Though, I probably won't complete a majority of these. Is good to have something to look at.
1. Be more outgoing.
2. Write more stories.
3. Have something presentable to show for a demo reel.
4. Say stuff on my mind more often.
5. Be less anxious and aggravated.
6. Find an internship.
7. Fix the brake on my bike or get a new one.
8. Get a motorcycle license.
9. Finish the pile of movies I have stacking up.
10. Read more often.
11. Become more witty, and more so saracastic.
12. Make it a point to try and keep in touch with people.
13. Do things on a whim more often.
14. Take more pictures (I brought a camera for that reason alone)
15. Be more open?
16. Straight As?
17. Go on LSD (Lake Shore Drive) more often.
18. Learn to cook real food. (half way there).
19. Spend more time from the screen.
20. Find a routine I can follow everyday to stay active.
21. Get a new suit.
22. Find out the greatest mystery of me. Why people in A+D "knows", "heard of" me. Is either a good thing or a bad thing. Still no one has ever given me a solid answer.
I think that's all I can think of.
-David M.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Strangest Dream (No, Not the One from the Other Night)
I've been having a string of strange dreams, yesterday's was just too strange to comprehend even for my standards; though it was probably an entertaining one for lack of a better word. Though, today's was simple, humorous and the very most comprehensible.
The dream goes as follow...
I don't remember what happens leading into the end of the dream, but I was speaking about something very profound, and in the end I pointed at a phone. Next thing you know, the home phone rings, and wakes me up at 8 in the morning. Yea, not the deepest of dreams, but I think it's worth mentioning; it kind of felt almost omnipotent given the "seriousness" leading up to the ringing.
Though, I couldn't sleep at all afterwards, I went on a whim to buy ingredients to make pancakes and croquettes. I should do things on a whim more often.
-David M.
The dream goes as follow...
I don't remember what happens leading into the end of the dream, but I was speaking about something very profound, and in the end I pointed at a phone. Next thing you know, the home phone rings, and wakes me up at 8 in the morning. Yea, not the deepest of dreams, but I think it's worth mentioning; it kind of felt almost omnipotent given the "seriousness" leading up to the ringing.
Though, I couldn't sleep at all afterwards, I went on a whim to buy ingredients to make pancakes and croquettes. I should do things on a whim more often.
-David M.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Oddjobs (Other Options I've Considered)
Oddjobs
In the mood for writing a couple memes,so, the premise of this one is other jobs or alternatives you would consider in your life if you decided to drop your current pursuit. Please post your alternative occupations.
1. Rickshaw Driver
2. Detective/Private Eye (I have a knack for crime and context clues)
3. If it's anything hip-hop related my moniker would be, "-ism" (also an initial I plan to use for one of my kids.)
4. If I were to start a band the name of the group will be, Geek Speak
5. A writer (This one seems normal enough.)
6. Motivational speaker
7. A Transporter (I wonder if that is a real occupation)
8. A Butler
9. Bruce Lee impersonator
10. Some random guy you'll meet on the street spitting wisdom
In the mood for writing a couple memes,so, the premise of this one is other jobs or alternatives you would consider in your life if you decided to drop your current pursuit. Please post your alternative occupations.
1. Rickshaw Driver
2. Detective/Private Eye (I have a knack for crime and context clues)
3. If it's anything hip-hop related my moniker would be, "-ism" (also an initial I plan to use for one of my kids.)
4. If I were to start a band the name of the group will be, Geek Speak
5. A writer (This one seems normal enough.)
6. Motivational speaker
7. A Transporter (I wonder if that is a real occupation)
8. A Butler
9. Bruce Lee impersonator
10. Some random guy you'll meet on the street spitting wisdom
Ulitmate Fantasy
On the midst of reading a fellow blogger's blog, I gave it a long thought and thought it was indeed worth replicating if not totally rip-off. The context I presume is to describe one's fantasy/ideal life that we all strive to achieve, so without further Apu...
After graduation I'll try to find work in the city. Ultimately for the next two years build a solid demo reel to show employers and set off to the West coast. Though, as promising as that sounds I'll ultimately return to the city, because I love it to god darn much to leave it. I don't know how I'll meet the future Mrs. Mei (sorry, I don't know her name), but for some odd reason I think my wife will be a designer of some sort; a fashion designer to be exact (I don't know, I had that feeling since I was in eighth grade). We'll both be work-a-holics and travel all the time, and I'll always wonder how we ever married; cause of my geekish charms? We'll both be constantly traveling because of work, but never together. I'll be working on animation films, and maybe some game projects just to knock it out of my to-do list. On the side, I'll do some screen writing, and probably publish a book of my writings called, "Composition of the Bored." Gain a little silver of fame and wean my way into geek culture.
When we finally decide to have kids, one boy and one girl (hopefully this is accomplished the under two pregnancies). I'll give the kids really cool initials (like their pop's, DSM); only if the wife agrees. Though, I'm going to throw Ingrid in there some how. Shortly, after we'll move back to Chicago, and probably out into the boring suburbs because of the wife. I'll start a small advertising/design firm with some close friends from college call, "Inside the Outside Box" (ItOB) where we will dive into all sorts of commercial and personal projects. I'll probably never retire cause I love what I'm doing too much to stop.
Though, is all a fantasy...
After graduation I'll try to find work in the city. Ultimately for the next two years build a solid demo reel to show employers and set off to the West coast. Though, as promising as that sounds I'll ultimately return to the city, because I love it to god darn much to leave it. I don't know how I'll meet the future Mrs. Mei (sorry, I don't know her name), but for some odd reason I think my wife will be a designer of some sort; a fashion designer to be exact (I don't know, I had that feeling since I was in eighth grade). We'll both be work-a-holics and travel all the time, and I'll always wonder how we ever married; cause of my geekish charms? We'll both be constantly traveling because of work, but never together. I'll be working on animation films, and maybe some game projects just to knock it out of my to-do list. On the side, I'll do some screen writing, and probably publish a book of my writings called, "Composition of the Bored." Gain a little silver of fame and wean my way into geek culture.
When we finally decide to have kids, one boy and one girl (hopefully this is accomplished the under two pregnancies). I'll give the kids really cool initials (like their pop's, DSM); only if the wife agrees. Though, I'm going to throw Ingrid in there some how. Shortly, after we'll move back to Chicago, and probably out into the boring suburbs because of the wife. I'll start a small advertising/design firm with some close friends from college call, "Inside the Outside Box" (ItOB) where we will dive into all sorts of commercial and personal projects. I'll probably never retire cause I love what I'm doing too much to stop.
Though, is all a fantasy...
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Being Fatherly
This has been a running topic that has been brought up amongst various friends, and last night it was brought up again. My friend Simon for some odd reason asked, "How would you prevent your daughter from conducting lewd acts?" (smartly reworded). My answer simply being, "get a shotgun, a cowboy hat, and a Southern accent."
Though, I find our conversations on parenting to be quite funny. For instance, Simon say he'll never let her daughter grow long black hair and she'll never where a white dress as he is terrified of the typical Japanese girl ghost, and I always rebuttal I'll buy he white dresses every birthday. Yaddy, yaddy, yadda. It always provide a fun and serious quirk to how we would raise an individual in the world.
Anyways, back on topic. He said I would make an intimidating father, and that struck me with an unbearable humor, as I am strangely geekish and far from intimidating. Though, he never gave me a direct answer he just said I would be. Though, from others I always get the opposite statement out of the blue as it being, I'm very fatherly, and that I would make a great father.
I however, think I'll be the most embarrassing dad in the world. Being to my geekish nature and my strange obsession with referencing things could only spell out one thing for young children, LAME! Who knows maybe my kids will be as geekish as me and we'll get along just fine. Though, the future does hold, but I am curious as to rather what kind of parenting skills I'll have; if I were to be one.
Though, I find our conversations on parenting to be quite funny. For instance, Simon say he'll never let her daughter grow long black hair and she'll never where a white dress as he is terrified of the typical Japanese girl ghost, and I always rebuttal I'll buy he white dresses every birthday. Yaddy, yaddy, yadda. It always provide a fun and serious quirk to how we would raise an individual in the world.
Anyways, back on topic. He said I would make an intimidating father, and that struck me with an unbearable humor, as I am strangely geekish and far from intimidating. Though, he never gave me a direct answer he just said I would be. Though, from others I always get the opposite statement out of the blue as it being, I'm very fatherly, and that I would make a great father.
I however, think I'll be the most embarrassing dad in the world. Being to my geekish nature and my strange obsession with referencing things could only spell out one thing for young children, LAME! Who knows maybe my kids will be as geekish as me and we'll get along just fine. Though, the future does hold, but I am curious as to rather what kind of parenting skills I'll have; if I were to be one.
Fog/Mist and So Long Friend
As I got home from the hospital today, I met up with my friends Phil and Tony, we were planning to go grab a bite. Everyone ended up running Asian time, so, we ended up watching the Dark Knight. Also, Phil for some odd reason had an odd curfew at 8:30, which really didn't give time to eat cause it was already 8:40 when we finish the Dark Knight it was long overdo, being the fact that it was late I decided to drive them home. As I pulled out of my slippery alley I noticed how beautiful the fog/mist was and how it transform the scenery; missed my chance to take a picture of the overpass cause I was driving, as I return the fog/mist disappear.
Though, we didn't go out to a restaurant to eat, but we ended up at Phil's eating Filipino food. It was odd not eating rice with chopsticks, and tripe covered in beef blood, and some cow bone soup. It was quite the experience.
It was an interesting evening, Phil being the calm and collective person he is has an Achilles heel; his sister. We met his sister today, and she was quite funny, but could definitely hit the nail on his head, as she pulls out a gay joke about his little brother, haha. Tony and I were quite amazed, but it was quite siblingly. I always thought he would be more of a tolerant person than I would when it comes to siblings. Nonetheless we all have the person that makes us snap, don't we all?
Hopefully, I get some pictures from Phil's camera. Hopefully, he has a fun trip in Switzerland next semester, even though he said he's getting gypped financially last minute.
P.S. I hope to write something about the fog/mist; I've been playing with a few lines.
-David M.
Though, we didn't go out to a restaurant to eat, but we ended up at Phil's eating Filipino food. It was odd not eating rice with chopsticks, and tripe covered in beef blood, and some cow bone soup. It was quite the experience.
It was an interesting evening, Phil being the calm and collective person he is has an Achilles heel; his sister. We met his sister today, and she was quite funny, but could definitely hit the nail on his head, as she pulls out a gay joke about his little brother, haha. Tony and I were quite amazed, but it was quite siblingly. I always thought he would be more of a tolerant person than I would when it comes to siblings. Nonetheless we all have the person that makes us snap, don't we all?
Hopefully, I get some pictures from Phil's camera. Hopefully, he has a fun trip in Switzerland next semester, even though he said he's getting gypped financially last minute.
P.S. I hope to write something about the fog/mist; I've been playing with a few lines.
-David M.
Merry Christmas?...True Colors
While yesterday (is not tomorrow till I wake up on the date of) was Christmas and was quite the interesting Christmas it was. Though, I think I've beaten the statement over people's head enough, but we aren't a very festive family, and we normally do anything colorful or whimsical. Though, I think yesterday was definitely the strangest Christmas to date.
As my grandfather spend his Christmas in the hospital with my grandma accompanying him. A couple short visits, but I find it interesting that my mother and her sisters were the most inclined about visiting. Two of my aunts did visit him shortly, but the others did not go. Though, it was the holidays they did had the time to visit oppose to the week, while they were working. However, they were at my grandma's playing mahjong and killing time until it was time to eat. I however, decided to stay home, and just relax, though I drove my father and my uncles to the hospital and did not get back till 3. Hardly anytime to soak in the day, I decided to not attend dinner with my mother's side and just eat dinner at home. My dad however, was home too and he spend the holidays playing scratch-its from the near by gas station. He spent at least $154 on losing tickets, apparently he won $200 at work, and he won back at least $150. It was a bit horrific to see how fast you can burn through the cash and how addicting it could be. I don't know why this Christmas has the strangest events thus far, but it was just a strange day altogether.
Christmas dinner was just left overs my dad brought home from work; left over lobsters is not one thing I think one can complain about.
Anyways, I think my father pointed out to his father-in-law, that it was kind of sad that none of his daughter has paid a visit or at least sit in with him for more than a hour; maybe because they have mahjong on their mind. Though, one of my aunt's supposedly proposed to sit-in while my grandma left, but it was a very disheartening thought as an old man laid on the hospital bed, and just looking out the window, while his wife sat on the couch. I can only imagine how he would feel. Though, I think my mother's family has a strange addiction with the game of mahjong that it has became mechanical and whenever they meet the table folds out. Is strange that my dad is slowly finding an addiction with scratch and wins. I mean we all have our vices, but I find it to be quite out of control.
Anyways, my gramps is out today, after sitting in the room for another 7 hours. I've started reading, House of Leaves I can definitely see why my English teacher thought my writing style is quite familiar to the story. I find the story to be a strange piece of writing as well as I can feel my sanity slip as I read it, is almost creepy.
-David M.
As my grandfather spend his Christmas in the hospital with my grandma accompanying him. A couple short visits, but I find it interesting that my mother and her sisters were the most inclined about visiting. Two of my aunts did visit him shortly, but the others did not go. Though, it was the holidays they did had the time to visit oppose to the week, while they were working. However, they were at my grandma's playing mahjong and killing time until it was time to eat. I however, decided to stay home, and just relax, though I drove my father and my uncles to the hospital and did not get back till 3. Hardly anytime to soak in the day, I decided to not attend dinner with my mother's side and just eat dinner at home. My dad however, was home too and he spend the holidays playing scratch-its from the near by gas station. He spent at least $154 on losing tickets, apparently he won $200 at work, and he won back at least $150. It was a bit horrific to see how fast you can burn through the cash and how addicting it could be. I don't know why this Christmas has the strangest events thus far, but it was just a strange day altogether.
Christmas dinner was just left overs my dad brought home from work; left over lobsters is not one thing I think one can complain about.
Anyways, I think my father pointed out to his father-in-law, that it was kind of sad that none of his daughter has paid a visit or at least sit in with him for more than a hour; maybe because they have mahjong on their mind. Though, one of my aunt's supposedly proposed to sit-in while my grandma left, but it was a very disheartening thought as an old man laid on the hospital bed, and just looking out the window, while his wife sat on the couch. I can only imagine how he would feel. Though, I think my mother's family has a strange addiction with the game of mahjong that it has became mechanical and whenever they meet the table folds out. Is strange that my dad is slowly finding an addiction with scratch and wins. I mean we all have our vices, but I find it to be quite out of control.
Anyways, my gramps is out today, after sitting in the room for another 7 hours. I've started reading, House of Leaves I can definitely see why my English teacher thought my writing style is quite familiar to the story. I find the story to be a strange piece of writing as well as I can feel my sanity slip as I read it, is almost creepy.
-David M.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
A Winter of Discontent...I'm a Crutch
So I finally got home, after a 15 hour ordeal, that stem at the origin of the hour 2am. As I was about to fall into slumber, my mother wakes me up to tell me to call an ambulance because my grandmother called from her home telling my mother my grandfather isn't feeling well. Of course I call (though skeptical of the severity and my undying hate for the ER), I go to the ER to meet with my grandparents and it turns out my grandfather has an ongoing problem with swallowing food (quite the dilemma that it require an ambulance at 2). Regardless, of the situation we went through the cycles, it took us almost 3 hours to get from the waiting room to the treatment room; there was a schizo. that was a bit entertaining, apparently he was checking himself in, in the ER for his schizophrenia.
As, we sat and waited in the treatment room (6 hour of no action); my patience wore thin. My dislike for the ER obviously went to a new level, as I hear small talk outside of the ER. Not having been able to sleep for the last 9 hours (I'm not counting dozing off in a chair as sleep), it got extremely irritating.
Prior to this untimely situations I made plans, or, at least I had a schedule I was following, which was drop my mom and aunts at work, wake my dad up, drop my brother off to work, pick up a letter at SSB for my mentee and ship it to him all the way in Taiwan, brunch, and along the way back I'll pick up my mom and my aunts. This completely shattered it, though I did take a small break from the ER just to obtain this letter and shipped it, I still didn't had time to rest because I still had to go back to the ER. When I got back they've already did the tests for my grandfather, apparently he has a mass in the path of his throat (though if it is cancerous or not, I'll find out tomorrow). Despite, that my expectation of a diagnosis of, "oh, everything is fine." flew out the window. Though, I guess having to wait almost 12 hours to find out going to the ER wasn't pointless did make it, for a lack of a better word, "worthwhile". Though, this stir some thoughts inside of me, and for the last couple of hours I sat in my grandfather's appointed room I thought to myself, how useless everyone around really is; no, I don't mean you, I mean my family.
My sole reason for being there was just to be an interpretor because no one in the family speaks English, and no the thought of concern grandson was not running through my head. Why? Shouldn't it be the first kind of reaction to have when a member of the family is hospitalized. No...In the midst of break, my day plans have been filled with a to-do list of things my mother side of the family has requested. I have become a crutch to my mother's side of the family, that I dread every single contact from them I get because everything is a "favor". When things wrong, "get David"; I've become a crutch. I use to be ecstatic about helping them, but in the end I felt a great emptiness enveloped in me as they only saw me as someone that can fix anything, and everything regardless of my time, and my plans. I'm just a benefit, to them. I know it sounds selfish, but I'm not looking for praise; I just wonder why I can't have a normal conversation to them anymore; and I only become this harsh loner in their eyes.
Anyways, to bring it back to the topic. After being in America for 3-4 years at least 3 of them have practical English skills that can be used, and all of them had their day off today. It bothered me to think, that they are also his grandchildren, yet none of them thought, "He's been in the ER for 9 hours, maybe I can switch out with him, so, he can get some sleep." One of the reason I think I've estranged myself socially from my mother's side is because of the superficiality I saw in them, when my cousin decided to tag along to the ER I did not see a reason why she should be there. On the other hand, if my paternal grandfather was alive and in this same situation, my paternal cousins would have taken turns to look after our grandfather. This deeply troubled me than the thought of me just being another tool/asset to them; they seem to simply not care.
I know this might sound emo, but emo just got a bad rep. due to people complaining about every aspect of their lives, and yes I'm complaining, but it's also a concern. This has been a recurring thought I've been having the last couple years, and the thought is, "what will they do without me?". This doesn't apply to my extended family, but my family. Having to drop and pick up my mom at work, sure is a sonly thing to do, but I also feel like a parent dropping kids off at school; complete role reversal. I wouldn't mind just helping my family out, but I have 5+ families on my shoulders to juggle, just because of language barrier. I feel like things will fall apart as soon as I leave, but that afterthought is what kind of keeps me grounded. Sometimes I feel like I should just let things fall apart and maybe I can find beauty in that disaster and maybe they can learn to build upon themselves. Though, this has been bugging me a lot, should I go off to pursue whatever expansive goals I choose to seek, or should I limit my horizons and make sure, my family doesn't get lost without me.
Though, I think I can kiss winter break good bye, as my grandfather is admitted, and I'm the only one "available". Thus, the winter of my discontent.
I'm tired, and I'm losing tracks on what's on my mind,
-David M.
As, we sat and waited in the treatment room (6 hour of no action); my patience wore thin. My dislike for the ER obviously went to a new level, as I hear small talk outside of the ER. Not having been able to sleep for the last 9 hours (I'm not counting dozing off in a chair as sleep), it got extremely irritating.
Prior to this untimely situations I made plans, or, at least I had a schedule I was following, which was drop my mom and aunts at work, wake my dad up, drop my brother off to work, pick up a letter at SSB for my mentee and ship it to him all the way in Taiwan, brunch, and along the way back I'll pick up my mom and my aunts. This completely shattered it, though I did take a small break from the ER just to obtain this letter and shipped it, I still didn't had time to rest because I still had to go back to the ER. When I got back they've already did the tests for my grandfather, apparently he has a mass in the path of his throat (though if it is cancerous or not, I'll find out tomorrow). Despite, that my expectation of a diagnosis of, "oh, everything is fine." flew out the window. Though, I guess having to wait almost 12 hours to find out going to the ER wasn't pointless did make it, for a lack of a better word, "worthwhile". Though, this stir some thoughts inside of me, and for the last couple of hours I sat in my grandfather's appointed room I thought to myself, how useless everyone around really is; no, I don't mean you, I mean my family.
My sole reason for being there was just to be an interpretor because no one in the family speaks English, and no the thought of concern grandson was not running through my head. Why? Shouldn't it be the first kind of reaction to have when a member of the family is hospitalized. No...In the midst of break, my day plans have been filled with a to-do list of things my mother side of the family has requested. I have become a crutch to my mother's side of the family, that I dread every single contact from them I get because everything is a "favor". When things wrong, "get David"; I've become a crutch. I use to be ecstatic about helping them, but in the end I felt a great emptiness enveloped in me as they only saw me as someone that can fix anything, and everything regardless of my time, and my plans. I'm just a benefit, to them. I know it sounds selfish, but I'm not looking for praise; I just wonder why I can't have a normal conversation to them anymore; and I only become this harsh loner in their eyes.
Anyways, to bring it back to the topic. After being in America for 3-4 years at least 3 of them have practical English skills that can be used, and all of them had their day off today. It bothered me to think, that they are also his grandchildren, yet none of them thought, "He's been in the ER for 9 hours, maybe I can switch out with him, so, he can get some sleep." One of the reason I think I've estranged myself socially from my mother's side is because of the superficiality I saw in them, when my cousin decided to tag along to the ER I did not see a reason why she should be there. On the other hand, if my paternal grandfather was alive and in this same situation, my paternal cousins would have taken turns to look after our grandfather. This deeply troubled me than the thought of me just being another tool/asset to them; they seem to simply not care.
I know this might sound emo, but emo just got a bad rep. due to people complaining about every aspect of their lives, and yes I'm complaining, but it's also a concern. This has been a recurring thought I've been having the last couple years, and the thought is, "what will they do without me?". This doesn't apply to my extended family, but my family. Having to drop and pick up my mom at work, sure is a sonly thing to do, but I also feel like a parent dropping kids off at school; complete role reversal. I wouldn't mind just helping my family out, but I have 5+ families on my shoulders to juggle, just because of language barrier. I feel like things will fall apart as soon as I leave, but that afterthought is what kind of keeps me grounded. Sometimes I feel like I should just let things fall apart and maybe I can find beauty in that disaster and maybe they can learn to build upon themselves. Though, this has been bugging me a lot, should I go off to pursue whatever expansive goals I choose to seek, or should I limit my horizons and make sure, my family doesn't get lost without me.
Though, I think I can kiss winter break good bye, as my grandfather is admitted, and I'm the only one "available". Thus, the winter of my discontent.
I'm tired, and I'm losing tracks on what's on my mind,
-David M.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
12 Hours of Sleep
I've officially slept for 12 hours. Though I could have happily slept through 6. I'm happy I'm able to sleep this long given the certain ruckus for the last 2 nights.
P.S. I hate phones; sometimes I want to chuck them across the room.
-David M.
P.S. I hate phones; sometimes I want to chuck them across the room.
-David M.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Dark Knight Christopher Nolan BD Live Letdown
I was really hyped about tonight's BD Live session for the Dark Knight, but I was a bit let down to realize Christopher Nolan was going to communicate via text. I was expecting vocal commentary. It sucked too cause I was watching it on an SD television and the text was bearly readable. Hopefully the transcript will turn up sometime tomorrow because I really want to read it.
-David M.
-David M.
Cold, Heartless, Closed: Things That I'm Not
Sometimes, I feel like I play a dual persona. I don't think much people see me in the sense that I could be remotely cold or heartless. Though, I feel like there is part of me that I keep away from a lot of people, knowing that side of me can scare off a lot of people in my life. Though, am I saying this cold and heartless self of me, the real me, no it isn't.
Than why can I be so cold and heartless at times, and I only can conceive one answer, it's family. Not that I hate my family, I find that so many things they did for me I can never repay them in anyway and for that I'm grateful. My father has always been a cold person, or at least the most unexpressive person I've ever met. (I know this is going to sound like a, "daddy never played with me as kid" rant) He never acknowledged me for any little goal I accomplished, but I'll be honest I wasn't that outgoing of a kid as I am now, so, I assume a lot of things weren't warrant for phrasing. Though, I am grateful for my dad, because he really cared for my well-being in his own strange way. Though, he always seem more favorable to my little brother, it didn't really bothered me cause I think that was what fueled me as a child, and this is where I am because of that. However, I can't help, but feel a little sadden for my dad. As much effort and "love" he showed my brother, my brother grew up to be an ungrateful ingrate to my father and mother. Though, I know my father would do the same for me, I've never pushed the envelope and whatever is thrown my way, I simply learn to appreciate; appreciate the few things I still have in my life.
What sparks these thoughts? While, these are common thoughts I usually have. Though, last night, it really urked me cause my ungrateful brother decided to go to the gym at 3am in the morning, and my parents advised him not to go, as much as I want to write out the logic my brother had in the argument this entry will be a completel LOL blog. Though, he touch upon the topic my parents never did shit for him. Yet he fail to realize there is a roof over his head, food on the table, since he's working my parents still hasn't asked him to pay for rent. Not to overlook the fact my parents paid for his credit card bills two or three times, and with the promise of paying them back eventually and eventually hasn't arrived yet. Also, when a few hundred dollars that disappear out of the house once in a while. My parents are very tolerant people, I don't see any reason why they should be at this age. They've given him so much yet to him they've given him shit. I by all means do not care what happens to my brother, sometimes reality have to curb stomp you in order for you to come to your senses. As stubborn as he could be, he has no drive to go through with it. As I was trying to sleep, I did appreciate one thing my mom said about me, and that was that I had a stronger will than my brother's and is something that he'll never obtain. I'm grateful for that line because I've always thought people thought I was silly when I try to do things the hard way.
So why, do I treat my family so coldly? I'm grateful for my parents, but in this point of my life I feel like I have to take the mantle and execute my will upon them. Be the parent, and tell them to take action because if I was in my brother's shoes I would be ashamed of myself, that I only work 2 days out of the week, and the rest of my days I spend sitting at home. I feel like I have to be the ass, the force to be reckon with at home, in order to get people to listen. Being soft spoken and well manner may work with some people, but it doesn't seem to work with my family. So, is this another persona of mine, am I some two-face person that just hates my family, and secretly open my heart to outsiders? No, I believe I give everyone my true heart, though wrapped in a different type shell. Like donuts with a different outer shell, but the same type of filling.
Is always during the break, I realize how strong of a dislike I have for my brother. Though, do I just hate him out of pure sibling rivalry. No, I really want to make amends as a brother, but you know is hard, to try to be on the same level as you even if it is family if they're core beliefs are different from mines. I do not believe in lying and cheating. I do not believe materialistic things make me a better person, and I definitely do not see using people whenever it is convenient and treat the like trash the next moment. So, as of now I hate my brother, but I'm open to help him when he learns the wrongs of his way. In case you're wondering, "why don't you talk some sense into your brother?" I realize, I'm not the one that can get to him, someone else has to reach him.
A conversation I had with a friend, a couple days ago she asked me, "Are you going to look after your brother?", My obvious answer was, no, but if he does change I'll be happy to back him, as a brother. Though, as of now, "no". I already carry this guilt that I'm a terrible brother because I treat my brother like shit, is not the brotherly thing to do, but at the same time he keeps hurting my parents which is something I can't easily overlook as family. The funny thing was during the arguments with my parents he brings up the fact that he tries to be nice to me, but I'm unaccepting of his kindness. I lept straight out of bed to tell him off, "after all the shit you did to this family, it'll take more than a week or a days worth of "kindness" to right his wrongs. Though, it might be harsh, but it is a bit unforgiving of me. As I describe to him in a metaphor, "trust is like credit, you can't simply pay one payment and expect everything to be ok."
I'm perplexed. Whoever reads this, probably think I'm so emo nutjob, but I have nothing to hide. If you can find this than by all means, as a friend you just learned a little bit of me.
-David M.
Than why can I be so cold and heartless at times, and I only can conceive one answer, it's family. Not that I hate my family, I find that so many things they did for me I can never repay them in anyway and for that I'm grateful. My father has always been a cold person, or at least the most unexpressive person I've ever met. (I know this is going to sound like a, "daddy never played with me as kid" rant) He never acknowledged me for any little goal I accomplished, but I'll be honest I wasn't that outgoing of a kid as I am now, so, I assume a lot of things weren't warrant for phrasing. Though, I am grateful for my dad, because he really cared for my well-being in his own strange way. Though, he always seem more favorable to my little brother, it didn't really bothered me cause I think that was what fueled me as a child, and this is where I am because of that. However, I can't help, but feel a little sadden for my dad. As much effort and "love" he showed my brother, my brother grew up to be an ungrateful ingrate to my father and mother. Though, I know my father would do the same for me, I've never pushed the envelope and whatever is thrown my way, I simply learn to appreciate; appreciate the few things I still have in my life.
What sparks these thoughts? While, these are common thoughts I usually have. Though, last night, it really urked me cause my ungrateful brother decided to go to the gym at 3am in the morning, and my parents advised him not to go, as much as I want to write out the logic my brother had in the argument this entry will be a completel LOL blog. Though, he touch upon the topic my parents never did shit for him. Yet he fail to realize there is a roof over his head, food on the table, since he's working my parents still hasn't asked him to pay for rent. Not to overlook the fact my parents paid for his credit card bills two or three times, and with the promise of paying them back eventually and eventually hasn't arrived yet. Also, when a few hundred dollars that disappear out of the house once in a while. My parents are very tolerant people, I don't see any reason why they should be at this age. They've given him so much yet to him they've given him shit. I by all means do not care what happens to my brother, sometimes reality have to curb stomp you in order for you to come to your senses. As stubborn as he could be, he has no drive to go through with it. As I was trying to sleep, I did appreciate one thing my mom said about me, and that was that I had a stronger will than my brother's and is something that he'll never obtain. I'm grateful for that line because I've always thought people thought I was silly when I try to do things the hard way.
So why, do I treat my family so coldly? I'm grateful for my parents, but in this point of my life I feel like I have to take the mantle and execute my will upon them. Be the parent, and tell them to take action because if I was in my brother's shoes I would be ashamed of myself, that I only work 2 days out of the week, and the rest of my days I spend sitting at home. I feel like I have to be the ass, the force to be reckon with at home, in order to get people to listen. Being soft spoken and well manner may work with some people, but it doesn't seem to work with my family. So, is this another persona of mine, am I some two-face person that just hates my family, and secretly open my heart to outsiders? No, I believe I give everyone my true heart, though wrapped in a different type shell. Like donuts with a different outer shell, but the same type of filling.
Is always during the break, I realize how strong of a dislike I have for my brother. Though, do I just hate him out of pure sibling rivalry. No, I really want to make amends as a brother, but you know is hard, to try to be on the same level as you even if it is family if they're core beliefs are different from mines. I do not believe in lying and cheating. I do not believe materialistic things make me a better person, and I definitely do not see using people whenever it is convenient and treat the like trash the next moment. So, as of now I hate my brother, but I'm open to help him when he learns the wrongs of his way. In case you're wondering, "why don't you talk some sense into your brother?" I realize, I'm not the one that can get to him, someone else has to reach him.
A conversation I had with a friend, a couple days ago she asked me, "Are you going to look after your brother?", My obvious answer was, no, but if he does change I'll be happy to back him, as a brother. Though, as of now, "no". I already carry this guilt that I'm a terrible brother because I treat my brother like shit, is not the brotherly thing to do, but at the same time he keeps hurting my parents which is something I can't easily overlook as family. The funny thing was during the arguments with my parents he brings up the fact that he tries to be nice to me, but I'm unaccepting of his kindness. I lept straight out of bed to tell him off, "after all the shit you did to this family, it'll take more than a week or a days worth of "kindness" to right his wrongs. Though, it might be harsh, but it is a bit unforgiving of me. As I describe to him in a metaphor, "trust is like credit, you can't simply pay one payment and expect everything to be ok."
I'm perplexed. Whoever reads this, probably think I'm so emo nutjob, but I have nothing to hide. If you can find this than by all means, as a friend you just learned a little bit of me.
-David M.
Dystopia
A friend describe my neighborhood in one word, Dystopia. I never thought it as such, but the jutting of iron protruding from the ground, abandon or abandon-esque industrial buildings, wide alleys, and bridges really does create a sense of dysphoria (if that's even a word). Though, it's also, very beautiful as my friend also agree with. There is beauty in cold, lifeless objects. Lately, I've been staring at dead colors only to see that they're quite alive.
-David M.
-David M.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Even Demons Have a Heart
One of the great things of being on break, is actually spending quality time with my PS3. As much as I try to deny it (which I don't), even though I think I'm a jaded gamer at this point in time, I always find a small gem that catch my eye and it brings me right back in.
In case you're wondering what I've been playing, it's Disgaea 3. Though, I picked up the first game way back in my high school days solely on just an ad in a gaming magazine due to the illustration work. That was one of the best impulse buy ever. Turned out to be one of those rare gems that people talk about on the underground, and is so hard to find.
The basic premise of all 3 (expect for the second) games is that you play some teenage demon (usually some angsty teenage demon, by teenage they're usually xx,xxx years old), that is so bent on his evil ways and through out the journey our antagonist learns human quality such as, love, friendship, and most of all kindness. Though, the topics might seem childish the plot is pretty satirical as it takes a lot from anime and game culture, and it references a lot of things, which is one thing I love is references or simply by the fact I like simple, childish, and innocent stories of how the immature matures.
Anyways, a more detail plot of 3 is that it takes place inside an Academy in the Netherworld and you play as the Overlord's son, Mao. An honor roll student who is trying to find a way to defeat his father and become the strongest demon in the Netherworld, and the only way in doing, so, is by becoming a Hero. Though, the main traits of a hero comes from the heart. He contrive all these weird notations of how these traits are acquired, such as stealing the title of a Hero from a human in order to obtain the powers of a hero. Which is pretty hysterical as he steals the title from a fake hero.
The most interesting part of the story is this place called a heart vault, in which one can travel inside one's heart. One of the "rules" created in the world is, no one is allowed to enter the heart unless one allows permission for one to enter one's heart. As much of an evil student Mao believes he is, he can't figure out why so many people can enter his heart, more or less with ease. As the fake hero points out, Mao has a pretty open heart which he fails to realize. Which, lead to the vault, the vault is the deepest part of the heart where all the important things are stored, and one must open one's heart in order to easily access the contents of the heart. However, Mao fails to open his own heart mainly due to his stubbornness to open his heart. As we later realize that his childhood of being scarred and traumatized through some silly, and some more serious events in his life that the heart becomes closed.
Why, am I talking about a game on a blog that I normally scribble my thoughts onto? While, I was playing the game I had moments of realizations and was able to sympathize with the character. I too felt like Mao, where I do have an open heart, but I do find my heart unwilling to change, was I being stubborn cause I fail to realize something in front of me, and completely push it aside. Am I demon, that fails to realize that I have good heart to simplify it. Though, I'm not oblivious to my heart I find that I do keep a lot of things locked up, and I don't share stuff about myself to often, as it seems like a sense of weakness to me. Though, I'm quick to help others with their problems I do fail to realize and address some of my problems in my life; pure neglect to my own heart I guess. I wish I can dwell inside my heart and see what I can find inside it. *sigh*
-David M.
In case you're wondering what I've been playing, it's Disgaea 3. Though, I picked up the first game way back in my high school days solely on just an ad in a gaming magazine due to the illustration work. That was one of the best impulse buy ever. Turned out to be one of those rare gems that people talk about on the underground, and is so hard to find.
The basic premise of all 3 (expect for the second) games is that you play some teenage demon (usually some angsty teenage demon, by teenage they're usually xx,xxx years old), that is so bent on his evil ways and through out the journey our antagonist learns human quality such as, love, friendship, and most of all kindness. Though, the topics might seem childish the plot is pretty satirical as it takes a lot from anime and game culture, and it references a lot of things, which is one thing I love is references or simply by the fact I like simple, childish, and innocent stories of how the immature matures.
Anyways, a more detail plot of 3 is that it takes place inside an Academy in the Netherworld and you play as the Overlord's son, Mao. An honor roll student who is trying to find a way to defeat his father and become the strongest demon in the Netherworld, and the only way in doing, so, is by becoming a Hero. Though, the main traits of a hero comes from the heart. He contrive all these weird notations of how these traits are acquired, such as stealing the title of a Hero from a human in order to obtain the powers of a hero. Which is pretty hysterical as he steals the title from a fake hero.
The most interesting part of the story is this place called a heart vault, in which one can travel inside one's heart. One of the "rules" created in the world is, no one is allowed to enter the heart unless one allows permission for one to enter one's heart. As much of an evil student Mao believes he is, he can't figure out why so many people can enter his heart, more or less with ease. As the fake hero points out, Mao has a pretty open heart which he fails to realize. Which, lead to the vault, the vault is the deepest part of the heart where all the important things are stored, and one must open one's heart in order to easily access the contents of the heart. However, Mao fails to open his own heart mainly due to his stubbornness to open his heart. As we later realize that his childhood of being scarred and traumatized through some silly, and some more serious events in his life that the heart becomes closed.
Why, am I talking about a game on a blog that I normally scribble my thoughts onto? While, I was playing the game I had moments of realizations and was able to sympathize with the character. I too felt like Mao, where I do have an open heart, but I do find my heart unwilling to change, was I being stubborn cause I fail to realize something in front of me, and completely push it aside. Am I demon, that fails to realize that I have good heart to simplify it. Though, I'm not oblivious to my heart I find that I do keep a lot of things locked up, and I don't share stuff about myself to often, as it seems like a sense of weakness to me. Though, I'm quick to help others with their problems I do fail to realize and address some of my problems in my life; pure neglect to my own heart I guess. I wish I can dwell inside my heart and see what I can find inside it. *sigh*
-David M.
A Reason to Shave
It has been 10 days since I last shave. Solely on the reason, "I'm not going anywhere", "I really don't need to be presentable". Maybe I just want to look like a deadbeat over break or I'm curious on how my mustache will grow, since I haven't grown one in the last 3 years.
MUSTACHE POWER!
-David M.
MUSTACHE POWER!
-David M.
A Diffrent Me
I'll start off small chit-chat blogs as a warm up. Anyways, I think I was pretty let down by Universal Mind Control last week, though I would admit Make My Day is a guilty pleasure I listen to over the break, where I do my little dance as I make breakfast. Though Keyshia Cole's A Different Me definitely a good listen. Though, I don't think is anything in comparison with the last two, especially the album, Just Like You. Though, it is stated the album is suppose to be more upbeat than her last two; meaning no heartbreak songs. Which in all honestly I love all heartbreak songs, and I only noticed that when I read the premise of this album.
Though is not a "heartbreak" album per say, it still has the same tonality to it. The album, really does emphasize her musical talent. I don't really dislike the songs, but not a lot of them stand out as much as her previous songs, maybe it'll grow on me. I haven't really sat down to listen to the album.
-David M.
The Breakdown
Break has started, and I already see a lot of my relaxing time has been going down the drain. Maybe I should start organizing my day (no, that is anti-break material). So, I'm going to break these into smaller topics. That way I can focus on each. Oppose to my upside-downside posts. They're either going to be positive or negative; at least it will have a theme.
Let the blogging commence,
-David M.
Let the blogging commence,
-David M.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Make My Day
Went to the the Universal Mind Control CD signing with Brandon. All in all it was cool meeting him for just a short bit. I think the fact I had the guy write on the post-it to have it signed to D. Mei, allowed me to spark a short conversation with the man.
As it went somewhere along the lines of,
Common: D. Mei? (at least it sounded right and a bit off)
Me: Mei (Correct pronouncation)
Common: Cool, where you from?
Me: Chicago.
Common: What ethnicity are you?
Me: Chinese
*Finish signing and handshake*
Though, I did think I sounded a bit angry or nervous, either of which I didn't really know and didn't really care, but it was cool.
However, I found this line in the song Universal Mind Control to be rather interesting,
"Southside boy we Cadillactic Charismatic, Asiatic, I hustle for mathematics"
He has to connect Asians with math. -_-"
P.S. Though the album wasn't that great. I did enjoy, Make My Day, Change, and Inhale. Hopefully Kevin's prediction is right and the next album should be as good as Be.
-David M.
...
Don't know why this scene popped up in my head today, but it did. I guess I should watch this in its entirety over break.
-David M.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Semester in a Nutshell
As always, I end the semester with a note.
This was probably the most enlightening, if not worthwhile semester I had (though I think I've said that about every semester). I honestly felt there was a lot gained throughout the process of this semester. As geekish it may sound, school does have a purpose, and with the passing of a semester I feel a grew a bit more, and a semester is just another way to gauge my growth throughout my academic career, though I think socially I' more comfortable with myself.
Though, I did had my gripes that EV doesn't really have a strong focus compared the other disciplines, this semester I discover how strong of a foundation EV can be and a segway into other disciplines. Especially, in EV I being able to try to graphically interpret data, yes, I know any graph can suffice, but to be able to try and think of it through it in a graphic design standpoint it makes the class a whole lot interesting. Also, in 3D modeling I realize I really need to step up my game (I saw some really neat stuff today, though I'm not too far off). I feel like EV is not as critical or cut throat as the other disciplines or at least from stories I heard, I kind of feel cheated out of "constructive" criticism. Though, I guess is hard to judge working with new media since there isn't a foundation to it. Though, next semester I hope to definitely step beyond what I already know and improve my craft.
As hard as a semester can be it is always the people I know that makes my day, and that's what makes the day a little bit more bearable. Meeting new people, and also learning more about current friends really makes the semester all the more interesting. I'm really grateful for the people I met this year it was such a lively group. I'm glad AAMP had more active students this year, and it just made being a mentor, so, much fun and enjoyable; even though I learned many things that was better off not learned form them.
However, the greatest tool I have sharpen this semester was time management. I always like to toss responsibilities upon myself, just so my step is a bit uneven. In that process I learn to balance, and a good tool in life is balance. Once, one has obtain balance they can accomplish any task no matter how small or big the task at hand is.
Though, some things can never be accomplished in a semester, nor fully crafted in years. I've come to realize many things about my life that is beyond my controls and also things in my life I need to take control of. That thing in life is people in my life, as social as I can be in some people's eye; I can quickly become estranged and could easily step out of the frame of the picture with a second thought. Though, there are still things I feel like I need to patch up with people, at the same time I feel my confidence wanes as I attempt these things and I cower. However, I realize the reason why I become estrange from some people is because my unwillingness to keep these bridges tighten; though it should always be a group effort, sometimes it just needs one person to tie it altogether. I realize that it might be my responsibility to initiate conversation, my responsibility to just be a friend. Sometimes, I stray and is not a good thing, but I don't know why I do it. Due, to certain events just this semester I realize there is a certain need for communication and keeping in touch, though sometimes I feel time as lapse so much, that is there really a need to stitch together threads that are waning.
Though, I don't know how cohesive that is or people think I'm a social downer at the moment. So, I'll end this note on a lighter note. I hope y'all have a safe and fantastic holiday because I want to see everyone next semester.
Peace!
-D. Mei
This was probably the most enlightening, if not worthwhile semester I had (though I think I've said that about every semester). I honestly felt there was a lot gained throughout the process of this semester. As geekish it may sound, school does have a purpose, and with the passing of a semester I feel a grew a bit more, and a semester is just another way to gauge my growth throughout my academic career, though I think socially I' more comfortable with myself.
Though, I did had my gripes that EV doesn't really have a strong focus compared the other disciplines, this semester I discover how strong of a foundation EV can be and a segway into other disciplines. Especially, in EV I being able to try to graphically interpret data, yes, I know any graph can suffice, but to be able to try and think of it through it in a graphic design standpoint it makes the class a whole lot interesting. Also, in 3D modeling I realize I really need to step up my game (I saw some really neat stuff today, though I'm not too far off). I feel like EV is not as critical or cut throat as the other disciplines or at least from stories I heard, I kind of feel cheated out of "constructive" criticism. Though, I guess is hard to judge working with new media since there isn't a foundation to it. Though, next semester I hope to definitely step beyond what I already know and improve my craft.
As hard as a semester can be it is always the people I know that makes my day, and that's what makes the day a little bit more bearable. Meeting new people, and also learning more about current friends really makes the semester all the more interesting. I'm really grateful for the people I met this year it was such a lively group. I'm glad AAMP had more active students this year, and it just made being a mentor, so, much fun and enjoyable; even though I learned many things that was better off not learned form them.
However, the greatest tool I have sharpen this semester was time management. I always like to toss responsibilities upon myself, just so my step is a bit uneven. In that process I learn to balance, and a good tool in life is balance. Once, one has obtain balance they can accomplish any task no matter how small or big the task at hand is.
Though, some things can never be accomplished in a semester, nor fully crafted in years. I've come to realize many things about my life that is beyond my controls and also things in my life I need to take control of. That thing in life is people in my life, as social as I can be in some people's eye; I can quickly become estranged and could easily step out of the frame of the picture with a second thought. Though, there are still things I feel like I need to patch up with people, at the same time I feel my confidence wanes as I attempt these things and I cower. However, I realize the reason why I become estrange from some people is because my unwillingness to keep these bridges tighten; though it should always be a group effort, sometimes it just needs one person to tie it altogether. I realize that it might be my responsibility to initiate conversation, my responsibility to just be a friend. Sometimes, I stray and is not a good thing, but I don't know why I do it. Due, to certain events just this semester I realize there is a certain need for communication and keeping in touch, though sometimes I feel time as lapse so much, that is there really a need to stitch together threads that are waning.
Though, I don't know how cohesive that is or people think I'm a social downer at the moment. So, I'll end this note on a lighter note. I hope y'all have a safe and fantastic holiday because I want to see everyone next semester.
Peace!
-D. Mei
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Internet is a small and strange place.
My friend found this pick on imageshack for some reason. I don't recall scanning this image recently, so, it might have been a while back; like back in high school old (which is 3 years ago). This image resurfaces.
Monday, December 1, 2008
It Snows; There Will Be Tears
So what greater way to start December, than for it to snow. I don't know if that was me being genuine, or sarcastic. Is good that it snowed, is good to have winter be winter; that's what it should all be about right? Anyways, the last stretch and I don't know how the week is going to end, but I'm fairly confident if I can keep this type of energy up and if not better, I'll end up being fine, just fine.
The "There Will Be Tears" on the title is not a reference to me being emo, far from it. The only good thing about listening to hip-hop and I mean good hip-hop that is, is that you can find a whole bunch of new people to listen to. Thanks to 808s and Heartbreak. I discovered Mr. Hudson, and the album, "A Tale of Two Cities" is just awesome.
-David M.
The "There Will Be Tears" on the title is not a reference to me being emo, far from it. The only good thing about listening to hip-hop and I mean good hip-hop that is, is that you can find a whole bunch of new people to listen to. Thanks to 808s and Heartbreak. I discovered Mr. Hudson, and the album, "A Tale of Two Cities" is just awesome.
-David M.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
808s and Heartbreak, A Long Winter
808s and Heartbreak is the epitome of what it means to be heartbroken. Kanye West has definitely painted a perfect portrait of jealously, loss, loneliness, and a sense of maturity in his career. Though, others might not appreciate the sentimental values put into the album, I personally think this album really allows listener to peer into the artist's life, which I always appreciate learning something new about an artist that I like.
Five more days of school left and I feel a whole variety of emotions. Anxiety, happiness, curiosity, nervousness, and others that I can't describe. Though, I feel like I can come to a resolution to a current situation I still feel like it can't be easily accomplished, I think my cowardice gets the better of me in these situations. I wonder if I can put a close to this chapter in my school career, but I'm still hesitant and scared, though I feel like is always now or never and it always end up being never =/. The lingering is only amplified by the fact winter break is around the corner. So many things, are going to be different in a semester, in a couple years. I wonder how will things fall into place? how will I fall back into people's life. This could be a long winter in where I can think about it.
-David M.
Five more days of school left and I feel a whole variety of emotions. Anxiety, happiness, curiosity, nervousness, and others that I can't describe. Though, I feel like I can come to a resolution to a current situation I still feel like it can't be easily accomplished, I think my cowardice gets the better of me in these situations. I wonder if I can put a close to this chapter in my school career, but I'm still hesitant and scared, though I feel like is always now or never and it always end up being never =/. The lingering is only amplified by the fact winter break is around the corner. So many things, are going to be different in a semester, in a couple years. I wonder how will things fall into place? how will I fall back into people's life. This could be a long winter in where I can think about it.
-David M.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Looking Up is the Thing to do
Just when you are at rock bottom (academically speaking), you realize you are only drowning on the shallow end of the pool. I just realize how that sentence can lead to something completely negative, but is pretty a positive post (something not so common on here, haha).
Let's start off the day at Music Theory, scored my second A on a quiz, and realize an A is still doable in the class, just need to score at least an 72 on the last quiz and I'm good, and there is one less B to worry about (yes, I know is very Asian of me to think of that). Moving on to Photo, seems like the instructor think I deserve an A if I keep up the good work, which I have ponder since every single critique, even though he personally admit he just made an ass about himself when he said I had an attendance issue, though I corrected him that I have yet to miss a day. Finishing the critiques and dreading an upcoming or so I thought Thursday crit. with the professor realizing how absurd and demanding thing to do. Turns out is pushed back to Tuesday and it does not need to be dropped into the farm. Even though, I spent the last three days diligently working, I'm glad I have some breathing room, but I think it will help with me just working on it instead of thinking I have the time to do it, and just think I have less. All in all today was a good day of discovery.
To touch lightly on a personal issue, I'm relieved I can still have a conversation with someone that I thought I completely rubbed the wrong way over a year ago. Even though, it was not a one on one conversation it was still a casual one. Even though I stayed like an extra hour in the AA building, I find it refreshing. I've gain back a small piece of my confidence. Also, I'm flattered that someone mentioned me as a lady killer (after I found out the actual meaning), even though I know is just a joke, I'm still flattered.
-David M.
Let's start off the day at Music Theory, scored my second A on a quiz, and realize an A is still doable in the class, just need to score at least an 72 on the last quiz and I'm good, and there is one less B to worry about (yes, I know is very Asian of me to think of that). Moving on to Photo, seems like the instructor think I deserve an A if I keep up the good work, which I have ponder since every single critique, even though he personally admit he just made an ass about himself when he said I had an attendance issue, though I corrected him that I have yet to miss a day. Finishing the critiques and dreading an upcoming or so I thought Thursday crit. with the professor realizing how absurd and demanding thing to do. Turns out is pushed back to Tuesday and it does not need to be dropped into the farm. Even though, I spent the last three days diligently working, I'm glad I have some breathing room, but I think it will help with me just working on it instead of thinking I have the time to do it, and just think I have less. All in all today was a good day of discovery.
To touch lightly on a personal issue, I'm relieved I can still have a conversation with someone that I thought I completely rubbed the wrong way over a year ago. Even though, it was not a one on one conversation it was still a casual one. Even though I stayed like an extra hour in the AA building, I find it refreshing. I've gain back a small piece of my confidence. Also, I'm flattered that someone mentioned me as a lady killer (after I found out the actual meaning), even though I know is just a joke, I'm still flattered.
-David M.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Right Things
Today, I've done a good samaritan duty, it's been a while though. However, I think I should have acted upon it more quickly, though I was conflicted with my own personal agenda at first as it was more urgent (breakfast did not settle too well), as I was walking into the student center, I noticed someone's wallet was laying in front of one of the ATMs, and I noticed the wallet was opened. I told myself in my head that if the wallet is still there on the way out, I'll drop it off in the lost and found. Beside stepping out of my lecture class just to clear my system, I felt strapped on time, and me being less physically stressed was priority. As I was coming back down, I walked along the ATM room, to see a guy come out of the room with some cash in hand and as I walk pass the room to see the wallet closed. I don't want to point fingers, but I think most people would do the obvious, though without a second thought, I picked the wallet up and handed it to the lost and found, thought in the back of my head it was probably too late. The best I can hope for is that the guy's ID and credit cards are still in tact.
Which, brought upon the subject in my head, is there such a thing as good intentions gone bad. The answer is yes, I've felt guilty for doing things I thought was the right thing to do. Does that make any sense? In theory, it shouldn't...right things, should yield correct results, but in reality in doesn't work that way. Though, I've always believed that math and science can be the only truth in this world, and that it can be universal, in which anyone can agree upon, it isn't. Math doesn't always have a definite answer and science sure as hell is never right. Just a personal reflection on current and past events. When one demonstrates that they care, only to be told that is not something that they care for. Actually, trying to become a friend to someone only to give off the wrong impression. Not only does this affect me, but I'm sure many can relate to this topic. These reverse results creates cynicism amongst ourselves, and creates the notation of, "there is always an agenda for people to be nice." Not necessarily, but we can't help but think like that. I'll keep continuing being who I am regardless, but at the same time I still feel some guilt in past efforts, and I've always feel there is a need to resolve issues, even though the other party frankly just don't care.
-David M.
Which, brought upon the subject in my head, is there such a thing as good intentions gone bad. The answer is yes, I've felt guilty for doing things I thought was the right thing to do. Does that make any sense? In theory, it shouldn't...right things, should yield correct results, but in reality in doesn't work that way. Though, I've always believed that math and science can be the only truth in this world, and that it can be universal, in which anyone can agree upon, it isn't. Math doesn't always have a definite answer and science sure as hell is never right. Just a personal reflection on current and past events. When one demonstrates that they care, only to be told that is not something that they care for. Actually, trying to become a friend to someone only to give off the wrong impression. Not only does this affect me, but I'm sure many can relate to this topic. These reverse results creates cynicism amongst ourselves, and creates the notation of, "there is always an agenda for people to be nice." Not necessarily, but we can't help but think like that. I'll keep continuing being who I am regardless, but at the same time I still feel some guilt in past efforts, and I've always feel there is a need to resolve issues, even though the other party frankly just don't care.
-David M.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Burnt Out
Been pumping the old steam engine non-stop for the last 3 days. I haven't gotten adequate amount of sleep, and I'm not too happy with my work. I really hope in the last four weeks I can polish up my work by a lot. Anyways, time is dwindling and it seems like nothing, but a mad scramble from here. Not going to talk too much, but I thought it'll be nice to leave a little note here.
-David M.
-David M.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Strange, but Sane
No, the title has no relevance to the subject of the post. I just find it to be a nice way to keep track of my one liners of the week that I come up with. Though, I write them in my moleskine I hardly look at after the notes have been taken. Let's get onto the issues.
I guess I'm not a conformist because I'll like to congratulate the President Elect Barack Obama on a job well done, 5 days after his victory (truth is I was too lazy to fill in the blanks between Tuesday and now). Is great Obama is in office, and what's even greater is a Democratic party in government now. Lets hope the gears of change is in motion. Not to sound like I'm full of cynicism (which I'm usually am), I don't think people should put all their hopes and admiration into one playing card, that being Obama, cause the cause for change is not in Obama, it is in us, the people. Given the recent observation of some people, I think some people fail to realize to grasp this concept. I hope for the best when he is in office, but what I hope for most is that people will start to change, in order for change if that makes any sense.
Also, a thought that ran through my mind this week is, what will happen to Chicago? As much as I try to avoid using this explanation to describe Obama, but he has celebrity status. So, what does this mean? Is Chicago hip now? I mean we've always been recognize as a great city, but not THE city. I mean lately a lot of great things has come out of Chicago, and Chicago is home to some of the more popular entertainers in the country right now, from Kanye West to Barack Obama. I really want to see Chicago become a driving force in America, to become a city where people want to be, but also not become a soulless douche city (*cough*, LA *cough*).
Speaking of Hip-Hop, Lupe Fiasco's announcement of LUPE.N.D was announced to be triple CD, so, I'm hyped about that. Also, 808s and Heartbreak is just a couple weeks away, so, something to look forward to.
Well, here comes the part you've all been waiting for, me! Nothing much seems to be going on at the moment besides school work, and I love how conveniently I worked my schedule to slide in more work to my regiment. Just shows you guys how much I love school, if only she was a smoking hot mistress I wouldn't mind. Though, in reality is probably been a very long relationship that I find pointless in bailing now, as I'll probably never find another lover anytime soon (that is the best analogy I can come up with, now if I only can find a way to slide in 'sitting on the couch with a can of beans', I might become a writer). So, the days are dwindling and it seems unreal. Anyways, if I'm not doing anything, I'm probably doing work and if I'm not working, I'm probably going through a serious guilt trip of not doing any work.
Seems, my friend has been getting well, though some habits hasn't change much I think he's slowly getting there. Despite it only being back for a week is still up to him to stay on track, and I hope he does. The last couple weeks just made me realize I should stay in touch with people more, though, I've always find the phone to be the most annoying tool ever and I always have this very awkward feeling talking into a piece of plastic. I've always been more comfortable talking face to face, and if I only had to the time to see people face to face more often. Which, I'm finding I have less and less time doing. I wonder when will I don't even have the time to see myself in the mirror, though I think I still have the time, I'm reflecting in this blog now, am I not? Though, there is probably a bajillion things I can write about, I won't. This is an adequate amount to unload at the time being, and looking at the time I should be sleeping, then slave to the desk for about another 8 hours. Oh, my mistress (homework), how I love you so, yet you show me such disdain by giving me paper cuts (I work with computers!).
-David M.
I guess I'm not a conformist because I'll like to congratulate the President Elect Barack Obama on a job well done, 5 days after his victory (truth is I was too lazy to fill in the blanks between Tuesday and now). Is great Obama is in office, and what's even greater is a Democratic party in government now. Lets hope the gears of change is in motion. Not to sound like I'm full of cynicism (which I'm usually am), I don't think people should put all their hopes and admiration into one playing card, that being Obama, cause the cause for change is not in Obama, it is in us, the people. Given the recent observation of some people, I think some people fail to realize to grasp this concept. I hope for the best when he is in office, but what I hope for most is that people will start to change, in order for change if that makes any sense.
Also, a thought that ran through my mind this week is, what will happen to Chicago? As much as I try to avoid using this explanation to describe Obama, but he has celebrity status. So, what does this mean? Is Chicago hip now? I mean we've always been recognize as a great city, but not THE city. I mean lately a lot of great things has come out of Chicago, and Chicago is home to some of the more popular entertainers in the country right now, from Kanye West to Barack Obama. I really want to see Chicago become a driving force in America, to become a city where people want to be, but also not become a soulless douche city (*cough*, LA *cough*).
Speaking of Hip-Hop, Lupe Fiasco's announcement of LUPE.N.D was announced to be triple CD, so, I'm hyped about that. Also, 808s and Heartbreak is just a couple weeks away, so, something to look forward to.
Well, here comes the part you've all been waiting for, me! Nothing much seems to be going on at the moment besides school work, and I love how conveniently I worked my schedule to slide in more work to my regiment. Just shows you guys how much I love school, if only she was a smoking hot mistress I wouldn't mind. Though, in reality is probably been a very long relationship that I find pointless in bailing now, as I'll probably never find another lover anytime soon (that is the best analogy I can come up with, now if I only can find a way to slide in 'sitting on the couch with a can of beans', I might become a writer). So, the days are dwindling and it seems unreal. Anyways, if I'm not doing anything, I'm probably doing work and if I'm not working, I'm probably going through a serious guilt trip of not doing any work.
Seems, my friend has been getting well, though some habits hasn't change much I think he's slowly getting there. Despite it only being back for a week is still up to him to stay on track, and I hope he does. The last couple weeks just made me realize I should stay in touch with people more, though, I've always find the phone to be the most annoying tool ever and I always have this very awkward feeling talking into a piece of plastic. I've always been more comfortable talking face to face, and if I only had to the time to see people face to face more often. Which, I'm finding I have less and less time doing. I wonder when will I don't even have the time to see myself in the mirror, though I think I still have the time, I'm reflecting in this blog now, am I not? Though, there is probably a bajillion things I can write about, I won't. This is an adequate amount to unload at the time being, and looking at the time I should be sleeping, then slave to the desk for about another 8 hours. Oh, my mistress (homework), how I love you so, yet you show me such disdain by giving me paper cuts (I work with computers!).
-David M.
Monday, November 3, 2008
A 6 Pack of Work-a-hol and an Blank Notepad
Though, I thought I figured out a work schedule that could work in theory. I find myself crashing really hard after exerting myself x amount. I guess the reference of work-a-hol might be a bad metaphor or right now is just me hung over. I guess a better example would be crashing after a sugar rush. Regardless, I feel a bit weary, and my mind is all over the place. Regardless, I'm going to stick to the plan and get this over with. This ordeal is only going to last another 5 weeks and at most 6. Though, I didn't know why I was rushing when I find out assignment is actually due next week, I found it out to have 2 assignments back to back, or maybe anxiety on tomorrow's crit. I really don't know, I just want it out of the way right now.
I'm glad my friend is finally out of the hospital, but though the ordeal is probably not over for him yet. He still has a long way to fight, given that now he has to take shots for his blood sugar level. He does realize he has to change his lifestyle, which is a good thing; I hope he sticks to it by any means necessary. I hope I can find sometime to help him along in this process. Though, I do not understand sometimes why I do the things I do, is it all in good conscious? or do I do these things to reap the glory of being a good guy. I personally think is the first choice, but sometimes I feel like I'm putting on a facade in front of others because they hardly think of doing things without a reward. Lately, I've been meeting people or at least get to know people a lot better and realize that they too have similar characteristics, perhaps I've always been in the wrong crowd. Though, sometimes I think this "niceness" transposes itself in a way that makes people uncomfortable, though I do realize it when I think I cross the line. However, I never find solutions to these situations. I usually just walk away, and it feels kind of cowardly of me, and is a characteristic I need to work on. Especially, during a talk I attended this evening, I should put myself outside my comfort zone and maybe I should get beaten and bruised a little, before I learn how to fix this issue. Though, I usually back away when I since tension, I should probably learn to step beyond this boundary.
Lots of things are crossing my mind lately and my brain is having a hard time digesting all of this. It'll be nice if I can break it down and flush it down the toilet after I absorb the nutrients of this clutter.
Also, don't forget to vote tomorrow.
I'm glad my friend is finally out of the hospital, but though the ordeal is probably not over for him yet. He still has a long way to fight, given that now he has to take shots for his blood sugar level. He does realize he has to change his lifestyle, which is a good thing; I hope he sticks to it by any means necessary. I hope I can find sometime to help him along in this process. Though, I do not understand sometimes why I do the things I do, is it all in good conscious? or do I do these things to reap the glory of being a good guy. I personally think is the first choice, but sometimes I feel like I'm putting on a facade in front of others because they hardly think of doing things without a reward. Lately, I've been meeting people or at least get to know people a lot better and realize that they too have similar characteristics, perhaps I've always been in the wrong crowd. Though, sometimes I think this "niceness" transposes itself in a way that makes people uncomfortable, though I do realize it when I think I cross the line. However, I never find solutions to these situations. I usually just walk away, and it feels kind of cowardly of me, and is a characteristic I need to work on. Especially, during a talk I attended this evening, I should put myself outside my comfort zone and maybe I should get beaten and bruised a little, before I learn how to fix this issue. Though, I usually back away when I since tension, I should probably learn to step beyond this boundary.
Lots of things are crossing my mind lately and my brain is having a hard time digesting all of this. It'll be nice if I can break it down and flush it down the toilet after I absorb the nutrients of this clutter.
Also, don't forget to vote tomorrow.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Let's keep the beat on, till the end.
I think I got a working schedule going, so, that's nice. I spent close to 5 hours in the digital photo lab getting work done, which is a plus. Though it was like an oven in there. I think tomorrow is going to be a productive forecast as well, hopefully. I hope I can maintain this type of focused energy till the end of the semester. Things are looking up, but I must also keep my eyes down in order to see what's in front.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Life is not an excuse for living...
No, I'm not emo. Though, that praise did pop into my head today while I was on the bus, on the way to school.
I've been feeling that I've been slacking off and is apparent in my work. My 3D modeling scene is hardly anything I would admit of being proud of, however I'm going to set aside some time to revamp every thing and hopefully be more satisfy with my work. After all my work is my life and my life is my work, or something like that. I do treat everything I create as if it were my own child, that also means that they get treated pretty bastardly if I dislike it. *sigh* I think I placed too much on my platter at the moment, though I feel like dropping the part of my social self and become a reclusive workaholic (welcome back high school), though, I find myself only to be happier with myself when someone knows more about me, a bit conceited I know.
I really don't know what else to write about, but I guess this is some way of jotting down thoughts of stuff that I find really irritating to find rebounding in my head.
I feel strange that I do leave a good impression with others, that I am able to make someone's day with my presence around. I never knew I was such a person, and I always see myself as someone that has troubles expressing myself. Though, it was nice to see a friend today asking when am I going to graduate, and my presence will be missed, haha. I find it strange and reassuring.
Speaking of graduation, the thought of grad school has been popping up here and there, and I don't know how I should digest these thoughts. I told myself I'll give myself a one year grace period before doing anything, I still feel I haven't mature as an individual at all and I see grad school as this super adult life style. Hopefully, as time goes by I can put these thoughts together. Where would I go to grad school? Freshmen year I thought to myself, maybe SCAD, but as time went on I've grown attached to UIC, I don't know what's so special about it, but I feel like I'm a person that's easily grown attached to things. Though is a good trait, I think it also gives everything I have an emotional weight and that could be a good or bad thing.
-David M.
I've been feeling that I've been slacking off and is apparent in my work. My 3D modeling scene is hardly anything I would admit of being proud of, however I'm going to set aside some time to revamp every thing and hopefully be more satisfy with my work. After all my work is my life and my life is my work, or something like that. I do treat everything I create as if it were my own child, that also means that they get treated pretty bastardly if I dislike it. *sigh* I think I placed too much on my platter at the moment, though I feel like dropping the part of my social self and become a reclusive workaholic (welcome back high school), though, I find myself only to be happier with myself when someone knows more about me, a bit conceited I know.
I really don't know what else to write about, but I guess this is some way of jotting down thoughts of stuff that I find really irritating to find rebounding in my head.
I feel strange that I do leave a good impression with others, that I am able to make someone's day with my presence around. I never knew I was such a person, and I always see myself as someone that has troubles expressing myself. Though, it was nice to see a friend today asking when am I going to graduate, and my presence will be missed, haha. I find it strange and reassuring.
Speaking of graduation, the thought of grad school has been popping up here and there, and I don't know how I should digest these thoughts. I told myself I'll give myself a one year grace period before doing anything, I still feel I haven't mature as an individual at all and I see grad school as this super adult life style. Hopefully, as time goes by I can put these thoughts together. Where would I go to grad school? Freshmen year I thought to myself, maybe SCAD, but as time went on I've grown attached to UIC, I don't know what's so special about it, but I feel like I'm a person that's easily grown attached to things. Though is a good trait, I think it also gives everything I have an emotional weight and that could be a good or bad thing.
-David M.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
If the World Could Stop a Moment...
I would like to take a breather. A simple sigh would suffix, but I don't know what to take in at the moment. Things are definitely happening on all ends of the spectrum, but I digress, I don't know how to take it all in. With that said, let me paint a little picture for whomever stumbles upon this little den.
Lets start on the academia. Major wise I think I'm doing really good (no need to mope around here). I feel like I'm really demonstrating my potential and my greatest abilities in front of my professors, maybe not 3D modeling because I'm so drained at the end of the day, I find it almost impossible to stay awake in the room, but maybe is because the lights are always or the voice of my professor, though she is a great professor she is definitely not the most engaging one. Though, I wasn't expecting much out of my other EV class, I find the class to be almost therapeutic and a bit straining to my cranium, but nonetheless I find real time cooperation and problem solving to utilize my brain and to keep me engage.
Rolling over to my photo class, I think I'm on a see-saw on this one, I definitely do not know where I stand, though Craig is definitely one of the most interesting teachers I've had in a while, I don't know where I stand in that class, I could ask, but I don't know. The subjectivity of art has always been my greatest downfall because, is...well, really dam subjective, the ability to explore is great and all, but to be shot down completely through experimentation and to be graded on it is a really harsh concept, and the concept of the "hyper-real" does not really help me focus much either. Still an interesting class, but I really want to pull my weight in this class, and not seem like the BSing art student that I come to loathe freshmen year.
Though, I'm being utterly defeated in Music Theory, I think I'm finding my handle on the subject and I'm definitely trying to climb to the time. I should ask the professor where I stand in that class however. History of Design is well...moving on.
Now if you're still reading by now, I commend you. You're about to dive into a little bit of my personal life, whoa! Anyways, I always felt estranged to my family, I've never find myself to love my parents, but don't get the wrong message. I highly respect them for all they have done for me, and by all means I will stick with them till the end. Though sometimes I find my role in this family as nothing more than functional. Not so much within the family, but within the extended family. I do not see myself 3 years being around to fill out every application and translating every letter for them. They have other family members as young as me and as capable, but they still come to me. However, I have no issues talking and spending time with family members, but I find my extended family to be extremely shallow, though I did try to connect with them enthusiastically before, they never really did seem ecstatic about my efforts, but I'm still the person they talk to when anything relating to their personal well being comes into questions and lately I've just grown tired of it. Though, my immediate family I find that my parents have become more supportive of me lately, though they still have their own vices I feel like I'm at least providing some satisfaction in their life, and I guess it makes it all worth while.
Turns out one of my long time friend has been in the hospital for 2 weeks with pancreatitis, and apparently at one point his kidneys failed too. Though, that is the concerning part, the other part is, I haven't seen him on around for the last 2 weeks and I did not alarmed me to be concern at all. Though, there is not much I can do, there is a lot of people I haven't kept in touch with. My best wishes goes out to him.
With all that said, a Cold Winter is approaching I should be brace for it none the less, though all these issues in the end will resolve itself.
-David M.
Lets start on the academia. Major wise I think I'm doing really good (no need to mope around here). I feel like I'm really demonstrating my potential and my greatest abilities in front of my professors, maybe not 3D modeling because I'm so drained at the end of the day, I find it almost impossible to stay awake in the room, but maybe is because the lights are always or the voice of my professor, though she is a great professor she is definitely not the most engaging one. Though, I wasn't expecting much out of my other EV class, I find the class to be almost therapeutic and a bit straining to my cranium, but nonetheless I find real time cooperation and problem solving to utilize my brain and to keep me engage.
Rolling over to my photo class, I think I'm on a see-saw on this one, I definitely do not know where I stand, though Craig is definitely one of the most interesting teachers I've had in a while, I don't know where I stand in that class, I could ask, but I don't know. The subjectivity of art has always been my greatest downfall because, is...well, really dam subjective, the ability to explore is great and all, but to be shot down completely through experimentation and to be graded on it is a really harsh concept, and the concept of the "hyper-real" does not really help me focus much either. Still an interesting class, but I really want to pull my weight in this class, and not seem like the BSing art student that I come to loathe freshmen year.
Though, I'm being utterly defeated in Music Theory, I think I'm finding my handle on the subject and I'm definitely trying to climb to the time. I should ask the professor where I stand in that class however. History of Design is well...moving on.
Now if you're still reading by now, I commend you. You're about to dive into a little bit of my personal life, whoa! Anyways, I always felt estranged to my family, I've never find myself to love my parents, but don't get the wrong message. I highly respect them for all they have done for me, and by all means I will stick with them till the end. Though sometimes I find my role in this family as nothing more than functional. Not so much within the family, but within the extended family. I do not see myself 3 years being around to fill out every application and translating every letter for them. They have other family members as young as me and as capable, but they still come to me. However, I have no issues talking and spending time with family members, but I find my extended family to be extremely shallow, though I did try to connect with them enthusiastically before, they never really did seem ecstatic about my efforts, but I'm still the person they talk to when anything relating to their personal well being comes into questions and lately I've just grown tired of it. Though, my immediate family I find that my parents have become more supportive of me lately, though they still have their own vices I feel like I'm at least providing some satisfaction in their life, and I guess it makes it all worth while.
Turns out one of my long time friend has been in the hospital for 2 weeks with pancreatitis, and apparently at one point his kidneys failed too. Though, that is the concerning part, the other part is, I haven't seen him on around for the last 2 weeks and I did not alarmed me to be concern at all. Though, there is not much I can do, there is a lot of people I haven't kept in touch with. My best wishes goes out to him.
With all that said, a Cold Winter is approaching I should be brace for it none the less, though all these issues in the end will resolve itself.
-David M.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
School on a Saturday
I didn't go to sleep till around 1 a.m. trying to put together to plausible presentation for this interdisciplinary session at school. Things were looking grim to the last hour, but surprisingly it worked out and I'm grateful for all that occurred during the dwindling hours of the evening. Even though I had a little of Murphy's law going on, things were balancing out. Though I went to sleep with probably a sinking feeling of things going wrong.
Come show time or at least prior I hit the snooze several time before I was willing to wake up. Though, I still got there an hour early than I was supposed to. Slowly the meeting room started to fill as my class was still just working outside, this overwhelming feeling of presenting in front of grad students was a bit overwhelming, especially trying to demonstrate that we are "competent" amongst them. Even though I pulled up the wrong pdf for my presentation I believed I faired pretty well after I pulled up the right file, haha. Anyways, it was an interesting session, I thought it would have been a snooze fest, or a very intimidating scenario. However, I found myself being really attentive to other presentation and it just brought up my morale for what's going to happen in the next couple of week for class.
Come show time or at least prior I hit the snooze several time before I was willing to wake up. Though, I still got there an hour early than I was supposed to. Slowly the meeting room started to fill as my class was still just working outside, this overwhelming feeling of presenting in front of grad students was a bit overwhelming, especially trying to demonstrate that we are "competent" amongst them. Even though I pulled up the wrong pdf for my presentation I believed I faired pretty well after I pulled up the right file, haha. Anyways, it was an interesting session, I thought it would have been a snooze fest, or a very intimidating scenario. However, I found myself being really attentive to other presentation and it just brought up my morale for what's going to happen in the next couple of week for class.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Dreaming of Greeting
Had a dream where I was constantly greeting people I already knew. It was weird and at the same time pretty pleasing. It was odd, maybe I'm becoming stranger? Then a phone call from some random person woke me up at 5:00 am. Oh, well.
-David M.
-David M.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
A lot of this and a lot of that...
So lets start on a lighter note before we start using the pencil to create a darker shade (well not that dark). I'll begin with WIRED's Nextfest. I wasn't planning to go in the beginning, but word of Brainball/Mindball got me interested, so, I decided to make it an AAMP outting and invite the lot of freshmen and mentors to join me as we venture to Millenium Park for an eventful evening. Though, I didn't expect us to stay so late, haha, but it was worth it. First we were astound by the material d3o and its practicality that we had to take a picture with the mannequin. d30 is a rubber material that hardens on contact and dissipate the force.
Then shortly after one game of Brainball we decided to check out the Toyota section only to run into a tech demo, and lucky enough most of us had a chance to testdrive the I-Real even though it wasn't anything revolutionary, it was still fun.
Anyways, I won plenty games of Brainball, but my night ended in a single handed defeat, what a downer. All in all the night was a memorable one, and I wished more people would have came to enjoy the exhibit.
Amongst, some discovery I found out that Jay Chou's album is coming out NEXT WEEK! or this WEEK, or to be more accurate, 4 DAYS! Though, it was leaked, I only heard snippets and I'm already liking the song, "Our Promised Happiness" though I don't understand a single word of it, I really feel the emotions within the song, and I can't wait for the translated lyrics to come out along with the album.
However, summarizing the week at its end I found myself given several opportunities to face a situation I really wished to resolve, but in the end I'm still too much of a coward. In no time it'll be a year and I realize I can't really act upon my words, and it just pains me to realize I am able to accomplished several feats these couple semester, but opening my mouth and trying to patch up a situation seems like a mountain of work and I find myself cowering again in my "confidence". Though, this is only a small facade of my daily regiment and my moment of brooding, though I want to able to clarify myself instead of running away from such a situation.
After reading another's blog the writer is doing a critical self-reflection of oneself, I find myself doing this all the time and one thing I always want in such a time is an ear to pour my words into, I hope she would find that ear to pour these thoughts into.
-David M.
Then shortly after one game of Brainball we decided to check out the Toyota section only to run into a tech demo, and lucky enough most of us had a chance to testdrive the I-Real even though it wasn't anything revolutionary, it was still fun.
Anyways, I won plenty games of Brainball, but my night ended in a single handed defeat, what a downer. All in all the night was a memorable one, and I wished more people would have came to enjoy the exhibit.
Amongst, some discovery I found out that Jay Chou's album is coming out NEXT WEEK! or this WEEK, or to be more accurate, 4 DAYS! Though, it was leaked, I only heard snippets and I'm already liking the song, "Our Promised Happiness" though I don't understand a single word of it, I really feel the emotions within the song, and I can't wait for the translated lyrics to come out along with the album.
However, summarizing the week at its end I found myself given several opportunities to face a situation I really wished to resolve, but in the end I'm still too much of a coward. In no time it'll be a year and I realize I can't really act upon my words, and it just pains me to realize I am able to accomplished several feats these couple semester, but opening my mouth and trying to patch up a situation seems like a mountain of work and I find myself cowering again in my "confidence". Though, this is only a small facade of my daily regiment and my moment of brooding, though I want to able to clarify myself instead of running away from such a situation.
After reading another's blog the writer is doing a critical self-reflection of oneself, I find myself doing this all the time and one thing I always want in such a time is an ear to pour my words into, I hope she would find that ear to pour these thoughts into.
-David M.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
And it Rained...
Woke up a bit of an optimistic today as I head out the door, it seem like it'll be an interesting day. (For the record it was) Though, my morning class was canceled today, I still left at my normal time, for some other tasks at hand. Also, to spend some time in the digital lab doing some prints for quality control. As I was in AARCC I dwindled around to kill some time for the clock to strike 11, but roughly I received an email from my photo teacher that class was canceled cause he too, was struck with illness and I was stranded with time on campus; my next class wouldn't start till 4.
So, how did I spend my wondrous afternoon? In the digital photo lab, doing prints. I find myself doubting my choice of colors in that class, but I guess I need to bite the bullet if I try to prove myself, so, lets hope that crit goes well on Thursday. Though, as productive as I can be I was still left with some odd hours at hand, which I just wasted the rest like any hours. I realized I never have the energy to stay awake in my 4 O'clock class, which is sad I guess, but the professor never complains cause she knows I have a good handle on the material.
As much as I love rain, and as much as I hate the rain when I commute I was able to find some middle ground with it today. The light drizzle that etches the surrounding makes the rain seem more tranquil, but it could have been less windy.
-David M.
So, how did I spend my wondrous afternoon? In the digital photo lab, doing prints. I find myself doubting my choice of colors in that class, but I guess I need to bite the bullet if I try to prove myself, so, lets hope that crit goes well on Thursday. Though, as productive as I can be I was still left with some odd hours at hand, which I just wasted the rest like any hours. I realized I never have the energy to stay awake in my 4 O'clock class, which is sad I guess, but the professor never complains cause she knows I have a good handle on the material.
As much as I love rain, and as much as I hate the rain when I commute I was able to find some middle ground with it today. The light drizzle that etches the surrounding makes the rain seem more tranquil, but it could have been less windy.
-David M.
Monday, October 6, 2008
A Girl Shouldn't Smoke
A Girl Shouldn’t Smoke
She places the filter between her lips.
A flicker of the lighter and she inhale.
It creeps to back and moves its back to the front.
Out comes the smoke; clouding her in sophistication.
The accumulation of stress causes her to be the mistress,
Where on occasions she takes a step out, and tries to ingest a moment of relaxation.
Clouded fatigue and dull grey eyes,
Life could only be harmonized for a short five minutes.
Pressing her lips to kiss distress, like a moment of intimacy seen on the screen.
They’re lovers, but she’s slowly taking the life out of him.
Their lips part, and she holds puts the light aside between two fingers with much vanity.
Only to flick off the excess ashes, to lighten her load.
Glancing from the side of my eyes,
Curiosity is best describe, why I can’t look away,
Yet without a word to say.
Slowly peaking into intimacy as the smoke caress her.
Though my eyes could not look away, I was not impressed.
As the smoke confine her fine lines, clouded scars, and hid reality.
She stares at the haze like an old friend,
And slowly watches them depart; never to been seen again.
She takes the last drag, the ashes memorialized itself.
Flicking the filter aside, she steps back in, only to come back again.
She places the filter between her lips.
A flicker of the lighter and she inhale.
It creeps to back and moves its back to the front.
Out comes the smoke; clouding her in sophistication.
The accumulation of stress causes her to be the mistress,
Where on occasions she takes a step out, and tries to ingest a moment of relaxation.
Clouded fatigue and dull grey eyes,
Life could only be harmonized for a short five minutes.
Pressing her lips to kiss distress, like a moment of intimacy seen on the screen.
They’re lovers, but she’s slowly taking the life out of him.
Their lips part, and she holds puts the light aside between two fingers with much vanity.
Only to flick off the excess ashes, to lighten her load.
Glancing from the side of my eyes,
Curiosity is best describe, why I can’t look away,
Yet without a word to say.
Slowly peaking into intimacy as the smoke caress her.
Though my eyes could not look away, I was not impressed.
As the smoke confine her fine lines, clouded scars, and hid reality.
She stares at the haze like an old friend,
And slowly watches them depart; never to been seen again.
She takes the last drag, the ashes memorialized itself.
Flicking the filter aside, she steps back in, only to come back again.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
More Reflections than a Broken Mirror
In this little social realm I like to call college, I have met impeding challenges and so far I have been able to face each encounter with satisfactory results (Asian satisfactory results I mind you). Though, I can't help but feel anxious whenever a new challenge arises, could it be that this obstacle will be the one to snuff me out, and down for the count? or is this some sadistic torture I like to put myself through in order to stay focus. This past week I've stayed on campus till 10pm on Tuesday and 7 the following day, and I end at 7 on Thursday, and after all that I find myself in front of my desk slaving away? Though it turned out the midterm wasn't so bad, at least I hope I didn't do bad. However, those were not the only hurdles I had to put myself through this week, though lets say that was the bulk.
This week, will prove to be another funtastic adventure, though I got most of the obstacles out of the way, I still have a lot of things to go through this week, but it seems more feasible now (maybe cause I spent my whole weekend on it, and nothing else.) Though hopefully, I figure out this EV assignment by tomorrow and I'll be a happy camper.
I find it funny how I always complain about school life when is never that bad, at least I can get through it. However, I find myself conflicted with myself. I've been told I'm not a bad person, but why do I keep thinking I'm a bad person? This social cues have been playing in my head and I never seem to act upon them because I always come back to the same conclusion, I'm awkward, but when I tell people this, they think I'm too critical of myself because I'm really not that "awkward." Then why do I usually find myself conflicting with other's say? Do I have an alter ego or that I just can't see myself in any other light? (For those that are reading, I'm not schizophrenic or depressed) Just sometimes I really don't know what kind of person I am, and what I am doing is really benefiting the people around me or hurting them.
I don't know why I think these things, but for some reason I think I'm going to end up like one of those workaholic type of guys that will live a relatively successful hermit life. Also, on a lighter note I'm starting to write again, and hopefully start putting together, some beautiful mental images for people to read soon.
-David M.
This week, will prove to be another funtastic adventure, though I got most of the obstacles out of the way, I still have a lot of things to go through this week, but it seems more feasible now (maybe cause I spent my whole weekend on it, and nothing else.) Though hopefully, I figure out this EV assignment by tomorrow and I'll be a happy camper.
I find it funny how I always complain about school life when is never that bad, at least I can get through it. However, I find myself conflicted with myself. I've been told I'm not a bad person, but why do I keep thinking I'm a bad person? This social cues have been playing in my head and I never seem to act upon them because I always come back to the same conclusion, I'm awkward, but when I tell people this, they think I'm too critical of myself because I'm really not that "awkward." Then why do I usually find myself conflicting with other's say? Do I have an alter ego or that I just can't see myself in any other light? (For those that are reading, I'm not schizophrenic or depressed) Just sometimes I really don't know what kind of person I am, and what I am doing is really benefiting the people around me or hurting them.
I don't know why I think these things, but for some reason I think I'm going to end up like one of those workaholic type of guys that will live a relatively successful hermit life. Also, on a lighter note I'm starting to write again, and hopefully start putting together, some beautiful mental images for people to read soon.
-David M.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Too Much Down Time
Shortly after summer break started I've become immediately bored. Well, not bored to be precise I have plenty of things on my hand to twiddle the time away, but the fact that I'm twiddling time away is the part that I can't stand. Unless I'm doing something productive I feel like I'm wasting time, there must a name for this kind of mentality.
Though, it is good to pick up a game, or watch a movie from time to time, but the consistent nagging of my thoughts saying I could do something much more while is what takes the fun away from it. I spent the last 3 days in my basement trying to beat a game before the week ends and trying to finish reading, "Welcome to the NHK" at the same time. I had 3 volumes of manga to read as of now, and a crap load of movies and anime episodes to catch up with.
I need to found a part time job...
-David M.
Though, it is good to pick up a game, or watch a movie from time to time, but the consistent nagging of my thoughts saying I could do something much more while is what takes the fun away from it. I spent the last 3 days in my basement trying to beat a game before the week ends and trying to finish reading, "Welcome to the NHK" at the same time. I had 3 volumes of manga to read as of now, and a crap load of movies and anime episodes to catch up with.
I need to found a part time job...
-David M.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Let the Days Stroll
The first few days of summer break seemed more hectic as the last days of school, but in a good way. My uncle Dan and aunt Pat came to visit all the way from California, so, it was a nice start to my break. His son works at Pixar and I asked him to see if I can get some internship info because that would be a sweet deal.
Anyways, I'll start with Monday. We had dim sum, and off the adults went to mill at work, and I was left with all the time in the world. I decided I'll stick with them for the morning hours, as we strolled all the way to US Cellular for a walk we stumbled upon a teen education event on "driving skills" though I thought the whole program was askew since the drivers were basically drifting and speeding, I think they were influencing a wrong group of people. Plus, we got yelled at for walking onto the course.
We then walked back to Chinatown and I showed them Ping Tom park, a place no tourist will ever stumble upon, and is a nice place to go.
Later on I dashed all the way to AARCC to squeeze in some hours and to the staff dinner. On the way to the dinner, with Elvin being the driver, we took a detour downtown and I was a movie guide pointing out various scenes of the new Dark Knight movie as we went down LaSalle, and when we made our way back to 290 it was comic book talk all the way, leaving Melissa out of the loop.
The dinner was fun, the food was great. Though my dumplings were a sad excuse of a dumpling. (I have failed you in the art of dumpling making father.)
That was all Monday folks.
The two days were a drag. After saying goodbye to my aunt and uncle Tuesday evening as they made their departure to Boston.
I really didn't anything productive the last 2 days, though I did dub this week R&R I feel like I should be doing something besides sleeping. I get restless when I'm not doing anything and bored when I'm doing something. I do have a strange logic don't I?
-David M.
Anyways, I'll start with Monday. We had dim sum, and off the adults went to mill at work, and I was left with all the time in the world. I decided I'll stick with them for the morning hours, as we strolled all the way to US Cellular for a walk we stumbled upon a teen education event on "driving skills" though I thought the whole program was askew since the drivers were basically drifting and speeding, I think they were influencing a wrong group of people. Plus, we got yelled at for walking onto the course.
We then walked back to Chinatown and I showed them Ping Tom park, a place no tourist will ever stumble upon, and is a nice place to go.
Later on I dashed all the way to AARCC to squeeze in some hours and to the staff dinner. On the way to the dinner, with Elvin being the driver, we took a detour downtown and I was a movie guide pointing out various scenes of the new Dark Knight movie as we went down LaSalle, and when we made our way back to 290 it was comic book talk all the way, leaving Melissa out of the loop.
The dinner was fun, the food was great. Though my dumplings were a sad excuse of a dumpling. (I have failed you in the art of dumpling making father.)
That was all Monday folks.
The two days were a drag. After saying goodbye to my aunt and uncle Tuesday evening as they made their departure to Boston.
I really didn't anything productive the last 2 days, though I did dub this week R&R I feel like I should be doing something besides sleeping. I get restless when I'm not doing anything and bored when I'm doing something. I do have a strange logic don't I?
-David M.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The End, The Beginning
So given the context of the post is the end of the year. Yea! but before I can jump for joy and throw glitter all around, I had to get through the dreaded finals week. Given that I'm sure I did all fine and dandy, but the last stretch was a killer. Had a major headache the day before, and only manage to study about 8 hours for over 200 slides for an Art History final, and after taking the exam I was more than confident that I showed who was boss. Also, the fact I woke up at 5:30 am to get to school just to ensure that I will be there on time.
Following the festivities of enduring such a long and pointless exam it was still 10 in the morning. So, Aaron, Francisco and I decided to go downtown to Blicks and pick up some supplies. Francisco bought some paint and canvas (I'm hoping for him to paint sad clowns). Well, I bought an ink stone, ink stick, and some sumi ink. I'm planning to experiment with inks over the summer and hopefully do something sensational.
After all the rambling of the early morning I manage to get home at noon for a nap. Only to be awaken by loud rants from my brother who just stayed at home playing Warcraft for the the majority of his waking hours.
Push the arms on the clock a lot further, I went back to campus (a great way to end the school year, no?) to see the senior show. It was a lot better than I expected, a lot meaning I wasn't expecting a lot, but I was impress. Also, the punch and lemonade was great. Then off at 7 I go to get ready to see Iron Man with some other friends.
So Guo, Danny, Simon, and I went to see Iron Man catching the 9:15 show and getting there 5 minutes after the start of the trailer left us with no good seats, but I digress cause the movie was kick ass, given that it wasn't the graphic orgy I was thinking it was going to be. It heavily focused on character, a thing most people forget about heroes is that they're human beings and not just people with super powers to entertain us. After the movie while in the John I noticed something a tad odd. Someone apparently decided to go commando in the theater as I find a pair of tighty whiteys on the floor, which was probably soaked in urine.
Anyways, back home after a late night meal, and here I am writing a blog before noon. I should be sleeping in shouldn't I?
May 10, the start of summer break. So, what now given the ample time I have now to do whatever the hell I want. Well, definitely going to start biking daily again. Hopefully work at AARCC part time for the duration of the summer. Aside from that there is also Dragon Boat Racing, SIGGRAPH, get a weekend job, paint, photoshop, and probably get some readings in and some gaming time.
Hopefully this summer will be a great one, one which I progress instead of being lazy.
Following the festivities of enduring such a long and pointless exam it was still 10 in the morning. So, Aaron, Francisco and I decided to go downtown to Blicks and pick up some supplies. Francisco bought some paint and canvas (I'm hoping for him to paint sad clowns). Well, I bought an ink stone, ink stick, and some sumi ink. I'm planning to experiment with inks over the summer and hopefully do something sensational.
After all the rambling of the early morning I manage to get home at noon for a nap. Only to be awaken by loud rants from my brother who just stayed at home playing Warcraft for the the majority of his waking hours.
Push the arms on the clock a lot further, I went back to campus (a great way to end the school year, no?) to see the senior show. It was a lot better than I expected, a lot meaning I wasn't expecting a lot, but I was impress. Also, the punch and lemonade was great. Then off at 7 I go to get ready to see Iron Man with some other friends.
So Guo, Danny, Simon, and I went to see Iron Man catching the 9:15 show and getting there 5 minutes after the start of the trailer left us with no good seats, but I digress cause the movie was kick ass, given that it wasn't the graphic orgy I was thinking it was going to be. It heavily focused on character, a thing most people forget about heroes is that they're human beings and not just people with super powers to entertain us. After the movie while in the John I noticed something a tad odd. Someone apparently decided to go commando in the theater as I find a pair of tighty whiteys on the floor, which was probably soaked in urine.
Anyways, back home after a late night meal, and here I am writing a blog before noon. I should be sleeping in shouldn't I?
May 10, the start of summer break. So, what now given the ample time I have now to do whatever the hell I want. Well, definitely going to start biking daily again. Hopefully work at AARCC part time for the duration of the summer. Aside from that there is also Dragon Boat Racing, SIGGRAPH, get a weekend job, paint, photoshop, and probably get some readings in and some gaming time.
Hopefully this summer will be a great one, one which I progress instead of being lazy.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Crit, Dragon Boats, and a Bit Inadequate
I finished my Flash project for this semester. Though, as much I'm not satisfied with it I found that I got a pretty good review. Probably, would pass that class with flying colors. Now that's one less thing to worry about, now I need to focus on my Sociology final, so, lets hope things bode well for me this weekend. Can't wait for Tuesday to pass.
Along, with other events going on today was the Dragon Boat team. At least half the team is formed now, which is pretty cool meaning more or less is going to happen. Now we just need to win, but first we need to practice.
Despite, all the positivity that occurs today I can't feel a bit inadequate. As much I keep pushing myself I still feel a bit cowardly. I keep telling myself I should say something at least to clarify myself, at the end at least I know there was no misunderstanding or at least if there was it'll be clear. Hopefully, I can gain some confidence within one week's time.
At least tomorrow will be Looptopia, ya!
Along, with other events going on today was the Dragon Boat team. At least half the team is formed now, which is pretty cool meaning more or less is going to happen. Now we just need to win, but first we need to practice.
Despite, all the positivity that occurs today I can't feel a bit inadequate. As much I keep pushing myself I still feel a bit cowardly. I keep telling myself I should say something at least to clarify myself, at the end at least I know there was no misunderstanding or at least if there was it'll be clear. Hopefully, I can gain some confidence within one week's time.
At least tomorrow will be Looptopia, ya!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Miscommunication, View, Mingle, Dinner, Taxi!
So today it was dinner for the Daley Scholarship winner, and that means one thing. I get to meet the mayor! (and his family amongst other guest)
I got to the Chase Tower via EVO (thanks to an old friend, Michael). Anyways, when I got there I had to check in, since is a high rise, it's in downtown, and the mayor is going to be there. I got to the front desk, said my name and gave her my ID, No problemo. The lady at the desk was more than nice and enough to guide me through. Til, I got to the elevator, and the elevator guy had no idea, what was going on even though I mentioned it was a scholarship dinner (should have mentioned Daley Scholarship dinner). Anyways, got "kicked out" of the elevator hall, and the lady in the desk was nice enough to clarify everything for me, and I was on my way up to the 57th floor.
I was one of the first to be there, and the first of the scholarship winners to be up there. The view from the 57th floor was magnificent and just seeing the entire south side (or what I can make of it through the mist and fog). Greatest view of the city I have ever seen. I was going to take a picture, but I feared that no pictures were allowed cause I didn't see anyone else with a camera. I found out in the end it was cool. Shucks, next year it'll happen.
So, the evening started with cocktails being served along with an unease of being the new guy there, and mingling with a bunch of higher ups seemed out of my league. As me and the other recipients, Jessica, Kevin, Aaron, and I think her name was Patricia just stood in our own circle. I was new to this whole formal thing, and I know it isn't my thing that's for sure. Til the mayor's brother, William kind of took the initiative and divided us into the crowd to mingle. I met most of the Daley's and heard much about Eleanor Daley and her love for education, and it was nice to know that I've been honored with this scholarship.
Next was dinner, I was seated with a mayor from Morocco, and some other mayor's who weren't introduced to us. Along with them, I think it was the mayor's niece, and some lady and her husband from some organization with the words CEO in it, I wish I did a better job at remembering things, I really do. They were nice people, but I really felt detached in their politics, I wonder if I made a good impression, and had good table manners. The meal was less than filling, I can sure eat a lot more than what they served, probably 3 plates more.
Afterwards, I got a chance to take a picture with the man himself, the mayor. Hopefully, I get the pictures, in the mail or email that'll be awesome. He was a very chill guy, really took the pressure off.
Afterwards, we took a cab back. The total was 14.45 after dropping us off at 4 different locale. All I have to say was the driver was definitely trying to rip me off, I handed him a 20, and he took his time with that twenty before I asked for a 5 back, and gave him 3 bucks. I tipped him a cool 24%, and I asked for a receipt to get reimbursed, but all he did was handed me a blank one. Now, I'm not even sure if I'll get reimburse for an unsigned receipt with no info on the taxi cab. I won't know til Jill replies back to me. I can see why I hate taxi drivers.
-David M.
***Hopefully, I get the pictures to post.
I got to the Chase Tower via EVO (thanks to an old friend, Michael). Anyways, when I got there I had to check in, since is a high rise, it's in downtown, and the mayor is going to be there. I got to the front desk, said my name and gave her my ID, No problemo. The lady at the desk was more than nice and enough to guide me through. Til, I got to the elevator, and the elevator guy had no idea, what was going on even though I mentioned it was a scholarship dinner (should have mentioned Daley Scholarship dinner). Anyways, got "kicked out" of the elevator hall, and the lady in the desk was nice enough to clarify everything for me, and I was on my way up to the 57th floor.
I was one of the first to be there, and the first of the scholarship winners to be up there. The view from the 57th floor was magnificent and just seeing the entire south side (or what I can make of it through the mist and fog). Greatest view of the city I have ever seen. I was going to take a picture, but I feared that no pictures were allowed cause I didn't see anyone else with a camera. I found out in the end it was cool. Shucks, next year it'll happen.
So, the evening started with cocktails being served along with an unease of being the new guy there, and mingling with a bunch of higher ups seemed out of my league. As me and the other recipients, Jessica, Kevin, Aaron, and I think her name was Patricia just stood in our own circle. I was new to this whole formal thing, and I know it isn't my thing that's for sure. Til the mayor's brother, William kind of took the initiative and divided us into the crowd to mingle. I met most of the Daley's and heard much about Eleanor Daley and her love for education, and it was nice to know that I've been honored with this scholarship.
Next was dinner, I was seated with a mayor from Morocco, and some other mayor's who weren't introduced to us. Along with them, I think it was the mayor's niece, and some lady and her husband from some organization with the words CEO in it, I wish I did a better job at remembering things, I really do. They were nice people, but I really felt detached in their politics, I wonder if I made a good impression, and had good table manners. The meal was less than filling, I can sure eat a lot more than what they served, probably 3 plates more.
Afterwards, I got a chance to take a picture with the man himself, the mayor. Hopefully, I get the pictures, in the mail or email that'll be awesome. He was a very chill guy, really took the pressure off.
Afterwards, we took a cab back. The total was 14.45 after dropping us off at 4 different locale. All I have to say was the driver was definitely trying to rip me off, I handed him a 20, and he took his time with that twenty before I asked for a 5 back, and gave him 3 bucks. I tipped him a cool 24%, and I asked for a receipt to get reimbursed, but all he did was handed me a blank one. Now, I'm not even sure if I'll get reimburse for an unsigned receipt with no info on the taxi cab. I won't know til Jill replies back to me. I can see why I hate taxi drivers.
-David M.
***Hopefully, I get the pictures to post.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Giant Robot and the Final Hurdles
Today was the Giant Robot talk at UIC, and I was able to meet with the founders of Giant Robot Martin Wong, and Eric Nakamura along with their friend Tim. Two very cool and down to Earth guys, and they gave a great talk about how they started their magazine, and what they thought they contributed to groups and communities with the magazines. Also, giving away issue 51 of Giant Robot. Afterwards, the staff had dinner with Eric, Martin, Tim, and Tim's guest which was awesome to actually hear from these guys. Wished I got a chance to talk more, but hey I'll be in LA in August and hopefully I'll get a chance to visit Giant Robot.
With the last AAA month event out of the way, now is back to the grind. In 14 hours I'll have a quiz in my sociology in which I have very minimal confidence of on, but hey you'll never know. Also, need to finish my final for Computer Graphics, which seems to be coming along, but not as I imagined, but it'll get done. Which leads me to a series of thoughts lately that I seriously doubt myself a lot of times, and I wonder if is a mechanism I set for myself in order for me to push much harder. Sometimes I know this is as much I can do as an individual, but somehow is not enough for me at all. Hopefully, I can finish this semester unscathed because I feel like I'm cutting it really close somehow. Anyways, that's my rant to the empty burrows of the internet.
Til next time,
-DMEI
With the last AAA month event out of the way, now is back to the grind. In 14 hours I'll have a quiz in my sociology in which I have very minimal confidence of on, but hey you'll never know. Also, need to finish my final for Computer Graphics, which seems to be coming along, but not as I imagined, but it'll get done. Which leads me to a series of thoughts lately that I seriously doubt myself a lot of times, and I wonder if is a mechanism I set for myself in order for me to push much harder. Sometimes I know this is as much I can do as an individual, but somehow is not enough for me at all. Hopefully, I can finish this semester unscathed because I feel like I'm cutting it really close somehow. Anyways, that's my rant to the empty burrows of the internet.
Til next time,
-DMEI
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Breaking Even
When you go from Happy to Sad, you've been had.
When you go from Sad to Happy, you're just a sap.
Yes, I know that didn't make any sense, but I just need to put that somewhere.
Anyways, recollecting events that happen this week which led from uneventful to just plain crap. Yes, I know people have bigger issues, but a man can rant can't he?
I'll start with Tuesday after getting onto campus from downtown somewhere along the way I lost my upass (oh noes). So, the following day I biked all the way to the cta office to pay for a replacement upass which cost $35 (I'll break even with that in 2 weeks), but having to wait for the stupid upass to arrive in SSB is a 5 day process so I spent the last couple days paying for public transportation. Fine, no big deal I can manage. Then the weekend rolled along.
Friday, I manage to stay on task with my work, so, is not so bad at all. Then the power went out due to rain late at night. Fantastic! At the time I thought, oh well the lights will come back on in the morning and I can go back to slaving away at that stupid art history paper. Apparently the blackout caused the transformer in our heating unit to blow, so, we had to spend the whole Saturday without heat, and it also burned out the motor of the bath fan at home. No biggy, there's still power at home, gotta get back to work and write that paper. Given the amount of time I spent goofing off and breaks I managed to finish before the night was over. Then there was a partial power outage in the house, lucky me I just finished my work.
So, after 3-4 technicians come strolling by the issue was still unresolved. Till we found out that the black out burned out more items in the house. My surge protector is now what I like to call a circuit breaker bomb, meaning I plug it in any outlet and turn it on, I guarantee you I will shut down that part of the room until the circuit breaker is reset. Along, with other electronics in the house. Given the circumstances I spent Sunday replacing blown parts of the house, having to fork over 80 bucks on my stuff so far.
Despite the negativity that occurred this weekend I manage to have some uplifting things to happen this weekend. For instance, I got accepted into SIGGRAPH! which is the Special Interest Group on GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques for people who didn't know. Also, I got awarded housing, so, all I need to do is buy the ticket to LA. Hopefully this experience will be enlightening to my major, which I'm excited about. Though, it won't be till August 10th.
At least today my wallet was able to recover thanks to the WebUse Project and I got paid $55 to participate.
Given some of the circumstances I've experienced lately, I really hope my life is able to break even somewhere along the way. This is just a little mile stone.
When you go from Sad to Happy, you're just a sap.
Yes, I know that didn't make any sense, but I just need to put that somewhere.
Anyways, recollecting events that happen this week which led from uneventful to just plain crap. Yes, I know people have bigger issues, but a man can rant can't he?
I'll start with Tuesday after getting onto campus from downtown somewhere along the way I lost my upass (oh noes). So, the following day I biked all the way to the cta office to pay for a replacement upass which cost $35 (I'll break even with that in 2 weeks), but having to wait for the stupid upass to arrive in SSB is a 5 day process so I spent the last couple days paying for public transportation. Fine, no big deal I can manage. Then the weekend rolled along.
Friday, I manage to stay on task with my work, so, is not so bad at all. Then the power went out due to rain late at night. Fantastic! At the time I thought, oh well the lights will come back on in the morning and I can go back to slaving away at that stupid art history paper. Apparently the blackout caused the transformer in our heating unit to blow, so, we had to spend the whole Saturday without heat, and it also burned out the motor of the bath fan at home. No biggy, there's still power at home, gotta get back to work and write that paper. Given the amount of time I spent goofing off and breaks I managed to finish before the night was over. Then there was a partial power outage in the house, lucky me I just finished my work.
So, after 3-4 technicians come strolling by the issue was still unresolved. Till we found out that the black out burned out more items in the house. My surge protector is now what I like to call a circuit breaker bomb, meaning I plug it in any outlet and turn it on, I guarantee you I will shut down that part of the room until the circuit breaker is reset. Along, with other electronics in the house. Given the circumstances I spent Sunday replacing blown parts of the house, having to fork over 80 bucks on my stuff so far.
Despite the negativity that occurred this weekend I manage to have some uplifting things to happen this weekend. For instance, I got accepted into SIGGRAPH! which is the Special Interest Group on GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques for people who didn't know. Also, I got awarded housing, so, all I need to do is buy the ticket to LA. Hopefully this experience will be enlightening to my major, which I'm excited about. Though, it won't be till August 10th.
At least today my wallet was able to recover thanks to the WebUse Project and I got paid $55 to participate.
Given some of the circumstances I've experienced lately, I really hope my life is able to break even somewhere along the way. This is just a little mile stone.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Let the Frontier Begin!
Well, I'm going to start blogging. Hopefully, this will be a useful habit of killing time, oppose to me just sitting in killing time. I'll be typing and killing time. (Like this is going to help me either way). Anyways, I think it'll be nice addition to managing my thoughts as well.
-DM
-DM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)