As with so many things in my life, when I find a new interest (obsession), many other things fall by the way side until I get a grip on whatever it is I’m into.  In this case, I havent’ posted in my blog for 5 days because I’ve been wrestling with ubuntu – a linux based OS.  I have an earlier release fully installed on my daughter’s old Dell Inspiron 1100 laptop – but don’t have working wireless (a common challenge I’ve learned – there’s a whole thread dedicated to wireless networking on the ubuntu forums).  She does have an internet connection via an ethernet cable though, and truth is I don’t think she’ll be taking her laptop to Starbucks looking for wifi anytime soon.   I have a few years before that happens, don’t I?  Compared to Windows XP – her computer is really fast now after completely erasing the system from her computer.  Boots up in less than a minute.

I’ve also installed a dual boot system on my laptop (a 2005 Dell Latitude D810 running Window XP Pro) while I figure out the ins and outs of ubuntu and linux.   My goal is to avoid buying a new computer when I return to school this fall.  Originally, I thought I’d treat myself to a Mac Book, but after learning about linux, I’m wondering if it’s really necessary. I will be  using a lot of software like Auto Cad, Photoshop and other memory sucking applications in school – I’m curious about the crossover or readability of various free open source programs and proprietary ones like the ones I just mentioned.

Speaking of school, it’s now official – I’ve received letters from CU that I have been re-admitted to the graduate in landscape architecture program at CU Denver.  Now I’d better do all my recreational reading through summer ’cause there won’t be a whole lot of time for that sort of thing come fall.

I’m not sure where pottery fits in at the moment, but I’m pretty sure that my production levels (if you can call it that) will decrease even more.  The Colorado Potters Guild Spring show is just around the corner – opening night is April 30th – eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkk!  That’s less than 2 months from now – I had better start cranking some work out.

My daughter also received some school news this weekend – she has been accepted into Denver Center for International Studies for middle school for Japanese -  Woohoo!  It’s a Denver Public School magnet program and my first choice for her (her second choice).  We’re still waiting to hear back from Denver School of the Arts and whether she’s tested “highly gifted” vs. just “gifted” which would guarantee her a spot at a different school.  Decisions, decisions….  I did promise to learn whatever language she is going to be learning – Japanese will be challenging.

I hope to catch up with everyone now that I have ubuntu and running,

~Cynthia