Rhyme joins the Assassins -- now with progress gifs!

Asa Pond · February 2, 2016

This is an awesome challenge! Poi looks so cool! And Bees!! Awesome.

Also hanging around for the edible flowers because that is way too much fun!

Rhyme · February 3, 2016

Ooh yes, speaking of edible flowers!! I found my notes I took a while ago regarding which flowers I was looking at planting. Mostly nasturtiums, pansies, and a bunch of herb flowers. That'll come in handy!

Studying my math notes at work because it's slow and work is awesome when you're not talking to people. Turns out this section isn't as scary as I thought. The key is getting started on homework the minute I get home, which is always a challenge because "I deserve a break! For two hours until my bedtime alarm goes off and I haven't started". The current plan of action is to delve into YouTube to look for new music and work while I listen. It'll go slower, but I'm sure I'll be in a good mood the whole time!

RMDC · February 3, 2016

Sometimes I plan on doing YouTube for music in the background... and then find myself on the other end of a video chain, blearily wondering what happened. Good on you if you can avoid my mistakes.

Rhyme · February 3, 2016

Ohh dear, I am a right mess. When I got home last night, I played with poi (Crossers are going well! Reverse windmill, not so much :/) and then ate dinner while browsing online. Needless to say, homework got started at 10:30, which is 30 minutes past my bedtime alarm so that's pretty hilarious. I worked on that until I dozed off at the desk (!!) and woke up at like 11:45.

I never fall asleep at the desk, you guys! I think my sleeping schedule this semester is finally catching up to me. I wake up at 7:00 on M-F for class (lol jk I snooze my alarm until 7:30) and wake up at 7:00 Sat/Sun for work (lol you bet I snooze that alarm until 7:30). I used to have class only MWF, so I could catch up on sleep during the week... but no more. I can't get away with going to bed at 2am anymore.

Since I fell asleep at the desk, I decided I must really need the rest, so I'd just go to bed and wake up an hour earlier to finish homework before I left. Woke up in the middle of the night with a massive headache (OF COURSE), chugged some tylenol, tried to get as much sleep as I could... woke up at 6:00 (lololol you know I mean 6:30) and felt oddly motivated... as in, optimistic about finishing stuff rather than oh god I need to finish stuff. It went well and I got it all done. Lemme tell ya, it's a good thing I studied my notes at work, because I knew what I was doing and breezed right through it.

That whole adventure of waking up earlier reminded me of something I used to do for a while in high school. I'd look through and prep my homework the night before, go to bed, then wake up early to actually finish it. I might have to consider picking that up again, because I remember feeling much more motivated to do homework in the morning rather than the evening. Then again, I don't want to be caught in the situation of not having enough time to finish -- maybe I can work ahead, so the stuff I'm doing in the morning isn't actually due that same day?

I dunno! but I better quit typing and get ready for work or I'm gonna be late~

RMDC · February 3, 2016

Working ahead is a great idea if the schedule works out for it. I've never been a morning person - even when I'm going to bed before 10 and waking up between 6 and 7 so I can get the kids ready for school - so I envy anyone who can get motivated before noon.

Starstuff · February 3, 2016

As far as the Windmills go, have you tried practicing one hand at a time? I find that helpful when I'm having trouble with a move. Also, the thing I've found most helpful in straightening out the planes of a Windmill is to be really mindful of pointing the fingers holding the poi handle down on the downbeat of the poi, so when your left poi is at the very bottom of its arc, the fingers of your left hand are pointed straight down and the same with the right.

Rhyme · February 4, 2016

As far as the Windmills go, have you tried practicing one hand at a time? I find that helpful when I'm having trouble with a move. Also, the thing I've found most helpful in straightening out the planes of a Windmill is to be really mindful of pointing the fingers holding the poi handle down on the downbeat of the poi, so when your left poi is at the very bottom of its arc, the fingers of your left hand are pointed straight down and the same with the right.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm gonna have to be more mindful since muscle memory clearly isn't doing me any favors. I tried it one handed, and even with my dominant hand, I kept hitting myself once my hand tried to adjust it downwards into a corkscrew. Bad!

Rhyme · February 4, 2016

I really, really didn't want to go to the gym yesterday because I was tired and the parking lot was packed and I just wanted to go home for the night. Buuut, I skipped on Monday for the same reason and wasn't going to let myself do that twice in a row. I decided to just go in and get it done quickly.

So I go in, the squat and power racks are both full, nbd I'll just do bench first. Oook still full, guess I'll do rows. Oh, someone new jumped in the squat rack, alright let's get my assisted pull-up AMRAPs for the mini done. Alllrighty then, still full, let's just mess around with dips while I wait... and curls... and more pull-ups... and curls again... then dips...

SERIOUSLY WHAT IS POWER RACK GUY'S PROBLEM. He's deadlifting five plates which is nice and all, but he's sitting and texting for five or ten minutes in between sets. Plus he had exactly three different gym bros come up and small talk. When he started an in-depth lecture and demonstration on how to properly flex your lats, I wanted to cry. And of course, everybody else was pining for the remaining squat rack and jumping in the moment it was free. At one point I looked at the rack of fixed weights and was like, hmm, the 90lb bar is on top, I could remove the lower ones and use it as a squat rack.... I finally managed to nab the actual squat rack, and by the time I left, POWER RACK GUY WAS STILL THERE AAAAAGH. My 45-minute workout was extended to just under two hours. I didn't even want to go to the gym in the first place.

Yes, I am still salty. But at least my form was great and I upped my squat to 105!

Alright, rant over. Back to homework!

RMDC · February 4, 2016

This is why I gave up on the gym and went 100% bodyweight.

Jonesy · February 4, 2016

That sounds like a crazy gym visit. I'm proud you went in through and got your workout in!

Rhyme · February 5, 2016

Bahaha, that's why I'm excited for the Assassin minis! it gives me the chance to get better at bodyweight stuff. Maybe someday I can do goofy poses instead of squabbling over the squat rack.

Studying went great today! I had two assignments due online tonight at 11:55pm. Finished them before my chem lab at 2:00! That's not even past 11:30pm! How crazy is that? Before I went home I got my math assignment all set up and started working out a couple problems. There's not even a quiz tomorrow! I want to really focus on working ahead, I'm always so used to doing things last-minute. Now that I have a foggy idea of what I might want to major in, I know that procrastination -- even if I still get good grades -- won't help me actually understand the material.

Oh man though, lunch today. I was freezing, wanted something hot to eat, and the only healthy thing I could find was steamed carrots. Of all the vegetables they could have had... they picked one that I find completely unpalatable. Looking around at other options, I decided to have a cheat day because there was chicken alfredo pasta and that's my favorite thing that I haven't eaten in years. About two bites in, I felt so dejected. It didn't taste anything like the glorious alfredo from days of yore. Either A.) my memory is an optimist, or B.) I just bought pre-made pasta from the Pizza Hut in a college food court and I really need to lower my standards.

I recorded a Sith-y gif last night for the minichallenge! It'll be up today or tomorrow~

Asa Pond · February 5, 2016

Congrats on going to the gym even though you didn't want to! That is so hard sometimes, but once you get in the habit of forcing yourself to go, it gets easier (and has to happen less!).

Squat rack jerks are the worst. They are the reason I started working out at 5:30 in the morning - because the gym is either empty, or people just want to get in and out. But I realize morning workouts are not for everyone - just mean that I feel your pain.

Can't wait to see the new poi gif!

RMDC · February 5, 2016

Where did you get the glorious alfredo of yore? Making alfredo at home is actually pretty easy and super awesome. It's good enough that it might be worth planning a cheat day around it in advance.

Jonesy · February 5, 2016

OOOOh I can't wait to see your Sithy poi gif. Yay Siths!

Rhyme · February 6, 2016

Congrats on going to the gym even though you didn't want to! That is so hard sometimes, but once you get in the habit of forcing yourself to go, it gets easier (and has to happen less!).

Squat rack jerks are the worst. They are the reason I started working out at 5:30 in the morning - because the gym is either empty, or people just want to get in and out. But I realize morning workouts are not for everyone - just mean that I feel your pain.

Can't wait to see the new poi gif!

I am seriously considering switching things up and going in the morning! It would be great because on rest days I could use that time to study. Buuut I'd have to use the gym showers and I'm really weird about gym showers for some reason. Still want to try it out, though.

Where did you get the glorious alfredo of yore? Making alfredo at home is actually pretty easy and super awesome. It's good enough that it might be worth planning a cheat day around it in advance.

The glorious alfredo of yore was from a restaurant called Zio's, so it was definitely on a different level from Pizza Hut. And you just made me look up alfredo recipes and now I have the most AMAZING contribution to the Assassin mini...!

OOOOh I can't wait to see your Sithy poi gif. Yay Siths!

Oh man I am so far behind. I'll post it someday, I promise!!

Rhyme · February 7, 2016

I can feel panic mode coming on: I want to submit applications for two summer internships, but I have to ask for letters of recommendation. I have less than any idea of what I'm doing. I can ask my boss at work, but the internship I'm really interested in asks for two academic references. I'm sure one professor from last semester will be happy to help, but since I only go to school part time, I'm not sure I know anyone else to ask. Is it weird to ask a professor from spring last year? Or even one from this year, when we've only had like two weeks? How do I even frame the question?? "Oh heyyy, I haven't talked to you in ages, can you write a paper on me it's due in like a week lol".

I have no reason to be stressing this much, I was planning on taking Calculus over the summer, anyway! But naturally my brain jumped onto the idea of "if you don't get an internship during this summer in particular, nobody will hire you and you will work in retail for liiiiiiife." Blaaah.

Anywhoo, hopefully I'll actually get around to making that gif tonight! Stay tuned.

RMDC · February 7, 2016

It's perfectly reasonable and acceptable to dig back a semester or three when scouting professors for recommendations. There's nothing that makes an educator's day like being appreciated for her efforts, and being asked to write a recommendation usually means the student thinks highly of her (you know, on top of "she'll make me look good").

fleaball · February 7, 2016

When I was applying to grad school last year I got letters from profs I had class with in 2008. It's doable. I apologized profusely for bothering them blah blah and one told me to stop worrying about it because it's essentially part of the job description and they know they'll be asked to do it. She phrased it in a much more positive way than that, of course, but hell if I remember how she said it. She also said pretty much exactly what RMDC said. Literally every time I've asked for letters I've gotten some variation of "I'd be honored to write for you."

As far as the actual asking, it's better to do it in person if you can manage it, but if not shoot off a quick email.

"Hey Prof X, hope you're doing well. I really enjoyed taking Y class with you in whatever semester.

I'm applying for an internship at This Place and I was hoping you'd be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me." Briefly explain why you're interested in the internship/how it's relevant to what you're doing so they have some frame of refernence. Offer to take them out for coffee or something to chat if they want to learn more about you or the topic at hand. Close with something like "thanks for considering. If you can't do it I understand." I don't personally know anyone who's ever had a prof say no.

And yeah, you're totally fine asking the prof you have this semester. You may have to hit up their office hours to explain more in depth what your goals are (not a solid life plan, but to say something more than "idk this one sounds interesting), but at the very least then they can gloss over the "Rhyme's done superfab work in class" and talk more about "well we've discussed everything and this really fits her goals well blah blah." They know how to fudge it where they need to.

You've got this. Take 10 minutes tonight to email them and set up a meeting this week, or be prepared to ask after class.

Rhyme · February 8, 2016

Phew! Thank you thank you thank you guys for your input! Flea, I love you so much for typing a sample email for me to wrap my noggin around. I found both of the professors' offices, but I'm not sure when their office hours are... Right now I'm planning on dropping by tomorrow and asking in person, but I'm not sure if they'll be there? I'm there almost all day for sporadic classes/clubs, so I'm sure I'll catch them at some point, but I think I might email them and just ask what their office hours are... but I'm hesitant to add that extra layer of "bothering them" by setting up an official meeting. Man, I wish I knew about this earlier. I feel bad for only being able to give them like a week and a half when I know they must be busy and each day I delay a meeting gives them less time to write..

Oh, just found the syllabus from each class! Turns out both their office hours are by appointment only. Guess that decision was made for me! Ahh but I forgot if one of the professors has a doctorate or not, crap, I hope she's not disappointed if I call her Mrs... Wait, but I swear I remember her telling be what it was like in a PhD program. Screw it, I'll call her Dr, if I'm wrong it's still a compliment, right?

Screw it, quit obsessing about it, email them and ask office hours, it's not as big a deal as I'm making it out to be. Graaaaagh

Aaah it's late and I finished my chem homework but I still have math but I need to email them first and I'm hungry and I need to fill up my water bottle and tomorrow's gym day I need to get my gym bag packed and I'm so far behind on my challenge because week one's already over omg I forgot to make that gif should I skip my volunteer shift and go straight to the gym so I don't have to deal with power rack guy during the work rush? Omg I still don't know how to name polyatomic ions yet and I need to print off a new periodic table. Brb off to to sort out my life for the next few days.

fleaball · February 8, 2016

I hope you got your emails done! If not, just saying "Prof X" is an easy cheat when you're not sure what to call someone. (And actually most of my profs who are PhDs call themselves Prof instead of Dr so hey.) You can also say "Sorry it's last minute but I just found out about this internship." I wouldn't worry about bothering them by setting up a meeting. They're required by the school to hold a certain length of time for office hours anyway. I had something else to say about that but I just forgot it. Damn.

Take a deep breath. Do one thing at a time. It will all get done and you will be fine. <3

fleaball · February 8, 2016

Oh. When you go see them I'd bring a printed copy of the internship description/requirements so they have something to work with, if you haven't done that already.

Rhyme · February 8, 2016

I hope you got your emails done! If not, just saying "Prof X" is an easy cheat when you're not sure what to call someone. (And actually most of my profs who are PhDs call themselves Prof instead of Dr so hey.)

'Doh, wish I'd read this first! Oh well, they are done and sent! I feel like I may have been overly enthusiastic with the first one, but that was sent to the super enthusiastic professor so I should quit worrying! THANK YOU for the reminder about printing the position info, it's printing now as I type!

Breathe, breathe! I made myself a salad to munch on, got a glass of water. Gonna go get my gym bag 'n crap all ready so I can fly out the door tomorrow, then spend whatever remaining time I have on math stuff before critical sleep-crankiness sets in. All I wanna do is browse NF for a bit longer, but there's no time for procrastination right now! :onthego:

fleaball · February 8, 2016

You rock socks my friend.

Suzaqu · February 9, 2016

Good luck on the internship apps! If you are still corresponding with the profs on the letters, it helps to provide a copy of your resume and/or any essays/statements you are using to apply for the positions because then they have some ideas about what to talk about and can support what you are saying, even if you just provide drafts.

Hope all your studying is going well and the gym was power rack guy free!

fleaball · February 10, 2016

^ 100%. Can't believe I forgot that.

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Rhyme joins the Assassins -- now with progress gifs!

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