stuado01's Xanga

137 Days and counting

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:23:00 GMT

In exactly 137 days at about 6 AM, I will be bleary-eyed and questioning my sanity as I make my way to the Philadelphia Art Museum to participate in the Philadelphia Marathon. These next twenty weeks will be a drawn out test of my physical and mental stamina. So in the event I end up blogging more (those who have read this blog before know my standing record of consistency on this front), expect to see more content surrounding the soreness, emotions and random tidbits about a runner's life in pursuit of a life's goal.

While I'm presenting it, I might as well share that running (and finishing) a marathon isn't my only goal. I've settled on the ambitious task of posting approximately a 3 hour 10 minute finish time (that's about 7:15 per mile). It's a lofty goal and it would qualify me to run the Boston Marathon, which may or may not be something I want to do depending on how this goes.

So I've been telling myself that I'm in 'pre-training' mode for the past six or seven weeks and it's been a little touch-and-go. The past two weeks I've been a slacker and let myself get by with few workouts, but to my credit I was initially taking a break due to some legitimate soreness/pain that I think I've determined is stress-related from the increased mileage I was posting. I'm now equipped with some snazzy shoe inserts that should alleviate some of the problem by correcting my underpronation - tendency to push off with the outside edges of my feet rather than the front of my foot leading to unnecessary rotation in the knee. I was so excited to slip them into my running shoes - the running expert at Philadelphia Runner's Shop told me there would be a 'POP' if they fit correctly and sure enough, a 'POP' there was!

The real challenge that I've found through 'pre-training' is to maintain motivation on the weekends when I have the tendency to plan fun trips, especially over the summer. So, all in all, this pre-training has been a lot more than working up to my mileage goals: it's been about more generally preparing myself physically and mentally for actual training slated to start around the first week of August (16 weeks from marathon date).

Starting this week I'm not letting myself give in to excuses and will train everyday that I feel capable (there has to be some leeway for recovery). Suffice it to say, today was a rough, easy run. This seems like an oxymoron, but two weeks of sedentary ways have cost me dearly. My goal was to go out for 7 miles at an easy pace, which should be around 8:20/mile (I came in with 6.25 miles and I averaged 7:25/mile pace even after correcting myself part-way through).

Apart from the 90-degree heat with humidity which will slow anyone down eventually, I tend to wear myself out quickly with ambition and excitement. The challenge for me has always been keeping the pace I set out for and not allowing myself to become a competitive runner on a training day. I see a person ahead of me on the path and I want to catch them and pass them; when I come to a straightway I want to sprint to the finish; I want to run my hardest all the time (which doesn't bode well when you find yourself having to traverse the distance you've traveled already and may feel exhausted at midway). This is what made running a team sport for me in high school - we all ran together in training. Those who ever questioned the team dynamic of running, take note!

So today on the path ('the path' is the Art Museum path, which is a common route for me and others in the city), I noticed a sign. This was no unusual sign, it serves a genuine purpose, although I think that it's inaccurate now. The sign said 'Speed Limit: 5 MPH'. When I'm running, my mind craves stimulation. People often say running is boring, and I can see their point, I just give myself mental challenges every once in a while if I feel bored (thinking in Spanish; counting multiples of 6, 7 or 8; or making simple conversions). So I had chuckle at the thought that I was obviously going faster than 5 MPH - even if I made it the entire 7 miles I set out to do, I should have been done in less than an hour because I can't slow myself down to 8:00/mile, which would take 56 minutes. So how fast was I running if I was running that pace? 7.5 MPH if I was running what I was supposed to do, 8 MPH at what I was actually doing - I should have gotten a speeding ticket! This is even more ridiculous if you consider that the path has almost as many bikers as runners who must be riding in 20+ MPH range.

I guess the point to my little story there is I didn't expect to be breaking the law so much by training to run the marathon. At this rate, I should have at least 100 speeding tickets by November 23rd.

Feel free to keep tabs on me (and Chrissy - she's running, too!). We'll need all the support we can get...

Feeling - Ambitious

137 Days and counting

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:19:45 GMT

In exactly 137 days at about 6 AM, I will be bleary-eyed and questioning my sanity as I make my way to the Philadelphia Art Museum to participate in the Philadelphia Marathon. These next twenty weeks will be a drawn out test of my physical and mental stamina. So in the event I end up blogging more (those who have read this blog before know my standing record of consistency on this front), expect to see more content surrounding the soreness, emotions and random tidbits about a runner's life in pursuit of a life's goal.

While I'm presenting it, I might as well share that running (and finishing) a marathon isn't my only goal. I've settled on the ambitious task of posting approximately a 3 hour 10 minute finish time (that's about 7:15 per mile). It's a lofty goal and it would qualify me to run the Boston Marathon, which may or may not be something I want to do depending on how this goes.

So I've been telling myself that I'm in 'pre-training' mode for the past six or seven weeks and it's been a little touch-and-go. The past two weeks I've been a slacker and let myself get by with few workouts, but to my credit I was initially taking a break due to some legitimate soreness/pain that I think I've determined is stress-related from the increased mileage I was posting. I'm now equipped with some snazzy shoe inserts that should alleviate some of the problem by correcting my underpronation - tendency to push off with the outside edges of my feet rather than the front of my foot - leading to unnecessary rotation in the knee. I was so excited to slip them into my running shoes - the running expert at Philadelphia Runner's Shop told me there would be a 'POP' if they fit correctly and sure enough, a 'POP' there was!

The real challenge that I've found through 'pre-training' is to maintain motivation on the weekends when I have the tendency to plan fun trips, especially over the summer. So, all in all, this pre-training has been a lot more than working up to my mileage goals: it's been about more generally preparing myself physically and mentally for actual training slated to start around the first week of August (16 weeks from marathon date).

Starting this week I'm not letting myself give in to excuses and will train everyday that I feel capable (there has to be some leeway for recovery). Suffice it to say, today was a rough, easy run. This seems like an oxymoron, but two weeks of sedentary ways have cost me dearly. My goal was to go out for 7 miles at an easy pace, which should be around 8:20/mile (I came in with 6.25 miles and I averaged 7:25/mile pace even after correcting myself part-way through).

Apart from the 90-degree heat with humidity which will slow anyone down eventually, I tend to wear myself out quickly with ambition and excitement. The challenge for me has always been keeping the pace I set out for and not allowing myself to become a competitive runner on a training day. I see a person ahead of me on the path and I want to catch them and pass them; when I come to a straightway I want to sprint to the finish; I want to run my hardest all the time (which doesn't bode well when you find yourself having to traverse the distance you've traveled already and may feel exhausted at midway). This is what made running a team sport for me in high school - we all ran together in training. Those who ever questioned the team dynamic of running, take note!

So today on the path ('the path' is the Art Museum path, which is a common route for me and others in the city), I noticed a sign. This was no unusual sign, it serves a genuine purpose, although I think that it's inaccurate now. The sign said 'Speed Limit: 5 MPH'. When I'm running, my mind craves stimulation. People often say running is boring, and I can see their point, I just give myself mental challenges every once in a while if I feel bored (thinking in Spanish; counting multiples of 6, 7 or 8; or making simple conversions). So I had chuckle at the thought that I was obviously going faster than 5 MPH - even if I made it the entire 7 miles I set out to do, I should have been done in less than an hour because I can't slow myself down to 8:00/mile, which would take 56 minutes. So how fast was I running if I was running that pace? 7.5 MPH if I was running what I was supposed to do, 8 MPH at what I was actually doing - I should have gotten a speeding ticket! This is even more ridiculous if you consider that the path has almost as many bikers as runners who must be riding in 20+ MPH range.

I guess the point to my little story there is I didn't expect to be breaking the law so much by training to run the marathon. At this rate, I should have at least 100 speeding tickets by November 23rd.

Feel free to keep tabs on me (and Chrissy - she's running, too!). We'll need all the support we can get...

Feeling - Ambitious

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:52:57 GMT

Why Bother?

No, I'm not asking myself 'Why bother writing in my blog?'. Though it may seem like I've been asking myself that lately, it's more a product of my computer sucking than one of futility.

'Why Bother?' is a question most of us ask ourselves when we're thinking about global warming. For example, 'Why bother changing my light bulbs when I flip on the fluorescent light bulbs 40 hours a week at work?' or 'Why bother buying groceries locally if it's ten times harder than going to the grocery store where there is more variety?' or my personal favorite, 'Why bother thinking about my carbon footprint when roses sent to Britain from Zimbabwe could have a smaller environmental impact than roses from Holland (compounding the environmental/ethical debate to a new plain - should one buy products from depressed economies when the carbon footprint is comparable or even slightly higher?)?'

It can be a bit underwhelming when your individual efforts include replacing light bulbs, buying local produce and dutifully breaking out your note pad and calculator while asking a helpless florist how his roses were grown and transported.

Masterful writer Michael Pollan, who has written about plants and the human consumption of those plants-turned-food for most of the decade, presents a convincing argument in last week's New York Magazine (Why Bother?).

Here's a particularly inspiring quote for a taste:

"If you do bother, you will set an example for other people. If enough other people bother, each one influencing yet another in a chain reaction of behavioral change, markets for all manner of green products and alternative technologies will prosper and expand. (Just look at the market for hybrid cars.) Consciousness will be raised, perhaps even changed: new moral imperatives and new taboos might take root in the culture. Driving an S.U.V. or eating a 24-ounce steak or illuminating your McMansion like an airport runway at night might come to be regarded as outrages to human conscience. Not having things might become cooler than having them. And those who did change the way they live would acquire the moral standing to demand changes in behavior from others — from other people, other corporations, even other countries."

Even this one paragraph makes the effort (i.e.: bothering) seem a little bit more empowering. His entire purpose is to encourage as many people as possible to start a garden, buy space in a community garden, compost - do your part no matter what! Not only will it have an effect on your carbon footprint, it also saves you money, keeps you away from other carbon-consuming activities, inspires others to be 'greener' and the final product of your home garden is often more tasty and satisfying than the mass-produced and transported variety in stores.

Most of us know that making environmentally responsible choices is the right thing to do. If you read Pollan's article and subscribe to his philosophy of viral social change, then you probably didn't need to be persuaded. However, you'd be missing the point if you were only inspired to change your actions. 'Why bother?' is a question we ask ourselves, but it's also a question others ask of us. So encourage others to ask you the question and be confident that you bother for a reason - to do everything you can to change your effect on the climate and inspire others to do the same.

Feeling: Felicitous

Monday, January 07, 2008

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 02:38:34 GMT

New Beginnings

I'm back with some renewed vigor. I'd like to say that writing here will be more regular in 2008, but a quick look at some of my previous posts shows some huge gaps that make it doubtful that I'll live up to my intentions. So -- no promises. Boding well for making this exercise more regular, though, is my list of 'routines' (avoiding the term 'resolution') for the future (not just the year).

Before I get to that...the latest on the job/job search. Frustrations with my current job are still abundant. Having completed the course-work for my masters over the summer, there has been little change at work except for a meager attempt to placate me with some more professional responsibilities that require reporting to a more experienced higher ed professional and a welcome office switcher-oo.

At the end of the spring semester, the Dean of the College came to talk to me in my old office, which was slightly larger than a closet, had one incomplete wall adjacent to the community kitchen and another thin wall that was shared with the mens' bathroom -- leaving the details of why I needed a switch to the imagination. Anyway...the point was he realized from the details I listed on my job evaluation that I was interested in advancement. Although he was willing to make that a reality, what he couldn't do was match it with any guarantees of salary compensation within the academic year. Taking what I could, I accepted the proposal for more professional experience.

Fast forward...I've been in committee for "early decision" in admissions and gotten additional exposure in the admissions office, both of which make me feel like a more valuable professional. A semester later, it all feels inadequate considering my barbone salary, though.

As for the latest, an administrative employee with similar sentiments as myself (she also does well above and beyond the expectations of an administrative aide) and an assistant director have announced new job opportunities that will have them both leaving within the month. Given the fact that in addition to myself there are only two other employees in the 40+ person staff at this level, this is an unusual strain for the office.

Rewind a bit...back in October I applied for jobs at two institutions I have become enamored with: Haverford College in suburban Philadelphia and Davidson College in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina. Turns out I got a few bites on these annual fund jobs. After two successful phone interviews, I have on campus interviews this week as a final candidate at each institution.

So -- opportunities abound. We'll see what materializes, but it should be exciting whatever the result.

Onto resolu-, I mean routines. The reason I'm going to refer to changes in lifestyle as routines as opposed to resolutions is because I'm starting to realize that calling something a resolution only reinforces the fact that I'm making a change, which can make it more difficult to accomplish. I also want these routines to extend beyond the year, so I won't limit myself to making this "Routines for 2008".

Routine #1 - Running Personal Records. I'm making a commitment to run on a regular basis with the intention of eclipsing my performance in 2007 in the 10-mile race and Half Marathon. Whether or not I run a marathon in 2008 is still up for debate, but I'll be content to run both distances that I ran in 2007 with more competitive results.

Routine #2 - Live healthier. Since adequate training is required to improve, going to the gym will be a necessary routine, including regular running, weight training and fitness regiments. I won't stop there, though. I'm dedicated to eating a more balanced and healthy diet, including cooking meals at home more often.

Routine #3 - Read 20 books in 2008. Back in 2006 I did this and found it incredibly rewarding. I have enough time on my hands with graduate school out of the picture. My only rule is that I don't compromise what I'm reading to accomplish the goal (i.e.: I won't be choosing quick reads just to say I've reached 20 books).

I'm confident that nothing I've listed is beyond my ability. My intent will be to inject updates on these three routines in regular blog posts along with general updates, news and ponderings.

Feeling - Unstoppable

Friday, September 28, 2007

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:35:41 GMT

What Happens When First Impressions Are Outgrown?

My last post was about, among other things, new beginnings. A new degree from a professional school should be a rather clear indication that a person has dedicated valuable time and money to something in the hopes of seeing a return on the investment. I don't think many people would be surprised to hear that my intention in getting a masters degree was not just to keep myself occupied; few things that I choose to dedicate my time to are simply to kill time. The way I'm feeling at work, I wonder if anyone cares that I have dreams.

I took a job out of college in a position I don't readily identify with (two and a half years later). There is nothing wrong with being an administrative assistant, but my goals and ambitions are not consistent with this career track. I see myself as a leader; I consider myself a visionary; I aspire to inspire.

Don't get me wrong, administrative aides are invaluable resources and among the least appreciated in most offices. They answer phones, create an environment that is comfortable to others through friendly platitudes and sincere acts of support, ensure the smooth operation of equipment, supply and restock supplies we wouldn't value unless they were absent (i.e.: coffee, pens, paper, cups, plates, water, the list could go on indefinitely), perform the routine acts that allow others to dedicate time and energy to other priorities, and they are always ready to help a cause when called upon. In short, without the administrative core, most offices (mine definitely included) would hopelessly shrug its shoulders and ask 'Where's the coffee?! I can't start my day unless Margaret Mary or Barbara is here to brew me a cup of joe...'. (I've witnessed these days on occasion, and it's rather sad to see so many capable individuals quizzically wonder what to do make the coffee brew...)

The fact that I started in an administrative position, I'm starting to seriously fear my fate in the office. I've heard it countless times: jobs in higher education are not designed for upward mobility. Get yourself a job at a school and you've secured your fate in a well-defined niche (either administrative staff, lower professional, middle professional or senior professional, among others obviously excluded for simplicity). For two and a half years, I have ignored convention. I've been narrow-minded. I think I'm finally at a fork in the road...continue down the administrative path or take the higher road...for clarity, that's a metaphor for professional development not a dig at administrative professionals as evidenced by the last paragraph.

I've enjoyed more than my share of promotions and congratulatory accomplishments by my count in my office (there are people just as deserving, perhaps just lacking in ambition, although that is not a dig either). A lot of people are similarly convinced that I'll continue to advance in the office. My suddenly less-optimistic view is that I've reached a limit (the first time I've considered calculus functions and limits valuable since freshman year of college...). The fact is that I'm suddenly forging my own path. There's not a well-trodden path from administrative assistant to assistant director - that only happens in corporate America. The way I'm looking to be rewarded for my work is an American dream, but sadly not a reality in education.

I'm starting to rant, but I'm somewhat disappointed: I was optimistic. I thought it was possible for someone to overcome adversity, even if I am a straight, white young male (see the last post for more guilt on that front). I think I'm finally realizing that sometimes you have to cut your losses and hope that the work you've done has left an indelible (if not temporarily impressive) mark on a place so that you don't have to start over completely.

First impressions may be important, but I think last impressions aren't given enough of a chance...

Feeling: overly appreciated and unfulfilled

Monday, July 02, 2007

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:10:05 GMT

School's out forever!

Cue Alice Cooper!

I turned in the absolute last, final paper for grad school today. Pending a passing grade, I officially have a masters! It feels really (really!) good to be done, but it's been a little anticlimactic. I started the program part-time in June 2005, so it's been two years, many hours of reading and writing, and 300 grueling hours of class in the making. Of course I love the prospect of more me time and the ability to read something that doesn't appear alongside the word 'Required', but it feels like I've joined a club that has 'No Gurls Alowed' on the entry in rushed red paint brush strokes. It's a little condescending, but the grad school graduates club seems pointless and arbitrary; about as pointless as an exclusive club that leaves random groups out.

It doesn't feel anticlimactic because there's not a celebration, in fact I would loathe a party in my honor for completing grad school. The conclusion of this epic feat feels like it has been one huge hurdle that I've effortlessly leaped over without incidence. Don't get me wrong, I've loved the faculty, appreciated the opportunity to explore my interests by researching and writing about various issues, and I've met a ton of interesting folks. But the thought that just because I sat through 10 classes related to the environment I work in (sometimes more so than others) that I'm more worthy of praise sits funny with me. I feel just as competent as I was when I started my job almost three years ago, but suddenly I'm feeling more valued because I have a Masters.

I think this just cuts to a lot of my issues with society. I've had extensive conversations with a lot of people (often a result of a few social beverages -- you probably know who you are, especially if I've gotten livid, dramatic or carried a conversation through the wee hours of the morning) about the inequities in our culture. I hate the whole 'the rich get richer; the poor get poorer' trend. We say that we live in an egalitarian society, but inner-city youth barely make it to middle school and standardized testing measures the experiences of youth in comparison to dominant culture which is irrelevant to much of our diverse society. Those in power feign equality, but really hold back what they hold onto from 'inferior' citizens, and continue to fashion systems that advantage their dominant stature.

I don't feel guilty for forging my way to a reputable place in society with limited means (albeit more privileged than most). I don't pat myself on the back either. But it does bother me that we don't preach what we say we believe; that everyone is entitled to the same privileges (read.: we're all created equal). Young people early on are asked what they want to be when they grow up. We all tend to give similar replies (a doctor, a lawyer, a fireman, a teacher). As students get older and start to feel the pressures of school and see how members of their community fair in the real world, dreams become figments of the imagination for poor children because no one truly believes that their wishes will come true. Affluence begets pride and entitlement. These privileged students don't aspire to succeed, they know they will.

I think I always knew I would be OK. It's just frustrating that society can't send that message to masses of less fortunate children that don't realize the potential that twinkles in their eye. As glad as I am to have finished this Masters, it's anticlimactic to think that it really doesn't mean as much for someone who knew he'd get this far. It'd be far more eventful had my accomplishment been met by someone overcoming adversity. I wonder if everyone thinks that being a white, straight young male is easy. I don't blame them sometimes, but it can be hard to feel good about something when you know that the scales are all tipping in your favor.

Feeling: Conflicted

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Wed, 30 May 2007 17:39:06 GMT

Pursuit of happiness

I'm coming to the conclusion that happiness comes in more than one linear spectrum. In other words, it's relative.

Individual's measure their happiness by weighing the attainment and definition of specific variables differently (i.e.: economics, friendships, relationships, accomplishment of life goals, vocational/job satisfaction, family, education, potential, etc.). This influenced by the norms of happiness society inculcates us with on a regular basis. The American Dream has come to epitomize what Americans should aspire to: a college degree, family (spouse and 2 children), job security, upper middle class status, suburban lifestyle with green lawns & neighborly relations, two automobiles, all with an expendable income. Further complicating our perceptions, we measure our happiness in relation to our age peers, parents, siblings, colleagues, the poverty line, social classes, strangers, celebrities, national and global communities and probably more independently and collectively.

Does the pursuit ever end? Not likely. Does this mean we're never happy? I don't think so. The problem is that we all expect euphoria, when I think happiness is on a relative scale. It's rare to find yourself in a situation where you couldn't be happier, because even if you've exceeded expectations in one variable, there's likely someone who has mastered another variable whom you consider your equal on some level. Suddenly it's an arms race to fill in the gaps, it's our natural tendency to be competitive.

I'm contemplating the meaning and application of the pursuit of happiness to my life right now, because so many people assume that I've come to the apex of one life goal and expect unadulterated happiness. I'm on the cusp of completing my graduate studies for a masters degree, and the expectation seems to be what more could you want?!

There are a lot of things I want, and for me, it represents another step in a journey (pursuit) of fulfillment (happiness). What's intimidating is how to decide which pursuit is relevant to address next...

I'm secure in my educational qualifications at this point in my life. A Masters is enviable to most, especially because the high school and bachelors degrees are standard. Although I've made peace with a career in higher education and dedicated two years to a mastery of the topic, I'm well aware of my academic and scholarly interests within and outside of higher education. I would be content to continue adding degrees and letters to my vitae, but most likely with economic, social and vocational costs associated to those pursuits. Being a lifelong student doesn't mean that I have to be in school for the rest of my life, as long as I'm constantly satiating curiosities and new information of interest to me. Moderation is the lesson of progressive happiness.

I've recently heard that some believe that friendships (number and quality) result in more happiness than financial measures of satisfaction. Sure there are limits, but it's hard to argue that someone who makes a lot of money and is consumed with work with limited social outlets is more happy than a financially-strapped person with a modicum of a social life. We frequently define the traditional college years as the best times of our lives, which lends to the argument that friends more than money make us happy.

I guess I'm happy with my social network, but there's an obvious void. Namely a relationship, arguably a source of happiness I need to address with renewed vigor. I'm fairly certain that finding a female counterpart will make me happier, and with the argument of the importance of friendships in mind, extending my social network will bring with it even more satisfaction.

My other concerns can be described as economic and vocational. I've had a lot of conversations to elucidate my level of job satisfaction. Fortunately, I've had these conversations with people with different perspectives looking at both the short- and long-term measures of happiness in my career and financial situation. Unfortunately, I've been relatively unconvinced with any one argument. However, given a new professionally relevant degree, the fiscal situation of my office (2% pay increase across the board--3% pay decrease assuming 5% increase in cost of living), which is not good, and a pay increase this time last year that left me pleased to see more, but not completely satisfied, I'm ready to declare myself a free agent unless my announcement bears a bureaucratic explosion at my impending departure that levels my expectations and realized salary.

Complicating this convoluted sense of epiphany, though, I'm decisive for once in my life and sure of where I want to live and what I want to do for the time-being: Philadelphia, in a job that pays better and offers new professional challenges (apparently hard to find together). All this time I thought being indecisive was hurting my potential for happiness. Things aren't as bad as I tend to make them out to be, though. Worst-case-scenario, I'm in a place that knows I'm valuable (just doesn't reward it) and I have a regular paycheck. So until things get better, at least I'm moving forward.

Makes you realize that moderation really is the shortest path to happiness, somewhat against the instant gratification culture we're living in.

Feeling: big fish in small pond

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 01:17:24 GMT

'Only' the Homestretch

The homestretch is coming quickly. Today I stayed home to write my final assigment for the semester. After an unproductive morning, I surprised myself by losing steam at 9 quality pages. Only 3 or 4 to go in the next five days and I have a "break" for a while. The quotes are my best attempt at sarcasm. If only I was "just a part-time grad student" as so many people seem to expect. This annoys me, nothing personal but I need to vent.

So this next week will actually be pretty bearable, but that's only because I've worked my ass off for weeks. I 'only' went to every class this semester (save one...there's 'only' so much time in the day), 'only' did all the readings (I know real grad students don't have to), 'only' worked 35+ hours every week to pull off a rediculous semester of programs (featuring a VP of Boeing, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, NBC news correspondent, independent top fashion desginer, magazine entertainment editor, Chief of Staff to Donald Rumsfeld, Assistant to Secretary of State Condolezza Rice, mostly planned a three-day Career Institute, etc.) and managed to make time for more of a social life than I've had in a while. So, I guess you could say I'm 'only' a part-time grad student. But I'm also alot more...

Coming up in May/beginning of June:

May 6th (morning) - Broad Street 10-mile run
May 6th (evening) - Career Institute starts
May 12th - Graduation (Master's)!
May 13th - Graduation (work)...
(May 6th-13th, working approximately 55+ hours)
May 21st - Start my last two grad courses (ending June 28th to make the master's official!)
May 25th - Weekend at Bernie's (New Home Edition)
June 2nd-4th - Gettysburg Alumni Reunion Weekend!

While doing my research I stumbled onto this interesting blog: Does Learning Science Mean Doing Science? ponders Gettysburg Philosophy professor Steve Gimbel. Funny enough, it actually relates to higher education. I have to say I think I agree with Gimbel's point that requiring science majors at liberal arts colleges to take all those labs is more vocational training than is necessary. I can say this from experience, the amount of guilt I felt not using my Biology major in my first job was crazy in retrospect. As much as I hated going to labs, some of them were memorable and valuable. But really, will I ever need to know how to do PCR, titration, synthesis reactions or (my personal favorite) ID parasites on minnows? Doubtful. I can see the complication in having dumbed-down science majors who don't have as many labs, but when there are people majoring in science who don't become doctors, researchers and scientists, it seems like those who know they don't want to should have the freedom to opt out (I could have double majored or actually gone abroad!). Of course, little chance this will change, because I honestly wouldn't have known better to opt into a watered-down science major. It's interesting to think about, though...

Feeling: Accomplished

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:46:34 GMT

Time for an update...

I figure it's been almost six months, maybe I should stop ignoring my blog.

Status report:

Living in Philadelphia (http://www.navalsquare.com). I have pictures somewhere...
Two weeks away from finishing 8 of 10 courses towards the masters (last 2 courses to be taken May 21st - June 28th...sigh!)
Running the Broad Street Run on May 6th (http://www.broadstreetrun.com/site3.aspx)
Job situation is up in the air, as always...

Nothing much else to report, for better or for worse. Fortunately, I have found a renewed love for Philadelphia!

It's starting to become a reality that the grad school cohort is leaving, though. It's been an awesome semester with plenty of grad school social events and impromptu get-togethers. In just over 3 weeks it will all be receding memories. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know more people in the fall semester, but we live with the decisions we make and you can never make all the 'right' choices.

Instead of dreading the next set of inevitable decisions I'll be making, I'm learning to enjoy the risk and uncertainty that choices represent. It'd be pretty pointless to go through life with a predetermined path; options make life worth living. So whether I end up in Philadelphia, Charlotte, Boston or some other place, the options will just keep presenting themselves, and all I can do is choose wisely.

Feeling: Sage

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 20:53:41 GMT

Things I love...

There are many things that I love, and many that I only recently started loving. So in the spirit of sharing I'm listing them here.

Commerce Bank's Penny Arcade (aka: change counter)
This marvel of customer service is smart, easy, fast and fun. All anyone has to do is walk into a Commerce Bank with change, pour it into the Penny Arcade container tray, push it slowly into the machine and wait for a receipt that can be taken to the teller to redeem for cash. There's even a game, guess the amount, with prizes for guessing correctly. Combined with Commerce's notoriously great customer service, I walked away with a great big smile from the cash in hand and the pleasant customer experience. And I don't even belong to Commerce!

Guyville (www.guyville.com)
What guy won't pick up a Maxim, FHM or Stuff...this guy definitely will. Unfortunately, the era of practical guy advice seems to have slipped into mundane stupidity. I can only take so much: "Best of the Worst" lists (movie sequels, celebrities, music, etc); guides on how to beat "the man" and nail the woman; interviews with B-list athletes and hot women with oh-so-fake captions that magically capture what every guy wishes women actually thought to say; guides to help every guy fake his way into seeming intelligent on some inane subject of temporal popularity; games to guess which beer label fits which beer bottle and more video game reviews and references than you can shake a stick at. Personally, I'm a little over being College McJock. I'll take the occasional spread of attractive, scantily-clad women, but I'll leave the crappy writing to those guys who still think a magazine subscription can help them score women.
GQ has arguably held its own, but I'm growing weary of the fashion advice, which seems to be its niche, and the disconnect that is GQ's attempt to report the news, which just doesn't fit the toilet readability of the rest of the magazine. Sorry GQ.
Guyville is different. They get my approval because they aren't scrambling to fill space with useless junk, whose sole purpose in print seems to be to match a dreadfully sarcastic joke. Instead, the folks at Guyville post something on their blog-inspired website when something worth posting comes to mind...imagine that! Content includes things guys would like to buy or receive as gifts, 'how to' guides for things that matter (toasting at a wedding, handy work around the house, investing money), practical advice on fitness and women, along with the occasional fun post that isn't over the top. I gladly consider myself a resident of Guyville.

Crock Pot
Who knew, right? I suddenly find myself to be a crock pot convert. I used to balk at the thought of using one, probably because it seems to connote a sense of feminine domesticity. I'm secure enough in my manhood to admit that I love my crock pot. Honestly, though, when you think about it, most people don't enjoy getting home from work and spending a lot of time cooking dinner. Although sometimes cooking can take your mind off of other things, occasionally I like to come home knowing that dinner can be ready whenever I want. (Not ready to eat when you walk in the door? The food's been in the crock pot for 7 hours already, I doubt that 30 more minutes will make much of a difference.)
The crock pot is versatile, too! You can prepare an entire meal (pot roast and vegetables), soup or stew, just meat, or even dessert! I'm dying to try my hand at making homemade granola mix in my crock pot. Just thinking about the aromas is reason enough to own a crock pot. So call me Martha Stewart...

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
I'm addicted to too many shows, I'll admit it. This season, though, my favorite has been Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. I felt left out of West Wing because I'm not enthralled by politics, and ER has lost its appeal for straying too far into way too many unrealistic medical emergencies and concurrently incorporating way too much soap opera love lines. Studio 60 brings a smart mix of comedy, drama, social commentary and likeable actors. Although this week's episode was a cliffhanger, it has been my favorite so far. I tend to like movies that make me think (i.e.: Memento, Mulholland Drive, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). This episode started at the end and went back to tell the story ending where it started. Unlike Lost and Heros, though, it actually gets somewhere, and I liked it.

Home Depot (and my tool bench)
I used to be in love with Lowe's, but I hadn't been in a while. I think I'm dumping Lowe's and picking up Home Depot for the long haul. Ever since I've started becoming handy around my mom's place and rediscovered my love for the tool bench, I've had to go to Home Depot to get odds and ends. It's been amazing. I've learned how to install toilets, make lamps out of bottles, tile floors, and hang a gutter. The store's layout is an indecisive, organized man's dream (and that's my M.O.). The essence of everything involves tools, getting dirty, sweating and being all-around manly. What's not to love?!

Nivea Shaving Gel
I never thought I'd love any part of shaving, but I'm genuinely elated with my shaving gel. Why do I love my shaving gel? Because it never ends! I swear, I've been tapping it for the past 3 weeks and I'm astonished every time to find out there's still gel left. Maybe I just have a magical can, but regardless, it has made me love shaving just a little.

Pandora: The Musical Genome (www.pandora.com)
Foreboding implications aside, Pandora seems to be a harmless outlet to new music. Instead of listening to songs you'd rather not hear, banter that interrupts the songs that you actually do feel like playing and to relieve you of the same old i-tunes music that you've been playing in endless loops, Pandora plays music according to what you tell it. Say you like an artist. You start there by telling it to play music like that artist. Pandora taps into Amazon and i-tunes to find similar music. You can ask it to play music like any number of artists or songs that you want, and you can help it select the music that suits your taste by giving it feedback on the songs by clicking "I like this song" or "I don't like this song". All this guarantees a radio station (or multiple stations) according to your taste(s), and you hear new music that is most likely to suit your taste, too! This pandora opens up a world of musical possibilities.

That's all for now, but I'm hoping to fall in love again soon...

Feeling: All good