walking the plank

*currently searching for equations that will lead to solving systems of ordinary differential equations using 4th order Runge-Kutta Method*

Since 125 instructor started giving out probsets for this sem, I have put off doing them (at least, I wanted to do PS2, which is the whole lot of the problems for Chapter 3). Unfortunately, there is a way to "motivate" me. Sir required that we do one problem. One problem, I can't do because it turns out that I have to refer to a book I do not have. So, perhaps this whole probset experience will teach me something, or it will just plain suck.

I was so sure I would apply for CAPES last summer. I was thinking that I had noting much to do for the school year, aside from maintaining a grade (which I will not mention here, for now). So, when classes started, I got a form and happily filled it up. As of last week (see most recent post, aside from this of course), I was thinking that I would give up CAPES for a moment of doing nothing: no meetings, no work, just studying, or not, if I choose to stare at space blankly. So, I decided to put the CAPES form aside, and try to sort my priorities and do all the work I am supposed to do for now. But, everytime I look at the CAPES form, some sort of force pushes me to consider applying again. Of course I let that force take over me. Probably, as the deadline for the form nears (July 13, Friday), the desire to pass an application would go stronger.

Unfortunately, I received a hurray/no! text message from a certain person I would link only to the ChE Reactor (the official students' publication of the ChE Department). Neri told me that we are about to have a meeting, and courtesy call with Ma'am Gene this Monday. I asked Carla if that was true (she was made EIC, I think) and what position did I get. She told me that yes, I am part of the Reactor staff, and I have been made Layout Artist. All my euphoria from getting in the Reactor staff had dissipated because I wanted to be the Features Editor. The last thing I wanted to be is the Layout Artist, so I am expecting a) I will suck at this, or b) I'd be good, but will want to pass out every issue.

So there, I've got three swords aimed at me as I walk the plank. I chose to risk my life (social, academic, and perhaps, in the long run, physical [pertaining to health and well-being]) by taking these risks. Of course, I cannot choose to not do all my 125 requirements, or the Reactor duties (now that I have been accepted; it would be such a shame to be pasaway). I still have to choose to have, or not, the CAPES sword pointing at me. But probably I'd have it anyway. To me, the CAPES sword is made of licorice. At least for now.

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On the teen-angst-joy-irritation side, I really hated irate and semi-irate and quasi-irate subscribers in the last booth of Inhinyero. I hope everything goes well. And also, may I forgive a certain person for going too far.
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UP KEM Engineers invites ALL ChE students to KEMelicious: KEM Orientation Seminar on July 12, 5 PM at the Engineering Theater (3rd floor, Melchor Hall). There will be free food, fun and entertainment and freebies.

UP KEM is not only recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Youth Commission, but also the only UPD, ChE org affiliated with the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers-Junior Chapter Luzon and the Philippine Association of Chemistry Students.

Academic Excellence and Holistic Development Since 1954.

work person

Luckily, I have not yet aligned myself with our carriage-pulling friends which do a lot of work. I still have a bit of self-respect, but it's slowly thinning as the work that I have to do increases. Of course, this is not new to me but I have not experienced this kind of stress for about four months, so forgive a redundantly-themed (wha--?) post.

I think that the teenager-emotion/mood tumble is catching up on my last teen year. But as Dale said, "Let's not go there!".

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So, went to an actual wedding of a relative yesterday. The church ceremony was okay, well-rehearsed and not very touching (the couple, the husband, my uncle, has been married [civil] a long time before they had this church wedding). The reception (Shang!) was very fabulous for a simple person like me. Anyway, I got to join the bachelor/bachelorette game which is truly horrifying. So, we had to catch the garter-like thing for us to be 'eliminated' from 'winning'. The ladies had to catch roses. Of course, I did not want to 'win'. But I'm not very good at competitive games so I nearly 'won'. The final three guys were me, a second cousin of age 18, and uncle of age 41. Clearly, the most moral and just thing to happen is that we two boys 'lose' and our adult uncle 'win'. So, he gave way (actually, he gave me the garter-thing for me to 'lose'). He 'won' the game and got to slide the garter up some lady's leg. He also got to the 9 different kisses game. Unluckily, the lady who 'won' already had a boyfriend. So, imagine if I won, I could be sliding a garter up some 25+ year-old lady and giving her 9 different kisses. That's really adult stuff. I like being a kid and not doing those kind of stuff. Now I understand why Kuya Totep and Auntie Yolly used dirty tactics just to escape the watchful eye of the emcee, and avoid joining the embarrasing game. Whew. I gulped a bit of wine as I went back from the game. That didn't help.

Probably, a few years from now, I would be age-appropriate for that kind of stuff, but still, I can't see the point of humiliating single guests at a wedding. We should be toasting to the couple every 5 minutes, or instead, eating yummy pastries. That would be nice.