Suggestions of things to do sitting at work for 8 hours?

[pr0zac0x2a]

So I finally started my summer job. This job consists of checking in and providing assistance to guests of different conferences and groups that stay in the dorms at my University during the summer. Its a great job and I've met some really interesting people, only problem is a large part of it is sitting behind a desk doing nothing while I wait for someone to show up.

I've been trying to think of things to do while I sit there for 8 hours to prevent me from going completely insane, and thought I'd ask for some suggestions. I've been banned from bringing my laptop, however books and things like that are fine. So far all I've thought of is reading books (currently reading Wild Sheep Chase by Murakami), origami (I made approximately 25 paper cranes yesterday), and I finally bought a lock pick kit that I plan on messing around with on all the locks around the desk.

I've been planning on learning perl over the summer, however trying to do this without a computer nearby to test and try things on has proved difficult. Just sitting and reading the book doesn't quite cut it.

So anyone got any great suggestions on how to learn perl without a computer, or maybe some other interesting and worthwhile time burning activities that are easily carried and hidden?

-zac

[lil_freak]

So anyone got any great suggestions on how to learn perl without a computer

The book Perl in Easy Steps, is a great start to learing perl without needing a computer in front you, it's also a great refresher book for those who already know Perl.

Have you tried looking into crossword puzzles?

[astcell]

I used to have a job running the midnight shift at a gas station, I just sat in a little glass booth from 11pm to 7am, and from 2am to 6am it was very very quiet. I had the luxury of being able to watch a TV I brought, maybe you cannot do that.

I had the most fun when I spent the night with my .223 reloading kit. I had to do one round at a time because that was the only kit I could afford. Pop out the old primer, inspect the brass, polish the brass, add a new primer, add measured powder, add the bullet. Those were the days.

[noid]

I used to work graveyard shift security for a super rich housing complex. Heres how to kill 8 hours

1. Smoke
2. Read Porn
3. Smoke
4. Drink
5. Smoke
6. Sleep for a bit locked in the bathroom with the 'gate broken, use main entry' sign up
7. Smoke
8. Leave post and go get doughnuts
9. Smoke

[astcell]

That's a smokin' job!

[TheCotMan]

Playing on the DefCon forums is an easy way to waste time... Oh. You want something constructive.

While you are learning about perl, check out CPAN.

I used to have a job running the midnight shift at a gas station
...
I had the most fun when I spent the night with my .223 reloading kit.
...

Dang. I bet being held up was not so much of a problem. ;-)

[Ridirich]

Get yourself a small DvD player(one of those CD-Player Boombox things) and watch some videos, you can always pause them. Yeah if you want to study that works great too, but reading too many books in an 8 hour period will hurt your eyes, make you tired and hurt your neck/back. Bringing music is a good way to spend some time as well.

I know also that PsPs are out. No idea on the side differance of the CDs or if you can play a normal one in there but it might be worth looking into.

[astcell]

If you are in college or thinking about it, read the textbooks at night. I once had a position where I was in a room for 8 hours, no entry or exit allowed, so when I was done working I pulled out my school books.

Dang. I bet being held up was not so much of a problem. ;-)

I never thought of it that way at the time. Explains some of the looks I got.

[Siviak]

I once had a position where I was in a room for 8 hours, no entry or exit allowed, so when I was done working I pulled out my school books.

yeah ... I've been to jail too man.

[astcell]

yeah ... I've been to jail too man.

But I was the one with the keys.

[Siviak]

But I was the one with the keys.

ahh.... touche`

[Twigman]

SuDoku and other number and logic puzzles?
Try http://www.griddlers.net/ and print some out?
If you have a window stare out of it...seriously.
Reading a book or looking at a computer or any other activity where your eyesight it focussed close to you for a long time is bad.
Just take 5mins to look out at the view and into the distance once every so often. Also in the way they suggest on planes, don't sit still the whole time. Get up and walk to the other end of the room to keep your blood circulation up.

[Gadsden]

Use the time to read.. damn near any book you enjoy will work. Trust me, when you get a job where you don't have time to read, you will miss it.

[FunkyChicken]

download some java games for your mobile phone, will seriously kill the battery though.

[heavens exile]

1. smoke weed
2. smoke weed
3. smoke weed