Minesweeper: Back in Time

I remember when my family ditched the IBM PC Jr. for a new 386 machine and the wonders of Windows 3.1.  Wow.  Not only could we actually enjoy using the computer, there were all of these free games that came with Windows.  Solitaire; Hearts; and the favorite, Minesweeper.

I remember playing Minesweeper in Windows 95, and then in 98.  When we received our new computer about 7 years ago – replete with Windows XP – Minesweeper was gone, replaced by new games like Pinball (which is extremely enjoyable).

So imagine my surprise when I [finally] found the games folder on our new computer and saw Minesweeper there.  But this is not Gen X’s Minesweeper.  No, sir.  This is the new and improved Minesweeper.

Thanks, Microsoft.  I love it.  (And how often do we get to say that?)

Endings and Beginnings

I’ve had both lately:

As of last Thursday, October 9, I have left Greeley-Evans School District 6.  This is the end of a six-year relationship, and while my departure was entirely voluntary, it was still very difficult to leave.  I have so many friends and colleagues who I will miss working with on a regular basis.

And a new beginning: Last Friday (that’s right – no time off) I started my new job as Editorial Director for Math at Sopris West Educational Services.  This is a new adventure for me, one that blends all of my experience in math education with uncharted waters in publishing.  It’s a big change for me and for our family, but I’m excited.  For now, we’ll remain in our current home; it’s only a 30-minute commute, which is only 15 minutes more than my old in-town drive.

And I get to use a new MacBook in my new job.

I survived!

I survived the GRE and lived to tell about it.  Although I’m a bit frustrated with my 790 quantitative score, which put me below the 95th percentile.  Shouldn’t that be higher for a math major with two math degrees?

The probability got me…

Got to Recall Everything (GRE)

…or the Graduate Record Exam.  Take your pick.

Since I’ve made the decision to go back to school this fall to work on a doctorate, I have to take this beautiful test next weekend.  Honestly, I think I’ll be OK.  I took a practice exam (or two), and they made me feel sufficiently dumb, so I think I’m prepared.

I guess I’m less worried about this than I should be.  That confidence (whether founded or not) comes from the fact that every day of my life (or at least those at work) is spent doing math and writing reports on a variety of subjects.  However, I think I’ll take one or two more practice exams, just to be sure.  My phiolosphy on testing has always been the same: You either know it or you don’t, and there comes a point when studying will give you no further advantage.  (I learned that while working on a minor in History.)

So…wish me luck.  I’ll keep my fingers crossed, too.