mercury is in retrograde

First final down, two more to go.  I wouldn't say it went well, but it also didn't go poorly, and all it really had to do was not be a disaster.  I think I just needed to pass it, really.  Or get a C on it if I wanted an A in the class.  Anyway, no more epsilon-delta proofs for a while, which is good.  Ugh, that algebra final, though, I can't even think about it.  I still have time to study, I still have time to study, I still have time to study....

In cheerier news, my fandom stocking is up.  I think I may have most of yours already (at least those that have already been posted), but if not, link away. :)

 

Aaand once again I appear to have fallen off the planet.  I'm actually online a lot, I just don't have all that much to update about.  Anyway, things have been all right.  I survived midterms--my algebraic disaster was averted by a generous grade curve, and I managed an A on my analysis exam.  Today's adventure was that feeling when you think you're finally getting real analysis, and then you open your book and it isn't words.  Apparently my professor has an extremely subtle plan for us that involves spending two days on uniform continuity when the book cares waaaay more about set closure, compactness, and covers.  Or, at least, I hope he does, because the problem set he assigned for this week is looking pretty darn cryptic at this point. :P  

And then there was Visit All The Libraries.  I had to pick up holds at the public library and the school library.  I've been reading a lot of Batman and Bat-family comics, as well as some regular books.  The last comic I read was one I actually bought as opposed to libraried, and it was the 0 issue of the new Batman and Robin.  I must admit that while I am still irritated by the New 52, it was really good.  I am currently reading To Say Nothing of the Dog, by Connie Willis.  I think some of you guys (eve11 for sure) told me I should read Connie Willis a long time ago and I finally took you up on it.

Also: there has been a spate of ficathons lately, so although I have posted nothing lately I have been writing.  If you are interested in this recent commentficcery, here is the linkage.  Erm, I don't know about summaries--the first two were for an autumn-themed ficathon and the other was for an Eleven/Amy ficathon, if that helps.

Amy/Rory, for the prompt footsteps in the fog, smoke on the air
Amy/Rory, for the prompt don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore
Eleven, Amy, Rory, for the prompt I didn't want to know who he was, or what you did, or that it didn't mean anything.

That concludes this update.  *end transmission*

Made it to school and moved in.  Internet has been dodgy--this has been the first time I've been able to get on LJ without having to load  any multiple times to see it.  If you left me a comment, I saw it and will try to reply soon!  May need to buy an ethernet cable.  Watched some Doctor Who last night, hoping my internet will be cooperating in time for the first Pond Life mini-episode today.  And class starts today!  I ought to be off to 9AM abstract algebra and I'm not even dressed.  Cheers!

The authors of my number theory textbook apparently like to make up ridiculous stories about mathematicians to illustrate various principles.  Right now I am reading about how Gauss was abducted by aliens from Venus, allegedly to help me learn about modular arithmetic.  I kid you not, this sentence comes directly from the book: "Gauss was surprised to find that life on Venus was similar to life in Germany--the locals worked hard at high-paying technical jobs, the beer was good, and all of the hovercraft ran on schedule."

Alternate history: check
Jokes about national stereotypes: check
Puns: check
Intermediate-level college math: also check

Other things I've "learned" from this book: 

Emmy Noether worked night shifts as a university security guard and employed the principle of induction to check IDs before a showing of "Raiders of the Lost Arctangent."
Euclid was a baker who thought that too much interest in pie was irrational.  He invented the Euclidean Algorithm to help him bake rectangular cakes using square pans.

This has got to be the silliest and most hilarious math text I've ever seen, but my professor says the mathematics is very good.  I can neither confirm nor deny this, but it is pretty clear about most things once it gets down to talking about them.  The really weird part is that these object lesson joke stories actually do sort of help.  

Today I read three books of poetry. Somehow, I feel mainlining that many in one day defies my professor's purposes in assigning them, but whatever.  Anyhow, when I return to college, I will be taking History of Mathematics (3 books plus a textbook), Poetry Workshop (10), and an independent study on C.S. Lewis (5-6), so I really do need to get started now.   That's like, 20 books.  Ouch.  

Which, belatedly, grades!  I got an A in Renaissance Lit, an A- in stats, and a B+ in Linear Algebra.  Man, did I work for that B+.  Linear algebra is one of the classes I dreaded taking the most, worked hardest in, and enjoyed the most in the end.  I am so glad I took it.  I really learned a lot.  

Anyway, I think tonight my dad and I are going to give Leverage a try.  He loves heist movies, so I think from what I've heard of it it may be a good fit.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA FINALLY MADE IT TO INSTANT ON NETFLIX!  Now I can try it out without dealing with all the mailing and waiting, &c.  Any BSG fans, dear flist?  Thoughts?

In other news, midterms have arrived.  I have a horrendous math test this week, a stats test next week, and a paper due at the end of next week.  My English class is reading Book 2 of the Fairie Queene, and I think I like it, even though it's nearly impossible to read.  Writing a paper on it will be...interesting, to say the least.

I spent most of the day rereading my math book, so I'm going to go watch some Merlin. 

1. I finished my story for girlsavesboyfic.  It's currently in beta with light_frost.  I was worried I wouldn't have time to write it, but I managed to get the whole first draft down in one sitting. 

2. I found Never Let Me Go in the university interlibrary loan catalog, so I get a second chance at it after all.  For free!

3. I finished my application for the school's genre literature magazine.  Don't know if I'll be able to follow through or not, but applications are accepted for a few more weeks so I do have time to decide. 

4. My best friend from preschool was unexpectedly passing through my college's town on a road trip cross-country, so I got to see her yesterday, very briefly.  It was a fabulous surprise. 

I am a creative writing major.  Math is my life now.  I feel this is problematic.  It is all my own fault. 

You'll have to forgive me if I start speaking  in Mathematica code.  I love the math department dearly, but this is a bit of an overload. 

I have no ideas for fic!  I've got some good prompts, but I'm just not writing.  Maybe some math prompts would help? (*looks pleadingly at eve11 *)

1. So I'm back at school now.  Renaissance lit/culture looks good--it's focused on travel and speculative fiction of the period, so it should be kind of fabulous.  Stats is going to be just fine.  Linear algebra....bah.  It's already eating my life.  I have no idea what's up with my homework.  And I need to take this class for my minor, so I guess I'll have to just muddle through and stick it out. 

2. My mom bought me a copy of The Book of Common Prayer.  I know there are some Anglicans/Episcopalians on my flist--what would you say one does with such a book?  I'm quite pleased to have it, I'm just not certain what its purpose is.

3.  If you haven't seen it yet, go watch saywheeeee 's video Starscape.  It's a Doctor Who-themed song she wrote, sang, and put together herself, and it's gorgeous. 

4. I'm bored and going through autumn Doctor Who withdrawal.  So let's discuss it!  Leave me your favorite theory, your most beloved moment, your personal canon, or a rec, and let's have a Doctor Who party in the comments!