Now that I’m two weeks into my sixth semester at K-State, I think I can make some objective comments on it. I’m taking Database Systems, Operating Systems, and Design of Digital Systems this semseter. (Lots of “Systems”). I’m pretty psyched about Operating Systems. I hear/know it’s a challenging course, but I’m very interested in the subject material. I’d really like to work on implementing low-level operating systems or write device drivers some day.

Which brings me to the next class on the list: Design of Digital Systems. This is basically an extension of EECE 241, that I took my Freshman year. (In fact, it was the first class that I took at K-State). So suffice it to say: I don’t remember much about this stuff. I’m really excited about this class, even though I’m the only Computer Science major that’s taking it. It can be a little intimidating to take a 500-level Electrical Engineering course when you’re not an Electrical Engineer. I’m keeping up well so far, I just hope they get past the physical stuff soon and we start looking at the desgin logic.

Now, onto Database Systems. I hadn’t every really put much thought into database systems before, and it’s one of the most foreign areas of Computer Science to me. This class should prove interesting, albeit a little on the boring and tedious. It’s going to contain some good information that any self-respecting Computer Scientist should know. Plus, I’ll finally get a chance to learn and practice server-side development. It’ll be nice to know how this blog actually works.

Other than “the big three”, I’m taking Written Communications, Computer Ethics, and Global Problems. I’m not really liking Written Communications so far. I don’t really like the busy work we’ve had to do and I’ve never done a research paper before. But, now I’ll get my chance. For this class’ final project we have to write a 15-20 page paper…single space. That’s pretty damn ridiculous if you ask me. But, nobody did. So I have to write it.

I think Global Problems will be a fun class. I’ve not had to take notes yet. Each lecture is like sitting through an episode of Connections. I like history and I’m good at remembering useless facts. This means the class will be cakewalk. Right?

I’m taking a lot more classes that involve writing this semester. I’m not sure if I like it. I’d MUCH rather do a math assignment or write a program than write an essay. But, if the essay is about something that I’m interested in, I usually do pretty well. On the whole, this is going to be different semester than what I’m used to.

I’ve not written on here for a while, so I’ve decided to make an update.

School’s progressing well this semester. I’m taking:

• CIS 301 – Logical Foundations Of Programming
• EECE 542 – Local Area Networks
• MATH 510 – Discrete Mathematics
• CIS 300 – Java Program and Data Structures
• HIST 570 – History of 17th Century Europe

I’m starting to get a little burnt out on my classes. I find it hard to stay focused like I did last year. My schedule is quite a bit easier than last semester, so it’s harder to stay motivated. I need to work on having the same standards as I usually do. I can’t let things start slipping.

My damn CIS 301 class is really shitty. I’ve got an 80% right now, that’s the worst I’ve had in any class here at KSU. But, the class is not hard. I understand everything that’s going on, its just that we don’t have shit for points. I messed up distributing on my last test and that cost me 4 points on a 25 point test. That single mistake is costing me 9% overall. That’s bullshit, my grade does not reflect my understanding of the material.

I also fucked up on my LAN quiz last Friday. I didn’t study for it as much as I should have. Because of that, I now have a 91% rather than a 97%. I’ll just have to be more careful. This quiz took me completely by surprise. I didn’t think that it would be very hard. I studied for all of the conceptual material, but there were a lot of problem solving questions. I can’t get a B in that class, I know just about everything in it already.

Luckily I’m doing well in my other classes. I’ve got VERY high A’s in Programming and History. I need to study for a programming test this Friday. I got lucky last time. I’ll just do the practice test Monday or Tuesday.

Discrete Math is going to be quite a bit of a challenge. I’ll study very hard for the second test. If I get a high A, I’ll be able to get an A in the class.

Overall, I think that I can still do pretty well this semester if I keep working hard. Kyle’s tip #183: Don’t Play RPG’s During School. I got wicked addicted and spent about 30 hours on it last week. I should have been using that time to study and do homework.

Ahhhh. The joys of college life.

Holy Hell. I hate Polish Notation! Who thought that throwing away all the usual rules of writing logical sentences and just throwing all the operators on at the beginning was a good idea? Who thought that me writing that last sentence was a good idea? That has to be the longest run-on sentence ever. Anyway, I’d just like say that I hate Polish Notation. NAKpqrAs