Tut, tut, tut...

Rice has the most inefficient system of doing things in the known universe. Let me see if I can take you through a step by step process. Spring, 2003, I "pre-register" in class after speaking with my advisor, getting signatures, and hand carrying a form to the registrars office.

Today, I go to a computer lab (because such things can only be done from an ON CAMPUS computer) and attempt to login. Unfortunately my "RUF" account isn't good on "OWLNET" clusters of computers. So, I apply for an OWLNET account. I attempt to use the same password as my RUF password, but the system tells me "You already have that password associated with another Rice ID", pick another one. (Don't ask me why the system can access the RUF password database, but still requires you to maintain a second account). I log in to my SISWEB account (a THIRD user ID and password). I add the class I want. I PRINT the form. Total time in computer lab: 30 minutes.

I hand carry the form to my advisor (who I have spoken with on several occasions about my plans for the semester, both in person and via e-mail). He signs the form. He makes a joke. He tells me about some interesting study he just read. I escape. Total time in the ME building: 20 minutes.

I take the form over to the Registrar's office. I wait in line. I get to a human being. She takes the form, and starts "tut, tut, tut"ing under her breath. I have a "Registration Hold" preventing me from doing anything. Why do I have this hold? Because I am not registered. However, in order to register, the hold must be removed. Does this seem to defy reasoning to you? Anyway, Ms. Tut Tut consulted her supervisor, and with all of three mouse clicks, she removed the hold, and switched my status to "Registered." And then she typed in my user ID, retyped in the course number (which I had just entered an hour ago on SISWEB), and kaboom, I'm in the class. Total Time at the Registrar's Office: 1 hour (30 minutes in line, 30 minutes with registration lady).

Anyway, I feel like I've just lost 2 hours of my life.

Heads, shoulders, knees and toes

I went to the rock gym last night. My arms hurt a lot. I'm still afraid of rock climbing. Give me a break, I can't be a thrill seeker in EVERY aspect of my life. Sarah said on our way out "You did much better than I expected...", which, I jokingly suggested was difficult to tell whether it was a compliment, because I didn't feel like I did very well at all, since I'm both weak and a chicken! But I guess I did ok, because she commented: becca came for the first time last night too, and she did awesome for her first time. i was so proud. This was particularly nice of her considering my overzealous belay-ing gave her a good case of rope burn on the arm.

I don't know if I'll be able to go regularly though, I have *so* much on my plate right now, I really need to cut back. I'm already trying to figure out how I'm going to manage to work until at least 6:30 tonight, mow my lawn, play volleyball, and pre-clean for the cleaning lady. Then tomorrow is my last night of sailing. And I'm going camping all weekend. Busy busy. And on Thursday of the next week I'm flying to Seattle for a long weekend of work and fun. Except I just found out I may not get to go. I'm going to try not to get frustrated and take it as it comes. Try try try.