So I found this site that's basically giving an overview of how different sci-fi stories envision the future. Unfortunately, this site is like, bare-bones and barely informative, which SUCKS because that's about the most interesting concept I've ever heard of. Like, it almost makes studying literature seem like a worth-while endeavor. I almost want to propose it as a research project to someone. It would, if nothing else, be a great excuse to read a whole heap of sci-fi.

The up side of coming here is that Dr. Clark will be right there to bounce ideas off of. Of course, that assumes that he'll actually be here.... Also exercise is good for me, and so is actually being outside sometimes. Plus leaving my apartment for any reason is good momentum to actually get out and BE out.

However, it also means that I have to get out of my pajamas, think about annoying things like eating, and also somewhat compels me to actually be productive. ... Maybe that last one should have gone under good things.

But on the bright side, this computer works, and has FireFox, and Sammy's visiting me today, and artsfest!

And hopefully I'll have some time to get a head start on my word count for the novel Allison talked me into writing. *shakes fist* curse you Allison!

But I'm back in State College now, and I actually know my own address *still feels like a moron about that*. Seriously though, in my defense, State College has NO road signs at all. It's pathetic.

However, I have finished setting up my wireless! Now I can work at my beloved workstation with my beautiful 20" monitor instead of on this couch, which I'm sure my back will thank me for.

THANKS MOM AND DAD FOR MAILING THE ROUTER TO ME. IT'S ALREADY MAKING ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

So here's hoping I haven't used up all of my living situation voodoo on getting myself a single for this semester.

HELLZ YEAH *victory dance*

Life hasn't really been pulling any punches lately, and frankly I'd like to be able to sit still for once. I really miss my hat, as stupid as it sounds. I noticed it's absence especially today, what with the bitter cold and the biting wind and everything. By Friday, if my hat does not turn up in the lost and found at the HUB, I will proceed to find myself a suitable replacement.

Also, I'm apparently supposed to be making something like 8 dollars an hour on this research bit, so that'll be kind of cool. I miss making money. It made buying things for myself easier to justify. It's nice to have a monthly budget though, since it's taught me that my natural instinct is to hoard money as much as I possibly can instead of spending as close to my limit as I can without going over. I think I'd feel like a colossal jerk if I did that.

Anyway, I'm definitely procrastinating right now, so I should get back to work....

Also, I need to stop over-committing myself.

Shan't be delaying that any longer.

Other than that, research seems like it's going to be awesome, or at least very interesting even though I'm going to have to drag myself over to the IST building Wednesday mornings to meet with Dr. Clark T_T. Oh well. Walking's good for me. I could try to explain what I'll be researching, but I'd rather just let Wikipedia do it for me.

Um... also arts I guess.

This picture is awesome and I love it to death

It's not that I'm complaining. These features are really cool. It's just disrupted my internet habits somewhat, and I'm having a bit of trouble adjusting.

And she informed me that she was moving into a recently vacated space in her friend's room, so I now have a single.

I'm like, floored right now. It was pretty much the most amazing thing ever. Except possibly seeing the Oscar Myer Weiner mobile driving down the highway that one time. Mmmm... even that.

So yeah. I've pretty much been enjoying the solitude. Not that I haven't been chillin' by myself for the last week, but this is different because I HAVE A SINGLE NOW.

Also, on a separate note, all three Christmas cards I received at school from my friends made me sad. Kathy's because it had been ripped up by some kind of evil mail demon, Allison's because I'm a sappy, overly sentimental dork, and YC's because she drew it in GOD DAMN CRAYON. WHAT THE HELL GROW UP IT'S NOT CUTE ANYMORE. And she says things like "I don't want to be seen as 'cute'" and then does things like THAT. Maybe the reason she's so difficult to deal with is because she's FIVE YEARS OLD *seethes*

... That's about it though. I'll be watching anime in the dark for the next three hours.

(Click for larger image)

And before anyone asks, "Council" refers to the characters in the drawing. They're my characters and I use them in a lot of the stories that I write. Theoretically they're supposed to inspire my creativity, but they're too lazy to actually do that most of the time.

Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! Good luck on finals, and have a good break!

If I had any doubts that my major should be IST (which I didn't) this class definitely confirmed that I am where I want to be. The subject material was interesting, the projects were interesting and challenging, and the class just overall made me really excited.

I think overall my biggest challenge in this class was group work. I'm not sure if keeping HAL 9000 worked better or worse for us overall, but it was certainly an experience. I can't reasonably deny that we had a lot of friction toward the end, but by then it was really too late to do much about it, and not every group gets along, you know? Sometime you have to work with people who you don't see eye to eye with, and that's something valuable to take away. I don't think this particular class helped me at all with my tendency to micromange my teammates when I'm working in a group, but there will be other opportunities.

Also, even though Second Life has been really horrendous, it was a good mental excercise, and although it wasn't fun, we had to do it. Life won't always be fun, but you've got to play with the hand you're dealt and make the most of it. This whole blogging thing has been a bit of a chore too, but I like to blog, and it's been a good way for my parents to keep up with what I'm doing, so I'll probably keep it up, or at least try to.

I'm really glad I took 110H. It may have been more work, but it was definitely a good choice.