Why catch a cold right when school starts?

Before I get to my thoughts on the classes, just wanna say yesterday I watched Lifetime's premiere of Prayers for Bobby, based on a true story of a religious mother Mary Griffith whose son ended his life due to discrimination on his homosexual orientation. Now, I usually don't like to watch Lifetime movies cuz they tend to be overly dramatized IMO... but ACK. I BAWLED at this movie ToT; It just hits home so badly, and I do mean it in the literal way too since it takes place in the Bay Area here! There are some flaws like over simplification and -again- exaggerations of some parts, but the story overshadows them. The message was very contemporary, realistic, genuine. My parents were on the sofa watching it til its end too.

Okay, now classes:

Human Sexuality: I've been waiting to take another Anthropology class! Aside from the reading, I think this class will be very interesting, especially due to some unusual visuals we'll get to see XD The instructor is really nice too.

Art113B: Haha I'm both excited and frightened. In the other session, Bunny's experimenting a different set of work for her class while Nelson's class (mines) is sticking to the traditional assignments that will lead up to the 'Tidepool' (a large habitat painting). If Bunny's class is successful, we might be the last semester to do Tidepool O_O; Haha... I'm glad to be in the more laid-back session then.

Art51: Maya. I'm so afraid. Again, both excited and frightened. Dave Gustlin is harder... and, and, elites Jake and Priscilla are in the class. But but Ginny, Cindy, and Man-Yee are also in the class! So I don't feel so alone.

Global Climate Change: Once again, five of the people in the program are also in the class. In a way it's discouraging cuz I would've liked "room to breathe" for a non-art class. Either way, I'm looking forward to it cuz it's such a practical topic.

Man was this episode begging for plotbunnies or WHAT?

( Spoilers and Commentary and Theories )

With that done, GAHHHH it's music like David Lanz's that makes me think perpetually I wish I knew how to play a piano. ♥ I LOVE his New Age music. *looping current music over and over*

These last 4 weeks of school will be crucial. Last chance to bump up some grades with the final projects.

This evening I was debating with my roommate's boyfriend on the genealogy of human beings on Earth, how he insisted on the fact that everyone came from Africa, and I was trying to counter it. How nerdy XD

EDIT// OH CRAP I FORGOT TO SAY.

November 21, 2008 Happy 10th Anniversary to Zelda: Ocarina of Time ♥

Ah, what memories ♥ *10 back then* I'll try to draw small belated celebration pic later.

Working on my 100W stuff now. Sentence correction, artist statement, and hopefully BS something for the research paper in 5 hours. I wanna sleep so badly.

Life just got suddenly more complicated, yet again. One involves deadline. Another involves international thingies. BAH.

EDIT: 113A class canceled tomorrow. YAY TURN OF TABLES I CAN SLEEP IN OR SOMETHING.

But I do hope Cameron feels better. *nods*

I didn't.... I didn't.



... I did. Because the game store next to Mitsuwa was closing, and today was the last day for all clearances. And the game was for a ridiculously good deal. And I don't even have a PS2, let alone an imported one 8D;;; I-I think PS3 is region-free though. But I've planned my winter on playing Fire Emblem(s) too... well, now I foresee my winter. Not even sure how much will I comprehend the game;;

Today I went landscape painting with my 113A class at Monte Bello, and GOOD GOD IF I HAD KNOWN THE STREET WAS THAT CURVY AND SLOPEY I WOULDN'T HAVE DRIVEN A MANUAL. Ginny and I thought of Initial D because of it, like Mako and Sayuki, only we're completely going "AHH WE'RE GONNA CRASH A BIKER. AHHHH WE'RE GONNA ROLL DOWN THE HILL." It became Initial T. Kevin said he'd never seen a girl driving a manual.....Srsly. Anyhow, on the contrary to everyone's belief, the weather was extremely warm, so much sun exposure that we got sunburn. Haha I felt like a 5 year-old again painting outdoors. My landscape painting skill is so bad... And so many classmates are setting up an art blog at blogspot. Maybe I might too. Then Ginny and I took the wrong turn on one of the roads, and we saw deers crossing the street...

Then when I came back, I receive a phonecall from one of my housemates, the one who was quite emotional last year. She was crying down in the parking lot without parking her car. ( More. )

Other than that. Weekend consisted of staying til 5AM in the art building.

There goes my perfect attendance streak T_T But if I hadn't slept that 5 hours, I'd go nuts. Auuu... I hope the absence won't hurt too bad.

Edit @ 8:30PM: Crap. I napped another 2 hours.

In which weekend no longer feels like a weekend anymore.

Sleepy. Gonna be quick.

• Painted for 10 hours today.


• Currently, my roommate's boyfriend passed out on her bed, and my roommate passed out in the restroom (hangover?). I kinda don't wanna know what happened. They might be in that state for the rest of the night, and it's 4AM. Dorm just keeps getting more colorful. It even haunted me in my sleep last night


• I hope everyone at Yaoi Con's having fun. ♥


• I wish I knew someone in Beijing that's going to 北京Comic Dive.

Edit @ 2PM:// As a follow up of last night, I was almost forced to sleep on the couch as her boyfriend tended her hangover. (and it was 5AM...) My roommate seems to be compensating by cleaning around the apartment, in which cleaning has been an issue. I dunno whether to stay mad or what. I think I'm still mad if they think it's "okay".

Today was just fabulous. It went in something like this order.

( I scratched someone's car. I was late for painting class. Late for writing class. I missed the peer review of the essay that was postponed to today. Teh galore. )

The only good things that have happened this week are:

• I FINALLY GOT MY PHOTO APPROVED BY CAMERON. Hotdamn yeah. All those weekends tweaking the still life... 4th try (which is pretty bad, but still)! But painting it will be my doom, for there are meticulous details JEWELRY that I've been told to avoid, and I just had to make life challenging. I do like the theme of it though... and we're going to repaint it over 16 times, so, we better like the photos.


• I got my paycheck. I needed it. I withdrew $40 on Monday, and just within 2-3 days $30's gone from art supplies. The rate's just scary.

My monthly semi-RL update. I don't think I can make it to Ycon this year either... *SIGH* Oh and, please offer a vote for me at ssb_stamps? ♥ I'm getting very interesting candidates but am not stamped nonetheless.

/Edit: Oh yeah. Housemate problem. I know for a fact she's smoking in her room, and I told her not to. You can't hide the smell of a bud though. It's too early to ruin housemate truces.

I swore to myself that this semester the supplies would be coming from my paychecks, b-but 3/4 classes are studios. My wallet has a hole now from buying so many art supplies.

D: Bah, the Rock Band Night was kinda anti-climatic. I joined a few other people to form a band as guitarist to compete. We originally decided to play "Dirty Little Secret," but whoever's Xbox 360 it was didn't have much of a song list because some required downloading. We had little selection, and ended up playing "Creep" instead. *was shaking so badly* Ah well, it was fun while it lasted. AGAIN WHERE ARE THE GIRL GAMERS? I only saw like... one or two in the four bands that competed.

Class updates:

Art28: Yaaaay gem2niki is here~~ ♥
Chai is so awesome already. As he was taking roll, he'd ask every person random questions and tell everyone to say something interesting about him/herself. First thing he asked as he called my name was, "Do you know martial arts? No, seriously." I was resting my chin on my hands, arms perpeticular to the table, and he said it seemed like one of those martial artists who are calm but will deadly-strike any minute. "You just haven't used that inner potential yet." VWAT? XD He said a random Cantonese phrase "Sik faan mei ah?" I answered, "Sik dzo la." He went, "I have no clue what you just said." He's hilarious.

I decided to drop Japanese for Sheldon's class on Friday. After looking at the emphasis plan, having another talk with mom, I don't want to stay in school longer than needed. My level of the language will stay where it is now; maybe I'll study on my own and...talk to the wall or something. Courtney said I'm doing fine. Un. Just aim to build up the portfolio review to enter the program. I really don't want to continue blindly knowing that the tuition comes from my parents.

I went to visit my old housemates at my old apartment and realized how much I missed them.

First day, and I camped at the art building already to paint. Well, cuz tomorrow (today) night is "Rock Band Night" downstairs at 7PM, and I don't wanna miss that 8D Actually, before I went to paint, these guys were playing Brawl downstairs, and I stayed to watch while waiting for my friend Ginny. I wanted to play sooo badly, but I had to leave ;_; I hope some girl brawlers are around too.

Class summary:

Art113A: Auu.... I'm panicking already. XD Working with acrylic, and tight project schedule. Gonna be very time consuming. At least Ginny's in the class with me.

JPN25A: I had forgotten how Shimazu-sensei loves to go off topic xD;;; Just from going over the syllabus, somehow he deviated from exercise mp3s in his website to the issue of P2P to the large corporations that control the media to the "Myspace" generation to faculties on Facebook (and he got all tongue-twisted and said "MyFace" LAWL) to saying that we're entering a post-email era only "if we survive because Doomsday's coming."

Yeah...... and then finally we got back on track on the syllabus. xD; Apparently he recognized me and picked on me to go first on introducing yourself to the class. I forgot all my 1B stuff TAT; It's been over a year, and I'm better at reading than oral.

ARGGGHHH I still don't know whether to drop the class or not. In the beginning, I intended to drop if I enroll in Sheldon's advance class, but suddenly a Chinese student in the class said hi to me and asked for my cellphone, as if she hopes that we be buddies in the classroom. AUuuuu, I will guilt-trip if I drop the class, and 25A is only offered in Fall...but... the advance class will prep better for the portfolio (I just don't want to stay in school forever). TAT I'm this close to tossing the coin... I need to decide by tomorrow. Unless Sheldon's leniant on attendance, and I can arrive 30 minutes late.

Art100W: Dunno what to expect still. It's a writing class, that's all I know.

Karate: Dropped it cuz I need the evenings to paint.

Tomorrow: Art28 with Chai. I asked Courtney whether it's mandatory or recommended. They're trying to make it mandatory instead of Art26, which I took, but since the catalog is still "26 or 28," he can't say it's required.But he strongly strongly recommends it. I was gonna maybe do a GE instead of Art28...I'll go the first day and see what happens.

And getting art supplies. Oh, and work.

Perseids meteor shower tonight at 1-2AM PST! :D

Olympics: HOLY CRAP I saw at least 10-15 news coverage of the epic U.S. men win 4x100m free relay on TV, but God the split second of a come-back was so much win!! I find it hilarious seeing Michael Phelps cheering like a beast over and over again on the screen XDD After the "We're going to smash them" taunt from the French team, it could not have been more rewarding. I think they deserve that gold medal for the fiery sportsmanship and team effort. Jason Lezak's catch-up was epic.

Watching Men synchronized diving right now. Water is my favorite to watch in the Olympics. I rather like watching the muscle flexing 8D China team in diving is so amazing. Actually, this year the patriotic effort really really shows. Ahh all the countries' spirits are powerful.

(30 min later) CONGRATS CHINA ON MEN SYNCHRONIZED DIVING And WOMEN TEAM!!.... AHahahaha Michael Phelps and Guitar Hero XDXD

(45 min later) Oooooooooo badminton!!!

Gaming: We borrowed my uncle's PS3, and I borrowed Soul Calibur IV from local store. I miss the game so much and have only briefly played II and III. In the used game section, they had the Xbox and PS2 SCII, but not the Gamecube one. I guess no one wants to rid it. Nuu. I'll look on ebay then. Thoughts; the graphics are marvelous, but I still say the Star Wars guest characters do not belong to the game. NO NO NO. I fell in love with the franchise because of the solid 16th century setting and timeline, but having Yoda and Dark Vader just... ruins it D: I was like, "VWAT? We're on a spaceship! What the fudge?" And now some of the characters look more like RPG characters. In addition, the "story" mode for each character is too short. SLKFjsldjfk The Seung Mina ending was getting good when it seemed like she and Yunsung were gonna face-off, and suddenly it concluded with a two-liner. =_= Siegfried's become mighty fine tho :D:D All I was going is, "HIIYAAMA!!"

I really should be finishing Twilight Princess instead... I'm at the part where I'm hunting for the owl statues. I felt the "restoring memory for Ilia" part was a bit forced... b-but the Link close-ups were worth it 8D At the same time I'm afraid to finish it tho. ;_; But I should, so I can move onto Fire Emblem (well, hunt down the game first). Oh yah. Borrowed Kirby Airride just cuz it looks cute. XD

Work/Vacation: About done with the 1989 earthquake research, unless the dean wants me to go all the way down to Watsonville, Santa Cruz, or worse Hollister. Only if they pay for my gas DD: I'm tired of reading newspapers. Few projects at office. I wish I didn't have to work tho... there's only few more days of vacation left. I wanna relax and draw. This has got to be the least productive summer in the art department ever for me. orz

ARgh... speaking of classes, maybe I should drop Japanese for the advance Art112. I don't want to tho, but...

Who's the smart one who got her Youtube account suspended by accident? Me.

And when I say accident, I MEAN accident. Here be the tale of utmost, stupendous stupidity that you're so humbly obliged to read:

( In which suspension is completely dependent on email. )

But what is bugging me the most is... the reason why I brought up the subject of the Youtube Inbox is because someone was kind of enough to inform me that a certain user plagiarized my Ouran AMV and someone else's Furuba AMV and took scenes from them -using the same song- in "her" AMV. I left her a comment, claiming that those excerpts were from MY video... AND NOW WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY DAMN ACCOUNT SUSPENDED? It's like screaming "I AM THE REAL OUJI!!!" only to have authority stripped down to pauper status. And others laugh in my face. But in this case, I -AM- the prince DDDD:! That is so my video! SKFjslkdjflkjsdkljfldsjlfjsdl.

...I sent a support form to Youtube and even mailed a LETTER informing them about my accidental suspension. No reply via email, alas, I figured so much. They said if my inquiry is not answered through their Help Center, they will reply me. Liars. I sure as hell can't find any topics listed that are remotely close to my situation D: I'll wait a few more days. I miss my account T_T... Can't even browse through youtube now without throwing a tandrum.

Wow. That was a mouthful.

So what's hanging for the past days? Study, little demons, research reading, group presentation, 4 hour naps, lazy about, non-productivity. It's strange how this summer is so environmental-related for me... the Geography class, my current project at work is for a "zero emission" cart, presentation on who's greener for the 2008 election, taking public transport, earthquake research.

First of all, welcome back everyone who went to AX! Hope it was fun!

On Friday, hung out with kyraensui, mingmingcheong, and hellmaster05! Tho in the end we didn't watch movie, we played Rock Band Wii at my house. Played all day yesterday too. It was teh awesome. 8D Butchering the vocals is my forte.

Uhm, bought the cosplay magazine Layers, because...



( Haruka4 - Kazahaya's costume!! )

Also bought the Zelda Four Swords+ mangas at an impulse. xD The four five Links are so fun, what with their different personalities... I love Red and Blue's little fights, but Shadow Link's development was the highlight. I need to get OoT vol.1 in Japanese... the one we have is the Chinese version, and I can't find it anywhere else, so I wanna keep it in fair condition.

Let's see, I finished looking over the Geography midterm stuff. I actually enjoy the material for the class a lot. It reminds me one of my earliest passions in elementary school was earth science (somewhat geography then). I remember borrowing so many books about rocks and minerals from the library ^^; Well that is until high school where my academics in science rock bottomed (no pun intended). Actually there wasn't anything in particular I excelled on.

My classes for Fall is still not completely figured out yet, but I'm just keep avoiding it. This won't do... *losing sight*

Sum of the week. Back to the 5-7 hours of sleep per weekday. Other than weekends. Yesterday was the best 12 hours of sleep ever.

• Mangabullet: My account here. I guess there's no potential harm in registering even if it might be deadly quiet.


• Fall semester classes: Bah, I'm at a lost of what classes to take to fill up the 12 units. Some sessions are full already >__> So far I only know Art113A and JPN25A. I'm keep getting mixed messages whether Art28 was required or not for the major. Chai says recommended, Clapp says required. OI.


• Attempt at public transport to work: Either I save money, or I save time, and I chose money since gas price is rising practically every day. It went kinda like this. ( VTA woez ) =w= Gah, why does CA have to be so dependent on driving... I mean, it takes twice as long to get home, but... Must be eco-friendly!
  


• Geography class: It's actually quite enlightening since it's a merge of history, social science, and physical science altogether. Not much work, so whee :D The instructor shares the same cynical view of the world as me, so I like him. He's keep emphasizing on Dec. 21, 2012, the end of the Mayan "Long Period" calender, the proclaimed "end of the world" date. ( Fact. )
  


• Fall Housemates: ...Of ALL 15 floors, of all apartments in the floor, I HAD to have end up in the same apartment as the one housemate from last year that I DON'T want to room with >___________>!! She's a bit socially awkward and broke down a few times in front of us, saying she felt left out. We were all really supportive, saying she could tell us anything, and I sympathized her since it was her first year in dorms... until she blamed us for her misery, saying "so there's nothing you guys can do." HELLO. We tried, but it's not us who had to change, for we included her completely, but it was her who needed to open to us more. ohgreat.


• Tablet: Just bid on a new tablet. On the contrary, between money and time, I decided on time >___> Screw finding a cheap one. So yeah, finally a 'new' one is on its way, so I can finally do stuff I've missed out for half a year. Like tegaki, pchat, oekaki, etc. I just received another commission, so tablet will help me speed up.


• Movie: Gonna rewatch Kung Fu Panda with my parents and sister, since I know they'll like it to and they haven't watched it yet. It's usually hard to convince my dad to come, so... :3 And the movie's just made of awesomeness.


• AnimeExpo: I'm gonna try NOT to whine. So many good artists. Have fun to all those who are going ;_;!!! I await the SekiToshi reports.


• Random: Em and Vic came over two days ago. Vic commented "I've always thought Link was a girl." We all "..XDDDD!" Oh Vic, WLU. ♥
  

So yeah. The random post of the day. I feel so non-productive, and a month of summer break passed already.

X_X Cramming two midterms' materials in one night yesterday was like trying to digest eight pounds of potatoes. Did fine on the Health Science one... but Asian Americans... completely BSed the last essay. I'll be lucky if I pass. Next time, /no/ massive gaming before exams. It doesn't help I can only game in weekends.

SPEAKING OF GAMING, I think I will die from squealing, or other fangirl-related casualties, if I continue to play Twilight Princess and SEEING SO MANY LINK CLOSE-UP's on a 20 45" (?) TV. ♥ I MEAN IT. God, Link stop unintentionally looking like such a heartthrob. (I take it back. You don't even have to do anything, and you look like one already.) Even when the older lady (Telma, was it?) is flirting with you, all you can do is give that...that...SMILE. And you're such an animal magnet. And kids love you. AHHHHHHHHHHHH 萌え♬ So my squeal is delayed by a year and half. Leave me alone. Our Wii is only 4 months old.

I really should be a little more task- or goal-oriented. I'd like to think I'm doing fine this semester... but it -art classes in particular- ignited more insecurities than enlightenments. Not sure whether it means I have to work harder, or I'm just made of phail. What else. My roommates and I are going to have a fondue night this Thursday. Fanime still hasn't replied to my question regarding the artist table "waiting list". *rolls eyes*

So yeah. I will... go and get dirty now in charcoal!

Was late for 3 classes in a row this week because of naps.

Damn you procrastination all-nighters.

Work tipped me off schedule more than I thought.

Drew a lot of pineapples with Genni today.

..And need a new tablet.

...And want to play Smash Bros Brawl. T_T

So I'll rant the shitty part first... They still haven't dropped Art51 (Maya class), and it's been over two weeks, which MEANS I've been absent over two weeks in the class. My biggest fear is that they will not approve the late drop, but there is no freakin' reason why they shouldn't. It's not like we get any refunds for the units, so the uni keeps the money. I did say I will retake the class next semester, so they'll still suck more money out of me anyways.

( So my biggest concern now is whether I should attend the class just for the sake of attendance or not... )

Okay, so now about the Lifehouse concert. You know, the most ridiculous part was that I just had to have one last drama before it started. What happened? So driving to BART, riding it to SF, and going to Carl's Dr for dinner went smoothly. And then...... I SOMEHOW LOST MY PRINT-OUT TICKET. WOEZ. Either it slipped out of my hand or someone took it. Thankfully the venue had the record and was nice enough to reprint it for me. I'm such a retard sometimes.

Dude. THE CONCERT WAS AWESOME. Matt Nathanson was one of the openers, along with Honey Honey. Matt was so charismatic :D Got his autograph and a pic with him, even though I don't really know his stuff, but he's a cool guy xD; As for Lifehouse, they were so amazing live. ♥ I actually found myself liking Jason's voice more and more, and they sang some of their flag songs! My roomie and I actually got a very good view, despite being close to the the amplifiers that nearly killed my ears.

I uploaded some of my short videos on youtube, for those who's interested ♥

Songs (top left to bottom right): Hanging by a Moment, Whatever It Takes, First Time, Broken

Pic of Jason

/Edit: Here's the song list:

Make Me Over
Spin
Am I Ever Gonna Find Out
Interlude
Simon
Hanging By A Moment
Somebody Else's Song
From Where You Are
Bridges
Better Luck Next Time
Whatever It Take
Disarray
You and Me
First Time
Broken

/end of edit

I still regret that I didn't bring my camera to the Within Temptation concert... *sigh* Oh yah, I secretly wished Lifehouse sung "Come Back Down" since it's my favorite song from them... but ah well ^^;

Anyhow, my ears still haven't equalized back yet. They were actually hurting prior to concert, so I guess the concert just kinda amplified the soreness x_x; Could be my Eustacian tube being retarded.

Otherwise, let's see... work. It's just like Yearbook class but getting paid ♥ Best part is the free access to office supplies (i.e. color printer) 8D;!

I really really want to drop Art51 (Maya class). Gonna talk to an advisor to see if he can make an exception even though the Drop date passed. I just... can't tackle that with the other 2 art classes (and do well!) AND the GE classes at the same time. It's not realistic and just plain dumb. I want to invest more time on Art 112A and B; it's a matter of goiing beyond the class assignments.

On other notes, any 百度贴吧 regulars here? I've been on it a while, but this is the first time I was requested to "加群" these series of numbers (贴吧 ID number?)=口= How do I do that?

Yesterday: Sketched at the mall 9AM to 2PM as a class. Then 3PM to 7PM, sketched at the science building with a few peers.

Today: Sketched at the mall with Sal and Kira from 9:30AM to 5:30PM. Okay, maybe half of the time we were looking for good landmarks and/or socializing/eating.

I'M THINK I'M TIRED.

I feel bad for not going home this weekend, especially since my dad's birthday is tomorrow... But you know, this is what I need for motivation - sketching and traveling with friends, watching them. Hate to say this, but... honestly, home just doesn't provide that.

( Comments on this semester's 112A & B students & peers. )

So uhm, back to the mall. AHHHH. Peak moment is... there was this Chinese 8yr old boy who came by while I was sketching, and then he said "You must be a professional!" AHHHHH little kids have the purest comments ever T_T I complimented him for taking art classes every Saturday. Then, sitting next to me, he asked if I could draw this booth that was selling Valentine's Day chocolate. As I was sketching for him, he asked if I knew Charlie and Chocolate Factory; then somehow it went to Avatar XDD He said his favorite character was Prince Zuko, and I went "Me too!" Then he asked about Zuko's scar, about the fire nation, and the element benders... and it was just AHHHH TOO CUTE ♥ His parents came to pick him up around 10-15 minutes after. But GAHHHH. This makes me want to be an elementary art teacher XD; So... CUTE CUTE CUTE.

Now... Reborn ep.69. DUDE. How did they change Lambo from the manga to THIS OUTFIT (is he wearing undie at all..?)? It spells outrageously ghey and... samba (pineapple's fault?). 蠢牛越來越笨啦~~ =口= 一定是里包恩幫他選的 xD;......... and the worst part is that I'm MOE-ing?! I mean, why not? Totally ghey, but I still bought the fanservice. (口水) I miss the random appearances of the dumb cow~ Does that mean yukata!Lambo will be in the next Shou-chan episode *_*? 萌え~~

Okay, agenda for tomorrow:
- get Carb-Othello pencils tomorrow.
- get silhouette assignment done
- practice Maya
- start on comic?

I still haven't caught up my reading...

*pokes gem2niki and/or vejiicakes*

Just a quickie question on Sheldon's class xD; a 8 1/2 x 11 sketchbook is on the material list, and I'll assume it's for outdoor sketching, but does Sheldon collect it or check it during the semester? He didn't talk about that in details to our class. Thanks!

/Edit. So m00_chan made me realize this... I FORGOT TO WATCH NEW SUPERNATURAL TONIGHT.