Thursday, August 31, 2006

Second year at Auburn...

From Brian: Physics studies have been going strong through the Summer and now are broadening also. Last year I essentially did the 'year of mechanics': classical, quantum, and statistical (meaning thermodynamics). So since I did motion last year, mechanics being the study of motion, this year I am doing the other main area in physics, electrodynamics. Hopefully this will get me ready for the qualifying exam I will most likely take Fall 2007! That exam is the main factor in being able to earn the degree. So electrodynamics, some quantum review, another math course, and teaching second semester intro physics as a TA are what I am doing these days.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Still playing catch-up

From Alicia: So...let's see...I turned 30 (aaaahhhh! But age is only a number, right?)! I don't really feel older or 30, whatever that's supposed to feel like. It is hard to believe the number though....it just doesn't feel like that much time has passed...but it definitely seems to go by quicker the older you get....let's see...what else...I have been suffering from a nasty sinus infection (resulting in chronic migraines, headaches, and face and head pressure-basically being bed-ridden fairly often) and from the side effects of the meds (more headaches, dizziness, nauseousness, disorientation) that I am on to hopefully combat the infection. It's been fun! (heavy sarcasm here)... Also, I just finished my first class (graduate level, Intro to Anthropology) as part of the Online Masters Anthropology Program with the University of North Texas. I don't know my final grade yet, but so far I have received full marks for discussion and all my assignments. It was a challenging class both from an intellectual standpoint and because I was ill and on meds for most of it. It was especially facinating to take part in the kind of virtual community that developed among the students in the class who range in ages from 25 to 56 and who represent a diverse mix of ethnic and economic backgrounds. I probably learned just as much from the other students as I did from the classwork and lecture notes. If this class is any indication of what the next three years will be like, then it will be an amazing experience and discovery process. On an entirely different note, Brian and I are hooked on Agatha Christie mysteries. Namely, we have been watching all the Poirot and Miss Marple mysteries we can get our hands on either through our local library or Netflix. Well, I think that's about it for anything significant...much like the rest of the U.S. it's been hot here as well so we try and go swimming whenever possible, both for exercise and recreation, and I am proud to say I have lost and kept off 10 pounds...not much, I know...but I'm working on it. Next week, I leave for the Texas heat as I will be attending Orientation for the anthro program at UNT. So...that's about it...other than celebrating my fabulous husband's birthday yesterday...it's just steady as she goes here in Auburn, Alabama.