Saturday, January 9, 2010
Lingering Effects
I woke up with a headache so I took some Advil. The head feels better but my eyes are wonky (for lack of a better term). Whether I have my glasses on or not, my eyes can't seem to focus properly. Not being able to focus makes my eyes sore and make me completely useless to get anything done. So how is a girl supposed to treat the non-head hurting symptoms of a migraine?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Injury Update: 2010 Edition
I seemed to be especially injury-prone in 2009 and I was hoping for a better 2010.
On New Year's Day I got hydrogen peroxide in my eye. I tried to think of it less as a bad start to the new year and more as hoping that was the worst injury of the year.
Yesterday the temperature high was -28C. As my car was warming, I tried opening the door to put my ice scraper away but it only opened partially. I won't open anymore or close completely from the outside. I tried opening the door from the driver's seat but I tried using too much force at a strange angle. At first I thought I had dislocated my shoulder I was in so much pain but after a couple minutes it felt like it was probably just a strain. I eventually opened the door by getting into the backseat and using the full weight of my body with my other shoulder. Thinking back that was pretty stupid of me since I tore my rotator cuff almost exactly a year ago. Why didn't I kick the door open?
Regardless of the type of injury, it only hurts when my shoulder moves or touches anything or is still for a long time. I'll wait until my chiropractor is back from vacation to see a doctor about it. In the meantime, I know how to treat it but am not looking forward to frequently using an ice pack when it is -41C with the windchill outside.
On New Year's Day I got hydrogen peroxide in my eye. I tried to think of it less as a bad start to the new year and more as hoping that was the worst injury of the year.
Yesterday the temperature high was -28C. As my car was warming, I tried opening the door to put my ice scraper away but it only opened partially. I won't open anymore or close completely from the outside. I tried opening the door from the driver's seat but I tried using too much force at a strange angle. At first I thought I had dislocated my shoulder I was in so much pain but after a couple minutes it felt like it was probably just a strain. I eventually opened the door by getting into the backseat and using the full weight of my body with my other shoulder. Thinking back that was pretty stupid of me since I tore my rotator cuff almost exactly a year ago. Why didn't I kick the door open?
Regardless of the type of injury, it only hurts when my shoulder moves or touches anything or is still for a long time. I'll wait until my chiropractor is back from vacation to see a doctor about it. In the meantime, I know how to treat it but am not looking forward to frequently using an ice pack when it is -41C with the windchill outside.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Some Thoughts After a Second Viewing of Zombieland
- Woody Harrelson has magnificent biceps.
- don't take a germaphobe who hates loud noises
- I am the only person who seems to get the Deliverance reference.
- don't take a germaphobe who hates loud noises
- I am the only person who seems to get the Deliverance reference.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The Ladybugs' Picnic
With the super-saturation of Christmas music this time of year, oddly, enough this song is stuck in my head.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Change
She started to cry to her mother as she read what she needed to do; each was completely unreasonable. As much as I hope that she will get better, I doubt she will. Any change you make in your life will not stick as long as crave how things used to be. When she becomes unsatisfied with her current state then she'll get better.
I don't make New Year's resolutions. If something in my life needs to be resolved why should I wait?
"One last time"
"One more week"
"I will when..."
You are only fooling yourself into thinking you are ready for the change. As long as you love what hurts you, you'll keep coming back.
You might think I'm being negative but I'm trying to say that people go about change in the wrong way. Some common mistakes:
- trying to change too many habits at one time
- no accountability or support system (trying to do it on their own)
- quitting after failure
- not recognizing habit triggers
- not planning for habit triggers
- not logging progress but rather dwelling on failure
- trying to "re-invent the wheel" (not doing their research before)
- replacing old habits with new good habits
I forget sometimes that I used to bite my nails. My nails and cuticles were terrible looking. There were times I'd chew my nails until they'd bleed. I got to the point where I was truly disgusted with how my hands looked. Stopping was difficult since most of the time I wouldn't even realize that I was doing it. I didn't have any real success until I recognized the reasons why I bit my nails in the first place. If I caught myself biting my nails, I'd stop then think about the situation I was in and the reason why it was happening.
If you made New Year's Resolutions, think for a minute:
"Did I take on too much?"
"Did I prepare myself enough for these changes?"
Recognize that you are a human that makes mistakes and it will take some time before you can kick your old habits. Trying to think of slip ups as learning experiences ("How did I get to this point? What can I do next time?").
I don't make New Year's resolutions. If something in my life needs to be resolved why should I wait?
"One last time"
"One more week"
"I will when..."
You are only fooling yourself into thinking you are ready for the change. As long as you love what hurts you, you'll keep coming back.
Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.
- Mark Twain
You might think I'm being negative but I'm trying to say that people go about change in the wrong way. Some common mistakes:
- trying to change too many habits at one time
- no accountability or support system (trying to do it on their own)
- quitting after failure
- not recognizing habit triggers
- not planning for habit triggers
- not logging progress but rather dwelling on failure
- trying to "re-invent the wheel" (not doing their research before)
- replacing old habits with new good habits
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.
- Jim Ryun
I forget sometimes that I used to bite my nails. My nails and cuticles were terrible looking. There were times I'd chew my nails until they'd bleed. I got to the point where I was truly disgusted with how my hands looked. Stopping was difficult since most of the time I wouldn't even realize that I was doing it. I didn't have any real success until I recognized the reasons why I bit my nails in the first place. If I caught myself biting my nails, I'd stop then think about the situation I was in and the reason why it was happening.
If you made New Year's Resolutions, think for a minute:
"Did I take on too much?"
"Did I prepare myself enough for these changes?"
Recognize that you are a human that makes mistakes and it will take some time before you can kick your old habits. Trying to think of slip ups as learning experiences ("How did I get to this point? What can I do next time?").
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Buddy Holly
Heard Rivers Cuomo was injured in a bud crash. Got me thinking about one of my favourite music videos:
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Dear Hackers,
You are stupid. Don't send a request for username and password to verify an account to a woman who has lesson plans on computer security. You've been reported so don't drop the soap.
Love, Janny
Love, Janny
All that Work for Nothing
For the last month, I've been organizing a documentary screening for the students of my university and the general public. Upon the advice of a professor who had hosted similar events, I sent out a press release, created a Facebook event, sent an email to all the science students, made posters and advertised on local events pages. I got the impression that A LOT of people were coming.
The DVD and books for the event were supposed to arrive by Friday on at the latest. At the end of Friday, when the package had still not arrived, I emailed the organization. Last I heard was they were checking if they could overnight the DVD so it would arrive in time for the event. I never heard back if it actually was done.
Today, the day of the event, I waited and waited and heard nothing. Nothing had arrived by 4pm so I had to cancel the event. My understanding of the licensing agreement is we can only show it Dec 7-18 so if we didn't show it today, we might not be able to show it at all.
The whole situation absolutely makes me feel ill. I feel like a failure for not pulling this event off. Even though it was beyond my control, I hope it does not reflect poorly on me. I feel bad for the people whose contact information we did not have a didn't find out it was canceled until they arrived at the event site. I worry that we will not be able to show the documentary at all.
I was trying to deal with all of this while trying to study for a test today. The test went poorly because there was no way I would have ever expected questions like those. Sigh, what a day.
The DVD and books for the event were supposed to arrive by Friday on at the latest. At the end of Friday, when the package had still not arrived, I emailed the organization. Last I heard was they were checking if they could overnight the DVD so it would arrive in time for the event. I never heard back if it actually was done.
Today, the day of the event, I waited and waited and heard nothing. Nothing had arrived by 4pm so I had to cancel the event. My understanding of the licensing agreement is we can only show it Dec 7-18 so if we didn't show it today, we might not be able to show it at all.
The whole situation absolutely makes me feel ill. I feel like a failure for not pulling this event off. Even though it was beyond my control, I hope it does not reflect poorly on me. I feel bad for the people whose contact information we did not have a didn't find out it was canceled until they arrived at the event site. I worry that we will not be able to show the documentary at all.
I was trying to deal with all of this while trying to study for a test today. The test went poorly because there was no way I would have ever expected questions like those. Sigh, what a day.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Problem With Sleeping In
it is hard to fall asleep at a decent time.
Two days ago, my bus hit a car that slid into an intersection. I barely felt the impact but I had to brace myself as the bus driver slammed on the brakes. It isn't whiplash but my neck and back tensed up.
Yesterday, my back and neck were still tense which lead to a headache. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and Shaun of the Dead did not help much. Fortunately I'm done my lab work for the semester so I did not have to be at school until 1 pm. I shut off my alarm so I could sleep as long as I needed to.
This morning I woke up with the headache sort of lingering in the background (if that makes sense). The longer I was awake the worse I felt. Eating pizza, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and Shaun of the Dead did not help much so I went back to bed.
I woke up feeling not great but functional. I headed to school and a cup of Earl Grey tea helped tremendously. I was able to finish all of my homework and then take the evening off.
Now I lie awake after sleeping 13 hours last night/this morning. I don't regret sleeping earlier, I had no choice but what to do now?
Two days ago, my bus hit a car that slid into an intersection. I barely felt the impact but I had to brace myself as the bus driver slammed on the brakes. It isn't whiplash but my neck and back tensed up.
Yesterday, my back and neck were still tense which lead to a headache. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and Shaun of the Dead did not help much. Fortunately I'm done my lab work for the semester so I did not have to be at school until 1 pm. I shut off my alarm so I could sleep as long as I needed to.
This morning I woke up with the headache sort of lingering in the background (if that makes sense). The longer I was awake the worse I felt. Eating pizza, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and Shaun of the Dead did not help much so I went back to bed.
I woke up feeling not great but functional. I headed to school and a cup of Earl Grey tea helped tremendously. I was able to finish all of my homework and then take the evening off.
Now I lie awake after sleeping 13 hours last night/this morning. I don't regret sleeping earlier, I had no choice but what to do now?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Losing Popularity
I'm only the 5th most popular website for a Google search of "Naomi Watts Juan Valdez". I promise to break through that glass ceiling people!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
A Nation Mourns
As I drove out of the parking lot, I was trying not to cry. As I drove towards Albert St, the tears started rolling.
The Alouettes missed their field goal and with no time left on the clock the entire crowd jumped up, cheered, hugged, high-fived, overcome with joy knowing that it was meant to be. Slowly the crowd grew quiet and we realised there was a flag called on the play. Hundreds of people silenced by the words "Too many men on the field". We watched in horror as the Als got a second chance at the field goal and made it. Final score: Montreal Alouettes - 28 Saskatchewan Roughriders - 27 There was no reason to stick around, so we just left.
Don't tell me that it does it matter. Don't tell me it is just a game. There is a reason why Rider fans are so passionate. The Roughriders are Saskatchewan's only professional sports team. It binds together generations forced to leave the province they love so dearly to be able a make a living. When I lived in Calgary, cheering for the Riders made me feel connected to the home I left.
Remember it is OK if you're sad, you've been through a lot today. Maybe watching the Babies trailer again will make you feel better.
The Alouettes missed their field goal and with no time left on the clock the entire crowd jumped up, cheered, hugged, high-fived, overcome with joy knowing that it was meant to be. Slowly the crowd grew quiet and we realised there was a flag called on the play. Hundreds of people silenced by the words "Too many men on the field". We watched in horror as the Als got a second chance at the field goal and made it. Final score: Montreal Alouettes - 28 Saskatchewan Roughriders - 27 There was no reason to stick around, so we just left.
Don't tell me that it does it matter. Don't tell me it is just a game. There is a reason why Rider fans are so passionate. The Roughriders are Saskatchewan's only professional sports team. It binds together generations forced to leave the province they love so dearly to be able a make a living. When I lived in Calgary, cheering for the Riders made me feel connected to the home I left.
Remember it is OK if you're sad, you've been through a lot today. Maybe watching the Babies trailer again will make you feel better.
River Tam Sessions
Series of youtube videos to promote the movie Serenity. I consider myself to be "in the know" for all things Whedon so how am I just finding this now?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Scarecrow day*
When I realized I forgot my lunch by the front door, I reached into my bag to discover I also forgot my cell phone.
When I was ready to go home, I remembered I left my coat in the locked study lounge so I had to find someone to unlock it.
As my bus pulled into my stop, I went to find my keys and they were not there. Looked in my locked car and the keys were in the ignition and my cell phone was in the trunk. Good thing CAA has a toll-free number because I had no change for the pay phone.
*If I only had a brain...
When I was ready to go home, I remembered I left my coat in the locked study lounge so I had to find someone to unlock it.
As my bus pulled into my stop, I went to find my keys and they were not there. Looked in my locked car and the keys were in the ignition and my cell phone was in the trunk. Good thing CAA has a toll-free number because I had no change for the pay phone.
*If I only had a brain...
Putting the Fun in Dysfunction
In recent weeks, two people have blamed me for their problems. Both have a long history of dysfunction so I'm not sure why I, someone recently met, am the source. While resisting urge to sucker punch, a couple thoughts come to mind:
"When you blame others, you give up your power to change." ~Robert Anthony
And the classic folk song:
"When you blame others, you give up your power to change." ~Robert Anthony
And the classic folk song:
"Jolly Old Sigmund Freud" - Anna Russell
I went to my psychiatrist
To be psychoanalyzed
To find out why I killed the cat
And blacked my husband's eyes.
He laid me on a downy couch
To see what he could find,
So this is what he dredged up
From my subconscious mind:
Refrain:
Hey, libido,
Bats in the belfry,
Jolly Old Sigmund Freud.
When I was one, my mommy hid
My dolly in a trunk,
And so it follows naturally
That I am always drunk.
When I was two, I saw my father
Kiss the maid one day,
And that is why I suffer now
From kleptomania.
Refrain:
At three, I had the feeling of
Ambivilance towards my brothers,
And so it follows naturally
I poisoned all my lovers.
But I am happy; now I've learned
The lesson this has taught;
That everything I do that's wrong -
Is someone else's fault.
Refrain:
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
What happens to lonely scientists
An interesting effect of rubber bands in thermodynamics is that stretching a rubber band will produce heat (press it against your lips), whilst stretching it and then releasing it will produce an endothermic reaction, causing it to appear "cooler".
- Rubber band: Thermodynamics, Wikipedia
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 23
I'm going to do things a little different, I'm going to give a bit of a story to go along with the things for which I am thankful for the sake of context:
I couldn't find my bus pass this morning so I missed the bus. I didn't have time to go to my locker before my 8:30am lab:
1. I'm thankful I was still wearing my coat and mittens when the fire alarm went off and we had to stand outside in -2C weather for a half hour.
After we finally started the lab, my water pump broke so I have to come back another time to finish it:
2. I'm thankful for extra time to work on my two assignments due for tomorrow.
The assignments were not going well and my professor was not where to be found
3. I'm thankful for spontaneous airplane making contests, even if I lost. Sometimes you need some silliness to help make it through the day.
4. I'm thankful for Alana because my assignment would have taken way longer if we had not worked together.
I attended a physics lecture this evening at the university
5. I'm thankful for carmel double chocolate chip cookies for snack afterward.
6. I'm thankful for traveling companions for at least part of the bus trip home.
After a very long, frustrating day
7. I am very thankful for having silly people in my life that like nerdy things like I do.
8. I'm thankful I got home before my parents went to bed
9. I'm thankful to watch the last period of hockey (rare occurrence these days)
I couldn't find my bus pass this morning so I missed the bus. I didn't have time to go to my locker before my 8:30am lab:
1. I'm thankful I was still wearing my coat and mittens when the fire alarm went off and we had to stand outside in -2C weather for a half hour.
After we finally started the lab, my water pump broke so I have to come back another time to finish it:
2. I'm thankful for extra time to work on my two assignments due for tomorrow.
The assignments were not going well and my professor was not where to be found
3. I'm thankful for spontaneous airplane making contests, even if I lost. Sometimes you need some silliness to help make it through the day.
4. I'm thankful for Alana because my assignment would have taken way longer if we had not worked together.
I attended a physics lecture this evening at the university
5. I'm thankful for carmel double chocolate chip cookies for snack afterward.
6. I'm thankful for traveling companions for at least part of the bus trip home.
After a very long, frustrating day
7. I am very thankful for having silly people in my life that like nerdy things like I do.
8. I'm thankful I got home before my parents went to bed
9. I'm thankful to watch the last period of hockey (rare occurrence these days)
The Way I Feel Inside
I need your help. A couple months ago I discovered this song on my computer. I never heard it before and I have no idea where it came from. Does anyone out there have a clue? It is "The Way I Feel Inside" by the Zombies. I think there may be more than one version of this song.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What nerds do on a Friday night
A sixth order Sierpinski triangle:
Each side of the largest triangle is 12" long, the smallest 1/8" long.
Each side of the largest triangle is 12" long, the smallest 1/8" long.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Good in Everyone
I sort of feel stuck in the middle between two groups of people who don't like each other very much. From my point of view, it is a long history of hurt feelings, not admitting fault, foolish pride and all that fun stuff. Neither party is a bad as the other one claims and both parties are to blame for the state of affairs.
I was listening to my IPod as I rode the bus home when the song by Sloan "The Good in Everyone" came on. A thought popped into my head "If you look hard enough you can see the good in everyone. Also if you look hard enough you can find fault in everyone." Made me really think about how I see the people around me. Am I looking for their faults? Am I waiting for them to fail?
I was listening to my IPod as I rode the bus home when the song by Sloan "The Good in Everyone" came on. A thought popped into my head "If you look hard enough you can see the good in everyone. Also if you look hard enough you can find fault in everyone." Made me really think about how I see the people around me. Am I looking for their faults? Am I waiting for them to fail?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Edgar Wright Here
I came across Edgar Wright's blog Edgar Wright Here. Thought all the fanboys and fangirls may want to know
Insurance in America
I was reminded that there is one thing that health insurance companies absolutely hate - sick people.
Sick people have the audacity to require treatment, which not only eats into profits, but upsets the accountants' balance sheets. Too much of that and you could completely spoil their day.
- David Willis, The US health system 'headache', BBC News Online, 12:55 GMT, Saturday, 7 November 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Not being heard
It is extremely frustrating to have something to say and
- you aren't given a chance to speak
- you speak and it was completely disregarded
In the first case, I feel like may I am trying to talk to people that are so concerned about getting their own point across that they don't even notice that others are trying to speak. I'm not the type of person to interrupt when someone else is talking. If I know someone else has something to say or notice that they were interrupted, I try to make sure they are given a chance to speak. One rare occasion I do get to speak, often try to interrupt and if I do not stop talking they just start talking "over top of me". It is totally bizarre.
In a linguistics class I took, we learned that the amount how much time a person talks in a group shows how much power they have in the group.* Are others around me not willing to give me the power to speak? Are they not willing to give up their own power? Are they not willing to recognize me as having something meaningful to say? This might sound strange to people who have known me for my whole life that I am going through this.** Once after admitting I maybe overly assertive, my grade 10 English teacher told me that was grossly understated. How can the overly assertive compete with the hyper-aggressive?
In the second case, it is a really a problem with one person who often asks for help and has difficulty hearing "no". You know when telemarketers call you house and keep on talking even after you say you aren't interested? Imagine if those telemarketers came into your home everyday, followed you around bugging you. This is a little bit how I feel on a daily basis.
Not meaning to be ranty but these things have been bugging me for a long while. Today I a had a little bit of validation from a causal observer that had noticed the on-going pattern. At least I don't think the problem is all in my head...
*It doesn't necessarily mean that if you talk the most you have the most power in the group, silence can show authority.
** Certainly not sound like the girl who made a peeping tom cry.
- you aren't given a chance to speak
- you speak and it was completely disregarded
In the first case, I feel like may I am trying to talk to people that are so concerned about getting their own point across that they don't even notice that others are trying to speak. I'm not the type of person to interrupt when someone else is talking. If I know someone else has something to say or notice that they were interrupted, I try to make sure they are given a chance to speak. One rare occasion I do get to speak, often try to interrupt and if I do not stop talking they just start talking "over top of me". It is totally bizarre.
In a linguistics class I took, we learned that the amount how much time a person talks in a group shows how much power they have in the group.* Are others around me not willing to give me the power to speak? Are they not willing to give up their own power? Are they not willing to recognize me as having something meaningful to say? This might sound strange to people who have known me for my whole life that I am going through this.** Once after admitting I maybe overly assertive, my grade 10 English teacher told me that was grossly understated. How can the overly assertive compete with the hyper-aggressive?
In the second case, it is a really a problem with one person who often asks for help and has difficulty hearing "no". You know when telemarketers call you house and keep on talking even after you say you aren't interested? Imagine if those telemarketers came into your home everyday, followed you around bugging you. This is a little bit how I feel on a daily basis.
Not meaning to be ranty but these things have been bugging me for a long while. Today I a had a little bit of validation from a causal observer that had noticed the on-going pattern. At least I don't think the problem is all in my head...
*It doesn't necessarily mean that if you talk the most you have the most power in the group, silence can show authority.
** Certainly not sound like the girl who made a peeping tom cry.
Remember that time I was an idiot....
Why did no one tell me on November 1st the title of my post was "And the most creative costime goes to..."? I've changed the title but the URL still says "costime". Oy vey. It seems to be a common theme with me: today in math class I told my prof that -1/2 was smaller than -1.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 22
Ok, I admit I've been slacking. I haven't posted a GiST in about 2 months. Did lousy on a midterm today so I felt like I needed to focus on the good:
- Mom discovering bag of leftover Halloween candy
- Triscuits and melted Havarti
- Being able to go to bed early tonight and sleep in (a little) tomorrow morning
- Dad helping me with my ridiculous E/M homework
- Finding out this morning that one of two of my labs due on Thursday is fast to complete and easy!
- Awesome hair day
- My lab partners are awesome, I don't know what I'd do without them.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
James' blog as a public service
See if you can spot the problem:
This morning* I was reading my friend James' blog** and noticed his latest post was post-dated Oct 25. I was going to make a joking comment that it was a post from future James and to not drink the coffee. I look at the date of the comment I had already posted was Oct 25 as well but iCal read Oct 22. Opened iCal and suddenly the date changed to Oct 25 but when I closed the program it changed back to Oct 22. Stupid iCal, we'll have to see if it sends me any notifications today.
To quote a infamous James/Janice argument
James: "What day is the 30th?"
Janice: "We've gone through this already: Friday is Thursday."
*at the ridiculous hour of 6:30AM. This is the 3rd time this week that I woke up 2 or more hours before my alarm is to go off. Blah.
**previously known as Blond Derek on this here blog
This morning* I was reading my friend James' blog** and noticed his latest post was post-dated Oct 25. I was going to make a joking comment that it was a post from future James and to not drink the coffee. I look at the date of the comment I had already posted was Oct 25 as well but iCal read Oct 22. Opened iCal and suddenly the date changed to Oct 25 but when I closed the program it changed back to Oct 22. Stupid iCal, we'll have to see if it sends me any notifications today.
To quote a infamous James/Janice argument
James: "What day is the 30th?"
Janice: "We've gone through this already: Friday is Thursday."
*at the ridiculous hour of 6:30AM. This is the 3rd time this week that I woke up 2 or more hours before my alarm is to go off. Blah.
**previously known as Blond Derek on this here blog
Friday, October 23, 2009
Learning how to walk
May-B and I are taking an introductory Pilates class on Wednesday nights. I can only speak for myself but I have learned so much about how the body is supposed to be positioned and move. This week alone I realized I have an anterior tilted pelvis that has made it difficult for my back and hips to recover my fall in January. I was always told that put my shoulders back to stand up straight which is a little difficult when you are leaning forward.
This week my back was hurting and I remembered what we learned in Pilates class about having our hips in a neutral position. I looked in the mirror, adjusted my position and realized how severely my pelvis had been tilted. Suddenly my back pain was virtually gone but my legs were not used to being used like that and got tired quickly. It is going to take sometime of being conscious of how I walk, stand and sit but back pain is a great motivator for correction.
In related news, my Pilates instructor's body for seriously moves in mysterious ways. It isn't in a freaky hyper-extension way but rather a realization of "What? My body is supposed to be able to do that?"
Sorry, this was poorly written but you get the point.
This week my back was hurting and I remembered what we learned in Pilates class about having our hips in a neutral position. I looked in the mirror, adjusted my position and realized how severely my pelvis had been tilted. Suddenly my back pain was virtually gone but my legs were not used to being used like that and got tired quickly. It is going to take sometime of being conscious of how I walk, stand and sit but back pain is a great motivator for correction.
In related news, my Pilates instructor's body for seriously moves in mysterious ways. It isn't in a freaky hyper-extension way but rather a realization of "What? My body is supposed to be able to do that?"
Sorry, this was poorly written but you get the point.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Usually only in the movies
I admit, I got a little choked up...
Love stands test of time
Posted using ShareThis
In the 1950s, Diane Harris was injured in a car accident and her mother lied that Rodney Day had dumped her. In 2007 Rodney found Diane, who says, "We kissed and that was it." They married on Saturday.
Love stands test of time
Posted using ShareThis
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
We Used to Be Friends
but I haven't thought of you lately at all.
For weeks I've been trying been plotting the course of a couple friendships -- what went well, what went wrong, where we are, where we were. How can you go from knowing the most minute details of someone's life to absolutely nothing?
For weeks I've been trying been plotting the course of a couple friendships -- what went well, what went wrong, where we are, where we were. How can you go from knowing the most minute details of someone's life to absolutely nothing?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Musical Genius
I think these lyrics speak for themselves:
You're A Vegetable, You're A Vegetable
Still They Hate You, You're A Vegetable
You're Just A Buffet, You're A Vegetable
They Eat Off Of You, You're A Vegetable
- Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Michael Jackson
More from the Book of Mark
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"
Mark 8:36 (New American Standard Bible)
Mark 8:36 (New American Standard Bible)
A Compare & Contrast Exercise at 2 AM
Scenario 1:
Scenario 2:
I'm tired, frustrated and slightly biased but #1 seems easier to replicate than solving #2.
Bonus object lesson: Don't put off your E/M assignments until the last minute. You're welcome.
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance."
His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?"
"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.
"Seven," they replied.
He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
Mark 8: 1-8
Scenario 2:
Consider a ring charge. Suppose the the charge q is not distributed uniformly over the ring but that the charge q1 is distributed uniformly over half the circumference and charge q2 uniformly over the other half. Let q=q1+q2. Find the component of the electric field at any point on the axis perpendicular to the axis and compare to the uniform case. (Problem 26-3b, Physics (5e), Halliday, Resnick, Krane)
I'm tired, frustrated and slightly biased but #1 seems easier to replicate than solving #2.
Bonus object lesson: Don't put off your E/M assignments until the last minute. You're welcome.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Joss Whedon on Getting the Idea for Firefly
Joss Whedon, Future History: the Story of the Earth that Was (Serenity bonus material)
On season 2 of Buffy, I get my two week vacation and the second book I read is The Killer Angels which is about the Battle of Gettysburg and right after that I sort of become obsessed with life on the frontier and this, of course, makes me think of the Millennium Falcon because most things do.
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Way We Live Now
The New Gender Gap, LISA BELKIN, NYTimes Online, October 4, 2009
Women are doing better in the [US] recession — because men are doing worse.
Seeing What All the Fuss is About
Now that I have your attention (or lost it), this is the best cupcake I have ever eaten in my entire life. Called Bliss for a good reason, it is a chocolate cupcake with chocolate butter cream frosting, dipped in chocolate ganache. Stop licking the screen May-B, you have to go to Fuss Cupcakes in Edmonton to taste it.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Show Some Love to the Sisters
Sad to hear the movie Whip It isn't doing better at the box office. Why do I feel like it is because it isn't about a woman who fails at love and final finds "the one"? Broaden your horizon's people!
Making Friends Is Hard To Do - Jezebel
Posted using ShareThis
Making Friends Is Hard To Do - Jezebel
Posted using ShareThis
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Green Bible
Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.
Deuteronomy 15:11
Inspired by the red-letter edition, Harper Collin's has come out with a green letter edition of the Bible
that highlights passages on stewardship and God's care for creation. It also includes essays and a study guide. At first it sounded like a gimmick but I've read good reviews. It might make a good Christmas present for me (hint, hint).
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Mutualism
I've spent 10-14 hours each day this week in class or on assignments. What do I not want to hear as my work is past due? I don't manage my time properly. Let me lay out my week for you:
Monday - 1 assignment due, prepare handout for work
Thursday - 1 assignment due, 2 labs due, prepare handout for work
Friday - 2 assignments due, prepare handout for work
Not managing my time properly and not having a enough time are entirely different. I was told my problem is I help people with their work (hypocritical statement coming from the person who asks me the most questions). Group dynamic amongst the physics students: I help others and others help me. Yes, I spent time helping others but how much time did I save by getting help from others?
Monday - 1 assignment due, prepare handout for work
Thursday - 1 assignment due, 2 labs due, prepare handout for work
Friday - 2 assignments due, prepare handout for work
Not managing my time properly and not having a enough time are entirely different. I was told my problem is I help people with their work (hypocritical statement coming from the person who asks me the most questions). Group dynamic amongst the physics students: I help others and others help me. Yes, I spent time helping others but how much time did I save by getting help from others?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Rider Pride
Forwarded to me from a friend:
After living a full life, Doug Berry, the (once) Winnipeg Blue Bomber coach, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around.
They came to a modest little house with a faded Blue Bomber flag in the window. "This house is yours for eternity," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here."
Doug felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house.
On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a gorgeous white and green three-story mansion with a 50-foot tall flagpole with an enormous Saskatchewan Roughrider flag, and in every window, he could see Saskatchewan fans.
Doug looked at God and said, "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was a good coach, ran a clean program, took the Bombers to the Grey Cup, and came close to winning a national championship."
God said, "So what do you want to know, Doug?"
Doug asked: "Well, why does Ken Miller, the Saskatchewan coach, get a better house than me?"
God chuckled and said, "Doug, that's not Ken's house; that's mine."
After living a full life, Doug Berry, the (once) Winnipeg Blue Bomber coach, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around.
They came to a modest little house with a faded Blue Bomber flag in the window. "This house is yours for eternity," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here."
Doug felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house.
On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a gorgeous white and green three-story mansion with a 50-foot tall flagpole with an enormous Saskatchewan Roughrider flag, and in every window, he could see Saskatchewan fans.
Doug looked at God and said, "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was a good coach, ran a clean program, took the Bombers to the Grey Cup, and came close to winning a national championship."
God said, "So what do you want to know, Doug?"
Doug asked: "Well, why does Ken Miller, the Saskatchewan coach, get a better house than me?"
God chuckled and said, "Doug, that's not Ken's house; that's mine."
Monday, September 21, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ridiculousness Personified
Conversation to myself at school:
"Janice, learn how to spell your name then you'll be able to check your mail."
Janice finally succeeds in logging in
"Argh, NASA! You send too many emails!"
A friend nearly snotted all over himself he was laughing so hard.
"Janice, learn how to spell your name then you'll be able to check your mail."
Janice finally succeeds in logging in
"Argh, NASA! You send too many emails!"
A friend nearly snotted all over himself he was laughing so hard.
Grace in Small Things: Day 21
I'm possibly way too tired to be doing this but here I go...
- Work went really well today. Yesterday was a bit of a disaster so I was expecting the worst.
- Last day without my own computer (according to the UPS tracker)
- My professor performing a melting ice dance
- Good conversation with no distractions
- Sweet, delicious Neo-citrin
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Being Present When You're Present
People and their electronics have been perturbing me of late. Consider the following scenarios:
I'm not sure if people see the barriers they are creating between each other; divided attention does constitute quality time.
- A university student is invited to a special school function. During the speeches plays Solitaire while sitting at the same table as the dean
- Being the only one not on a laptop during a documentary. I felt like I might as well had been watching it alone
- A business man accompanies his mother to church. He checks his email on his Blackberry instead of paying attention. Really? That email couldn't wait an hour?
I'm not sure if people see the barriers they are creating between each other; divided attention does constitute quality time.
Grace in Small Things: Day 20
Just under the wire. I actually wrote these on the bus this afternoon but didn't have time to type them until now:
- seeing my favourite 3 year old bus mate. He is made of awesome even when he is too tired to practice his evil laughter
- Leo the bus driver is the man. Always a privilege to be his passenger, There is a reason why he is the bus driver with the most seniority.
- half hour to sit in the park on a beautiful day. I need to do that more often even when I'm not forced to.
- Miss Kylee is here! I miss her when she's gone.
- being let out early in two classes -- every extra minute of break helps on a long day
- people who wait for me so I don't have to walk to class alone
- too short of sleep but then ready 20 minutes early and very productive morning
Monday, September 14, 2009
Happy 5th Blogiversary
It is officially been 5 years since I started blogging on Angelfire. I started here on blogger about 3.5 years ago. Wow, have the times changed.
When I began blogging, I had just quit my job as a full time teacher and began my new life as a sub/shelf straightener/tutor in Saskatoon. I moved again to Calgary, became an admin assistant then found another full time teaching position. I'm back in school and back in Regina.
I started blogging to stop bugging my friends with emails of random thoughts, forwards and surveys. It turned into another form of procrastination for me.
Thanks for reading.
When I began blogging, I had just quit my job as a full time teacher and began my new life as a sub/shelf straightener/tutor in Saskatoon. I moved again to Calgary, became an admin assistant then found another full time teaching position. I'm back in school and back in Regina.
I started blogging to stop bugging my friends with emails of random thoughts, forwards and surveys. It turned into another form of procrastination for me.
Thanks for reading.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 19
- the wonderful online community of teachers who make my job easier.
- even though my new computer is somewhere between the Atlantic Ocean and my toilet, I have a computer at home I can work on in the meantime
- concord grapes -- I like how I can pop them out of their skin into my mouth
- finding out you influenced someone for the better
- awesome hair day, even after I had a 3 hour nap
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 18
- Got an email from Ky that her presentation went well!
- multiple naps
- talking about silly things with my sister
- leftover pizza for breakfast
- house to myself for the day
Grace in Small Things: Day 17
Sorry, got a little too tired to finish this last night...
- generous friends
- FREE HAMBURGER, CHIPS, POP AND MINI DONUTS! First week of school is awesome.
- saving time by getting a ride to school from my dad
- plans for an upcoming trip coming together better than I imagined
- some much needed perspective on how blessed I am
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 16
- Steve Jobs was in such a good mood after his liver transplant, he gave me a 160 GB IPod instead of a 120 GB one
- finally got gas money for my trip last month
- opportunity to get my name on as many journal articles as possible in the next two years
- someone with a lot to purchase letting me go ahead in the line
- having the time to run silly errands with a silly friend (details to follow)
Grace in Small Things: Day 15
Sorry this is late. Last night I wasn't feeling well and went to bed at 8:30
- the class that I thought would be scary might not be so scary after all
- resolving some differences
- Alana gets to be my lab partner for one class
- my mom had a good night sleep and is feeling much better
- finding candy in my school bag
- my friend Elizabeth's daughter had surgery on a detached retina. It was a complete success and she has already started to regain vision. The recover will only take 3 weeks instead of the expected 6 weeks.
I want to kiss Steve Jobs full on the mouth
[Dear Janny,]
Apple is pleased to announce the updated iPod classic, now with 160GB of storage capacity so you can hold up to 40,000 songs or 200 hours of video.
Since your 120GB iPod classic has not yet shipped, you will receive the new 160GB iPod classic at the same price.
I had to read the email two times just to make sure I had read things right.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Debra Jackson on Dollar Palace
From a news story on towntalk.com, serving the Alexandria-Pineville area of Louisiana:
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 14
It is the difficult days when the little things mean the most...
- didn't miss any thing despite being late for class
- thought I missed the bus this morning but it was just really late
- being reminded you can't judge a book by its cover
- FREE mini-donuts
- the new nurse at my allergist office is a girl who sat next to me in Grade 9 Math
- being referred to as "Awesome clever"
- only one class and no work today (easy start to a hectic semester)
- watching Top Chef with my papa
- despite being banged and bruised and little lighter in the wallet, I am incredibly thankful for my health and to have a family who loves me very much
Foolish and Costly Mistake
I spilled water on my laptop last night. Not a little bit, probably a little less than 2 cups worth. I flipped it upside down immediately so the water could run out while I went to grab a towel. I wasn't thinking and should have shut down the computer first but the time I was back it was off. I read online that it can take up to 5 days to dry out but I think it is fried.
I bought a 500 GB external hard drive last week and my most recent back up was on Sunday. At most I lost a couple emails that I received since then. I just bought a new hard drive for that computer and was hoping it would last me until next fall.
I have no idea what I'm going to do.
I bought a 500 GB external hard drive last week and my most recent back up was on Sunday. At most I lost a couple emails that I received since then. I just bought a new hard drive for that computer and was hoping it would last me until next fall.
I have no idea what I'm going to do.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Feed the Masses or Just Me
Last school year I spent way too much money buying meals at the university. I convinced myself that I'd make a lunch everyday to take but that rarely happened. When I was teaching, I'd cook massive amounts of food the freeze it. I think I set a personal record today for most amount of food cooked in one day but not consumed:
- 9 servings of pasta and sauce
- 9 servings of chili
- 5 servings of tofu stir fry
Please note that all of this food was made from scratch (except the pasta and the tofu). Even if I have nothing else but these three things for weekday lunches, this food would last me until Thanksgiving weekend. I need a little more variety so I want to make soup sometime this week before things get too busy at school.
- 9 servings of pasta and sauce
- 9 servings of chili
- 5 servings of tofu stir fry
Please note that all of this food was made from scratch (except the pasta and the tofu). Even if I have nothing else but these three things for weekday lunches, this food would last me until Thanksgiving weekend. I need a little more variety so I want to make soup sometime this week before things get too busy at school.
Grace in Small Things: Day 13
- my dad muttering "I'm doing science" while making a 3% acetic acid solution
- my electric wok is out of storage!
- despite having a bad cold, my mom did all the dishes so I could clean my room
- all the wonderful people that help those in need (even when it is someone they don't know)
- someone reaching out to see how you are doing
Gehl pushes bicycles
"Reduce the asphalt in Saskatoon."
-- Danish architect Jan Gehl,
who told citizens of Saskatchewan's largest city if they want to see fewer automobiles and more bicycles, the changes must begin at street level.
Shared via AddThis
-- Danish architect Jan Gehl,
who told citizens of Saskatchewan's largest city if they want to see fewer automobiles and more bicycles, the changes must begin at street level.
Shared via AddThis
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 11
This is also my 1100th blog post!
*Rawr means I love you in dinosaur
- eating a Sour Jelly Belly Twister on the steps of Westminster United with my friends
- visited my bff Megamunch*
- getting to go to bed early then getting to sleep in (about 9.5 hours of sleep)
- leftover pizza for breakfast
- finally getting to go on the second floor of the Legislature. I'll make it up to the dome some day.
*Rawr means I love you in dinosaur
Come Together
I have officially copied over my old blog posts from Angelfire into Blogger. I updated the links and deleted some posts that had broken links (~100). Anything older than May 2006 is transferred from Angelfire.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Classic Janny: Cowboy, Ninja, Bear Explained
Not only will you find rules to Cowboy, Ninja, Bear but also the variation Chuck Norris, Chuck Norris.
The same weekend I learned Cowboy, Ninja, Bear I dreamed I could use fanny packs for time travel.
The same weekend I learned Cowboy, Ninja, Bear I dreamed I could use fanny packs for time travel.
The World According to Glenn Beck: NBC HQ At 30 Rock is the Heart of A Communist Conspiracy!
Dude, don't the Americans have like an economy to worry about?
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 9
I'm having a hard time being thankful so this one might be tough:
- abnormally high pain threshold
- not having to pay for parkade parking downtown
- free breakfast
- missing a bottom step 3 times but not falling once (I don't think my body could take it right now)
- unexpectedly saw Blond Derek
Weekend at the Farm
My daddy posted some pictures from my weekend at my grandparents' farm on his blog. I will have to do the same soon.
I think I could suggest a few people for this show
From Scripted Shows that Need Reality Counterparts | TWoP
Big Bang Theory
Nerds making Battlebots. Nerds making laser mazes for their living rooms. Nerds arguing over what to name their Halo clan. Nerds storing their money in Green Lantern's butt. Plus, the educational side bonus of physics! Because I choose to believe in my heart that physicists are really exactly like this in real life, I'm going to assume this would be the greatest reality show ever. And yet, we do not have it. As Sheldon would say while reviewing Leonard's work, "Wrong!"
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Grace in Small Things: Day 8
- meatball sub with mozzarella
- having my hair washed by someone besides myself
- got a locker in the lab building
- new shiny 500 GB hard drive
- being recognize for my hard work and mad skills
- being silly with Alana (she was getting ready to hunt with an atlatl dart)
When Fantasy Hockey Fans Get Antsy
Nhl.com announce that sign up for the official fantasy hockey leagues started on September 1 but not at what time of the day. Starting at about 12:00 AM EST people started to get a little punchy as to when the sign up will occur:
I really wanted to add that "your mom" is the president of Yahoo but couldn't think of anything clever enough.
I really wanted to add that "your mom" is the president of Yahoo but couldn't think of anything clever enough.
Grace in Small Things: Day 7
Sorry this is a little late, I just got home...
- The movie (500) Days of Summer at my local movie theatre. I thought I was going to have to wait for months for it to come to RPL or on DVD.
- Spending (most of) the day with May-B. These days time with her is hard to come by.
- The government will legally let me out of the country now
- Had an extremely productive morning despite the distractions
- Tony Roma's Lunch Special -- Delicious ribs for cheap
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