On the one hand its great to have a former professor whose opinion you trust to help you out with the planning the future career thing.
On the other hand, its not so great when it comes to her challenging you to try harder and go for that big name school you'll need on your resume when all is said and done and you're looking for work. Thereby putting on a great deal of pressure. I know she knows my limitations and won't send me off into the world blindly with no clue as to what to expect.
Nevermind the whole Ph.D./ dissertation thing, I don't even know if I'm smart enough to get into any program let alone a highly selective top school. Oy. Nevermind the cost!
Grad school is hard...and I haven't even gotten into it yet.
Anne's Journal
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10/03/2007 15:41 #41475
Grad School, Schmad SchoolCategory: school
09/27/2007 16:56 #41364
UGhCategory: work/people are dumb
It's so bad how much I can't stand this woman I work with. Like I've never disliked someone that I work with thus much. Normally I can find some way to get around it but she's weird, homophobic and don't get me started on her weird personal life she enjoys sharing with us. She thinks the worst of everyone and always has a nasty thing to say. I don't know that I've ever heard her say something nice about anyone or anything. It's always mean spirited.
The other day I heard another woman i work with talking about how she overheard someone make a comment to their son about some guy, basically implying that their son was gay. And she was like "I don't know, I mean it might have been true!" and my response was "who cares?" It just blows my mind that there are people in this world who really believe that there are like 7 gay people in the world and they all live somewhere else.
I just can't handle the closed minded ignorance that comprises so much of our population.
Basically i need to quit my job and find one that pays the same but isn't working with 40 year old angry divorced women with 5 kids who have never left Buffalo and never want to.* I just realized every secretary I work with grew up in Buffalo and their parents live here too. That fact had never crossed my mind before.
Only 11 months til Grad School.
The other day I heard another woman i work with talking about how she overheard someone make a comment to their son about some guy, basically implying that their son was gay. And she was like "I don't know, I mean it might have been true!" and my response was "who cares?" It just blows my mind that there are people in this world who really believe that there are like 7 gay people in the world and they all live somewhere else.
I just can't handle the closed minded ignorance that comprises so much of our population.
Basically i need to quit my job and find one that pays the same but isn't working with 40 year old angry divorced women with 5 kids who have never left Buffalo and never want to.* I just realized every secretary I work with grew up in Buffalo and their parents live here too. That fact had never crossed my mind before.
Only 11 months til Grad School.
- DISCLAIMER: I have nothing against Buffalo, it's my home, but we all know those people who don't leave Buffalo and not because they love it here, but because they don't realize that there is a world outside Buffalo that they can actually go to that isn't Disney World.
tinypliny - 09/27/07 21:32
I have what I call the "Bliss Mantra" to get me through such situations.
You keep on smiling and nodding at everything negative but the minute you step out of work/their office/they step out of your office/cubicle, you erase *everything* they said and start afresh.
This way, every opinion I form of people are mine, and mine alone. An added advantage is that you can be on good terms with virtually everyone with the "Bliss Mantra".
I have what I call the "Bliss Mantra" to get me through such situations.
You keep on smiling and nodding at everything negative but the minute you step out of work/their office/they step out of your office/cubicle, you erase *everything* they said and start afresh.
This way, every opinion I form of people are mine, and mine alone. An added advantage is that you can be on good terms with virtually everyone with the "Bliss Mantra".
janelle - 09/27/07 21:01
I was so disillusioned when I got my first job out of school. I really believed that people grew out of the whole catty/gossipy/mean spirited stuff when they got to the workplace. Turns out that the catty/gossipy/mean spirited people in highschool are still that way in the workplace (not that none of these people don't ever change, just many don't seem to). And it's amazing how work cultures support that kind of attitude. I have worked in non-profits with co-workers that dedicate themselves to helping people, but wouldn't think twice of tearing apart another co-worker to their face!
I was so disillusioned when I got my first job out of school. I really believed that people grew out of the whole catty/gossipy/mean spirited stuff when they got to the workplace. Turns out that the catty/gossipy/mean spirited people in highschool are still that way in the workplace (not that none of these people don't ever change, just many don't seem to). And it's amazing how work cultures support that kind of attitude. I have worked in non-profits with co-workers that dedicate themselves to helping people, but wouldn't think twice of tearing apart another co-worker to their face!
vincent - 09/27/07 17:20
Drama is everywhere. It doesn't matter where you work or where you go. Some people and socioeconomic classes hid it better than others but it is still there in one form or another. Going to grad school and hopefully landing employment in a place where everyone has achieved a high level of education will help in that cause. Just keep in mind that it will be a bit more subtle and discreet.
Drama is everywhere. It doesn't matter where you work or where you go. Some people and socioeconomic classes hid it better than others but it is still there in one form or another. Going to grad school and hopefully landing employment in a place where everyone has achieved a high level of education will help in that cause. Just keep in mind that it will be a bit more subtle and discreet.
hodown - 09/27/07 17:17
I know totally how you feel. Trust me it's not only Buffalo that is that way. It's a vast majority of corporate America. It blows my mind on a daily basis.
I know totally how you feel. Trust me it's not only Buffalo that is that way. It's a vast majority of corporate America. It blows my mind on a daily basis.
09/25/2007 20:42 #41327
Running SucksCategory: running
Running sucks.
So my d-bag sister has "inspired" me to take up running. No for real though, she didn't try to get me to do it all it was legitimately all my idea
I officially started "training" for a 5k yesterday, I actually had to run today and it freakin BLOWS. I was so sweaty and tired and I didn't even run a mile. (I'm kinda fat and I'm in a shape, but not exactly the optimal desired shape if you hadn't noticed yet)
Spending all day in heels sitting at a desk and then running like immediately after work is probably not the best tactic, but whatev. I have like a month until the 5k, in which I'm sure my time will be awful, but at least I can say I tried it. I might grow to like it...eventually.
It took (e:mk) like 2 years to actually enjoy running not just that "I feel good about myself after I suffer through it" enjoy it, but like actually look forward to it. I hope to get there eventually.
House and Law & Order SVU premiere tonight! woohoo!!!
So my d-bag sister has "inspired" me to take up running. No for real though, she didn't try to get me to do it all it was legitimately all my idea
I officially started "training" for a 5k yesterday, I actually had to run today and it freakin BLOWS. I was so sweaty and tired and I didn't even run a mile. (I'm kinda fat and I'm in a shape, but not exactly the optimal desired shape if you hadn't noticed yet)
Spending all day in heels sitting at a desk and then running like immediately after work is probably not the best tactic, but whatev. I have like a month until the 5k, in which I'm sure my time will be awful, but at least I can say I tried it. I might grow to like it...eventually.
It took (e:mk) like 2 years to actually enjoy running not just that "I feel good about myself after I suffer through it" enjoy it, but like actually look forward to it. I hope to get there eventually.
House and Law & Order SVU premiere tonight! woohoo!!!
09/20/2007 11:34 #41214
The magical door openerCategory: work
Ok so in my office building almost every door has a CyberLock on it which means you have to punch a 4 digit number in order for the door to unlock. Every door in the building has the same code. Let me repeat that for necessasry emphasis: EVERY DOOR IN THE BUILDING HAS THE SAME 4 DIGIT CODE and everyone uses it every single day.
However, in spite of the fact that this is the case, I am sill compelled to buzz people in. I have 2 buttons under my desk, 1 for each door. Sometimes I wish they could shoot lasers or could turn off all the lights in the building...just to keep things interesting.
Anytoot, its expected that I buzz in the attorneys at least, but I usually buzz in the couriers and the facilities people who spend their entire day going floor to floor punching in those 4 numbers. Who I don't like to buzz in are other secretaries who should know better than to assume that I'll just stop what I'm doing to let them in. Especially the women on the 3rd floor, in which, because of remodeling, they don't have people who sit in the front where they must buzz people in. If they did, they would know how annoying it is. One woman literally walks to the door, puts her hand on the handle and stares at me until I open it. I mean, really? It takes possibly 5 seconds if you're very slow to punch i n those numbers. So this morning, I rebelled, with my dictation headphones in I just kept doing what I was doing and ignored her as she stared at me for a good 30 seconds waiting for me to let her in. Someone else opened the door for her.
Bite me, punch in the damn numbers yourself. Nevermind the fact that i don't like the people who work on the 3rd floor anyway. Well, let's see what happens the next time she tries to come to this floor.
I also happen to work on one of the 2 busiest floors, meaning lots of people come up here every day, and I sit on the side of the floor most people walk to, because HR and the accounting department are over here. It's been 2 months, I'm a little tired of it.
So yeah, I know, life's so hard, hahaha.
I need to get back on track with weight watchers. I hopped on the scale yesterday and it was not a pretty sight. I have no more excuses, this summer was hectic: moving 2x, college ending, friends moving away, new job, vacation, it made it hard to stick with it. But this is it. I'm back on track. I did well yesterday and today its so far so good.
Woohooo.
However, in spite of the fact that this is the case, I am sill compelled to buzz people in. I have 2 buttons under my desk, 1 for each door. Sometimes I wish they could shoot lasers or could turn off all the lights in the building...just to keep things interesting.
Anytoot, its expected that I buzz in the attorneys at least, but I usually buzz in the couriers and the facilities people who spend their entire day going floor to floor punching in those 4 numbers. Who I don't like to buzz in are other secretaries who should know better than to assume that I'll just stop what I'm doing to let them in. Especially the women on the 3rd floor, in which, because of remodeling, they don't have people who sit in the front where they must buzz people in. If they did, they would know how annoying it is. One woman literally walks to the door, puts her hand on the handle and stares at me until I open it. I mean, really? It takes possibly 5 seconds if you're very slow to punch i n those numbers. So this morning, I rebelled, with my dictation headphones in I just kept doing what I was doing and ignored her as she stared at me for a good 30 seconds waiting for me to let her in. Someone else opened the door for her.
Bite me, punch in the damn numbers yourself. Nevermind the fact that i don't like the people who work on the 3rd floor anyway. Well, let's see what happens the next time she tries to come to this floor.
I also happen to work on one of the 2 busiest floors, meaning lots of people come up here every day, and I sit on the side of the floor most people walk to, because HR and the accounting department are over here. It's been 2 months, I'm a little tired of it.
So yeah, I know, life's so hard, hahaha.
I need to get back on track with weight watchers. I hopped on the scale yesterday and it was not a pretty sight. I have no more excuses, this summer was hectic: moving 2x, college ending, friends moving away, new job, vacation, it made it hard to stick with it. But this is it. I'm back on track. I did well yesterday and today its so far so good.
Woohooo.
tinypliny - 09/26/07 01:13
ooooh@ Floor Wars! Bring it on!
ooooh@ Floor Wars! Bring it on!
09/17/2007 14:53 #41155
Run run run ready to runCategory: athletics
This weekend (e:mk), her whatever he is, boyfriend I guess and I went to Rochester for the Rochester half-marathon/marathon. (e:mk) ran the 1/2, Cory and I cheered from the finish line. (e:mk)'s friend Nicole ran the full marathon and declared it to be the worst thing she's ever done, she looked like she wanted to crawl into bed and never get up again.
As I frequently say, I only run when chased by a knife wielding maniac. which is probably why I'm so svelte now.
Although watching these runners aaaaalmost makes me want to do it. But not really. But maybe I will. But probably not. I do hate running. That might just be because I'm so out of shape. Maybe I'd like it more if I wasn't in such bad shape.
Anywho, it was fun all around, especially the part where a golden retriever slept on me for a morning, apparently the backs of my legs make a great dog bed.
Work is still boring. Now there's a temp who is working in the cubicle next to mine, and what sucks is that she doesn't actually work for the firm like as in a full time employee so basically as long as she does the project she's been hired to do, she can do whatever she wants. She chats on her phone A LOT. For example, right now. She just said something about who ever she's talking to and their sister are just looking for love and someone spit on a manager of some kind.
She also commits a fashion crime I detest. Obviously colored contacts. I overheard her say on the phone that she is chinese and black, and she somehow has blue eyes? Unless she is secretly thath girl from Memoirs of a Geisha, I think not. They're not even kind of convincing. She looks a little zombie-esque wearing them. Although the fact that she's doing this project means the secretaries here don't have to, so welcome to Lipsitz Green, wear whatever the heck you want!
I'm not sure what I want to go to grad school for, i'm tossing around a few ideas, but I think just to be on the safe side, since some programs require it and some don't, I'm going to take the GRE. anyone taken it before that can give me some advice on it? Thanks!!
As I frequently say, I only run when chased by a knife wielding maniac. which is probably why I'm so svelte now.
Although watching these runners aaaaalmost makes me want to do it. But not really. But maybe I will. But probably not. I do hate running. That might just be because I'm so out of shape. Maybe I'd like it more if I wasn't in such bad shape.
Anywho, it was fun all around, especially the part where a golden retriever slept on me for a morning, apparently the backs of my legs make a great dog bed.
Work is still boring. Now there's a temp who is working in the cubicle next to mine, and what sucks is that she doesn't actually work for the firm like as in a full time employee so basically as long as she does the project she's been hired to do, she can do whatever she wants. She chats on her phone A LOT. For example, right now. She just said something about who ever she's talking to and their sister are just looking for love and someone spit on a manager of some kind.
She also commits a fashion crime I detest. Obviously colored contacts. I overheard her say on the phone that she is chinese and black, and she somehow has blue eyes? Unless she is secretly thath girl from Memoirs of a Geisha, I think not. They're not even kind of convincing. She looks a little zombie-esque wearing them. Although the fact that she's doing this project means the secretaries here don't have to, so welcome to Lipsitz Green, wear whatever the heck you want!
I'm not sure what I want to go to grad school for, i'm tossing around a few ideas, but I think just to be on the safe side, since some programs require it and some don't, I'm going to take the GRE. anyone taken it before that can give me some advice on it? Thanks!!
tinypliny - 09/26/07 01:06
Yes, I agree with Lauren. Practice computer based tests. Paper based tests will only make you complacent. The key lies in Practice, Practice, Practice.
In addition, I strongly recommend that you join a current GRE forum such as: :::link:::
You could get a fair idea about the latest question trends on the GRE and also a lot of motivation to practice. :)
Good Luck!
Yes, I agree with Lauren. Practice computer based tests. Paper based tests will only make you complacent. The key lies in Practice, Practice, Practice.
In addition, I strongly recommend that you join a current GRE forum such as: :::link:::
You could get a fair idea about the latest question trends on the GRE and also a lot of motivation to practice. :)
Good Luck!
mike - 09/17/07 22:25
I HATE COLORED CONTACTS more than anything. more than war, more than crime, more than man capris even!
I HATE COLORED CONTACTS more than anything. more than war, more than crime, more than man capris even!
lauren - 09/17/07 20:37
I had to take to GRE and let me tell you, it sucks. I felt like I was back in highschool again as a result of the whole thing.
First of all...give yourself plenty of time to study. Their questions are so obscure that it is better to have an overarching understanding of what they want you to know rather than what specific questions they might ask you.
I highly suggest getting a prep book. Mine was GRE prep from Princeton Review I think. It gave me tips in what exactly they were looking and what I could expect from the test. Really good test taking strategies that are specific to the GRE. Also lots of math equations, vocab words, and sample essays.
Also, keep in mind that (in my humble opinion) they want to screw you up. Keep yours eyes open for questions that seem too easy.
Finally, do all that on top of preparing yourself physically. You have to sit in front of a computer for at least 2 or 3 hours (it is timed but you can have scheduled breaks) but it is physically and mentally challenging, at least for me, to sit still that long. Get lots of sleep, eat well, all that jazz and uh, good luck!
I had to take to GRE and let me tell you, it sucks. I felt like I was back in highschool again as a result of the whole thing.
First of all...give yourself plenty of time to study. Their questions are so obscure that it is better to have an overarching understanding of what they want you to know rather than what specific questions they might ask you.
I highly suggest getting a prep book. Mine was GRE prep from Princeton Review I think. It gave me tips in what exactly they were looking and what I could expect from the test. Really good test taking strategies that are specific to the GRE. Also lots of math equations, vocab words, and sample essays.
Also, keep in mind that (in my humble opinion) they want to screw you up. Keep yours eyes open for questions that seem too easy.
Finally, do all that on top of preparing yourself physically. You have to sit in front of a computer for at least 2 or 3 hours (it is timed but you can have scheduled breaks) but it is physically and mentally challenging, at least for me, to sit still that long. Get lots of sleep, eat well, all that jazz and uh, good luck!
you can definitely make it in grad school, little maloyster. it sounds tough but finally going to school for something you love makes all the difference. as for the $$, i believe most ph.d. programs cover the majority of your costs. you just have to help them do research and/or teach-- both good experiences for you. either way, shoot for the degree, program, and school that fits you best because, whether it's a big name or not, if they aren't doing the stuff you're interested in, you won't make the most of all of those extra years in school. good luck, smarty pants. (and look at some schools in boston, you can come visit!)
Grad school is more in depth and faster paced, but you can handle it. "Big name" schools don't mean shit in the real world, contrary to your professor's belief. You can be a tool and go to a top 10 bank breaker, but you're still a tool when it comes time to interview. Go to a school YOU like that has a program that fits YOUR needs and YOUR wallet. You get out of education the work you're willing to put into it.