For most of my life I have adamantly opposed a set organizational scheme. I hate day planners (although did make a valiant effort in college.) I detest mornings. I loath routine. I avoid scheduling. I love the spontaneous, the free form, the flexible. Yet, with all the combined neurosis that make up my cognitive system, when things are left in free floating as they fit, and occur, and drift, seldom do things happen in a timely, orderly, or efficient manner.
Now, of course it is abjectly against my nature to do anything the easy, efficient way. My genetic capabilities just aren't naturally wired like that. No one in my Dad's lineage ever did anything easily or efficiently. So it is with a heavy disolate burdened heart that I realized today, in the midst of cramming the last of the "OH MY GOSH MY HOUSE IS FALLING APART" science project with my eldest daughter (the project was going to be done over spring break, until spring break became a combination of plague break and buying and installing new appliances - which are oh so shiny!), that I have committed myself to 31- 35 hours of outside the home (although some can be done from home) tasks.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Matter of Economics
When I was in college I had this rather unique professor. He wasn't a great guy, in fact he was rather slimy as an individual. He wasn't super smart, but he did know his subject extremely well. In fact he lived his subject with every pore of his being, in all aspects of his life. He was my forestry economics professor.
The first time I met him was in my Ethics of Natural Resources class, which in addition to attempting to instill ethical principles of management and interdepartmental relations in the students, it also introduced us to upper level professors and a bit about each of their specialties. During this day when we learned about forestry economics, many of us only just enrolled in basic economics, the professor gave us a few examples from his personal life about how he applies economics to everything. One example dealt with why he has no money problems at all, the other was much more personal, opportunity costs. You see, to him, everything was economics, even choosing a wife. To him the opportunity cost of his current wife was simply his previous wife, another blond, and a brunette.
It is this idea that economics can be changed from simply a way of comparing and analyzing options and ideas in a monetary sense. What if we could make decisions using economic principles without money as the driving factor. What if we could set up an imaginary world where money wasn't the principle factor within economics. What if our economic success was determined by how many people we could employ?
The first time I met him was in my Ethics of Natural Resources class, which in addition to attempting to instill ethical principles of management and interdepartmental relations in the students, it also introduced us to upper level professors and a bit about each of their specialties. During this day when we learned about forestry economics, many of us only just enrolled in basic economics, the professor gave us a few examples from his personal life about how he applies economics to everything. One example dealt with why he has no money problems at all, the other was much more personal, opportunity costs. You see, to him, everything was economics, even choosing a wife. To him the opportunity cost of his current wife was simply his previous wife, another blond, and a brunette.
It is this idea that economics can be changed from simply a way of comparing and analyzing options and ideas in a monetary sense. What if we could make decisions using economic principles without money as the driving factor. What if we could set up an imaginary world where money wasn't the principle factor within economics. What if our economic success was determined by how many people we could employ?
Monday, March 21, 2011
Welcome Spring
Our spring break was this past week, not that you all noticed, because things have been tearing out at a break neck pace and that means the blog gets limited content updates. At least until I can find a better way to speak them from my phone or get that direct neural link (especially if it works in my shower, am I the only person who does their best thinking in the shower? No, of course I'm not! Just ask Dr. Rodney McKay.)
Anyway, we spent all of last week spring breaking. We didn't get a thing I wanted to done, but we did a whole lot of stuff I didn't plan. My washer broke, so my amazing husband and kids all went and picked out a new one while I was sick. My daughter got the experiment phase of her science fair project finished and we would all love to get some hamsters now. My pantry had to be completely gutted (which gave the opportunity to bleach the walls and floors in the pantry and the diaper table area) so that the new clothes washer could be brought in after I was finally able to go and see it on Saturday (in a hail storm followed by snow, no less!). I ran and ran and ran all week, I barely touched my computer, and I have an even longer list of things to write about and get done. It never ends!
Anyway, we spent all of last week spring breaking. We didn't get a thing I wanted to done, but we did a whole lot of stuff I didn't plan. My washer broke, so my amazing husband and kids all went and picked out a new one while I was sick. My daughter got the experiment phase of her science fair project finished and we would all love to get some hamsters now. My pantry had to be completely gutted (which gave the opportunity to bleach the walls and floors in the pantry and the diaper table area) so that the new clothes washer could be brought in after I was finally able to go and see it on Saturday (in a hail storm followed by snow, no less!). I ran and ran and ran all week, I barely touched my computer, and I have an even longer list of things to write about and get done. It never ends!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Pi Day Wrap Up and Condoms
While my health and social life has been keeping me from working on a proper post. I felt I need to at least sit here at this ungodly AM hour and give you an update on the wonderful, and crazy time that was Pi Day for our family.
Since I am still sick my wonderful husband prepped the children with videos and helping them to remember that pi has to do with circles and the ever important sequence of 3.14. So when I came to, and crawled my migraine-ing self to the social rooms of the house, I was greeted with circle happy 3.14 shouting (every time you said the word pie) children.
Since I am still sick my wonderful husband prepped the children with videos and helping them to remember that pi has to do with circles and the ever important sequence of 3.14. So when I came to, and crawled my migraine-ing self to the social rooms of the house, I was greeted with circle happy 3.14 shouting (every time you said the word pie) children.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Happy Pi Day!!!
As promised! My favorite Pi Day videos!
I present Hard N Phirm's Pi
More after the jump!
I present Hard N Phirm's Pi
More after the jump!
Friday, March 11, 2011
WARNING WARNING HOLIDAY APPROACHES!!!!
I still feel absolutely cruddy, and am on my way back to bed (where I've been all afternoon), but I could not in good conscious not get this post up by Friday!
Monday marks my favorite MATH HOLIDAY of the year! Pi (pie) Day!!!!!
If you have never celebrated before, start simple, some youtube videos (check back on Monday - I think I can promise that much), and a delicious pie are a great way to start. You may want to brush up on your basic geometry (and a few digits of pi) if you are going out in public in any Pi Day attire.
If you have young children and don't feel up to explaining pi, just think circles! This is a great holiday every 3-14, (extra special celebration time @ 1:59) So get ready, after this weekend, we are going to have a PARTY!
Monday marks my favorite MATH HOLIDAY of the year! Pi (pie) Day!!!!!
If you have never celebrated before, start simple, some youtube videos (check back on Monday - I think I can promise that much), and a delicious pie are a great way to start. You may want to brush up on your basic geometry (and a few digits of pi) if you are going out in public in any Pi Day attire.
If you have young children and don't feel up to explaining pi, just think circles! This is a great holiday every 3-14, (extra special celebration time @ 1:59) So get ready, after this weekend, we are going to have a PARTY!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Appologies Through Dictation
Once again my son has a cold. This means I haven't been able to get to my keyboard and I haven't been able to write, which has been very very frustrating for me. In fact, I'm not even typing this blog really, I'm dictating into my iPhone. I wish this dictation program was better. I would just sit here and tell you everything that's been on my mind. I have so much to want to say, so much I need to get out of my head, out onto napkins.
Isn't that the way of life though, every time you want to break, every time you need a chance to sort things out, everything comes crashing down. Just in the last two weeks is made so many observations I want to share with you all. Remembered plans and ideas often enhanced by something I've seen that would totally work now just with the added pieces of new information, new designs that I'd love to share, and unfortunately as much as I hate politics I have so many more wanderings, so many more thoughts and questions on those ideas; observations, questions, queries, possibilities, all sorts of exploratory searching I'd love to share on these pages.
Isn't that the way of life though, every time you want to break, every time you need a chance to sort things out, everything comes crashing down. Just in the last two weeks is made so many observations I want to share with you all. Remembered plans and ideas often enhanced by something I've seen that would totally work now just with the added pieces of new information, new designs that I'd love to share, and unfortunately as much as I hate politics I have so many more wanderings, so many more thoughts and questions on those ideas; observations, questions, queries, possibilities, all sorts of exploratory searching I'd love to share on these pages.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Get me a microbiologist!
First it's important to note that I may not really have a clue what I'm talking about today. Most of this is based on some very basic genetics knowledge and college classes that are more than a decade old, in addition to some scientific summaries and NOVA/Scientific American episodes. Additionally, I've become quite educated on a disease that just over a year ago I didn't even know existed because a very dear friend of mine has little boys severely affected by it. So before I get to the meat of the solution that came to me in a dream last year, lets get you caught up with some background, and let you meet mitochondrial disorder.
Mitochondrial disorder, also known as mitochondrial disease, is the failure of the mtDNA (DNA specific to mitochondria) an error in the nDNA (or nuclear DNA - this is the stuff you think of when you think DNA) in a way that specifically affects the functioning of the mitochondria, or an RNA problem that affects the inner workings of the mitochondria. My friend's children are afflicted with first of these three. The end result is that many of the mitochondria in their body do not function at all and what little functioning does happen is not enough for them to do such simple things as to eat food.
Mitochondrial disorder, also known as mitochondrial disease, is the failure of the mtDNA (DNA specific to mitochondria) an error in the nDNA (or nuclear DNA - this is the stuff you think of when you think DNA) in a way that specifically affects the functioning of the mitochondria, or an RNA problem that affects the inner workings of the mitochondria. My friend's children are afflicted with first of these three. The end result is that many of the mitochondria in their body do not function at all and what little functioning does happen is not enough for them to do such simple things as to eat food.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Reading Across America - Dr. Seuss's Birthday
Not entirely a geek, but definitely a man in his own reality, Dr. Seuss continues to teach English speaking children the joy of reading and the fun to be had with rhyming. He continues (joyfully, one must assume) to make parents of yet another generation stumble over tongue twisters and jabber with Floob-Boober-Bab-Boober-Bubs, much to the delight of our youngsters. Today is the day we all embrace our inner child (even if it's a geeky child) and give in to the continual pleadings of Sam-I-Am as we eat our green eggs and ham (fox, box, and train are optional!).
So, box up Thing1 and Thing2, get down the high feet, bring up the low feet, and pat the wocket in your pocket. Today is all about reading and to get your memory flowing I've copied kidreads Seuss quiz! Right after the jump.
So, box up Thing1 and Thing2, get down the high feet, bring up the low feet, and pat the wocket in your pocket. Today is all about reading and to get your memory flowing I've copied kidreads Seuss quiz! Right after the jump.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Lost but Not Forgotten
That'd be my mind, not you all.
As the snow continues to fall outside; my mind, my soul, my very essence is once again abhorring each moment spent in front of my monitor. Last week I retreated into a book for the simple reason that I could take no more and I hadn't successfully read (offline) in weeks. The news in the world heartens and disgusts. I don't think there's ever been a time when I've been so impressed with humanity and so disgusted to be a member of this species. As such, I've found it very difficult to organize my thoughts for my day job, let alone to write.
Yet, March is here and this deceptively bland month holds 2 geeky surprises and a few holidays that sneak right up on us without looking. Just this weekend I saw a Mardi Gras ad! First up, tomorrow (March 2nd) is Dr. Seuss Day as Mom's around the world (at least the English speaking ones) prepare Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast, and others rhyme all day making up nonsense and flotsam whenever they are stuck. Please make sure you do your shopping, especially if you have a Seuss fan in your house, it's a great way to say you remembered, and if in doubt the Cat in the hat striped stovepipe is definitely the way to go!
(sneak peak: Our next holiday this month will involve lots and lots of PIe!!!!)
As the snow continues to fall outside; my mind, my soul, my very essence is once again abhorring each moment spent in front of my monitor. Last week I retreated into a book for the simple reason that I could take no more and I hadn't successfully read (offline) in weeks. The news in the world heartens and disgusts. I don't think there's ever been a time when I've been so impressed with humanity and so disgusted to be a member of this species. As such, I've found it very difficult to organize my thoughts for my day job, let alone to write.
Yet, March is here and this deceptively bland month holds 2 geeky surprises and a few holidays that sneak right up on us without looking. Just this weekend I saw a Mardi Gras ad! First up, tomorrow (March 2nd) is Dr. Seuss Day as Mom's around the world (at least the English speaking ones) prepare Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast, and others rhyme all day making up nonsense and flotsam whenever they are stuck. Please make sure you do your shopping, especially if you have a Seuss fan in your house, it's a great way to say you remembered, and if in doubt the Cat in the hat striped stovepipe is definitely the way to go!
(sneak peak: Our next holiday this month will involve lots and lots of PIe!!!!)
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