So last week I give you a pretty pathetic picture of what my life in Ann Arbor is like ... but really ... it isn't all that bad.
All the newbies at orientationI started classes this week at the School of Information and am excited about what I'll be taking this semester: Statistics, Java Programming, Information Technology and Communication and Development, Community Informatics Seminar, and a fundamentals class that all MSI students have to take to graduate. The workload is a little heavy, but it is a good mix between technical and reading classes ...so at least I won't be completely overloaded using just one side of my brain.
Fingers crossed, but I also think I've found some students and professors on campus that I might be able to collaborate with on my interest in Social Impact Measurement (what brought me to SI in the first place).
I also start my new job at the Stephen S Clark Library, the new maps and government data library, on campus tomorrow. I'm looking forward to working in this space not just because of what I can contribute given all my experience working with government data but because of what I'll be able to learn about new mapping techniques and software.
And last, but not least (I certainly have been a busy bee this week) ... in the spirit of becoming a true Ann Arborian I got a bike to get around town in. Really, this town is nuts about bikes, which is great and horrible all at the same time. It means that there are tons of bike lanes and drivers are more conscious of bikers ... but it also means that many of the bike shops in town cater to higher-end clientele ($6000 for a bike! yikes!), which doesn't really jive with my student budget.
She doesn't look like much, but she's a comfortable ride and I'm actually really digging the retro look. Now all she needs is a NAME! Got any suggestions? I'm open to audience participation!
