Getting along just fine

Well, it's just about halfway through the semester, and I'd say I'm getting along just fine. In terms of grades, I received a 91% on my Fluid Mechanics assignment, a 96% on the Fluid Mechanics test, and a 95% on the Statistics assignment. I turned in my philosophy paper two days early, and have an exam tomorrow that doesn't stress me out at all, really. We're just getting into particle mechanics in Fluid Mechanics, which is much more comfortable to the mechanical engineer. I've managed to steal an entire loaf of bread, 9 packets of butter, 10 slices of cheese, a banana, a pear, a package of crumpets, two packets of jelly, and a knife from the dining hall (there's a sandwich press in the common room, so I can effectively make grilled cheese if I want!) - so I've finally got something to munch on and whet my appetite between meals (which is pretty important when I'm only allowed less than 2000 calories a day). I've been to all of the major attractions in Sydney, and will learn to surf / go to Melbourne / take a trip to Miala over the mid-semester break. I've found a good core group of friends, and feel pretty comfortable around most everyone in Fig Tree (living in a community makes it much easier to make friends). I've bought a guitar, so I can relax and play whenever I want in my extra-large room (since I upgraded in week 2 from the smaller room in the loud hallway of 17-year-olds). And the weather is turning into Chris-ideal - in the high 50's, low 60's, with gentle winds and not too much sun.

I've noticed that until this point, I haven't really had to study all too much. Imagine that - being back home in the U.S. and not having to study, it just doesn't make any sense. But that's the difference in the Australian university system, I think. So we're getting into the more complicated material, and I have to make sure I put the time in. But in the free time I've had recently, I've been thinking: the backpack could surely be redesigned for the better, right? And an undoubtedly better backpack would be a million-dollar idea! Think of the millions of kids in school who buy a backpack - if there's was an obviously better alternative to what they already use, wouldn't they surely buy that? I think Ri might have mentioned this before - I'll go into this with you, Ri, we'll make it big.

The photo with this post is the result of some in-phone processing. I joined the photo society on campus this past week, and the lecture on the week was "mobile photography." Part of that was how to take all of your gear with you and get the best shot, but part was also how to make the most of your cell phone (specifically your smart phone). So with a few apps, I edited the photo and got what you can see in the picture.

When I report back, I should hopefully have a grade for my paper, Evil and a Gracious God. Let's see what the philosophy professor thinks of Augistinian theodicy.

#photo