I’m currently listening to: Saves the Day - Rocks Tonic Juice Magic

I didn’t do much this weekend.  In fact, I can literally count on my hands the number of things I took part in.  Everyone else seemed to have grand plans for the weekend, so I decided I would take it easy.  I envisioned I would work on my senior project for a few hours, and check off most of the remaining work, go on my eight mile run, and then maybe rent a movie.  Instead, I was unable to finish my run (having to walk after five and a half miles).  I spent fourteen hours slaving over this terrible project, and ended up depriving myself of both sleep and food.  Did I accomplish anything?

Despite my feelings of frustration, I did get a decent amount of work accomplished.  Unfortunately, I feel I went about it the wrong way, I sacrificed my precious free time to a meaningless project that could have waited.  I don’t know what it is about programming, but once I approach a problem, it consumes me.  I cannot stop until I understand it.  This isn’t as big of a problem when working for a company, because at the end of the day, I go home and forget it.  However, with this senior project, I was at home, and I chose not to do anything until I solved the problem.  This was pretty stupid.

I want my weekend back.

I’m currently listening to: The Hold Steady - Live (NPR Podcast)

Its a weird feeling to realize that you are basically all grown up.  In the next year I will (or already have): secured myself a full time job, managed numerous projects with deadlines, traveled to a foreign country by myself, moved to three locations that are not my parent’s home.  I don’t really know why I’m writing this, I just feel older this evening.  Maybe its because I’ve reached the point in my life where I am able to sacrifice my short term desires in order to accomplish my goals.  Does that mean I have to work pretty much non-stop during the waking hours in order to be ready for my finals?  Yes.  Does that mean I can (and did) take a nap for two and a half hours this afternoon because nobody could stop me?  Yes.

Its a strange feeling when you realize that you ultimately make the decisions about your life.  Sure, my parents could suggest that I don’t do something, but if I really want to, I can go ahead and do it anyway.  It was pretty cool discussing my job options this Thanksgiving break as an equal.  In fact, my parents really didn’t even give an opinion, mainly because it is my decision to make.  Who knows what I’ll end up doing.  Any bets?

I’m currently listening to: The Hold Steady - Cattle and Creeping Things

I never liked the NBA. I’ll be the first to admit it. Yet for some reason this year, I decided to watch the playoffs. Maybe it was the joy of watching ex-Illini Deron Williams come into his own for Utah, or maybe it was Lebron. Either way, I am glad that I did. Not because I am ready to declare basketball one of my favorite sports, but because it helped me to understand my passion for sports. You see, I’m a sucker for a hero; I love watching one individual put a group of people on his back and carry them through a pressure situation.

After all, isn’t that why we all watch Lost? There is something magical about watching Jack lead a group of crash victims on an island. Just like it was phenomenal watching Lebron put up 48 points and single handedly lead the Cav’s to the finals. You see even though its not my sport, its still incredible to watch. It will never come close to watching Pedro throw those shutout innings of relief in the playoffs, or laughing in shock after Big Papi tacked on another game winning hit, but its still better than nothing.

Now I realize that not many of you read this blog to gain my insight on sporting events, so I’ll give you all an update on life in Austin. Its been great so far. Last night a bunch of us interns went out to 6th street and had some fun. A few of the University of Texas natives gave us a tour of all the different bars and venues, and I must say I was overwhelmed. Although that might have had something to do with the massive (and I’m talking a 3:1 ratio) collection of bikers. Apparently they have some annual festival down here each year.

As for work, its been going nicely. I am done with my training, and started on my project for the summer. It seems to be pretty manageable, and I feel like I have already started making progress. I get along with all of the people in my department really well, and its actually been fun getting up and heading in to work each morning. Of course that might have something to do with the fat paycheck I’m earning ;).

I’m currently listening to: Rosie Thomas - If Songs Could Be Held - Pretty Dress

Over the last few days, as a result of an email correspondence with a certain individual who shall remain nameless, I have been reminded of the need for professionalism in the workplace. I guess I should use the word “workplace” loosely, considering this is just a professional organization which I belong to at my university. However, I feel that the term should still apply, considering this is a listserv primarily used for communication about various projects the club is working on.

At any rate, Andy and I are the officers for an organization, which is a part of a larger organization. As a result, the network administrator for the parent organization has a subscription to our listserv (even though he does not contribute to the project). For some reason, this person feels personally obligated to respond to every post made on the listserv. I understand that some people feel an urge to respond to everything they read, and I would not be bothered by this.  However this person has posted zero constructive responses since I joined the mailing list. In fact, I would characterize the vast majority of his posts as blatantly aggressive and negative. This has negatively affected our organization, as our members grow tired of constantly battling against a person who does not even attend our meetings. I just think that this problem could be solved easily if some individuals understood the importance of displaying professionalism when you participate in an organization. It seems that this person has badly ruined their credibility within the organization (and of the organization as a whole) because they do not take the time to consider how to respond in a professional fashion.

When you hold a position of power within your organization (or company), you represent, not only yourself, but also the people you work for. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in an argument and forget this, so I figured everyone could use a reminder every once in a while.