Getting things done.

1. Figure out a more productive daily schedule.
2. Avoid situations where I have to endure the phrase "top 10."
3. Skip group meetings more often.
4. Be more enthusiastic over the phone.
5. Go to the post office.
6. Stop being sad.
7. Find a place where I can be myself without being punished.
8. Write an Eclipse plug-in.
9. Think of two more things.

9a. Refurbish the bathroom to improve the sale of the house.
9b. Schedule the defense.

Everything's gonna be alright

Strange. Past two months, I've almost been enjoying school. I have no paper deadlines; I don't have to make a mountain out of my teeny result-molehill. I see my advisor only once a week; his crazy-talk bounces off my brain like cartoon bullets. I'm diligently working on my two projects, making progress on implementation and measuring results.

I saw a female faculty in the hallway the other day. Last time I spoke with her, I was in poor shape (you, dear reader, might remember). She'd given me some advice on the preliminary exam, finishing the degree, and getting a job. She asked, "How is the prelim going?" I said, "All done." She said, "Wow! Do you plan on graduating this summer?" I said, "I've got some job offers already."

This is how I thought graduate school was supposed to be. I'm working independently on stuff I enjoy. I'm learning new things. I see a clear end. I know what I need to do to get out.

Instead, the first 11 semesters were torture; I got through them with rage, depression, therapy, and tenacity. The last 2 look like they'll be decent.

I've quoted her before, but she's worth repeating. From Annie Proulx's "The Bunchgrass Edge of the World,"

The main thing in life was staying power. That was it: stand around long enough, you'd get to sit down.

One question: What do I call this blog once I graduate?

Thaw

Easy. Changing a car battery which expires 8 months early.

Hard. Changing a car battery which expires 8 months early in mid-February the night before temperatures reach -9 degrees F.

The close ties between rap and country music

There is a lot in common between the lyrics of Reba McEntire's 1990 song "Fancy" and Eminem's "Lose Yourself."

She says, "She said here's your one chance Fancy don't let me down."

He says, "You only get one shot...this opportunity comes once in a lifetime."

Sure, there's the clear generation and gender gaps. He lives in a mobile home. She lives in a rickety shack. He's broke. She's poor. He wants to be made king. She charms a king.

Perhaps this isn't such a crazy idea: hick hop.

How little I know

Scene: It's Super Bowl Sunday. I am at home; I flip on the TV to see if my favorite show has started. I poke my head in the boyfriend's room.


Me: "How many parts in a football game?"
Boyfriend: "Four quarters."
Me: "Dang. I guess House won't be on for a while."

Brassage rhymes with Sausage

Arsenio Hall*, back when he had a talk show, featured a segment called "things that make you go hmmmm." This item would appear on the segment:

Brassage is the first and only wellness bra. As you move, imperceptible massaging bumps (about the size of a quarter) in the side panels stimulate circulation in the lymphatic area. This important area processes 80% of the bodys lymphatic drainage of toxins and impurities from the breast tissue. Doctor-designed. Breathable blend of 90% Swiss organic cotton and 10% spandex. You may experience tenderness during the detox process.

You can buy the brassage on sale!


*Hall is represented by William Morris Agency and is currently developing a television vehicle.