De Keuken Van 1870, Seated Next to a Sleeping Black Cat

Amsterdam has been really fun so far. The weather has cooperated, too; after some initial cloudiness, the sky got clearer and the temperature warmer. I have had fun exploring and walking around the town.

On Tuesday, I went to the Rijksmuseum, which was undergoing renovation but was still quite impressive. I saw a couple of personable Frans Hals paintings (including a large double portrait of a married couple), some lighthearted Jan Steens, a peaceful Vermeer (the one with a woman pouring milk into a jar), and some stunning Rembrandts, including the Jewish Bride, De Staalmeesters, and the Night Watch. The Rembrandts in particular were exciting to see in person, because the impasto technique lent an air of three-dimensionality that resists reproduction.

From App to Zzzz...

One of my favorite new iPhone apps is the Sleep Tracker. It uses the phone's motion sensors to provide a rough estimate of how deeply a person is sleeping at a given time.
It works as an alarm, which is timed to activate at the period (within a designated 30 minutes) when one is most alert and likely to respond.
As an added bonus, it keeps a record of a person's sleep cycles for a given night, making it possible to track, in a more objective sense, how well a person has been sleeping. Obviously, the measurements are pretty rough, and it's not like this app is capable of reading brainwaves, but I still am excited to see the results.
I tend to be a night person, and struggle in the mornings, so I'm hoping this tool will help me to address my problem.
Finding Number One: It looks like I am not getting enough hours of sleep.
Finding Number Two: I kind of knew that already.

School and Such

Fortunately, Sunny got through the operation and is doing well.

I've been able to get back into the school schedule, although I felt a bit sleep-deprived today, as I needed to stay up late to work on an outline.I'm going to have to be a bit more careful with my sleep schedule, especially since it seems like half of the school has come down with a cold.

In other news, I have an interview with the Licensing Section of the Department of Justice later this week. I hope that I have a decent shot at an externship there; I think that my Administrative Law background will put me in a good position, but it's hard to know what will happen.

Busy...

I've been a bit busy lately, so I haven't gotten around to updating. I've still got a lot to do tomorrow, and the next week will be pretty work-intensive.

My sleep habits have generally gotten better this week, and I'm hoping to keep it up. I think it's helpful to have the extra time in the mornings. Of course, it's difficult because I'm typically most productive late at night, but I should be able to figure other efficient ways to study.

On Wednesday, Chrissie came over to show me some footage from her latest student film project. However, she coudn't stay long, as I had a class shortly after she came.

Friday's Corporations class was more laid-back than usual, as it was largely review; the teacher even brought Krispy Kreme doughnuts to class. After class, I met with my "witness" for next Wednesday's Trial Practice class, where I'm conducting a direct examination. Later, I picked up Natasha and went to a "cast screening" of Chrissie's Murphy Colfax movie, which also included screenings of movies by Matt and Jeremy (aka 'Murphy').

In other news, I recently learned that I will be having a follow-up interview for the Riverside DA on November 7th! I still have to schedule the interview itself, keeping the (2+ hour) travel time in mind. Hopefully it will go well, since it seems like it would be a good experience with some interesting hands-on work; if I remember correctly, students even get to handle a misdemeanor trial over the course of the summer.

Since I Last Posted (Yes, I Am Original)

I discovered that I have many more case summaries to do than I originally thought; due to a communications error (the prof. was sending emails to my deserted school email address, which I didn't know to check), I hadn't received the last few batches. Naturally, I did a couple batches as soon as I could so that I could start to catch up.

I also have an idea for the piece I'll eventually be writing for the NAALJ journal, which I approached my professor with. I've done a little preliminary research, just to make sure that there was some case law on the subject, and it looks like there's enough to make an interesting paper. I'm probably going to write about art in the administrative law context, and the issues that come up with NEA grants. I think that there's an interesting conflict, since art is inherently subjective and would seem difficult to regulate, and the topic brings up some issues that are unusual in the administrative law context, mainly First Amendment rights. I have to turn my topic in on Monday, so hopefully it will be well-received.

I had to give an opening statement for Trial Practice on Wednesday. I don't feel that great about it, though I don't feel absolutely horrible. I think I had a few problems because the person I was 'representing' was fairly reprehensible, even without considering the allegations.

Insomnia Strikes Again

So much for getting extra sleep. Oh well; at least I'm in good shape as far as my reading is concerned. I just wish I hadn't been so tempted to procrastinate. I reaaly need to get a strict schedule together, especially if I don't want to get too sick.

Time management is something I'll really have to concentrate on in the coming weeks; after all, I will be finished with exams and be out of the country in less than two months' time. It's just too easy to dally and pretend that everything that needs to be done is in the distant future, particularly when television, computers, DVDs, and the like are so tempting.

In other news, I found the following article while surfing the net. I just wonder whether the Paris-themed hotel in Las Vegas is facing similar problems...

Disney's Epcot Center puts 'France,' 'Germany' on hiatus
- - - - - - - - - - - -
By Michael Clark

April 1, 2003 | ORLANDO (AP) -- It may be a small world after all, but it will soon be even smaller at Disney's Epcot Center theme park.

After careful deliberation, executives at the Orlando theme park have decided to temporarily close the World Showcase pavilions dedicated to France and Germany, citing growing animosity toward the countries' anti-war stance. Says Judson C. Green, President of Walt Disney Attractions, "Disney has always prided itself on reflecting the character and sentiments of middle America. When the country is so united in its support of the war in Iraq and so furious with the actions of France and Germany, it seemed insensitive for us to keep France and Germany open." Financial concerns also played a part in the decision. Not only has overall park attendance declined as wartime anxiety has increased, but sales of French and German products in the pavilions have also decreased dramatically as anti- French and German sentiment has grown.

However, while France and Germany will probably remain closed throughout the duration of the war, there are no current plans to permanently close or overhaul the pavilions. "Disney has put a great deal of effort into all of its World Showcase pavilions, taking meticulous care to evoke the spirit of the countries represented, including France and Germany. We are therefore very reluctant to eliminate any pavilion unless we feel it is absolutely necessary," says Green.

Epcot Center, which has been touted as "Disney's version of a World's Fair," opened its gates in 1982. This is the first time that a pavilion has been closed for a prolonged period of time or for non-technical reasons.

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:

1. I woke up at 7:30.
2. I went back to sleep until 10:30.
3. I did my usual net routine.
4. I went to lunch.
5. I did Psych reading.
6. I napped.
7. I went to class.
8. I went to dinner.
9. I slacked.
10. I went to a review session.
11. I slacked some more.
12. I... uh, wait, that's it.

My Merry Sojourn Into the World of Sleep-Deprivation

I have been spending almost all of my time since noon yesterday working on my 15-20 page term paper (it ended up being a teeny bit over 18 pages). I have only gotten intermittent bits of sleep since noon yesterday. I'm alert enough right now, but there was a period in the middle of the day where I was a complete zombie. I'm just glad I have my Verdi Requiem/Opera Choruses CD to get me through the worst of it... it's fairly loud and seems pretty ideal for the 'sleep deprived and desperate to finish work' mood. I eventually finished and turned the paper in... though I would have been better off if I didn't procrastinate while I was writing the paper. But I finished, and that's what matters.

I'm hoping I'll get to bed at a reasonable time tonight. Maybe I'll finally be able to end my streak of insomnia.

My Day: The Verse Version!

I committed a minor sin
In my decision to sleep in.
This was compounded when I stalled
My work. Then, after that, I hauled
My quite reluctant self to class.
I stayed 'til my lesson did pass.
I wrote and did some reading too,
And put off work (it's sad but true).
So that is where I am right now.
These are the facts; that I do vow.

That is my day. I am thinking of limiting my nighttime internet access, since I have a lot of work to do in the next week. I have a 15 page and 6 page paper along with a Chorale concert. It might help my insomnia to get off the computer earlier as well.

Oh, and here's a quote I found amusing:
"If the only tool you have is a hammer, then it is very tempting to treat everything as though it were a nail." - Maslow

Reflections

I think part of the reason that I keep getting to bed so late/early is that 12-5 in the morning is really a conducive time for me to do random creative (or at least non-studious) things. The complete silence allows me to sit at my computer and really concentrate, even to the extent that my eyes water and I feel sick if I remain on the computer for too long (does this happen to anyone else?). Despite my knowledge that staying up late hinders my schedule and makes me sleepy the next day, part of me craves the peace and stillness of the late night hours.

I had a pretty late start today, and was further hindered because my yearbook co-editor slept in. Once three o'clock came and I had done my share of work, I left to study. I wasn't as motivated as yesterday, but I eventually was able to haul myself and my book over to Starbucks. Unfortunately, it was more crowded in the early evening than in the afternoon. In addition, this weird elderly couple was around for most of the time I was there; they spoke very loudly and kept speaking to people who were studying and didn't need the interruption. I read a couple of chapters before getting fed up and going home to read another chapter. I still have two chapters to read, but I can do them tomorrow in the morning or afternoon.

I came across the following Los Angeles Times article about my alma mater, Marlborough School, and it caused me a good deal of reflection and frustration, which I will detail here.

I Need Sleep Now

I was thinking of writing a substantial entry, but I have been having a terrible bout with insomnia lately, so I don't want to stay up to late and just exacerbate the problem.

I should have checked over my thesis class schedule; it turns out that the thesis wasn't actually due until Friday. I'm actually grateful for my being scatterbrained this time. It's really nice to be relaxing at a time that I might otherwise have been stressing out. Plus, knowing me, I would have turned it in on Saturday if I thought it was due on Friday. Maybe I can do something fun on Friday just to celebrate having the free time.

Does anybody know any quick 'cures' for insomnia? I don't like staying up until five. I can't do anything productive when I'm simply trying to sleep, and it really throws off my schedule.

Good Day, Sunshine

I was able to get up bright and early on Thursday, a victory despite the fact that my early class was cancelled anyway.

I got up relatively early this morning but went back to sleep until 10:30 or so. It's still better than I've been doing, so I'm happy. Today it was really nice outside; it's warm enough that jackets are no longer necessary, but not so hot that one feels sweaty and uncomfortable. Anyway, I (finally) mailed Fred his sweater today. I also played on the computer, and have done a good deal of the next page of my comic.

Well, goodnight!

Insomnia and Stuff

I got another late start after having lots of trouble getting to sleep last night. There are few things more frustrating than lying in bed at 4 AM without being able to simply shut your mind off and sleep. I'll try again tonight; hopefully I'll have better luck.

Once I was awake, I went to Dalton to help my Psychology major friend with her thesis. First I had some wires attached to me in order to measure my heart rate. I then watched a tape about Phineas Gage (who you've probably heard about if you've taken a Psych class) with the instruction that I should show the opposite emotional reaction to what was being shown on screen. After that, I went to class and chorale.

I also finished putting all of my MP3s on CD, and finally have space on my hard drive! Believe it or not, the MP3s were taking up over 1/3 of my computer space, so it's quite a relief to not worry about running out of space all the time.

The Trek To Swarthmore And Other Tales

By some miracle, I was got up fairly early, and was able to get to my counseling appointment in time. I basically discussed my procrastination problems, and we talked about strategies to combat it. I have to work on breaking up my time better and setting firmer schedules for myself. Heh, it's a wonder I have been able to get this far given the sorry state of my study habits.

After a bit of stalling (I guess old habits die hard), I took the van to Swarthmore for thesis work; I had to get a hold of the microform copies of sources I needed. Unfortunately, microform isn't what you might call 'state of the art'... the text was blurry, particularly when I tried to print it. I had to write one of my texts ('A Tory Medley') out longhand; at least it's a source that I think I can use. In addition, the texts won't print out at a small size, so I couldn't fit a lot onto a page. I wanted to print out more, but I was running late and wanted to get back relatively early.

After getting back, I slacked a bit (I did get a bit of reading done while I was in the van, though). Later, I was able to bring myself to do a bit of reading, so I'm fairly happy with myself. Hopefully I'll be able to get the week's reading done tomorrow morning, since I'll be in New York with Fred for the rest of the weekend (yay).

I'm hoping I'll be able to be able to curb my procrastination. It's hard, since it seems that my mind is elsewhere, but I know it's a necessary thing to do.

Mardi Gras!

Today was a bit of a waste; I barely did anything of substance. I'm hoping I'll be better off in the next few days. In any case, I should have the opportunity to do some heavy-duty work tomorrow... if I don't sleep in too much.

Today was Mardi Gras, so my hall had a mini-parade as well as a small party with 'king cakes' and Heinekens. I had two bottles, so I'm a wee bit inebriated. I don't drink often, so I'm not really used to the feeling. Oh well. Anyways, if comic #10 looks a bit... off, you now know why.

Sniffle Sniffle

Today was another basically wasted day. I didn't wake up until 10:00... it bothers me that I seem to have blocked out my alarm recently. I called the Counseling Center this afternoon; I'm hoping that a counselor might be able to help me deal with the sleep and motivation problems before they get to be too much.

I had another journey into the comicy abyss today, finishing part 9 of the island series. Only one more until I can shift my energies onto the second story! Of course, I know I should really take a break from it. I want to finish the last part of the island comic relatively soon, but I will hopefully be able to pace myself more with the five or six pages of the second series which I have scanned. I suspect that it'll take even longer to put together (the effects are more complex, and backgrounds consist of more than just a palm tree and some sand), so I don't want to even attempt to tackle it for a while.

Ack... I'm starting to feel a little sick. Hopefully it'll go away quickly.

Thor's Day

I will be getting to bed any moment now, but I wanted to do a quick journal entry first.

Oddly enough, while I don't have much of a problem getting up on Tuesdays, I seem to be having trouble with Thursdays. I suppose I'll have to be easier on myself so I don't get so run down by Thursday morning.

I had my usual classes, after which I went to dinner. After a break, I went to audition for Twelfth Night. I think I did a decent job, but one never knows with these things. I guess I'll have to wait and see. I later went to a short Yearbook meeting. I'm worried, since I'm going to have to fudge on one of the spreads in order to get it in on time. Sigh...

I spent much of the evening working on the eighth part of my comic. I wish I could be as dedicated about official work as I am with these fun side projects, but I think their 'unofficial' nature is what makes them enjoyable. If I had to turn it in for a grade or someone flat out demanded that I work on it at a certain time, I wouldn't be half as enthusiastic.

Yet Another Banal Journal Entry

I've been too busy/unmotivated to update for the past couple of days, so here's the scoop:

Though it was pretty warm on Monday morning, it began to snow as I went to class later in the day. It only snowed about an inch (the grass was still visible), but it became awfully cold, especially once you added in the windchill. Later that night, I met with my thesis advisor. I slacked off a lot that evening, doing useless things like surfing random websites, and I didn't end up getting to bed until really late. Which is really bad because...

Tuesdays are long and begin early for me. I had a class at 8:30, which meant that I ended up getting around 3 or 4 hours of sleep. I did alright considering the lack of sleep, but I did get very tired during Topology. After classes, I had a short meeting with my assistant editor for yearbook. I was so tired that I ended up going to bed not too long after that, so I ended up getting a good amount of sleep.

Cough, Wheeze

I was able to get to bed at a decent hour yesterday, but I ended up waking up at 1:30. I spent a few frustrating hours just trying to get back to bed, and ended up getting up late. Sigh...

After class, I went to the health center for a check up. The nurse said that it looked like a virus rather than something more serious like strep throat. I got a decongestant and was advised to come back if the problem didn't subside.

I'm feeling better, and I think I'll be better by then... it's just frustrating that this has dragged on for so long.

Another Late Night

I was able to get up on time, happily. Oddly enough, I don't seem to be feeling the effects of sleep deprivation, or at least I'm not dozing off. My throat's still sore, however. If it keeps up, I'll probably go to the Health Center on Friday.

Today wasn't bad, but it wasn't superb either. It was just the basic round of classes, plus my PE credit (fencing). For once, I'm not completely to blame for my staying up late; I went to an audition for a set of student plays, and I didn't end up getting in until very late.