It's obviously been a few days since my last post. I think this is because the word "busy" no longer accurately describes my life..."insane" is probably more like it. I recently sat down with a friend and found that after all my scheduled activities, I have roughly 4 hours of free time per week. So I have started keeping track of my time and how I spend it. I have been amazed to see just how much time I'm really spending on school...and also how much time I waste. I am definitely a work in progress when it comes to time management.
I got kinda scared yesterday. For really the first time this semester, I took a quantitative look at my grades, and wasn't pleased with what I discovered. I found that I have one A, three B's, and one C. NASTY! Those aren't horrible grades, but considering I have a 4.0 GPA up until this semester, those grades are far below my normal performance. While the discovery was rather unpleasant, I think it was exactly what was needed to remotivate me. It is still possible to pull out an A in every class, although it would take a miracle to do so in Dynamics (the class I have a C in right now). Good thing God's in the business of doing miracles! I also heard that the teacher may actually curve a little bit at the end of the year....if he does, that may just be my saving grace. But ultimately, all I can do is my best, and just let God handle the results.
Another thing adding to my busy schedule is a Bible study that I am starting up with Michael. He's a Resident Advisor on-campus, and has several kids in his hall that are interested in the study. He didn't want to run it completely himself (the University is pretty touchy about stuff like that), so he asked me to lead it. I am the primary facilitator, but he is of course there for backup, to stimulate discussion, etc. It's mostly evangelistic in nature, but there are one or two believers that will be coming as well. It makes me a bit nervous, because I've never led a Bible study before, but I think it will be a good experience. I just hope God uses us in the lives of these kids.
Beyond that, life goes on. The fleas still aren't completely gone, but they are fading slowly. The cat still hasn't returned. Work is going well, but I'm not getting the hours I need right now. Finances as a whole are still pretty tight, but my grandpa is flying me up to his place in Tennessee for Thanksgiving. That is such a blessing...I remember what a huge relief it was last year at this time to just dump everything for a few days and spend time in total relaxation. The absence of anything to do (which would normally bother me) was exactly what I needed.
I am already starting to joyfully anticipate my return home. It's always a weird dichotomy. In one sense, I miss my Florida friends (whom I grow closer to all the time), but in the other, I'm so insanely happy to go home. There's no comparison as far as the climate goes. One friend told me when I mentioned I was considering NASA at Cape Kennedy for a career, "But you hate Florida!" I wouldn't say I hate it...not unless you do a qualitative comparison between Florida and the NW. Then, yeah...I pretty much hate Florida. But it's not a bad place, all in all. I just wish all the people I love could be in one place. I know....I'll make Embry-Riddle and all my Florida friends relocate to the NW. Then I'd never have to leave. It's a nice thought anyway. I guess the lack of separation will make Heaven all the more joyful, huh?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
C'est la vie
Yes, life goes on. The weekend was pretty good, actually. I have very few complaints. Friday was a rough day, since I didn't get to bed until around 2:30 a.m. I got my Fluid Mechanics homework done, but didn't even touch the Differential Equations homework. Fortunately for me, the professor didn't collect the assignment...it's not actually due until tomorrow at the test.
I spent most of Friday finalizing (and mailing) my application to NASA for their Undergraduate Student Research Program. I applied for all three sessions (Spring, Summer, and Fall). If accepted to the program, I would work for NASA as a research assistant at one of their 9 locations nationwide. I specified several preferred locations, but they will of course have the final word. The position pays $9,000 for the spring or fall sessions and $6,000 for the summer session. I really hope I can land a position with them or another company sometime this year...my resumé could really use the boost and delaying my degree by one semester would put me back on track (taking fall classes in the fall).
I tried to go to work Friday afternoon, but after about an hour, I began feeling rather nasty. Ty (my supervisor) suggested I hit the road if I wasn't feeling well. I was reluctant to lose the hours, but after another half-hour, I decided to take his advice. I went home and chilled for a while, and felt better after that. I then vacuumed the whole house in an attempt to quell the flea invasion.
To my great surprise (and relief), the vacuuming made an INCREDIBLE difference. I could walk around the house freely without being attacked. I sat down on the couch (a daring move) to watch Black Hawk Down later for a couple hours and was only bitten once in the entire time. It was wonderful.
Speaking of which, I'm so happy because I can actually watch movies again! I got tired of Jesse's possessed DVD player, so I went to Wal-Mart and got a $30 player. I hooked up the audio to the existing DVD system's audio-in channel and the video to the TV and Presto! I had DVD capability (with a great sound system). I was watching Black Hawk Down with the volume and subwoofer up so high that whenever something exploded, the couch shook. It was awesome. =P
Later on Friday, I got to hang out with Kelly and her boyfriend, John. I hadn't met him before. He's a pretty great guy...I think Kelly made the right choice. =) I went over to Kelly's apartment and we all had pizza, played Smash Brothers, and watched Brad Stine's newest DVD, Wussification. It was very funny (as always), but I think Tolerate This! was still the funniest.
Saturday was a pretty low-key day. I got up rather late, grabbed some food, and generally chilled until around time for CFC. After CFC, most of the gang headed out to Go-Kart City to play mini-golf and race go-karts, but I wasn't really up for that...so Bryan and Tom and I headed back to my place to watch Cars. I love that movie, haha.
Sunday was also pretty laid-back. Most of the church was at Celebration, so there was a sparse crowd. Tom and Bryan and I sat in the very front and held up three signs that read "We ♥U Dan" at the beginning of the service. That got a few laughs. After church, we grabbed lunch at Riddle, and I headed home for some HW. Later that night, they came back over along with Bryan's roommate (Will) and we watched Wild Hogs. That movie cracks me up...it's very funny, but very inappropriate in parts.
Today was a good day as well. I got up on time for once, spent some time with the Lord, and headed to Riddle to finish up some HW before class. I got some breakfast, and headed to class. It's funny how starting the day off right sets the tone for the whole day. =) Tonight I need to study Diff Eq for a while...I have that assignment due and a big midterm tomorrow in that class.
So...that was my life over the past few days in a nutshell. Pretty boring, I know, but that's how it goes. Only 7 weeks left of school and then finals...and then home for Christmas!! =D
I spent most of Friday finalizing (and mailing) my application to NASA for their Undergraduate Student Research Program. I applied for all three sessions (Spring, Summer, and Fall). If accepted to the program, I would work for NASA as a research assistant at one of their 9 locations nationwide. I specified several preferred locations, but they will of course have the final word. The position pays $9,000 for the spring or fall sessions and $6,000 for the summer session. I really hope I can land a position with them or another company sometime this year...my resumé could really use the boost and delaying my degree by one semester would put me back on track (taking fall classes in the fall).
I tried to go to work Friday afternoon, but after about an hour, I began feeling rather nasty. Ty (my supervisor) suggested I hit the road if I wasn't feeling well. I was reluctant to lose the hours, but after another half-hour, I decided to take his advice. I went home and chilled for a while, and felt better after that. I then vacuumed the whole house in an attempt to quell the flea invasion.
To my great surprise (and relief), the vacuuming made an INCREDIBLE difference. I could walk around the house freely without being attacked. I sat down on the couch (a daring move) to watch Black Hawk Down later for a couple hours and was only bitten once in the entire time. It was wonderful.
Speaking of which, I'm so happy because I can actually watch movies again! I got tired of Jesse's possessed DVD player, so I went to Wal-Mart and got a $30 player. I hooked up the audio to the existing DVD system's audio-in channel and the video to the TV and Presto! I had DVD capability (with a great sound system). I was watching Black Hawk Down with the volume and subwoofer up so high that whenever something exploded, the couch shook. It was awesome. =P
Later on Friday, I got to hang out with Kelly and her boyfriend, John. I hadn't met him before. He's a pretty great guy...I think Kelly made the right choice. =) I went over to Kelly's apartment and we all had pizza, played Smash Brothers, and watched Brad Stine's newest DVD, Wussification. It was very funny (as always), but I think Tolerate This! was still the funniest.
Saturday was a pretty low-key day. I got up rather late, grabbed some food, and generally chilled until around time for CFC. After CFC, most of the gang headed out to Go-Kart City to play mini-golf and race go-karts, but I wasn't really up for that...so Bryan and Tom and I headed back to my place to watch Cars. I love that movie, haha.
Sunday was also pretty laid-back. Most of the church was at Celebration, so there was a sparse crowd. Tom and Bryan and I sat in the very front and held up three signs that read "We ♥U Dan" at the beginning of the service. That got a few laughs. After church, we grabbed lunch at Riddle, and I headed home for some HW. Later that night, they came back over along with Bryan's roommate (Will) and we watched Wild Hogs. That movie cracks me up...it's very funny, but very inappropriate in parts.
Today was a good day as well. I got up on time for once, spent some time with the Lord, and headed to Riddle to finish up some HW before class. I got some breakfast, and headed to class. It's funny how starting the day off right sets the tone for the whole day. =) Tonight I need to study Diff Eq for a while...I have that assignment due and a big midterm tomorrow in that class.
So...that was my life over the past few days in a nutshell. Pretty boring, I know, but that's how it goes. Only 7 weeks left of school and then finals...and then home for Christmas!! =D
Friday, October 19, 2007
Refreshing
God was really faithful to bring me rejuvenation over the past two days in answer to my frustrations earlier this week. It was actually pretty amazing!
Wednesday was the day I was studying for my SE 300 (Team Software Engineering) class. I actually skipped most of my classes because studying took priority in this case. I met Steve-O for our weekly lunch, during which we sat down and did an activity mapping out how I spend my time each week. We found out that yes, I am indeed very busy. In fact, we discovered that after everything (including a few hours of planned leisure time), I have about 4 hours of free time a week. Yeah...kinda crazy.
So I took the SE 300 test and it really wasn't bad. There were a couple questions I was unsure of, but it's not like math or physics where there is absolutely one right answer. There was one question in particular that busted me...it read, "What is regression testing?" I (being the wise-guy that I am) said, "Regression testing is when you 'regret' not studying certain material for the upcoming SE 300 'test.'" Har har. But he did say at the beginning of class that if we could make him laugh, he might give us a bonus point. =P
After the test, I met briefly with Sean (President of Christian Fellowship Club). We discussed some questions/concerns I had about the club and my position in it, whether I was actually the Worship Coordinator or just the Worship Leader. I also had some things on my heart regarding the club's focus....it seems a little too superficial for me. More on that another time, but Sean agreed with me 100% and mentioned that there will be some changes in the near future.
I was driving home after this when Lazir called me up. He said, "Hey, we've got a free ticket to the Jeremy Camp concert...do you wanna go?" I hadn't had the resources to go to the concert before, so I wasn't planning on going. But evidently Kelly had paid for her ticket and then had not been able to go, so there was a spot open. I still was hesitant because of the workload I had. I ended up compromising by bringing my Fluid Mechanics book to the concert and studying it whenever the lights were on! I felt like a nerd (and made myself look like one when interviewed on camera for the host church), but at least I got some studying done.
In any case, the concert was AMAZING. Mainstay opened for Jeremy Camp, and they were both very good. Jeremy was doing the "Unplugged" tour, so he did a lot more worship songs (more of an acoustic sound) than normal. It was great...God totally ordained that I go last night because it was exactly what I needed to relax and refresh my relationship with Him. I honestly think last night (and today) was the closest I've felt to God in months.
Today was also a very good day. I work all day on Thursdays, and ended up spending the day working with Drew. He's a young guy that just got engaged recently, so I picked his brain a lot about his relationship...I'm always trying to glean advice from those going down the path before me, particularly in that area. Work was tiring, but mindless, so a good break from studying.
After work and a shower, I headed back to school. The Student Government Association shows free movies every Thursday night, and this week's movie was Transformers. I love that movie, so I couldn't pass it up. I hooked up with a couple of friends to see the show, grabbed some food afterward, and headed home.
I'm actually interrupting my work right now to write this. It's around 2:00 a.m. and I have yet to decide whether or not I'm going to sleep at all tonight. I knew when I went to the movie that I would have a late night (having two HW assignments due tomorrow that I hadn't started yet), but I'm still deliberating whether or not to bash out some other stuff that needs doing too. Hmm....to sleep or not to sleep...that is the question. Of course, even when I do "sleep," it's not that restful. I still haven't figured out if I have insomnia, sleep apnea, or all/none of the above. I really should go to the doctor for that someday.
Anyways...life goes on. Or as the French say, "C'est la vie..." =P
Wednesday was the day I was studying for my SE 300 (Team Software Engineering) class. I actually skipped most of my classes because studying took priority in this case. I met Steve-O for our weekly lunch, during which we sat down and did an activity mapping out how I spend my time each week. We found out that yes, I am indeed very busy. In fact, we discovered that after everything (including a few hours of planned leisure time), I have about 4 hours of free time a week. Yeah...kinda crazy.
So I took the SE 300 test and it really wasn't bad. There were a couple questions I was unsure of, but it's not like math or physics where there is absolutely one right answer. There was one question in particular that busted me...it read, "What is regression testing?" I (being the wise-guy that I am) said, "Regression testing is when you 'regret' not studying certain material for the upcoming SE 300 'test.'" Har har. But he did say at the beginning of class that if we could make him laugh, he might give us a bonus point. =P
After the test, I met briefly with Sean (President of Christian Fellowship Club). We discussed some questions/concerns I had about the club and my position in it, whether I was actually the Worship Coordinator or just the Worship Leader. I also had some things on my heart regarding the club's focus....it seems a little too superficial for me. More on that another time, but Sean agreed with me 100% and mentioned that there will be some changes in the near future.
I was driving home after this when Lazir called me up. He said, "Hey, we've got a free ticket to the Jeremy Camp concert...do you wanna go?" I hadn't had the resources to go to the concert before, so I wasn't planning on going. But evidently Kelly had paid for her ticket and then had not been able to go, so there was a spot open. I still was hesitant because of the workload I had. I ended up compromising by bringing my Fluid Mechanics book to the concert and studying it whenever the lights were on! I felt like a nerd (and made myself look like one when interviewed on camera for the host church), but at least I got some studying done.
In any case, the concert was AMAZING. Mainstay opened for Jeremy Camp, and they were both very good. Jeremy was doing the "Unplugged" tour, so he did a lot more worship songs (more of an acoustic sound) than normal. It was great...God totally ordained that I go last night because it was exactly what I needed to relax and refresh my relationship with Him. I honestly think last night (and today) was the closest I've felt to God in months.
Today was also a very good day. I work all day on Thursdays, and ended up spending the day working with Drew. He's a young guy that just got engaged recently, so I picked his brain a lot about his relationship...I'm always trying to glean advice from those going down the path before me, particularly in that area. Work was tiring, but mindless, so a good break from studying.
After work and a shower, I headed back to school. The Student Government Association shows free movies every Thursday night, and this week's movie was Transformers. I love that movie, so I couldn't pass it up. I hooked up with a couple of friends to see the show, grabbed some food afterward, and headed home.
I'm actually interrupting my work right now to write this. It's around 2:00 a.m. and I have yet to decide whether or not I'm going to sleep at all tonight. I knew when I went to the movie that I would have a late night (having two HW assignments due tomorrow that I hadn't started yet), but I'm still deliberating whether or not to bash out some other stuff that needs doing too. Hmm....to sleep or not to sleep...that is the question. Of course, even when I do "sleep," it's not that restful. I still haven't figured out if I have insomnia, sleep apnea, or all/none of the above. I really should go to the doctor for that someday.
Anyways...life goes on. Or as the French say, "C'est la vie..." =P
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Frustrations
There are a lot of things annoying me right now, but I'm trying not to let them get the best of me. Especially after God's miraculous financial provision this past week, I'm trying to be grateful...but it's not easy.
First of all, there's the fleas. They are still not gone yet...on the contrary, the traps are still collecting their bodies like they're going out of style. I actually found one biting my arm today while I was taking a nap. That's a first; I've never had one on me while I was in bed before.
The second major annoyance is just my schoolwork. The rapid pace here at ERAU is killing me. It wasn't bad near the beginning of the semester, because I had all day Thursday and nearly all day Tuesday to study and play catch-up. But now that I'm working on those days, I really only have evenings to do that...and more often than not, those become occupied as well. I am falling badly behind in Fluid Mechanics, and I'm not exactly "current" on any class except possibly Team Software Engineering. It's so hard to get caught up when you're behind. It will all come to a head soon, as midterm exams loom on the horizon. I have to be caught up by that point, or bad things will happen.
I guess those are just the two major annoyances that have me a bit frustrated right now. They're quite manageable, all in all...I just need to get my academic act together. Brittany (Jesse's sister) is going to take Lucy (the cat) to her vet to be de-fleaed. Once that happens, Lucy will actually be an ally against the fleas because she'll literally be a roving flea trap. Anyways, Brit is going out of town this weekend to Celebration (like HOFCC's Family Camp, almost), so that may not happen until next week.
All in all, life is going well. I have no complaints about the weather recently (although it is just a smidgeon hot today). I do want to be more faithful about getting up early to work out though...it always seems to set the tone for a successful day when I do so.
First of all, there's the fleas. They are still not gone yet...on the contrary, the traps are still collecting their bodies like they're going out of style. I actually found one biting my arm today while I was taking a nap. That's a first; I've never had one on me while I was in bed before.
The second major annoyance is just my schoolwork. The rapid pace here at ERAU is killing me. It wasn't bad near the beginning of the semester, because I had all day Thursday and nearly all day Tuesday to study and play catch-up. But now that I'm working on those days, I really only have evenings to do that...and more often than not, those become occupied as well. I am falling badly behind in Fluid Mechanics, and I'm not exactly "current" on any class except possibly Team Software Engineering. It's so hard to get caught up when you're behind. It will all come to a head soon, as midterm exams loom on the horizon. I have to be caught up by that point, or bad things will happen.
I guess those are just the two major annoyances that have me a bit frustrated right now. They're quite manageable, all in all...I just need to get my academic act together. Brittany (Jesse's sister) is going to take Lucy (the cat) to her vet to be de-fleaed. Once that happens, Lucy will actually be an ally against the fleas because she'll literally be a roving flea trap. Anyways, Brit is going out of town this weekend to Celebration (like HOFCC's Family Camp, almost), so that may not happen until next week.
All in all, life is going well. I have no complaints about the weather recently (although it is just a smidgeon hot today). I do want to be more faithful about getting up early to work out though...it always seems to set the tone for a successful day when I do so.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Journaling
Ok, so I've decided that journaling is a good idea, so I'm going to start posting on here more frequently. Each post may be tiny, but I will try to post at least once every couple days. I just think it'd be cool to have a written record of what was going on in my life at certain times so that I can look back one day and remember. My memory will not last forever.
Wow, there's a lot going on right now. I am back in school here at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach. After talking to Stephen Edwards, a friend and mentor, I decided to change my major to Engineering Physics. I think it more accurately reflects the interest I have in advanced theoretical physics...much more so than engineering. It will be challenging, but enjoyable. EP is the most difficult degree program at ERAU, so the little free time I have now will soon be gone. AE and EP match up almost exactly for the first two years, so nearly all of my classes should transfer.
Speaking of classes, they're pretty crazy right now. I am currently taking Differential Equations, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Dynamics, and Team Software Engineering. A couple aren't too difficult, but a couple others are simply nasty. Dynamics in particular is a nightmare. I will likely lose my perfect GPA this semester. I could still get A's in all my classes...but it would take a miracle. In one sense, it'd almost be nice to get just one B so that the pressure would be relieved and I could just do my best without having to obsess about landing an A for everything.
I am living in my associate pastor's house while he's away at Pastor's College. He (Jesse) is letting me live there for a discounted rate, because he knows that my roommate and I will take good care of the property. It has been a real blessing to live in such a beautiful little house, but it has had its share of headaches. These include a minor mold problem, our water once being shut off, one of his cats running away, and a flea infestation (supplied by the other cat, who managed to lose her flea collar). If I was faced with the choice again, I would likely still choose to live off-campus....but the headaches are rapidly catching up to the benefits.
Speaking of my roommate (Jonathan), he is a real crack-up. He's one of those characters that are very reserved and really keep to themselves. It takes a while to get to know him. But once you do get to know him, he's really a pleasure to be around. He's a very militaristic kind of guy...he trained to be an Air Force MP until he was given a medical discharge at the last minute. I feel bad for him. He really hates that discharge, but after being somehow injured during training, the Air Force didn't have much of a choice.
So that's my life at the moment. Lots of things going on (and more that I didn't list here), but rather enjoyable too. I'll try to journal more often, so if anyone actually reads these, check back soon!
Wow, there's a lot going on right now. I am back in school here at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach. After talking to Stephen Edwards, a friend and mentor, I decided to change my major to Engineering Physics. I think it more accurately reflects the interest I have in advanced theoretical physics...much more so than engineering. It will be challenging, but enjoyable. EP is the most difficult degree program at ERAU, so the little free time I have now will soon be gone. AE and EP match up almost exactly for the first two years, so nearly all of my classes should transfer.
Speaking of classes, they're pretty crazy right now. I am currently taking Differential Equations, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Dynamics, and Team Software Engineering. A couple aren't too difficult, but a couple others are simply nasty. Dynamics in particular is a nightmare. I will likely lose my perfect GPA this semester. I could still get A's in all my classes...but it would take a miracle. In one sense, it'd almost be nice to get just one B so that the pressure would be relieved and I could just do my best without having to obsess about landing an A for everything.
I am living in my associate pastor's house while he's away at Pastor's College. He (Jesse) is letting me live there for a discounted rate, because he knows that my roommate and I will take good care of the property. It has been a real blessing to live in such a beautiful little house, but it has had its share of headaches. These include a minor mold problem, our water once being shut off, one of his cats running away, and a flea infestation (supplied by the other cat, who managed to lose her flea collar). If I was faced with the choice again, I would likely still choose to live off-campus....but the headaches are rapidly catching up to the benefits.
Speaking of my roommate (Jonathan), he is a real crack-up. He's one of those characters that are very reserved and really keep to themselves. It takes a while to get to know him. But once you do get to know him, he's really a pleasure to be around. He's a very militaristic kind of guy...he trained to be an Air Force MP until he was given a medical discharge at the last minute. I feel bad for him. He really hates that discharge, but after being somehow injured during training, the Air Force didn't have much of a choice.
So that's my life at the moment. Lots of things going on (and more that I didn't list here), but rather enjoyable too. I'll try to journal more often, so if anyone actually reads these, check back soon!
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