Brag and Beach

***I still don't have a functional internet connection.  A Verizon technician came to our house on Thursday, tampered with every possible piece of physical equipment from our house to the telephone pole to the office (which, ironically, is less than 10,000 feet from my house - a relatively tiny distance), and we still have issues.  Now, they're going to try working on some other piece of equipment, but that's not going to happen until Monday.  Really, switching to Cable or FIOS and getting rid of DSL would be just about the greatest thing ever, but it doesn't look like that's happening yet.

As such, it's taking me an abnormally and irritatingly long amount of time to read blogs.  I was able to get on to a few today, and was thrilled to actually see photos and read stories for the first time in what feels like ages.  Hang in there with me a little longer - it's the slow connection that's keeping me away from blogging.***

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I have to take this time out to make a bit of a personal brag.  Do you remember when I posted about my Behavioral Laboratory class, in which I'd be working with pigeons?  Well, the whole thing is going smashingly well.  I've taken one test and handed in one lab report, and received top marks on both.  I absolutely adore the class, so much so that I actually look forward to sitting in a classroom for 3+ hours either listening to lectures or watching my pigeon's behavior in the operant chamber.  I have NEVER felt this way about a class before, so it's really pretty freakin' awesome.

In addition to that, I seem to be doing a good job of making myself look like an interested, smart, and motivated student - which I am! I approached my professor to ask him about something in my lab report, and, after answering my question, told me that I "stand out as a very good student," and said that perhaps he could "set me up working in the lab."

!!!!!!!!!

I have made it VERY clear to those I'm friends with that this is the guy I want to do my Senior Honors thesis with.  This is my favorite subject, by far! I haven't asked him about it yet because I wanted to make myself look good through my extreme motivation to do well in this class.  It seems to be paying off.  

Although things are not even close to being set in stone, I am absolutely THRILLED.  If we're talking behavior, here, it's safe to say that my professor delivered a huge positive reinforcer for my work through those comments!

Hopefully, I'll continue to do exceptional work in the class and get a position in the lab in either the spring or next fall.

Of course, I have to thank my #1 girl, Marge, for this success.  She is the only reason that I walked in to this course already knowing so much about classical and operant conditioning.  She is also one of the main reasons that I have so much interest in it.  If there is a bright side to working through a dog's behavior issues (aside from getting a more relaxed, well-trained, and bonded pet), this is it.. Marge's influence on me extends far beyond the reaches of the agility ring or training club.  This is real life.  She's helping me through it, just as I hope I've been helping her through her own life.  One hand (er, paw) washes the other!

On another note, here are some shots from down at the beach this evening.  The weather, the lighting, EVERYTHING was absolutely divine.