My brain and I were having this semi-conflict: I didn't want to think and my brain was thinking it should start working again soon.

I mean, the break is supposed to be just that, right? a break from all the long thinkings I've done all during the long semester?

But my brain is contesting otherwise. It says a break from thinking is fine for just so long. Really now, how long do you think you can do nothing all day except curl up in front of a warm woodstove?

So I moved on to reading books. My reading list this year is longer than last year's (but I've also read way more short stories so that might have something to do about that). Also watched movies.

That seemed to satisfy my brain for about yesterday and today. But then this evening it began making motions to quit this as well. I guess it just really isn't satisfied with my behavior until I am doing something very useful and difficult. But I'm not quite ready for that.

So I am instead working my way slowly up to that point. I'll blog, and write some stuff, and maybe find think of some more stories to read. But nothing strenuous. Not yet anyway.

Pumpkin Ginger Scones

My roommate made these several weeks ago and they were quite delicious. So I asked her for the recipe which she sent me:

from the Taste of Home Magazine

Pumpkin Ginger Scones

2 c flour
7 tbsp + 1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp baking soda
5 tbsp cold butter, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 c. canned pumpkin
1/4 c. sour cream

In a large bowl, combine the flour, 7 tbsp sugar, baking powder & soda, and spices. Cut in 4 tbsp butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine egg, pumpkin, and sour cream. Stir into dry ingred until just moistened.

Turn on a floured surface; kneed 10 times. Pat into an 8 in circle. Cut into 8 wedges. Separate wedges and place onto greased baking sheet. Melt remaining butter, brush over dough, sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 425 F for 15-20 min or until golden brown.

Happy?

So maybe it's been the long semester, or maybe it's late at night, but I think my brain might not be working quite right when I find this video clip about weather from 22 Words so hilarious after watching it only twice that I have to watch it twice more.

Weather or not you like it, I've finished three of my finals

Last night, I had to keep reminding myself that I was done with three of my final exams and therefore three of my classes. As I fell asleep, I kept getting these moments of stress where I thought I was trying to solve a problem and it wasn't working out. And then I would wake up and realize I had finished that class. And then I would doze off and it would happen again.

But at least I was warm last night. God has been good to us and allowed us to keep our electricity and even be able to let others stay at our place over the night. A girl and her one-year old baby stayed over last night because their place had no heat. And the night before, my sister stayed over so she could get into her exams yesterday.

So even though my grades are plummeting from horrible classes, God is still good and happy things are happening.

One down, three left to go

And the round of finals has begun.
Four finals...I think that's the most I've ever had as of yet.

After running through all my grades and my class syllabi, I figured I would be getting C's in at least two of my classes despite working long hours this semester on them. I was depressed.

Perhaps it meant I was not really very smart and I would be better off quitting my engineering track. I could be a math teacher. I love math. And I did very well in all those courses.

But, I thought, I would miss Aerodynamics. Perhaps I am crazy, I but I really love solving all the lovely equations and having problems come into place for Aerodynamics.
So I shall not become a math teacher, at least, not yet. I shall get C's but have a most glorious time doing Aerodynamics.

And not worry about all those silly persons I know who are doing better than I but enjoy Aerodynamics less.

And besides, God hasn't told me to be a math teacher yet, either.

Still confused

That was the strangest call I have ever had.
Actually, it began with a text message saying I needed to bring Pablo to our end-of-semester dance that our campus Christian group is holding this Saturday.
So I called the sender who disclaimed any sending of aforementioned message.
Instead, he put me in contact with some foreigner who was quite insistent that Pablo must come and he must come dressed up...meaning with a tie. I demurred and pointed out I had no tie with which to clothe him with. The strange foreigner said a tie could be provided. I said I had no means of transporting Pablo to the dance. The strange foreigner said a car could be provided. All I had to do was get Pablo to come and I would be given 2 million non-sequential dollars. I agreed that if I got permission from the owner of Pablo, he would certainly be there if I had anything to do with it.


And with that the strange foreigner wished me a goodnight and hung up.



Oh, and if you are wondering who on earth Pablo is, he is one of those funny round chef statuettes but rather tall. And he lives in the kitchen of our next-door neighbors (also members of our Christian group).

And I have returned!

my brain is nearly my own once again...just a few more weeks.
But the worst is over for right now.

It is the peace and relief before the onslaught of finals.
Oh finals! How you dance merrily ever before us, teasing us and frolicking about with out pity.
And later you return to darken our dreams and shed a shadow on the last days of class.


But fortunately for us, we have happy dances and parties coming up right at the end of class during what we call "study days".
And for a little while we shall dance all our troubles away.

And after all, four finals are not too bad. At least they are all spread out neatly over finals week.

And meanwhile I am enjoying having my last Aerodynamics exam done and out of the way.