Warning, long day approaching

So, I have barely enough time to make this entry, and absolutely no time to go to the gym between now and closing. Co-op, dreamweaver class (unless it’s canceled, like two other computer ed class I signed up for has been, which would be kind of yay), then a meeting on the survey that’s being conducted for my project, then it’s off to check out uptown apartments.

I would be surprised if I’m not cranky by the end of the day. And I really want to go swimming tomorrow, so that means early to bed, too. Today really is an aberration, though. Usually I have plenty of time for slack. I suppose if I hadn’t stayed up to all hours playing san juan and settlers last night, I might have had time to go gyming this morning, but I woudln’t change that for the world.

Time for me to go. See you all on the flipside. =)

Some days are like that, even in Toronto

So, I spent a great deal of time saying that if Bush was elected again, I’d move to Canada. But really, why wait? Gay marriage (not available everywhere in canada, and available in MA, I realize), universal health care, fewer insane military commitments, decent public transportation (at least in toronto), a less theistic state, and relatively low cost cultural adaptation. Plus I can go for dual citizenship and keep voting against the bigger asshat in the States, as well as do my bit for Canada.

It’s a pity I can’t find an international ranking of grad schools. Because, of course, those rankings are exactly tailored to my interests. Which is why I went to one of the lowest ranked places that accepted me. =)

And furthermore, I started on this path in the hopes of being able to help out here, where we, as humanity, need it most desperately, I think. If I believe I can make a difference (and why would I be doing what I’m doing if I didn’t?) then perhaps I ought to ask not which country can do best for me, but what I can best do for my country.

Ponder, ponder, ponder.

Feeling better

Something about keeping my heartrate pegged just past its recommended max for 20 minutes (I burned 600 calories over 30 minutes) is rejuvenating. I hope that I’m not going to need to keep this up for the rest of my life to stay at a reasonable emotional equilibrium. But even if it is necessary, assuming this habit gives me another 5 years of quality life, it’s a break even situation on the waking time lost to exercise and the number of years gained.

Hmmm, so maybe I will keep it up.

unhappiness as a step towards growth

An interesting question that comes up in a fair amount of sci fi, I think, is the notion that protecting someone from harm may not be in their best interests. Asimov brings the question up fairly directly in Liar, undoubtedly one of my favorite stories from I, Robot. You can even see the question outlined, if you’re looking for it, in the movie. It is a major theme in Adulthood Rites.

I think it’s a question that comes up naturally with technological advance. Are we sacrificing personal growth for a comfortable life? And, if so, which is preferable?

I clearly have my own answers to these questions, but I think they are useful for provoking thought.