triv.org

The other day I had to do math homework. This was the first math homework I'd done in 5 years. I used to do math homework all the time - I was a math major. I integrated over N dimensions. I chased elliptical curves. I proved that the group was contiguous. I spoke of the simple beauty of the limit. I advocated the usefulness of the differential unit.

Then I became a computer geek. I learned about objects and polymorphism. I wrote apps and took user interfaces seriously. I played with databases, sockets, and compilers; until one day I went to pick up my Ti-89 to crunch a few numbers. The batteries were dead. "Huh." I put it down, and turned to my computer. I didn't use my Ti-89 for years.

Enter stats homework. I bought some AAAs, changed it out, and fired it up. For the first twenty minutes I wasn't sure of my footings. I had forgotten a lot of the shortcuts. Everything took a bit too long. I was searching for keys and menus. Then it all started to come back, and I remembered just how great that calculator is. It does everything, is easy to use, and gives real answers.

This is the calculator that Kyle and I became friends over. It was there for meeting Amy. It was there for breaking up with Amy. It went from Fenton, to Worcster, to East Lansing, to Okemos, back to East Lansing, and then on to Ann Arbor. This thing has been with me from good to bad to horrible. It has the same processor as my first computer.

Why is it that we reconnect with our past once the future is no longer frightening? I feel like I've come full circle in my life, that things are starting anew from here out. It's a little scary, but in the good way. In the best way. How could it not be? I have my calculator.