fredericks: (Here I stand alone)
fredericks ([personal profile] fredericks) wrote2006-01-18 03:18 am

"And they rose to their feet with a cry..."

One week. I can't hardly stand it. Oh, for a time machine.

It always works out that I'm slammed with things to do *right before* I head back to school. Little things, too, that don't require major treks around the city, but keep me from doing anything I might plan.
*

Today is my oldest brother's birthday. I don't believe we have much planned for the day besides putting together a little food (my job in part, since mom is still working days). The "celebration" (if one could call it that) will be Saturday, when we've planned a trip over to Atlantic City. His first, since he hit the big 2-1 when the clock struck midnight. I'd be more excited (? is that the right word to use about inevitably giving your money away to questionable facilities?) about things if I wasn't without cash to feed to the one-hand bandit. As it is I'm actually in the hole $22 because I promised to buy my dad a razor replacement and have yet to make it out to J&R. I wonder if staying home might be an option for me?

The bro and I played a little Mario Party when he came back in from his late-night rounds. Mario Party 7 = very fun, btw (solo's fun but I think it helps that I have three brothers to play with). The translators have a blast with the characterizations and are obviously "Office Space" fans. One of the secondary characters "speaks" (or reads, so to speak, as there are no voice-overs for the secondaries) exactly like Lumbergh, right down to the slow "Yeeeeah" at the beginning of his speeches, the hesitation between phrases, and the "mmkay?" thrown in the middle of things. Hilarious.

*
I went clothes shopping for more than, say, a pair of jeans for the first time in at least 5 months. I was happy with what I got. Lots of green. A pair of khakis. I do need some shoes still, but I can wait until my FinAid kicks in. Shopping's actually fun when you have a wonderful grandmother to pay for everything.

*
I have this weird idea for a journal, although seeing as this is LJ I suppose it might not be *that* weird all things considered. Once I get things off the ground and feel comfortable I'll put a link in my journal so you can see what I'm wasting my time on. That is, if Patho and Med/Surg clinicals don't completely drive me batshit.

*
Interviews are done. I'm glad I got them finished up in one fell swoop, although I seem to be acting gun-shy with the write-ups as I'm plenty worried I'll do the students a disservice (three down, four more to eek out). I have to say, I learned a helluva lot about how to conduct myself in an interview and how to answer questions in a way that is clear to the person on the other side while not sidestepping what's being asked. Of the seven I interviewed there's only one to whom I can give a really REALLY strong rec and only one who would be completely out-of-place at Brown. It's amazing how few of the kids actually *researched* the school before they came to speak with me. It's also apparent that most of them needed to practice interviewing and answering questions concisely. And, somewhat appallingly, it's apparent that they need to be taught the importance of the "thank you" note. I gave my e-mail address to all the kids I interviewed and only three (the three from the last day of interviews) bothered to leave a good final impression. That little note/dropped line works, let me tell you. I can't lie - I gave them my e-mail *specifically* looking to see if they'd send a "thank you" (also so they can keep in touch if they have any questions...I'm not quite that vindictive).

*
On the book front I'm currently working on Fingersmith, which I picked up after [livejournal.com profile] lab_brat (?) told me the mini I'd been eyeing on LOGO (and never got around to watching, btw) was based on a book. Almost done. WHAT a twist on the trick, man. I actually said "holy FUCK" out loud when I got to that part. Momentum stalls slightly towards the end what with the revelation of all the trickery, but I'm hoping the conclusion doesn't let me down. Next up on the literary front will most likely be Mordred, Bastard Son, my first venture into Arthurian legend since I worked through The Mists of Avalon. It's the cover that drew me in. The cover and the potential for wonderful period man-on-man (Mordred takes a shining to one of the Knights of the Round, according to the jacket blurb). I hope it's worth the tag.

[identity profile] twoworldsin1.livejournal.com 2006-01-18 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey, I know it's late, but thanks for the Christmas card, it was awesome! :)

[identity profile] fredericks.livejournal.com 2006-01-20 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
Coolness. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have a weakness for lemurs that appear to be practicing martial arts myself. :)

[identity profile] captainschlumpy.livejournal.com 2006-01-18 03:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmmm, I might have to check out that Mordred book. I can't believe so few of your interviewees (is that even a word?) sent thank you emails. Are they aware of the power you hold in your pen? Good luck with the start of a new semester!

[identity profile] fredericks.livejournal.com 2006-01-20 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
The thank you note is something so basic that lots of people seem to forget about. Yes, I slack on them when I get gifts from family and friends, but when it comes to potential employees or people that may hold sway over some important aspect of my life? The cards and buttering up come pouring out.

I haven't yet started Mordred, but once I do I'll be sure to reply here and tell you my impressions. The cover is plenty gnarly. I judged the book by it. :) I hope I'm not let down.

And thanks for the semester well-wishes. Same to you!

[identity profile] modpixie.livejournal.com 2006-01-18 04:33 pm (UTC)(link)
fingersmith is one of my boyfriend's favorite books, and not just for the lesbian element. i really like affinity a lot, but apparently sarah waters has a bit of a formula with her three novels -- not just the victorian-lesbians-in-lust-and-peril trope, but...well, the plot twist gets a lot less surprising after you've read the other two.

[identity profile] fredericks.livejournal.com 2006-01-20 03:21 am (UTC)(link)
Fingersmith - and they run off into the sunset reading and writing Victorian lesbian porn.
Teh End.

Lawd.

I suppose I should have gone "yay! women's rights" or something upon turning the last page, but I felt more cheated than anything. The cards didn't seem to fall right. And thanks for the warning about the other books; I'll be sure to avoid them.

[identity profile] citizenjess.livejournal.com 2006-01-20 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
Not sure what I did exactly, but best of luck to you.

[identity profile] fredericks.livejournal.com 2006-01-20 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
And to you.