a real post

so it's been a while since i've made an actual post. i can't remember the last time in my life i've been so busy. well, actually, it was probably almost this busy the last time i was taking classes but the summer has wiped away my memory of that.

i'm taking a user interfaces class which i really really like--- it's something that i could actually see myself wanting to do as a career. i like simplicity and things that are pleasing to the eye, and also i'm really critical--- and i think these things will help me design interfaces that are pleasant to use.

also, i'm ta'ing 6.042. it's really interesting seeing how classes are run behind the scenes and how things come together during lectures. the handouts at the front of the class that you pick up--- someone had to make copies of those. the short video clips shown in lecture--- someone had to make sure all the audio visual equipment was set up and working properly. the problem set that you might briefly glance over and then shove into your folder--- a ta could have stayed up until 6 am trying to grade all of them in time. ta'ing also means i can't skip my 11 am and 12 pm classes--- they are my own. and i can actually influence whether or not people in my sections are learning. one thing is for sure--- i am going to evaluate every class i take from now on--- every ta at least deserves honest feed back for all the time they put into their class.

some interesting parallels between my user interface class and ta'ing. users won't necessarily know that they'd like a certain interface design better--- they'll just notice when they use that interface, that it's somehow easier. most students don't know what will help them learn better (i've definitely had ta's who did nothing wrong, but just never did anything that particularly helped my learning), and it's not their responsibility to know that; it's kind of up to me to try a bunch of different things and see what works. even if students have complaints about teaching style, i feel like it's unlikely they'll mention them until the end of the semester, during reviews.

Enjoyable things since I've been back: going to J. P. Licks one evening to use the coupons in the student coupon book, walking through the Public Gardens late at night, sitting in my comfy dish chair, cooking dinner with Phil every night.

Also, I got a new bedtime friend: I was at Kitty World on Newbury Street when I saw him and I could not resist how strange and cute he looked:



like my new layout? NANA's been part of my life long enough (i even got a NANA ring, real Vivienne Westwood) that i thought i should do a NANA theme. i've been waiting for the latest installment (chapter 61) but it's not here yet. the layout is very me right now.