I passed!

Just got my first term of OU results.  I now have 100 points!  Reading the results was relatively painless because neither course had a proper grade and neither of them will count towards the quality of my degree (that starts this year). I'd been hoping for a Pass with Honours in the introductory science course but didn't make the cut on the 'examinable component' (which was not actually an exam). Boo.  But I did well enough, and if I am honest I found the course a little blah and didn't work particularly hard, so I guess I got what was coming to me.

I've been hemming and hawing about what to do next.  I'm only on 30 points at the moment, which is not enough. I'm never quite sure how much work I'll be able to handle.  I'll be sitting a maths exam for the first time...well, EVER...in the spring, and I need to do well on that, so I'm reluctant to pile on too much.  Let's face it, my maths are weak and I'm playing catch-up. The next math course I need (in order to handle 300 level physics, which is a long way away right now) starts in February. It's supposed to come after the course I'm doing now, but you can self-study some bridging materials if you want.  I started on them and they're not bad.  But student feedback indicates the course requires 20-25 hours a week and people use descriptors like 'beast' and 'monster'.  Bit intimidating, that.  And the whole thing's on Mathcad (shudder).

So this is what I'm doing instead.  I'm taking Practical Science: Physics and Astronomy.  It's a degree requirement and also a requirement of the minimum Physics Certificate that you need to get on a PGCE program.  They have a study path option that includes going to Mallorca to use the telescope!  (I turned this down. Deep, deep sigh.)

I felt really ill on Sunday, with the result that I'm also cooking another scheme to do with running.  I know, that makes sense, right?  She feels ill, can't get her requisite exercise, gets crazy up in her own head.  That's me.  I'm waiting on some news before I tell you what foolish thing I've done this time.

I know most people on my friends list are aware of, if not participating in, the Terri Windling benefit auction.  Just in case anyone has managed to miss this, there are some absolutely beautiful items and amazing services on offer over there.  It's been moving and heartening to read the testaments about Terri's role in the fantasy writing and reading community that have been posted practically everywhere this week.  I hope the fundraiser will be a great success.