Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Surprises
Life is always full of surprises... and they are not always good. But at least something can be learned from them. And from the knowledge, there is potential to make good.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Crackers
I have an addiction to crackers. I would consider myself the cracker monster but that is not only sounds pejorative but also sounds like I'm the retarded cousin of the cookie monster.
I have to say that a triscuit is not a cracker, it is in fact nasty crap. Whomever created that horrible abomination is a sick and twisted individual and should be bludgeoned to death by his own creation. Surprisingly enough it is on par with crunchy nuggets as both have initiated my gagging reflexes as I attempted to ingest them.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Falls beginning
Since school has started it has been somewhat hectic around the house getting everything figured out. But it has begun to settle itself out. With 5 people in a small house, it would seem there would be a lot of problems, surprisingly there are few at all. No one has flipped out yet which is good. My bets are on the Korean snapping first and going all Kim Jong-Il on us all. Hopefully the Cuban won’t snap either or well have to deal with Fidel Castro too.
As for school, it doesn’t seem to be as bad as it was last spring. No lab and I have time to do other stuff wile still getting my work done. Tuesdays and Thursdays are long though. 4.5 hours of lecture. Three of which are consecutive. And my last class I have a professor who board notes are unorganized and it gets irritating to follow him. And his walking around holding his hand behind his back makes him look like a Chinese general.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Detachment
So, quite a bit has been going on in my life that people would consider, well, not so spectacular. However, since the opportunity to distance myself from the largest of the issues has been available, I have and shall continue to keep away from it until everything works itself out. I realize there is little to nothing that I can do about it, and there is no point wasting my energy trying. I have better things to do. And ever since I left the larger issue alone, I've felt much better.
Now when I was first notified of this issue it caused a bit of thinking on my part. The sort of thinking that shakes the fabric of who you are. The issue left me feeling detached from not only myself but from my surroundings. The detachment I felt made me think about understanding the world.
To me, experience is key to this world. Without it you cannot understand. You can read a book and learn about something, but that doesn't mean you understand? You can observe others and figure you have a good idea what is going on, but without experience do you truly understand? You can know that something is sad and painful, but do you understand it?
I know that there is one thing in my life that has consisitently been on my mind. Something that I don't understand. That something is having someone to care about. Someone to link me to this world through their own. To experience the entire spectrum of emotions with. To understand how it feels to have your heart warmed, or even ripped out. And to find that person, well, it's a difficult task.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Summer Routine
Well it's been a month since I've written. Waiting until I had enough to write about I suppose. Me and Yo Han went to stone mountain to watch the sun set, which was awesome. I did get a bike with the help of Yo Han over a week ago. It's fun to ride around, but I still prefer to walk.
So for the past month I've gotten into a routine. Wake up around 9-10am in the morning eat breakfast and make lunch, go do research till 4pm. Come back home either me or Yo Han make dinner. Relax for a bit. Workout at the CRC Mon, Wed, and Fri. Tue and Thurs is cardio. Then the rest of the night just relax or play frisbee on wed and/or fri, when I feel like it. Weekends I relax and go out to eat at different places with Yo Han.
So... research. Initially I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Now I have a general idea whats going on in the global sense, though I'm still not sure as to what the professor wants me to do. I did some research thought I had something, go in to find out that the stuff was outdated that I was looking at. So I spent over a week looking again for newer material. Haven't yet had the opportunity to speak to him yet, but maybe tomorrow.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Past 3 weeks or so
So, I've been rather busy for the past couple of weeks. I went home for a week to spend some time with my family. Had the chance to see my niece whom I haven't seen in months. The next week I went to Miami and stayed with Eddie and his family. I ended up going the wrong way on the turnpike, in which I have to say that if I had a swear jar, I'd owe quite a bit to it during that part of the trip. As for the week. There was tennis, workout, beach, banquet, beach, workout, cuban restaurant, bowling, and beach in that order if I remember correctly. And a lot of cuban food mixed in there. In all, I had a ton of fun in Miami. So I left back home Friday morning, stayed at my parents house for the night and then headed back to The Cottage. Saturday was spent organizing and shopping, Sunday was Yo Han's birthday so Katina, Yo Han, and I celebrated his birthday at a Greek festival. Then the rest of the week I spent filling out a fellowship and organizing and getting everything set up at The Cottage. So now things have finally settled down. Oh and I finally went to H mart after a year or two of wanting to go but never going. I liked their meat selection.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Past Few Days
Since I woke up on Sunday around 1:00pm till now, Wednesday 2:00am, I've gotten roughly 5 hours of sleep and have consumed well over a gallon of coffee. The reason for the lack of sleep is that I had 2 lab reports due on Monday and my senior design paper due Tuesday.
I met with Dr. Rahnema, one of the professors in the nuclear engineering department, today and he offered me an opportunity to do reasearch over the summer. He also wanted me to get a PhD under him. I had not really considered seriously getting my PhD, but I think I will now. I'll basically be getting paid to go to school and I'll be learning about stuff that interests me. My talk with Dr. Rahnema made me so excited that it took me several minutes to fall asleep even after my lack of sleep for the past few days.
So basically I went from being in the pits to cloud 9.
I met with Dr. Rahnema, one of the professors in the nuclear engineering department, today and he offered me an opportunity to do reasearch over the summer. He also wanted me to get a PhD under him. I had not really considered seriously getting my PhD, but I think I will now. I'll basically be getting paid to go to school and I'll be learning about stuff that interests me. My talk with Dr. Rahnema made me so excited that it took me several minutes to fall asleep even after my lack of sleep for the past few days.
So basically I went from being in the pits to cloud 9.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Busy
I've been rather busy the past few weeks and all and not in any mood to write. It seems like I've been doing quite enough writing this semester.
Spring break for me was a well needed break from school. Went to the Smokey Mountains with Eddie, Yo Han, and my brother Russell and despite the rain and the getting wet, it was a lot of fun. I also finally got to go home for a few days over the break and see most of my family for the first time since the first weekend of January. I didn't get a chance to see my dad though, since I had to come back to Tech early to get my work done.
Last week went well, got a lot of school work done and for some reason I felt a way that I haven't felt in quite a while. I'm not sure how to explain it, but it's a feeling I had a lot up until about a year or so ago. I'll have to remember to try and put it into words the next time I get that feeling.
Spring break for me was a well needed break from school. Went to the Smokey Mountains with Eddie, Yo Han, and my brother Russell and despite the rain and the getting wet, it was a lot of fun. I also finally got to go home for a few days over the break and see most of my family for the first time since the first weekend of January. I didn't get a chance to see my dad though, since I had to come back to Tech early to get my work done.
Last week went well, got a lot of school work done and for some reason I felt a way that I haven't felt in quite a while. I'm not sure how to explain it, but it's a feeling I had a lot up until about a year or so ago. I'll have to remember to try and put it into words the next time I get that feeling.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My Personality Type
I took the Jung typology test and I was quite surprised how accurately this test described me. My personality type is INTJ, the Mastermind.
Wikipedia says:
INTJs apply (often ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own research efforts to the prevailing social norms. This in turn produces an unusual independence of mind, freeing the INTJ from the constraints of authority, convention, or sentiment for its own sake... INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and disregard for authority may come into play... Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel... This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals... Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense.[12]
Myers-Briggs description
According to Myers-Briggs, INTJs are very analytical individuals. Like INTPs, they are more comfortable working alone than with other people, and are not usually as sociable as others. Nevertheless, they are prepared to take the lead if nobody else seems up to the task, or if they see a major weakness in the current leadership. They tend to be pragmatic and logical individuals, often with an individualistic bent and a low tolerance for spin or rampant emotionalism. They are also commonly not susceptible to catchphrases and commonly do not recognize authority based on tradition, rank or title.
INTJs are strong individualists who seek new angles or novel ways of looking at things. They enjoy coming to new understandings. They tend to be insightful and mentally quick; however, this mental quickness may not always be outwardly apparent to others since they keep a great deal to themselves. They are very determined people who trust their vision of the possibilities, regardless of what others think. They may even be considered the most independent of all of the sixteen personality types. INTJs are at their best in quietly and firmly developing their ideas, theories, and principles.[13]
Hallmark features of the INTJ personality type include independence of thought, strong individualism, creativity, and a desire for efficiency. People with this personality type work best given large amounts of autonomy and creative freedom. They harbor an innate desire to express themselves, that is, to be creative by conceptualizing their own intellectual designs. Among their greatest strengths are analyzing and formulating complex theories. INTJs are generally well-suited for occupations within academia, research, management, engineering, and law. They are often acutely aware of their knowledge and abilities, as well as their limitations and what they don't know (a quality that tends to distinguish them from INTPs). INTJs thus develop a strong confidence in their ability and talents, making them natural leaders.
In forming relationships, INTJs tend to seek out others with similar character traits and ideologies. Agreement on theoretical concepts is an important aspect of their relationships. By nature INTJs tend to be demanding in their expectations, and they approach relationships in a rational manner. As a result, INTJs may not always respond to a naturally occurring infatuation but wait for a mate who better fits their set criteria. People with this personality type tend to be stable, reliable, and dedicated. Harmony in relationships and home life tends to be extremely important to them. They generally withhold strong emotion and do not like to waste time, as they see it, with what they consider irrational social rituals. This, however, may cause non-INTJs to perceive them as distant and reserved. Nevertheless, INTJs are usually very loyal partners who are prepared to commit substantial energy and time into a relationship to make it work.
Keirsey description
According to Keirsey, Masterminds are natural strategists, better than any other type at brainstorming approaches to situations. Masterminds are natural but not eager leaders, stepping forward only when it becomes obvious to them that they are the best for the job. Strong-willed and very self-assured, they may make this decision quickly, as they tend to make all decisions. But though they are decisive, they are open to new evidence and new ideas, flexible in their planning to accommodate changing situations. They tend to excel at judging the usefulness of ideas and will apply whatever seems most efficient to them in accomplishing their clearly envisioned goals. To Masterminds, what matters is getting it done – but also learning the principles of how to get it done efficiently and well, that is, at a professional level of quality. They tend to give little thought to the personal cost of getting there.
Wikipedia says:
INTJs apply (often ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own research efforts to the prevailing social norms. This in turn produces an unusual independence of mind, freeing the INTJ from the constraints of authority, convention, or sentiment for its own sake... INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and disregard for authority may come into play... Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel... This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals... Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense.[12]
Myers-Briggs description
According to Myers-Briggs, INTJs are very analytical individuals. Like INTPs, they are more comfortable working alone than with other people, and are not usually as sociable as others. Nevertheless, they are prepared to take the lead if nobody else seems up to the task, or if they see a major weakness in the current leadership. They tend to be pragmatic and logical individuals, often with an individualistic bent and a low tolerance for spin or rampant emotionalism. They are also commonly not susceptible to catchphrases and commonly do not recognize authority based on tradition, rank or title.
INTJs are strong individualists who seek new angles or novel ways of looking at things. They enjoy coming to new understandings. They tend to be insightful and mentally quick; however, this mental quickness may not always be outwardly apparent to others since they keep a great deal to themselves. They are very determined people who trust their vision of the possibilities, regardless of what others think. They may even be considered the most independent of all of the sixteen personality types. INTJs are at their best in quietly and firmly developing their ideas, theories, and principles.[13]
Hallmark features of the INTJ personality type include independence of thought, strong individualism, creativity, and a desire for efficiency. People with this personality type work best given large amounts of autonomy and creative freedom. They harbor an innate desire to express themselves, that is, to be creative by conceptualizing their own intellectual designs. Among their greatest strengths are analyzing and formulating complex theories. INTJs are generally well-suited for occupations within academia, research, management, engineering, and law. They are often acutely aware of their knowledge and abilities, as well as their limitations and what they don't know (a quality that tends to distinguish them from INTPs). INTJs thus develop a strong confidence in their ability and talents, making them natural leaders.
In forming relationships, INTJs tend to seek out others with similar character traits and ideologies. Agreement on theoretical concepts is an important aspect of their relationships. By nature INTJs tend to be demanding in their expectations, and they approach relationships in a rational manner. As a result, INTJs may not always respond to a naturally occurring infatuation but wait for a mate who better fits their set criteria. People with this personality type tend to be stable, reliable, and dedicated. Harmony in relationships and home life tends to be extremely important to them. They generally withhold strong emotion and do not like to waste time, as they see it, with what they consider irrational social rituals. This, however, may cause non-INTJs to perceive them as distant and reserved. Nevertheless, INTJs are usually very loyal partners who are prepared to commit substantial energy and time into a relationship to make it work.
Keirsey description
According to Keirsey, Masterminds are natural strategists, better than any other type at brainstorming approaches to situations. Masterminds are natural but not eager leaders, stepping forward only when it becomes obvious to them that they are the best for the job. Strong-willed and very self-assured, they may make this decision quickly, as they tend to make all decisions. But though they are decisive, they are open to new evidence and new ideas, flexible in their planning to accommodate changing situations. They tend to excel at judging the usefulness of ideas and will apply whatever seems most efficient to them in accomplishing their clearly envisioned goals. To Masterminds, what matters is getting it done – but also learning the principles of how to get it done efficiently and well, that is, at a professional level of quality. They tend to give little thought to the personal cost of getting there.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
C'est la vie.
Recently I've sort of been in a depressed state. Just so much stuff going on that has been eating at me. Up until last week my mind was on what specifically I wanted to do after college, relationships (of the opposite sex), and schoolwork. But after last week, after an unexpected and unwanted surprise, finding a place to live next fall along side financial worries were added to the list. The first two are things I've been thinking about consistently for some time now, and they've been bothering me more and more. School, well... its school. The latter two caused my glass to overfill so to speak.
Though I prefer things to go as planned (as I'm sure others do too) unexpected circumstances aren't always bad. It's something that I have to remind myself. It's hard though, not having complete control over the things in your life, but then again, it wouldn't be life.
The other night I was thinking about all these things and I came to realize that though all these things have been bothering me, it's not too bad. When I get so caught up in my worries, I end up forgetting all the things that I'm grateful for. I am grateful to have family and friends who care about me. Grateful for their and my health. Grateful for how well my life has turned out so far. It's amazing how looking at my current state of affairs in a different perspective can make so much of a difference in the way I feel.
Though I prefer things to go as planned (as I'm sure others do too) unexpected circumstances aren't always bad. It's something that I have to remind myself. It's hard though, not having complete control over the things in your life, but then again, it wouldn't be life.
The other night I was thinking about all these things and I came to realize that though all these things have been bothering me, it's not too bad. When I get so caught up in my worries, I end up forgetting all the things that I'm grateful for. I am grateful to have family and friends who care about me. Grateful for their and my health. Grateful for how well my life has turned out so far. It's amazing how looking at my current state of affairs in a different perspective can make so much of a difference in the way I feel.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Understanding People
I always feel that people around me think in a much deeper manner when it comes to others. As if I was incapable of grasping the intricacies of social interaction. The reason I say this is because I don't feel like I really know the majority of the people around me. It takes me much longer to get to know someone than it takes others. And the conversations I have with many of the people that I know, don't really provide me with any detailed understanding of who they are. I just don't know what questions to ask to really get to know them.
With certain people, there just comes a time after talking with them a when I just run out of things to say or ask and them and I are faced with what some call "awkward silence." This comes to happen very early when I am talking to some, and it really doesn't help my cause to understanding them more. Though I really don't find the silence to be very awkward, others seem to see it that way. So lengthening my conversations is one of the things I have been attempting to accomplish. Comparing myself to my earlier selves, I've improved, and I intend on improving even more.
With certain people, there just comes a time after talking with them a when I just run out of things to say or ask and them and I are faced with what some call "awkward silence." This comes to happen very early when I am talking to some, and it really doesn't help my cause to understanding them more. Though I really don't find the silence to be very awkward, others seem to see it that way. So lengthening my conversations is one of the things I have been attempting to accomplish. Comparing myself to my earlier selves, I've improved, and I intend on improving even more.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Vogtle Trip
I took a trip finally to Plant Vogtle, a nuclear power plant about 30 minutes from where I grew up. I went home Thursday night so that I could wake up at 10 instead of 7 in the morning with all the others from Tech. I arrived at the visitors center 15 minutes before everyone else, and had the opportunity to talk to the two gentlemen who were doing the info presentation of the facility. I enjoyed speaking to them, since we were from the same area and thus better relate with each other. When everyone finally showed up and the presentation over, we were split into groups of 5 and had a GT alumni take us on a tour of the plant. Our guide didn't seem too enthusiastic and, for that reason, I think a lot of the fun of the experience of going was taken away. We went through security which took about 15-20 minutes and walked toward the turbines. It was quite interesting seeing security armed to the teeth (automatic, hand gun, etc.) just walking around smiling and also the fact that we were told that if we were caught without our guide we were considered targets to security so they would come at us with guns drawn (maybe they would come at us smiling too). We were given safety helmets, glasses, and ear plugs, and were to wear them after we passed a gate (didn't hear this tidbit of info). I wasn't wearing my glasses and as we were walking I looked back and saw this guy walking in the same direction as we were. A few moments later I look over and he's beside me walking with us and tells me to put my safety glasses on, so I do, and then he disappears into a building. We go and see the turbines, which I wasn't too interested in and then headed towards the control room. Before we got there though, I saw the same man who told me to put my safety glasses on and he was staring at me as if we shouldn't be there and that were disrupting their work. Actually, I saw a few people with that same look, not to say there weren't people there that enjoyed us being there. So, anyways, we get to the control room it has two areas those in which the floor was red and those which weren't. We were not allowed to step on the red, which was the area where all the switches and buttons were controlling the reactor (that carpet was red with the blood of those whom stepped across the line, at least that is what I think). That seemed pretty cool but a very boring job since you stare at a screen all day and only when something bad happens does the job become exciting. So, not for me. Due to time we weren't allowed to see much more of the interior of the facility (which pissed me off). We did however get a tour of the outer area of the plant. First, we drove by the cooling towers, which were awesome. The base is visible and you can see water just raining down inside. And these things are massive. 2x the height of the Statue of Liberty, or so they said. After passing the cooling towers, we were shown the part of the Savannah River they pumped their water for the cooling towers from, which is the same area they received parts of the reactor and possibly the same area where they will receive the parts for the new reactors they are going to be constructing there. They also showed us where they will be building the new reactors and where the security trains (one of these areas was a hill that had been shot at for 20+ years). After that we were brought back to the visitors center where we waited for the rest to return. We took a group photo and parted. Overall I enjoyed the trip (though a more enthusiastic tour guide would have been appreciated. It was good to finally see something that I had looked at as I grew up over the years and that has shaped the direction in which my studies and interests have been.
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