Currently on the train heading home for the weekend and I figure it's about time I finish writing up my account of CONSTRUCT 2009 for my blog as well as to cross-post parts into the Cal Poly CSI blog (kinda annoyed that no one wants to blog on some content, but what can I expect? Discussion for another time, I guess). Will talk about summer school and other stuff after the convention in this post as well, since I still have a good six hours (as of typing this) to go before I get to San Diego and no internet to break these into separate posts (yes, I could break them when I finally get some access, but that would be lots more work for me since I'll be typing it all out on Semagic). XP

CONSTRUCT 2009 // The CSI Convention, which was in Indianapolis this year from June 16-19.
Summer Quarter // Ramblings on summer studio and math class.
San Francisco Trip // Field trip up to SF last weekend (June 26-27).
Books Discussion // With all the traveling, I've been doing lots of reading, so talk about these books.


( CONSTRUCT 2009 )

( Summer Quarter )

( San Francisco Trip )

( Books Discussion -- Spoilers Warning! )

Okay, so it is currently 12:30PM and the train just left LA and I'm super tired after typing for three hours straight, so that's all for now. Will post once I get access to the internet.


Addendum -- it is currently 9:38PM and I'm finally posting this, haha.

~Remula

Spring quarter has ended and I haven't posted any updates in a while, so here is a mass-update. XP

I've gotten grades for 4/5 of my classes. Not as good as they should be, but I admit, I did slack just a bit this quarter, if you can even call it that, lol.

ARCH 353 // B
ARCH 342 // B+
ARCE 223 // C
ARCE 351 // A-
ARCE 227 // TBA

Sadly, my GPA continues to drop. I just want it to get up to a 3.0, but that seems impossible right now. x_x

So yeah.. I wish I worked harder in studio, but I didn't even go to class for the second half of class, so yeah... I forgot to take pictures of my model, but I'll take some when I get back in SLO and will post them up then.

Anyway, that C in 223 kinda sucks, but whatever. On the final, I thought I did better than my score, but I don't really care to check up on it when I'm back in SLO 'cause I'm lazy. C is passing and that's pretty much all I was hoping for in that class, since I thought I'd fail for the longest time.


During finals week, I actually did not study as much as I should have. On Wednesday night, I cleaned for hours instead of studying for 227 and yeah.. Good news is that my room is almost semi-clean. Bad news is that I pretty much sucked at 227 final -- hopefully I can still get a good grade in there -- probably not the A- I wanted anymore though... =/

I bought a bookshelf on E-Bay last week -- it was like, $50 including shipping, so not too bad -- now I just need to rearrange my room so I can the bookshelf into it. XP Then I can finally unpack the boxes in my room that are still filled with stuff, since there was no room to unpack it at the beginning of the year. Sucks that my room is smaller than my old one -- and has less closet space to hide stuff that I can't unpack. x_x But yes, looking forward to having lots more shelf space! XD And since my roommate isn't gonna be there during the summer, I won't feel as bad moving half my stuff into the living room to make space to rearrange. XP


Headed home on Thursday night -- or should I say Friday morning? I left with Teresa and Jeff -- they were heading to Riverside, but were gonna drop me off at Union Station. We left around 12:45AM and yeah.. The cats were being super troublesome in the car. x_x One of them threw up on Jeff and then we had to stop at a gas station and clean up -- 20 minutes wasted. Then about 15 minutes after that incident, the other cat (who was in the carrier) decided to poop and pee in the carrier, so we had to stop at another gas station and clean up -- almost an hour. x_x So gross, 'cause I was sitting NEXT to the carrier, so I felt some pee go on me when Jeff kinda made a sharp turn and yeah.. Afterwards, the carrier smelt like pee. Ewwww!

Got to Union Station around 4:15 in the morning, and just sat there and read Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon while waiting for the earliest train to San Diego (which was at 6:05AM). Got half-way through the book before the train came, then got on the train and had a debate on whether I should continue reading or go to sleep -- sleep was the victor, so about 2.5 hours of sleep in total, but woke up a bunch of times, 'cause yeah, super uncomfortable sleeping on the train. x_x


After I got off in SD, went on the trolley and took it to the station that is near my house and aznearthdragon picked me up. Unfortunately, she took me hostage and wouldn't even drive me home. x_x Instead, we went to UCSD 'cause she had a final and had to finish studying in the library. So yes, was at UCSD in the library for hours waiting for my sister to while she took her test. I got most of my CSI scholarship essay written during that time, thankfully, so not all was lost. XP

When aznearthdragon finally finished, we went and hung out with three of aznearthdragon's friends. After that, we got some frozen yogurt and went home. Must say that taro frozen yogurt is TEH SHIT! XD I love taro froyo. XD Too bad there is none to be had in SLO or I'd be all over that. XP Sadly, I will be deprived of taro-flavored stuff when I head back up. =( Except at Quickly's, but I don't go there often, so...


Anywayz, didn't do much the few days I've been here in SD. Mostly just stayed home -- I'm so boring, lol. And yeah.. watched basically the whole second season of Greek -- I love that show, lol. I especially love Calvin and think he deserves more air-time. XP But yes, today was the season finale and yeah.. CLIFFHANGER! WHY?! I hate when they do stuff like that, and now we'll have to wait until the next season. =( And I don't even have TV, so more suffering for me. =/


So, not sure if I mentioned it before, but I'm going to CONSTRUCT 2009 in Indianapolis! Flight leaves at 6:40AM -- hope it's super fun. XD I'm gonna get a bunch of free stuff at the product show! XD And hopefully make a lot of contacts so I can get a job/internship later, lol. XP I'm not really good at networking, 'cause I'm a quiet person, but hopefully it goes well.

After Indianapolis, gonna fly back to SLO for summer school. Hopefully it'll be a good summer -- taking studio, so might be kinda stressful. =/ And my CRP 336 class got canceled, so I'm super pissed. x_x LAMENESS! Hopefully I get into this Intro to Shakespeare class for my last GE, or else I have to rearrange my whole schedule I planned out for the rest of my time at Cal Poly. Yes, I'm one of those lame people who have every class and quarter planned out. XP But it was based on taking 336 this summer and if I don't trade in the GE this summer for that class later on, then I'm screwed. I'm basically at 20-ish units each quarter, so I can't just not take the GE this summer and add 336 and the GE in during the year. x_x 2nd on the waitlist, so hopefully I get in. XD


Gotta sleep now, so more updates later! I will totally do a convention report next! And probably be crossposting that into my Cal Poly CSI blog, since I've been neglecting that too...


Laters!


~Remula

22 Books! Wheee! Check HERE for details!

Now, back to studying....

~Remula

 


Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon


Description:
Ai Ling has been marked by the Immortals; her destiny lies in the Emperor’s palace, where a terrible evil has lived—stealing souls—for centuries. She must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. And then she meets Chen Yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard... Ai Ling will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. SILVER PHOENIX: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance–of anything with the making of legend.



Prizes:
- Original Framed Brushpainting (Worth $200-400) OR $100 Gift Card to Bookstore of Your Choice
- Signed Copy of Silver Phoenix





There's also a cool YouTube trailer for the book:



Last day to enter the contest is TOMORROW -- I know, cutting it close to enter, haha. XP ENTER NOW!


I think I might have said it here before, but if not, I'm super excited to read the book and I do have it, but sadly, midterms, homework, and my architecture project have been preventing me from reading it. =( And now, I have to study for finals, so no reading until I head home after finals. Only a few more days!


Now, back to ARCE homework (why due on finals week?!) and studying for finals!

~Remula

I totally realized today that I never even wrote bout finally getting a web host + domain. o_O Anyway, last week, I finally did, haha. I mean, I've been researching different hosts and stuff off and on for like, a year or so, but I've always just put it off since I was like, "Well, don't have time to make a website right now" and all that, but then finally, last week I decided that I just had to DO it or else I'd keep making excuses and putting it off, lol. So yes. I finally decided on Web Hosting Pad because they had pretty good reviews and they were on sale. XD So yes, $70-ish dollars for three years is super cheap, so I'm happy. XP Anyway, my address is Remula.com because I am lame like that. I actually wanted to be even lamer and just do the cliche thing and use my name, but unfortunately, helento.com was taken -- damn person. Also, h2o was taken and so was h20. Unlike most people who would have more options for their name, my full name is Helen To, so therefore, can't do any of these weird first-middle, first-middle-last, middle-last, etc. combinations that people are so fond of if the first option isn't avaiable. Today, I totally had the brillant idea of tohelen.com -- I checked, it was available, but I think tohelen just looks stupid, so yes -- obviously remula was the way to go, hahaha.

So yes.. I finally have a website of my own now that I have to create, but I'm restricting myself from actually DOING it until I finish my architecture project. ^_^;; So if you visit it right now, all you will see are the links to my twitter and facebook. But yes.. During the summer, while I am doing summer school and designing my yacht project for studio, I will make my website and it will be awesome -- hopefully, haha. But first, I will need to decide what I will have on my website -- portfolio for sure, but that would first require me to get a portfolio together and take some better pictures of my models... if I can even find them. ^_^;;

Whatever... Must do ARCE homework now!


~Remula

I had my ARCE 223 midterm today -- I think I did pretty bad. =( I didn't know how to do the first problem and I don't even know if I did the second problem right. *sigh* Super depressing... And I think that everyone did good on it, so there probably won't even be a curve. x_x The worst is that the first problem was similar to one of the homework problems, but that was one that I didn't get to when I was reviewing. ARGH! I don't even want it back 'cause I know I did bad...

Anyway.. Good news of the day -- not sure how much it can counter a failed midterm, but -- I got Vice President for DBIA (Design Build Institute of America)! I didn't think I would get it 'cause the application process was about a month ago and I didn't hear anything from them, but when I got home, I saw the results in my email. XD I wasn't really involved with DBIA this year, which was why I decided to run for a board position -- to get more involved. =) Hopefully this will be super fun -- not sure of what I have to do as VP for them, but I'm excited to get more involved, lol. XD


So yesterday, in all my procrastination-ness, I decided to apply for the Mustang Daily (my school newspaper) as the online web developer or whatever. I have no experience what-so-ever in journalism or school papers or anything, but I thought it would be something fun to do, lol. So yes... Instead of studying, I totally spent time filling out the application instead. In hinesight, probably should have studied more and fill out the application later, but you know how procrastination goes... x_x Oh well... Don't really think I have a chance at getting the position, since there has to be people more qualified than me, but whatever -- better to try. XP


Okay.. yeah, I just calculated out my grade for ARCE 223 (because I'm obsessive like that), and based on assumptions for the rest of homework, quizes, and lab scores, and assuming I get a 60% on that midterm I just took, the highest grade I can get in the class is a 79% -- that's with a 100% on the final. Basically impossible for me, so yeah. More likely that I will get a 70% on the final, which will just leave my grade at about 72% or 73% -- solid C hopefully, not C- or that would be even more depressing. *sigh* Oh well... Can only hope that I do good in my other classes... x_x

~Remula

So earlier today, this guy I knew from elementary / middle school added me on Facebook. After accepting his request, I went to his page to find out more about him (since I haven't actually seen or talked to him since middle school and I saw that he had two kids. O_O Super surprising to me, since he's like, almost a year younger than me. I mean, I know of a few other people my age who have kids and stuff, but it just seems so weird. ((I'm only 21 and since I was born in December, I got stuck starting school with people about a year younger than me.)) So yeah.. I dunno, I still get surprised when I hear of these people I know, and went to school with, having kids. It shouldn't surprise me, seeing as I went to kinda crappy (poor) schools with most people I know not making it to college, but yeah. Super weird.

The other day, I was also thinking about the fact that, if I was a regular major with a four-year program, I would be graduating next year. o_O It came about 'cause I saw my roommate updated her twitter saying she turned in her graduation evaluation request form -- at our school, you have to turn it in four quarters before you graduate ((why so far in advance, I don't know)). But yeah.. I mean, I'm gonna be a fourth year student next year, and I feel that's still super far away from graduating ((five year program)), lol, when it SO isn't. It's kinda weird to think that I'm only half-way done with school, when other people I know who aren't architecture students, are getting ready to find jobs and stuff. I just wonder how I'll be when I'm finally in fifth year, about to graduate and needing to figure out my life post-college. @_@

This weekend kinda just reinforces these thoughts since it was the annual 5th year architecture thesis show. Every year, during Memorial weekend, the fifth year architecture students put on a show of their final thesis projects that they worked on for the year. Last year's was kinda disappointing 'cause a lot of projects were crap. This year was better ((probably because of the economy and how there aren't a lot of jobs)), but yeah.. Lots of third years going to the show and taking notes on which fifth year professors they want to take, since a lot of people are going abroad next year...

In case you don't know how our last year in architecture works... At the end of our fourth year, the fifth year design professors write up their prospecti of what they're going to focus on for their studio and they're posted on the department website. Then we have to write up a thing about ourselves and our thesis proposals and rank the fifth year professors we want to take. The professors get our rankings and our proposals and then they choose who they want in their studios.

I was kinda looking for my potential studio too, when I went to the show on Saturday -- I mean, I'm not gonna be around during Spring Quarter next year, so I would miss a lot of the fifth year shows, so I need to look now, obviously... But yeah, I basically know who I want to take -- it's obvious from the system that this is a matching thing -- match personality and project to the right professor. I have no idea what I want to do yet for my thesis project, but I'm pretty sure I want to take Barry Williams 'cause I've had him twice for ECS and I think he's pretty cool. Plus, people seem to think that I'm a Barry Williams kinda person ((which, admittedly, I am, lol)). The only thing I worry about is having people I don't like in my studio. x_x I mean, year-long studio ((studio is 15 hours a week)) with people you hate? Major suckage. Especially 'cause in fifth year, the studios go on a bunch of field trips together -- definitely don't want to be stuck with people I don't like AND have to go on trips with them, where they are the only people to talk to.


Okay... Super tired now. In need of sleep!

~Remula

Dream Width
I have a Dream Width account! XD I've been seeing people post about it for the past few weeks and it seems pretty cool, so yes. Here I am!. I made it yesterday -- I've imported my entries and changed my colors to be similar to my LJ, but that's about it... I will work on making it pretty and stuff later, when I have time. XP


CSI
The last time I really posted, I was talking about AIAS and CSI stuff -- elections have already passed for both, so I guess I should go into results first...

CSI 2009-2010 Board
President // Teresa
1st Vice President // Me
2nd Vice President // Joanna
Secretary // Grace
Treasurer // Tara

It kinda sucks that I got VP, 'cause I was really running for president -- we did president and vice presidents as a pool with everyone getting three votes, so yeah.. Teresa was really aiming for a VP spot, but I guess people liked her speech. Kinda annoyed that I didn't win, but Teresa is like my best friend, so whatever. We're mostly on the same wavelength, so it's all good.

On the other hand...

AIAS 2009-2010 Board
President // Sarah
Vice President // Ben
Secretary // Marcella
Treasurer // Nick

Just as predicted, it was the line-up. x_x I knew I had no chance of winning, with all those second years there voting for all their second year friends, but still.. Super annoying. >O I mean, I don't really have a problem with each as a person (except Ben -- Ben will always be an ASS), but it's just... ARGH. Whenever I think of AIAS now, I will always remember what they said at the "board meeting" and get super annoyed and I will think of Ben and all his BS and yes. Much anger to be had.

Anywayz... Forgetting about AIAS now...


I was working on the CSI website and I finally uploaded it over the weekend. Please go check out Cal Poly CSI. I know the layout is kinda plain, but I think it looks good that way. But then again, I'm really into the simple and clean aesthetic, so... It's still under a lot of construction, but I figure it's good to get it out now -- it has the most important things up for now, which is the about page and the join page. The other pages aren't as important right now, since the new school year hasn't even started. XP

We also have a BLOG! Wheeee! It's powered by Wordpress, so I'm not really used to it, since I obviously blog on LJ (and now DW, which is based on LJ, so same dif), but I figure that WP would be the best bet since I could install on our host and I could make it look exactly like all the other pages on the site. XP On a side note, does anyone know of a good free desktop application for posting to WP? I mean, I use Semagic for LJ, so I would like something similar, if anyone knows.


But yeah.. SUPER EXCITED about next year -- I mean, now me and Teresa are are in charge and we have a lot of plans, so yeah. XD Hopefully it'll be a good year -- I mean, the only thing I"m worried about is the membership numbers in the beginning, 'cause I feel like we'll be losing a lot of people since all those AIAS people don't like us. x_x I think we have a lot to offer though, and we're better organized and prepared, so whatever. And we have money to support our cause!

Also want to say, we decided to still meet on Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM, which was our joint time and we've already turned in the paperwork to get a room and everything, but I feel like the new AIAS board will try to compete with us. I don't know if they know we took the time yet, but whatever -- it's freakin' first come first served and we went and we already have it. It's not our fault they're not fast enough! And they can't take the same time as us 'cause we voted on it during the "board meeting" that we wouldn't have conflicting meetings. >O So annoying that some people are saying we took AIAS' time -- Mary-Alice said that CSI always had Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM, so I think we have precedent over them anyway -- CSI has been here longer than them anyway!


CONSTRUCT 2009
I'm going to Indianapolis for CONSTRUCT 2009 -- the annual CSI convention. Super excited about it! It's gonna be from June 16-19, the week after finals, so yeah. I'm flying out from San Diego on the 16th and then gonna fly back to SLO on the 20th, since I'm taking summer school. Second time flying! YAY! And I've never really been anywhere (except Arizona in October for the AIAS West Quad, but I don't really count that, since I didn't see much of it), so yes. I'm excited! XDDDD And I signed up for some pretty interesting lectures too. XD

My Education Sessions:
TUESDAY
4:00-5:30 // Energy Efficient Glazing Material - Multiwall Polycarbonate

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:30 // Concrete Sustainability - How Green Building is Enhanced by Cement Sustainability Initiative
4:00-5:00 // Better Lighting for Less Energy

THURSDAY
8:00-9:30 // Quality Assurance for Sustainable and Energy Efficient Masonry Construction
10:00-11:30 // Global Megatrends and Next-Generation Architectural Glass
4:00-5:00 // I'm a PC and I'm a MAC - Winning Results for Product Reps and Architects

FRIDAY
7:30-8:30 // Specifications for Project Architects, Designers and Interiors; How to Protect Your Design Intent
9:00-10:00 // GreenFormat in Practice: How Manufacturers and Designers Communication about Green Products

Fun stuff! I'm really interested in the energy efficient glazing and the concrete sustainability ones. XP


LIFE
It is nearing the end of week eight and I still haven't really worked on my winery project. What's wrong with me?! I feel super guilty and dude! Project is due in two weeks! OMG! Gotta work and gotta work on making a model, damnit. x_x Hopefully my project turns out okay.. =/

I bought Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon. XD It's totally sittig on my other chair (which is located in the center of my room), so I see it everyday when I move around my room and I WANT TO READ IT, but I can't! ;_; So much ARCE to do and wineries to be working on and yeah. ;_; But dude, first priority when I get a chance! XD

This weekend is Memorial and yeah.. I will be super lonely. =( Can't go home, since it's too close to the end of the quarter, and no one to visit me. =/ Usually, [Bad username: bobbleheadvi"] would come, but now we're not together so... I asked aznearthdragon to come, but our parents won't let her. ;_; So yeah.. I'll be lonely and I don't want to go to the 5th year show all by myself, but I guess I have to. ;_; And I guess this weekend I should probably get working on my winery.. *sigh*

I'm taking summer school again this year. =/ There's gonna be a summer studio, so I'll be taking it and trading it for winter quarter studio. It kinda sucks 'cause studio will be MTWR 1-6 with Doefler, who is pretty demanding. I've had pretty laid-back studio professors this year, so I think I'll be a big change for me. =/ Hopefully it'll be okay -- we're gonna be designing a yacht ((how is this architecture?)), so it should be fun, hopefully. The only problem I have for summer is that now I have 9 units and it's ~$500 more than if you had 8 units or less. x_x This means I need to find another class to take to make summer worth it! >O But because of all the budget cuts and stuff, there aren't that many classes to take in the first place -- also, PASS is closed until the 1st for summer, so I can't even waitlist for things. x_x But yeah, I was thinking of taking Linear Analysis (from the course description, it looks like it's Linear Algebra and Differential Equations combined) just 'cause that one is still open and I need units. It'll be kinda weird 'cause more math "for fun", but aznearthdragon said it was easy, so yeah. Plus, I've already put myself through the torture of the other two calculus classes that I didn't even need, so what's another math class? And one that is supposedly WAY easier than calculus (according to aznearthdragon). I dunno... I wish there were more classes, but there aren't and the ones I would want to take interfere with studio or have a bazillion people on the waitlist, so yeah... We'll see, I guess, but right now, I think that will be the best option.


Okay, super tired of typing -- haven't blogged in so long that this is a workout for my fingers! -- so yeah... Will update again soon (hopefully).


~Remula

Haven't been writing here lately, since I'm busy with school and all, but here's a contest to win a signed copy of Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon. XD Super excited to read the book!


Description:

Ai Ling has been marked by the Immortals; her destiny lies in the Emperor’s palace, where a terrible evil has lived—stealing souls—for centuries. She must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. And then she meets Chen Yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . Ai Ling will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. SILVER PHOENIX: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance–of anything with the making of legend.


Go check out the giveaway! XD

~Remula

One last thing before I head off to bed!

Yesterday, I discovered Super Junior, a Korean boy-band. The thing about this boy-band is that there are THIRTEEN members in it! According to Wiki, they are the largest boy-band in the world, lol. XP But yes, I discovered them and they are totally my new favorite boy-band because they are just AWESOME like that. XD

Anywayz, here's their music video for their newest single (and the one that introduced me to their amazing awesomeness), Sorry Sorry. Very catchy and makes me want to DANCE! Also, EYE CANDY!~ XP





~Remula

The courses I'm taking this quarter, in case you wanted more information on why my life is so hectic all the time. XP

Time Schedule
ARCE 223 // MWF // 1210-1300
ARCH 353 // MWF // 1310-1800
ARCE 351 // T // 0810-1100
ARCE 223 // R // 0810-1100
ARCH 342 // TR // 1310-1400
ARCE 227 // TR // 1410-1500
ARCH 342 // TR // 1610-1800
MLL 103 // Credit By Eamination


ARCH 353 // Architectural Design 3.3
Catalog Description: Development and exploration of architectural theories, building systems, and design processes involved in creating appropriate architecture with an emphasis on socio-cultural and space planning/life safety concerns.
My Take: This is the class I usually refer to as "studio". As an architecture student, I have a studio every quarter, fifteen hours a week. We also get a key to our studios, so I can be in studio at any time, depending on what I have to due and stuff like that. This quarter, my design project for the quarter is to design a winery on a site located in Paso Robles (Central Coast, California).

ARCH 342 // Architectural Practice 3.2
Catalog Description: Concepts, methods and processes pertaining to the preparation of outline specifications, production of design development drawings, life safety, systems integration and cost estimating.
My Take: Another core architecture course. It's broken up into a lecture component and an activity component. I usually refer to the lecture component of this class as either "lecture" or "practice". The lecture portion is just that -- a one-hour lecture two days a week. The activity portion this quarter is with the same professor I have for studio. Usually when this happens, practice activity turns into just a continuation of studio, and that's not any different this quarter.

ARCE 223 // Mechanics of Structural Members
Catalog Description: Advanced topics of stresses in beams. Plastic bending, unsymmetrical bending. Combined stresses. Stress transformation. Buckling. Deflection of beams. Material test laboratory.
My Take: Taking this class for my ARCE minor -- I'm not so hot at ARCE and I haven't taken a real ARCE class for a year, so lots of troubles. There's a lecture and a lab component to this class. The lecture has homework due every Friday with about eight problems per week. For me, eight problems DEFINITELY take more than eight hours. =( 'Cause I suck at ARCE hardcore. =/ Also, another issue I have is that this an ARCE core major class, so all those ARCE students will definitely bring up the curve. =(

ARCE 351 // Structural Computing Analysis
Catalog Description: Computer calculations, programming basics and technical reporting. Emphasis on use of spreadsheets as a tool to analyze structural elements.
My Take: Lab class that is attached to ARCE 223. We're mostly working on Excel in the class, but the labs seem to be super long. =( Also, we have homework excel projects to do every week, so I'm kinda worried it'll take a lot of time. =/

ARCE 227// Structures III
Catalog Description: Advanced topics in two-dimensional and three-dimensional equilibrium of structural building systems.
My Take: Another ARCE major class. The thing is, I'm retaking this class 'cause I failed it last year. x_x I pretty much know most of the information for the class (since I learned it last year, but messed up on the two tests in the class), so I'm hoping that I can do really well this time. The bad news is that the homework is still long, so lots of time will be devoted to this class as well. =/

MLL 103 // Foreign Language III -- Chinese
Catalog Description: Organized group instruction arranged for students who wish to acquire basic skills in a foreign language indicated by subtitle. Laboratory drill required. Language taught in its cultural context.
My Take: The third quarter of Chinese class. I'm taking this credit by examination 'cause the times interfere with my studio. x_x Kinda bad taking it by exam 'cause you don't learn as much as you would in class -- especially since this is a language class. But the thing is, I've gotten through the other two quarters of Chinese, so it would be a waste if I can't even say I completed a year of Chinese. Last quarter, I also took Chinese by examination, but this quarter is super busy with architecture and ARCE, but hopefully I can still do well self-studying Chinese on top of that.


So yeah, there is is. The only major problem I have with my schedule is that I'm taking ARCH major core classes and ARCE major core classes at the SAME TIME. There is obviously problems with the workload because of that, since people from either of those majors would just have the core classes (read: intense workload since it's your major) plus one/two GEs or side classes. I, on the other hand, have double the hardcore workload. x_x Let's just hope I survive with adequate grades.


~Remula

School has been pretty busy, so I've slacked on the updating business. ^_^;; However, I'm still trying to make the effort, so first I'll just try to cover the highlights of the past couple of weeks. Then, I'll do another post on my classes. XD

SPRING BREAK
Spring break was pretty laid-back for me -- just sat around and did nothing mostly. Besides the one unhappy event, I hung out with friends on one of the days and we just went around UCSD to do stuff. First, had fried ice cream, then went to blacks beach (nude beach next to UCSD) and climbed all the way down the steep hill to get to the beach. I was super tired 'cause I'm SO not athletic at all. XP

After climbing back up, went over to the Salk Institute and hung around the plaza area. XD For all people into architecture, I'm sure you've probably heard of the Salk Institute by Louis Kahn, but I don't see what the big deal is. The building itself doesn't seem TOO impressive to me, but I'm not a big fan of his. ^_^;; The only good part, IMO, is the plaza, which is amazingly cool. Go check it out if you're ever in San Diego. XD

Besides hanging out with friends, me and aznearthdragon watched LOTS of Taiwanese drama. XD


DEVIL BESIDE YOU
As stated in a previous post, me and aznearthdragon watched Devil Beside You, starring Rainie Yang, Mike He, and Kingone. Overall, I have to say that it wasn't really all that great -- I had a lot of issues with it, lol. But yeah.. It was okay, but I do think the end was kinda lame and stuff. I dunno what else to say without going too in-depth on stuff. XP


WHY WHY LOVE
After finishing Devil Beside You, we watched Why Why Love -- we are super lame, haha. I don't know how it was possible for us to start watching another drama starring the SAME MAJOR ACTORS. Yeah, Rainie Yang, Mike He, and Kingone AGAIN! =O And still a love triangle with the same end-couple outcome. XP But I actually liked this one better than Devil Beside You. XD Still super cheesy and cliche, but if had to recommend one of these two, I'd say watch Why Why Love -- yes, it's predictable and stuff, but still cute.


CSI FORUM
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we had our annual Construction Sciences Forum. It's put on by CSI, which I'm a part of. Anyway, there was a keynote speaker on Tuesday night, but it kinda sucked 'cause not many people showed up. =( Also, the lecturer read from his notes half the time, so it wasn't as interesting. =/ When he was just talking though, without the notes, it was way better. XP

On Wednesday, I had to get up super early (after sleeping super late from doing homework) to go help set-up and stuff. Helped product reps unload and drove the electric cart to shuttle them to the parking lot and back. XD Driving the cart = super fun. XD Also, first time driving in almost three years, haha. XP

Anywayz, there was a product show during the day, then dinner in the evening, followed by a roundtable discussion. Dinner was awesome -- but it probably tasted SUPER GOOD because I basically didn't eat all day, lol. The problems with waking up early and then working all day and stuff. x_x

The theme of the forum this year was Integrated Project Delivery, so the roundtable discussion was about that. There were more attendees during the discussion, but I wish more people showed up 'cause it was pretty interesting. I think one of the speakers, Barbara Jackson (Cal Poly professor and in DBIA), said a lot of interesting points about the future of the industry and how IDP fits into it.

After it was all over, had to clean up and stuff and yeah.. didn't finish and get home until 11:30. @_@


WINERY FIELD TRIP
On Wednesday, my studio also had a field trip scheduled. I had to talk to my Chinese professor to push back my test so I could go. Also missed out on most of the product show for forum. =/ But seeing the wineries was pretty cool. The reason we went to see wineries is 'cause our design project this quarter is to design a winery. I'm kinda excited about it. XD But yeah, we went up to Paso Robles and visited Robert Hall winery and Eberle winery. Both of them are cool and have caves. The Robert Hall winery was pretty big. The Eberle one had cool caves -- seemed very maze-like, lol.

Didn't do any wine-tasting though, haha. I don't drink, but I kinda want to go wine-tasting one day 'cause it seems like a cool thing to do. XD I dunno if I'd really appreciate the wine though, lol. But we'll see -- maybe someday I'll actually go and try it out. XP

After visiting those two wineries, we went to my professor's vineyard and got to look around. It was pretty cool -- kinda out in the middle of nowhere, but there was a really nice open space on his vineyard. His vineyard is pretty secluded, so it was nice and quiet out there -- and great view of the mountains and stuff. XD


ARCE
I'm taking three architectural engineering classes this quarter and they're totally kicking my butt. =( Major reason for not updating -- 'cause I have so much homework to do! x_x I don't know if ARCE is really for me, 'cause it's hard and I never really get it the first time around. =( Takes so much out of me just to grasp how to do things. Sucks. =/ But hopefully I can pass all my classes this quarter without going super crazy trying to survive in ARCE with architecture. @_@


Next up, a post about all my classes.

~Remula

DMV
Went to the DMV this morning 'cause I had to get a duplicate of my license. It didn't get stolen and I didn't lose it, but in December, when I had to renew it, I never received it in the mail and whenever I called, I couldn't get through (except the first time, where I got a bitch lady that didn't help AT ALL), so yeah.. Just waited until break, when I was back at home, to get stuff straighten out (since I renewed during winter break and yeah...).

aznearthdragon and I got there pretty early, but it was already busy, as usual. I always wonder why there's always so many people at the DMV -- seriously, why do they have to be there? And why can't they have more services online so people don't have to waste their time? But whatever.. Had to wait an hour or so, then finally my number was called. I was lucky 'cause I got a really nice lady who helped me. I thought they would charge me the duplicate fee, since technically I needed a duplicate (she checked and saw that my license was returned and destroyed), but she didn't charge me a fee for it, so yay. I mean, technically I shouldn't be charged 'cause I never got it, but still.. I wouldn't have been surprised if they did charge me 'cause it's probably my fault, according to them (but it totally isn't!).


ABDC
Yesterday, aznearthdragon and I began our marathon of America's Best Dance Crew, season three. I hadn't see any 'cause I was busy with school and I don't have cable, so yeah. We finished it today, but I already knew who won 'cause aznearthdragon spoiled it for me back during dead week. x_x Anywayz.. This season was pretty good. Season two was really lame and there weren't any extremely good crews, so I was glad that there were good ones this season. XD Also, I don't like season two 'cause stupid Super Crew won and I hated them. x_x Anywayz.. Yeah. I loved Quest Crew, Beat Freaks, Dynamic Edition, and Strikers All Stars. XD And the season finale where Quest Crew, Dynamic Edition, and Strikers All Stars danced together was awesome. XD The other combinations on the finale = not so hot.


Mall
Went to the mall today with aznearthdragon. Didn't get anything -- just window shopping and stuff. But yeah.. I totally miss malls, 'cause there aren't any in SLO. =/ I wish there were some 'cause it's always fun to hang out at the mall and stuff, but yeah.. Will never happen in SLO 'cause they like the small-town feel there (I totally am not into that!).


Devil Beside You
Started watching Devil Beside You earlier today. We're on episode three right now and yeah.. I didn't like the main guy that you know Rainie's character is suppose to go with, but, of course, he HAS to end up being SO nice and stuff. x_x LAME! And I don't like his creeper smile, lol, but yeah. We all know that the girl's gonna end up with him and ditch the guy she has a crush on. =/ Also, I don't like the mom character 'cause she acts so much like a kid! Also, the guy she's marrying acts just like her! I don't think that would work out well. XP But whateverz..

This show is so cliche, just like all Taiwanese dramas. And yet, I watch them anyway. -_-;; Oh well, I admit that they're a guilty pleasure, haha. At least I feel good when I recognize words and can understand. XP


~Remula

Uploaded a bunch of old pictures onto Facebook. I've been slacking off on that, haha, so yeah. I'll post some previews with the links to the albums.

ARCH 351 // Tour of Downtown SLO


( See More Photos! )

And, in case you didn't see it before, here are the link (and preview) for my architecture studio's final review...

ARCH 352 // Final Review



Sleepy now!

~Remula

Haven't be updating the last few days, but you know how it is with finals and stuff... Anywayz, yesterday I finished in the morning and then headed home at 4:30pm. Got to Oceanside around 9-ish and got picked up and went home.

Anywayz.. Update on the last few days!

On Wednesday, I procrastinated in the morning, then went over to Teresa's place (she lives next door to me!) to study for ARCH 307. Got through like, half-ish of the study guide, then Niki came back and emailed Teresa all the answers she got and yeah.. Ordered pizza to eat since we were hungry, then continued to study -- more like procrastinate -- for the rest of the night. But yeah.. basically, I didn't really study that much after Niki gave us the answers, lol. ^_^;;

On Thursday, I woke up semi-late at 10:00 and then tabbed my MEEB book for the ARCH 307 final (since the test is open-book), then read through the answers we came up with. Then it was time for my test at 1:00, so yeah.. The test was okay -- he posted the scores later that night, but I didn't do as hot as I thought I would. I got a 45/51, which is a B, so yeah.. Freakin' Teresa sucks -- she got a perfect. x_x I hate her -- she's one of those people who almost always sets the curve! >O Makes me feel dumb hanging out and studying with her, lol. XP

After the ARCH 307 final, went home and procrastinated for like, two hours because I had to finish watching Meteor Garden, lol. I only had two episodes to go! So yeah.. Meteor Garden -- not as good as the hype. I thought Xiao You and Xi Men would be cute together, lol. I totally was more into their relationship than the main relationship. ^_^;; But yeah.. I thought Shan Cai was kinda annoying and Dao Ming Si was WAY annoying and I didn't really even want them to get together in the beginning and yeah.. Totally not interested in watching the sequel...

Had to work on my KINE 323 project and reflection after I finished watching Meteor Garden 'cause they were both due on Friday at 7:00am. x_x I had started my project earlier (on Tuesday, probably) and I saved it on my Desktop, but then my Illustrator crashed. I thought it saved though, so I was like whatever about it and didn't check. Then, I had to start working on the project again, so I was looking for the project and yeah.. I searched forever for it -- even used the search function to search my computer and yeah -- nothing. x_x So disappointing! Had to start all over. x_x And yeah.. my project could have been way better, but whatever.. I didn't want to put more time and effort into it 'cause I still had an essay to write afterwards, so yeah...


Click to see bigger and to read the explanation..

After finishing my project, I totally procrastinated and re-watched the first episode of Full House, the Korean drama, not the American TV-show. After going through the first episode, I figured I had to definitely start writing my paper, so yeah..

Basically, I procrastinated with the help of YouTube while working on my paper. x_x Watched a BUNCH of Wilber Pan music videos and yeah.. ^_^;; I ended up pulling an all-nigher because of all my procrastination. x_x I could have slept, but I was scared that by the time I finished, I wouldn't be able to get up for class, so I decided to play it safe and not sleep for the hour and a half I had before I needed to get up and stuff...

On Friday morning, set off for school and we had to do teacher evals before we got into our groups to present our projects. I think that people kinda liked mine, but I'm not sure.. Most people had collages or collage-type type stuff for their projects. I think it's kinda lame to do that since you know everyone will do it, but yeah.. That's why I didn't want to do that -- also because I'm not really into going and finding pictures and stuff. XP Obviously for my project, I didn't have to do much research, haha. And I feel like there's an obvious link to something we learned in class without being TOO obvious. Doing collages that basically show how women in sports are portrayed VS men in sports is just too in your face, IMO. Also, it's not very original.

I kinda wish I did something more abstract, like Teresa, but then I would feel like I was copying her. Her project was like, also on the mosaic of identities, but she did a very abstract painting thing that had some colors and them coming together to make the black (and you can obviously figure out the way she explained that, lol) and yeah.. I would think that the professors would probably like something like that more just because it's out of the ordinary and creative. For me, I think there are two ways to see a project like hers -- either that person is very creative and took a lot of work or the person is lazy and didn't want to do a lot of work. Most people might see it as the former, but I know Teresa and it's obviously the latter. XP Mine is obviously more of the latter as well, but I hope that it seems like I took a lot of work to do it and that it's (hopefully) creative-like. XD And yeah -- it did take some time to do it, because I had to figure out how to put the words together and stuff, but yeah.. And it must seem (at the least) like I took more time than people who just googled, got a bunch of images, and stuck them together...

We finished in KINE 323 at, like, 8:30, then I went over to the key shop to return my studio key, then went home and went into hardcore cleaning mode. Organized my papers, cleaned up my room, did the dishes, cleaned the stove, and vacuumed. I would have done more, but I was REALLY tired by that time, especially since I didn't sleep... Plus, I figured I could sleep on the five-hour drive home. XP


Today, I went to Costco with the family -- I miss Costco so much whenever I'm at school. I mean, there is a Costco in SLO, but I don't have a card and it's far away. Plus, I don't have a car, so it's not like I could buy stuff there anyway, since stuff is in bulk and would be impossible for me to carry back on the bus and walk home. x_x

Also, got to eat good food at home. XD I always miss food from home -- there aren't any Chinese / Vietnamese grocery stores in SLO, so it's hard to get Asian food, and when you DO find Asian stuff in the grocery stores, it's EXTREMELY overpriced. x_x So yeah.. I need to buy a bunch of stuff and bring it back with me, lol. XP


So, my to-do list for Spring Break is pretty time-consuming. ^_^;; But I need to get a lot done this week, so yeah...

To-Do List
- Put together my portfolio
- Update / design my resume
- Create my website
- Watch the last season of ABDC
- Watch Devil Beside You

Obviously the last two items are for fun, but the first three are pretty set-in-stone for me...


Will update more later.

~Remula

Another contest link... XD

The Story Siren is having a ten-pack ARC contest over here. Go check it out!

~Remula

Cheryl Renee Herbsman is giving away a signed ARC of Breathing. CHECK IT OUT! XD

~Remula

I set two alarms before going to sleep, one for 7:30 and one at 8:00, but somehow, I still didn't wake up until 9:30. x_x And my ENGR 302 final was at 10:00. x_x I'm so lame.

I hate ENGR 302 the most out of all my classes, maybe the most out of all the classes I've ever taken, so I'm glad it's over. XP There are so many reasons why I don't like that class, but the fact that he starts class EARLY doesn't do me any favors. The classroom is like, in the building the furthest away from the end of campus that I live on, so it takes me super long to get there. And yeah, I obviously don't leave early enough to get there early, but class starts 10 minutes after the hour on our campus, so when I walk into a classroom at 9:09, I expect that the lecture hasn't started 'cause I'M TECHNICALLY NOT LATE. But yeah, obviously we can see where I'm going with this -- I knew I was gonna be "late" to the final -- I got there at 10:12 -- and, of course, it seems like everyone started at 10:00. Wonders of wonders. x_x

I mean, it's not like I need the whole time to work on the final, but it's the principle -- I don't like being late. =(

Anywayz... The test was okay -- I finished at 10:40, so obivously I didn't need the time... But yeah. There were some questions that I didn't know, so.. I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a B in the class. =/ Sucks 'cause I need more A's to boost my declining GPA. ;_;


AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! OMG! The professor just emailed us and said that the grades for the final are up! ;_;

ARGHHHH! I got a 43.08! WTF! He said there was a 4.08 point curve, so that means I got ten questions wrong! ARGHHH! I totally counted only six questions I didn't know! Dude, this freakin' sucks! >O Now I definitely have a B in the class. ;_; I needed a 95% on the final to get a 89% in the class, which he rounds up to an A-. BOOOO!


~Remula

Yesterday, I went to the Madonna shopping center because I wanted to go to Ralphs. Of course, that meant that I went around to most of the other stores around that area because I was there. XP So yeah, I bought two pairs of shoes from Payless. ^_^;; They were so cute and cheap, so I couldn't just pass them up, lol. I'm so lame. XP


The first pair of shoes -- they're kinda lame with the stupid laces, but whatever. It's still cute. XP


The other pair of shoes. XD I like these ones more, but they're more dress-y, IMO, so yeah.

But yeah.. The only thing about the shoes are that they're shiny. Reminds me of ROTC, lol, but yeah, if there was one thing I learned from ROTC about shiny shoes is that they scuff easily. =/ And yeah, that would suck a lot, but what can you do? =/


Anywayz.. Last night I wasted time making the three-page portfolio thing that was due today. It was lame 'cause I knew I didn't have much content and I didn't want to put in a lot of effort to make it, so yeah... x_x I finished it this morning and turned it in earlier at 1:00. At least that's done...


So last night, while I was working on laying out my two pages, I started watching Meteor Garden. Yeah, it's old, but I wanted to know what the hype was all about. And yeah.. Let's just say now that, so far, I don't see what all the hype was about. x_x There are a lot of things on the show that I don't like and go HUH over. And yeah.. But maybe it gets better? 'Cause I'm only on episode nine, but yeah.. Otherwise, there is no reason people should be all, OMG I LOVE IT when they talk about the show...


Now, I need to get studying for my ENGR 302 final tomorrow. =/ I keep getting distracted! ;_; Stupid drama... XP


~Remula

So, this has been a long-time coming. I totally think about writing this every once-in-a-while whenever something related comes up, and yeah. Obviously something came up just now, so I figured, good time to write about it, since I'm trying to post again.

I go on Facebook and, at the top of my newsfeed, there is this:

Arch Student #1:....FINALS LOOM...which is very unfortunate
Arch Student #2: what finals, Arch Student #1? we are architecture. i.e. we have no finals/they don't matter...
Arch Student #3: arce. and arce project.
Arch Student #2: frivolous. and unnecessary.
Arch Student #3: agreed.

And there it is -- what Arch Student #2 said, the "[finals] don't matter" and "[finals are] frivolous. and unnecessary". If there's ONE thing I hate about architecture, is THAT kind of attitude, right there.

I HATE that architecture students put EVERYTHING into architecture and studio, and NOTHING into everything else. Granted, that is a generalization, and not everyone does that, but the majority does, and seeing as I'm surrounded by these types of people, I have to acknowledge it and keep my negative comments to myself around these people, or else they'll come verbally attack me in packs until I revise my statement into something "more appropriate" (speaking from experience here!). So yes. The only time I can complain about this is to my friend Teresa or to aznearthdragon or whatever.

Anyway, the point is, mostly everyone has the opinion (and most even say it straight out) that "Architecture is my LIFE!", except, of course, it's only their SCHOOL LIFE and they have plenty fun partying and all that. When it comes to school, however, it''s like, "ditch this class, ditch that class". "Study for GE class? Ehhh, I have architecture to do" and everything else under the sun. And then, when they end up doing not so hot in a class, there's always, "Whatever, it's not like we need a high GPA anyway" and yeah.

You know when you hear people saying that grades don't matter, you assume (almost always correctly) that they don't have good grades.

As you can tell, I'm VERY bitter about this. I mean, maybe this is so "obvious" to them, but to me, it's like a slap in the face. I mean, I'm not what you would call a "hardcore" architecture student -- I know that I'm not as into it as a lot of people, but still. There's a reason that our architecture program is so highly regarded, and when I ended up going here, my only saving grace (seeing that most people DON'T know about Cal Poly) was that the architecture program is constantly ranked 2nd or 3rd in the nation. This, of course, means absolutely NOTHING if the students don't give even try in anything besides architecture. I feel like this is giving architecture students a bad reputation -- too busy, too lazy, always in need of extensions, etc. from the rest of the campus. Seriously, what does this say? It's like, there are things like, "oh, architects suck at math" and "architects can't write" and stuff like that, and I feel offended because, OMG, I can and I think everything else is JUST as important and then there's the feeling of, "WHY IS EVERYONE BRINGING ME DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL?!~" and it just pisses. me. OFF. >O

And yeah... I know I'm being somewhat unreasonable, but in the end, for me, it all boils down to, if you're making the commitment to the class by taking it, the LEAST you can do is PUT IN THE EFFORT. If not, don't take the class. If you can't move on without taking the class, well TOUGH. That obviously means that you are committed to graduating and therefore are committed to the program. SO PUT IN THE FREAKIN' EFFORT! >O

Seriously though, I think that just shows your work ethic -- it's the "I can handle what I'm committing to and I don't overextend myself to the extreme that I can only do well in one area or poorly in all" kinda thing, and that's admirable. Getting C-'s and D's just to move on because you don't care is NOT. Especially for people that are only taking ONE other class besides studio and practice (core major classes). If you only have ONE other thing to focus on besides architecture and you can't even put in the effort to get a good grade, you might as well just GTFO. Seriously. No respect for those people, at ALL.

Finally, my last thoughts on this are the people who use their studios as an excuse. The ones who go, "I have Fowler studio" because everyone knows that Fowler is hard and gives a lot of work. And then, because they're in Fowler studio, or whatever other professor has that sort of reputation, always say things like, (when recommending to other students) "Don't take anything else if you're taking Fowler. Seriously, there's no time for anything else. He just give you SO much work!" and yeah. I don't care HOW much work Fowler (or any other studio professor) gives you -- there's still time to focus on your other classes. Sure, you might not be able to take the usual 16/17 units and might be bumped down to just 12/13 units, but honestly -- 12/13 units just means ONE EXTRA NON-ARCHITECTURE CLASS. DEAL WITH IT! See the above!


Okay, that was really long, but it's something that really pisses me off. If there's something wrong with what I said, I want to know, 'cause I can vaguely see where most people are coming from with their opinions, but even so, I still don't agree. I know I complain a lot about my workload, but I always know that it's my fault for taking it on. Also, I don't blow off my other classes, no matter how much I complain, so it's not the complaining that pisses me off as much as the people who complain about their other classes, and then blow it off after acting like the other classes were going to put a dent into their time. x_x

~Remula