Holiday

Here we are folks, embarking on another workweek. Which, by the way, starts tomorrow - if ya didn't know. Ya know. Unless of course, your one of those poor souls who had to work this weekend. You know - retail, hospitality, restaurant, security (thank you), health care (another thank YOU). You know, I used to work in one of those fields (restaurant if you just have to know), and you would be surprised at how you get used to working holiday's. I'm not saying you ever really get used to it or ever really like it for that matter, but you just learn that your working just about every holiday (unless a miracle happens) and you just deal with it. It just becomes another working day. But now I'm spoiled since I get those day's off as a working benefit. Ahh I remember the day's.

So today was a potluck picnic with one of the singles groups. No real headway. Played volleyball though and enjoyed it. Although I suck - hard core - I had fun. Many others where in my boat too. It's all good! I know the moves to make and I can visualize what needs to happen in certain situations, but bi golly, there's a problem with execution.

So now that classes started at the University this last week and I'm - umm - not a part of it this semester, I've briefly felt out of place. That was unit we had a couple of cool nights this last week and I thought to myself, "I could actually experience the Fall season this year," and secondly, I was reminded that the 2008 New Mexico State Fair is around the corner. Then I thought, "I could actually go to the Rodeo only night." And since then, I've felt a little bit better. And lets not forget Halloween, thanksgiving, Xmas, crafts shows, etc.

So what am I going to do with my free time. Here are a few things I'd like to accomplish in the next week or two: learn the Russian language, pickup the guitar that's been collecting dust for a number of years, handle my flute, read a number of books, and get back into a steady routine of doing my eye exercises and physical exercises for that matter. Sounds like a tall order! I think I'll need a plan of action. Ummm . . .

A ladder plan, that's it. Something to keep me focused on all these things I've wanted to do for a number of years, but have been too busy with school. I fear though that much of this Fall season will be much like the summer so far. A waste that is. I've fallen into the crack.


Perhaps I'm still in a phase of recuperation or something. We'll have to see. I still feel a bit down on the school front and am in no mood to start something like this. It would seem too much like school. Something I'm very tired of. But then again, I don't really want to start wasting my life away awaiting the next episode of Seinfeld. We shall see.

Well, I'm ready for a break tonight as I rest up a little for the workday tomorrow. I invited my folks over Saturday to hang that picture that's been sitting in the corner for a long time and it turned into a mission to rearrange some furniture and a bunch of the currently hanging pictures. As most of you know, in any effort to clean, it gets worse long before it gets better. It looks better now, but still have a lot of clutter to deal with and a few pictures left to hang. THAT will have to wait. At least the couch is clear. That's all I need to inspect the back of my eyelids.

Finally !!!

Free at last, free at last, thank someone I'm free at last. School is finally over, but before we get to the newz at hand, let's talk about this little find.

Found it in a display case in the Electrical Engineering building at the University. Simply a Certificate of Appreciation to a long time contributor at the University issued in 1971. WHAT makes this note of interest is it is signed by the President of the United States at the time - Richard Nixon.

Like --- WOW!! President Nixon's signature.

Now on to a school discussion. How about my take home final for Electromagnetic Fields and Waves. Check out this disclaimer page.

Let's be honest, shall we.

And let's emphasize the repercussions of not being honest.

Yes !!! YOU WILL FAIL ECE 360 if you CHEAT. Well I'm way to honest to have done such a thing even without the statement.


And how well did I do on the test. Well the sky line above should be a good indicator. It's been overcast for a number of days during that week. Must have been a premonition.

And the SCORES are in! Microprocessors: C (who's available for CPR), and Electromagnetics: FFFFFFFFFFFFF

Solid. Rock solid. Stone solid. Ultra solid! To move that from F would demand an act of God. So what now? Well, knowing that the School of Engineering is going to kick my ass out the door with their best pair of boots, I guess I really don't know. Although I don't have a choice, I'll take a year or two off. Just work. Hard. And pursue a number of interest I haven't had the time to delve into. The biggest problem will is going to be staying focused on these other goals I've had for a long time. Now I've got the time. There's no excuse ya know. I just got to keep myself from sliding down an emotional rift and just wasting the day's away.

Now I've got a ton of shit I want to get done. I've got a ton of time on my hands now. That would be evenings and weekends. But still, tons of time compared to when school is in session. So what's the list include:

Learn a new language
Clean this pit of an apartment up. (hasn't been touched in 4 months)
Build a few pieces of furniture
Learn more about embedded electronics
Study more math (ya right)

The list goes on. And although I've got tons of time now, I find myself impatient. Like it has to be done yesterday. Go figure.

Thanks for the phone call K. Was very nice of you. Yeah I was tired, but I lived. Take care.

And take care the rest of you. Time to check out a few of my other favorite blogs I haven't checked in two or three weeks. -Cheers!

Solve Math

Problem solving skills . . .



Let's see, which one looks better. I found myself in the library the other day looking for this sort of material. This is a couple I picked up. I've pretty much finished browsing through the top book. Only randomly looked through the first few pages of the second book. Hmmmm. Will it help? Problems to come. Need to do homework for Electromagnetics class. We'll see.

Alls well in la-la land. Looking forward to next week Wednesday (the 14th). Will be the last school day. My Electromagnetics instructor decided to make the final a take home. She will hand it out this Wednesday, due the following Wednesday. The last project for my programming class is also due that Wednesday. The crunch is on!

I had a homework marathon yesterday from about 9:30 to about 8:45 last night. Took a break for myself and saw the movie Juno playing at the bargain theater. Enjoyed it. I originally planned on going to see this Human Bodies exhibit at the local mall, but it ended last weekend. A month ago, the website said it would be here until May15th, but I guess last minute, it shifted to April 29 with now a two week stay in another state before it moves elsewhere. Disappointed, but oh well. Juno was a good substitute.

Well, here I go. Nine day's of torture left. Will have another break with the folks coming over later today for supper.

Procrastinating

Well, I'm here looking to procrastinate a little from doing the more important activity of studying. Today has not been much of a study day anyway. Filled with chores and such. You know - that living thing. There was no studying yesterday either. See these wayward travelers from Finland are here again assisting us [at work] in commissioning this new tool. They have been here since Tuesday and will leave Tuesday morning. There have been a number of problems for which most have been worked through. We worked all day yesterday. From 8:30 to 7:30. And no lunch break for me. Total disaster I tell you. If you are like me, food MUST happen on a regular basis. There is flexibility on the specific time that that happens, but it must happen several times a day. Oh well - I lived. Very nice people I tell you. I think I may have angered them in doing something earlier than expected yesterday. High probability that it was a communication misunderstanding. Disappointed I am, but oh well. Things worked out.

I'm listing to a radio program that just ended called The Prairie Home Companion on the local Public Radio station. The host was telling a story [unknown if it is true or fictitious] about a couple at an airport in which the husband was preparing to fly to visit the wives sister. An argument broke out regarding whether the husband was really looking forward to seeing her sister. The wife expected a truthful answer on the spot. The announcer inserted the following comment: [regarding relationships] from a mans perspective, seeking the truth is a lifelong quest. How funny - and probably rather truthful.

Well now time for little surprise. I almost didn't think I was going to be able to post this little tid-bit as I was having difficulty in signing in to Photobucket. Anyways, I stayed late to do a favor for a person at work on Thursday. When I showed up Friday morning . . .

THIS little surprise was on my desk.

How nice of him. First one to have done something like this. I've done many favors of this nature and most seem grateful on the one hand, but on the other hand, seems as if the mental attitude is like "about time" if you know what I mean. Again, a very nice gesture indeed.

Well, time to get back to it. I just finished some popcorn and will now down a half PB-n-J. Should set me up for the rest of the night. And if you are out there Chris, I got your phone message. Sorry I'm a bit reclusive at the moment. On the plus side, only two more weeks of regular classes and then finals. Will have finals on Monday and Friday the week of May 13. Both running from 7:30 - 9:30 . . . A.M. Dear God. Pray for me . . .

Two Day's

The semester has started! Now two day's into the semester, I must ask, "How much longer does the semester like?" It should be interesting as I'm taking two classes, Electromagnetics, and Microprocessors. I've actually been putting off taking the microprocessors class, so I'm actually looking forward to taking it. As far as the other class goes, blahhhh. Oh well, it's a necessity.

Otherwise, nothen much new here. Going to do some homework and then hit the sack.

Nighty night.
Mighty

Quick Note

And it's Friday I tell you! Yeah, but I bet you already knew that. Well there's news to post, but not taken much time tonight to spill my guts. See, here's the deal. I have my final exam in Statics and Dynamics next Tuesday at 12:30pm. Here's the good news between now and then - 1) Holiday Party tomorrow night as part of a Meetup event, 2) Work is having their annual holiday potluck on Monday (I'm a sucker for potlucks), and 3) I'm taking Monday afternoon and Tuesday off to study. Now . . . the bad news between now and then - 1) I've got to study!, 2) There's other things I'd rather be doing this weekend, and 3) I'll miss the annual Luncheon with the top dog at some swank restaurant Tuesday due to my Final Exam! This is free - swank food folks. Unfair! Oh well. I'll live. Maybe they can get me a to-go box. Hmmmm.

Otherwise, it's off to study land. At least I'll be having a little fun this weekend to offset the pain. Not all bad ya know.

Sweet dreams folks.

College Success

Oh what a busy day. It all started off with the start of a short five week course at CNM on College Success. It's a one credit hour course that will meet on Saturday's fro 9 - 12 at their Montoya Campus.
Even though I've been going to school for centuries, I figure I can't loose by taking this class. I'm sure there will be something to learn on time management, study skills, memory skills, learning styles, and other related topics. My general philosophy is to go into every class with an open mind. For if you close it like a know-it-all, then you truly will learn nothing.

Then it was lunch and study for a few hours. Stop at the store, swing by home for a bite to eat, then laundry. And here we are folks. What a Day!

So you might be saying, "How boring. Normal life!" Ok, Ok, cut me a little slack here. I could mention how it's been somewhat windy all day, but I won't. I could talk about getting up at 4:30 this morning, but nah. How about that the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta started today. Missed it because they were up and down by 8:30 and I was Mr. Bookworm.

How about this little tid-bit while I listen to Kelly Clarkson's How I feel. The Universities Crime report came out. Let's look at some reported figures for the 2006 year, shall we. Burglary - 55. Motor Vehicle Theft - 69. And how about this figure: Liquor Law Violations - 23. Somehow, I don't believe it. That figures fudged I tell ya.

Then I could babble about this new singles club I went too on Thursday night. The topic of the event . . . . Online Profiles. A real blast! Pass around profiles and critique them. Of course, I did not bring mine because the original description for the event was suppose to be on your "online profile photo." "So bring your camera!" Well, something different in the end. No mates, but meat some interesting folks.

What else, what else - Harry Potters playing at the dollar theater. Might check it out later this week. No class next Thursday as the University is having Fall Break. Two day's off of classes. It won't be long enough.

Well, I think that just about wraps up the week. Until next time . . .

IBS
Move forward with vigor. For nothing happens when you stand still.

The Week in Review

Monday
Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Pillow please.

Yep folks, what a week. Not quite used to running these longer day's. Thursday was a nice study day. Although it felt weird to to 1) not be working, and 2) be on campus all day. We'll see how the coming weeks go. Regarding school, the instructor I have sort of sucks so far. He doesn't do too many examples, just shows some very basic principles needed to solve the problems, and then spends an inordinate amount of time talking about how much material we have to cover in a short period of time and repeating general administrative crap. And oh, he does encourage us to look over the examples before we attempt the homework. Oh Yeah!

The first instructor I had was man on a mission! From day one, buckle your seat belt cause we are gonna move. And sure enough . . . far better than this guy. Tough, but in exchange, he actually taught the class.

Well after a long week and a very hectic Friday, I checked out a new restaurant down here in the North Valley (the part of town I live in). The place is called the Sunshine Cafe.


I chose the Hummus & Toasted Pita Wedges dish. Part of their Light Fare selection. Good stuff. And the atmosphere? Pretty nice by my book.

Longer day's

Hoe de dow, la de da. Another day passes away. Thus begins day one of week 2 of school. And a work week for that matter. The only new item to report is I'm going on a four day work week. Me an my work partner are both doing it. I've never done this before, so this should be interesting. The idea is to give each of us an additional day to do the homework thing. You know, that pesky side effect of education. He is also taking classes. I think I will try taking Thursday's off, while my partner will take Friday's. Just have to get used to these longer work day's.

In other news . . . Oh wait . . . there is no other news.

2nd Day of School

Ahh the start of the Fall semester at the University of New Mexico. Where did this crowd come from?

And look, there was even entertainment as part of the Welcome Back special events this week.

Of course, this is all to make the students feel good. Like they've made a good choice to come back to UNM. Make them feel good right before reality sets in. What reality? Free times over! Time to set your schedule and stick to it. Ya know?

Warm Up

Look at what I woke up to this morning outside my bedroom window. Looks like a Balloon Fiesta warm up if you ask me.

What clued me before it came into view was the unmistakable sound of the blow torch heater that fills the balloon with hot air.

So I did some channel surfing on T.V. while I was in the middle of cooking supper and ran across this talent show on a Spanish channel. Mostly all youth, ranging in age from about 15 to the mid 20's. There posting the age as they perform. I don't understand a word they are saying, but 1) it's about the only thing on T.V., and 2) These Kids can really sing! You can generally tell good from bad singing regardless of know the language or not. The show is "something" TimBriche (they have a special icon with the words, so I might be missing a letter or two).

Well tomorrow starts the school thing again. Ahh the thrill of school. Gotta Love it! I suspect I'll be slacking more on the blog as a result. I know I know - slacker. Oh well. Time to get my pack ready for tomorrow and chill a bit more before I hit the sack.

Goodnight All.

FYI

Well, looky what I got for doing jury duty. Don't I feel special?

For this, I'll be more than happy to do jury duty in the future . . . ha!

In other news, looks like my apartment complex is getting into the recycling swing of things. I got a news letter on my screen door yesterday stating that "in accordance with city ordinance blah blah blah, we're starting our recycling program. Bins are back by the dumpster."

And look! The city has even provided us with these handy dandy carry totes to haul our shit to the bins. How sweet of them. They take everything except what I seem to accumulate a lot of. That would be GLASS. Oh well. I've been recycling for many years anyway and I'll just have to treat them as usual.

In the mean time, I'm embarking on my last free weekend. Not that I won't have any sporadic free weekends to come. See, school starts back on Monday. Back to the old grind of full-time work and part time school. Those of you who have done it know exactly where I'm coming from. After much though and deliberation, I've decided to stick with the Electrical Engineering side of the coin. I'm signed up for one class and one class only - CE304: Engineering Mechanics. Think Statics and Dynamics. And I'm in such luck! They are still using the same book from last year. I'll save 180 bucks! Regarding the class, we'll see how it goes. I'm not ready to start, but I think it will be good for me to get back into what seems to be a normal routine for me since I've been doing it for so long. I just don't know much else, ya know? And lets hope two's a charm. Light a candle will ya.?

And just check out this sunset. Scored it on the way home from work tonight. What a beautiful state I live in .

In case your wondering, the darkened strip across the top is from the tinting of the car window.

ONE Class

Well I've done it.
I've signed up for ONE class for the Fall 2007 semester.

On a Friday night.
Don't ask.
Even I don't know.
Do I really want to? No.
Do I really NEED to? Yes.
Am I ready? Not really.

Downtown Mighty

After a stroll downtown this evening, I think I'm ready for some R & R. I swung by home a bit after work then headed toward the tall buildings downtown. Gave me a chance to walk around and look for some photo opportunities. As you can see, the buildings are pretty tall for around here. Still, nothing like other large cities, but multistory non-the-less. Two things remain this evening before I hit the sack. That would be FOOD - no surprise there, and play around with the javascript stuff a bit. One other thing remains is to get rid of this pesky trojan-win32.mx virus I've managed to pick up. I tried something I found on-line earlier today, but no luck. Have to try harder!

Dinner you ask? Why it's going to be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The only other interesting tid-bit is someone again asked me about school this morning. Well I wasn't in a good mood to begin with and that question was bad timing. Add to the fact that the person who asked is leaning toward my shit list as of late. He's not officially on it, but he's not too far away either. So I managed to drag myself through the rest of the day after that. The effects of that question didn't last long as there where other things that played a bigger part in dragging me down. So let's not talk about it too much and just hope that tomorrow is ah better day. OK!

Learning - Movies - Surfing

How about a mid morning post instead of a late Saturday night post. After all it is 9:19am. Doesn't that qualify as a mid morning post? Hmmmm. I suppose that depends largely on what time zone your body clock runs on. Anyways, did I mention it was already 9:22am in the morning?! Got to get some laundry going pretty soon.

In any event, I uploaded last nights Random Photography picture around 10:30pm. Getting kind of late for me, but still not too bad for a weekend. For some reason, I wasn't in the mood to post anything other than giving you all a new photo to lull over. I'm curious how long I'll be able to keep up with this photo thing. I've been uploading a new photo to the blog every day now for the last 21 day's. I'll have to say that I've gotten into the whole photography thing a lot since I got the digital camera. It definitely allows one to take pictures like a pro. You know - carelessly move the camera around while while you hold your finger down on the auto advancing clicker. Then lull for hours over your shots looking for The One. I know my camera has already paid for itself in savings for 35mm film and development. We'll have to see how long I can hold out before I buy a newer, fancier camera, since the thought has crossed my mind on several occasions.

So, where did my day go yesterday? I left home around 7:40am and returned around 10:20pm. I started the day by taking a class on Javascript programming. Since I started this blog, I've become interested in learning how to manipulate it. I know that Java only represents an itsy bitsy tini winni part of the who web programming picture, but every little bit adds up. It was a coworker who signed up for the class that clued me into it so I decided to go for it. This is a two day class with day two happening next Saturday.

After the class, my friend asked if I had anything planned for the night and with a resounding answer of NO, headed over to another friend/coworkers house for a Boston Chicken dinner and movies on their BIG screen television. The first movie was Pulse. Very similar to The Ring. In this horror flick taking place at a college, two smart guys designing communication devices find new frequency bandwidths they never knew existed. Unfortunately (yes there is always a down side in movie land), this also happens to be a port hole through which some not so friendly beings can cross into our world and suck the life out of us. As is the usual case, our hero is this Hot. Fine. Little college female. I'll stop here. After all, I wouldn't want to give away an ending you've seen coming already, now would I. OK, the second movie was Mom and Dad Save the World. A comedy space flick in which "mom and dad" are headed out for a vacation and are taken by the leader of another planet that wants to make the wife his wife just before he destroys planet earth with his powerful weapon. You know where this is going. Good Fun.

After getting back home, I thought I was going to post a new photo and hit the couch, but instead I got to surfing some pointless stuff that just happened to be pleasing to the eyes. Hmmmm!

Well that's it for now. Time to get that laundry ready and get the rest of the morning going. My mom got a new car Friday, so I'm sure she is wanting to show it off. Will probably check it out today. See ya!

Peace in YOU

Just got home from work. Have you ever left work and decided to drive the most crooked, longest route you could conjure up as you drove home? Yep. That was my drive home. Just in a mood to take my time and come up with a different way to get to the ole homestead.

Although I'm over it now, I ran into a guy a work today I have not seen in a long time. This guy works on a piece of equipment we have a service contract on. So. Ran into him and spent a little time catching up on the latest. As it turns out, he (along with everyone else on planet earth) (OK OK - in my spherical world) knows that I am taking classes and asked how that effort was going. Well I didn't really know how to answer him and sort of beat around the bush with sorta kinda hinting kinda that things had not been going well on that front. The thought of how to answer the question sort of added to my already bummed mood at the time. [While this morning was productive, I got into a bout of what do I do now? after a later than usual lunch. I hate being in that mode of operation.] Anyways, now that you have some background info, you got the insight for the following:

IBS
Do not judge how others might criticize your actions, for ultimately, your internal peace rides higher than their demoralizing words.

And besides . . . they just might be on your side.

Okay. Time to lighten up as I guess this post is weighing on me again. How about Paris Hilton?!! Get back in that cell!

Okay, break for a grocery run. Be back soon with a new random photo for the day and some babble from unknown origins.

Tool was Too Cool

Great concert last night. First time I have seen Tool. Opening band was some unknown. Oh, get off the stage already! Thankfully, they only played for about 30 minutes. Tool kicked in about 30 minutes later. Played for about 2.5 hours. I only have two complains: (1) the lead singer could have stepped up closer to the fans. He stayed on a platform at the rear of the stage the whole time. (2) the musical interludes in between songs sometimes dragged too long. Keep it shorter please. But otherwise, for this Tool newbie, no other complaints.

Now, if I could only get myself to not feel the pain of finals week that I feel for some of my fellow friends and coworkers that are having to deal with it this week. I know all too well what this weeks is like and I wish them the best as the week comes to a close. I myself would normally be sweating it out this week as well, but since I succumbed to destiny, I'm home free. My hyper parathyroid issue has certainly taken precedence. I, for one, just don't seem to care about school at the moment. Which is a stark change from my normal mode of having school almost constantly on my mind. I should be worried about what classes I want / need to take in the Fall, and get myself signed up for them. But . . . I think I'll deal with that later. Should I care? Well - Yeah! Does it bother me? Not so much right now.

Speaking of hyper parathyroid, my post surgery wound continues to heal well. My heads range of motion improves every day as the skin at the incision heals and allows a bit more stretch than before. I am super, ultra pleased with how this surgery has went. I would have expected to be out of action a lot longer, but so far, my recovery has been just awesome. At this rate, I'll probably give shaving a try this weekend. Say bye bye hobo. Ha!

Tuesday night tid-bits

Movie Review : Black Snake Moan - Just saw it at the bargain theater. Review? It ain't gonna happen folks. After my dismal attempt at Ghost Rider, I'm keeping my day job. I'll leave you in the safe hands of Roger Eberts movie review. My overall opinion - enjoyed the movie. Especially - Chrissssstiinna. Ice please.

Evening walk - What a nice night weather wise. Got home and just couldn't resist a walk around the neighborhood. Although this wimp still needed a medium jacket, the wind was calm and the stars are out. Come'on summer!

School - Saw several advisers today. First biology. Prospects are good to get in. The of the 1200+ (yes, 1200+) students that have declared biology as a major of minor, half are pre-med students, which makes getting into the introductory courses tight. Once past that, your in pretty good shape. The picture looks good for getting into graduate school as well. Next, I'll have to talk to some of the professors about getting a tour of the labs and get a real idea about what the work would be like. Next, my advisor in electrical engineering. Nothing much said here. My assigned advisor for next semester was there, but turns out that she had another meeting to go to at the time that I scheduled to meet her. So I got shifted over to R. Head advisor for the EE program. Since we had already discussed things quite extensively via email and a previous impromptu meeting, she is simply going to remove my hold for registering and I'll just let her know where I'm going. See this and that post for more on that front. Finally, the psychology advisor. Highlights - (1) the only thing a BS degree is good for is to be used in conjunction with another degree, (2) there is no masters program, (3) you need a PhD to do anything in the field, (4) of the 200+ people who applied for graduate studies last year, only 13 where accepted, (5) social work is the only field that is in high demand right now. Although the psychology department is average among the nation, they are among the top in the nation for studies in neuropsychology. See, they got some fancy tool that helps a lot.

Break - hold that thought while I get something to eat.

Overdose - Speaking of food . . . I think I almost OD'd on Peanut M&M's during my late afternoon snack. Ya know, I suffer from One Calls for Another syndrome.

New Computer - Talked to the guy who is building my new system. We went over configuration options and generals about the system. He's going to order parts, should be ready in about two to three weeks. And then, . . . I'll say goo . . .Oh let's don't go there again.

Celebration - and I forgot to invite you to celebrate with me yesterday. So let's celebrate now, shall we! YES. I am so down right happy that the local radio station has FINALLY drawn their winner for this New You for the New Year contest. Now we can get some piece from the daily speech spats about this great chance to get $10000 dollars in cosmetic surgery from local hospital X. A tummy tuck here, liposuction there. Throw in a titty-boost for good measure. I just can't see the point. Great technology for folks that have a disfigurement of some sort, but the perfectly normal and healthy? Trust me, I've used my freedoms given me by this nation to change the station on a great number of occations.

The End - It's about time I ended this post. Relax just a bit while I eat a bit more, then hit the sack. Cheers!

Ah Sign

Your all aware that several of my post have me grappling over my disappointing performance at school this last semester. This weekend, I was reading the description for a show that airs on the local public radio station . The show is called New Dimensions. Just missed it as this topic just aired on Saturday. I was reading the description on Sunday. Here's the program description:

New Dimensions. Discovering Your Greatest Opportunities With James Swartz. James Swartz has studied seventy of the world's most successful people to learn why they become such great achievers. What choices did they make that put them at the forefront in their chosen fields? Are there patterns we can identify that will help us attain great success in our own lives? The answer is yes. But the strategies that worked for these luminaries may surprise you. In fact, Swartz discovered many common traits that you'll find encouraging. For example, you're never too old, dismal failure is often followed by extraordinary achievement, and taking time off might turn on your greatest inspiration. Best of all, achieving your greatest success may be easier than you expect. Program #3187.

Is it a sign?
(I'll hunt down the source later.)

Research

M: SO . . . Whud you do Friday night?
JD: Not a damn thing. wasted the night away more or less. And you?
M: Research!
JD: Oh ya. What kind of research?
M: Looked into psychology and biology as potential moves away from electrical engineering?
JD: Say what?
M: Oh yeah. Found a couple career information sites on psychology and biology. Pretty informative. Looks like both fields could even blend in with each other. Could primarily go psychology with a few fingers in biology to become neuropsychologist. Could also do the reverse to become neurobiologist. Depends on which field you want to be involved more in.

JD: Okay man, whatever!
M: No man, not whatever. There's even an emerging field that combines electronics and biology. I can still be a NERD.

JD: Ya don't say. I tell ya what, keep your excitement to yourself. I'm outta here. Before I leave, question: are you sure you want to leave electrical engineering? It's been your stubborn dream for so many years now."

M: I know. Still need to give it some thought.