Reasons faculty attend talks

Although I am super busy with work, I was inspired today to compile the following list.

Reasons that faculty attend seminar talks:

1. to have a nap (especially afternoon talks)

2. to avoid students asking questions about assignments

3. to eat lunch

4. to do work undisturbed

5. to be seen going to a talk

6. to track down other faculty members

7. to get a donut or timbit

8. to listen to the speaker

Not much blogging going on

I haven't been updating my blog very often lately. Mostly this has been because life has been happening. I am desperately trying to finish my thesis and my mother is fighting breast cancer. Putting this together with the whole pile of other (smaller, but still stressful) things on my plate, I don't have much time for blogging.

In this pile of stress and bad things, there has been a few good things happening. One of which is that I had an interview for a job this week. I don't know if I will get it, but at least it is an interview.

Once I am finished my thesis...maybe then I'll blog some more...to keep everyone updated of all the exciting things in my life....hahahahahaha

"Significant Weather Event"

According to the weather channel, there is a "significant weather event" headed our way; in fact, heading the way of most of the eastern US and Canada. In the words of a newscaster it will be a "one two punch" , with two storms hitting one after another. I am just hoping that it is stormy enough tomorrow that Dal is closed. I could use a snow day.

Here's hoping that EVERYONE gets a snow day!

Birthday

This past weekend was my birthday. I successfully survived another year.

The weekend was pretty low key - lots of relaxing at home. Neil and I took advantage of a gift certificate for a restaurant down the street. It was a great meal.

Among lots of awesome gifts, I also got gift certificates for yoga. I took advantage of these this morning, taking in a class.

I am now just a little closer to 30. Hopefully I finish my thesis before I hit 30.

Thesis writing

As viciously difficult as doing mathematical research, I think some of the hardest part is looking for and reading articles and then writing introductions to papers. I have been working on an introduction to a paper that I have been writing for a while. It is soooo hard. It sounds like it should be the easiest part, but not for me.

I think I can see the end though. I hope that I'll have it written this weekend...then I move into the actual thesis writing.

New Computer

I have a new computer. It seems neglectful to not blog about this new computer. It is from Dell: Vostro v130. It is super thin and light, which is why I picked out this one. So far it is treating me well. Although I have not toted it around anywhere yet, it certainly appears like it will be much more portable than any other computer I have had. Also, it is not a 10in so the screen is not super time (the screen is 13in).

Have a look:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/vostro-v130/pd

Fingers crossed that this computer brings good vibes for my thesis.

Busy times

In 2011, I am really hoping to finish my thesis. This is all well and good to say, but I actually have quite a bit of work to do and not a lot of time to do it. So the pressure is on. This pressure is really overwhelming. Neil works well under pressure, actually, sometimes it seems like he only works under pressure. But, the time is now. There are some job postings that sound really exciting, so I have to finish to have a chance at these jobs. Of course, actually getting one of these jobs is a completely different story.

Anyway, that's enough of a break. I have to keep my eye on the prize and get down to work.