Quote and other foreign matter...

The mind is but a barren soil; a soil which is soon exhausted, and will produce no crop, or only one, unless it be continually fertilized and enriched with foreign matter. -Joshua Reynolds, painter (1723-1792)

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I'm not sure I really agree with Mr. Reynolds (above) but at the same time, I can definitely see a difference in the way most people behave given a college experience vs. no college. I hear from time to time the wailing and gnashing of teeth of some freshman or sophomore singing their tales of woe about being "forced" to take a GDR (general degree requirement, e.g. a math major taking an introductory English course) and I can empathize. Admittedly, it is unlikely that some people will ever use some of the information they are requested to learn. Still, I believe it is wise to expose a mind to many different ways of thinking. If only one method of thinking is available, then something new later on is more likely to cause confusion than edification.

I've been cleaning most of the day and still have much to do but at least a dent has been made in the process. It is moderately amazing how messy a house can become when four people (three, mostly) live here and only one cleans. That reason alone is cause for some amount of relief at the prospect of one less living here next semester and even fewer for summer. Please do not mistake me; I like all of them very much but I would still rather have my space.

Friday I did something I seldom do and enjoy even less. I sent a rather directive email to the aforementioned injurious student. It outlined what I want him to do, what he did to warrant this treatment and what will happen if he chooses to ignore my request. I believe he has received it, even though I received no read-receipt. I hope it did not hurt his feelings too much as that was not my intent. I simply cannot have him hurting the rest of the attendees of club. I guess time will tell. I just hope he doesn't decide to act foolishly against the requester or anyone else for that matter.

Although my home life has been interesting of late, I am not at liberty to discuss it here, but it definitely warrants a chapter in Dancing with Kobob. *whew* What a mess. Assuming I survive, I will be wiser, stronger and probably a bit angrier than I have been for a while. Still, the last attribute will likely pass while hopefully the first two shall remain.

I had some fun this last Wednesday. I was given the opportunity to play Tripartite Chess. This particular game is an invention of a colleague and (if I may be so bold) friend of mine. Loosely speaking, it combines three chess boards and most of three chess sets. The rules are fascinating though the basic moves are very similar to that of "regular" chess. I haven't decided if I really want to play again or not. Although it was enjoyable for the most part, it really brought home the feelings I usually have playing games against other people. Yes, it is just a game, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

Well, so much for this. Time for more cleaning.