The Next Rotation

Well, with 4 down (6 to go), I am at a new site and have new responsibilities. This time around, I am going to actually do a lot of work outside of the site (i.e. on my own time). I am not really looking forward to that, but I should be able to learn quite a bit. On the plus side, my preceptor seems nice and the two residents (pharmacy residents) are extremely nice too. Now, if only I can get (and then remain) motivated to get all the work done in a timely manner, as opposed to the likely procrastination that will occur, that would be nice. Well, with all that said, I guess I better get to work.

I'll keep you posted.

Quizzes don't lie

I took this Nerd/Geek/Dork quiz that my brother had posted on his site. And much to my surprise, I am a dork. Not just any dork, but a "Pure Dork." In fact, during my school days I would be referred to as a dork (especially by some little Asian that sat next to me). Anyway, here's the official definition of "Pure Dork."

Pure Dork

43 % Nerd, 43% Geek, 65% Dork

For The Record: A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia. A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one. A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions. You scored better than half in Dork, earning you the title of: Pure Dork. Like Napoleon Dynamite, you are a dork. Though, probably not so much as he. It's not as though you were some whiz-kid in school. Oh, sure, you probably did okay in some classes, but were probably awful in others. Certainly most people thought you were smarter than you thought yourself to be. And it's not that you have some overriding passion, like computers or Star Trek that sets you apart for the crowd, though you likely share some interest in some of those sorts of things. You just like to be yourself, and want to express yourself for who you are. And, really, there's nothing wrong with that. Being who you are often invites scorn, and so it's a difficult thing in a world that rewards conformity. Be proud of your dorkiness, for often it's just another word for individuality. Congratulations!

A Good Relaxed Weekend

I know I've posted on Friday and Saturday, but I still wanted to update on my weekend. In fact, I would say this has been a darn good weekend. I've felt relaxed and had a good time. I guess a lot started Thursday when I got to see some friends that I've not seen in a while (despite not bowling, it was still positive because of the friends).

Friday I got off my rotation early, then hung out with/at my sister's. Watched a Series of Unfortunate Events by myself (enjoyable, but nothing great) and then Cinderella Man (see prior post) at the cheapies.

Saturday I slept in a bit, then went to Methodist and did some research. Then my brother and I went to Barnes&Nobles where I purchased a GRE test prep book (I went with Kaplan's brand). That brings the total spent on GRE stuff to $150 ($115 test - $35 prep book). Then my brother and I played some video games. A lot of video games! The time flew and we actually played for almost 4 hours. Then after a little frozen pizza action, I returned to my brothers for Napoleon Dynamite. Now, I had the lowest of expectations for the movie, and was moderately surprised. It was better than anticipated, but still not the greatest thing since sliced bread. Of course, now I can officially quote the movie ("It's a piece of crap and doesn't work.").

Sunday I got up and went to St. Luke's UMC for church (no sunday school and my brother/sis-in-law were not going to be at the 11 service @ Epworth). Got back and played some Madden football (rediscovered that joy). Watched some of the race, then decided to leave and go to Wally-World. While, there I had the impulse purchase of a tennis racket and balls. Then I gave J2/Rebbeca a call to see if they wanted to help me break it in. They obliged and off to tennis I went. I played really well (for myself) and won the 3-way game (not 2 on 1, but a rotation kind of thing). Still lost to J2 in singles, but pulled off 3 game wins (lost 6-3). I'm improving and really have fun playing. I figure still have a little while to play with good weather. While playing singles, Rebecca cooked us supper...the world's thickest pancake. This thing was 1+" thick, but fluffy and not burnt. Very good stuff. Then home to shower. I then watched First Blood (aka Rambo 1). Never watched it before, but it was not what I expected. Not a bad movie, kinda depressing. Then off to bed.

A good weekend. I could handle one like that more often. But before the weekend comes the week, let Monday begin.

Cinderlla Man

So last night, I played nice brother and spent the evening with my sister. We went to see Cinderella Man at the cheapies in Greenwood. It was a good movie. Here's my thoughts:

This was the movie that Seabiscuit wanted to be. For all the hype that movie got, it was slow and the characters were not all that likeable. Plus, how can a horse give hope to people? But I digress. In Cinderella Man, the characters are likeable (pretty much all of them). You care for them, you want them to win. The boxing scenes are really good and relatively realistic (unlike Rocky where every punch is a haymaker power shot). The final fight (even the final two fights) are really good, but the last one has you on the edge of your seat. To be honest, you're not as concerned if he wins or not, but more concerned that he survives and proves everyone wrong (ie. Rocky-esque). All-in-all a really good movie. It makes sense that people get a sense of hope from this movie because the main character is a common man. He was the people. A good movie. But being a drama, it does have the occasional slow ("character building") moments. I would recommend it though.

Well, I've done some research today. I now have a couple of errands to run, then Napoleon Dynamite at some point tonight (or tomorrow). Does anybody else want to watch? Misery loves company, you know.

Let the Research begin!

Tomorrow will mark the first day of my research project for both Honors and my Pharm. D. Maybe I'm underestimating it, but I do not anticipate the data collection to be difficult. If all goes well, I will have all data collected in a couple of sessions like I plan on tomorrow. So, that'll be fun, right?

Today while on my rotation site, I started the online application for grad school. I now have applications underway (not submitted) to IUPUI, UNC, and U of colorado. In all honesty, I think I'd rather do a paper application versus this online stuff, but they didn't ask my opinion.

Also on the grad school front, I've signed up for the GREs. I take the test on Monday November 21 at 9 AM. The test site is about 5 minutes away from my place, so getting there will not be an issue. The test does cost $115 and has been paid. Gotta love paying for this stuff. Application fees range between free-$70 to grad schools (free - Dartmouth, $70 UNC). But that's the price you have to pay. I'm kinda excited about getting the grad school ball rolling. Let's just hope for the best.

Well, I'm gonna get some grub prior to going to see Cinderella Man with my sister and a friend of hers at the cheapies. Should be kinda fun.

Quick update

I realize that I've not posted in a little bit, but I've been busy here at my rotation site. In fact, I've not actually been online at home for awhile now. All e-mails and things get checked here at my site (sometimes at my brothers house with DSL). Anyway, here's the report.

Spent a day at King's Island last Tuesday. Had a lot of fun. There are some good rides at that place.

Had a friend's wedding on Friday night. It was fun to hang out and see a lot of people from Butler and in my bible study that I've not seen/talked to in some time. Speaking of weddings, I am now on the hook to be in 2 upcoming weddings (one in December, and one next July). Ah, aren't weddings grand?

Bowling leagues are starting this week. My current game plan is to sub on Monday nights whenever possible (hopefully, most of the time) and bowl full time on Thursday nights at Expo. If all goes well, this will be my first time in a long time to bowl in two leagues a week. I feel that this will only improve my game, because honestly, I've been struggling with consistency recently. I subbed last night and struggled 214-184-172 = 570. I had 3 splits each of the last two games. Woodland continues to elude me. I have offers to bowl part-time for a team (15-16 weeks) and an offer to bowl full-time in a late league at Hindel bowl on Mondays. As of now, I'm tempted to just sub...especially since subbing is like bowling for free. My spot at Expo bowl begins September 15, but I'll be subbing until then and I don't have to pay for the first 4 weeks, but get all the prize fund money. Not a bad deal. Would be nice to win some pots, especially while bowling for free. All in good time.

Well, that's about it. I guess I should get back to doing some work now. I'm enjoying this oncology rotation. The preceptor is extremely nice and the setting is comfortable and laid back.

That's it, I'm outie.

Brickyard 400

If you didn't notice, I am not going to be calling it by that sponsors name. It was, is now, and forever will be the Brickyard 400. Anyway, as with tradition, I attended the race with my family (minus brother and sis-in-law...something about a new job). The race started nicely with a long green flag run. Elliott Sadler looked like he was just going to drive away with it, but then the cautions hit. From laps 35-50, there were tons of cautions. The run from lap 50 was phenomonal. Double wide racing all around the track, some 3 wide down the straights and the short chutes. Then another wave of cautions. The last 60 laps really went quickly with not too many cautions. I had a great final 30 laps though. In that stretch, my two favorite (active) drivers {Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart} traded the lead a couple of times, raced each other clean, and just had a great battle up front. I would have been happy either way, but was pleased with the end result. Tony Stewart really wanted this one, and this guy is on a frickin' roll (he's won 4 of the past 6 races, I believe). I would imagine that I was one of very few, if not the only one, that was wearing apparrel of both the first and second place cars.

A great day at the track!!!

Star Wars Rankings

Well, since I've viewed all the movies and posted comments on each one, I figured I would go ahead and rank them. Keep in mind that I rank movies generally based on the epicness and rewatchability (aka funness to watch). So here it is:

6. Episode I: The Phantom Menace -- 2 things, JarJar and Jake Lloyd
5. Episode V: Empire Strikes Back -- just not as fun to watch
4. Episode II: Attack of the Clones -- more epic and fun
3. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi -- great fun
2. Episode IV: A New Hope -- the original is a blast
1. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith -- this is by far the most epic and most fun...AMAZING!

Honestly, 3,4, and 5 are kinda interchangeable. I rate them all very similar, but based on enjoyability the rankings are as they are.

There you have it. Feel free to disagree and tell me your rankings.

Episodes V and VI

On Tuesday night, I finished my Star Wars movie marathon (and this is really the first time I've had a chance to update). I don't want to keep you in the dark and suspense, so here's the low down on these two flicks.

Episode V: Empire Strikes Back -- I've had a love/hate relationship with this movie throughout the years. As a young'un, I really didn't like it. It wasn't as fun as the others in the original trilogy. Then I grew to like the character development and story line (and possibly the propaganda from my brother that it was the best). Now, I've kinda middled on it. I really like Hoth, but I would like to have seen more of a troop battle. It has the first (re)appearance of Yoda and the Emperor (his absence in Episode IV is strange). The lightsaber fight at the end is pretty neat, especially watching Vader just toy with Luke. All in all, another great flick. Not as good as a stand alone movie though.

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi -- One of the most fun movies in the Star Wars universe. This movie gets going and doesn't let up. I enjoyed it much more with the knowledge gained from the newer movies. The lightsaber is finally being used for what it was intended, blocking blasters and dueling. The fight at the end is good all around. One of the best space battles, a good ground fight, and a quality lightsaber fight (not on the scale of the newer movies, but solid none-the-less). I love the similarities in Vader choosing to save someone from Force lightning (in Episode III he saves Palpatine, in Episode VI he saves Luke). The same decision that turned him to the darkside, returned him to the light....kinda cool, huh? Well, I really enjoy this movie.

Final opinion: AMAZING!! Everyone should do this at least once in their life. This definitely comprises the best storyline ever told in movies. It is without a doubt the best set of movies (Lord of the Rings is good, but it is no Star Wars). Awesome!!

Episodes II, III, and IV

So, if I said anything about updating daily....I lied. But I'm back with my reviews of Episodes II, III, and IV. Without further ado....

Episode II: Attack of the Clones -- I really enjoyed this movie. It brought back the fun epic quality of Star Wars. NO Jar Jar, NO stupid little kid. I thought Hayden Christensen (aka Anakin Skywalker) did a great job with teenage angst and mixed feelings. So his mood swings were often quick (kinda PMSish), but forgiveable. The lovey-dovey stuff was kinda blah, but I could overlook it because Natalie Portman is good on the eyes (right guys?) The lightsaber fight at the end was actually a bit disappointing for me....it was too quick. Yoda with a lightsaber was cool but felt gimicky. Still a good movie and a step in the right direction.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith -- One word, EXCELLENT!!! This movie fricking rocks. It is action packed, never lets up, and sets up the original movies superbly. There are 5 lightsaber fights, and the one at the end is AMAZING. I'm not sure the movie could have been any better. Sweetness....that's all this movie was. Not much else I can say. Kind of a downer on how it ends, but that's how it had to be. I liked the title too, especially since Return of the Jedi (Episode 6) was originally going to be called Revenge of the Jedi...cool, huh? (So I'm a bit of a dork)

Episode IV: A New Hope -- After Episode III, the title has a new meaning. This is the movie that started it all. A really awesome flick. The revamped special effects make it not feel so 1970s. The story is awesome, especially after seeing the background put together in Episode III. The characters are cool. The space battle at the end is really cool. The lightsaber fight is kinda sad after watching the previous fights. A great 1-2 punch with Episode III and then this one. If you could only watch 2 Star Wars movies, I would watch this 2 in succession...back-to-back.

Alrighty, that's it for now. Off to supper and then bowling and then Episode V: Empire Strikes Back.