After a lot of soul-searching, I decided last spring that my life needed to do a backflip, so I screwed up my courage and marched myself down to UAB (University of Alabama - Birmingham,) depositing myself in the undergraduate computer science advisor's office. I found that day, to my wonderment, that I only had to complete 15 classes for a BS in computer science, since my previous major (music!) would serve for my core and minor requirements in its entirety. Well, it didn't take an Acme advil hitting me on the head for me to figure out that it was time for me to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start again. So I signed up for CS 201 (Intro to object-oriented programming in Java) Soon, I found out that I needed another class this summer to meet my financial aid requirements. So I took a deep breath and also signed up for the only class I could (since the other computer classes in the program were barred to me through prerequisites.)
Calculus 2.
Freaky, considering Calc 1 was taken 12 years ago at Ole Miss. So I gleefully quit my job waiting tables. That's right. No more waiting tables.
I'm not a waiter, I'm not a waiter, nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah....
Of course, wouldn't you know that I would find a job dishing up breakfast and lunch in a huge office building's cafeteria. 6-2 every day, Monday through Friday. The funny thing is, it sounds a lot worse than it actually is. It's actually not a bad job! Certainly humbling and greasy, but not bad.I have to remind myself every day that the reason I'm there is because it fits into my schedule like a glove, and what a schedule it is!
Monday: 5 AM, get up. 6-2, work. 3 - Intro to programming. 5:30 - Calc 2. 7:00 - gym. 8:30, get home, have dinner, study. 10:30, bed
Tuesday through Thursday, wash, rinse and repeat.
Friday, I just work in the morning and afternoon.
And then the weekend (Saturday morning computer lab!) for catching up on my homework and study.
So it's intense. I am busier right now from a time standpoint than I have been probably ever. I can think of a couple of semesters in music that came close, but... geez!
I'm loving it. And I'm in the best shape physically since around 2000. I still want to lose about 20 more lbs, but I've lost 40 or so since Jan. 1.
It's weird being an undergrad again when chronogically, I ought to be a grad student now. I miss music, but I had to make a reasoned decision about the market for singers. It's slim pickings, as opposed to the market for computer software engineers / programmers, which is pretty huge. That's what I'm going to tailor my degree towards, though of course it being a 4-year CS degree I'll have plenty of admin type stuff to complete as well.
The good news? I finish in fall 2006, or worst-case, I have one of two classes to take in spring 2007. I'm up for a nice grant-funded scholarship for this fall (fingers crossed.) And best of all, I'm finding that I'm loving programming. I'm just SOOO busy.
There have been some unexpected twists and turns; I was unprepared for how hard this schedule would be on Lee and my relationship. I guess it's always this way for couples in which one goes back to school, but it's been difficult. I was pleasantly surprised that I don't feel like a grandpa in my classes at all. I don't feel like a returning student. Maybe it's my willingness to accept change.
Anyways, I wanted to write in and let y'all knkow what has been going on with me this summer. I have 3 weeks left to this summer term. I'm sitting on an 87 in my programming class, and an 82 in calculus. I'm confident I can nudge the 87 up to an A. As for Calc 2, if I can hold on to that B, I'll be happy. So let me get back to studying for my programming test on Tuesday now...
Y'all take care.
-------------------- White. A blank page or canvas. His favorite. So... many... possibilities.
From: Birmingham, AL | Registered: Jul 2003
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Eryk Davis Ester
Created from the Cosmic Legends of the Universe!
posted
Wow! It sounds like things are going really well, Kippers! Good luck with everything!
From: Liberty City | Registered: Jul 2003
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Jeff I applaud your dedication. I really envy having the willpower and stamina to take those kind of courses, work and keep your relationship going. My hat is off to you.
From: Utah | Registered: Jul 2003
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Congratulations on taking these big steps in your life! I know it couldn't have been easy, but I'm glad it's paying off. Big congrats on the weight loss too -- I can't imagine having to work that hard and not indulging. Hal Jordan's got nothing on you in the willpower department!
From: New York, NY | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
It sounds like everything is going great Kippers! And busy too, but I don't think that's ever a bad thing. Calc is as scary to me as giant zombie sharks, but it sounds like you're doing really good at your classes and have found a major that you really enjoy!
It's a fun (although often stressful) experience when lots of things are changing all at once in your life, and I'm glad it feels like there's a sense of everything getting better and going your way!
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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Eryk Davis Ester
Created from the Cosmic Legends of the Universe!
posted
Hmm... I actually think giant zombie sharks are less frightening than regular giant sharks...
From: Liberty City | Registered: Jul 2003
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