Love is helping your sweetie with algebra
I had one of those rare weekends that was rich with relaxation and rejuvenation. I feel really well-rested this morning, happy, satisfied. Those weekends happen through harmonic convergence of the stars, I think, and they're rare. I appreciate this one.
My weekend had a mix of everything: Good times with Ian, some computer gaming, time with friends, going out, staying in, getting hobbitty domestic chores done, working on schoolwork, and even putting in 1 hour and 15 minutes overtime at work through my newly established ability to login from home.
I sure am a good friend!
If I do say so myself! But you would, too, if you met your friend at 7:45 am on a Saturday morning to give him a ride to the car dealership. After dropping off Pete's car, we roused Ian for breakfast, then visited our new local Best Buy. Finally bought Enya's "new" album, "Amarantine." It's pretty good. The first track stinks, but I gave most of those that follow 3 stars. It's not so "all songs sound alike" as I feel her most recent two albums have been. I enjoy it so far.
I was proud of myself for remembering that John Mayer has a new album, and remembering to pick that up... but unfortunately it's apparently not out until September 12. Ah well.
Then: RETAIL HORROR. Illuminations, the candle store, my favorite retail store evar, has apparently closed every store on the entire east coast except for the one at Lenox Mall, one exit up the highway from my house. This store is schedule to close before the end of the year, they're just not sure when. I'm so sad! Stupid Yankee Candle bought them out. I hope they'll continue to offer their line of products. I'm not a Yankee Candle fan at all.
We window-shopped for couches, and I fell in love with a $5,000 sectional at Crate & Barrel. It's not hard to love a $5,000 couch, after all. For that price, it better be awesome. As my couch budget is about half that, I don't really see that one happening.
Snakes on a plane, man...
By that time, Pete's car was ready, so we picked it up, then decided to take in a matinee of SOAP. It was largely what I expected. All I wanted was the line, "I am getting really tired of these mother fuckin' snakes on this mother fuckin' plane," and I felt I could go home happy.
Algebra!
Pete went away, and Ian and I retired for some house cleaning and hobbitting. I diligently set to work on my Algebra homework. There was much pulling of hair, gnashing of teeth, and speaking through an empty cardboard paper towel tube. In case you were in doubt, let me settle the issue for you:
IAN IS WONDERFUL.
Ian kept getting up from playing World of Warcraft to walk over and very patiently explain basic algebra concepts to me. When he'd see that I was struggling with a particular concept, he'd print out a sign for me with helpful reminders. The wall next to my computer at home now has three large signs with various math reminders. They're really helpful! Ian is just incredible. He's so patient and sweet to help me out with this so nicely. I really need the help, too. I don't think Ian had any idea how pathetic I'd be in this class.
I'm trying, though! I'm giving it my best! I worked on algebra for a few hours Saturday evening, working through the reading and the practice exercises. The online textbook has great resources, and I like the format. When I get a question right, it flashes little encouraging messages like, "Fantastic!" and "Well done!" Yes, it's stupid, I know, but the textbook patting me on the head when I do well makes me happy, and makes this process less arduous!
I put more time into algebra yesterday afternoon, and completed my first round of actual homework exercises. I'm struggling... but the point is, I'm struggling and not giving up! I kept working on it until I got all 20 questions correct. There was more shouting through the paper towel tube... but Ian didn't need to make as many trips around the desks to show me something, and no new signs went up on the wall. I did a little better.
Dead Rising
Pete came back over later Saturday evening, and none too soon since I was really DONE with algebra at that point, and needed a break. We went over to our brand new local Taco Mac... which sadly had a radio broadcast going on at full volume. Oy. The restaurant was good, but the noise was - well, at least a distraction from algebra brain, I guess.
Pete brought over "Dead Rising" for the Xbox, and we watched Ian play for awhile. That is one game that is genuinely amusing just to watch another person play. I love zombies... uh, animated totally not scary zombies, that is.
They made me watch "Super Troopers" in preparation for the upcoming release of "Beerfest," which I have agreed to watch only IF there is beer before and after, and preferably during the movie, and Ian drives. This seems agreeable to all.
Sunday = Hobbit Day!
I'm really coming to love quiet Sundays at home. I'm a little jealous of my Sundays, I think, and loathe to make plans for them. Since I woke up much earlier than Ian, I took the opportunity to [NOTE: Oh. My. God. RAGE. These two people just walked up behind me at work, right next to my chair, into my work space, and had this 5 minute conversation about some violent ski jump accident on TV this weekend. I turned away from the computer, crossed my arms, and sat there pissed that they have to have this personal conversation at my desk while waiting to talk me, presumably about work... Oh no! Conversation finished, they both just wander off. WTF? So you could have had your ski jump conversation anywhere on Planet Earth, but it HAS to be at my desk? Screw you, hippies!] Okay, so where was I? Sunday. Ah, sweet Sunday, how I miss you...
Woke up earlier than Ian and logged into work, got a little more than an hour done on a long-term project. Spent the rest of the day cleaning house, working on algebra, occasionally tuning into "The 4400" marathon. Even washed Bunny and Stitch, our stuffed animals. Got a lot done, felt productive. We settled in for Sunday dinner, which decided = napkin rings and candles. Good stuff. I could get used to that.
Now time to sink back into work, and getting a few things done around here....
Traceroo
My weekend had a mix of everything: Good times with Ian, some computer gaming, time with friends, going out, staying in, getting hobbitty domestic chores done, working on schoolwork, and even putting in 1 hour and 15 minutes overtime at work through my newly established ability to login from home.
I sure am a good friend!
If I do say so myself! But you would, too, if you met your friend at 7:45 am on a Saturday morning to give him a ride to the car dealership. After dropping off Pete's car, we roused Ian for breakfast, then visited our new local Best Buy. Finally bought Enya's "new" album, "Amarantine." It's pretty good. The first track stinks, but I gave most of those that follow 3 stars. It's not so "all songs sound alike" as I feel her most recent two albums have been. I enjoy it so far.
I was proud of myself for remembering that John Mayer has a new album, and remembering to pick that up... but unfortunately it's apparently not out until September 12. Ah well.
Then: RETAIL HORROR. Illuminations, the candle store, my favorite retail store evar, has apparently closed every store on the entire east coast except for the one at Lenox Mall, one exit up the highway from my house. This store is schedule to close before the end of the year, they're just not sure when. I'm so sad! Stupid Yankee Candle bought them out. I hope they'll continue to offer their line of products. I'm not a Yankee Candle fan at all.
We window-shopped for couches, and I fell in love with a $5,000 sectional at Crate & Barrel. It's not hard to love a $5,000 couch, after all. For that price, it better be awesome. As my couch budget is about half that, I don't really see that one happening.
Snakes on a plane, man...
By that time, Pete's car was ready, so we picked it up, then decided to take in a matinee of SOAP. It was largely what I expected. All I wanted was the line, "I am getting really tired of these mother fuckin' snakes on this mother fuckin' plane," and I felt I could go home happy.
Algebra!
Pete went away, and Ian and I retired for some house cleaning and hobbitting. I diligently set to work on my Algebra homework. There was much pulling of hair, gnashing of teeth, and speaking through an empty cardboard paper towel tube. In case you were in doubt, let me settle the issue for you:
IAN IS WONDERFUL.
Ian kept getting up from playing World of Warcraft to walk over and very patiently explain basic algebra concepts to me. When he'd see that I was struggling with a particular concept, he'd print out a sign for me with helpful reminders. The wall next to my computer at home now has three large signs with various math reminders. They're really helpful! Ian is just incredible. He's so patient and sweet to help me out with this so nicely. I really need the help, too. I don't think Ian had any idea how pathetic I'd be in this class.
I'm trying, though! I'm giving it my best! I worked on algebra for a few hours Saturday evening, working through the reading and the practice exercises. The online textbook has great resources, and I like the format. When I get a question right, it flashes little encouraging messages like, "Fantastic!" and "Well done!" Yes, it's stupid, I know, but the textbook patting me on the head when I do well makes me happy, and makes this process less arduous!
I put more time into algebra yesterday afternoon, and completed my first round of actual homework exercises. I'm struggling... but the point is, I'm struggling and not giving up! I kept working on it until I got all 20 questions correct. There was more shouting through the paper towel tube... but Ian didn't need to make as many trips around the desks to show me something, and no new signs went up on the wall. I did a little better.
Dead Rising
Pete came back over later Saturday evening, and none too soon since I was really DONE with algebra at that point, and needed a break. We went over to our brand new local Taco Mac... which sadly had a radio broadcast going on at full volume. Oy. The restaurant was good, but the noise was - well, at least a distraction from algebra brain, I guess.
Pete brought over "Dead Rising" for the Xbox, and we watched Ian play for awhile. That is one game that is genuinely amusing just to watch another person play. I love zombies... uh, animated totally not scary zombies, that is.
They made me watch "Super Troopers" in preparation for the upcoming release of "Beerfest," which I have agreed to watch only IF there is beer before and after, and preferably during the movie, and Ian drives. This seems agreeable to all.
Sunday = Hobbit Day!
I'm really coming to love quiet Sundays at home. I'm a little jealous of my Sundays, I think, and loathe to make plans for them. Since I woke up much earlier than Ian, I took the opportunity to [NOTE: Oh. My. God. RAGE. These two people just walked up behind me at work, right next to my chair, into my work space, and had this 5 minute conversation about some violent ski jump accident on TV this weekend. I turned away from the computer, crossed my arms, and sat there pissed that they have to have this personal conversation at my desk while waiting to talk me, presumably about work... Oh no! Conversation finished, they both just wander off. WTF? So you could have had your ski jump conversation anywhere on Planet Earth, but it HAS to be at my desk? Screw you, hippies!] Okay, so where was I? Sunday. Ah, sweet Sunday, how I miss you...
Woke up earlier than Ian and logged into work, got a little more than an hour done on a long-term project. Spent the rest of the day cleaning house, working on algebra, occasionally tuning into "The 4400" marathon. Even washed Bunny and Stitch, our stuffed animals. Got a lot done, felt productive. We settled in for Sunday dinner, which decided = napkin rings and candles. Good stuff. I could get used to that.
Now time to sink back into work, and getting a few things done around here....
Traceroo