A few things new.

I've taken on a few creative projects to get my mind off of 'stuff' lately. The most involved of these is building a computer.It's something I've always wanted to do, and I thought now would be as good a time as any!

 I've begun buying parts and am hoping to customize it completely to my work and what I do with the computer. I've recently realized how over priced my favorite brand(MAC) and a few other brands are, and I'm convinced that I can do better for myself. I've been begun to shop for / buy individual parts and study up on exactly what is needed for a whole computer.  

          I am constantly reminded how challenging it is to live with my parents. HOW could the very people that I struggle to tolerate and yield to authoritatively be the same people that raised me!? At times I feel like they don't even know who I am or understand a thing I do?! Did I get misplaced in some foreign home? Did I change that much from a child? I can't imagine this much of a personality and ideological transformation in the 20-some years I've been alive. I end up solving any disputes that arrive with apathy or negativity, which seems to be an almost desired response. 
                           I remember telling one of my friends that I usually only paint when I'm depressed, and I wouldn't call myself depressed, but just seem to need a vacation. Worn out by working seven days a week and projects. Needless to say, I've been painting a lot lately. Its good to get away. Lock yourself away from everyone and just paint... (Oh geez. I sound like a RISD kid or something.) I assure you it's rare but when it does happen it is just what is needed. 

  
       I've also begun writing my personal statements for my Ph D applications.
 How would I describe myself? What motivates me (other than my surounddings¿) 
                                     How do I explain that I want to find the grail. I want to use my intellect to overcome the foe and get to the prize before they do so I can complete my research? How do I write that my clothes and my skills reflect where I've come from and my whip, hat, and determination make me recognizable from all the others (be they action figures or students) in all the other movies(or in the stack of applicants.) How do I describe that I love to travel and I hate snakes. How do say in a concise statement that I will do the job well whether I know anything about the topic or whether I have to go visit my colleagues to get the job done. HOW do I explain that I've had to overcome several adversaries that have several different looks, reasons, and motives. How do I just say. "No matter the task or the topic of research I will go on any ride or to any continent to get the assignment turned in to the best of my ability and satisfactory of the university." 
   


Finally, I will be posting tomorrow as the Board of Visitors will meet to consider reinstating President Sullivan. Over 5500 letters from alumni and students(mine included) were delivered to the Board today, which I believe will add to the already current pressure the Governor and media have placed on the decision.