Completely Inappropriate - Cat Goddess

Grad School - Week 1

2009-08-27T05:37:35Z

Last week I met with my advisor and learned more in depth about the research she and her students are working on. I ended up being invited to a picnic and hike with the various research groups that work together in NLP. It was enjoyable and everyone who went seemed to be friendly and interesting.

Classes started on Monday; I'm taking Information Retrieval, Machine Learning, an intro PhD course, and doing research for independent study. My advisor has been exceedingly helpful, and I find it nice that my professors know who I am already. I suppose that's not hard to do when you're one of the very few women, but I'll actually be working indirectly with one of my professors (received his PhD from Berkeley). I think I'll really enjoy his class and he seems to be intelligent, interesting, and funny. I was a little worried that maybe he'd have a bit of an ego, but so far I haven't noticed one. I'm excited to start working with both my advisor and him (and the NLP research groups in general).

On another note, I may be doing some additional work/research for pay - a surprising amount, I think.

Anyway, I was planning on writing a lot more, but I've been tired lately, so that's all for now.

Ugh... cell phones can bite me

2009-07-01T00:55:03Z

I've been looking at cell phone plans lately for obvious reasons (from multiple carriers, of course), but I have yet to find one that fits what I want/need with both a reasonable price and the coverage I need.

I found a great plan (unlimited minutes/texts - including long distance) for $35 a month (no contract), but the coverage sucks. The coverage would be fine for in town, but there's no coverage pretty much anywhere else. I found about three more plans that seemed to have everything I needed, but the coverage was questionable and the pricing was not something I want to commit to for two years.

The worst part is, the one that I was about to commit to had fewer positive reviews for coverage than I was hoping for, while the one with the best confirmed coverage was more expensive for less. It's unbelievably frustrating.

Hi! Billy Mays Here!

2009-06-29T07:44:01Z

Awww... someone died now who I actually enjoyed watching. So much for his new show. :(

After yet another long break...

2009-06-26T03:09:55Z

I'm leaving on a jet plane! Okay, so I'm actually driving, but that doesn't mean I can't still sing an annoying song. I have a supposedly lovely apartment (let's hope the reality is as nice as the pictures) in an amazing place to live (called the "smartest city in America," and many other wonderful things), and I have most of what I own packed into a rather large collection of boxes. Though I won't have internet or phone for a while (as I need to pay the first two months' bills - everything necessary to survive - out of pocket), I have everything else set up that is necessary for my survival. The view is gorgeous, and I'll soon have a great community to work out and get in shape in.

I've already made plans to spend my birthday in Rocky Mountain National Park (backcountry camping... none of this crowded campsite bullshit!), and I plan on getting into climbing as well. I'm very excited (if not a little bit terrified), but it may be a bit before I know anyone in the area. Hopefully I can find some way to become friends with people with similar interests.

In a little over a week (a week for all practical purposes), I'm doing what I (and many others) have always said I'd (we'd) do: getting out of this state and starting a new life elsewhere. I'm one of the first I know who's actually doing it... and I didn't let excuses hold me back!

I've never felt so accomplished in my life. :)

Frustration

2009-05-31T17:46:30Z

What do you do when you realize that your entire future rests on you coming up with thousands of dollars within the next couple of weeks? Seriously... what do you do?

Graduation

2009-05-14T00:14:41Z

Long time no post...

I graduate on Saturday, and almost immediately thereafter, I'll be going to Germany for a week. Then, about a month later, I will be moving to Boulder, CO. My future is so solid, yet so unclear at this point. I've registered for classes already, but I have yet to find a job. I'm looking for a "real" job over there, and I have the possibility to have grad school paid for by whatever job I get.

I guess we'll see how things go.

bastet_723 @ 2008-12-06T13:49:00

2008-12-06T19:54:35Z

I started a new exercise program, and it put into perspective (once again) how dreadfully out of shape I am. I was worn out after the warm up. That's sick. I did the entire thing, but it was rough. I will still keep to it (every other day, once a day when possible). I will lose weight, get in shape, and not be disgusted with my body anymore!

I figured that with so many people I know focusing on diets and exercise right now, I might as well mention my own. I've also stopped eating fast food every day, but it's so hard to find time to prepare real meals. Regardless, I'll find a way and will reach my target weight soon enough!

As for now... I'm back to homework.

bastet_723 @ 2008-10-08T22:45:00

2008-10-09T03:46:22Z

Kenny and I received gifts from Iran today.

Including: a hookah, Islamic prayer beads, the coolest mouse pad ever, a bracelet, and some nuts. Awesome.

bastet_723 @ 2008-08-22T23:12:00

2008-08-23T04:15:35Z

Amnesty International is having their Guantánamo Bay cell tour stop in St. Paul in a little over a week from now, but I can't go because school starts back up that week. In case anyone else would like to go, here are the details (as quoted from my e-mail):

"A life size replica of a Guantánamo Bay cell is coming to St. Paul the week of the Republican National Convention; August 31 - September 3. Tour the cell and find out what it's like to be illegally detained. While you're there, you'll be able to record a video to President Bush and sign Amnesty International's global petition to shut down Guantánamo and end illegal U.S. detentions.

WHEN: August 31 - September 3

WHERE: 7th Street West and Walnut Street, St. Paul, MN

Open Hours
Sunday, August 31st, 5 pm Opening Event with Larry Cox
Monday, September 1st, 10:30 am - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, September 2nd, 10:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wedensday, September 3rd, 10:30 am - 7:30 pm

Admission to the cell and all events is free."

You can also RSVP to volunteer or just let them know you'll be attending.

bastet_723 @ 2008-08-10T23:27:00

2008-08-11T04:27:57Z

I went to Gruul's Lair for the first time tonight and both of the pieces I need/want dropped. I rolled poorly, however. Story of my WoW life. It was fun, though. :)

bastet_723 @ 2008-08-07T14:41:00

2008-08-07T19:42:21Z

Oh yeah... and there is that...

I took the GRE last Friday. It feels like it was a long time ago, so I forgot that I haven't told people.

bastet_723 @ 2008-07-29T03:46:00

2008-07-29T08:46:48Z

I wish I could write.

Future GRE test takers...

2008-07-15T16:47:58Z

Don't bother learning proper grammar.

The analytical writing graders are NOT supposed to take grammar and spelling into consideration. The abominations I read today -- which failed to even resemble essays -- have caused me to lose even more faith in America's educational system. A fucking eighth grader could pass the GRE with flying colors. What does that say about the education that we actually get as undergrads in college?

Don't even get me started on the far-too-obvious problems present.

bastet_723 @ 2008-07-13T00:51:00

2008-07-13T06:05:59Z

This happens every year - I practically have a panic attack when I realize that it will be another decade (if not longer) before I even have a chance to get out of the country, or hell, even see more of this country. I haven't been to very many places in the U.S., and the one time I went to the Caribbean, it was a bust. That trip would have been much more fun had I realized that "gringos" get swindled by the territory natives... in which case, I could have made sure I had a lot more money available before heading down - which would have made it impossible to go.

In any case, once I finally get done with school, I'll have a hell of a lot of debt racked up that will need to be paid off. I already owe roughly $20,000 in loans to pay for tuition (after a nice scholarship). Yikes. I'm going to be in debt for the rest of my life if I even attempt to go somewhere. If I choose to no longer go to school for my Ph.D. (or Master's) then I can get a "real" job by next summer. In that case, I'd have to wait until I've worked long enough to get vacation, and hope to high hell that I have enough money put aside to pay for my bills and the trip. I'm not going to do that... mostly because I know I wouldn't enjoy it (my job, that is). I feel the need to get out, though. To get out of this state, or this country - to get away from home and have a semi-decent vacation. I start to feel so claustrophobic, and getting away is the only remedy. Even if it means just going to Minnesota for the day.

If there's anything I fear more than anything else, it's that I'll never see the rest of this country, never see the world, never have anything more than a mediocre life. Being alone forever is a close second. I don't know what to do. I've considered (from time to time) increasing my debt further simply so that I can afford to take a year off to travel - but then I'd have to start paying off my student loans, as there would be greater than 6 months between when I left school and when I start again. Maybe I should take a month to see one other place - but that still requires putting myself further in debt. I need to get out of here, but I don't have the time or money to do so. It's just too much.

bastet_723 @ 2008-06-28T12:58:00

2008-06-28T18:05:26Z

This past Thursday I went to the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) for a site visit, and the CS department was very kind to me. I was able to speak to several graduate students (or other students doing research there), meet a few faculty to ask questions, and see the labs where they work. I especially liked the visualization lab (virtual reality, anyone?!) and the NLP (natural language processing) labs. This is a good thing, as I hope to be doing research in NLP - actually, the research project I began this summer is in that realm of study.

I've learned some interesting things over the summer, and I now have some recommended open-source software for spoken dialog on my computer. Though I won't actually be developing anything yet, it was fun just to play around with it. :)

In any case, the visit to the university has reconfirmed my desire to continue to graduate school, and I'm very excited to be doing so! I just need to make sure that I manage my time effectively, as that has always been my problem with getting things done nicely.

Just because I like it. :) I'd prefer the kittens.

bastet_723 @ 2008-06-22T18:07:00

2008-06-22T23:08:34Z

1. Shane K.
2. Kristi L.
3. Jeremy L.
4. Alexander C.
5. Amy X.
6. James S.
7. Deana H.
8. Melissa P.
9. Phuong N.
10. Anne B.
11. Dana M.
12. Miss Huongie Tran
13. Matt V.
14. Erin S.
15. Andy G.
16. Megan M.
17. Sarah S.
18. Jess E.
19. Jessa W.
20. Mandy L.
21. Ben F.

*How did you meet 7?
I used to go to school with her – same grade, though I don’t remember what year we met.

*What would you do if you had never met 17?
I’d be the only daughter in my family – ha! (Not that that’s a good thing – just saying.)

*What would you do if you dated 7?
I wouldn’t date 7 – no offense, of course!

*Have you ever seen 18 cry?
Nope

*Would 4 and 16 make a good couple?
Hahahahahaa… most definitely not.

*Describe 19:
Kind of bitter, but an amazing artist and fun to joke around with.

*Do you like 13?
I’ve only met him once, actually. (He’s my boyfriend’s brother.) He was fun to hang out with to a certain extent; I won’t go into details.

*Do you think 21 is attractive?
Yeah (but don’t tell him I said that)

*When was the last time you talked to 9?
I don’t remember exactly, but I’m pretty sure I saw her at a bar a couple of weeks before she graduated.

*Did you ever date 1?
Hahaha… no, but I wanted to as a sophmore in high school – then I found out that he’s gay, and all of my hopes and dreams were crushed.

*Where does 15 live?
Milwaukee (just recently, too)

*What is the best thing about 4?
Very smart, funny, and generally interesting to speak with.

*What would you like to tell 10 right now?
Shanghai Bistro? Yes?

*What is the best thing about 20?
She was frickin’ awesome to joke around with, though I’ve only met her once – on the trip to MD this past year.

*Have you ever kissed 18?
Nope

*What’s the best memory you have of 5?
I really can’t pick! There are so many memories; afterall, I’ve known her since 3rd grade.

*When’s the next time you’re going to see 12?
I have no idea; I haven’t seen her in years.

*Is 3 pretty?
Ugliest man alive =P Lol.. ditto! :-D

*What was your first impression of 15?
I thought he was a smartass and kind of a jerk. I was totally right! :-D

*How did you meet 2?
We were in the same graduating class in high school.

*Have you seen 6 in the last month?
No, it’s been a while… but I’m hoping to see him really soon.

*When was the last time you saw 16?
Jeez… it’s been forever. I have no idea.

*Have you been to 9’s house?
No.

*When’s the next time you’ll see 10?
Hopefully sometime this summer, otherwise, I’m not sure… we don’t have anymore classes together.

*Are you really close to 6?
Nah, but I like to harass him on messenger.

*Have you been to the movies with 11?
Hmmm… maybe.

*Would you give 1 a hug?
Sure.

*When have you lied to 17?
Let me count the ways… I don’t know; we’re sisters, so it’s likely I’ve lied to her quite a bit in my time.

*Do you know a secret about 8?
Ohhhh yeah!

*Describe the relationship between 12 and 19.
It all started 21 years ago… nothing existed then, and nothing exists now.

*Have you ever danced with 14?
Nope.

*How long have you known 13?
I met him last summer this month.

*Does 11 have a bf/gf?
I don't think so.

*Have you ever wanted to punch 17 in the face?
Yep

*Has 21 met your mother?
Yep

*How did you meet 10?
Japanese! (In college)

*Have you traveled anywhere with 8?
Not traveled, no, but we have gone to the same places.

*If you gave 4 $100, what would they spend it on?
The GRE, yes? Well… at least, PART of the cost.

*What is your best memory of 3?
Procrastinating on CS330 assignments :)

bastet_723 @ 2008-06-02T15:54:00

2008-06-02T20:58:13Z

I totally won Jeopardy today (well, playing along with the categories selected). As it turned out, one of the categories was "Computer Terms" and it was clear that nobody playing knew a thing about computers. The category was selected twice until it was the only one left, at which point one of the Daily Double's appeared beneath a question asking what the 'i' and 'o' in BIOS stand for. I nearly cried when the woman got it wrong. I would have doubled my money and kicked some serious ass. How disappointing.

bastet_723 @ 2008-05-23T16:12:00

2008-05-23T21:12:39Z

I washed my car two days ago, and it's already covered in bird shit again. They like to land on it, crap, and fly away.

bastet_723 @ 2008-05-20T17:41:00

2008-05-20T22:42:01Z

Just because birds are awesome....

Hawk catches prey! Golden Eagle, perhaps?

bastet_723 @ 2008-05-20T17:29:00

2008-05-20T22:30:06Z

You yell at one bird and suddenly your car is the only car in the parking lot covered in bird shit. It's not even near any trees. *grumbles*

Canada attacks!

2008-05-19T04:13:00Z

A cold and dry high pressure system from Canada... may bring us frost tonight! Yes, a lovely frost advisory in May. Grrrr.

This is also on Facebook...

2008-05-10T05:37:36Z

I'm always waiting for that next stage in life. As a child, I was waiting for high school - to be one of those "cool" kids who is grown up, even though we all know now how "grown up" high school students really are. I didn't like kids when I was one, and like most (all?) kids, I didn't consider myself among them. When I got to high school, I worked my ass off in the hopes of getting into a good college - then didn't even bother applying to any of the bigger schools because I was afraid of leaving. I hated high school and disliked most of the people there, and most of them hated me. When I think back on that now, I'm not quite sure why, but it doesn't matter at this point.

My college career has left me wanting something more; the entire time I've been looking to the future and wanting more than what I have now. I don't hate college; the trip has been fun, but there always seems to be a better life waiting for me in the future. I feel like I'm sabotaging myself again - I didn't put the effort into this semester that I told myself I would, and I fear that this has ruined the plans I have for the following year. Why would I sabotage myself? As usual, as much as I want today to become 5/10 years from now, I'm afraid of what will happen.

This is the year that everything changes. The friends I've made on this three year journey at UWEC will be graduating this year and, if I can find some way to finance summer classes, I will likely be graduating in December. My study abroad will fall apart at the seams if I don't take summer classes, and I'm almost positive that taking chemistry has screwed over my GPA. What was I thinking? Well... I was thinking that it'd be fun. I'd never taken chemistry before, and any new experience is a plus for me. And what happens when I graduate? I have plans to go to grad school - to get my Ph.D. and become a professor, to finally become one of those people who I place so high on a pedestal. When it really comes down to it, though, do I really have what it takes? I'm going to need an amazing score on my GRE in order to pull myself out of this hole that I've dug for myself. I'm at a crucial turning point in my life, and I'm once again terrified of failure.

If I succeed and receive my Ph.D., what then? Will I spend the next 12 years awaiting my promotion to becoming a full professor? Will I decide that I want to be in my 40's for one reason or another? Will I always look to the future and think of how much better it will be then than now? Now isn't bad, but it isn't... then. I want a big house, a "real" job, and a title that gives me a sense of pride. I want to change people's lives, to have mattered, and to make a contribution to society.

Is this too glamorous a dream? Am I aiming too high with what skills I actually have? But above all else... if I died tomorrow, would my life have made a difference? I know that people will miss me; as much as I love to deny that, I know that there are people who will. But... have I done anything for society? Have I saved anyone, helped anyone immensely, or given anyone a new found passion as my professors/mentors have given me? I wish I could express the gratitude I feel toward those who have affected my life, but I'm not quite sure how to do so. What have I done to deserve a place amongst those whose lives have truly made a difference?

In the future, I keep telling myself... in the future this will happen. But what if it doesn't? Can I say that I've done anything so significant at this point in my life? And to whom do my decisions matter? Am I speaking only to myself? One day, one day I'll find some way to help - it seems all I can do is hope.

bastet_723 @ 2008-05-08T02:26:00

2008-05-08T07:27:39Z

I just spent the last half an hour looking through old memories instead of doing my homework. I guess that once we get where we're going, we look back at where we've been. I wonder what I'll think in the future when I look back at these years; I hope I don't regret being the person who I've become.

CS Presentations - C. A. R. Hoare

2008-05-07T05:10:26Z

Also known as: Charles Antony Richard Hoare

Or, as the two presenters decided: Chuck Tony Dick Hoare

bastet_723 @ 2008-05-06T21:51:00

2008-05-07T02:54:58Z

So... just curious, but is Hillary really human? I am definitely not a fan of her. Speeches almost seem like a chore to her, and she has absolutely no charisma. If she's the same in the bedroom as she seems at rallies, it's no wonder Bill needed something else. The woman is like a robot - a power hungry, copy-cat robot. I can't listen to her talk anymore; she gets on my nerves so quickly.

Obama on the other hand... he is a MUCH more acceptable candidate.