Canto II

So now a little about myself. I'm a 2nd year physics graduate student at MIT. This is probably the biggest thing that I would associate myself with. When I think of myself, I think of physics. I was an undergrad at the University of Oregon and majored in both Physics and Mathematics. I've known since I was about 5 years old that I wanted to be someone who worked with all those sub-atomic particles. It was always so fascinating with all the quarks and protons and other nuclear brickabrack. High school had it's shortcomings for me in a myrid of ways so I took a year off, and went to the big public university. From the first day I got to campus, though, I knew what I wanted to do. I must say that knowing exactly what I want to do is the greatest luxury I enjoy. After freshman year (with all those stupid core classes taken care of), I took nothing but physics and math classes. I worked in the physics department. My girlfriend and now wife was a physics major as well. I really couldn't get enough of it. But my interest was in particle physics. I want to know how the universe(s) really works at it's most basic level. While there, I worked in a high-energy physics (HEP) lab. And when it came time to apply to graduate school, I applied in both theory and experimental HEP. The best places I got into were for experimental HEP, so that's what I stayed with. But I love theory too much. I love thinking about how the universe works. This last semester I switched over from the experimental group to the Center for Theoretical Physics (CTP). I couldn't be happier. I'm living my physics dream I've had since I was 5 years old. I don't have an advisor yet and I'm not entirely sure which specific field I want to work in yet. (Hence, Purgatory, but most of Grad School is like that in some ways.) I think String Theory, but I'm just starting to learn about it "for reals" now, so we'll see how this pans out. Right now my child-like enthusiasm is keeping me strong.

Other things that define "me". I got married last year and it's wonderful. Although since we lived together for so long before getting married, our relationship didn't change much. I wear a ring now, which is fun to fidget with when I'm nervous or bored. Also, when I open a door and hear it 'clink' against the metal, I smile a little bit thinking about her. We had a great wedding, but it's been 8 months and still haven't finished getting the photo album together or getting the pictures ready to give people. Maybe for the first anniversary... By the way, her name is Stephanie (Steph), for future reference.

I love football, both college and the NFL. Being an U of O alum, I have to say that Autzen Stadium is home to some of my favorite sports memories. I miss being able to go to those games on saturday afternoon. The other favorites come from childhood, Little League and soccer. I'm looking forward to living vicariously through my kids in that department. The NY Jets are "my" pro team, here's to hoping they put a team out there that's more fun to watch next year. Football is really the only sport I pay much attention to. I watch SportsCenter in the mornings as I eat my cereal to catch the highlights of everything else, but that's about it.

I'm a western european fan. Not the modern stuff. I read classical works (>500 years old, preferrably). I consider Dante's La Divina Commedia to be the crowning acheivement of our civilization. A complete theory of the universe may overtake this in my mind, but for now I tip my cap. And history. I have favorite historical figures ranging from Charlemagne to Pericles. But again, I stick to the west. I said that after my freshman year I took only math & physics, but I did sit in on several history and literature classes. It didn't matter how busy I was, I made time to learn more about Rome, Greek Poets and early middle ages France.

My iPod is my constant companion. Mostly rock with the lion's share in classic with some 90's stuff and others mixed in. I was just saying to Steph that I need to work on beefing up the collection...

Anyway, I'm sure plenty more details will pour out as this continues.