Today I found a file on my desktop, when I was "writing my chapter". It is a(n apparently drunken) first draft of a speech I eventually gave at the WISP graduation ceremony. Don't You wish I had just said this? The entirety:

Students, Faculty, Lovers, Would-be lovers, Frenemies, Posers, Pseudo-Intellectuals,


YOU HAVE PASSED YOUR PRIME. Rent a beach house if You can.


Congratulations!

Yesterday Mom and I went to a outdoor concert of world music at the Dominican Cathedral in Warsaw. It was a good concert. Full of hitherto unknown instruments, percussive bones and such, and a Norwegian woman who warbled something amazing. But it reminded me of how I never go to concerts, or plays, or anything purely spectatorly. I just get too bored. Dance is somewhat better because then I spend time thinking about how awesome the human body is (and lusting after the performers). But plays and music aren't enough to maintain my focus. It could be that this would be rectified by a greater education in music or the theatrical arts, so my brain would be more actively occupied. But as it is, I'm reaffirmed in my tendency fill out my free time with more fully engaging* activities.

* speaking of engaging, my PT told me today that it is not true that I don't have enough core strength to do the things I want to do. I just don't engage my core strength when I'm doing something that doesn't directly use it, like twists or crunches or whatever. I isolate too much. I will, apparently, become better at throwing things if I use my torso and legs for it. I think this is just part of my general physical tendency to use as little movement as possible, to expend as little energy as possible. It's evolutionarily valid, You have to admit.

Admissions Interviews, Day 3*

Q: So, since You haven't really had any contact with psychology in the past, why is it that You want to study it?
A: Well, I know that many people who come to interview don't know what psychology really is, but I KNOW that for the first two years it is mainly mathematics!


* On Day 2 nothing really funny happened. Except maybe this, more sad than funny:

Q: You don't seem to have much of an idea of what psychology is. Have You applied to any other programs?
A: Yes, I have applied to the Warsaw University of Technology.
Q: For what program?
A: Aeronautical engineering.
Q: So, on the one hand, aeronautical engineering, on the other hand, psychology....?
A: Well, my father wants me to go to the University of Technology, my mom wants me to go to psychology.
Q: What do You want?
A: (long silence)
...
(interview littered with long silences)
...
[candidate exits]
Q: What are we supposed to assign points for? Quality of silence?

Just to keep You updated on my triathlon training: I have again concluded that swimming at Inflancka is INTOLERABLE due mainly to the CRAZIES who stop to rest mid-pool. About 1/2 the pool is shallow (standable), which for some reason makes people think they can go ahead and take a coffee break in the middle of the lane, even if there are 6 people swimming in it and I almost crash into them. FOOLS.

Otherwise, though, I tried to do a little jog after my swim today and nearly fell over. I am going to have to take the idea of doubling-up training sessions seriously, seriously.

Admissions Interviews, Day 1

Q: Why do You want to study in Warsaw?
A: Anything to get away from the pathological situation that is currently my family.

Q: Why do You want to study in Poland?
A: I think Poland has a lot in common with my country.
Q: Really? Like what?
A: Oh, Polish people do crazy things!

Q: Do You have any experience with psychology as a field? Have You read any books, taken any classes?
A: Well, to be honest I never finished a complete book.