physics can be beautiful

Lauren Nassef - Magnetic Fields 

June 24, 2009

If you've been following me in real life at all, you've probably heard me complain/bitch/rant about my physics classes for about seven months now.  I hate them.  They make me miserable.  I just don't get it, and I really would like to.  The past two months we've been working on magnetic fields.  Rather interesting little suckers as long as you're not being forced to calculate shit regarding them.  The above drawing, by Lauren Nassef, reminded me that I do find the subject intriguing and occasionally even beautiful.  I just don't care about the strength of the field or the forces involved.  Fair enough.

* I recommend clicking the image to enlarge or the link to Lauren's blog.  The tiny image doesn't do the piece justice.

new lust

Found these on Etsy today.  I came across the shop via the blog Aesthetic Outburst.  I drooled a lot.  It was nice to click around on the internet and look at beautiful hand made treasures.  To read about people's paths and processes.  Much more uplifting than the death, corruption, and destruction that is the news/current events.

Check out the designer/artists at their etsy shop: Twigs and Heather's

everyday is an adventure

Yesterday was subtly beautiful.  I started my day by sleeping late.  Yep.  I slept until eleven, and laid in bed with no sense of urgency or motivation to move until noon.  Probably the first night I've gotten more than 5 hours of sleep in quite a while.  I was tickled.  Birdface and sweety were irritated.  Apparently they are not into sleeping late.  Sigh.  They've taken to making very angry parakeet noises lately.  The kind I can only imagine them making if they were being tortured.  I've witnessed them while they make the horrid screeching.  They sit on their perch, look at me, and proceed to let it all come out.  Completely unprovoked.  I think they're mad at me for something.  The reason remains a mystery.  

Later that day I drove around the Duckpond in Gainesville.  I'd really like to live over there if I can.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.  I ended up stopping in to play with Erin.  Much needed.  I forgot how much fun we always have together.  I was so relaxed and happy.  She let me spin on her wheel, Mr. Spinny  (I think that's what Ruth calls it...).  So nice.  Once I make some money from the job thing I'm gonna get me a spinning wheel.  It was so lovely.  I stayed for dinner with the crew and finally met the infamous Tim.  I've met Ruth several times, and always thought she was pretty spiffy.  Tim is equally spiffy.  Both are highly talented artists, makers, and kite builders.  

I must admit, I've been reading Ruth and Tim's blogs for a while now.  I felt like a creepy internet stalker as I disclosed my admiration for their work... but whatever.  They seemed ok with the fact that I've done so.  That's why blogs/sites are there right?  Check out their site WindFire Designs, and blogs WindFire Designs: Studio blog, and Instances of Make.  I hope to get to know them both better in the coming months and maybe even get a closer look at more of their work.  Some day, I might even get a kite... 

employment

Wednesday I officially took a job with Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network in Gainesville Florida.  My position is a Violence Prevention Advocate.  My duties are to facilitate teen groups/presentations on a weekly basis, adapt violence prevention curriculum as needed, conduct professional and community awareness presentations as requested, and serve as the right hand to the Director of Violence Prevention to establish and maintain connections.

I am so excited.  Not only is it a HUGE relief to have a job, but this one is something I feel passionate about and has some immediate impact on society.  I'm so happy about it; I've told pretty much everyone I've come into contact with.  I also gush about it upon inquiry.  I fear I'm slightly annoying... but honestly, I don't give a shit.  3 months and 45 resumes later, I'm employed with a kick ass organization doing something worth while.  P.S. I have yet to graduate.  I'm on cloud nine.  I can't wait for this new adventure to begin.

You can find out more about the organization here.  To learn more about the Violence Prevention Program go to the first scroll bar, go to the last option and click.

specimens

Southern green stink bug

(Acrosternum hilare)

Ok so I've been on a bit of a bug kick lately.  I can't help it though, they're literally everywhere.  Oh Florida in the summer time!  Today I came home from class and found this dude in my shirt.  Jerk didn't even offer to buy me a drink!  So I lured it into a plastic container... and put it in the freezer.  I have no idea if I was sprayed, or stung, or whatever but while I was getting it out of my shirt my hand was burning.  Hence why this visitor went into the freezer.  I feel slightly bad about freezing its tiny ass, but not enough to truly regret it.   Now I have something new to play with/look at... and give to a friend... they know who they are.  I would post my own pictures, but my camera won't capture images that tiny.  So we must make due with these I found on the internets.

I really like this diagram.  The shape of the abdomen is oddly pleasing.  I have a sudden urge to draw them and put in the specifics of my specimen.  I also enjoy the word specimen.  Specimen... it makes me feel closer to Charlie D.  Yeah that's what I call Charles Darwin.

Specimen, specimen, specimen...

harder, better, faster, stronger

Cannot stop laughing/crying.

Their work is clearly never over.

heavier things

Saturday night.  I'm sitting in the 24 hour copy store/coffee shop studying.  My mind keeps drifting.  I'm so overwhelmed most of the time.  I don't know how I'm managing to keep it together.  I have hardly any time to spend with friends and the last several conversations with my parents have been curt and short.  Very down to business.  Only official matters and pressing things are taken care of.

----

Last week I received an email about going to Boston for an interview.  I replied with questions about if I would be compensated for the travel, etc.  No response.  I haven't had time to actually call during business hours.  I keep thinking in the far reaches of my brain that I've ruined any chance I've had by asking such questions.  No matter how logical and completely expected the questions were.  I can't help but wonder...

----

I started packing up some of my books and cold weather clothes and will  slowly be taking them to my parents place when I can.  I don't know what else to do.  I'm trying not to think about it, but as I approach graduation I feel I need to be getting ready... for something.  Only I have no idea what for.  Packing makes me feel as if  I've made progress.  If only towards moving out of my current apartment.

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What's around the bend?  I've never really had a concrete idea or picture of what life would be like after college.  I honestly never could truly envision myself finishing.  Now what?  What do you do when you reach the end of any foreseeable path?  What if you can't see the next part of the trail?  Am I not looking hard enough?

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I whipped out my tools and fixed the door knob/hinges to my bedroom and closet doors today.  I also worked on the toilet... again.  I felt better.  I felt like I'd done something right.  Perhaps I should just become a handiwoman.  Even if this is the 100th time I've messed with the toilet in the past year.  Maybe I don't really know what I'm doing, but I'll be damned if we put a work order in.  It's not leaking, just needs some help every now and then.  I then walked around trying to find some reason to use my power drill.  What I should really do is patch the holes I covered with a tapestry  from the last time I just drilled for the sake of drilling.  Drill, baby, drill.  Sarah Palin would be so proud.

Back to work.