pictures.in.the.smoke

Oh, and yay for the Democratic sweep of the House and Senate. Unfortunately, I didn't get to vote since I'm registered in SF and forgot to request for an absentee ballot.

Things have been very busy in the last month or so with a number of quizzes, tests, a paper, and design projects happening altogether. The most time-consuming class is my Modern East Asia class. There is so much reading to do. I was surprised to see that I got an A on my history paper. I was really expecting a B.

Here's my Poly Card.

My studio is a fairly good size for one person and definitely adaquate for me. It only takes me 6 or 7 minutes to walk to class (west side of campus). Although it can be a little noisy out on the streets at night, it's not as horrible as I had read in the reviews online of Mustang Village. Furniture is nice and modern since this is an upgraded studio with new furniture ($$$). Overall, pleasant.

I think I got all my classes in order. I didn't know I could get certain art/graphics classes transferred here even though they were not outlined in the articulation agreement. I was thrilled to find out I didn't have to follow their flowchart from the beginning. It looks like I will probably graduate in 2 to 2 1/2 years. Here's what I'm taking:


ART 311: Nineteenth Century Art (major course)
ART 317: Asian Art Survey (major course)
ART 331: Typographic Design (graphic design concentration course)
HIST 316: Modern East Asia (upper division GE)

I forgot to mention that I worked for AT Creative Group in Oakland over the summer. They are an ad agency that offers graphic design and ad compaign servies for a variety of clients but mainly shopping malls, like Baystreet in Emeryville and Del Monte Center in Monterey. This was the best job ever. I was finally able to do what I love and get paid for it. Analisa, my boss, was also very kind and generous too. I got two raises during my time there. I should also thank my graphic design instructor, Patricia, who recommended me. :) I'm currently wrapping up work for the Networld website, and I'm also doing a flyer for Eth-Noh-Tec.

I just got a photo of the wall installation from Metrocenter Mall that I designed! Yay!!! It's 40 ft. x 10 ft. I can't wait to see the tricons.

I got my new MacBook about two weeks ago. I lovvv it!

I know we're not supposed to use serifs for body copy on websites, but I'm going to break the rule for once.

Two weekends again, May, Lily, and I planned a trip to Yosemite from Saturday to Sunday. We rented a lodge in nearby Groveland (30 miles outside of the Yosemite gate) for $215 (1 night). May's car was not in great condition but neither was mine. Against my better judgement, we took my '95 Acura Integra and headed on the road around noon Saturday. Got to Groveland and checked in around 3-4 pm. Settled in, then drove to Yosemite around 5:30 pm. Since it was late, we only made a stop to see the waterfall and then rode the shuttle around the park. On our way back around 9 pm, we ran into serious trouble. May was driving. She pointed my attention to one of the gauges. The temperature was all the way at the "H" symbol! I freaked out and told her to pull over. Once we got out of the car, we saw steaming rising from the hood. We looked inside and discovered the coolant was just about completely emptied. We decided to fill it with water and let the car sit for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, we were hungry and began snacking on food we bought from the mini-mart inside Yosemite. A sherif comes by, and after explaning the situation to him, he told us to just add water and keep an eye on the temperature gauge, and perhaps stop every few miles to check. So after 40 minutes, we turn on the engine. The temperature seems normal, just below the halfway mark. But as May started to drive, the temperature started dropping towards the "C" symbol...which I thought was alarming and unusual. So we pulled over again after just one mile. We checked the coolant container and all the water we added was gone. There was some foam inside. I checked under the car and did not see any evidence of a water trail. So we added more water and started driving slowly. Again, the temperature was falling below normal. This time, I told May she had to just stop in the middle of the road. We checked the water, and half of it was gone! We figured, at this rate, we'll never make it back to the lodge, which was still some 30 miles away. So May started flaging cars coming down the road, asking for coolant. The first few said they didn't have any and left. Then this family with two SUVs stopped and escorted us to a pullout spot. One guy suggested that it may be a water pump issue. In any case, we all didn't think it was safe to drive my car any farther. So we locked up the car, and the family was kind enough to drive us back to Groveland even though they were staying in another town. That night, we looked through the phone book for towing companies. At that point, we had two options. One: tow it back to Groveland to a body shop for inspection and repair. However, none were open on Sunday. We also didn't know how long it would take to fix the problem, so the longer it takes, the more time we have to stay in Groveland, and the more money we have to pay for a room. Lily and May also had work to return to. Option two: tow the car to Modesto where May's brother lives. He would be able to watch over the car if repairs are necessary. We could also stay overnight at his place free of charge. So I guess the second option was the wisest. The towing costed a whooping $450 for a driving time of 1 1/2 hours to Modesto. May's brother was extremely kind and helpful, bringing us to Kragen. We bought coolant, motor oil, brake fluid, etc. and after test running it, the car seemed okay. After driving it for a little bit that afternoon and evening, I decided to drive it back to SF. We made it back safely at 10 pm Sunday. We barely got to see anything in Yosemite, and this was my first trip there.

While we were in Modesto, we went to a Chinese restaurant for dinner...well, at least what we thought was a restaurant. It looked more like a rundown take-out Chinese place. AND the food was AWFUL. Everything was fried! FRIED! Dipped in oil and thick sauces. It was just gross. The rice was horrible as well. We were surrounded by mainly white and some latino people in the restaurant. Some families as well. I was thinking to myself, oh my god, they must think this is good. They must think this is what Chinese food is...

I seem to have so much bad luck with cars and used cars.
I did manage to get a few photos in.

Last Monday, in my Geography Lab class, we worked on a lab exercise that involved the use of satellite images. We were to identify any low and high pressure systems over the eastern Pacific at the time. There was a distinct coma-shaped low pressure system off the northwest coast, but other than that, the clouds were seemingly erratic over the ocean, so I consulted my instructor for some guidance. I noticed a band of clouds streaming over the Hawaiian islands and asked whether it is due to a "Kona Low", having learned of the term on the Weather Channel. He was distracted by another student initially, but one of my classmates showed surprising interest and repeated what I said back to me. Apparently, he is from Kona but has never heard of the term. Then my instructor jumped in and said he's never encountered that term either. I was slightly doubting myself at the moment, but I was certain the weather channel had mentioned it. I was actually kind of pissed that I was made to appear somewhat ignorant. The first thing I did when I went home was look up "Kona Low" on the internet, and sure enough, there is such a thing!

I'm going to present my solid evidence to him, and he'll feel stupid coming from Kona, Hawaii and not knowing what a Kona Low is!!! This paper was published by two faculty members from the University of Hawai'i and contains a thorough bibliography. Now who's talking out of his ass.

To think that I actually doubted myself.

It's finally Friday...after a mighty mighty busy week. I have a zillion assignment deadlines coming up, including an English paper next Friday and an art history paper the following Wednesday. Then I have two midterms the week after that. I decided to skip work Thursday since it was apparent that I would not finish my rough draft for today. In fact, I didn't finish. For several hours, I perused through the literature book and researched several short stories before deciding to compare William Faulknur's "A Rose for Emily" and John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums". I mustered two pages double-spaced for today. As expected, the peer editing was of no help considering their subpar writing skills. I read this one girl's paper, and it was so incoherent. Of course, I am, in no way professing that my writing is superb, but I suspect that there may only be two or three good writers at best in the class. So with my newfound freedom, I'm going to kick back, eat my raisin biscuits, and watch continuing coverage of Hurricane Rita.

I have six items on my wish list.

1. Wacom Graphire 6x8 Tablet
2. 80+ GB external hard drive
3. 5.0+ MP Digital Camera (preferrably Canon)
4. iPod Mini Dock
5. casual brown leather shoes
6. USB hub

I've been quite busy lately with school, work, and volunteer/internship work. The semester began on August 17th, the first time ever that my birthday falls within the academic calendar. I'm taking 18 units at CCSF - a mixture of general EDs and graphics courses. In addition, I'm working 20 hrs/wk at Visiongain Media Group and volunteering for Project Artaud Theater and Eth-Noh-Tec. This is quite an endeavor for me and I'm happy to report that I have not succumbed to pressure yet. Here is a breakdown of my fall classes:

ART 102: Western Art History
ASTR 4: Life in the Universe
CNIT 133: Javascript and DHTML
ENGL 1B: English
GRPH 27: Survey of Print Production
GRPH 98A: Digital Imaging

I haven't been actively involved with Eth-Noh-Tec since June when the directors went on vacation. And with my busy schedule, I simply don't have time to help them out. Besides, I've been with them for 19 months, and it's about time to move on. Lindsay, the new administrator, called me last week and asked if I could work on their DVD jacket/menu design. I reluctantly agreed knowing I never gave a formal goodbye to them. Saturday, I went in the office to pickup the necessary files. The old imacs have grown considerably worse since my last usage. It took five minutes to startup and couple of restarts before it was stable. One of the directors sounded disappointed when I told her I was going to copy the files and work from home. Honestly, how could I possibly get anything done waiting for the computer to process my actions and open/save files. So throughout this week, I received phone calls and e-mails from them asking politely about the status of the DVD. I told them bluntly that my schedule was completely packed Monday-Wednesday. I managed to complete the menu by Wednesday, and I just completed the jacket today. They were hoping to have everything done by Wednesday...which sounds a little unreasonable and almost rude considering that I received the files on Saturday. This will probably be the last project for me. I need to have some free time.

I recently started a graphic design "internship" with Project Artaud Theater located in the Mission district. Project Artaud is an arts organization that maintains a public gallery and a theater space for performance organizations and groups to rent on a weekly basis. I say "internship" with quotes because it feels more like a volunteer position rather than a learning experience. Keith, my "mentor" works at printing company, but he seems to be lacking graphic design skills. So far, I have created a webpage for one of their performers and helped setup a bulk e-mailing subscription service--none of which directly falls under the umbrella of graphic design. The administrator has been on vacation for the past two weeks, and actually, she's in recovery at a trauma center after sustaining serious injuries from a car accident. I hope she makes a speedy recovery. I guess for now, the "internship" is on hiatus.

Here is my weekly schedule:
MONDAY
10 am-12, 1:30-3, 6-9 pm (class)
TUESDAY
9 am-5 pm (work), 6-10 pm (class)
WEDNESDAY
10 am-12, 1:30-3, 6-9 pm (class)
THURSDAY
9 am-5 pm (work)
FRIDAY
10 am-12 (class), 1:30-5:30 pm (work)

Three weeks ago, I celebrated my 22nd birthday with May, Lily (1), Stephanie, Lily (2), Neil, Kunal, and Burnis. We started the afternoon watching "Red Eye" at the Metreon. Then we went to dinner at the Daily Grill where I made reservations for 7 at 5:30 pm. The place was decorated with neutral tones and candle-lit tables. Prices ranged from $15 for their pastas to $25 for their steaks. It was great to see Lily (2) (not having hung out with her for over a year) and meet Kunal. We drank our cosmos and had a wonderful wonderful time. After dinner, May, Burnis, and I attended "The Tribute" at the Post Street Theater. I didn't really get some of Dean Martin's jokes...and had no idea he was such an alcoholic. It was almost magical hearing Sinatra's and Dean's music performed live again. I especially enjoyed the ratpack band. Thanks to all that attended and especially to the girls for making it happen.

Prior to my birthday, May, Lily (1), and I spent a Saturday at Pinnacles National Monument. After referencing to an outdoor activity and loosely planning for a hike for so many years, it's great to finally go on one! Pinnacles is located south of Gilroy and north of King City, CA. May and I took literally hundreds of pictures of the unique landscape. We also stopped by the Gilroy outlets and ate lunch at Fresh Choice.

And before that, I was in Hawaii for the first week of August. I absolutely loved it there! I intend on revisiting the place in the future. After seeing other major U.S. cities like Chicago, New York, and Seattle, everything blurs into the same old weary gray downtown skyline surrounded by financial buildings and hotels. Oahu was nothing like that! The water really is as blue as depicted in the postcards. We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki right next to the ocean. And even though (as many of you may know) I'm not a huge fan of humidity or warm weather for that matter, the tropical scenery and the laidback attitudes of this oasis outweigh this minor inconvenience. I suggest you all go visit Hawaii some time.

Now that I have some money, I'm looking to purchase a 5.0+ MP digital camera and an external hard drive for backup. Suggestions are welcomed.

And in world events, my heart goes out to the victims of Katrina. How is it that four years after our nation was attacked, a major area of the U.S. is so ill-prepared to handle a crisis?

I spent most of my spring break cleaning...both my room and my sister's room & closet. I've been accumulating a bunch of garbage on my surfaces for several months, so the clean was long overdue. Luckily there are places like IKEA which allows for stylish furnishings at low low prices. I bought a nifty bookshelf for $50, a tv wall mounting unit, and a few decorative items. Now I can see my floor again! I've also been eating a lot lately... My mom got this irresistable cheese cake...in which one microscopic slice is 50 grams of carbs. Death to fatness!

My next photography assignment is to take an objective self-portrait and a representational self-portrait. I've been pondering whether or not to continue my photography class next semester. I don't know if I could go through the agony of overexposed films and hours of photo development, not to the mention the financial demands of the course. On the other hand, I want to get my money's worth out of the Canon SLR. I plan on taking chemistry this summer (as required for transfer). Ick. If I had greater interest in science and psychics, meterology might have possibly been a viable career path. Then again, I'd be stuck in a hell of my own making, working with fat middle-aged white men. Perhaps in another lifetime...when I am white. Then I could be ignorant, stupid, and oblivious. ...and I 'd still be rich and famous.

You know what I find annoying? When people type these lovey-dovey messages, quotes, or poems in their profiles...

I just finished "Ray" after two interruptions in three separate viewings. There are several harm-warming scenes, such as the last one, when the state capitol of Georgia officially adopts "Georgia on my Mind" as the state song and offers a public apology for banning Ray from Georgia venues because of his refusal to perform for segregated audiences during the early 1960's. I am also a fan of piano jazz and blues. Ray's musical spontaneity and his mastery of the piano are carried out brillantly by Jamie Foxx. The film communicates the universal truth of self-reliance, faith, hard work, and a sense of moral identity. As a self-less individual who preached about the importance of family and was told by his mother to "never let anyone turn [him] into a cripple," there were elements in the movie and apparently of Ray's life where we see a breakdown of his moral sense of self. But I guess his heroine addicton, infidelity, and the removal of his loyal staff serve to reinforce the flaws of humanity and the authenticity of Ray Charles. I did, however, find myself looking at the clock and wondering when the movie would end. I wasn't even sure what sort of an ending they could possibly conjure up to give the feeling of finality. Although the film ended with a bit of recognition from Georgia politicans and with headlines about the future success and impact of Ray Charles, I did not get that sense of closure. It felt like a biographical book with a few more pages left.

This sort of reminds me of "Beyond the Sea," a biopic about Mr. Bobby Darin. Even though his music may have been a confluence of Sinatra sounds and other rock 'n roll tunes of the time, what I liked about "Beyond the Sea" was not whether Bobby Darin was the most innovative musical genius, but his undying passion and drive. I saw a young Bobby Darin who believed in dreams and stopped at nothing to chase after them even in the face of impending death. Plus I like swing and rock 'n roll music. That's why I'm listening to Ray Charles and Bobby Darin.

Tim Hardin
Simple Song of Freedom

Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you've never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don't want a war.
 
Hey, there, mister black man, can you hear me? 
I don't want your diamonds or your game
I just want to be someone known to you as me
And I will bet my life you want the same.
 
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
 
Seven hundred million are ya list'nin’?
Most of what you read is made of lies
But, speakin’ one to one ain't it everybody's sun
To wake to in the mornin’ when we rise?
 
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
 
Brother Solzhenitsyn, are you busy?
If not, won't you drop this friend a line
Tell me if the man who is plowin' up your land
Has got the war machine upon his mind?
 
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
 
Now, no doubt some folks enjoy doin' battle
Like presidents, prime ministers and kings
So, let's all build them shelves
Where they can fight among themselves
Leave the people be who love to sing.
 
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you’ve never sung before
Let it fill the air
Tell the people everywhere
We, the people here, don’t want a war.
 
I say … let it fill the air …
Tellin’ people everywhere …
We, the people, here don't want a war

Last night, I went to a club and a bar with Burnis, Jesse, and Jess. It has been a while, but the club scene was still fresh in my memory. Although I did end up drunk, vomitting in Burnis's bathroom, and having a fucked up stomach the next morning, I'm glad I hung out with all three. There seems to be this connection between Burnis and Jesse...they share a lot of the same interests. Most of the time, I don't understand the conversations between the two...filled with quotes, lyrics, and impressions. Other times, they utter random phrases on impulse. What do I think of it? I don't know; I don't even know what the fuck they're talking about...which places me on the periphery.

Why is the new year always so depressing... I'm getting older and older and there's no stopping it. Older and unaccomplished. That's the way it goes.

Christmas Day, Leticia and I strolled into the wharf to catch the sights. As usual, the place was packed with tourists checking out the picturesque scenery of the San Francsico piers. But really, there's not much to do or look at. Finding an open restaurant proved to be a difficult task. After meandering for five blocks, we came across an American restaurant which was neither too casual nor fancy. The prices were fair, and so we sat and we ate. To my right was a mother and her two sons (around age 18-20) I pressumed. I had the uncomfortable feeling that one of her sons was staring at me during our meal...and not in the flattering sense. I did catch him in the act a few times... I may be wrong, but I think they were tourists. Following dinner, we met up with Tiffany and Ariel to watch "Phantom of the Opera." I was quite surprised to find such a long line on Christmas night for "Meet the Fockers." Later that night we opened our gifts, and I was greeted by an Old Navy Christmas. Seven Old Navy shirts to be exact. Tiffany and I tried to find an ideal time to open gifts when everyone would be present. Unfortunately, my mom worked late the night before and into Christmas afternoon. We didn't get home until Christmas night, and she was asleep by then. Steven was out... and so the event was scattered throughout.

Sunday, I got to see Burnis. :) That was wonderful like usual. Then his roommate, Jesse greeted us with an "Oriental" joke. Sunday night, Steven, Tiffany, and I saw "Darkness" at Century 20. Wow, was it packed...with mostly young adults of course. We had to sit separately to watch this inconclusive movie.

Monday...I think I went somewhere during the day. I don't remember. In the evening, Linda and I made plans to see Ocean's 12. We stopped by her favorite burger place and there, I consumed probably 60 grams of carbs. Afterwards, we headed back to her place near Alemany Blvd. A spacious lower floor with very bad decor is how I would describe it. Her mom came downstairs to greet us though there was a slight sly and devious expression on her face. Linda's brother served us spaghetti and sausage with a glass of orange juice. Yum!

Wednesday, I made a return at Kohl's and purchased two shirts.

Thursday, I drove Leticia and Joseph from downtown to this apparently organic supermarket called "Rainbow." She came up with the idea of baking cookies (organic of course.........). We watched "Dark City" at my house and ate ourselves to death. Not in the literal sense, but we came close. I was then pressured by all three to drive to Serramonte despite the rainy conditions. Joseph and I followed Tiffany and Leticia around as they perused through rack after rack. They should really provide seating for the male friends/boyfriends held against their will. As usual Tiffany busted her wallet and spent $90. She still owes me $28, and Lily owes me $100. We ordered two pizzas and watched "Anchorman" later in the evening.

Friday, I walked three blocks to the Eth-Noh-Tec "office" in the rain. Into my second project, the imac suddenly powered off. It took several attempts to revive it, but luckily I wasn't too far into the flyer (not having saved). I was secretly hoping the machine would die so that I could leave early. Friday night, I drove to Lily's place, and the four of us, Lily, Leland, Tiffany, and I dined at the Olive Garden. Leland was being overly rude and obnoxious to the other patrons with his crude and random jokes about septic tanks and flesh-eating diseases. I felt like I was eating with a bunch of kids. Mental note to self: do not bring Leland to upscale restaurants in the future. Unsurprisinly, we got a few stares from the surrounding tables. Aside from his behavior, I enjoyed my chicken scampi. We arrived at the Embarcadero at 12:02 am to catch the fireworks just in time. I suggested Ft. Mason earlier but ten minutes to 12, I realized that the fireworks would not surpass the height of the buildings. All cars pulled over to witness the ten minute activity. Some acted as if they've never seen fireworks in their life. There was a Taiwanese trio videotaping the sparks. Drivers blared their horns while a few pedestrians shouted "Happy New Year" to every person along their path. Needless to say, they were wasted.

To round out 2004, I want to turn our attention to the tsunami diasters of Southeast Asia...which really trivializes our petty problems and puts our blessings into perspective.

I just purchased three CDs..after making the decision to rely on mp3s and burned media three years ago. I know I'm horrible. :) I have Michael Buble's album, Harry Connick Jr.'s "Come by Me," and "The Ultimate Bobby Darin."

I completed my last final on Monday for English. The topic was something like...how do you integrate the complex systems of oppression... I think I did alright. Following finals immediately, Sunichar and I made plans to see "The Aviator." She brought her friend, (name) along, who is visiting from New Hampshire. I felt like the odd man out, having no knowledge of the Thai language. It is a little rude to speak in a language in which some members of your party will not comprehend. It wasn't ill-intentioned and I'm not fussing over it. My feelings vaguely reminded me of the way ignorant, self-centered, American-exceptionalist white folks would respond to non-native speakers--"Why don't you learn to speak English!?!? You are in America!" Hearing that comment infuriates me so, that I just want to commit the most heinous acts, uncharacteristic of a decent human being, upon these offenders. Of course I don't feel that way about Sunichar and her friend. After all, I am the "perpetual foreigner" according to the rest of America. Even in a post supposedly about a movie, I can manage to introduce race into the discussion. :) You're very welecome.

Oh, and the movie was pretty good. Haha...

There's an upcoming movie called "The New World" starring Colin Farrell. From the trailer, it looks like a movie about the Europeans' first encounter with the "new land" and the Native "Indians". Throughout the preview, I was eyeing it suspiciously, since it has great potential to be a racist film.

By Ameeta Patel
Posted on this Website in June 2002
First Published in Okada inSTALLments (June, 1999, volume I, issue 9) at Stanford University

Just the cutest things; small and dainty like China Dolls.

A "China Doll." What images does the phrase elicit? Something fragile, delicate, exquisite. Something decorative, exotic and feminine. A toy to be played with... The Asian American gay man has found himself facing a fairly serious misperception of society, that of the "geisha boy." The term "geisha" has often been used by heterosexuals in reference to Asian women, and perpetuated by media representations of them. This inaccurate, overgeneralized stereotype seems to have managed to carry over from labeling heterosexual Asian women to attach itself to homosexual Asian men.

The social identification as "Asian American" carries with it a long history of typecasting and marginalization in American society, from barred immigration to the model minority stereotype, all affecting each subculture within the Asian American community. One of the subcultures now gaining some attention in American society is the Asian gay community. Like so many other minority contingencies, the gay Asian American male has been forced into a corner of definitions and stereotypes. Situated in a triple jeopardy of sorts--a jeopardy of race, class, and sexual orientation--the gay Asian faces unique obstacles asserting his position and identity in contemporary American society. Previous silence on the subject of Asian homosexuality has finally been breached as Asian Americans have come to be increasingly comfortable with the fact that "Asian American" and "homosexual" do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive identities. The experience is a synergistic combination of two distinctive minority experiences, inextricably entwined.

The history of homosexuality has long been seen as a scale measured by standards of heterosexuality. Homosexuals were categorized as masculine and feminine: masculine homosexuals desired feminine homosexuals and vice versa, in keeping with the qualitative measures imposed by heterosexual analysts. (Ellis 1905). Working within that framework, it becomes more apparent why the social institutions of the model minority and the China Doll Syndrome are in existence. Believing in the myth of the model minority attributes passive "feminine" qualities to Asian men, effectively neutralizing the threat to the masculine White man. By the same token, the perpetuation of the Asian man's feminization works to make them desirable as "femme" gays who submit to Caucasian men, whereby the Caucasian man's masculinity is reaffirmed, keeping him in power. If this reasoning seems to lead in a cycle of "oppression," it is because it does indeed function in a cycle.

Listening to jazz and writing my research paper...on economic racism. Yep, it's all about race.

It is now finals week. For me, mostly final projects with the exception of English. I have a group typography project due Friday, a research paper due Monday, and an English final on Monday. After that, winter break! I will finally get a chance to explore and experiment with different art mediums. :) Here are the classes I am taking in the spring:

History of Modern Art
Intermediate Drawing
Orthographic/Isometric/Perspective Drawing
Freehand Drawing
Black & White Photography
Probability and Statistics



Quite a hand full, but I need to stay on schedule and complete all the requirements. Unfortunately, some of the required classes have like 500 prerequisites. I've managed to maintain a post-9am class schedule for the past three semesters, but this time around, I will have an 8 am class. The last time I had a class this early was economics back at CMU...and let me just say that I only attended lecture the first four or five weeks. After that, my attendence rate dropped to a mere 5-10%. Needless to say, my performance was unsatisfactory. Actually, I think I received a B. Not bad with five missed quizzes. This is so uncharacteristic of me. I'm used to being an A student. I will see how long this holds true. Because I'm taking on six classes (17 units), there's no room left for a graphics class. :) I guess I'll read up on some graphics and typography textbooks. There's also two wonderful exhibits I have yet to see... one is a typography exhibit at MOMA. Oh, and since I'm on the issue of school, I'd like to thank my design buddy, May, for her insights and comments on my projects.

Switching gears... Christmas is around the corner. The tree and decorations are in place, and this years's color theme is gold and blue. The only thing missing now is the presents...which I will get to the last week before.