though -- it is all logic, and some math. However, the professor teaches on a higher level than she should and can't speak English, which made it hard to clarify confusing points. The class average is a 43, which makes for a 32-point curve. Basically, if I make a D or higher on the test, I get an A in the class, so I'm not too worried about this. The final should only cover matrices anyway, which I learned in 7th grade. Final Thursday. As a result, I expect a B or A.
Sociology - Easy peezy lemon squeezy. Well, I got C's on the test so I can't be doing TOO hot, but hopefully she can bump that up after my last test (which I thought was easy) and the optional final I will be taking on Wednesday. I'm hoping for an A.
This might not help my GPA much, but all in all I have been getting better grades this semester. My only crux was that damn Political Science. I'll probably have another update after the the finals on Thursday. Yikes!
On that note, I didn't actually stay up late much, as I tried doing my work on time -- starting as soon as the day it was assigned. Now, this is new to me. In high school, I could snag a 100% by cranking out an assignment while I brushed my teeth in the morning. But my freshman year here at UTA proved that that strategy was no longer viable -- believe me, I tried, and it was no honeymoon.
On one hand, it worked beautifully. I got my work done on time, and got better grades, and could get plenty of sleep. However, nobody else at UTA is on the "do work as it is assigned" system; they all use the "do work when it is due" system. Hence, my social life suffered big time. I would get an assignment on October 3, due October 24. My friends would all want to hang out October 3 - 20. I would be busy working on the assignment during that time, spending the last few days to perfect it. Then I would be free to hang out those last four days while they hopelessly toiled away and then complained about their sleep deprivation. Obviously, my system is better, but it is absolutely no fun unless we're all on the same page. HINT HINT.
So I have mostly high expectations for my classes this year. Let me break it down for you:
Political Science - I expect to fail this class. Not because I was doing horribly in it, but just because I'm not Mexican. The teacher has a list of complaints as long as his racist, anarchist history. I turned in great work, and did tons of extracurricular activities for him that not only violated my rights but cut into other class times. He's an ass and will fail me anyway. Looking back, I'm sorry I put as much effort into it as I did. The final was easy though.
Business Communication - This was a $1000 kindergarten class. I raked in A's and B's all semester and did extra credit, and also I was a bit of a teacher's pet. I expect an A. I take that final on Thursday.
Programming - This class was a bit difficult. I love Java and I did very well on the assignments, but I wasn't so hot on the tests. Everything balanced out to a low C going into the final, and this is the only class I am genuinely worried about! ARGH! I can't study enough for this. Final is on Thursday. Highest grade I can make is a high C, unfortunately.
Discrete Structures - Very challenging. The subject matter was easy though -- it is all logic, and some math. However, the professor teaches on a higher level than she should and can't speak English, which made it hard to clarify confusing points. The class average is a 43, which makes for a 32-point curve. Basically, if I make a D or higher on the test, I get an A in the class, so I'm not too worried about this. The final should only cover matrices anyway, which I learned in 7th grade. Final Thursday. As a result, I expect a B or A.
Sociology - Easy peezy lemon squeezy. Well, I got C's on the test so I can't be doing TOO hot, but hopefully she can bump that up after my last test (which I thought was easy) and the optional final I will be taking on Wednesday. I'm hoping for an A.
This might not help my GPA much, but all in all I have been getting better grades this semester. My only crux was that damn Political Science. I'll probably have another update after the the finals on Thursday. Yikes!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Birthday List
So much going on, SO MUCH! I'm already breaking my sacred blogging vow. Oh well. I'll skip past the part where I explain about my job, my warts, my blisters, my pants, and D&D, and go right to the juicy meat of this post:
My birthday list. Ah yes, Saturday, April 20, I shall be a man. Well that didn't change. But I shall be a 20-year old man! Weird. Going from 19 to 20. But here's a long list of loot I would like to horde (in no particular order):
Toys --
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/games/745a/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/personalsoundtrack.html
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/zapcam.shtml
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/warfare/9c0e/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/6d98/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/electronic/8e9a/
http://www.amazon.com/Medieval-Israel-Solomon-Crusader-Knight/dp/B0009TPBOM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1207180380&sr=8-1
Media --
http://www.amazon.com/Serenity-Collectors-Nathan-Fillion/dp/B000Q9IZ5C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1207179848&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Sins-of-a-Solar-Empire/dp/B000YFOGS8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1207179951&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Serenity-David-Newman-Composer/dp/B000AYYUGQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207180109&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Good-Apollo-Burning-Star-One/dp/B000AA302A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207180144&sr=1-3
Apparel --
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/personalsoundtrack.html
http://www.amazon.com/24-Domestic-Unit-T-Shirt-XX-Large/dp/B000X93RPS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207180001&sr=1-9
http://www.amazon.com/T-Shirt-Counter-Terrorism-Adult-Medium/dp/B000LOZ75S/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207180001&sr=1-16
That should give you plenty to go off of. You know what I like. Airsoft and nerf guns always welcome... I'm a sucker for anything that glows in the dark... I also enjoy multi-tools and other geeky gadgets... Yeah. No excuses for not getting me anything now.
My birthday list. Ah yes, Saturday, April 20, I shall be a man. Well that didn't change. But I shall be a 20-year old man! Weird. Going from 19 to 20. But here's a long list of loot I would like to horde (in no particular order):
Toys --
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/games/745a/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/personalsoundtrack.html
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/zapcam.shtml
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/warfare/9c0e/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/6d98/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/electronic/8e9a/
http://www.amazon.com/Medieval-Israel-Solomon-Crusader-Knight/dp/B0009TPBOM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1207180380&sr=8-1
Media --
http://www.amazon.com/Serenity-Collectors-Nathan-Fillion/dp/B000Q9IZ5C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1207179848&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Sins-of-a-Solar-Empire/dp/B000YFOGS8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1207179951&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Serenity-David-Newman-Composer/dp/B000AYYUGQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207180109&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Good-Apollo-Burning-Star-One/dp/B000AA302A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1207180144&sr=1-3
Apparel --
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/personalsoundtrack.html
http://www.amazon.com/24-Domestic-Unit-T-Shirt-XX-Large/dp/B000X93RPS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207180001&sr=1-9
http://www.amazon.com/T-Shirt-Counter-Terrorism-Adult-Medium/dp/B000LOZ75S/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1207180001&sr=1-16
That should give you plenty to go off of. You know what I like. Airsoft and nerf guns always welcome... I'm a sucker for anything that glows in the dark... I also enjoy multi-tools and other geeky gadgets... Yeah. No excuses for not getting me anything now.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Week One Situation Report
This week reminded me a bit of my first week as a freshman here at UTA. No homework, other than reading, and a lot of hanging out with friends. Of course, I worked a lot at my job, and did my reading before doing anything crazy. But it's shaping up to be an alright semester.
With one exception. My political science professor wants me to work 8 hours for some campaign, and 4 hours as a poll clerk. Ugh! Who wants to work in politics?! Oh, and apparently, he was on the list of The 25 Most Dangerous Professors. He wants to start a Mexican Revolution, and dreams of Mexicans running the United States. Especially the ones that speak Spanish. Um, dude? There are MANY countries run by Spanish-speakers, and one of them is even run by Mexicans. IF YOU WANT THE MEXICANS TO RUN THE UNITED STATES, THEY WOULD NOT CALL IT THE UNITED STATES, THEY WOULD CALL IT "MEXICO NUMERO DOS!" Go to freakin' Mexico, ya nut!
So, apparently Trophy Club Police Department wants me grading/acting in a scenario or two for the Texas State Explorer Competition. I'm stoked about that, but not stoked about the gas its gonna take to head out to their meetings every week. Especially since I should be doing tutoring those nights anyway. And, I finally got to fire a real firearm, a .22 caliber rifle. I'm a darn good shot, too! Tight grouping, 90% accuracy in the center of the target.
And, there's a massive crack in my windshield. The whole point of this report was to keep you updated on my life, and those were the major accomplishments. But I would like to take the time out from my busy schedule to wish Jeff a HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY!
With one exception. My political science professor wants me to work 8 hours for some campaign, and 4 hours as a poll clerk. Ugh! Who wants to work in politics?! Oh, and apparently, he was on the list of The 25 Most Dangerous Professors. He wants to start a Mexican Revolution, and dreams of Mexicans running the United States. Especially the ones that speak Spanish. Um, dude? There are MANY countries run by Spanish-speakers, and one of them is even run by Mexicans. IF YOU WANT THE MEXICANS TO RUN THE UNITED STATES, THEY WOULD NOT CALL IT THE UNITED STATES, THEY WOULD CALL IT "MEXICO NUMERO DOS!" Go to freakin' Mexico, ya nut!
So, apparently Trophy Club Police Department wants me grading/acting in a scenario or two for the Texas State Explorer Competition. I'm stoked about that, but not stoked about the gas its gonna take to head out to their meetings every week. Especially since I should be doing tutoring those nights anyway. And, I finally got to fire a real firearm, a .22 caliber rifle. I'm a darn good shot, too! Tight grouping, 90% accuracy in the center of the target.
And, there's a massive crack in my windshield. The whole point of this report was to keep you updated on my life, and those were the major accomplishments. But I would like to take the time out from my busy schedule to wish Jeff a HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Back in School
Well first of all, a month away from this:
made the reunion that much better. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time when I got back, just hanging out and going shopping and the like. Oh, how I love you, Kristen!
But I guess you're all sick and tired of hearing me talk about how much better she is than all of you. So I'm gonna talk about my school for now. Granted, today was only Monday, so we will see how I feel by the weekend. Work is fine, still fun and easy money for me. I'm only working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and most of my classes are Tuesday and Thursday. (I do, of course, have a sociology class for three hours Wednesday night. Supposedly we're having D&D Friday nights, but I'd much rather spend those with Kristen.
There I go again. Anyway, my roommate is pretty darn sweet, with even more kickass gear than my last one. I just keep getting awesome roommates! (Except for you weirdos in the summer.) So now we have an HD TV, a PS3, a gaming computer (with a nice monitor), a nice stereo... all sorts of neat techie stuff. It's going to be hard to study this year, I can tell you that.
Especially since my political science class requires that I actually work in the polls and in a campaign. Ugh! I'm not even registered to vote here, so I gotta figure that out soon. He said if we have a problem and can't find a suitable alternative to his assignment, then we should find a different professor because he doesn't care. But my problem is I can't just go get another professor. My schedule is delicate.
But the bottom line for this semester is DO NOT SUCK. My parents are looking for any excuse to haul me back to Arizona. (I'd rather die first.) Of course, I'll find ways to have fun. You can count on that.
Oh yes. Count on that.
made the reunion that much better. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time when I got back, just hanging out and going shopping and the like. Oh, how I love you, Kristen!But I guess you're all sick and tired of hearing me talk about how much better she is than all of you. So I'm gonna talk about my school for now. Granted, today was only Monday, so we will see how I feel by the weekend. Work is fine, still fun and easy money for me. I'm only working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and most of my classes are Tuesday and Thursday. (I do, of course, have a sociology class for three hours Wednesday night. Supposedly we're having D&D Friday nights, but I'd much rather spend those with Kristen.
There I go again. Anyway, my roommate is pretty darn sweet, with even more kickass gear than my last one. I just keep getting awesome roommates! (Except for you weirdos in the summer.) So now we have an HD TV, a PS3, a gaming computer (with a nice monitor), a nice stereo... all sorts of neat techie stuff. It's going to be hard to study this year, I can tell you that.
Especially since my political science class requires that I actually work in the polls and in a campaign. Ugh! I'm not even registered to vote here, so I gotta figure that out soon. He said if we have a problem and can't find a suitable alternative to his assignment, then we should find a different professor because he doesn't care. But my problem is I can't just go get another professor. My schedule is delicate.
But the bottom line for this semester is DO NOT SUCK. My parents are looking for any excuse to haul me back to Arizona. (I'd rather die first.) Of course, I'll find ways to have fun. You can count on that.
Oh yes. Count on that.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Blogoriffic!
Well, it's 2008 now. And no, I didn't just notice that. I'm letting you all know in case you missed the news. But I was so busy in 2007, I hardly updated my blog at all! And I mean that I didn't update it at all! However, I think this year my resolution will be to update my blog more frequently. At least once a month. I will try.
So you better keep visiting.
So you better keep visiting.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Egads!
So a lot has been happening with me since I got back to Arlington. Let me touch on the major points.
I've helped Kristen move into her new house. It is a very nice house, too, if I do say so myself. I wish I had a house like that.
Speaking of which... the recent rulings from the Parental Consummate have blocked all aid that would go towards my owing an apartment next year. That, and a direct order denying me access to apartments next year. During the summer however... the Parentals will have to get back to me on that. It is still likely I will live in an apartment over the summer.
So, I've also lost a lot of weight and gained some muscle mass with all the moving these past few weeks.
Classes, you ask? Well, music is a total breeze, the professor said I didn't even need to show up. History may be tricky, only because the tests consist of two essays, and I hate writing history essays. But it's all stuff I know already. I have to take the same exact math class over again, which I am extremely disgusted with. The bright side is, I already have my notes, and have already received a 100% on my first quiz in precal. English is dull, but easy. I guess it could be worse. Programming is my hard class this year. It's all kinds of new material, with homework that takes two weeks to complete, in a new format. Grooooaaaan!
Now on to the fun.
Explorers is really picking up. I was simultaneously appointed Super Administrator and Administrator of the website (www.apdexplorers.com) and the forum (www.apdexplorers.com/phpBB2), respectively. With the help of Kristen and her dad, I redid the website so now it looks all awesome and everything. I'm very proud of it. And then even more good news - I was placed on the competition team for Explorers this year! YES!
Building searches last night was a ton of fun, too, although we had to respond to the WEIRDEST call I've ever done a building search for:
Alarm company reported motion alarm triggered in girl's locker room at school... then the power went out. So we responded and raided the girl's locker room in the dark, finding two men there, one of which was armed with a handgun. The team is doing ok, we just need to work out some communication issues. I think we're gonna rock!
Anyways, I'm just biding my time until Kristen can get her license, because I'm stuck. Without a car, I need money to see her. In order to get money, I need a job. In order to get a job, I need a car. In order to get a car... I need the Parentals to give me one. Which won't happen until after this semester. GARGH! So it's up to Kristen now. And, speaking of the beautiful one, our four-month anniversary was on the 29th, and we're gonna celebrate with a big fancy fondue dinner this weekend.... after she gets her license. Poor Kristen, all this pressure.
But I am kinda stoked -- lot on my plate now. My '24' DVD will arrive soon, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes was just released, gonna see a funny movie this Friday, probably, Kristen will get her license this weekend, and -- best of all -- I get to have a fancy dinner date with her this weekend.
....I just gotta get this crap homework out of the way, first. Wait, I'm not done yet, I've saved the best story for last!
Jeff nearly killed a hobo. And I'm not even kidding. And by 'killed,' I of course mean 'destroyed.' See, we were speeding down the street, with Jeff driving, and me and Kristen in the car. It was night, and we were hungry. That's when I see an old, fat, obviously homeless woman slowly pushing an old-fashioned baby carriage across the road. It's apparent she doesn't even realize the danger she's in. It was very creepy... a classic scene from a horror movie... especially since I was the only one that saw her. We were 100 feet away at that point, and closing fast.
I start screaming "STOP! STOP! STOP!", as horrible visions of a body flying through the windshield flashed through my head. Jeff didn't stop. He didn't see the woman.
Not until 6 inches away...
...where he hit the horn and swerved around her, blowing past her at highway speeds mere inches from her. I was terrified about the health hazards hitting a large woman at such speeds posed to US. Kristen was afraid of slamming into the baby carriage and killing the baby. Jeff wasn't really afraid, he was angry. He now has a vendetta against all hobos. He regrets not being able to stop and beat the crap out of the woman as punishment for her dangerous level of stupidity in public.
I'm glad nobody got hurt.
But man was that scary!
Ok, kids, get back to work. That's all the fun for now.
I've helped Kristen move into her new house. It is a very nice house, too, if I do say so myself. I wish I had a house like that.
Speaking of which... the recent rulings from the Parental Consummate have blocked all aid that would go towards my owing an apartment next year. That, and a direct order denying me access to apartments next year. During the summer however... the Parentals will have to get back to me on that. It is still likely I will live in an apartment over the summer.
So, I've also lost a lot of weight and gained some muscle mass with all the moving these past few weeks.
Classes, you ask? Well, music is a total breeze, the professor said I didn't even need to show up. History may be tricky, only because the tests consist of two essays, and I hate writing history essays. But it's all stuff I know already. I have to take the same exact math class over again, which I am extremely disgusted with. The bright side is, I already have my notes, and have already received a 100% on my first quiz in precal. English is dull, but easy. I guess it could be worse. Programming is my hard class this year. It's all kinds of new material, with homework that takes two weeks to complete, in a new format. Grooooaaaan!
Now on to the fun.
Explorers is really picking up. I was simultaneously appointed Super Administrator and Administrator of the website (www.apdexplorers.com) and the forum (www.apdexplorers.com/phpBB2), respectively. With the help of Kristen and her dad, I redid the website so now it looks all awesome and everything. I'm very proud of it. And then even more good news - I was placed on the competition team for Explorers this year! YES!
Building searches last night was a ton of fun, too, although we had to respond to the WEIRDEST call I've ever done a building search for:
Alarm company reported motion alarm triggered in girl's locker room at school... then the power went out. So we responded and raided the girl's locker room in the dark, finding two men there, one of which was armed with a handgun. The team is doing ok, we just need to work out some communication issues. I think we're gonna rock!
Anyways, I'm just biding my time until Kristen can get her license, because I'm stuck. Without a car, I need money to see her. In order to get money, I need a job. In order to get a job, I need a car. In order to get a car... I need the Parentals to give me one. Which won't happen until after this semester. GARGH! So it's up to Kristen now. And, speaking of the beautiful one, our four-month anniversary was on the 29th, and we're gonna celebrate with a big fancy fondue dinner this weekend.... after she gets her license. Poor Kristen, all this pressure.
But I am kinda stoked -- lot on my plate now. My '24' DVD will arrive soon, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes was just released, gonna see a funny movie this Friday, probably, Kristen will get her license this weekend, and -- best of all -- I get to have a fancy dinner date with her this weekend.
....I just gotta get this crap homework out of the way, first. Wait, I'm not done yet, I've saved the best story for last!
Jeff nearly killed a hobo. And I'm not even kidding. And by 'killed,' I of course mean 'destroyed.' See, we were speeding down the street, with Jeff driving, and me and Kristen in the car. It was night, and we were hungry. That's when I see an old, fat, obviously homeless woman slowly pushing an old-fashioned baby carriage across the road. It's apparent she doesn't even realize the danger she's in. It was very creepy... a classic scene from a horror movie... especially since I was the only one that saw her. We were 100 feet away at that point, and closing fast.
I start screaming "STOP! STOP! STOP!", as horrible visions of a body flying through the windshield flashed through my head. Jeff didn't stop. He didn't see the woman.
Not until 6 inches away...
...where he hit the horn and swerved around her, blowing past her at highway speeds mere inches from her. I was terrified about the health hazards hitting a large woman at such speeds posed to US. Kristen was afraid of slamming into the baby carriage and killing the baby. Jeff wasn't really afraid, he was angry. He now has a vendetta against all hobos. He regrets not being able to stop and beat the crap out of the woman as punishment for her dangerous level of stupidity in public.
I'm glad nobody got hurt.
But man was that scary!
Ok, kids, get back to work. That's all the fun for now.
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