March 13, 2008

The Back Bedroom.

So it’s not even 9:00 at night and I’m lying in the new bed in the back bedroom surfing away on the internet. I’m wicked tired tonight and I attribute that to no sleep last night worrying about today’s exams and the appropriate amount of studying I did yesterday and today. Tomorrow is the last day of classes before spring break. Thank goodness there’s only one quiz in Physics (what goes up, must come down, instant A) and a lecture from Professor Frightful and the voices in his chalkboard.

I’m lying in this bed because this is the room in the house that’s used the least. I wanted to see how this new bed and mattress feels; I have to admit that it’s quite comfortable. It was a good investment. Tom doesn’t know what to make of Daddy lying on the bed in the spare room but he still purrs with contentment. I guess he’ll purr anywhere.

Earl and I went out for supper tonight to one of our favorite haunts, Zebb’s. It was frightening in that within eyeshot I could spot three mullets (with obligatory baseball hat) and one really bad hairpiece. Even the one beer I had didn’t help the scenery.

I made a video this afternoon after my calculus test but I don’t think I’m going to post it as I’m worried about overloading the blog with video clips. When I’m just rambling I feel exceedingly boring when I watch my stuff; it’s better to post video of things that are actually interesting.

An iSight webcam shot will have to suffice for the night.

Beefcake.

Cheat.

A little after 8 a.m. we all sat down in “Statics” class (think physics for engineers) for our midterm. This is the class where many talk when they shouldn’t. On Monday the full class meets and then on Wednesday and Thursday we are split in half for lab time, my lab obviously being on Thursday. The professor decided to give the exam during lab so that we could go on Spring Break with a clear head.

I think I was a little shocked today when the professor made this announcement: “From now on, if you have to go the bathroom during the exam you’re just going to have to hold it, because you can’t leave the room until you finish the exam. And if you leave the room, you can’t come back in.”

Apparently in yesterday’s lab someone completed the exam and then waited outside while students would make like they were going to the bathroom, help them out a bit, and then the same student would return and answer questions on the exam.

I find this disturbing in many respects, especially since being a transportation or civil engineer involves design and building things that the public uses on a daily basis. Safety is of the utmost importance! If you’re going to cheat your way to your degree, how safe is that bridge you designed going to be?

I finished the exam with relative ease. One question was tripping me up and after futzing with the problem a LOT I finally just went with my gut instinct. As I handed the exam in, I showed the professor my answer to this question and whispered, “Is this right?” She nodded. I can go on spring break with a clear conscience about that exam. I feel good.

Now it’s time for Professor Frightful’s midterm. I’m so excited I could pee.