I've been busy with family vacationing and all, and have hardly gotten the chance to go online, let alone compose a journal entry. Since my sister's asleep and I therefore have a modicum of privacy, I figured that now would be a good time to post an update.
Anyway, everyone in the family seemed to enjoy the graduation. The next morning, my parents shipped off the 'last minute' boxes and we got on the road to Maryland. After checking in at the hotel, we looked around the historic district, but only ended up seeing one building. The next morning, we drove to Washington DC. We got to see most of the National Gallery before it closed. The next day, we visited the American History section of the Smithsonian before heading off to Williamsburg, the colonial capital of Virginia.
During the two days we visited Virginia, we saw 'colonial Williamsburg' (for those who don't know, the capital was moved during the Revolutionary War, so the area did not become urbanized and was eventually 'restored' by John D. Rockefeller), the Carter Plantation, and Jamestown. That evening, we drove south to Florence, South Carolina; the next day, we finished our trek and reached Orlando.
Today was our first day at the parks; we went to Animal Kingdom (the newest park) and MGM Studios. Animal Kingdom was fun, since we were more laid-back about it. The 'safari' was especially good, since we went early and the animals were actually out.
Tomorrow, I'll be taking a break from the rest of the family to see my friend Nicole, who lives in the area... it should be fun.
I should get off now.
Sunday, May 26, 2002
Monday, May 20, 2002
Graduation!
I graduated today. I'd like to spend a proper amount of space to commemorate the event, but it is late and I need to wake up early tomorrow, so I will need to be brief. In a weird way, this is appropriate, since these 'major life-changing events' all seem to go by so quickly; they happen, but you don't reflect so much as you move past at full speed.
This morning, I went to the graduation brunch with my parents and sister. After that, we spent the interim just hanging out in the town of Bryn Mawr. That way, they saved their parking spot and things could be more leisurely. When the time came, I donned my regalia and lined up with the other seniors to prepare for the ceremony. The ceremony was what you would expect: we came, we processed, we sat, we watched others get their diplomas, we got our diplomas, we left, we conquered (the lemonade table at the reception). I was able to congratulate and talk to just about everyone who I wanted to, so I'm happy about that.
I then went with my family to dinner, which was fun. They seemed proud of my accomplishment, which is, of course, nice. I had neglected to tell them I had graduated Cum Laude (though I thought I mentioned it); they didn't find out until my dad perused the program. Afterwards, they dropped me off and wished me goodnight.
It's a relief and a bit strange to think that this is my last night in a Bryn Mawr dorm room. I'm glad I was able to do well, despite my slacking; I'm more glad that I didn't get so preoccupied with doing well that I made that the focus of my studies rather than the actual learning and development of critical thinking skills. The nice thing about Bryn Mawr is that they try to make it less competitive, and that frees people to challenge themselves more than they otherwise might.
I will be vacationing for the next few weeks, so I'll probably be away from the internet for the bulk of the time. Let's hope that I don't go through withdrawal...
This morning, I went to the graduation brunch with my parents and sister. After that, we spent the interim just hanging out in the town of Bryn Mawr. That way, they saved their parking spot and things could be more leisurely. When the time came, I donned my regalia and lined up with the other seniors to prepare for the ceremony. The ceremony was what you would expect: we came, we processed, we sat, we watched others get their diplomas, we got our diplomas, we left, we conquered (the lemonade table at the reception). I was able to congratulate and talk to just about everyone who I wanted to, so I'm happy about that.
I then went with my family to dinner, which was fun. They seemed proud of my accomplishment, which is, of course, nice. I had neglected to tell them I had graduated Cum Laude (though I thought I mentioned it); they didn't find out until my dad perused the program. Afterwards, they dropped me off and wished me goodnight.
It's a relief and a bit strange to think that this is my last night in a Bryn Mawr dorm room. I'm glad I was able to do well, despite my slacking; I'm more glad that I didn't get so preoccupied with doing well that I made that the focus of my studies rather than the actual learning and development of critical thinking skills. The nice thing about Bryn Mawr is that they try to make it less competitive, and that frees people to challenge themselves more than they otherwise might.
I will be vacationing for the next few weeks, so I'll probably be away from the internet for the bulk of the time. Let's hope that I don't go through withdrawal...
Sunday, May 19, 2002
Convocation
Today was Convocation; there were several graduation speeches, but the diplomas won't be handed out until tomorrow.
I got up at 10:30 or so and tried to log on, but my internet wasn't working for some reason. I worried that the administration cut the services early for some unfathomable reason, but it worked alright later. In any case, the internet problems allowed me to tear myself from my computer, get out of my room, and close my bank account. I then did some free reading at the coffee shop before returning to my dorm room.
Eventually, I put on a black dress, my robe, and my cap (we don't wear the hood until tomorrow) and lined up for Convocation. It was freezing cold; especially considering what I was wearing, but I survived. Convocation consisted of some performances by the Chamber Singers, speeches by two Bryn Mawr graduate students and the class presidents, an address by Linda Fairstein, and a reading.
After it was over, my family and I went to Philadelphia; we skipped the Garden Party because we couldn't hang around long (and I hadn't really prepared enough for it anyway). After having dinner, we went to the new Kimmel Center and saw "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)". It was an enjoyable show; there are a lot of amusing jokes, and it was interesting to see the performance since I had read the play before. At one point (during the Romeo and Juliet reenactment), an audience member shouted out 'where's the blood', and the cast seemed to have a fun time playing off of the comment; the spontaneous reaction was really funny. And then I got back here.
I got up at 10:30 or so and tried to log on, but my internet wasn't working for some reason. I worried that the administration cut the services early for some unfathomable reason, but it worked alright later. In any case, the internet problems allowed me to tear myself from my computer, get out of my room, and close my bank account. I then did some free reading at the coffee shop before returning to my dorm room.
Eventually, I put on a black dress, my robe, and my cap (we don't wear the hood until tomorrow) and lined up for Convocation. It was freezing cold; especially considering what I was wearing, but I survived. Convocation consisted of some performances by the Chamber Singers, speeches by two Bryn Mawr graduate students and the class presidents, an address by Linda Fairstein, and a reading.
After it was over, my family and I went to Philadelphia; we skipped the Garden Party because we couldn't hang around long (and I hadn't really prepared enough for it anyway). After having dinner, we went to the new Kimmel Center and saw "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)". It was an enjoyable show; there are a lot of amusing jokes, and it was interesting to see the performance since I had read the play before. At one point (during the Romeo and Juliet reenactment), an audience member shouted out 'where's the blood', and the cast seemed to have a fun time playing off of the comment; the spontaneous reaction was really funny. And then I got back here.
Saturday, May 18, 2002
One More Day
I got up late this morning; once I finally came to, I went to a picnic that was being held for seniors. I left pretty quickly and slacked until it was time to go to the run-through. It was pretty dull, but I survived. Later that evening, I met with my family for dinner at the King of Prussia mall.
I'm tired, so that's it.
I'm tired, so that's it.
Friday, May 17, 2002
Thor's Day
I woke up late again... sigh.
When I finally came to, I went to the Campus Center and got the little plaque I ordered. You see, you are allowed to put up a plaque in your dorm room; it shows your name and the year you lived there. Since it is my senior year and I have a rather nice room, I had to get one. I put it up by one of the windows.
After that, I called Havard and the University of Chicago for an update on my status; I hadn't gotten news from either school yet. I learned that a decision hadn't been made. I'm guessing that I won't get in to either place, so I'm not keeping my hopes up.
Later in the afternoon, I got a call from a friend. We had talked earlier about meeting for dinner before graduation, and she called to see if I had the time tonight. As usual, I didn't have any particular plans, so we arranged to meet later on. The two of us went to a Thai restaurant that she had recommended earlier. Since I hadn't had Thai food before and she knew what was good there, I let her order the food. It was good, despite the fact that I don't often eat food that deviates from the rather bland norm of burgers and pizza. One thing I would like to do eventually is broaden my culinary horizons, because it's a shame that I am so limited in the things that I eat.
After dinner, we decided to go to a nearby coffee place (which, as we found out, has recently expanded and become a full-on restaurant) to have s'mores. They provide the necessary materials, including a tiny fire, and you put the smores together. It was messy, but fun. I'm glad we got to get together; I had a lot of fun, and I don't get the chance to hang out with friends often. Hopefully we'll get to hang out after graduation, as she lives in Southern California as well.
We waved goodbye and went our separate ways. After I got back to the campus, I went to the library and paid her overdue bill with the money she had given me (having just gotten back from Alabama, she was a bit tired and wanted to go to her apartment and sleep). Finally, I went back to my dorm, where I didn't do much of note, though I did receive a call from my parents and sister, who had just arrived in town for my graduation.
When I finally came to, I went to the Campus Center and got the little plaque I ordered. You see, you are allowed to put up a plaque in your dorm room; it shows your name and the year you lived there. Since it is my senior year and I have a rather nice room, I had to get one. I put it up by one of the windows.
After that, I called Havard and the University of Chicago for an update on my status; I hadn't gotten news from either school yet. I learned that a decision hadn't been made. I'm guessing that I won't get in to either place, so I'm not keeping my hopes up.
Later in the afternoon, I got a call from a friend. We had talked earlier about meeting for dinner before graduation, and she called to see if I had the time tonight. As usual, I didn't have any particular plans, so we arranged to meet later on. The two of us went to a Thai restaurant that she had recommended earlier. Since I hadn't had Thai food before and she knew what was good there, I let her order the food. It was good, despite the fact that I don't often eat food that deviates from the rather bland norm of burgers and pizza. One thing I would like to do eventually is broaden my culinary horizons, because it's a shame that I am so limited in the things that I eat.
After dinner, we decided to go to a nearby coffee place (which, as we found out, has recently expanded and become a full-on restaurant) to have s'mores. They provide the necessary materials, including a tiny fire, and you put the smores together. It was messy, but fun. I'm glad we got to get together; I had a lot of fun, and I don't get the chance to hang out with friends often. Hopefully we'll get to hang out after graduation, as she lives in Southern California as well.
We waved goodbye and went our separate ways. After I got back to the campus, I went to the library and paid her overdue bill with the money she had given me (having just gotten back from Alabama, she was a bit tired and wanted to go to her apartment and sleep). Finally, I went back to my dorm, where I didn't do much of note, though I did receive a call from my parents and sister, who had just arrived in town for my graduation.
Thursday, May 16, 2002
Shipping
I got to bed late last night, as I was inundated with phone calls from my family and from home. Since I had gotten up early, I was really tired by the time I talked to Fred. Luckily, he was pretty patient with me as I half-consciously rambled about stuff like getting red shoelaces in Japan and visiting the pyramids (this happened in 1992).
Because my bedding was very bulky, I had to pack almost all of it, so I was stuck trying to sleep with only a small blanket and pillow. Needless to say, I had trouble getting to sleep, and I ended up getting up late without feeling incredibly rested. Once I was awake, I carted my boxes, May Day hoop, and bookshelf to the place on campus where Mailboxes Etc. had temporarily set up shop. Fortunately, the place was really close to my dorm, so getting things shipped was not nearly as arduous as it has been in the past despite the fact that I had more boxes. Shipping all my stuff did cost a pretty penny, but, sadly, I don't have much choice in the matter.
I later went to the supermarket to get some food, took an extended nap, got up again, and did random stuff. My life is exciting.
Because my bedding was very bulky, I had to pack almost all of it, so I was stuck trying to sleep with only a small blanket and pillow. Needless to say, I had trouble getting to sleep, and I ended up getting up late without feeling incredibly rested. Once I was awake, I carted my boxes, May Day hoop, and bookshelf to the place on campus where Mailboxes Etc. had temporarily set up shop. Fortunately, the place was really close to my dorm, so getting things shipped was not nearly as arduous as it has been in the past despite the fact that I had more boxes. Shipping all my stuff did cost a pretty penny, but, sadly, I don't have much choice in the matter.
I later went to the supermarket to get some food, took an extended nap, got up again, and did random stuff. My life is exciting.
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Almost There
By some miracle, I woke up bright and early this morning, even before the alarm. This gave me time to pack and do some preparation that I might not otherwise get around to doing.
As of now, I have really ceded possession of my dorm room. If I felt like my room had lost some of its personal touch when I packed up my rug and some other minor things, the effect is completed. I have packed up all non-essential things except my hoop and bookshelf, which I'll need larger boxes for; all my posters and random personal objects have been taken down and packed. The only thing that appears relatively intact is my desk, though I have emptied out the drawers. It's sort of funny... I can make do using plasic bags without a trash can, but it would be a horrible tragedy to go without my computer for a few days. In any case, it's sad to see 'my' room become completely barren.
This morning, I also went to get my cap and gown in the Campus Center. Of couse, the nice zip-up gowns were only bought in the large sizes (it's shortism, I tell you), but I was able to get a decent gown of the right length.
After placing the academic regalia in my room and moving my boxes outside, I went to the library and checked out the movie Pollock. I later went to the Starbucks to read more of A Beautiful Mind before returning to the dorm.
It's hard to believe that it's only a matter of days before I take my leave of this place. Thus far, my life has been ruled by some amount of certainty; ever since preschool, I've been a student, and I've had the same sort of life, even though I have moved 'up' from preschool through elementary school, junior high, high school, and now college. Even if I do end up pursuing graduate school, my life will be very different, since I will have to choose a particular path, and decision-making has never been my forte. I like to daydream, and figure out a thousand incredible (and often ridiculous) futures, but to commit to any one future would mean that I'd have to let the other 999 wither and die. Of course, it's not healthy to live in a dream world like that, but it's hard to be honest with myself about my prospects for the future.
And, by popular demand (okay, one person), I shall recap the thoughts that were unceremoniously lost by a whim of my computer:
Basically, I was thinking of how people construct a 'cannon', or the body of knowledge that is considered the province of every educated person. People often come across bits and pieces of knowledge in such a haphazard way; once this knowledge becomes ingrained, a person often forgets its source and comes to think of it as something 'everyone knows'. This body of knowledge is obviously warped by a person's walk of life and experience, though there is some consistency in primary and secondary education. Of course, that changes from region to region, and its position as the major creator of this 'cannon' obviously causes it to be a point of conflict. Attempts to change the 'cannon' by including things that might be considered of importance by an objective standard but which might not be something that most people have been inundated with may thus be criticized as adding something 'arbitrary' to this common body of knowledge. And... I should really stop blathering.
As of now, I have really ceded possession of my dorm room. If I felt like my room had lost some of its personal touch when I packed up my rug and some other minor things, the effect is completed. I have packed up all non-essential things except my hoop and bookshelf, which I'll need larger boxes for; all my posters and random personal objects have been taken down and packed. The only thing that appears relatively intact is my desk, though I have emptied out the drawers. It's sort of funny... I can make do using plasic bags without a trash can, but it would be a horrible tragedy to go without my computer for a few days. In any case, it's sad to see 'my' room become completely barren.
This morning, I also went to get my cap and gown in the Campus Center. Of couse, the nice zip-up gowns were only bought in the large sizes (it's shortism, I tell you), but I was able to get a decent gown of the right length.
After placing the academic regalia in my room and moving my boxes outside, I went to the library and checked out the movie Pollock. I later went to the Starbucks to read more of A Beautiful Mind before returning to the dorm.
It's hard to believe that it's only a matter of days before I take my leave of this place. Thus far, my life has been ruled by some amount of certainty; ever since preschool, I've been a student, and I've had the same sort of life, even though I have moved 'up' from preschool through elementary school, junior high, high school, and now college. Even if I do end up pursuing graduate school, my life will be very different, since I will have to choose a particular path, and decision-making has never been my forte. I like to daydream, and figure out a thousand incredible (and often ridiculous) futures, but to commit to any one future would mean that I'd have to let the other 999 wither and die. Of course, it's not healthy to live in a dream world like that, but it's hard to be honest with myself about my prospects for the future.
And, by popular demand (okay, one person), I shall recap the thoughts that were unceremoniously lost by a whim of my computer:
Basically, I was thinking of how people construct a 'cannon', or the body of knowledge that is considered the province of every educated person. People often come across bits and pieces of knowledge in such a haphazard way; once this knowledge becomes ingrained, a person often forgets its source and comes to think of it as something 'everyone knows'. This body of knowledge is obviously warped by a person's walk of life and experience, though there is some consistency in primary and secondary education. Of course, that changes from region to region, and its position as the major creator of this 'cannon' obviously causes it to be a point of conflict. Attempts to change the 'cannon' by including things that might be considered of importance by an objective standard but which might not be something that most people have been inundated with may thus be criticized as adding something 'arbitrary' to this common body of knowledge. And... I should really stop blathering.
Monday, May 13, 2002
Love and a Bit With a Dog
I had another late start this morning. After getting up and doing the normal internet stuff, I called my mom to wish her a happy Mother's Day, but she seemed tired, so we didn't talk for very long. I later called my grandmother, and we spoke for a bit longer. That afternoon, I watched Shakespeare in Love in the media center; it's a very enjoyable movie, so I had fun watching it. I later went to dinner and did more slacking before beginning my packing. It's sad to see my personal touch (or whatever) starting to leave the room; I can't say that the space is 'mine' anymore. Oh well, c'est la vie...
Saturday, May 11, 2002
Freedom, Blessed Freedom
Well, I found out that my life without schoolwork is not all that different than my life with it. I did my usual slacking despite the fact that I don't have any work to slack.
Despite my attempt to get to bed (relatively) early, I got up at around ten again. I did my usual routines, and after lunch I took advantage of my free time by going to the library's media center and finally watching my Memento DVD. I did some more slacking and tried going back for a second movie, but people had just started another video. I went back at about the time they would leave, but they started another short video after finishing the first one. I finally got to watch a second DVD (Chicken Run, which isn't exactly deep, but you can't beat clay chickens for entertainment, can you?), and got back to my room after 11.
And that's it.
Despite my attempt to get to bed (relatively) early, I got up at around ten again. I did my usual routines, and after lunch I took advantage of my free time by going to the library's media center and finally watching my Memento DVD. I did some more slacking and tried going back for a second movie, but people had just started another video. I went back at about the time they would leave, but they started another short video after finishing the first one. I finally got to watch a second DVD (Chicken Run, which isn't exactly deep, but you can't beat clay chickens for entertainment, can you?), and got back to my room after 11.
And that's it.
Friday, May 10, 2002
Well
Why is my subject "well", do you ask? Here's the answer: it's the last word of the last sentence of the last assignment of my collegiate career! I am completely finished with my work! And, I might add, I am done a day early, which never happens.
Well,I got up later than I had been for the past week. I have been getting up at 7 or 8 lately, and I woke up at 10 this morning, but it is just as well. I did my usual routines until 1:30, when I had to go to rehearse for my final performance for class (the performances were at 2). We were able to get one scene in before people started coming into the classroom and things degenerated into a paper airplane fest. Since my scene was the first in the play, my partner and I went first; fortunately, our scene (as well as those of our classmates) went pretty well, though one girl didn't come for some reason... I feel bad for her partner.
After that, I went to the moonbounce that had been set up near the Campus Center and made a fool of myself for a few minutes. I slacked, went to the supermarket, and ate before working on my final journal entry (and, in the process, finishing my collegiate career). I turned it in and went to Taylor to ring the bell; it is traditional for seniors to ring the bell once they have finished. After that, I did nothing of consequence besides, um... well, come to think of it, I did nothing of consequence.
One question remains: What will become of me when I can't procrastinate? I might as well have no purpose in life.
Well,I got up later than I had been for the past week. I have been getting up at 7 or 8 lately, and I woke up at 10 this morning, but it is just as well. I did my usual routines until 1:30, when I had to go to rehearse for my final performance for class (the performances were at 2). We were able to get one scene in before people started coming into the classroom and things degenerated into a paper airplane fest. Since my scene was the first in the play, my partner and I went first; fortunately, our scene (as well as those of our classmates) went pretty well, though one girl didn't come for some reason... I feel bad for her partner.
After that, I went to the moonbounce that had been set up near the Campus Center and made a fool of myself for a few minutes. I slacked, went to the supermarket, and ate before working on my final journal entry (and, in the process, finishing my collegiate career). I turned it in and went to Taylor to ring the bell; it is traditional for seniors to ring the bell once they have finished. After that, I did nothing of consequence besides, um... well, come to think of it, I did nothing of consequence.
One question remains: What will become of me when I can't procrastinate? I might as well have no purpose in life.
Miscellany
I've been neglecting my journal for the past few days. I hope I can be forgiven for this egregious oversight.
Let's see... well, I didn't do much on Monday, though I did go to a rehearsal and workshop.
To my surprise, I woke up super-early on Tuesday; this allowed me to do some catchup work on my drama journal. At one in the afternoon, I had my senior exit interview, during which a professor (in my case it was a Biology prof.) asks you to give your opinions on the school. This took about an hour. A little later, my partner and I had a rehearsal with the drama professor; he seemed to think we are in good shape overall, so I was happy about that. When I got back to my room, I found a wasp on my mug; I hadn't left any windows open, so how it got in my room is a mystery. I am allergic, so I was especially antsy (yay for bug puns). Fortunately, I was able to get it out of there without much trouble. That evening, I did my take-home Psych final. I am glad I went to the review session last week, as she seemed to use the questions that were discussed there as the basis for many of the questions on the exam.
On Wednesday, I turned in the finished exam and took my laptop over to the Starbucks to write my art history paper. Even though public places such as these can be distracting, I think it may be easier to work there than the quiet and privacy of my room. I don't have the temptation to use the internet in the middle of writing, plus I don't have the familiar distractions of my room to keep my from working. I did about five pages before going back to my dorm, and another page when I got back.
Let's see... well, I didn't do much on Monday, though I did go to a rehearsal and workshop.
To my surprise, I woke up super-early on Tuesday; this allowed me to do some catchup work on my drama journal. At one in the afternoon, I had my senior exit interview, during which a professor (in my case it was a Biology prof.) asks you to give your opinions on the school. This took about an hour. A little later, my partner and I had a rehearsal with the drama professor; he seemed to think we are in good shape overall, so I was happy about that. When I got back to my room, I found a wasp on my mug; I hadn't left any windows open, so how it got in my room is a mystery. I am allergic, so I was especially antsy (yay for bug puns). Fortunately, I was able to get it out of there without much trouble. That evening, I did my take-home Psych final. I am glad I went to the review session last week, as she seemed to use the questions that were discussed there as the basis for many of the questions on the exam.
On Wednesday, I turned in the finished exam and took my laptop over to the Starbucks to write my art history paper. Even though public places such as these can be distracting, I think it may be easier to work there than the quiet and privacy of my room. I don't have the temptation to use the internet in the middle of writing, plus I don't have the familiar distractions of my room to keep my from working. I did about five pages before going back to my dorm, and another page when I got back.
Sunday, May 5, 2002
May Day
Today was May Day; the last Bryn Mawr tradition of the year, and the final tradition that I and the other seniors participate in. This year was actually Grand May Day; every four years, the school spends twice as much on the tradition, and it luckily enough coincided with my senior year.
The day starts at 7:30 or 8, when the students put on their white dresses (well, nobody has to wear a white dress, but most people do) and go to one of the dining halls (or the Campus Center in the case of the seniors) for a breakfast of strawberries and cream. It was a tiny bit cool in the morning, especially given the fact that I was in a short-sleeved dress, but the day ended up being really nice and warm.
There's a short break before the procession to Merion Green, where the Maypoles are. At around 9:30, the procession begins, led by a bagpipe player and followed by select faculty members, Traditions Mistresses, Songs Mistresses, May Queens, Maypole dancers (who got the position by signing up at 8:30 on Wednesday morning), and President Nancy Vickers. Rumor had it that President Vickers rode in on an elephant for Grand May Day, but, alas, this was proven to not be the case. However, the Traditions Mistresses did come in on horse-drawn carriages.
The day starts at 7:30 or 8, when the students put on their white dresses (well, nobody has to wear a white dress, but most people do) and go to one of the dining halls (or the Campus Center in the case of the seniors) for a breakfast of strawberries and cream. It was a tiny bit cool in the morning, especially given the fact that I was in a short-sleeved dress, but the day ended up being really nice and warm.
There's a short break before the procession to Merion Green, where the Maypoles are. At around 9:30, the procession begins, led by a bagpipe player and followed by select faculty members, Traditions Mistresses, Songs Mistresses, May Queens, Maypole dancers (who got the position by signing up at 8:30 on Wednesday morning), and President Nancy Vickers. Rumor had it that President Vickers rode in on an elephant for Grand May Day, but, alas, this was proven to not be the case. However, the Traditions Mistresses did come in on horse-drawn carriages.
Maul
After getting up late, I made my way to the King of Prussia Mall, one of the larger malls on the east coast. I was able to get a white May Day dress for tomorrow (I am great at planning ahead). While I was there, I was also able to get some camera stuff and a few other articles of clothing). I was also able to get a good amount of reading done; one of the advantages of taking public transportation is that you don't have to pay attention for long stretches of travel time and can devote yourself to reading.
And then I got back, read some more, and slacked.
And then I got back, read some more, and slacked.
Friday, May 3, 2002
Another Day, Another Dilemma
I got up on the late side (surprise, surprise) today. After slacking, I turned in some money for a hoops race hoop (a Bryn Mawr tradition, don't ask) and went to lunch.
Today, I read an article that was posted in the Campus Center which dealt with employment opportunities for my graduating class. This has been a pretty rough year because of 9/11 and the recession, and more people are 'waiting it out' by going to grad school rather than getting a job; as a result, law school applications went up 44% from last year, which is a huge jump. That helps me not get too depressed over my less-than-stellar track record (aside from wait-lists at UCLA and USC, I haven't gotten even mediocre news yet)... though I was a bit lazy on filling out the applications, it's not just me. In any case, it's useful to have that statistic to deflect personal criticism.
Today, I read an article that was posted in the Campus Center which dealt with employment opportunities for my graduating class. This has been a pretty rough year because of 9/11 and the recession, and more people are 'waiting it out' by going to grad school rather than getting a job; as a result, law school applications went up 44% from last year, which is a huge jump. That helps me not get too depressed over my less-than-stellar track record (aside from wait-lists at UCLA and USC, I haven't gotten even mediocre news yet)... though I was a bit lazy on filling out the applications, it's not just me. In any case, it's useful to have that statistic to deflect personal criticism.
No More Classes...
Today was my last day of classes. It's a bit weird (and sad) to think that I'll never sit in an undergraduate classroom again.
Let's see... what did I do? Well, I went to class, naturally. Today was the first time my partner and I performed our Waiting for Godot scene in class; for those of you who know the play, I am Estragon/Gogo and we're doing the first few pages of the play, up past the discussion of the two thieves. There will be a final exam/performance on the 10th, so hopefully that'll go well. I'm feeling more confident about this project than past ones, though.
After class, I did some reading for a final seven page paper. It's for an 18th century art class; I am writing on Elizabeth Vigée Le Brun. I got about 50 pages in to my main source, so I feel fairly good about it. While I was reading in the coffee shop, a thunderstorm was raging outside. It was a bit distracting to read while the storm was going on, but it was also sort of nice; there's an almost hypnotic beauty to falling rain (at least when you're not outside and getting soaked).
After the storm had passed, I went to a workshop with a potential acting professor candidate, basically as a way of stroking my prof's ego and improving my grade. It was fun, though it lasted a bit long.
Let's see... what did I do? Well, I went to class, naturally. Today was the first time my partner and I performed our Waiting for Godot scene in class; for those of you who know the play, I am Estragon/Gogo and we're doing the first few pages of the play, up past the discussion of the two thieves. There will be a final exam/performance on the 10th, so hopefully that'll go well. I'm feeling more confident about this project than past ones, though.
After class, I did some reading for a final seven page paper. It's for an 18th century art class; I am writing on Elizabeth Vigée Le Brun. I got about 50 pages in to my main source, so I feel fairly good about it. While I was reading in the coffee shop, a thunderstorm was raging outside. It was a bit distracting to read while the storm was going on, but it was also sort of nice; there's an almost hypnotic beauty to falling rain (at least when you're not outside and getting soaked).
After the storm had passed, I went to a workshop with a potential acting professor candidate, basically as a way of stroking my prof's ego and improving my grade. It was fun, though it lasted a bit long.
Thursday, May 2, 2002
Zzzzz...
Why is it so hard to get to sleep, yet so tempting to nap during the afternoon? I wish I could get normal sleep habits, but one of the downfalls of having the degree of independence that I do is that there is no regimen imposed on me from without, so I just end up staying awake too late. Plus, even if I do force myself to sleep, half the time I end up just lying in bed unable to sleep for long periods of time.
Anyway, here is the "Cliffs Notes" version of my day:
Anyway, here is the "Cliffs Notes" version of my day:
- I woke up at 7:30.
- I went back to sleep until 10:30.
- I did my usual net routine.
- I went to lunch.
- I did Psych reading.
- I napped.
- I went to class.
- I went to dinner.
- I slacked.
- I went to a review session.
- I slacked some more.
- I... uh, wait, that's it.
Wednesday, May 1, 2002
Equivocating
I was able to get up early today without much trouble... hurray for me!
I was pretty low-key today. I went to class of course, but I decided to let this be a 'me-day' and relaxed without stressing about work. However, I did get some library books for a paper... the last paper I'll write in my college career! I even spent some of the evening doing some free-reading (gasp) at Starbucks - the book was A Beautiful Mind... and no, I haven't seen the movie.
I'm sort of stressed about my family lately; I worry that I've let them down in some ways. Even though they don't exert pressure, I sometimes wish they would let me be and not talk too much about my future. It just gets me frustrated. I suppose I'm being immature about it, but I just get a little depressed when subject comes up.
In large part, it's because I'm so aimless, whereas the people who my mom might compare me to are really driven and have been certain about what they want to do. It frustrates me that you need to really dedicate yourself to a 'career track' so early in order to be 'successful'; in some ways it seems really limiting. But I guess one can say that the opposite extreme is just as bad. Part of my problem is that I'm not really a passionate person; I enjoy doing several things, but I can't do exclusively one thing at the expense of others or dedicate my life to a given career. Of course, wasting my time as a 'Jack of all trades' is more of a 'waste of my life' than any decent career would be.
I was pretty low-key today. I went to class of course, but I decided to let this be a 'me-day' and relaxed without stressing about work. However, I did get some library books for a paper... the last paper I'll write in my college career! I even spent some of the evening doing some free-reading (gasp) at Starbucks - the book was A Beautiful Mind... and no, I haven't seen the movie.
I'm sort of stressed about my family lately; I worry that I've let them down in some ways. Even though they don't exert pressure, I sometimes wish they would let me be and not talk too much about my future. It just gets me frustrated. I suppose I'm being immature about it, but I just get a little depressed when subject comes up.
In large part, it's because I'm so aimless, whereas the people who my mom might compare me to are really driven and have been certain about what they want to do. It frustrates me that you need to really dedicate yourself to a 'career track' so early in order to be 'successful'; in some ways it seems really limiting. But I guess one can say that the opposite extreme is just as bad. Part of my problem is that I'm not really a passionate person; I enjoy doing several things, but I can't do exclusively one thing at the expense of others or dedicate my life to a given career. Of course, wasting my time as a 'Jack of all trades' is more of a 'waste of my life' than any decent career would be.
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