...THEY PULL ME BACK IN

Sunday, April 26. 2009

Ms. Fuscus just doesn’t let up.
I wondered last week how long the radio silence coming from their household would last, and the answer was, not very. I do give her props for coming up with a logical engineering solution to the limited church space (My family fills up the pews, while Fenton’s hangs from the rafters.), but the point is, WE HAVEN’T SET THE DATE!
Sorry about the all caps. Bad netiquette, I know.
I feel sorry for Fenton, who’s caught in the middle. Complicating things even further is Tree, who has been a nurturing, maternal presence in Fenton’s life for some time. Tree is supportive (literally) and doesn't make demands.
In other news, Kell did acquiesce to Rudy giving half of his Easter Bunny scholarship to Fiona. Kell insisted that everything be in writing, so Dad arranged to have a motion passed by the Rabbit Council. He even set it up so that Coney (who attends all the meetings) cast the final vote.
I got an E-mail from Tammy. It’s the pollen season, which she feeds on. Angstrom is a growing little firefly, and Tammy says he’s almost as bright as Ray. Together, father and son can really illuminate that lighthouse.
Up next, I’ve got the usual end-of-semester headaches, including exams. Today's question: Do human students have finals at this time of year?

Posted by Lindesfarne at 01:59 | Comments (29) | Trackbacks (0)

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Firstly, all caps are fine if you are using them correctly, and you have.

Today was the "Fundamentals of Engineering" exam, that all engineers here must take if they wish to gain professional status. It is two 4 hour sections, and only offered twice a year. I ended up studying over 100 hours for it. The biggest test of my life.

#1 kiseki on 2009-04-26 03:11 (Reply)

Some do, for the most part. It is a rough time for all students, things get tougher and the work load increases tenfold. It is really annoying. :/

I never been much of a fan of traditional schooling myself. Works for some, not with me. -shrug-

What kind of finals are going on for you? Are they pen and paper tests, essays, or something else? What are going to be the tougher tests to take?

#2 Brett R. on 2009-04-26 03:18 (Reply)

Although Ms. Fuscus' logical suggestion does make sense, Rudy's rude remark does also. (Another piece of logic: some of the attendees from your family's side will be carnivores. It would be better to avoid the possible temptation.)

Tree is causing complications? We haven't seen that yet. The worst problem (thus far) is her reaction to being 'milked' of her sap...

Good for Rudy! Sharing his scholarship with Fiona is not only a true sign of adulthood, it also brings the two of them into an even tighter relationship. He loves her, even if he can't put it into words. He is putting it into actions, which can be much harder.

Tammy must resemble a professional poker player. She almost has to wear sunglasses at all times. She's had corneal burns before just from Ray's light; Angstrom must increase the danger of a repeat problem.

Been a long time for me but yes, this is final exam time here. Unfortunately (tongue planted firmly in cheek), it is time for some students to sober up and start cramming to make up for all the classes they've skipped. Neither you nor Fenton fall into this group. The best advice I can give you would be to review your notes for the semester and try to get a good night's sleep before your exams. You've done your work throughout the year; you should be prepared mentally. Getting that good night's sleep may be the biggest additional advantage you can muster.

#3 CharlieG on 2009-04-26 03:21 (Reply)

That really depends on the school they go to. When I was in school, ours were in December, March, and June (and the school had four terms per year). Many schools have just two terms per year, each about 20 weeks long (if I remember the duration correctly), and some, have been known to shift their schedules around to accomodate significant local events like harvest or sporting events.

Some of the schools also have traditions of special events, either for stress relief before the finals begin, or others that are done simply because 'they have always been done'. Mine, for example, had a 'Ditch Day' in May, when all of the seniors left the school to relax for the day, and put entertaining locks or puzzles on their dorm room doors for the underclassmen to attempt to solve before the day ended. Those who did usually accepted a bribe (of food and drink) that was left in the room, although they occasionally redecorated the room in some entertaining way.

Do schools on your side of the Portal have similar traditions?

#4 Derv on 2009-04-26 03:45 (Reply)

Many students do have finals. It depends on their mode of schooling and where they receive their schooling. My friend in Australia is doing his autumn finals now. I'm not doing any finals because I do my schooling online and my sister doesn't have her finals for another month or so.

Don't worry about Fenton's parents. It may not be soon enough for them, but you'll still be graduating in the next couple years, and have all the master's and doctoral degrees a few years after that.

Actually, were you planning to marry Fenton pre or post doctoral?

#5 Selina Grace on 2009-04-26 04:27 (Reply)

Coming from the perspective of a human biochemistry student... most definitely. Mine are technically in two weeks, but I've been having tests for a while now. Plus, I've got projects galore. Still, one of them is a final presentation of the research I was doing, so I can't really complain there.

Its still kinda hard to believe I'll be graduating here in a couple weeks, actually. I mean, sure, I've got grad school coming up, so it makes sense, but still.

#6 Koronak on 2009-04-26 04:34 (Reply)

So, kind of off topic, but I'm curious. From the title of this post, it seems you have "The Godfather" book (movie series?) in your world too. Just wondering...what kind of animal are the Corleone family?

As for finals, it depends on where you are, I guess. In the U.S. and Canada, sure. In Japan, finals were last month -- the school year here is from April 1 to the middle of March.

#7 Rob in Japan on 2009-04-26 04:43 (Reply)

Utilizing the upper and lower sections of the building in such a way is absolutely brilliant thinking and would work in this particular situation. Though, I do see one problem. How are you going to persuade your family members to sit under a bunch of Fenton's family members? Couldn't pay me to do that.

#8 jup-reindeer on 2009-04-26 06:54 (Reply)

The best I can say is to confront Ms. Fuscus and just say everything that is bothering you.
If even then she refuses to listen, the only thing I can recommend is to start cutting her off.
Sorry, but if she can't listen any other way, then the problem is with her, not you.

#9 The J.A.M. on 2009-04-26 09:44 (Reply)

Yep, we sure do. I used to have final exams about now when I was in college. I studied all year, but I still did a bit of craming. I tried to relax the actual exam week (HA!).
Glad to hear about Angstrom and Fiona.
Lindisfarne, we have what is known as the Serenity Prayer. You might want to take it to heart. "God, give me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference." Ms. Fuscus is something you cannot change at this time. Until you graduate and wed, she is going to keep pushing you to marry Fenton. She is your future mother-in-law, and I am sure you will get along fine once you tie the knot, but right now just let the water run off your back.

#10 Thomas Mazanec (Link) on 2009-04-26 10:19 (Reply)

In short, yes

#11 Elwood Blutarsky on 2009-04-26 10:45 (Reply)

Ooooh yes we do. Final exams AND final projects. If I never see a power point presentation ever again it will be too soon...

#12 Ally Kat on 2009-04-26 11:37 (Reply)

WHEE, I'm #1 poster!

Glad to hear about Tammy and Ray. We haven't seen them in the comic for quite some time.

As for exams...Oh yeah. Yet another example of how our dimentions parallel each other. Of course, that's up to the instructor.

#13 Mortar on 2009-04-26 11:55 (Reply)

Yes, we have Ditch Day. It's when those of us so inclined go out to a ditch and eat salamanders and crawdads.
Good luck on everyone's finals!
Yes, we have "The Godfather" movies. ...Not really popular with equines.
The promise I made was to hold off marriage until after my B.A. Obviously I intend to go on to a Master's and Ph.D., but it wouldn't be fair to make Fenton wait that long.

#14 Lindesfarne Dewclaw on 2009-04-26 13:00 (Reply)

B.A.? Wouldn't a Biology student go for a B.S.?

#15 Thomas Mazanec (Link) on 2009-04-26 13:40 (Reply)

LOL! Lindesfarne deserves a little slack; I'm sure she meant BS. Between finals week and her future mom-in-law, though, I'm sure she's getting as much BS as she can handle.

#15.1 Terri the Tiger on 2009-04-27 10:15 (Reply)

I was reminded that this was Final Exam time when on Second Life some of my friends explained they wouldn't be on much because they'd be studying.

Sorry about Mrs. Fucus. Even over here, in-laws present and future can drive one "bats."

#16 Bixyl Shuftan (Link) on 2009-04-26 15:35 (Reply)

I can agree with you on end of semester headaches. I am glad to hear about Tammy and Ray. Haven't seen them in the comic for some time. Those finals can get me stressed but I manage. I'm not sure what to say about Mrs. Fuscus being "batty" (because she's a bat, get it?) about the wedding, but I think she is not only getting on your and Fenton's nerves, but it is getting on my nerves just reading the comic storylines about it. Oh well. I'm sure you will manage this problem eventually.

If you do, good luck.

#17 Millie on 2009-04-26 15:59 (Reply)

Sorry to hear that you are still getting pressure from you to-be In-Laws. Well, at least the positive side is that at lease the pressure is for Fenton and you to be married, rather than separated. I'm sure everything will turn out for the best. Good to hear that the rest of your family and friends seem to be doing well.

#18 Patch O'Black on 2009-04-26 16:19 (Reply)

Sorry about hitting the A instead of the S on the keyboard. I meant a B.S. degree.
Tammy and Ray have been a constant (if long distance) part of my life for years. I guess the comic strip only depicts things that are eventful, and that hasn't described their life in the lighthouse on Cape Qualm.

#19 Lindesfarne Dewclaw on 2009-04-26 16:22 (Reply)

Actualy here in Paraguay Semesters end in July and November/December.
Highschool students have finals in November, while university students have finals in December (some even on December 24 and 26).

#20 Mario on 2009-04-26 16:53 (Reply)

Ugh, exams, the bane of my existence. In American colleges, they're happening about right now. My last one is this Tuesday in Biochemistry at 7 am (the crack of dawn for me!) Thankfully, it's my last undergrad exam EVER! Can't wait to graduate!

#21 Sammy on 2009-04-26 16:56 (Reply)

In high school,our big exam week is in January(at least in MD)With some examish stuff at the end of the year.It drives me mad,I say.Just curious,though.Do you have Joss Wheaton's Firefly series over there?What species are the characters?

#22 Cara on 2009-04-27 12:39 (Reply)

Um...fireflies? (Sorry, never got to see that one. It was on-and-gone before I got a chance to...)

#22.1 Reynard on 2009-04-27 16:21 (Reply)

But the ship is a Firefly class in our version of the show.And some of the characters don't strike me as Fireflies...
Also:Do you have a swine flu outbreak happening in your world?

#22.1.1 Cara on 2009-04-28 12:37 (Reply)

Unfortunately, yes. Luckily, my diet is mainly mice/voles, the occasional rabbit (I don't live anywhere near Domain, so Kevin's in no danger) or squirrel, and the very occasional bird. (When I can catch 'em...not easy in my advancing age...)

I don't eat much pork, but when I can afford it I get only the high-quality stuff (the fresh-killed type that Herdthinners sells) so I'm pretty sure that my chances of catching it are slim-to-none.

#22.1.1.1 Reynard on 2009-04-28 20:01 (Reply)

Don't remind me of that hyped up threat. Believe the news said something like eight sick so far in our nation and it's far worse, south of the border. The latest West Nile scare.

#22.1.1.1.1 jup-reindeer on 2009-04-29 15:35 (Reply)

I feel for you Lindesfarne! My own future MiL is causing such headaches for myself too. We each have finally decided on a menu for the caterer, and she wants to throw hor de ourves in! Among other things, trust me, weddings are as chaotic over here as they are over there. Although, it is more chaotic in my humble opinion because mines only 2 months away!

#23 Renee Echidna (Link) on 2009-04-28 13:38 (Reply)

Finals depend on the school you are in. High school students won't have finals until near the end of May, while I've already done finals...at least until near the end of June. Gogo year two semester 1!

And about Firefly (the show): It's probably called something else, but it'd be awesomme if you guys had BrownCoats (fans) over there.

#24 Kylen on 2009-04-28 17:02 (Reply)

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