Yes ladies and gentlemen...aside from some proofreading over the weekend my dissertation is DONE!!
That is all I have the energy to write at the moment, but look for a better update this weekend and more frequent blogging.
I can't even express how crazy it is to be DONE!
me and julio
Friday, June 08, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
It's not just me folks...
I know that some people believe that I have an...ahem...unhealthy obsession with a certain fake news broadcaster. There may be some truth to this - #1 labmate has limited me to one Jon reference per day. But here is evidence that I am not alone...check out this link. Et voila:
(courtesy of http://www.babywit.com/)
Now I will admit to finding out about this on a site that is dedicated to my buddy Jon...but doesn't the existence of such a product suggest that there must be a market for it? There are more of us out there than you might think :-)
Don't worry everyone, I won't buy it for any of your little ones...I promise.
Teehee,
me and julio
(courtesy of http://www.babywit.com/)Now I will admit to finding out about this on a site that is dedicated to my buddy Jon...but doesn't the existence of such a product suggest that there must be a market for it? There are more of us out there than you might think :-)
Don't worry everyone, I won't buy it for any of your little ones...I promise.
Teehee,
me and julio
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Happy
I have been thinking about what it takes to be happy - and have decided that sometimes it is not much.
On Friday morning I taught my last class for one of the courses I am teaching. This course has been very stressful. It was on a topic that I am not overly familiar with and that has nothing to do with my research. It was a large class. It was a 100-level course, meaning that there was a huge variety of people in the class - from 4th year Psychology honours students to 1st year Chemistry students. I was always behind with it too - finishing lectures at 1, 2, or even 3am the night before. Ugh. But at 12:30pm on Friday it was over (except for the final exam, but it's not hard to get a computer to score 80 multiple-choice questions).
I had planned to take Friday afternoon off as a reward (a great idea because I only got 4 hours sleep the night before), and had finally booked a haircut, something I have been trying to fit into my schedule for 3 months now. My hair was LONG! And if you know me (which you all do) you know that I have an insane amount of hair. So I hopped on the bus and headed downtown. It was a nice temperature on Friday - sunny, and jean jacket weather. I went in to the salon and everyone was commenting on how much hair I have - it was ridiculous. So I chatted with the stylist about what needed to be done (cut a bunch off and thin it out - as usual) and so began the most relaxing hour I've had all week - maybe even all month. Exactly what I needed. I left the salon feeling like a million bucks. Still sunny outside at this point, and I was going to walk home, so I stopped at the Starbucks on the corner and got a Frappacino. Then I walked the 5 blocks home sipping it, listening to my iPod (yay for the Stars!) and enjoying the sun.
I still don't know where I will be living next year. I still don't know when my thesis will be finished. I still don't know when I am moving.
But that Friday afternoon - that my friends, made me happy.
me and julio
On Friday morning I taught my last class for one of the courses I am teaching. This course has been very stressful. It was on a topic that I am not overly familiar with and that has nothing to do with my research. It was a large class. It was a 100-level course, meaning that there was a huge variety of people in the class - from 4th year Psychology honours students to 1st year Chemistry students. I was always behind with it too - finishing lectures at 1, 2, or even 3am the night before. Ugh. But at 12:30pm on Friday it was over (except for the final exam, but it's not hard to get a computer to score 80 multiple-choice questions).
I had planned to take Friday afternoon off as a reward (a great idea because I only got 4 hours sleep the night before), and had finally booked a haircut, something I have been trying to fit into my schedule for 3 months now. My hair was LONG! And if you know me (which you all do) you know that I have an insane amount of hair. So I hopped on the bus and headed downtown. It was a nice temperature on Friday - sunny, and jean jacket weather. I went in to the salon and everyone was commenting on how much hair I have - it was ridiculous. So I chatted with the stylist about what needed to be done (cut a bunch off and thin it out - as usual) and so began the most relaxing hour I've had all week - maybe even all month. Exactly what I needed. I left the salon feeling like a million bucks. Still sunny outside at this point, and I was going to walk home, so I stopped at the Starbucks on the corner and got a Frappacino. Then I walked the 5 blocks home sipping it, listening to my iPod (yay for the Stars!) and enjoying the sun.
I still don't know where I will be living next year. I still don't know when my thesis will be finished. I still don't know when I am moving.
But that Friday afternoon - that my friends, made me happy.
me and julio
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
"Wherever you go and whatever you do,May the luck of the Irish be there with you."
Irish Blessing
Friday, March 16, 2007
525,600 minutes...
If you have seen the musical Rent, then this number should mean something to you. Or even if you haven't seen the musical or rented the movie you have likely heard the song Seasons of Love. But if you're still confused - 525,600 minutes = a year in the life. Now let's multiply that by 10. Ten years = 5,256,000 minutes. Somewhat alarming, but I do have a purpose for all this math.
As I was walking home from the bus today, I realized that if I do start a postdoc at McGill this summer, it will likely begin on July 1st. What's special about July 1st? If I move to Montreal on July 1st, 2007, I will be moving back exactly 10 years after I originally moved away. Yup, on July 1st weekend 1997, my family (minus my little brother who came later on) packed up all our worldly goods and moved out East. That was such a hectic weekend. It was incredibly hot, and we had the dog with us:
While my parents went from the bank, to the lawyer, to the real estate office, the dog and I sat in the car, sat on the curb, even sat in the office a few times. I was 19 years old and starting my undergrad degree at Mount A that September. Now I will be 29 years old (scary!), have defended my PhD dissertation (or at least have done my departmental defense), and will be starting a post doc. I've now lived in three other provinces, have met all kinds of new people, have lived in 8 houses/rooms/apartments with 7 other roomates (in various combinations), have acquired a cat (see exhibit A)
Made some of the best friends of my life...
Strange coincidence? Yes...exactly 10 years to the day - 5,256,000 minutes. I have decided it must be a good sign! Julio agrees - he thinks he'll like Montreal - his Spanish should help him learn French :-)
Bonne nuit,
me and julio
P.S. Update re: Jon Stewart stand-up gig - I BOUGHT THE TICKETS! I still may not be able to go, and probably won't know if I can for a long time - but I just could not pass up the chance. Thanks to #1 Labmate for agreeing to come with me :-) I am beyond excited!
As I was walking home from the bus today, I realized that if I do start a postdoc at McGill this summer, it will likely begin on July 1st. What's special about July 1st? If I move to Montreal on July 1st, 2007, I will be moving back exactly 10 years after I originally moved away. Yup, on July 1st weekend 1997, my family (minus my little brother who came later on) packed up all our worldly goods and moved out East. That was such a hectic weekend. It was incredibly hot, and we had the dog with us:
While my parents went from the bank, to the lawyer, to the real estate office, the dog and I sat in the car, sat on the curb, even sat in the office a few times. I was 19 years old and starting my undergrad degree at Mount A that September. Now I will be 29 years old (scary!), have defended my PhD dissertation (or at least have done my departmental defense), and will be starting a post doc. I've now lived in three other provinces, have met all kinds of new people, have lived in 8 houses/rooms/apartments with 7 other roomates (in various combinations), have acquired a cat (see exhibit A)
Made some of the best friends of my life...Strange coincidence? Yes...exactly 10 years to the day - 5,256,000 minutes. I have decided it must be a good sign! Julio agrees - he thinks he'll like Montreal - his Spanish should help him learn French :-)
Bonne nuit,
me and julio
P.S. Update re: Jon Stewart stand-up gig - I BOUGHT THE TICKETS! I still may not be able to go, and probably won't know if I can for a long time - but I just could not pass up the chance. Thanks to #1 Labmate for agreeing to come with me :-) I am beyond excited!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Cool stuff...
Okay, so I know I have been over-relying on hokey web quizzes for my blog entries lately, but Munchkin Mom #1 sent me a really cool link today (thanks!) and so I am sharing it with y'all. It was just something a little different that I enjoyed doing. Here are my responses and a link.
In other cool news...guess who's coming to Canada? Do you give up? JON STEWART! He is going to be doing a stand-up gig at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls (on the Canadian side). I am beyond excited. There are a few obstacles to my seeing him though: 1) it is expensive ($90 - ouch!), 2) it is the day I am supposed to move out of my apartment. Now there is no reason why I need to actually leave London that day, but it may pose a scheduling problem. When I first proposed the idea to my Mom, who will likely be aiding in the coordination of the move (wherever it may be) she seemed less than impressed. But here is my response to these obstacles: it is Jon Freaking Stewart!! When else will I get to see him? And it is stand-up too. I have heard his stand-up and I think it is hilarious. I'll keep you posted on what is decided but given that tickets go on sale Wednesday, I have to move quickly. It could be my big reward for finishing though - a very motivating idea :-) I promise to work really, really hard!
'Night!
me and julio
In other cool news...guess who's coming to Canada? Do you give up? JON STEWART! He is going to be doing a stand-up gig at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls (on the Canadian side). I am beyond excited. There are a few obstacles to my seeing him though: 1) it is expensive ($90 - ouch!), 2) it is the day I am supposed to move out of my apartment. Now there is no reason why I need to actually leave London that day, but it may pose a scheduling problem. When I first proposed the idea to my Mom, who will likely be aiding in the coordination of the move (wherever it may be) she seemed less than impressed. But here is my response to these obstacles: it is Jon Freaking Stewart!! When else will I get to see him? And it is stand-up too. I have heard his stand-up and I think it is hilarious. I'll keep you posted on what is decided but given that tickets go on sale Wednesday, I have to move quickly. It could be my big reward for finishing though - a very motivating idea :-) I promise to work really, really hard!
'Night!
me and julio
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Feeling a little old...
Yup - I am actually blogging for real. Thanks for your patience folks. Life got a little out of hand and blogging was not so high on the priorities list. Life is still a little out of hand - but it is Sunday evening and I seem to find myself with a few free minutes so I thought I'd check in with you fine people.
I am feeling a little old today. Not so much in mind, but certainly in body. On Friday night, Pokey's Dad organized a little dodgeball action at an elementary school that his sister works at. It was very fun, and a pretty good workout as well. But, as many of you know, I am not a huge fan of the sports where one throws and catches things (the one obvious exception being ultimate frisbee - but I maintain that my primary role during that game is actually knocking the frisbee down as a defender, not actually throwing or catching it). And so, because I don't typically play sports like that, my arms are a little sore. But, what really did me in was this crazy game we played using these trolleys:
As you can see they are pretty close to the ground. The game involved two teams, all on trolleys. It was kind of waterpolo-ish, with one team trying to knock over the other team's pylon with a rubber ball. You had to pass the ball back and forth, and manage to stay on your trolley at the same time. Also, if you are carrying the ball, members of the opposing team are allowed to try and knock you off your trolley. So picture a bunch of 25-35 year olds pushing themselves around on these things on a Friday night. Hilarious and lots of fun - but I am so sore today! My back, my neck, my arms - ugh. My knees are also killing me, but I think that is largely a result of my soccer game yesterday (which we won - hurray!). So yeah, I am feeling the aches and pains and am wondering if I will be crippled by 40. Let's hope not.
In other news, I may soon be a Montrealer again! Nothing is for sure yet, and I am trying not to get too excited, but I have applied for a post-doctoral fellowship with the CRLMB to work with this guy. I have no idea how many other people have applied, but I think out proposal looked really good. So cross your fingers everyone. Also, if I don't get the fellowship, Fred has hinted that we might still be able to work something out, if we can find some smaller grants from other sources, and if I maybe teach a course per semester at one of the universities or CEGEPs. That would be fine with me - so I am saying there's about a 75% chance I am moving back. Woohoo! One of my high school friends pointed out to me tonight that I actually moved from Montreal 10 years ago. Amazing how much has happened in those 10 years. I have completed a BA and an MA, I have lived in 3 other provinces, I have had numerous roommates, I have been to many weddings and met many new babies. And while I have certainly enjoyed my time here, and will miss many, many people very much - I have to say that the idea of a change is pretty exciting! I am currently thinking of living in either the Plateau or the NDG/Westmount area but am open to suggestions from my more knowledgeable friends...
But in the meantime, I really need to finish my thesis. I am trying really hard to spend more time working on it, and things are starting to move a little faster, but my is it a struggle. I think it is a combination of teaching 2 courses, still having data coming in, and just being kind of tired of the whole process. I mean I even know what I want to write for most of it. I just can't make myself sit down and actually do it. But I am trying to be disciplined, and I give myself ridiculous little rewards for accomplishing things, like watching The Amazing Race (I CANNOT believe that Rob and Amber were eliminated this week! I guess now I am cheering for Ozzy and Danny), calling friends, eating chocolate...whatever works at the time (I need to watch the food rewards though or I am not going to be able to play any sports at the end of it all!). I am handing in a chunk of it to my supervisor tomorrow and I think I will feel good about that. It's kind of like running a marathon I think - and I just have to make it through the final stretch - and I know there will be people cheering at the finish when I get there :-) Oh, and speaking of races - congrats to StephK from the 'Guay for finishing her first ever half-marathon! She was faster than her expected time and seemed to come out of it none the worse for wear. Woohoo!
I know I had a few other things I wanted to blog about but they seem to have left my mind at the moment, so I will sign off for now. Hope you're all enjoying the extra hours of daylight...I know I am! I even had to wear my sunglasses for about an hour this evening while sitting at my computer - but I am certainly not complaining. And here is a funny clip from The Daily Show about all the hoopla surrounding the change to daylight savings time, aptly titled Aclockalypse Now. Teehee!
Night!
me and julio
Edit: Okay, so the Comedy Central link does not go right to the segment I wanted it to - but you can find it if you scroll down the right side. That whole episode was pretty funny, so really anything you watch from there should be good - but then again, I am kinda biased...
I am feeling a little old today. Not so much in mind, but certainly in body. On Friday night, Pokey's Dad organized a little dodgeball action at an elementary school that his sister works at. It was very fun, and a pretty good workout as well. But, as many of you know, I am not a huge fan of the sports where one throws and catches things (the one obvious exception being ultimate frisbee - but I maintain that my primary role during that game is actually knocking the frisbee down as a defender, not actually throwing or catching it). And so, because I don't typically play sports like that, my arms are a little sore. But, what really did me in was this crazy game we played using these trolleys:
As you can see they are pretty close to the ground. The game involved two teams, all on trolleys. It was kind of waterpolo-ish, with one team trying to knock over the other team's pylon with a rubber ball. You had to pass the ball back and forth, and manage to stay on your trolley at the same time. Also, if you are carrying the ball, members of the opposing team are allowed to try and knock you off your trolley. So picture a bunch of 25-35 year olds pushing themselves around on these things on a Friday night. Hilarious and lots of fun - but I am so sore today! My back, my neck, my arms - ugh. My knees are also killing me, but I think that is largely a result of my soccer game yesterday (which we won - hurray!). So yeah, I am feeling the aches and pains and am wondering if I will be crippled by 40. Let's hope not.
In other news, I may soon be a Montrealer again! Nothing is for sure yet, and I am trying not to get too excited, but I have applied for a post-doctoral fellowship with the CRLMB to work with this guy. I have no idea how many other people have applied, but I think out proposal looked really good. So cross your fingers everyone. Also, if I don't get the fellowship, Fred has hinted that we might still be able to work something out, if we can find some smaller grants from other sources, and if I maybe teach a course per semester at one of the universities or CEGEPs. That would be fine with me - so I am saying there's about a 75% chance I am moving back. Woohoo! One of my high school friends pointed out to me tonight that I actually moved from Montreal 10 years ago. Amazing how much has happened in those 10 years. I have completed a BA and an MA, I have lived in 3 other provinces, I have had numerous roommates, I have been to many weddings and met many new babies. And while I have certainly enjoyed my time here, and will miss many, many people very much - I have to say that the idea of a change is pretty exciting! I am currently thinking of living in either the Plateau or the NDG/Westmount area but am open to suggestions from my more knowledgeable friends...
But in the meantime, I really need to finish my thesis. I am trying really hard to spend more time working on it, and things are starting to move a little faster, but my is it a struggle. I think it is a combination of teaching 2 courses, still having data coming in, and just being kind of tired of the whole process. I mean I even know what I want to write for most of it. I just can't make myself sit down and actually do it. But I am trying to be disciplined, and I give myself ridiculous little rewards for accomplishing things, like watching The Amazing Race (I CANNOT believe that Rob and Amber were eliminated this week! I guess now I am cheering for Ozzy and Danny), calling friends, eating chocolate...whatever works at the time (I need to watch the food rewards though or I am not going to be able to play any sports at the end of it all!). I am handing in a chunk of it to my supervisor tomorrow and I think I will feel good about that. It's kind of like running a marathon I think - and I just have to make it through the final stretch - and I know there will be people cheering at the finish when I get there :-) Oh, and speaking of races - congrats to StephK from the 'Guay for finishing her first ever half-marathon! She was faster than her expected time and seemed to come out of it none the worse for wear. Woohoo!
I know I had a few other things I wanted to blog about but they seem to have left my mind at the moment, so I will sign off for now. Hope you're all enjoying the extra hours of daylight...I know I am! I even had to wear my sunglasses for about an hour this evening while sitting at my computer - but I am certainly not complaining. And here is a funny clip from The Daily Show about all the hoopla surrounding the change to daylight savings time, aptly titled Aclockalypse Now. Teehee!
Night!
me and julio
Edit: Okay, so the Comedy Central link does not go right to the segment I wanted it to - but you can find it if you scroll down the right side. That whole episode was pretty funny, so really anything you watch from there should be good - but then again, I am kinda biased...
Friday, March 02, 2007
More silliness...
Thanks to effamy for more fun stuff to post...although she and I do not seem to match up at all (except that I was a Bert too!)
Here are two more silly ones, just for fun (there are a million of them!)
Any chocolate chip out there??
Awwww - Bad Influence would be proud :-)
Off to bed...something of more substance this weekend perhaps...
me and julio
| Your Brain is Yellow |
 Of all the brain types, yours is the most intellectual. You crave mental stimulation, and your thoughts tend to very complex. Your thoughts tend to be innovative and cutting edge, though many people don't understand them. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about science, architecture, and communication. |
| Your Brain's Pattern |
 Your brain is always looking for the connections in life. You always amaze your friends by figuring out things first. You're also good at connecting people - and often play match maker. You see the world in fluid, flexible terms. Nothing is black or white. |
| Your Brain is 80% Female, 20% Male |
 Your brain leans female You think with your heart, not your head Sweet and considerate, you are a giver But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you! |
Here are two more silly ones, just for fun (there are a million of them!)
| You Are Strawberry Ice Cream |
 A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream. |
Any chocolate chip out there??
| You Are Guinness |
 You know beer well, and you'll only drink the best beers in the world. Watered down beers disgust you, as do the people who drink them. When you drink, you tend to become a bit of a know it all - especially about subjects you don't know well. But your friends tolerate your drunken ways, because you introduce them to the best beers around. |
Awwww - Bad Influence would be proud :-)
Off to bed...something of more substance this weekend perhaps...
me and julio
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I'm a Bert...
| You Are Bert |
 Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them! You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others |
Hopefully this will distract you all from that fact that I have posted nothing of substance for a while :-) It has just been busy, busy, busy here. But, hopefully I will soon have an idea of what I am doing next year...and for all my friends in Montreal...we might be neighbours again soon! Nothing for sure yet, but it is looking pretty promising. Think happy thoughts for me :-) I'll keep you posted!
me and julio
me and julio
Sunday, February 11, 2007
I need to get out more...
Still no real post, but maybe tonight after Studio 60 - if my third soccer game this weekend has not killed me. My thumb is much better by the way, so typing skills are back to normal. Just been busy, busy, busy.
To tide you over (I am sure you are not all checking in everyday to see if there is a post, but some people have commented on my lack of updates):
I found this cool link on someone else's blog. Apparently I have not been very many places:
create your own visited countries map
I definitely need to work on this. My map of the US alone looks slightly better:
create your own visited states map
Still not really impressive though. So new plan - if I do not get a job for next year I am abandoning this life of academia and trying to fill in that first map. Anyone wanna lend me some $$? :-)
me and julio
To tide you over (I am sure you are not all checking in everyday to see if there is a post, but some people have commented on my lack of updates):
I found this cool link on someone else's blog. Apparently I have not been very many places:
create your own visited countries map
I definitely need to work on this. My map of the US alone looks slightly better:
create your own visited states map
Still not really impressive though. So new plan - if I do not get a job for next year I am abandoning this life of academia and trying to fill in that first map. Anyone wanna lend me some $$? :-)
me and julio
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Liar liar...
Apprently I gave you some false information. There was no post yesterday, nor will there be a long one tonight. I do have things I wanted to blog about, but I appear to have injured my thumb while playing net tonight at soccer, and so the typing is not going so well. But before I played net, I scored my first goal ever!! It was very exciting, and I very much hope to do it again. So anyway, I am off to take some Advil, ice my hand, and hope it feels better tomorrow. I have to say though, the goal trumps the injury any day!
Night!
me and julio
Night!
me and julio
Friday, February 02, 2007
No, I haven't disappeared!
I have just been kinda busy. There will be a longer post tomorrow (for those of you who have told me you read my blog while procrastinating). But in the meantime, here is a picture that makes me go teehee!
The things parents do for their kids :-)
More soon!
me and julio
The things parents do for their kids :-)More soon!
me and julio
Saturday, January 20, 2007
What, me random? No...
Once again, I have no "theme" for this entry - just a bunch of miscellaneous stuff that happened this week. Pretty much all good stuff actually!
1) I had my first article accepted for publication on Thursday! I am so, so happy about this. When I read the e-mail I actually jumped out of my chair and ran around. I grinned like an idiot for about an hour, and could not stop clapping my hands. It has taken almost 3 years to get this published I think, and many, many rewrites and reanalyses. I think it has even made me cry on more than one occasion. It is going to be published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, probably sometime in May. My lovely parents sent me these:
(again, poor quality = laziness + camera built into Macbook)
2) I am not sure if any of your have seen the movie The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. Definitely targeted at teenage girls, so I should probably not be admitting to having seen it. But I enjoyed it, and after I watched it I decided I wanted to check out the series of books that it was based on. They are written by Ann Brashares, and are about a group of four friends who find a pair of pants at a thrift shop that miraculously fit all four of them. They all travel that summer and mail the pants back and forth to one another. The first book was definitely better than the movie, and there have been 3 written after it. The fourth and last one just came out a few weeks ago, and last weekend I picked it up.
Yes, I paid full price for the hardcover edition. Am I sorry? Not at all. I loved it. Best one since the original one I think. I read it in two sittings and could not put it down. So, if you like the type of book (and I know not all of you do), I highly recommend it. For those of you who don't, you can laugh but I will not hear you :-)
3) We've started soccer again. I am playing twice a weekend - Saturdays on a co-ed rec team, and Sundays on a girls comp team. Not sure how my lungs and knees will hold up, but I am hoping (I sound like I am 78 instead of 28). I am also going to try to go to cycle class more this term, which should help with both. I love indoor soccer so much. It is such a different game from outdoor soccer - much faster. And it doesn't hurt when you win either :-) Started off as a 0-1 game, and we tied it up just before the half. Then things really came together in the second half and we all started playing very well together - end result was us winning 3-1. Not too shabby considering most of us hadn't had much exercise since the Fall season ended. It was really fun - even if I did end up on my butt 4 times. Not sure how playing a second game tomorrow, in the comp league, is going to go. I may be crippled by tomorrow night. But I will I stop playing? Nope.
4) Stephen Colbert had Bill O'Reilly on his show on Thursday, and he was also on O'Reilly's show. I hate, hate, hate Bill O'Reilly, but I thought Stephen did a pretty good job with him. If you do watch the clips, make sure you watch the Colbert Report one right to the end (the bit with the microwave is the best part!) So great night for the Colbert Report. The Daily Show was also particularly funny this week, especially this clip of Jon Stewart seducing Condi Rice. Hilarious I say. I love it when either show makes me laugh out loud. I also found this picture of Jon, which made me very happy.
(heehee!)
5) I went to a lecture on Friday afternoon, given by a researcher who is interviewing for a job here. He is interviewing for the Stats position, so in addition to his job talk, he also had to give a lecture that was supposed to be an introductory "class" for graduate students, on a current statistical topic. I thought he did quite well. I missed parts of what he was saying, but I think that was more me than him. But the best part of the talk in my opinion, was the question period. His lecture went a little long, so there was really only time for 2 questions, but the way he answered the second one was fantastic. In my opinion, the most stressful part of any lecture or conference talk is the question period. Answering questions well is a skill. And answering questions well in the type of situation is a very important thing. He nailed this question. Firstly, it was asked by a prof in our department who has a thick accent, so he is difficult to understand. He didn't even have to ask for clarification. He started off a little shaky, you could see that he was trying to work through the question while he was talking. But once he got it, he was excellent. He came up with a relevant example on the spot, wrote on the board, was clear, and made the audience laugh. I was in awe. I can only hope that if I get a job interview (fingers crossed everyone!), I do half as good a job on the questions. I did not see his job talk, so I am not really sure if he is the best fit for the department, but I am kind of hoping he gets it. The thought of my actually going through a similar experience makes me feel slightly ill though. Maybe I will get the postdoc with the CRLMB instead. Montreal baby :-)
6) This is so cool: www.pandora.com. You type in a song, or band, or artist that you like and it creates a personalized radio station just for you. It starts by playing a representative song by that artist, and then looks for other songs that have the same musical qualities. I was listening to is this afternoon and it was playing some really, really cool music. You can also mix a few of your "stations" together. I highly recommend checking it out. But be prepared to spend some time procrastinating :-)
Alright folks, it's off to bed for me. I have to make some lectures tomorrow (to avoid finishing them at 2:30am the night before - not that I ever do that...), and then do some groceries. Next post..maybe some knitting?
Happy weekend!
me and julio (who is back from his adventures in the 'jax!)
P.S. Check out my cool new link over on the right side of the page...but watch out, that comic is addictive!
1) I had my first article accepted for publication on Thursday! I am so, so happy about this. When I read the e-mail I actually jumped out of my chair and ran around. I grinned like an idiot for about an hour, and could not stop clapping my hands. It has taken almost 3 years to get this published I think, and many, many rewrites and reanalyses. I think it has even made me cry on more than one occasion. It is going to be published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, probably sometime in May. My lovely parents sent me these:
(again, poor quality = laziness + camera built into Macbook)2) I am not sure if any of your have seen the movie The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. Definitely targeted at teenage girls, so I should probably not be admitting to having seen it. But I enjoyed it, and after I watched it I decided I wanted to check out the series of books that it was based on. They are written by Ann Brashares, and are about a group of four friends who find a pair of pants at a thrift shop that miraculously fit all four of them. They all travel that summer and mail the pants back and forth to one another. The first book was definitely better than the movie, and there have been 3 written after it. The fourth and last one just came out a few weeks ago, and last weekend I picked it up.
Yes, I paid full price for the hardcover edition. Am I sorry? Not at all. I loved it. Best one since the original one I think. I read it in two sittings and could not put it down. So, if you like the type of book (and I know not all of you do), I highly recommend it. For those of you who don't, you can laugh but I will not hear you :-)3) We've started soccer again. I am playing twice a weekend - Saturdays on a co-ed rec team, and Sundays on a girls comp team. Not sure how my lungs and knees will hold up, but I am hoping (I sound like I am 78 instead of 28). I am also going to try to go to cycle class more this term, which should help with both. I love indoor soccer so much. It is such a different game from outdoor soccer - much faster. And it doesn't hurt when you win either :-) Started off as a 0-1 game, and we tied it up just before the half. Then things really came together in the second half and we all started playing very well together - end result was us winning 3-1. Not too shabby considering most of us hadn't had much exercise since the Fall season ended. It was really fun - even if I did end up on my butt 4 times. Not sure how playing a second game tomorrow, in the comp league, is going to go. I may be crippled by tomorrow night. But I will I stop playing? Nope.
4) Stephen Colbert had Bill O'Reilly on his show on Thursday, and he was also on O'Reilly's show. I hate, hate, hate Bill O'Reilly, but I thought Stephen did a pretty good job with him. If you do watch the clips, make sure you watch the Colbert Report one right to the end (the bit with the microwave is the best part!) So great night for the Colbert Report. The Daily Show was also particularly funny this week, especially this clip of Jon Stewart seducing Condi Rice. Hilarious I say. I love it when either show makes me laugh out loud. I also found this picture of Jon, which made me very happy.
(heehee!)5) I went to a lecture on Friday afternoon, given by a researcher who is interviewing for a job here. He is interviewing for the Stats position, so in addition to his job talk, he also had to give a lecture that was supposed to be an introductory "class" for graduate students, on a current statistical topic. I thought he did quite well. I missed parts of what he was saying, but I think that was more me than him. But the best part of the talk in my opinion, was the question period. His lecture went a little long, so there was really only time for 2 questions, but the way he answered the second one was fantastic. In my opinion, the most stressful part of any lecture or conference talk is the question period. Answering questions well is a skill. And answering questions well in the type of situation is a very important thing. He nailed this question. Firstly, it was asked by a prof in our department who has a thick accent, so he is difficult to understand. He didn't even have to ask for clarification. He started off a little shaky, you could see that he was trying to work through the question while he was talking. But once he got it, he was excellent. He came up with a relevant example on the spot, wrote on the board, was clear, and made the audience laugh. I was in awe. I can only hope that if I get a job interview (fingers crossed everyone!), I do half as good a job on the questions. I did not see his job talk, so I am not really sure if he is the best fit for the department, but I am kind of hoping he gets it. The thought of my actually going through a similar experience makes me feel slightly ill though. Maybe I will get the postdoc with the CRLMB instead. Montreal baby :-)
6) This is so cool: www.pandora.com. You type in a song, or band, or artist that you like and it creates a personalized radio station just for you. It starts by playing a representative song by that artist, and then looks for other songs that have the same musical qualities. I was listening to is this afternoon and it was playing some really, really cool music. You can also mix a few of your "stations" together. I highly recommend checking it out. But be prepared to spend some time procrastinating :-)
Alright folks, it's off to bed for me. I have to make some lectures tomorrow (to avoid finishing them at 2:30am the night before - not that I ever do that...), and then do some groceries. Next post..maybe some knitting?
Happy weekend!
me and julio (who is back from his adventures in the 'jax!)
P.S. Check out my cool new link over on the right side of the page...but watch out, that comic is addictive!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Tag..I'm it!
Pokey's Dad has tagged me. I have never been involved in "blog tag" before, but I am supposed to post five thing about myself that not everyone would know, and then tag someone else. Sounds interesting.
1) The first boy I ever kissed was my best friend in kindergarten. He lived down the street from me and we used to sit together on the bus. The older kids teased us, but when you are 5, you really do not care if your best friend is a boy. Then, at the end of the year his parents got divorced and he moved to an apartment building across town. I was heartbroken. Once they were settled, his Mom invited me over to play one day during the summer. My Dad came to get me, and just before I left I gave my "boyfriend" a big smooch. He was shocked, the adults just laughed, and I was pleased as punch. Our school also closed that summer and we ended up in different schools for Grade 1. I think he is now married with kids?
2) I received a "not acceptable" on my report card in kindergarten. In social skills. Hopefully I have improved since then. Lowest mark I have ever gotten.
3) I am allergic to spider bites. I found this out on a trip to Switzerland in 1997. My friend and I were there for 3 weeks. We spent half of our time with her aunt and uncle, and half of out time traveling and staying in hostels. We stayed at a hostel in Bern, and then traveled to Grächen, which is near the Matterhorn. We had been there for a day or so, when I started to feel feverish, and noticed that I had a weird looking bite on my hand. It was really swollen and painful. I also noticed this red line that started from my wrist and went all the way up my arm, past my elbow. Scary. So I called my Dad (he's a doctor), and he had me mark off where the line ended and told me that if got worse, or did not improve at all, I should find a doctor in town. Even more scary. No one we had met so far spoke English very well, and the town was not very big. And to top it off, it was the Swiss National Holiday the next day. Great - three strikes, I am out. It was a very rough night, but in the morning the line had not gone any higher. We finally found some Tylenol at the pharmacy, and things did improve, but I have to tell you...try not to get sick in a foreign country. As near as I can figure I was bitten by some funky Swiss spider while in Bern, and things only got bad once we got to the mountains. The pharmacist though it looked like a spider bite, but I will never really know for sure. I think my fear of spiders is legitimate though, don't you?
4) I have wanted to go to Australia since age 9. One of the Rovers from my hometown went away to a camp there and when he came back he came to my Girl Guide group and showed us all of his pictures. It was love at first sight (both the country and the Rover). I have wanted to go ever since but still have not had the chance.
5) I do not tie my shoelaces properly. Instead of tying them the way most children are taught, using the standard shoelace knot, I tie them using "Bunny Ears". Many a person has laughed at me for this, but I really do not think that I am ever going to change. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Most of my friends with blogs have already been tagged, but I do have the address for "Martha Stewart's" blog (I think you'll know who you are - here's a hint, Pokey's Dad did not have a link to your blog), and also SK from the 'Guay.
'Night!
me and julio
1) The first boy I ever kissed was my best friend in kindergarten. He lived down the street from me and we used to sit together on the bus. The older kids teased us, but when you are 5, you really do not care if your best friend is a boy. Then, at the end of the year his parents got divorced and he moved to an apartment building across town. I was heartbroken. Once they were settled, his Mom invited me over to play one day during the summer. My Dad came to get me, and just before I left I gave my "boyfriend" a big smooch. He was shocked, the adults just laughed, and I was pleased as punch. Our school also closed that summer and we ended up in different schools for Grade 1. I think he is now married with kids?
2) I received a "not acceptable" on my report card in kindergarten. In social skills. Hopefully I have improved since then. Lowest mark I have ever gotten.
3) I am allergic to spider bites. I found this out on a trip to Switzerland in 1997. My friend and I were there for 3 weeks. We spent half of our time with her aunt and uncle, and half of out time traveling and staying in hostels. We stayed at a hostel in Bern, and then traveled to Grächen, which is near the Matterhorn. We had been there for a day or so, when I started to feel feverish, and noticed that I had a weird looking bite on my hand. It was really swollen and painful. I also noticed this red line that started from my wrist and went all the way up my arm, past my elbow. Scary. So I called my Dad (he's a doctor), and he had me mark off where the line ended and told me that if got worse, or did not improve at all, I should find a doctor in town. Even more scary. No one we had met so far spoke English very well, and the town was not very big. And to top it off, it was the Swiss National Holiday the next day. Great - three strikes, I am out. It was a very rough night, but in the morning the line had not gone any higher. We finally found some Tylenol at the pharmacy, and things did improve, but I have to tell you...try not to get sick in a foreign country. As near as I can figure I was bitten by some funky Swiss spider while in Bern, and things only got bad once we got to the mountains. The pharmacist though it looked like a spider bite, but I will never really know for sure. I think my fear of spiders is legitimate though, don't you?
4) I have wanted to go to Australia since age 9. One of the Rovers from my hometown went away to a camp there and when he came back he came to my Girl Guide group and showed us all of his pictures. It was love at first sight (both the country and the Rover). I have wanted to go ever since but still have not had the chance.
5) I do not tie my shoelaces properly. Instead of tying them the way most children are taught, using the standard shoelace knot, I tie them using "Bunny Ears". Many a person has laughed at me for this, but I really do not think that I am ever going to change. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Most of my friends with blogs have already been tagged, but I do have the address for "Martha Stewart's" blog (I think you'll know who you are - here's a hint, Pokey's Dad did not have a link to your blog), and also SK from the 'Guay.
'Night!
me and julio
Monday, January 08, 2007
Oh where, oh where has my knitting needle gone?
Nothing deep and profound tonight - just ramblings about knitting and cuteness.
Upon sitting down this evening, having finished my lecture for tomorrow (yay!), I discovered that I have either lost one of my knitting needles, or left one at home. This is a sad state of affairs, given how well my sock is coming along. Here are some in progress pictures (minus the cat this time).
Here is the heel:
And here is my lovely sock lying on my very ugly couch:
I have asked my parents to look for the needle, and I have ripped my knitting bag apart, but no luck so far. If it hasn't turned up by this weekend I am going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new set. Oh well - you can never have enough double-pointed needles right?
I must say though, that this sock knitting is quite addictive. It is pretty quick once you get the hang of it. Parts of it are challenging (some choice words were uttered when I turned the heel), but parts of it are very easy and great TV knitting (like the top, and the part I am working on now). Luckily, I got some lovely sock yarn in my stocking. Santa has good taste:
I also picked up some slightly less expensive yarn at (gasp) Wal-Mart. I know, I know, it's terrible. But it was on sale and I can make many a sock with it. Also, the stripes appealed to me. My Mom is making my brother's gf a pair of socks in this right now, and it is knitting up very nicely.
It is probably good that the needle has gone missing, because it means that until I get a new one, I will work on Pokey's present. There was not room in my bag to bring it home, so little work was done, but when I sat down to work on it tonight I found I had missed it, which is a good sign. Hold on Pokey, it's coming!
Speaking of babies, I must share some pictures of Montreal Munchkin #2. Guess who got jammies for Christmas?
and an Elmo too!
Lucky guy! However, after Elmo laughed for the 300th time they may have rethought the purchase?
Also in the realm of cuteness. Now I love my julio, and he is my lovely co-host, but my parents have a cat who is just the sweetest thing in the world. Some cats just sit on your lap. This cat appropriates it:
She's better than a space heater!
Okay, off to watch Jonny Stew. If you see a random knitting needle - send it my way!
me and julio
Upon sitting down this evening, having finished my lecture for tomorrow (yay!), I discovered that I have either lost one of my knitting needles, or left one at home. This is a sad state of affairs, given how well my sock is coming along. Here are some in progress pictures (minus the cat this time).
Here is the heel:
And here is my lovely sock lying on my very ugly couch:
I have asked my parents to look for the needle, and I have ripped my knitting bag apart, but no luck so far. If it hasn't turned up by this weekend I am going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new set. Oh well - you can never have enough double-pointed needles right?I must say though, that this sock knitting is quite addictive. It is pretty quick once you get the hang of it. Parts of it are challenging (some choice words were uttered when I turned the heel), but parts of it are very easy and great TV knitting (like the top, and the part I am working on now). Luckily, I got some lovely sock yarn in my stocking. Santa has good taste:
I also picked up some slightly less expensive yarn at (gasp) Wal-Mart. I know, I know, it's terrible. But it was on sale and I can make many a sock with it. Also, the stripes appealed to me. My Mom is making my brother's gf a pair of socks in this right now, and it is knitting up very nicely.
It is probably good that the needle has gone missing, because it means that until I get a new one, I will work on Pokey's present. There was not room in my bag to bring it home, so little work was done, but when I sat down to work on it tonight I found I had missed it, which is a good sign. Hold on Pokey, it's coming!Speaking of babies, I must share some pictures of Montreal Munchkin #2. Guess who got jammies for Christmas?
and an Elmo too!
Lucky guy! However, after Elmo laughed for the 300th time they may have rethought the purchase?Also in the realm of cuteness. Now I love my julio, and he is my lovely co-host, but my parents have a cat who is just the sweetest thing in the world. Some cats just sit on your lap. This cat appropriates it:
She's better than a space heater!Okay, off to watch Jonny Stew. If you see a random knitting needle - send it my way!
me and julio
Farewell to Nova Scotia...
That's where I was yesterday...I guess I'd better get on with today...meandjulio
(except that julio is still on vacation in the 'jax)
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