TO BE OR NOT TO BE

Decisions are hard, as Hamlet pointed out.  How does one choose, when the choice is between the path of least resistance and one's own conviction which assuredly will encounter an uphill battle?

In both history course this semester, I have to produce term papers.  In both cases, I know what the convention wisdom is on the subject, what is in every history textbook.  I also come to a realization, from my own research, that there are supportable alternative views that depart from received views.

Those of you who know me would know that I am a bit of a shit-disturber (I think that's a Canadian expression.  That's like a rabble-rouser, more commonly used in the US -- BTW, it's rabble-rouser, not REBEL rouser).   Anyway, I derive inexplicable pleasure in seeking the road less traveled.  So what do I do?

Let me be more explicit.  Take this paper I am on right now.  Was Truman responsible for the Cold War?  Convention wisdom suggests yes.  Personally, from what I have found, I beg to differ.

Now I know that if I say yes, and provide all the typical responses as to why, it would be fine.  But where's the fun in that, eh?  So my gut says to say No.  That however is a bit of a challenge to the status quo.  I don't know how the prof (actually the TA) would take it.

Easy way out?  Or do what I think?

"A man who is not true to himself gets constipated," wrote Stephen King.

What do you think I will do?  OK, so I have now convinced myself.  If things don't work out, I blame Stephen King.

Thought about going out, but...

Since I have a snow day, I thought maybe I could take the bus and go to the gym.

Good thing I checked what it's like out there.  Can you see the bus stop/shelter on the right side of the photo?  Haha.

On second thought, maybe not  :)

I am so Sad

This is a very sad day for me.  My hero, "The Man Who Could Fly," is dead.

Rest in Peace, Gordon Banks! 


He was not only one of the greatest goalies ever, he was a very good man.  Humble to the end.  He inspired me into even attempting sports.  This was someone who, AFTER LOSING AN EYE, could still play professional soccer as a goalie!

RIP.  Missing you already.

This will be a fun week!

This huge big snow storm is heading my way.  Supposed to bring between 10-15 inches of snow on Tuesday/Wednesday.  What great news!  I have a mid term on Wed at 11:30.  With that much snow, it will take me an hour to walk to campus.  What joy!

And tomorrow I have this French class.  I don't look forward to walking home at 10 pm when there's a raging snow storm.

But then it's my choice, right?  To move to this cold place.

By now, I think everyone in the area is totally fed up with winter.  It came early this season too, so we are really sick and tired of this crap.  Some side streets and sidewalks are still covered by several inches of ice.  Nothing will ever get rid of that until it really warms up.  And when will that be!

Hey, I made Dean's List last semester!  Haha.  Pretty neat.  They released the official grades for last semester, and they showed the average grade for each class as well.  In all five classes that I took, the average was no higher than a C.  I guess grade inflation hasn't taken its toll on grade integrity at U Ottawa yet.  Cool.

Learned a new phrase today in French (Well, I actually asked how to say it):  un an plus proche  des vers


Ah, WUNDERBAR!  They just announced that campus is closed today at 4 for 24 hours.  Apparently this is the first time in 25 years that they close down campus on account of snow!  PERFECT!

HUGE LINE FOR FREE BEAVERTAILS

This is what happens when there's free food!

The line goes on forever.  I simply don't have the patience.

 

Well Screw You, Too!

After much deliberation, I decided to drop a Sociology of the Family class.  Since this is the end of the third week of classes, and it's a bit late to take another one, I am stuck with just four this semester.  Still FT, but it sucks that I am not taking the max number of courses.

Why did I drop the class?

I am interested in the subject matter.  Based on what I saw so far, I had little doubt of an A.  AND, I had already finished the term paper that's due March 12.

But I can't stand the prof.

Or, more precisely, she can't stand me.  Or any other men for that matter.  I think she has a lot of baggage, and misandry is definitely in the air that she breathes.

I sat through five lectures and every time I kept asking myself why I was there.  I could skip class, but she also gave random in-class assignments that are graded.  So damned if I do, damned if I don't, eh?

So I figured, well, I don't need this credit.  I don't need this course.  I am not in sociology.  And I certainly don't need this shit.

Today being the drop deadline, I dropped the damn class.  The only unfortunate bit of that is that I won't have a chance to trash her on her teaching evaluations.  Yeah, and of course my term paper is wasted (but as you well know, in business we call that SUNK COST, eh?).

*************************

On a different note, this freezing and thawing weather this winter has been horrific.  One day it's -25, and the next it's 20 degrees warmer.  So snow melts, forms puddles everywhere, and freezes back into a fucking hockey rink.  Makes walking very treacherous.  So do be careful as you navigate the winter roads.

And now we're heading back into the cold.  From a high of zero Celcius yesterday we are getting a low of -22 today and -18 tomorrow.  Here we go again!

Stay warm if you're in cold climes.

THIS IS A LOT MORE FUN

Business research is SO boring.  This sounds like a hell lot more fun!  Too bad I don't qualify.  Could use the money!