Procrastinating on proofs from hell.
Man. Calculus at the University of Chicago is taught in a very...distinct...manner.
It's ENTIRELY proofs. We don't do a single practical problem in lecture; we are expected to derive methods of solving equations on our own. Ask a TA for help on problems and they'll start doing a proof. Ask them to Help Me With The Problem For God's Sake, and they'll tell you that 'math is not engineering, math is a state of mind. You've got to think like a mathematician.'
Seriously, I haven't had this much doubt about passing something since that time I was stuck behind a log truck.
So far, though, it's OK, and not really stressful at all, because life is good right now. Life is kicking ass and not even taking names.
Yeah. Update on martial arts: I'm down to two, krav maga and karate. Sticking with them both.
Our karate sensei is a real badass, a wrinkled old Japanese man of indeterminate age. He speaks with a pronounced accent and is generally amazing. Karate is a great workout and seems to confer all the benefits of yoga without the risk of falling asleep - the stretches are very comprehensive, and there are some breathing exercises.
Unto the other. Krav maga is the real deal. I've got bruises and cuts all along my neck and back from practices, but God is it worth it. The teacher is a compact woman, about my height, and frakking intense.
God it's fun. Right now we're working on push counters - what to do if you're pushed in either shoulder from behind. It's hard, but I'm making some progress. On Wednesday we start groin hits; I'm wincing in anticipated pain. Only so much a cup can do to protect you. I think the females in the class are going to have a better day.
Incident today was pretty hilarious. Two kids I was working with were complaining that this counter wouldn't protect them if TWO guys grabbed them, one on each shoulder. So they decided to be a smartass and tell our instructor (Amanda) this.
Leadenly enough, the two guys stood behind her while she was talking to someone else and each grabbed one of her shoulders. Amanda did something - I'm not quite sure I can describe it - and almost before either of the guys could move, she'd kicked them both in the groin and head, backed away, and dropped into a basic stance.
Laughter was widespread. I can't quite describe how fast it was. She was kinetic as hell. Fortunately she hit light, or she probably would've hurt them real bad.
I think she got her point across real well. All the more impressive as she's only been doing krav for three years.
Am doing very well; the weather here is beautiful, my classes are interesting, and there are fireworks on the horizon.
Now I should stop ranting.
It's ENTIRELY proofs. We don't do a single practical problem in lecture; we are expected to derive methods of solving equations on our own. Ask a TA for help on problems and they'll start doing a proof. Ask them to Help Me With The Problem For God's Sake, and they'll tell you that 'math is not engineering, math is a state of mind. You've got to think like a mathematician.'
Seriously, I haven't had this much doubt about passing something since that time I was stuck behind a log truck.
So far, though, it's OK, and not really stressful at all, because life is good right now. Life is kicking ass and not even taking names.
Yeah. Update on martial arts: I'm down to two, krav maga and karate. Sticking with them both.
Our karate sensei is a real badass, a wrinkled old Japanese man of indeterminate age. He speaks with a pronounced accent and is generally amazing. Karate is a great workout and seems to confer all the benefits of yoga without the risk of falling asleep - the stretches are very comprehensive, and there are some breathing exercises.
Unto the other. Krav maga is the real deal. I've got bruises and cuts all along my neck and back from practices, but God is it worth it. The teacher is a compact woman, about my height, and frakking intense.
God it's fun. Right now we're working on push counters - what to do if you're pushed in either shoulder from behind. It's hard, but I'm making some progress. On Wednesday we start groin hits; I'm wincing in anticipated pain. Only so much a cup can do to protect you. I think the females in the class are going to have a better day.
Incident today was pretty hilarious. Two kids I was working with were complaining that this counter wouldn't protect them if TWO guys grabbed them, one on each shoulder. So they decided to be a smartass and tell our instructor (Amanda) this.
Leadenly enough, the two guys stood behind her while she was talking to someone else and each grabbed one of her shoulders. Amanda did something - I'm not quite sure I can describe it - and almost before either of the guys could move, she'd kicked them both in the groin and head, backed away, and dropped into a basic stance.
Laughter was widespread. I can't quite describe how fast it was. She was kinetic as hell. Fortunately she hit light, or she probably would've hurt them real bad.
I think she got her point across real well. All the more impressive as she's only been doing krav for three years.
Am doing very well; the weather here is beautiful, my classes are interesting, and there are fireworks on the horizon.
Now I should stop ranting.