Grad School
I concluded a unstressful, fantastic first term back in school. I am typing this a week into my second which, from the looks of it, promises to make up for the chill of the first.
Still remain unsure of where exactly where this detour is going but am really happy I’m learning a lot of stuff immersed in domains I’ve always loved. What they do here and what you can do here is amazing, exciting, and pretty overwhelming. And by “here” I suppose I mean this crazy interlocked dynamo that’s the department + the university + NYC. I am very lucky to be drinking from this firehose.
I am hoping to figure out what I’d specifically like to work on this term. It’ll be fine even if I don’t.
Home ♥️
It was really lovely to go back home for break and see my family, especially my diva husky who was reasonably happy to have me back (even if for a bit). Was not ready to leave and pushed my return date twice. I read a lot of books, watched a lot of movies and shows, redid my wife’s website, worked on a small personal project I’ve wanted to start since 2018. I also played a lot with Claude Code and really felt the epochal shift in what it means to be a programmer post 2025.
NYC
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had the general temperament of an irascible, retired Rabbi who’s just kinda had it you know? I thought I’d feel the same after I moved from my Midwest hinterland, few people, wide open spaces, no traffic problems, and mostly straight lines from source to target, almost disturbing level of quiet, to the Giant Beehive that is the Greatest City in the World. Thought I’d have a tough time adjusting.
Nope. I am still surpised by how much I’m just fine with living here. Still have a lot to learn about getting around and planning trips and appreciating the sheer size and density but it’s all so lovely and invigorating. People are mostly kind, helpful, and very direct. They don’t have time to be detained for (interminable per tradition) Midwestern chitchat. I kinda love this. You help, you keep walking. 🗽