I'm the type of person who always has to have a few pet projects on the go to keep their sanity. The Devil's hands are idle playthings and whatnot. This site is one of them, writing phonics books (for which I actually get paid for, if you can believe it) is another. I've taken up (read: 've been forced to take up) Ruby lately, and it's surprisingly easy to get up and running if you have some basic programming knowledge. I'd like to make an automatic verification program for Optimality Theory (one of the leading theories governing phonology which is trying to make headways into other parts of linguistics) as well as a database for Korean grammar (Although
these guys aren't doing that bad) and others.
Of course, the reason I am thinking of these things is rather predictable. My thesis is due, and I don't want to do it. Projects are my version of "exam season cleaning." In the beginning, I work hard on what needs to get done and ignore everything else, like a proper mindless drone, but as soon as it gets close to the deadline I lose all interest and start messing around with this crap. (The site is crap, I can admit that in front of the three people who will actually read this!) I should be experimenting, but there is so much else to do!
That being said, I actually do enjoy working on my thesis. We are getting close to starting the experiments, I am starting to write the outline and whatnot. Still, my mind wanders. Being summer doesn't help. Going on a crazy trip in 3 weeks (read: I have no concept of time management.) doesn't help either.
If I can get a chunk done before the end of the month I will be golden. Will I actually do it? Meh...who knows?
I think I have become Korean, I am doing four countries in two weeks! Yes, it is time for my special brand of moochin' round the world. This season's episode is brought to you by Hong Kong for three days, Singapore for three days, Melbourne for six and Auckland for two whole fun filled days totaling just over two weeks of manic panic. I am visiting friends everywhere except for Hong Kong, which is just to get me some dim sum, which may or may not exist like I think it should.
Originally I had planned on keeping a separate blog for random non-travel related musings, but sticking to a "theme" seems to be beyond what I am mentally capable of. So instead of holding back until I get another site, I have decided to sling everything up on here. Not saying I will post more, just saying I will post more randomly, which is not a stretch. Damned those filthy Italics.
The more I write, the less work I have to do today, the more I guilt I feel, the longer I have to study, the less I care, the more work I do.
Doug's Blog
