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Friday, June 30, 2006

algorithm

The word "algorithm" has been floating around my head more and more lately. I was driving around, exploring and thought that my exploration approach is a certain algorithm that I probably use in a number of different situations. Then I started to think that I was just a bunch of algorithms. And if two people want to get together you need to know how compatible their algorithms are.

Maybe its just my way of slowly getting ready for this new job. Not sure it bodes well for the full immersion though...

Thursday, June 29, 2006

slow email

Just because the delivery mechanism of sending an email is fast doesn't mean that people's processes of writing and responding have sped up. I suppose it depends on the situation, but for many, the speed of delivery of letters was about right for periodic updates. Obvious point, but I need to remind myself of it sometimes.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Long Island (for real)

3500 miles and lots of conversation with my dad later...
Here I am.
A full fledged member of a cable tv watching household. Two physics graduate students (male), one undergrad double bass player (female), one biology grad student from France (female).
I bought some beer and pulled out my laptop along with the others to start the bonding experience.
My fancy new car still makes me a little uncomfortable.
All the planning of the trip made me feel competent-- the newly expanded set of possibilities brings me back to a foggier reality.
I succeeded in following my roommate's direction to the Mexican restaurant. It seemed like a big accomplishment. I am living in someone else's room, in another state, with just a vague sense of exhaustion and groundlessness.
As I drove, I explained to my dad all the things that had been tied up before I left. Now that sense of a neat bundle has turned into a fog. I don't think its a waste of time. Too early to tell though.

Friday, June 16, 2006

earthquake

"Do you have your water and overnight bag?" I was walking down a dark street when confronted with this question from a lady walking rapidly towards me clutching a bundle of items.

"There was a small earthquake and I think there's going to be a big one."

"The sparrow and the hummingbird and the falcon told me so."

"Think good thoughts and maybe it won't happen.