A New Semester

Winter break passed by faster than I expected. Then again, I was busy studying for the FE. I have now finished 41 (out of 54) chapters of Lindeburg’s book. Though it seems like a good accomplishment, I still don’t feel like I have a good grasp on some of the material. So, I resolve to finish the whole book by late February, and then perhaps spend a week or so revisiting various chapters in the book and then turn my attention primarily to 8 hour mock exams. April will come before I know it.

Of course, in trying not to get too worked up with these things, this semester will be relatively light. I have four classes, one is online, and two will end around Spring break. So happy. It practically leaves me a month with just two classes and guess what I’ll be doing with my free time. Two letters. That’s right.

My first week of classes went ok, I only had two classes. I am learning a lot about the ArcGIS software, although it is not the only software that can perform GIS functions. For now, I’m simply learning it froma public health standpoint, even though I probably won’t be using it in that way in the future. Still, a good skill to have.

My job hunt is still semi-fruitless. It’s almost as difficult as looking for a lifelong mate…I set up a profile (resume), I try to make myself attractive (as an employee), I get some phone calls from interested parties, and some even go so far as to set up a date (interview). And then I never hear from them again. What’s really frustrating is that some of them actually said things like “I don’t want to loose you, I think you’re really good candidate,” etc. Why do they say things and not mean it? Arggg. People will be people. Still, I have some “on and off, off and on again” relationships going. Wonder how long they will last before I can settle down permanently.

I invited a friend for dinner tonight; it’s been awhile since I cooked for someone else. So I was out of practice and I made some food that didn’t look as good as they tasted. And then I tried to make these Korean pancakes. I had this batter all set up and then I put in too much salt! I spent the next 15 minutes adding extra flour, water, sugar, and vegetables to get the taste right. Obviously, mine didn’t look quite as good as this, but it was close:

My friend tried some and she really liked it. So, it was successful attemp, with a minor minor roadblock. I also made wings, and mixed rice. She insisted on bringing soup and corn. We had soooooo much food and after one serving, neither of us had the stomach for a second. One look at the table and you would’ve thought that we didn’t even eat! I still feel full…..I blame the Korean pancake. Who knew that flour, eggs, and vegetables could be so filling? Still, it was good. And I still have half a large bowl of batter left. Whatever will I do with it?