I’m a strong believer in astrological readings, horoscopes, and anything
that relates to the sort. So, as I apprehensively pulled myself out of my
terribly uncomfortable mattress and decided whether or not to go running I
decided I would find the answer in today’s horoscope. (Note: I only do this
when I’m on the edge of my decision. Yesterday, for example, my horoscope
suggested a surplus of mental energy. Mental, in my book, is no relation to
physical energy, so I didn’t go running. I’d also like to plead that I don’t
let my horoscope run my life. That would be quite a quixotic application. I
look at it more as a strengthening or cultivation of energy that is already
present. I know I know… “What a bunch of bulls**t” Let’s agree to disagree. You
say ‘Potato,’ I say ‘Merlot.’) Today my horoscope read, “You are sure to find that things are less scary and more
interesting than you would have guessed, and your great energy helps you sort
it out.” So, running I would go.
And not only would I run, I would run a new, adventurous path never explored
before on my runs. I would, at the bottom of a hill approximately 2Km into my
run, turn left instead of right. GASP!!!!
As I began my run I was happier than
I have been starting my runs lately. There was barely a breeze and the warm 60
degrees was an appreciated change from the cooler weather we’ve had. The sky
was (and still is) completely covered with what looks like a blanket of kind
clouds. The ones that won’t bother raining but will continue to block the sun
for the day (and likely the whole week). When I turned left at the base of the
hill I ran alongside the large mountain that I have climbed two times now and
am amazed by every day. This run would take me along the entire base of the
mountain and into a town about 6Km away (I leave it in Km because that’s what
the signs are in. So, that’s how I report it. Plus, it’s good to get
everybody’s brain flowing to figure out the conversion). Along the base all
that can be seen is a very steep edge of the mountain cluttered with
half-shaven sheep (It’s that time of year!). As I kept running I ran across
what I have been waiting to see in person since arriving in Scotland. Low and
behold in a field filled with more sheep and all the baby lambs you’d ever need
to sing my favorite Broadway lullaby, LITTLE LAMB, were seven Highland Cows. These cows are unlike any others due to their hair (most notably their stylish bangs. Just to set the record straight, these cows had bangs long before our First Lady). They're rather adorable and are the only cows I have seen that look like good cuddle-buddies despite their horns. I will take some pictures in the coming week to share. Now... onto a more relevant matter.
The 2B mark on a paper is equivalent to a B+ in the United States
grading system (why grading systems aren't universal by any means is beyond
me). Most students would be thrilled with a B+ on their first assignment in a
foreign country. I mean, my grade doesn't transfer back so I needn't worry
about it harming my GPA, but the mark still bothers me. I was perfectly fine
with it when I saw it plastered to a Excel sheet compared to some of the other
grades, but after picking up the actual grading sheet yesterday, I sunk to a
rather irritated state regarding some of the commentary and critique of my
academic work. The comments on my comment sheet read as follows; "I admire
that you are tackling some rather complex concepts head on and are
incorporating some of the more challenging readings into your own analysis.
It's great that you demonstrate such original and independent thinking!"
So, to the average person (average being a gross generalization. I
would imagine most people can understand where I'm about to go with this) these
comments regarding my writing of complex concepts would suggest that the
writing and reasoning would be a bit more complex than simpler readings or
such. For example, a paper about the book "See Jack Run" is going to be far less complex as a analysis of experimental film. Regardless, I was marked down to promote a more simple writing style. Scratch the word style. Why the hell is called style if a professor would prefer it stay consistent with every other monotonous essay. Lastly on the subject, I strongly believe that whatever categories are used for the grading sheet should be assessed individually rather than fitting a pre-determined grade. To explain, there is a grade breakdown that asks about 'Spelling.' Not a word on my essay was misspelled (I actually proofread my official assignments unlike this blog!) So why in the name of the Olsen twins did I get a 'Very Good' mark instead of an 'Excellent' mark? How irritated I am over the matter. I will, however, leave it be and not contest the mark while I'm abroad. Back home would be a different story. I would be sure to talk with the professor and request a re-evaluation of my work.
So that's about all I have for today's post. I'm a bit blogged down (get it? Haha.) over this past week's posts. But before I go, I have exciting news. I'm currently in the process of planning out my last traveling adventure. This time I will travel alone to the north. I have been getting advice from local Scots about the best cities to visit. I'm most excited about the possibilities of this trip.
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| What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn't have any doubt - it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn't want to go anywhere else. -Hal Boyle |
"You say potato, I say vodka"
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