I seem to be developing the habit of posting solely between semesters. Without classes I have the time and boredom to motivate myself to blog. This time I have done much more than just posting though. I finally gave up on Blogger and decided to install WordPress instead.
After comparing the features offered to blogspot blogs and FTP blogs, I discovered that as an FTP blog owner I was missing out on many of the newer features of Blogger such as widgets, AJAX publishing, and paged posts. After this frustrating realization, I started to explore my other options. The two most obvious candidates were WordPress and Movable Type. After googling up a few reviews and comparisons of the two, it seemed that they were fairly equal in terms of features and any lacking features could be supplemented with plugins. In the end I decided on WordPress because it is open source and promised a quick, simple installation.
My main problem with the installation was my insistance on using the terminal FTP program and ignorance on how to upload directory structures. This meant that I ended up creating directories by hand, which seriously extended the upload time. However, I suspect that if I had used a GUI drag ‘n’ drop FTP program, it would have taken the promised 5 minute installation time because apart from the upload, everything was very easy.
So there I was with a brand new WordPress installation with a nice stock layout. I still had half of my winter break left, so I decided to attempt to trick out my new site. Inspiration was my main problem at this point because there are plently of good resources out there on the template structure and tags for WordPress. After discovering many amazing blogs that I could never compete with, I finally came up with this idea. My search for ideas introduced me to new design ideas like XHTML compliance, modularized design, and table-less layouts.
Although this is my first post using WordPress, at this point I am very happy with my decision in reaching this point and look forward to many future posts in this new environment.
Posted by Huston at 12:35 am
My semester ended well. Not quite as well as I’d hoped though. I only got a 3.4. As for my scholarship, I ended up having to submit an appeal and almost lost it. Luck seems to be with me though. Between my appeal letter, my grades spring semester and some confusion with the school not warning me that I was in danger of losing it, I have another year to bring my cumulative up to a 3.0. That should be more than enough time as long as long my grades keep going the way they have been.
I finished up my summer statistics class a few weeks ago. As a summer class, it had a different crowd and a different vibe. The information presented in the class was fairly limited by the time, as were the assignments. All in all, the class was pretty easy. It was nice to feel like the smart kid in class again. I got a 98 on the final, which, as my highest grade on a test so far in college, I’m fairly proud of.
I’m finishing up my summer by being lazier than ever. Working a little and sleeping a lot seems to be a relaxing combination. I’ve had some fun weekend trips this summer. I went to the beach and got miserably burnt. After peeling I was still left with a little tan, so the burn wasn’t all bad. Last weekend I went to Cedar Point, an amusement park, and got to ride some great roller coasters. I haven’t been there in at least 5 years and really enjoyed all the new roller coasters and some of the old. Despite one and two hour lines, I still had a lot of fun.
The dorms open in about two and a half weeks and I can’t wait to move in. I’m really looking forward to the apartment style dorms that I’m privileged to this year. More surprisingly, I’m excited for classes and once again being productive. As usual, my classes could be good or bad, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting started and finding out.
Posted by Huston at 3:07 pm
The end of the semester is almost here. I really don’t think I’m ready for it either. The usual doctrine of cramming for final exams doesn’t apply this semester. I only have one exam. I have two papers, a huge project and a large presentation though. I think projects and papers might be even more stressful than exams. I have a constant guilt about not working on them even though they aren’t due for about 2 weeks. This is made all the worse because keeping my scholarship depends on me maintaining straight A’s this semester. I’m on the border in many of my classes, so my grades will most likely come down to my finals. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping everything works out.
I’m really looking forward to this summer. It’s basically the same as last summer. I’m living in an apartment, taking a class and working. I’m continuing my research job from last summer. I’ve worked there for almost a whole year, which is the longest I’ve ever worked somewhere straight. I’ll be able to dedicate more time to work this summer, which is nice since I’ve been a bit of a disappointment with all the distraction of the stress of school. I’m hoping I’ll actually be able to live up to all the expectations put on me.
Classes are always easier in the summer. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s only one class as opposed to 5 or if they are actually more laid back, but they are definitely more enjoyable in the summer. I’m taking statistics. I’m really hoping it will be easier because math is not my forte.
All in all, I’m looking forward to spring semester being over and I’m really excited for the summer. If all the goes well, the semester will end well and the summer will live up to my expectations.
Posted by Huston at 6:41 pm
