From: peregrin@husc13.harvard.edu
Newsgroups: alt.romance
Subject: Re: Explosions of Nature.
Date: 16 Oct 92 13:31:28 GMT
Distribution: alt.romance
Organization: Harvard Business School

In article <Bw6CqB.6vF@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>, alex@mentor.cc.purdue.edu ( ) writes:
> 
> *Sigh*  Where to begin.  These days the feelings
> of being in the middle of an impending explosion, something perhaps
> on the scale of the nuclear blast in "Aliens" is growing more and more
> within my mind to the point of my being able to easily conjure
> a mental image of it.  Has this happened to anyone else?
> Have you found that your violent impulses grow the more
> you consider a situation that you're not sure of?
[background deleted] 

	I understand this.  You are naturally upset because a long-
distance relationship has been forced on you and you can't blame it on
anyone.
	What you are imagining inside your mind is pretty much a
representation of the emotions you are feeling.  I wouldn't worry that they
are expressed in your imagination as violent events (explosions).  If you
were a painter you could paint such feelings, and everyone would know
just how much pain you are in.
	As practical advice, I would stay away from situations which lower
your guard.  You should watch your alcohol intake.  You should be extra
careful when you are overly tired (as most EE students are :-)) or wired
from too much caffeine.

	Secondly, I don't think you should feel guilty about these
daydreams.  You are upset about your circumstances and are entitled to
feel that pain.

	So, first admit to yourself that you are upset about your situation.
If someone asks you how you are today, tell them that you are pissed because
life sucks.  If they say "Gee, you seem really angry about something," then
say "Damn right."

	Now if these daydreams are getting in the way of you school work,
then it's time to do something about it. [note: certainly your feelings
are getting in the way of your happiness, but you aren't in a happy situation
anyway.] You need to blow off this steam.
	Typically, you will hear advice like "hit a punching bag" or "play
a hard hitting game of tennis" or "take up karate".  Which are fine if you
happen to already be an athletic person.  And most people feel embarrased
to go hit a punching bag in a public athletic facility.
	However, starting an exercise routine will beneficial for your
well being whether or not you are upset.  I would recommend to any EE
student (I used to be one) who has to work long hours on little sleep and
little relaxation.
	But back to the blowing off steam.  You don't have to do something
violent.  How about getting away from the school a while and spending some
time by yourself.  Call it decompression time.  Go to a diner at 3 in the
morning and sit there with a cup of decaf and sulk and grumble to yourself
like the truckdrivers do.
	Try breaking your daily routine somehow.  Trying getting another
perspective on life by doing some volunteer work.  Serving food at a
homeless shelter sure puts you in a different frame of mind.
	Try using this "new-found interest in explosions" as a source of
energy to learn about explosive devices and detonation.  Go to the library
and see what you can dig up.  Of course the object is not to build anything
(please turn off the flamethrowers), but to use that energy as away of
increasing your knowledge.  Think of this as adding a new facet to your
knowledge.  Hey, maybe it will come in handy someday.  If you have to take
a fluid mechanics course you have to study shockwave theory anyways.

-James

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