8:15-9:00: Combo
9:05-10:55: Work on final visual presentation of project. Mr. Reynolds shows me a possible home for the project. I like it.
10:55-11:40: Biochem with Ms. Bradburn. Fantastic lecture on DNA. Enjoyed by all parties old and new.
11:40-1:00: Finish up research on terrain models and advantages of a physical model. Mr. Reynolds gives me tons of pictures.
1:00-1:15: Wait for China Moon delivery
1:15-2:00: Lunch with Wingate advisory. Chicken lo mein is right on the money but egg drop soup is less than stellar. Way less than stellar.
2:00-2:35: AP Bio party and yearbook swapping with seniors.
2:35: Leave to go to Peachtree Travel Clinic for typhoid vaccination
Monday, May 3, 2010
April 30: Daily Reflection
Today was the unofficial upper school party day. I had the good fortune of doubling up chinese take-out for advisory lunch with the AP bio food party of assorted goods. It was also the day that seniors got their yearbooks, so I spent some time today browsing the yearbook, looking for my dear friends and my favorite pages. I LOVE the senior baby pictures! In my project (that is what I'm supposed to write about), I completely finished all trails and rivers in paint pen, and I created a compass rose and a legend for my presentation board. The project is supposed to be over today but it definitely needs a few last-minute details on Monday! Hopefully everything will click into place; my panic about not finishing yesterday miraculously disappeared today.
April 29: Daily Log
8:20-9:25: Work on gridding the posterboard and outlining trails in pencil.
9:30-10:15: Senior Chapel. Very well done.
10:15-12:15: Buy stuff. Sharpies, paint pens, body paint.
12:15-2:00: Body paint, talent show warmup and rehearsal, general jam in band room 2.
2:05-3:00: Sean McIntosh Show Senior Talent Show
3:15-5:00: Swim lessons. Lower schoolers mistake me for an Avatar.
5:00-5:30: Work on doing trails and rivers in paint pen.
9:30-10:15: Senior Chapel. Very well done.
10:15-12:15: Buy stuff. Sharpies, paint pens, body paint.
12:15-2:00: Body paint, talent show warmup and rehearsal, general jam in band room 2.
2:05-3:00: Sean McIntosh Show Senior Talent Show
3:15-5:00: Swim lessons. Lower schoolers mistake me for an Avatar.
5:00-5:30: Work on doing trails and rivers in paint pen.
April 29: Daily Reflection
The big thing about today is that I hit a massive mental wall about halfway through the day. A sudden wave of understanding and/or paranoia hit me, and I had a sudden feeling of incompetence along the lines of "Gee Sam, you have to finish this thing very soon - do you know what you're doing?". And how did I respond? Oh right I didn't. On my way to get a black sharpie and red and blue paint pens, I also picked up several ounces of blue body paint. I spent most of 6th period painting myself blue with the help of Mr. Z's ceramics class when, in terms of pure work ethic, my time would have been better spent outlining trails and rivers in paint pen. Alas, the senior in me won out, and I painted my entire body blue for the Senior Talent Show. The blue was a hit, but my project did not move too far. I did, however, come back to 324 after swim lessons and finish up the trails. All in all a very fun day.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
April 28: Daily Log
8:00-8:40: Conference
8:40-10:00: Shopping trip
10:00-11:45: Work on mounting the model and getting info together
11:45-12:00: Visit from Elizabeth C. Rucker
12:05-1:15: Protein test
1:30-1:45: Cuarenta Smackdown
1:55-3:05: Combo - learn St. Thomas
3:15-5:00: Talent show rehearsal
5:00-6:20: Baseball and Room to Read!
8:40-10:00: Shopping trip
10:00-11:45: Work on mounting the model and getting info together
11:45-12:00: Visit from Elizabeth C. Rucker
12:05-1:15: Protein test
1:30-1:45: Cuarenta Smackdown
1:55-3:05: Combo - learn St. Thomas
3:15-5:00: Talent show rehearsal
5:00-6:20: Baseball and Room to Read!
April 28: Daily Reflection
Today was my big shopping day, and boy was it fun. I didn't have class until 12 noon, so the morning was totally mine. Mr. Reynolds and I had a Skype conference since he was on the north end of 324 East while I was on the south end. I then proceeded to drive to Binders and buy a 40"x60" piece of foamcore board, and map flag pins. I had to put down ALL the seats in my car to accommodate this purchase. I came back to Lovett and spent at least 20 minutes making sure that the board would fit through a doorframe - not a fun task. The doorframe measured just over 34" on my measurement, but a 33" board gave me a piece of its mind with some blatant refusal and disobedience of the laws of mathematics. I know that somewhere out there, Dr. Sanders is crying tears of sheer agony reading 33>34.
I successfully trimmed my board to 31" and then scored the GPS grid onto the board and traced it in fine point Sharpie (whoops forgot to mention that in the purchase list). The tricky part was intercalating the model and the GPS grid. To be truthful with you, it ended up being a more-refined version of Whac-a-Mole because ultimately I had to guess where to drop the model on the glue. On a tacky scale of 1 to a strapless dress with a bra that isn't, this process falls just below going to the bathroom on a first date: yeah it works alright, but you wish that somehow there was a better way. I got my model mounted on the foamcore and then I flagged the 3 major sites on the property: the station, the lookout, and the waterfall. After that I went to biochem for a celebration of knowledge, and then a cuarenta smackdown during lunch, and then more chill time in combo.
After school I went to senior talent show rehearsal, then I moseyed over to the baseball game to help with the Cold Stone/Room to Read fundraiser, which was certainly the most delicious fundraiser I've ever witnessed. I got 2 good bowls of ice cream and contemplated a third, but instead elected to choose the Chick-fil-a sandwich. Cold Stone was so delicious! And the guys working the stand were really nice too! Good food good friends good times.....Just another day in paradise!
I successfully trimmed my board to 31" and then scored the GPS grid onto the board and traced it in fine point Sharpie (whoops forgot to mention that in the purchase list). The tricky part was intercalating the model and the GPS grid. To be truthful with you, it ended up being a more-refined version of Whac-a-Mole because ultimately I had to guess where to drop the model on the glue. On a tacky scale of 1 to a strapless dress with a bra that isn't, this process falls just below going to the bathroom on a first date: yeah it works alright, but you wish that somehow there was a better way. I got my model mounted on the foamcore and then I flagged the 3 major sites on the property: the station, the lookout, and the waterfall. After that I went to biochem for a celebration of knowledge, and then a cuarenta smackdown during lunch, and then more chill time in combo.
After school I went to senior talent show rehearsal, then I moseyed over to the baseball game to help with the Cold Stone/Room to Read fundraiser, which was certainly the most delicious fundraiser I've ever witnessed. I got 2 good bowls of ice cream and contemplated a third, but instead elected to choose the Chick-fil-a sandwich. Cold Stone was so delicious! And the guys working the stand were really nice too! Good food good friends good times.....Just another day in paradise!
April 27: Daily Log
8:20-9:25: Research on terrain models
9:30-10:35: Chops
10:35-10:55: Break
10:55-12:00: Biochem
12:05-1:00: Oooing and ahhhhing on terrain models
1:00-1:10: Sign out, drive car to circle
1:10-1:15: Publicly demonstrate my acquaintance with other human beings.
1:15-3:15: Chick-fil-a, Aquarium, Grill Christian, Accident-Free driving
3:15-5:00 somewhere: Senior talent show tryouts
9:30-10:35: Chops
10:35-10:55: Break
10:55-12:00: Biochem
12:05-1:00: Oooing and ahhhhing on terrain models
1:00-1:10: Sign out, drive car to circle
1:10-1:15: Publicly demonstrate my acquaintance with other human beings.
1:15-3:15: Chick-fil-a, Aquarium, Grill Christian, Accident-Free driving
3:15-5:00 somewhere: Senior talent show tryouts
April 27: Daily Reflection
I must preface my post by confessing that I got bogged down by forces that I can't really describe (hydrophobic effect? normal force? onomatopoeia?), and thus Tuesday's post is being written on Thursday, but I still have a straight-from-the-udder fresh recollection of the day's happenings and events.
I spent most of my work time today researching how exactly I wanted to finish the project nicely. I did some good research on the benefits of making a physical model, and the applications that arise from a physical model. It may seem rather Luddite of me to pursue a product with no software, hardware, or any electrical wire to speak of at all, and perhaps it is, but I'd rather save my long arguments for my presentations next week.
1st period combo was a fantastic showing of Chops, a movie about going to the Essentially Ellington competition in New York. I got nervous just watching the movie, and then we started talking about what our band will be doing in New York. I'm convinced that the band parents will be the ones staying out super late every night. 4th period biochem was a fruitful review session on proteins for the lurking test, but unfortunately since our biochem class is not going to Proteinaceous Nationals at RTP in the next 2 weeks, it just didn't have the same vibe as combo. Or maybe it had to do with that test thing. Whatever.
5th period I continued my research and fascination with the professionally-made manna from Heaven relief models, which put mine to great shame. At the end of 5th period I went down to the office to sign out and pull my car around to the circle to carpool with some cool cats on the way to see a marine biology presentation at the Georgia Aquarium by Christian Edwards and Allison Barnhart. We kicked the popsicle stand around 1:15 and got the Helicobacter pylori out of Dodge. Beautiful presentation on beautiful creatures. I'm incredibly envious of the manta rays and their utter efficiency in underwater locomotion.
That was followed by some senior talent show tryout/rehearsal/jam, which was a lovely conclusion to my day at Lovett. Oh how I love senior year.....
I spent most of my work time today researching how exactly I wanted to finish the project nicely. I did some good research on the benefits of making a physical model, and the applications that arise from a physical model. It may seem rather Luddite of me to pursue a product with no software, hardware, or any electrical wire to speak of at all, and perhaps it is, but I'd rather save my long arguments for my presentations next week.
1st period combo was a fantastic showing of Chops, a movie about going to the Essentially Ellington competition in New York. I got nervous just watching the movie, and then we started talking about what our band will be doing in New York. I'm convinced that the band parents will be the ones staying out super late every night. 4th period biochem was a fruitful review session on proteins for the lurking test, but unfortunately since our biochem class is not going to Proteinaceous Nationals at RTP in the next 2 weeks, it just didn't have the same vibe as combo. Or maybe it had to do with that test thing. Whatever.
5th period I continued my research and fascination with the professionally-made manna from Heaven relief models, which put mine to great shame. At the end of 5th period I went down to the office to sign out and pull my car around to the circle to carpool with some cool cats on the way to see a marine biology presentation at the Georgia Aquarium by Christian Edwards and Allison Barnhart. We kicked the popsicle stand around 1:15 and got the Helicobacter pylori out of Dodge. Beautiful presentation on beautiful creatures. I'm incredibly envious of the manta rays and their utter efficiency in underwater locomotion.
That was followed by some senior talent show tryout/rehearsal/jam, which was a lovely conclusion to my day at Lovett. Oh how I love senior year.....
Monday, April 26, 2010
April 26: VIDEO TOUR
Video Tour of the New Model!
I think this gives a really good idea of what the model looks like in changing light. And yes I spun it on a glass bowl. Big thanks to Mr. Reynolds for filming and compressing. Enjoy thoroughly.
PS- No school today. Still crowd surfing. I'll be back to work tomorrow.
I think this gives a really good idea of what the model looks like in changing light. And yes I spun it on a glass bowl. Big thanks to Mr. Reynolds for filming and compressing. Enjoy thoroughly.
PS- No school today. Still crowd surfing. I'll be back to work tomorrow.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
April 23: Daily Log
8:00-1:15: Layers 77-93
1:15-2:00: Lunch
2:00-3:15: No words can truly describe what occurred during this time interval.
3:15-3:16: Layer 94
3:16-3:30: Celebration and crowd surfing.
1:15-2:00: Lunch
2:00-3:15: No words can truly describe what occurred during this time interval.
3:15-3:16: Layer 94
3:16-3:30: Celebration and crowd surfing.
April 23: Daily Reflection
Enjoy.
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Today was the day I set out to get to the top of the mountain, and that's exactly what happened. I set out at 8:00 with 18 layers left to cut and no classes to interrupt this mission. Between 8:00 and 1:15 I left the room only to go to the bathroom and to get water. The last layers went quite quickly, and it helped that of the 4 periods meeting today, there was only one class in the room. AP Biology handed out class t-shirts (which, for the record, turned out AWESOME). By the time lunch rolled around, I had finished all but the last layer, and since nobody was in the room during lunch, I decided to save the last layer for after school when there would be other people present to witness it. Lunch consisted of a brief trip down to the theater lobby for some Music at Mid-Day, then some conversational refreshments in the galleria, then a classified political meeting with not-Ms. Boudreau in not-204.
The event that followed lunch was far and away the largest show of student autonomy on record. The Basketball War of 2010 was a clash so epic and dramatic that not even Gordon Hayward could possibly match the sheer intensity of this duel. The Phalanx of Phaculty led the scoreboard for a majority of the game, but Troop of Twelfth-Years, led by Kobe Bryant, pulled it together at the end of regulation to force an unprecedented overtime of this "senior-faculty basketball game", a title that would later prove childish and insufficient. In the two-minute overtime, a basket was added to each side, but alas a victor eluded the savage crowds. A highly improbable second overtime was thus forced, and YET again a victor eluded the crowd with a comparable frustration of a greased pig on a pogo stick. The crowd cried out for more, but the clock had struck 3 and other, lesser obligations were quickly approaching. Thus, a compromise was reached, and the gods would have it that the victor of this Spartan clash would be decided by the time-tested method of alternating free throws. Several brave soldiers from each squad approached the hallowed "charity stripe", a misnomer indeed. After what seemed millenia without end, the ruthless Mr. Bertha sunk The Shot Heard Round The World to end the war in a state of frenzy and utter chaos unseen since Freaknik '96.
I took my sorry self up to 324 and finished the last layer to a crowd of three: Mr. Reynolds, Avery, and Cooper. It was a joyous moment overshadowed by harrowing defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. A video was taken of the occasion, but that is not available to the general public yet. However, I can share with you some still images per the media contract with News Corporation. Enjoy thoroughly.
I'm breathing heavily just looking at it. Enjoy the long weekend folks.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 22: Daily Log
8:00-10:45: Layers 64-70
10:45-11:05: Break. Check email.
11:05-12:00: Layers 71-74
12:05-1:10: Biochem. Hemoglobin diseases.
1:10-1:25: Layer 75
1:25-1:35: Lunch from the cafe.
1:35-1:50: Layer 76
1:55-3:05: Combo rehearsal with Joe Gransden.
3:15-5:15: Swim Lessons with Kelly Keating
5:30-6:30: Jazz Dinner
6:30-7:00: Jam with Wallace and Stutz
7:00-9:00: Swing Concert Rehearsal
10:45-11:05: Break. Check email.
11:05-12:00: Layers 71-74
12:05-1:10: Biochem. Hemoglobin diseases.
1:10-1:25: Layer 75
1:25-1:35: Lunch from the cafe.
1:35-1:50: Layer 76
1:55-3:05: Combo rehearsal with Joe Gransden.
3:15-5:15: Swim Lessons with Kelly Keating
5:30-6:30: Jazz Dinner
6:30-7:00: Jam with Wallace and Stutz
7:00-9:00: Swing Concert Rehearsal
April 22: Daily Reflection
At the beginning of the day today, I had 31 layers left to cut and a sense that I was really doing something special. Here's a video to represent that.
Summiting Mount Everest
Since today was a C/F day (I'm not completely sure), I had 4 uninterrupted hours available to me from 8am to noon before going to biochem at 12:05. I knew that if I wanted to finish tomorrow, I would have to really work it today to put the summit in reach tomorrow. In the almost 4 hours (I did take a short break) I spent on the project this morning, I was able to finish 11 layers, which was really sweet. Really sweet. I really enjoyed getting completely engulfed in the project and just cutting layers like they're on blue light special at Kmart. Unfortunately for the sake of my own productivity, that was the vast majority of my work time today. I went to biochem before lunch, and then I was able to cut two more layers during lunch before heading down to combo class with guest artist Joe Gransden, who is playing at the Swing Concert on Sunday at 5:00pm. [Editor's Note: In case you weren't aware, you now have Sunday afternoon plans.] We had a really good rehearsal and I think this concert is going to turn out well. Joe is like a Harry Connick, Jr who also happens to be an outstanding trumpet player.
After rehearsal, I ran over to swim lessons with Kelly Keating, which is always a high-energy group of Lower Schoolers. We had a coaches meeting gossip session until 5:15ish, and then I changed and headed back up to my office only to find that the door was locked. Oh my heavens, what was I to do? Answer: Go back to band and enjoy dinner with Mrs. Todd, Mrs. Rue, and the eternally iconic Milton Stutz. As a result of the lockout I was unable to take a picture of the 76-layer product. Fear not, dear followers, for I can assure you that tomorrow will be a special day.
Get your bottled oxygen and your protein bars because tomorrow, we're going up into the Death Zone.
Summiting Mount Everest
Since today was a C/F day (I'm not completely sure), I had 4 uninterrupted hours available to me from 8am to noon before going to biochem at 12:05. I knew that if I wanted to finish tomorrow, I would have to really work it today to put the summit in reach tomorrow. In the almost 4 hours (I did take a short break) I spent on the project this morning, I was able to finish 11 layers, which was really sweet. Really sweet. I really enjoyed getting completely engulfed in the project and just cutting layers like they're on blue light special at Kmart. Unfortunately for the sake of my own productivity, that was the vast majority of my work time today. I went to biochem before lunch, and then I was able to cut two more layers during lunch before heading down to combo class with guest artist Joe Gransden, who is playing at the Swing Concert on Sunday at 5:00pm. [Editor's Note: In case you weren't aware, you now have Sunday afternoon plans.] We had a really good rehearsal and I think this concert is going to turn out well. Joe is like a Harry Connick, Jr who also happens to be an outstanding trumpet player.
After rehearsal, I ran over to swim lessons with Kelly Keating, which is always a high-energy group of Lower Schoolers. We had a coaches meeting gossip session until 5:15ish, and then I changed and headed back up to my office only to find that the door was locked. Oh my heavens, what was I to do? Answer: Go back to band and enjoy dinner with Mrs. Todd, Mrs. Rue, and the eternally iconic Milton Stutz. As a result of the lockout I was unable to take a picture of the 76-layer product. Fear not, dear followers, for I can assure you that tomorrow will be a special day.
Get your bottled oxygen and your protein bars because tomorrow, we're going up into the Death Zone.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 21: Daily Log
8:15-9:25: 50, 51, start 52
9:30-10:30: Combo. "I'll Remember April"
10:30-10:45: Finish 52
10:55-12:00: Biochem. Sickle cell diseases.
12:05-1:05: 53, 54
1:05-1:10: Get food
1:10-1:25: Eat food. Browse facebook.
1:30-3:15: 55, 56, 57, 58
3:15:3:45: Wander, Chat with college counseling office
3:45-5:30: 59, 60, 61, 62, 63. What a day.
9:30-10:30: Combo. "I'll Remember April"
10:30-10:45: Finish 52
10:55-12:00: Biochem. Sickle cell diseases.
12:05-1:05: 53, 54
1:05-1:10: Get food
1:10-1:25: Eat food. Browse facebook.
1:30-3:15: 55, 56, 57, 58
3:15:3:45: Wander, Chat with college counseling office
3:45-5:30: 59, 60, 61, 62, 63. What a day.
April 21: Daily Reflection
I told you that yesterday was a relatively unproductive day. That is not true for today. Read further.
This morning started with a freaky/scary/nervewracking warning about texting and driving from Lovett's brave young 5th graders. While my initial reaction was, "Why are 5th graders telling me how to drive?"; I got over my own pride and realized that they really are helpless victims to older drivers, and that my actions or inactions can affect them seriously. The element of surprise really made me pay attention.
During 7th period I finished my 50th layer (which I had started yesterday afternoon), cut #51, and started #52. I went to a chill combo class, and finished 52 during break. Then I had biochem, which was a fascinating discourse on sickle cell diseases. I had no idea there were several types of these diseases! I don't know if "cool" is the right word to use since we're talking about human disease here, but it was intellectually stimulating to say the least.
5th period I finished 53 and 54. Getting five done before lunch was good. I went down to the cafeteria and back in 5 minutes and ate quickly in 324. The turkey sandwich was quite good for giving me the energy I needed to cut chipboard! I was back to the blade before 1:30, and from 1:30-3:15 I finished 55, 56, 57, and 58. I stopped by the college counseling office for 20 or so minutes, then I finished 59, 60, 61, 62, and 63 before calling it quits for the day. In total I cut 14 layers today, which is a new record and I can see that I'm close to being finished with this model. If I'm feeling really ambitious, I'll finish by the end of Friday and then use all of next week for flora and fauna information, as well as preparing for my defense and my presentation.
Picture time!
Here's the model as of 63 layers. You can see that the remaining layers are quite small!
I like this angle of all the ridges and shapes of the mountain of Siempre Verde.
At this point in my project, I am running the ship with breakneck speed and efficiency. I was able to get a layer finished during break. I eat lunch quicker so I can do more cutting. I come in after swim lessons to cut at 5pm. I'm competing against myself to see how many layers I can cut out of one piece of chipboard. I've cut the last three out of old scraps that are now big enough to use again. I'm not sure if I'm going to have to use another new sheet of chipboard for the rest of the project. It depends on my scrap supplies. Either way, I'm addicted to this and I'm going at it like Taz. Only Nelson can truly understand why I feel like this. I've moved to one stack of textbooks for weighing down the model, so now Kermit and Bambi can be alone on the tower of love and knowledge. It's so perfect for them.
And, for the sake of public disclosure, I'm officially going to the University of Georgia Honors Program next year!
This morning started with a freaky/scary/nervewracking warning about texting and driving from Lovett's brave young 5th graders. While my initial reaction was, "Why are 5th graders telling me how to drive?"; I got over my own pride and realized that they really are helpless victims to older drivers, and that my actions or inactions can affect them seriously. The element of surprise really made me pay attention.
During 7th period I finished my 50th layer (which I had started yesterday afternoon), cut #51, and started #52. I went to a chill combo class, and finished 52 during break. Then I had biochem, which was a fascinating discourse on sickle cell diseases. I had no idea there were several types of these diseases! I don't know if "cool" is the right word to use since we're talking about human disease here, but it was intellectually stimulating to say the least.
5th period I finished 53 and 54. Getting five done before lunch was good. I went down to the cafeteria and back in 5 minutes and ate quickly in 324. The turkey sandwich was quite good for giving me the energy I needed to cut chipboard! I was back to the blade before 1:30, and from 1:30-3:15 I finished 55, 56, 57, and 58. I stopped by the college counseling office for 20 or so minutes, then I finished 59, 60, 61, 62, and 63 before calling it quits for the day. In total I cut 14 layers today, which is a new record and I can see that I'm close to being finished with this model. If I'm feeling really ambitious, I'll finish by the end of Friday and then use all of next week for flora and fauna information, as well as preparing for my defense and my presentation.
Picture time!
Here's the model as of 63 layers. You can see that the remaining layers are quite small!
I like this angle of all the ridges and shapes of the mountain of Siempre Verde.
At this point in my project, I am running the ship with breakneck speed and efficiency. I was able to get a layer finished during break. I eat lunch quicker so I can do more cutting. I come in after swim lessons to cut at 5pm. I'm competing against myself to see how many layers I can cut out of one piece of chipboard. I've cut the last three out of old scraps that are now big enough to use again. I'm not sure if I'm going to have to use another new sheet of chipboard for the rest of the project. It depends on my scrap supplies. Either way, I'm addicted to this and I'm going at it like Taz. Only Nelson can truly understand why I feel like this. I've moved to one stack of textbooks for weighing down the model, so now Kermit and Bambi can be alone on the tower of love and knowledge. It's so perfect for them.
And, for the sake of public disclosure, I'm officially going to the University of Georgia Honors Program next year!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 20: Daily Log
8:00-8:10: Morris-Long advisory
8:15-9:00: Combo.
9:05-10:45: 44 45 46 and start 47. Sing happy birthday to Ms. Bradburn on computer.
10:55-11:45: Biochem.
11:45-12:15: Finish 47. Halfway point. Blog about halfway point.
12:15-1:10: Drive to Binders, detour Willy's to go, back to Lovett.
1:20-2:15: Lunch
2:15-3:00: 48
3:00-5:00: Swim lessons
5:15-6:00: Finish 49, start 50.
8:15-9:00: Combo.
9:05-10:45: 44 45 46 and start 47. Sing happy birthday to Ms. Bradburn on computer.
10:55-11:45: Biochem.
11:45-12:15: Finish 47. Halfway point. Blog about halfway point.
12:15-1:10: Drive to Binders, detour Willy's to go, back to Lovett.
1:20-2:15: Lunch
2:15-3:00: 48
3:00-5:00: Swim lessons
5:15-6:00: Finish 49, start 50.
April 20: Daily Reflection
Aaaaaaaand we're back! After a long and fruitful weekend of college visiting, I still have not committed my money anywhere, but I can tell you for sure that it's between UVA and UGA. Expect a formal decision by the weekend. But that's not immediately relevant to the task at hand, which would be my senior project!
Today was not quite as productive as I would have liked. I only completed six layers (I started a seventh!), and I could have done more if I had planned better this weekend. The morning started with a fun trip to the Morris-Long advisory, followed by combo class with Mr. Wimmer, then at 9:05 I finally got up to the office. I finished 44 45 46 and started 47 between 9:05 and 10:45. 10:55-11:45 was biochem protein lab + a little extra cleanup. I finished #47 (the halfway point) around noon, blogged about it, and realized that I was out of spray tack. This brought the project to a grinding halt. I left campus, went to Binders to buy another can of spray tack, detoured through Willy's on the way back, and got to Lovett around 1:10. I had a good lunch with Dr. Davis. She helped me talk through my college options, and I think our discussion helped me solidify ideas that were already in my head.
New spray tack in hand, I got #48 done during 7th period and immediately after school I went to go teach swim lessons with Kelly Keating. Lessons were over around 5pm and I went back to 324. I finished #49 and started #50. I still have a good start for tomorrow's session!
I must confess to you that I really don't know how I will feel when this mountain is finished. I anticipate being done by Wednesday of next week, but I have no idea how the speed will change with the shapes and contours as they shrink even further. It's tough to imagine what the mountain will look like when it's completely finished. How am I going to weigh down the last 5 layers or so? They're the most vulnerable and the most difficult to hold tight. I may have to steal a smaller encapsulated animal to assist me. Speaking of, Kermit and Bambi seem to be getting along well. I'm having too much a lot of fun telling you about their daily drama. It keeps my creative juices flowing.
No pictures today; not enough progress to take pictures of. I promise I will take pictures tomorrow!
Today was not quite as productive as I would have liked. I only completed six layers (I started a seventh!), and I could have done more if I had planned better this weekend. The morning started with a fun trip to the Morris-Long advisory, followed by combo class with Mr. Wimmer, then at 9:05 I finally got up to the office. I finished 44 45 46 and started 47 between 9:05 and 10:45. 10:55-11:45 was biochem protein lab + a little extra cleanup. I finished #47 (the halfway point) around noon, blogged about it, and realized that I was out of spray tack. This brought the project to a grinding halt. I left campus, went to Binders to buy another can of spray tack, detoured through Willy's on the way back, and got to Lovett around 1:10. I had a good lunch with Dr. Davis. She helped me talk through my college options, and I think our discussion helped me solidify ideas that were already in my head.
New spray tack in hand, I got #48 done during 7th period and immediately after school I went to go teach swim lessons with Kelly Keating. Lessons were over around 5pm and I went back to 324. I finished #49 and started #50. I still have a good start for tomorrow's session!
I must confess to you that I really don't know how I will feel when this mountain is finished. I anticipate being done by Wednesday of next week, but I have no idea how the speed will change with the shapes and contours as they shrink even further. It's tough to imagine what the mountain will look like when it's completely finished. How am I going to weigh down the last 5 layers or so? They're the most vulnerable and the most difficult to hold tight. I may have to steal a smaller encapsulated animal to assist me. Speaking of, Kermit and Bambi seem to be getting along well. I'm having too much a lot of fun telling you about their daily drama. It keeps my creative juices flowing.
No pictures today; not enough progress to take pictures of. I promise I will take pictures tomorrow!
April 20: HALFWAY
A decree for all citizens of the blogosphere:
Let it be known that, on the Twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Ten, at one minute past noon, the 47th layer of the model of Siempre Verde was laid of luxurious Italian chipboard and adhesive Tonic of Elmer from the far corners of Babylon. May it please God that rampant and joyous celebration ensue throughout the land.
Signed and sworn under threat of X-Acto blade,
Samuel Johnstone Hempel
Witnessed by Her Elaphine Highness Bambi and His Ranine Majesty Kermit
Let it be known that, on the Twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Ten, at one minute past noon, the 47th layer of the model of Siempre Verde was laid of luxurious Italian chipboard and adhesive Tonic of Elmer from the far corners of Babylon. May it please God that rampant and joyous celebration ensue throughout the land.
Signed and sworn under threat of X-Acto blade,
Samuel Johnstone Hempel
Witnessed by Her Elaphine Highness Bambi and His Ranine Majesty Kermit
Thursday, April 15, 2010
April 15: Daily Log
7:00-7:45: FCA about sports ministry. Great way to start the morning.
8:00-8:10: Billy Grace's larynx on aural display for the benefit and enjoyment of the Upper School minus sophs.
8:20-9:25: Layers 33 and 34
9:30-10:35: Combo. Revisit Ron Carter material, figure out Jackson's Stolen Moments gig, What Is This Thing Called Love?
10:35-10:50: Brake. As in the opposite of Accelerate.
10:55-12:00: Biochem. No stomach-churning animal massacre videos today. Just protein massacre denaturation.
12:00-1:00: 35 & 36
1:00-1:05: Lunch
1:05-3:05: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41
3:15-5:15: Swim Lessons
5:30-6:30: 42 & 43
8:00-8:10: Billy Grace's larynx on aural display for the benefit and enjoyment of the Upper School minus sophs.
8:20-9:25: Layers 33 and 34
9:30-10:35: Combo. Revisit Ron Carter material, figure out Jackson's Stolen Moments gig, What Is This Thing Called Love?
10:35-10:50: Brake. As in the opposite of Accelerate.
10:55-12:00: Biochem. No stomach-churning animal massacre videos today. Just protein massacre denaturation.
12:00-1:00: 35 & 36
1:00-1:05: Lunch
1:05-3:05: 37, 38, 39, 40, 41
3:15-5:15: Swim Lessons
5:30-6:30: 42 & 43
April 15: Daily Reflection
Allow me to begin my post today with a sweeping generalization that is solely my opinion and, though supported by evidence, completely debatable. Today is the worst day in America. No, not April 15, 2010; just April 15 in general. First and foremost, it is tax return day. It is the day that the Titanic sank. It is the day that Sacco and Vanzetti allegedly committed a double murder in one of the biggest xenophobia cases in American history. And most tragically, it is the day that the favorite president of The Lovett School (Abraham Lincoln) was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while sitting in a booth. So, to fight this day of mediocrity and failure, I pledged myself not to kill or get killed by forces natural or otherwise.
The morning started with a fantastic FCA about sports as a way of bringing people to God. The bishop of Liberia was present and gave THE best prayer I have ever heard in my life. Very powerful. Then I sauntered down to assembly where we got to hear Billy Grace speak of high tides and Hooters. Always an enjoyable experience.
After assembly it was time for me to work. I got two layers done during AP Bio, which was quite efficient. I was pleased with myself. I went to a chill-as-usual combo class, where we digested Ron Carter's visit and decided that we want a GET IT BAND! for the swing concert. Any and all are welcome to join the GET IT BAND! so long as you shout "GET IT BAND!" whenever you hear something you like. It's a funner, jazzier version of applause.
Break ensued, followed quickly by a mad cow biochem nipping at its heels. We talked about protein denaturation, and watched more of this Prusiner guy. He's hilarious in a most delightfully nerdy kind of way.
After biochem I headed back to the office, which I had all to myself due to Mr. Reynolds' leave of RAFTsence. Oh the humor. I made two layers before lunch, grabbed a 5 minute bite, headed back up and made two more during lunch and three during 2nd period, bringing my daily total to nine! I had outdone myself. I cleaned up the office and headed down to swim lessons with Kelly Keating for a good two hours, once you include the post-lesson socializing with the other coaches. I got changed and realized that I could try to sneak back up to the office and work some more. Sure enough, I headed up there and worked another hour and got two more layers in, bringing my final daily total to ELEVEN. Earlier in the week I thought six was an accomplishment. Ha. Funny. My grand total is now 43 layers as of the end of April 15, and I anticipate moving at lightning speed as the layers continue to shrink. I was able to fit four layers on one sheet of chipboard at the end of the day. I already need more spray tack. Picture time!
Here's the map thus far with 43 layers. I think it looks more impressive if you look at it in a "big picture" lens, as opposed to looking at minute details. As soon as I say that, here's a picture that is more detail-oriented (That's a nice way of saying OCD-friendly).
After yesterday's scandalous revelation, I put Kermit and Bambi in timeout today, so there was very little interaction between the two. A Dorothy sighting was reported by an FBI official who spoke about the subject on the condition of anonymity due to the fact that he or she is not yet authorized to discuss the matter publicly. He or she reported that Dorothy was seen with a black canine companion. The world still awaits her first paparazzi photo, either alone or especially with Kermit. We shall see, or maybe we won't. Who knows.
That's it for the week. Tomorrow I'm taking a college visit to the University of Georgia, and Monday I'm taking a visit to the University of Virginia, so I won't be back on the blog until Tuesday evening. Perhaps I will know my future when we visit next.
Until then, enjoy this fine piece of obscure Italian cinema.
The morning started with a fantastic FCA about sports as a way of bringing people to God. The bishop of Liberia was present and gave THE best prayer I have ever heard in my life. Very powerful. Then I sauntered down to assembly where we got to hear Billy Grace speak of high tides and Hooters. Always an enjoyable experience.
After assembly it was time for me to work. I got two layers done during AP Bio, which was quite efficient. I was pleased with myself. I went to a chill-as-usual combo class, where we digested Ron Carter's visit and decided that we want a GET IT BAND! for the swing concert. Any and all are welcome to join the GET IT BAND! so long as you shout "GET IT BAND!" whenever you hear something you like. It's a funner, jazzier version of applause.
Break ensued, followed quickly by a mad cow biochem nipping at its heels. We talked about protein denaturation, and watched more of this Prusiner guy. He's hilarious in a most delightfully nerdy kind of way.
After biochem I headed back to the office, which I had all to myself due to Mr. Reynolds' leave of RAFTsence. Oh the humor. I made two layers before lunch, grabbed a 5 minute bite, headed back up and made two more during lunch and three during 2nd period, bringing my daily total to nine! I had outdone myself. I cleaned up the office and headed down to swim lessons with Kelly Keating for a good two hours, once you include the post-lesson socializing with the other coaches. I got changed and realized that I could try to sneak back up to the office and work some more. Sure enough, I headed up there and worked another hour and got two more layers in, bringing my final daily total to ELEVEN. Earlier in the week I thought six was an accomplishment. Ha. Funny. My grand total is now 43 layers as of the end of April 15, and I anticipate moving at lightning speed as the layers continue to shrink. I was able to fit four layers on one sheet of chipboard at the end of the day. I already need more spray tack. Picture time!
Here's the map thus far with 43 layers. I think it looks more impressive if you look at it in a "big picture" lens, as opposed to looking at minute details. As soon as I say that, here's a picture that is more detail-oriented (That's a nice way of saying OCD-friendly).
After yesterday's scandalous revelation, I put Kermit and Bambi in timeout today, so there was very little interaction between the two. A Dorothy sighting was reported by an FBI official who spoke about the subject on the condition of anonymity due to the fact that he or she is not yet authorized to discuss the matter publicly. He or she reported that Dorothy was seen with a black canine companion. The world still awaits her first paparazzi photo, either alone or especially with Kermit. We shall see, or maybe we won't. Who knows.
That's it for the week. Tomorrow I'm taking a college visit to the University of Georgia, and Monday I'm taking a visit to the University of Virginia, so I won't be back on the blog until Tuesday evening. Perhaps I will know my future when we visit next.
Until then, enjoy this fine piece of obscure Italian cinema.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14: Daily Log
7:45-8:00: Take Your Fans To Work Day
8:00-8:50: Layer 25, half of Layer 26
8:50-9:25: Successful Skype with John Wood
9:25-10:55: Layers 26, 27, 28
11:00-1:30: Ellington Clinic with Ron Carter. Thoroughly enjoyed my time in the GET IT BAND!
1:30-2:00: Lunch Break
2:00-3:45: Ellington Clinic with Ron Carter. Best Ron quote of the afternoon session: "K as in Cuba"
3:45-5:45: Layers 29 30 31 & 32
5:45-10:00: Dinner, Cum Laude, Yoforia, IT help for my father
10:00-11:00: Blogging
8:00-8:50: Layer 25, half of Layer 26
8:50-9:25: Successful Skype with John Wood
9:25-10:55: Layers 26, 27, 28
11:00-1:30: Ellington Clinic with Ron Carter. Thoroughly enjoyed my time in the GET IT BAND!
1:30-2:00: Lunch Break
2:00-3:45: Ellington Clinic with Ron Carter. Best Ron quote of the afternoon session: "K as in Cuba"
3:45-5:45: Layers 29 30 31 & 32
5:45-10:00: Dinner, Cum Laude, Yoforia, IT help for my father
10:00-11:00: Blogging
April 14: Daily Reflection
Dear Friends, I do not know who the crazy person is that claimed I would be returning my blog to daylight hours, but it does not appear that this claim will be validated any time soon. By blogging in the evening, I can use all my work time during the day to cut and build. Alas, for those of you who follow both my blog AND Ben Franklin's advice, you can wake up with a fresh dose of Samuel Johnstone each morning from Tuesday to Saturday. What a lovely proposition.
Today was not what I expected it to be. I knew that my time would be very limited during the day, and I did not anticipate making much progress on the model. I arrived at the office around 7:45, and I brought some intrigued visitors to see my project and ask questions, etc. All seemed impressed, and I am grateful to all who take time out of their Lovett day to come up and see what I'm working on. It makes me really happy and excited when I can see genuine interest on someone's face, and they ask questions. Thank you Cyrus and Elly and others for visiting this morning.
From 8:00-8:50 I was able to cut one layer (#25) and get started on a second. Not bad for half a class period. But then I Skyped with John Wood until assembly, and I worked through assembly and break to finish 26 27 and 28. At 11am I headed down to the band room for an Ellington Clinic with Ron Carter, and from 11:00 to 3:45 I left the room only for a 30-minute lunch break. No work on the project. I was originally planning on going to swim practice, but between the late dismissal of the clinic and the NHS/Cum Laude society in the evening, I knew I would not make it. So I creeped up to the office for more cutting. Mr. Reynolds had to leave soon after I arrived, so from 4:00ish until 5:45 I was working in my own personal silence. It's very relaxing, which is especially helpful when a particular corner is giving me grief. Don't get me wrong though, Mr. Reynolds' eclectic mix of who knows what is really fun to listen to, and the Latin songs make me think of Shakira. Every time. Even if it's a male voice.
During this after school work/quiet time, I was able to finish four more layers, which brought my daily total to EIGHT, and my grand total to 32. This was way more than I thought I would do today; however, due to my rush to eat food before the Carnival of Academia, I didn't have time to take a good picture of the project, so I just snapped a quick one with the books on top.
Notice that Kermit and Bambi are missing. Look where I found them.
It seems that they really do have an office romance, but I never realized how much they like eachother. I highly doubt they are up to anything wholesome hiding behind a Nordstrom bag, and by definition they are slacking on the job. I also do not know how Dorothy plays into this little rom-com, that is, if she actually exists. It can only get more interesting from here. If nothing else brings you back to the blog, it should be the Bambi-Kermit-Dorothy love triangle. Folks, this is the stuff of Nicholas Sparks.
This is the part where my blog takes a sharp turn. My pleasant surprise today brings me to my soliloquy about the project. It's no tear-jerker, but I write from the heart.
Like a new mother, I am giddy to announce to the world that I am absolutely smitten with my project, and I enjoy spending more and more time with it every day. I am obsessed with getting as many layers done as possible, and I spend every minute of free time on campus working my way towards building this mountain. I don't even spend time at lunch any more, I just get my food and get back to work. I can't explain exactly what it is, but something about seeing the blade cut EXACTLY on the contour line, and feeling the chipboard morph from something unnatural (a square) into the pinnacle of Earth's natural beauty is just so exhilarating. If I were just taking normal classes, I would be floating along without a purpose, just doing minimal work. But I love this project, and like anything (or anybody) you truly love, you roll with the ups and downs. The vision and the dream push me through the tough spots, and I feel a sense of true purpose building this mountain. I know that a lot of people would call me crazy for this, but I work over two hours after school by myself, and the only thing I can think is, "I don't want to leave." The same is true for my time at Lovett.
I don't want to leave.
I don't want to leave.
I don't want to leave.
Today was not what I expected it to be. I knew that my time would be very limited during the day, and I did not anticipate making much progress on the model. I arrived at the office around 7:45, and I brought some intrigued visitors to see my project and ask questions, etc. All seemed impressed, and I am grateful to all who take time out of their Lovett day to come up and see what I'm working on. It makes me really happy and excited when I can see genuine interest on someone's face, and they ask questions. Thank you Cyrus and Elly and others for visiting this morning.
From 8:00-8:50 I was able to cut one layer (#25) and get started on a second. Not bad for half a class period. But then I Skyped with John Wood until assembly, and I worked through assembly and break to finish 26 27 and 28. At 11am I headed down to the band room for an Ellington Clinic with Ron Carter, and from 11:00 to 3:45 I left the room only for a 30-minute lunch break. No work on the project. I was originally planning on going to swim practice, but between the late dismissal of the clinic and the NHS/Cum Laude society in the evening, I knew I would not make it. So I creeped up to the office for more cutting. Mr. Reynolds had to leave soon after I arrived, so from 4:00ish until 5:45 I was working in my own personal silence. It's very relaxing, which is especially helpful when a particular corner is giving me grief. Don't get me wrong though, Mr. Reynolds' eclectic mix of who knows what is really fun to listen to, and the Latin songs make me think of Shakira. Every time. Even if it's a male voice.
During this after school work/quiet time, I was able to finish four more layers, which brought my daily total to EIGHT, and my grand total to 32. This was way more than I thought I would do today; however, due to my rush to eat food before the Carnival of Academia, I didn't have time to take a good picture of the project, so I just snapped a quick one with the books on top.
Notice that Kermit and Bambi are missing. Look where I found them.
It seems that they really do have an office romance, but I never realized how much they like eachother. I highly doubt they are up to anything wholesome hiding behind a Nordstrom bag, and by definition they are slacking on the job. I also do not know how Dorothy plays into this little rom-com, that is, if she actually exists. It can only get more interesting from here. If nothing else brings you back to the blog, it should be the Bambi-Kermit-Dorothy love triangle. Folks, this is the stuff of Nicholas Sparks.
This is the part where my blog takes a sharp turn. My pleasant surprise today brings me to my soliloquy about the project. It's no tear-jerker, but I write from the heart.
Like a new mother, I am giddy to announce to the world that I am absolutely smitten with my project, and I enjoy spending more and more time with it every day. I am obsessed with getting as many layers done as possible, and I spend every minute of free time on campus working my way towards building this mountain. I don't even spend time at lunch any more, I just get my food and get back to work. I can't explain exactly what it is, but something about seeing the blade cut EXACTLY on the contour line, and feeling the chipboard morph from something unnatural (a square) into the pinnacle of Earth's natural beauty is just so exhilarating. If I were just taking normal classes, I would be floating along without a purpose, just doing minimal work. But I love this project, and like anything (or anybody) you truly love, you roll with the ups and downs. The vision and the dream push me through the tough spots, and I feel a sense of true purpose building this mountain. I know that a lot of people would call me crazy for this, but I work over two hours after school by myself, and the only thing I can think is, "I don't want to leave." The same is true for my time at Lovett.
I don't want to leave.
I don't want to leave.
I don't want to leave.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
April 13: Daily Log
8:00-12:00: CUT AND GLUE. Throw out old map and cut a new one. Added 6 layers to the map.
12:05-1:10: Biochem. Finish mad cow video, start a lecture video by Stanley Prusiner. This guy is clever. And a Nobel Prize Winner.
1:10-1:20: Walk to lunch, show face in the lunch room, grab milk, return to office.
1:20-1:50: Finish THE SEVENTH LAYER, glue to map, take pictures. Revel in glory. BBM Barack Obama.
1:55-3:00: Combo. Individual practice day aka memorize ALL of Walkin & Swingin and New Musical Express.
3:15-5:00: Coach swim lessons to lower schoolers with Kelly Keating.
5:00-6:00: Drive Crabwalk to Binders, get 15 new sheets of chipboard.
12:05-1:10: Biochem. Finish mad cow video, start a lecture video by Stanley Prusiner. This guy is clever. And a Nobel Prize Winner.
1:10-1:20: Walk to lunch, show face in the lunch room, grab milk, return to office.
1:20-1:50: Finish THE SEVENTH LAYER, glue to map, take pictures. Revel in glory. BBM Barack Obama.
1:55-3:00: Combo. Individual practice day aka memorize ALL of Walkin & Swingin and New Musical Express.
3:15-5:00: Coach swim lessons to lower schoolers with Kelly Keating.
5:00-6:00: Drive Crabwalk to Binders, get 15 new sheets of chipboard.
April 13: Daily Reflection
My blogging schedule has suddenly taken a sharp left turn, and by left I mean late. I never really understood the whole alliteration/onomatopoeia thing to begin with. Regardless, I intend to return my blogging to a time closer to daylight hours. I digress.
Today was the most efficient day thus far of the project. I had uninterrupted work time from 8am-noon, so I was really able to crank out layers like they were going out of style. I finished half of a layer from yesterday in five minutes, and then I proceeded to cut 5 and a half more in 4 hours, so by the time biochem rolled around, I had added 6 layers to the mountain AND cut half of a seventh! I must say I reveled in my efficiency. I came back during lunch to finish the seventh layer for the day, which ran out my stock of chipboard I had purchased earlier! And adding the fact that I had to cut a new map again, (ugh) I'd say I did pretty well.
I have been much more efficient with my X-Acto blades as well, and today I used 4 X-Acto blades for 7 layers, which is a huge change from 13 X-Acto blades on the first layer alone. I have developed strength in my hands to cut the chipboard easier and make the knife hurt less. I drew blood for the third time of the whole project, but I can almost anticipate all potentially bloody situations and avoid them as much as possible. I started a new can of spray tack today; see below how the first one finished.
SE kills the can
As I mentioned earlier, I ran out my stock of chipboard, so I had to stop by Binders and get more. It's really nice to see my progress immediately every time I look across my desk at the growing mountain, but I also get satisfaction from buying more chipboard. It's like the chipboard is saying "Look Samuel, look how fast you work. Look how you can't get enough chipboard. You're addicted." No, chipboard, I am not addicted to you, I just like spending time with you. And cutting you forcefully. But that's a wee bit grim so let's not go any farther down that path.
I think the highlight of my day was when Señora Mitchell came in to meet with Mr. Reynolds about something having to do with Siempre Verde. She walked strutted through the door in her energetic gait and smiled at me, then proceeded to sit down with Mr. Reynolds. A tornado of Spanish ensued. Dorothy may or may not have landed near the south end of Siempre Verde. Bambi is worried that Kermit will take an interest in her so Bambi is doing everything in her power to keep Dorothy's promiscuous tricks off Kermit. Bambi is currently taking lessons from Elin Nordegren in this area of expertise.
Picture time!
The mountain with 24 layers.
Here's the part of the map with exposed contours. I think the light looks really cool on this one.
Tomorrow I have lots of other things going so I'm not sure how many layers I will get done. I'm shooting for at least 3. My sister is a track phenom. That's all folks!
Today was the most efficient day thus far of the project. I had uninterrupted work time from 8am-noon, so I was really able to crank out layers like they were going out of style. I finished half of a layer from yesterday in five minutes, and then I proceeded to cut 5 and a half more in 4 hours, so by the time biochem rolled around, I had added 6 layers to the mountain AND cut half of a seventh! I must say I reveled in my efficiency. I came back during lunch to finish the seventh layer for the day, which ran out my stock of chipboard I had purchased earlier! And adding the fact that I had to cut a new map again, (ugh) I'd say I did pretty well.
I have been much more efficient with my X-Acto blades as well, and today I used 4 X-Acto blades for 7 layers, which is a huge change from 13 X-Acto blades on the first layer alone. I have developed strength in my hands to cut the chipboard easier and make the knife hurt less. I drew blood for the third time of the whole project, but I can almost anticipate all potentially bloody situations and avoid them as much as possible. I started a new can of spray tack today; see below how the first one finished.
SE kills the can
As I mentioned earlier, I ran out my stock of chipboard, so I had to stop by Binders and get more. It's really nice to see my progress immediately every time I look across my desk at the growing mountain, but I also get satisfaction from buying more chipboard. It's like the chipboard is saying "Look Samuel, look how fast you work. Look how you can't get enough chipboard. You're addicted." No, chipboard, I am not addicted to you, I just like spending time with you. And cutting you forcefully. But that's a wee bit grim so let's not go any farther down that path.
I think the highlight of my day was when Señora Mitchell came in to meet with Mr. Reynolds about something having to do with Siempre Verde. She walked strutted through the door in her energetic gait and smiled at me, then proceeded to sit down with Mr. Reynolds. A tornado of Spanish ensued. Dorothy may or may not have landed near the south end of Siempre Verde. Bambi is worried that Kermit will take an interest in her so Bambi is doing everything in her power to keep Dorothy's promiscuous tricks off Kermit. Bambi is currently taking lessons from Elin Nordegren in this area of expertise.
Picture time!
The mountain with 24 layers.
Here's the part of the map with exposed contours. I think the light looks really cool on this one.
Tomorrow I have lots of other things going so I'm not sure how many layers I will get done. I'm shooting for at least 3. My sister is a track phenom. That's all folks!
Monday, April 12, 2010
April 12: Daily Log
8:20-9:25: Cut new map, recycle old one, cut layer #12
9:30-10:35: Combo. Learn Lester Leaps In, review Billie's Bounce, run New Musical Express
10:35-10:50: Break. Mingling in 336.
10:55-12:00: Biochem. Arginine and Glutamine presented. Mad Cow video for remainder of the class.
12:05-1:20: Cut layers 13 & 14.
1:20-1:35: Quick lunch in 324.
1:35-1:55: Meeting with Mrs. Fuentes about alumni association
1:55-4:00: Cut and glue layers 15 & 16. Cut layer 17. Avery kindly makes a visit to the office. Hannah visits shortly thereafter.
4:00-4:15: Impromptu meeting with Ms. Andersen.
4:15-5:15: Glue layer 17. Cut half of layer 18.
5:30-6:00: Drive to Binders to buy more spray tack.
6:00-7:30: Dinner & mingling with the family.
7:30-8:30: DR & DL.
9:30-10:35: Combo. Learn Lester Leaps In, review Billie's Bounce, run New Musical Express
10:35-10:50: Break. Mingling in 336.
10:55-12:00: Biochem. Arginine and Glutamine presented. Mad Cow video for remainder of the class.
12:05-1:20: Cut layers 13 & 14.
1:20-1:35: Quick lunch in 324.
1:35-1:55: Meeting with Mrs. Fuentes about alumni association
1:55-4:00: Cut and glue layers 15 & 16. Cut layer 17. Avery kindly makes a visit to the office. Hannah visits shortly thereafter.
4:00-4:15: Impromptu meeting with Ms. Andersen.
4:15-5:15: Glue layer 17. Cut half of layer 18.
5:30-6:00: Drive to Binders to buy more spray tack.
6:00-7:30: Dinner & mingling with the family.
7:30-8:30: DR & DL.
April 12: Daily Reflection
Last week I told you that I really liked the daily rhythm of doing a morning reflection and an afternoon reflection. Well my friends, that rhythm has already been interrupted today. I chose to work during my project time instead of take a blogging break, so I'm writing to you from the comfort of my bed at home. :)
Today was a pretty good day. This morning I decided to cease my working relationship with the first map. It was getting really rough around the edges and tacky underneath, and it refused to stick to the chipboard. So I unrolled an identical map (there are 6 total) and cut it to the point where I left off (2500m). Then I tacked it onto chipboard and cut it out with relative ease. I must say that the cutting does not feel nearly as difficult as it did last week. I guess I'm getting stronger! Who knew architecture was a workout?
By the time I had retraced the map and cut out the first layer of the day (#12 overall), 7th period was over and I headed to combo class. We learned Lester Leaps In, which is a fun little riff tune in Bb. We also hit New Musical Express really hard and fast. It was really swinging! After break I went to biochem, where we finished up amino acid presentations (congrats Sadiya and Andrew for presenting after the weekend), discussed prom, and watched a mad cow video that was not very viewer-friendly. Especially an hour before lunch.
After biochem I got 2 layers done before lunch, ate a quick lunch with Ellie in 324, and went to a meeting with Mrs. Fuentes about being an alumni rep for the class of 2010. It's weird thinking about being alumni! I returned to the office at the end of lunch for some delicious botany presentations about edible plants (thank you Paul and Alexandra for the chocolate) and I got two layers done in one period! New record. I also drew blood for the second time, but not as bad as the first time.
So, I got five layers done by the end of the school day. I finished a sixth in tutorial, went to visit my lovely college counselor Ms. Andersen for some counseling, and returned back to 324 to work on THE SEVENTH LAYER. Oooh look I exceeded my daily goal. I won't hit it again for the rest of the week, though. (More on that later.) While I was halfway through cutting, my sister called and asked to be picked up, so no I didn't finish the 7th layer (#18 overall) but I got a very good start on it for tomorrow morning. Here's what the project looks like thus far.
Here's the map after 17 layers.
Here's the side view. You can really see the change in contours, and additionally I think the Rio Toabunchi (left river) looks particularly interesting.
This is more of an elevation view, except I moved the camera a little bit above horizontal to get some depth perception.
Nothing from this point on is immediately relevant to the project. Enjoy thoroughly.
Since I last wrote you, I was informed that Bambi the movie character is a boy by several sources. But despite that, and the anatomical evidence present in the jar, the Bambi that works in my office chooses to be identified as a female. Ms. McBroom's cat Annabel understands her sentiments. Speaking of Bambi, she and Kermit are getting along very very well. I think they may be developing an office romance. We'll be keeping close tabs on them.
Follow-up on closing thoughts from Friday: Phil Mickelson was the only guy wearing green this weekend, but he wore it very well, throwing down back-to-back eagles on Saturday. That is only the third time in Masters history that anyone has done that. Very impressive, Lefty. Tiger did not meet my hopes for course etiquette, but I do credit him for trying harder than before. I'm not sure when if he's going to win another major. Prom was the best 24 hour period of my life (neither "night" nor "day" is really a fitting term). The tailcoat was everything I wanted it to be and more. I'm thankful that lots of people made good decisions.
That's it for today friends. Tomorrow we hit #20. Wednesday I will be out of the office from 11-3 with Ron Carter and the Ellington Band, and Friday I will be gone all day on a college visit, so I need to be super efficient while I can be! And I'm Ron Burgundy?
Today was a pretty good day. This morning I decided to cease my working relationship with the first map. It was getting really rough around the edges and tacky underneath, and it refused to stick to the chipboard. So I unrolled an identical map (there are 6 total) and cut it to the point where I left off (2500m). Then I tacked it onto chipboard and cut it out with relative ease. I must say that the cutting does not feel nearly as difficult as it did last week. I guess I'm getting stronger! Who knew architecture was a workout?
By the time I had retraced the map and cut out the first layer of the day (#12 overall), 7th period was over and I headed to combo class. We learned Lester Leaps In, which is a fun little riff tune in Bb. We also hit New Musical Express really hard and fast. It was really swinging! After break I went to biochem, where we finished up amino acid presentations (congrats Sadiya and Andrew for presenting after the weekend), discussed prom, and watched a mad cow video that was not very viewer-friendly. Especially an hour before lunch.
After biochem I got 2 layers done before lunch, ate a quick lunch with Ellie in 324, and went to a meeting with Mrs. Fuentes about being an alumni rep for the class of 2010. It's weird thinking about being alumni! I returned to the office at the end of lunch for some delicious botany presentations about edible plants (thank you Paul and Alexandra for the chocolate) and I got two layers done in one period! New record. I also drew blood for the second time, but not as bad as the first time.
So, I got five layers done by the end of the school day. I finished a sixth in tutorial, went to visit my lovely college counselor Ms. Andersen for some counseling, and returned back to 324 to work on THE SEVENTH LAYER. Oooh look I exceeded my daily goal. I won't hit it again for the rest of the week, though. (More on that later.) While I was halfway through cutting, my sister called and asked to be picked up, so no I didn't finish the 7th layer (#18 overall) but I got a very good start on it for tomorrow morning. Here's what the project looks like thus far.
Here's the map after 17 layers.
Here's the side view. You can really see the change in contours, and additionally I think the Rio Toabunchi (left river) looks particularly interesting.
This is more of an elevation view, except I moved the camera a little bit above horizontal to get some depth perception.
Nothing from this point on is immediately relevant to the project. Enjoy thoroughly.
Since I last wrote you, I was informed that Bambi the movie character is a boy by several sources. But despite that, and the anatomical evidence present in the jar, the Bambi that works in my office chooses to be identified as a female. Ms. McBroom's cat Annabel understands her sentiments. Speaking of Bambi, she and Kermit are getting along very very well. I think they may be developing an office romance. We'll be keeping close tabs on them.
Follow-up on closing thoughts from Friday: Phil Mickelson was the only guy wearing green this weekend, but he wore it very well, throwing down back-to-back eagles on Saturday. That is only the third time in Masters history that anyone has done that. Very impressive, Lefty. Tiger did not meet my hopes for course etiquette, but I do credit him for trying harder than before. I'm not sure when if he's going to win another major. Prom was the best 24 hour period of my life (neither "night" nor "day" is really a fitting term). The tailcoat was everything I wanted it to be and more. I'm thankful that lots of people made good decisions.
That's it for today friends. Tomorrow we hit #20. Wednesday I will be out of the office from 11-3 with Ron Carter and the Ellington Band, and Friday I will be gone all day on a college visit, so I need to be super efficient while I can be! And I'm Ron Burgundy?
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9: Daily Log
8:15-9:00: Combo class. Learn Mr. PC. Turns out its the same as the solo section in Stolen Moments.
9:05-10:40: Cutting and gluing. Drew blood for the first time on left thumb. Wound bandaged with spray tack.
10:40-10:50: Run to my car to get my biochem binder.
10:55-11:40: Biochem. More presentations; turns out I didn't actually need my binder.
11:45-1:15: Cutting and gluing. Write DR#1.
1:15:00: Realize I can go to lunch 5 minutes early.
1:15:01: Uncontrollable fits of joy and happiness.
1:15:30: Controllable fits of joy and happiness. I waive control.
1:15:45: Go to lunch.
1:16-1:30: Get chicken wings and take them back to 324. Haven't had chocolate milk all week. Reunited and it feels so good.
1:30-3:00: Cutting and gluing. Ongoing search for paperweights.
3:10-3:45: Poetry test.
3:45-5:45: Cutting and gluing. Write DR#2 and DL.
9:05-10:40: Cutting and gluing. Drew blood for the first time on left thumb. Wound bandaged with spray tack.
10:40-10:50: Run to my car to get my biochem binder.
10:55-11:40: Biochem. More presentations; turns out I didn't actually need my binder.
11:45-1:15: Cutting and gluing. Write DR#1.
1:15:00: Realize I can go to lunch 5 minutes early.
1:15:01: Uncontrollable fits of joy and happiness.
1:15:30: Controllable fits of joy and happiness. I waive control.
1:15:45: Go to lunch.
1:16-1:30: Get chicken wings and take them back to 324. Haven't had chocolate milk all week. Reunited and it feels so good.
1:30-3:00: Cutting and gluing. Ongoing search for paperweights.
3:10-3:45: Poetry test.
3:45-5:45: Cutting and gluing. Write DR#2 and DL.
April 9: Daily Reflection #2
I'm proud to say that I lived up to my goal that I set earlier today. I completed 6 new layers today, which brings the grand total up to 11 completed layers, which represents the total elevation change from 2400 m to 2500 m. The bottom of the bottom layer is actually 2390m, but that's not on Siempre Verde property so we'll just cast that aside like a March Madness 2010 bracket. Of course, the human extremist that lives in me (yes he's a permanent resident) wants me to shoot for 7 layers in a day, but he and I will have to chat this weekend (more on that later).
After lunch SE and Ellie stopped in during AP Bio free period to socialize, which was a stark change from the well-articulated Lovett HVAC vent and its wild rambunctious frat house neighbors, the greenhouse fans. I managed to finish the fifth layer during that time, and a good time was had by all. SE and I debated whether or not Bambi is a boy or a girl. She argued that Bambi is a boy, and her argument was heavily based in anatomical evidence. I argued that Bambi must be a girl, based on a Hardie Albright movie character from the WWII era. I'm a sentimental nostalgic person, and it's my blog, so for all intents and purposes herein Bambi shall be a female character.
After a NASCAR pit stop in 208 to take an English test (35 minutes is approximately NASCAR speed for poetry), Mrs. Franks and I discussed blogging and writing and left/right-brainedness. I then dashed away back to my office to complete the sixth layer, and glue it onto the mountain. I think the model is really starting to show some shape now, which is quite exciting because I need that motivation to push through the tough cuts and the wicked curves of this beautiful property.
Here's what the model looks like after 11 layers have been put on. You can really see the shapes forming on the right side, which, in relation to the true cardinal directions on the property, is west. This picture is taken looking south.
This picture is more focused on the part of the model that is showing change. The rest will eventually be covered up.
I like this view of the model because it really shows the slope of the mountain well. If you look closely (and I mean doggone closely) you can count all 11 layers.
My assortment of paper weights has expanded into a full-blown convenience store. Announcement to all inhabitants and users of room 324: if you are missing something heavy (a textbook, a beaker, a coffee bag, a dead fetal deer, etc), please come see me in the office and we will examine your missing item claim together.
Final thoughts for the day: The chicken wings were spot-on today at lunch. And the garlic toast was boss too. Bambi is enjoying her new career as an advanced paperweight. She'll have a great tan for graduation. Billy Payne was about to sew Lee Westwood's name on a jacket of green thread until he double-bogeyed 14. Tiger is only 2 strokes off the lead. I'm not sure if I want him to win or not. Prom is tomorrow. I'm wearing a tailcoat, which is something I've never done before but always wanted to do.
That's it for this week. Make good decisions this weekend. You stay classy, San Diego.
After lunch SE and Ellie stopped in during AP Bio free period to socialize, which was a stark change from the well-articulated Lovett HVAC vent and its wild rambunctious frat house neighbors, the greenhouse fans. I managed to finish the fifth layer during that time, and a good time was had by all. SE and I debated whether or not Bambi is a boy or a girl. She argued that Bambi is a boy, and her argument was heavily based in anatomical evidence. I argued that Bambi must be a girl, based on a Hardie Albright movie character from the WWII era. I'm a sentimental nostalgic person, and it's my blog, so for all intents and purposes herein Bambi shall be a female character.
After a NASCAR pit stop in 208 to take an English test (35 minutes is approximately NASCAR speed for poetry), Mrs. Franks and I discussed blogging and writing and left/right-brainedness. I then dashed away back to my office to complete the sixth layer, and glue it onto the mountain. I think the model is really starting to show some shape now, which is quite exciting because I need that motivation to push through the tough cuts and the wicked curves of this beautiful property.
Here's what the model looks like after 11 layers have been put on. You can really see the shapes forming on the right side, which, in relation to the true cardinal directions on the property, is west. This picture is taken looking south.
This picture is more focused on the part of the model that is showing change. The rest will eventually be covered up.
I like this view of the model because it really shows the slope of the mountain well. If you look closely (and I mean doggone closely) you can count all 11 layers.
My assortment of paper weights has expanded into a full-blown convenience store. Announcement to all inhabitants and users of room 324: if you are missing something heavy (a textbook, a beaker, a coffee bag, a dead fetal deer, etc), please come see me in the office and we will examine your missing item claim together.
Final thoughts for the day: The chicken wings were spot-on today at lunch. And the garlic toast was boss too. Bambi is enjoying her new career as an advanced paperweight. She'll have a great tan for graduation. Billy Payne was about to sew Lee Westwood's name on a jacket of green thread until he double-bogeyed 14. Tiger is only 2 strokes off the lead. I'm not sure if I want him to win or not. Prom is tomorrow. I'm wearing a tailcoat, which is something I've never done before but always wanted to do.
That's it for this week. Make good decisions this weekend. You stay classy, San Diego.
April 9: Daily Reflection
I can't believe it's already Friday of the first week. I swear I just started, and I certainly have a lot more to do! For those of you who follow my blog with regularity, you'll notice that I added a "Layer Count" widget on my homepage so that you (and I) can track my progress up the mountain. Each layer is so relieving to finish and add to the growing mountain. However, I am slowly moving out of the flatter grasslands near the bottom of the reserve and moving into the steeper slopes, so precision is increasingly important.
My pace today has quickened from yesterday; which is a good thing. I was able to complete 4 new layers before lunchtime and get the 5th one sprayed down to the chipboard. Today was also the first day that I was able to fit two layers of the mountain onto one sheet of chipboard, which is a HUGE money saver. Lots of really good things going on up in my office in room 324! The one bad part of the day was that I drew first blood with the X-Acto knife, which has become marginally easier to use. I tried to hold the board still and I nicked my left thumb. A very small wound, and to treat it I simply sprayed it with spray tack (the same short-term adhesive I'm using to hold the map to the chipboard) and wiped it off with paper towels. Boom done ready to go. If Bear Grylls worked in architecture he would be highly entertained.
I'm really starting to find a good method for cutting each layer; a method that's pretty efficient and comfortable. First I spray the chipboard with spray tack, then I set the chipboard on top of it. I touch up the edges of the map with more spray tack and use rocks to hold it down. I let this sit for at least 5 minutes while I update my layer count and check the other senior's blogs. Then I take the rocks off, and I start cutting on the north side of the property along the Rio Toabunchi, where the elevation change is more shallow, and the intervals are easier to find. I put the most focus into the "exposed" part of the contour because that's the part that actually shows in the finished product. Then I go slightly quicker on the parts that are hidden underground, but in this project, quick is a relative term. I still have to be careful and deliberate to avoid cutting myself (whoops) and to get the property line accurately. It's just easier because I've cut the same curves nine times now.
I'm gonna try to finish 6 layers today. That's the minimum speed I need to go in order to finish the project on time. The layers will get easier as they get smaller, but I'm still shooting for 6 per day. I'm also breaking X-Acto blades way less often than I was yesterday. I usually make it all the way through an entire layer on one blade. I'm still gonna have to buy more blades eventually. Poop.
Here's my rock system of weighing down the map to keep it sticking to the chipboard.
I have slowly gathered more and more heavy objects to keep my model well-glued. As you can see here, I have kidnapped Bambi, the resident fetal deer in preserve, and Kermit, the resident bullfrog in preserve. Also featured is the 2000mL beaker that used to hold the Homer Simpson Chia pet, a disaster in botanical agriculture.
Back to work for me now. I'm keeping Masters coverage open in the background of the computer. As of me posting this, Lee Westwood is out to a blazing start on his second round, going -3 in the first 3 holes to be the outright leader at -8. Never count out Tiger though.
From the 19th green, thanks for stopping by.
My pace today has quickened from yesterday; which is a good thing. I was able to complete 4 new layers before lunchtime and get the 5th one sprayed down to the chipboard. Today was also the first day that I was able to fit two layers of the mountain onto one sheet of chipboard, which is a HUGE money saver. Lots of really good things going on up in my office in room 324! The one bad part of the day was that I drew first blood with the X-Acto knife, which has become marginally easier to use. I tried to hold the board still and I nicked my left thumb. A very small wound, and to treat it I simply sprayed it with spray tack (the same short-term adhesive I'm using to hold the map to the chipboard) and wiped it off with paper towels. Boom done ready to go. If Bear Grylls worked in architecture he would be highly entertained.
I'm really starting to find a good method for cutting each layer; a method that's pretty efficient and comfortable. First I spray the chipboard with spray tack, then I set the chipboard on top of it. I touch up the edges of the map with more spray tack and use rocks to hold it down. I let this sit for at least 5 minutes while I update my layer count and check the other senior's blogs. Then I take the rocks off, and I start cutting on the north side of the property along the Rio Toabunchi, where the elevation change is more shallow, and the intervals are easier to find. I put the most focus into the "exposed" part of the contour because that's the part that actually shows in the finished product. Then I go slightly quicker on the parts that are hidden underground, but in this project, quick is a relative term. I still have to be careful and deliberate to avoid cutting myself (whoops) and to get the property line accurately. It's just easier because I've cut the same curves nine times now.
I'm gonna try to finish 6 layers today. That's the minimum speed I need to go in order to finish the project on time. The layers will get easier as they get smaller, but I'm still shooting for 6 per day. I'm also breaking X-Acto blades way less often than I was yesterday. I usually make it all the way through an entire layer on one blade. I'm still gonna have to buy more blades eventually. Poop.
Here's my rock system of weighing down the map to keep it sticking to the chipboard.
I have slowly gathered more and more heavy objects to keep my model well-glued. As you can see here, I have kidnapped Bambi, the resident fetal deer in preserve, and Kermit, the resident bullfrog in preserve. Also featured is the 2000mL beaker that used to hold the Homer Simpson Chia pet, a disaster in botanical agriculture.
Back to work for me now. I'm keeping Masters coverage open in the background of the computer. As of me posting this, Lee Westwood is out to a blazing start on his second round, going -3 in the first 3 holes to be the outright leader at -8. Never count out Tiger though.
From the 19th green, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
April 8: Daily Log
7:00-7:45: FCA breakfast and a movie. Jeremiah 29:11 is used by two different groups. Sweetness.
7:45-9:15: Take map to FedEx/Kinko's and make sure its enlarged to the proper size.
9:15-10:15: Show off new maps to Mr. Reynolds, discuss future of hiking trails at Siempre Verde, draw new scale on enlarged maps, cut first layer
10:15-10:50: Cuarenta showdown
10:50-12:50: Finish first layer, cut and finish second layer, get first and second layer glued together, use textbooks to keep the layers glued well, cut half of third layer
12:50-1:15: DR#1
1:15-1:35: lunch and SGA meeting with Mr. Billingslea
1:35-3:00: Finish third layer, cut and finish fourth layer, glue all four layers together
3:00-3:15: Go to swim lessons. Swim lessons cancelled due to lightning.
3:15-4:45: Return to the office. Cut and finish fifth layer, glue onto the mountain, get textbooks in place again. DR#2 and DL.
7:45-9:15: Take map to FedEx/Kinko's and make sure its enlarged to the proper size.
9:15-10:15: Show off new maps to Mr. Reynolds, discuss future of hiking trails at Siempre Verde, draw new scale on enlarged maps, cut first layer
10:15-10:50: Cuarenta showdown
10:50-12:50: Finish first layer, cut and finish second layer, get first and second layer glued together, use textbooks to keep the layers glued well, cut half of third layer
12:50-1:15: DR#1
1:15-1:35: lunch and SGA meeting with Mr. Billingslea
1:35-3:00: Finish third layer, cut and finish fourth layer, glue all four layers together
3:00-3:15: Go to swim lessons. Swim lessons cancelled due to lightning.
3:15-4:45: Return to the office. Cut and finish fifth layer, glue onto the mountain, get textbooks in place again. DR#2 and DL.
April 8: Daily Reflection #2
It just occurred to me that I kinda like the idea of doing two daily reflections (or DR's for short, in case you haven't caught on to my acronym vernacular yet) every day; one before lunch and one after school, so that I can break up my day into two halves and make sure that I make adequate progress each day. Then of course end with a daily log (DL) and feel accomplished for the day.
This afternoon I cranked out layers three, four, and five. That runs me out of my initial stock of chipboard, so I'll be making another stop at Binders today or tomorrow morning. My fingers are forming callouses from the X-Acto knife; however, I have received 3 offers for alternative cutting utensils. I welcome all offers of utensils, and I am giving serious consideration to all three currently standing. The X-Acto knife does not hold the blade well and it does fearful things to my hands. But, for my troubles, I have produced 50 meters worth of elevation change. Pictures below.
Here's the whole model that I have after one day of construction. The only part that is changing is the right side of the property. The rest of it is above this level, so technically you're looking into the underworld in chipboard form. Evil.
This picture is a close-up of the part that is actually changing at this stage of the project. You can see the contours in the light, which show the two streams that partially define our property line. I'm really happy with it so far.
This is what the model looks like while I'm working. With the help of 6 heavy books, I can press the layers together under pressure to ensure that the glue sticks really well and holds the layers together.
And that's the way the cookie didn't crumble. See ya in the morning, folks.
This afternoon I cranked out layers three, four, and five. That runs me out of my initial stock of chipboard, so I'll be making another stop at Binders today or tomorrow morning. My fingers are forming callouses from the X-Acto knife; however, I have received 3 offers for alternative cutting utensils. I welcome all offers of utensils, and I am giving serious consideration to all three currently standing. The X-Acto knife does not hold the blade well and it does fearful things to my hands. But, for my troubles, I have produced 50 meters worth of elevation change. Pictures below.
Here's the whole model that I have after one day of construction. The only part that is changing is the right side of the property. The rest of it is above this level, so technically you're looking into the underworld in chipboard form. Evil.
This picture is a close-up of the part that is actually changing at this stage of the project. You can see the contours in the light, which show the two streams that partially define our property line. I'm really happy with it so far.
This is what the model looks like while I'm working. With the help of 6 heavy books, I can press the layers together under pressure to ensure that the glue sticks really well and holds the layers together.
And that's the way the cookie didn't crumble. See ya in the morning, folks.
April 8: Daily Reflection
Today is the third first day of working on this project at school. I use strikethrough text because today has been so much more involved than all the previous days of this project combined. After acquiring all of my materials yesterday afternoon, the only thing left to do before actually building the model was to get the map enlarged to the scale that matches the vertical step of 10 meters. I went to FCA in the morning then left campus to go to FedEx/Kinkos for the enlargements. And I'm embarrassed to admit it now, but I really had no idea what to expect with the enlargement process.
I walked into the store with the original relief map of Siempre Verde and I went up to the counter and asked if I could get it blown up 46 and a half percent. The clerk gave me a strange look, as if to say, "What on Earth has this boy been doing up so late to ask for a forty-six and a half percent enlargement?" But he was very polite and told me that the process was fast and easy, and showed me how to work the large format copy machine. He informed me with a genuine regret that the machine does not do half-percents, but 46 itself would be very close. So I ran one test copy at 46% and put it on the measuring board to confirm that the long side of the map was 40". Nope, it was around 42". So I tried 44%. It came out 41". A bit shaken, but my cool not lost, I tried 42%, and the result was oh-so-infinitesimally-close 39.999999999999999999999999999999 inches. This of course was an eyeball measurement; precision is questionable but it just didn't quite look like 40". This negligible difference was a problem only for the inner perfectionist that visits me every other Thursday of the month for book club and aromatherapy massages. I got five more copies and headed back to Lovett.
When I arrived at my office, Mr. Reynolds was in the middle of botany class, but as soon as class was over, I unfurled the new big maps and he was instantly taken with them.
Here you can see Mr. Reynolds explaining where the trails are on the property, and where future trails or campsites would be located. I was equally as captivated as he was, which is to say, extremely captivated. I want to go to Siempre Verde now!
This picture shows a clear comparison of the size of the old map against the size of the new, blown-up map. The bigger map is much easier to work with!
During Chapel, I got the two useless maps (useless for my purposes - they're still really helpful for Mr. Reynolds) out and I converted the scale on each of them so that it would be centimeter-based instead of 14.5mm based. I drew the new scale with a little science ruler, and then I rolled up both of those maps into one roll and put them with all the other maps on Mr. Reynolds' desk. Then I got out my can of spray mount and a piece of chipboard, and I finally got the first cuts made! I did NOT realize how tough it would be to cut through the chipboard with this X-Acto knife. It's a double-whammy where the chipboard is tough and the blades break more frequently than I had anticipated.
The first cut is NOT the deepest, Cat Stevens, but it's definitely the hardest! I had no idea how much hand and arm strength it would take to cut these contours. My right pinky is sore from holding the knife so hard, and my left thumb is numb from pushing the board to keep it still. Alas, I took a break to share with my friends and followers! Shortly into my very first layer, I had to interrupt my progress for an epic showdown of Cuarenta, an Ecuadorian card game that was first introduced to me while I was at Siempre Verde. The match-up is SE and I versus Cooper and Mr. Reynolds. Somehow, Cooper and Mr. Reynolds had the winning move twice, but SE and I actually won the game. Only in a game so Ecua is that possible. And by the grace of Mr. Reynolds too.
After Cuarenta, I went back to work, and I finished the first layer in a little under 30 minutes. I admired my work and then moved right on to the second layer, which took me about 20 minutes. Hopefully each layer will get faster for two reasons: 1) I will get better at cutting. 2) The layers get smaller. Currently I am halfway through layer 3 (there are 94 total), and I hope to finish all 5 pieces of chipboard by the end of school. I gotta eat lunch quickly again!
Here you can see the first layer finally being revealed!
To recap, here's what I have learned today: 1) Chipboard is hard to cut. 2) I will need a new X-Acto knife soon. 3) The X-Acto blades will come out of the knife even when they're supposedly tightened down. 4) It will be a miracle if I never cut myself by the end of this project. 5) Enthusiasm is the biggest motivator. 6) This is gonna look really awesome when it's done.
That's all for the first part of today. I gotta eat quickly. Thanks for stopping by. You stay classy, San Diego.
I walked into the store with the original relief map of Siempre Verde and I went up to the counter and asked if I could get it blown up 46 and a half percent. The clerk gave me a strange look, as if to say, "What on Earth has this boy been doing up so late to ask for a forty-six and a half percent enlargement?" But he was very polite and told me that the process was fast and easy, and showed me how to work the large format copy machine. He informed me with a genuine regret that the machine does not do half-percents, but 46 itself would be very close. So I ran one test copy at 46% and put it on the measuring board to confirm that the long side of the map was 40". Nope, it was around 42". So I tried 44%. It came out 41". A bit shaken, but my cool not lost, I tried 42%, and the result was oh-so-infinitesimally-close 39.999999999999999999999999999999 inches. This of course was an eyeball measurement; precision is questionable but it just didn't quite look like 40". This negligible difference was a problem only for the inner perfectionist that visits me every other Thursday of the month for book club and aromatherapy massages. I got five more copies and headed back to Lovett.
When I arrived at my office, Mr. Reynolds was in the middle of botany class, but as soon as class was over, I unfurled the new big maps and he was instantly taken with them.
Here you can see Mr. Reynolds explaining where the trails are on the property, and where future trails or campsites would be located. I was equally as captivated as he was, which is to say, extremely captivated. I want to go to Siempre Verde now!
This picture shows a clear comparison of the size of the old map against the size of the new, blown-up map. The bigger map is much easier to work with!
During Chapel, I got the two useless maps (useless for my purposes - they're still really helpful for Mr. Reynolds) out and I converted the scale on each of them so that it would be centimeter-based instead of 14.5mm based. I drew the new scale with a little science ruler, and then I rolled up both of those maps into one roll and put them with all the other maps on Mr. Reynolds' desk. Then I got out my can of spray mount and a piece of chipboard, and I finally got the first cuts made! I did NOT realize how tough it would be to cut through the chipboard with this X-Acto knife. It's a double-whammy where the chipboard is tough and the blades break more frequently than I had anticipated.
The first cut is NOT the deepest, Cat Stevens, but it's definitely the hardest! I had no idea how much hand and arm strength it would take to cut these contours. My right pinky is sore from holding the knife so hard, and my left thumb is numb from pushing the board to keep it still. Alas, I took a break to share with my friends and followers! Shortly into my very first layer, I had to interrupt my progress for an epic showdown of Cuarenta, an Ecuadorian card game that was first introduced to me while I was at Siempre Verde. The match-up is SE and I versus Cooper and Mr. Reynolds. Somehow, Cooper and Mr. Reynolds had the winning move twice, but SE and I actually won the game. Only in a game so Ecua is that possible. And by the grace of Mr. Reynolds too.
After Cuarenta, I went back to work, and I finished the first layer in a little under 30 minutes. I admired my work and then moved right on to the second layer, which took me about 20 minutes. Hopefully each layer will get faster for two reasons: 1) I will get better at cutting. 2) The layers get smaller. Currently I am halfway through layer 3 (there are 94 total), and I hope to finish all 5 pieces of chipboard by the end of school. I gotta eat lunch quickly again!
Here you can see the first layer finally being revealed!
To recap, here's what I have learned today: 1) Chipboard is hard to cut. 2) I will need a new X-Acto knife soon. 3) The X-Acto blades will come out of the knife even when they're supposedly tightened down. 4) It will be a miracle if I never cut myself by the end of this project. 5) Enthusiasm is the biggest motivator. 6) This is gonna look really awesome when it's done.
That's all for the first part of today. I gotta eat quickly. Thanks for stopping by. You stay classy, San Diego.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April 7: Daily Log
8:00-8:50: Miscellaneous non-project activities; schoolwork, talking to AP Bio students about college, etc
8:50-9:10: Failed Skype attempt with John Wood, director of Room to Read and Lovett Graduation Speaker 2010. Skype rescheduled for noon today.
9:10-10:30: Miscellaneous non-project activities (as listed above), map scale conversion calculations
10:30-11:50: Finish all calculations, recap calculations for sharing on blog, attempt to record and upload video. Video recorded, but no luck uploading. Look for video compressor application on internet, no luck either.
11:50-12:00: Failed Skype attempt round 2. Skype rescheduled for Wednesday, April 14 at 9:00am EDT. John Wood will be in London at the time. Should be fun.
12:05-1:10: Biochem. Presentations on amino acid research. I presented tyrosine and 4 of its neurotransmitter derivatives: L-DOPA, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
1:10-1:30: Lunch
1:30-1:55: Give up on compressing video, decide to rerecord video to fit 20MB requirement. Fourth take is finally 18.6MB. Upload to blog, finish DR#1, figure out how to embed video in blog.
1:55-3:00: Combo. Review New Musical Express and attempt to play from memory. Work Billie's Bounce and work All Blues.
3:15-5:30: Go to Binders. Phone call with Mr. Schunk, discussion of materials, purchase of materials. Bring supplies back to Lovett and put them in the office. Write DR#2 and DL.
8:50-9:10: Failed Skype attempt with John Wood, director of Room to Read and Lovett Graduation Speaker 2010. Skype rescheduled for noon today.
9:10-10:30: Miscellaneous non-project activities (as listed above), map scale conversion calculations
10:30-11:50: Finish all calculations, recap calculations for sharing on blog, attempt to record and upload video. Video recorded, but no luck uploading. Look for video compressor application on internet, no luck either.
11:50-12:00: Failed Skype attempt round 2. Skype rescheduled for Wednesday, April 14 at 9:00am EDT. John Wood will be in London at the time. Should be fun.
12:05-1:10: Biochem. Presentations on amino acid research. I presented tyrosine and 4 of its neurotransmitter derivatives: L-DOPA, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
1:10-1:30: Lunch
1:30-1:55: Give up on compressing video, decide to rerecord video to fit 20MB requirement. Fourth take is finally 18.6MB. Upload to blog, finish DR#1, figure out how to embed video in blog.
1:55-3:00: Combo. Review New Musical Express and attempt to play from memory. Work Billie's Bounce and work All Blues.
3:15-5:30: Go to Binders. Phone call with Mr. Schunk, discussion of materials, purchase of materials. Bring supplies back to Lovett and put them in the office. Write DR#2 and DL.
April 7: Daily Reflection #2
At the end of the previous DR for today, I stated that my day was basically done as far as this project goes. Ha. I'm a hypocrite. I contradict myself. After 1st period combo (which was jazzy as always), I decided to go buy supplies because I have a free afternoon. So I went to Binders, which is an art supply store in the space that used to be the disco club of "Disco Kroger" at Piedmont Road and Tower Place. All of the staff that I interacted with were very helpful, and I applaud them for that. I'm sure that they could have giggled behind my back watching me cross the store back and forth at least 5 or 6 times looking for the same thing, but as far as I can tell they were very understanding of my lack of art supply purchasing expertise.
I told you previously that the height was going to be a real issue. But I had to go to the store no matter what and measure the chipboard in person just to know where to go from. Well, it turns out that the chipboard thickness I found on a Texas Tech website was not true for all chipboard, and in fact I found the PERFECT board thickness. The 2-ply chipboard is just a scoch under 3mm, which puts it dead on 10 meters in real life (side note: the word "scoch" comes straight from the Stutz Wimmer Dictionary of Jazzy English, meaning "a little" or "just a hair"). I got 5 pieces of chipboard (which is surprisingly heavy), a can of spray mount, a huge bottle of Elmer's glue, and an X-Acto knife (with 100 replacement blades). I want to give a big THANK YOU to Mr. Schunk for helping me on the phone while I was in there.
Above, you can see me measuring the thickness of the chipboard to see how it translates into real-life altitude. Below, I am lost in thought while trying to take a picture of myself lost in thought. Enjoy thoroughly.
The next step is taking the map I have and getting it enlarged 46.5% at Kinko's, and then getting several copies of the map that size. Now that I'm spending money on the project and gathering new supplies, I really feel like I'm actually doing the project; the dream has become a reality.
NOW I think I'm done today. But while I'm on a hot streak, let's not rule out a preliminary trip to Kinko's. I'll let you know.
I told you previously that the height was going to be a real issue. But I had to go to the store no matter what and measure the chipboard in person just to know where to go from. Well, it turns out that the chipboard thickness I found on a Texas Tech website was not true for all chipboard, and in fact I found the PERFECT board thickness. The 2-ply chipboard is just a scoch under 3mm, which puts it dead on 10 meters in real life (side note: the word "scoch" comes straight from the Stutz Wimmer Dictionary of Jazzy English, meaning "a little" or "just a hair"). I got 5 pieces of chipboard (which is surprisingly heavy), a can of spray mount, a huge bottle of Elmer's glue, and an X-Acto knife (with 100 replacement blades). I want to give a big THANK YOU to Mr. Schunk for helping me on the phone while I was in there.
Above, you can see me measuring the thickness of the chipboard to see how it translates into real-life altitude. Below, I am lost in thought while trying to take a picture of myself lost in thought. Enjoy thoroughly.
The next step is taking the map I have and getting it enlarged 46.5% at Kinko's, and then getting several copies of the map that size. Now that I'm spending money on the project and gathering new supplies, I really feel like I'm actually doing the project; the dream has become a reality.
NOW I think I'm done today. But while I'm on a hot streak, let's not rule out a preliminary trip to Kinko's. I'll let you know.
April 7: Daily Reflection
Today is Wednesday. I've barely gotten my feet wet in this whole senior project thing (okay, I lie, more like my shins, but I digress) and I've already run into a potentially disastrous problem. In addition to other non-senior-project activities (finishing up schoolwork, trying unsuccessfully to Skype with John Wood, and chatting with AP Bio students about college), I finished my calculations about the scale and size of this model this morning, and I am very concerned.
Instead of writing an enormous paragraph full of ugly decimals and uglier fractions, I recorded a video explanation of the issue.
Model Math Explained Model Math Explained
In the spirit of transparency, I should admit that I spent much more time on the video than I originally thought I would need. I spent all of 6th period trying to record the video properly. The issue is that the WP blog website won't allow me to upload a video larger than 20 megabytes. So, instead of rerecording the video, I tried to find an application that could compress my video to a smaller file size. Unfortunately I had no such luck with this process, and by the time I realized that I had to rerecord the video, 6th period was over and I had to go to 4th period Biochemistry. In biochem we gave presentations on amino acids, and I presented tyrosine and 4 of its derivatives.
Then it was time for lunch, and I grabbed a super quick bite and then headed back up to the office around 1:30 and did 3 more takes on the video to finally get it under 20MB (the time limit for Photo Booth quality video is around 1:50). I have 1st period combo class after lunch and then I'm done for the day. I think I'm gonna go shopping for supplies tomorrow!
Thanks for stopping by. You stay classy, San Diego.
Instead of writing an enormous paragraph full of ugly decimals and uglier fractions, I recorded a video explanation of the issue.
Model Math Explained Model Math Explained
In the spirit of transparency, I should admit that I spent much more time on the video than I originally thought I would need. I spent all of 6th period trying to record the video properly. The issue is that the WP blog website won't allow me to upload a video larger than 20 megabytes. So, instead of rerecording the video, I tried to find an application that could compress my video to a smaller file size. Unfortunately I had no such luck with this process, and by the time I realized that I had to rerecord the video, 6th period was over and I had to go to 4th period Biochemistry. In biochem we gave presentations on amino acids, and I presented tyrosine and 4 of its derivatives.
Then it was time for lunch, and I grabbed a super quick bite and then headed back up to the office around 1:30 and did 3 more takes on the video to finally get it under 20MB (the time limit for Photo Booth quality video is around 1:50). I have 1st period combo class after lunch and then I'm done for the day. I think I'm gonna go shopping for supplies tomorrow!
Thanks for stopping by. You stay classy, San Diego.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
April 6: Daily Log
8:15-9:25: Clean up workspace. Move computer to another desk, wipe down counters, throw away dead leaves, dust bunnies, etc. Get out large relief map, lay it out on the table, make measurements.
9:30-10:35: Period 1 Combo Class with Mr. Wimmer. Recap of Savannah trip and thoughts as we look forward to swing concert and NYC. Work on changes to Billie's Bounce. Run New Musical Express & Walkin and Swingin.
10:35-10:50: Break. Stop by college counseling office and give Vanderbilt student newspaper to Mrs. Copps.
10:55-12:00: Period 4 Biochemistry with Dr. Davis. Review last lecture on beta-sheets in proteins, introduce tertiary structure and quaternary structure. Discuss how mutations affect structure.
12:05-3:00: Work on blog, research on materials and prices, download jpg to pdf file converter for ease of use with large map files, locate a FedEx store for map enlargement.
9:30-10:35: Period 1 Combo Class with Mr. Wimmer. Recap of Savannah trip and thoughts as we look forward to swing concert and NYC. Work on changes to Billie's Bounce. Run New Musical Express & Walkin and Swingin.
10:35-10:50: Break. Stop by college counseling office and give Vanderbilt student newspaper to Mrs. Copps.
10:55-12:00: Period 4 Biochemistry with Dr. Davis. Review last lecture on beta-sheets in proteins, introduce tertiary structure and quaternary structure. Discuss how mutations affect structure.
12:05-3:00: Work on blog, research on materials and prices, download jpg to pdf file converter for ease of use with large map files, locate a FedEx store for map enlargement.
April 6: Daily Reflection
For as long as I can remember, my father always told me that getting started is the hardest part of doing anything. From trying a new sport to writing a paper to playing a song for a recital, there is always an inherent fear in beginning. Is this really something I want to do? Don't I have better things to do? Will I get embarrassed? Confidence and belief are key when beginning any significant undertaking.
Of course, my senior project is no different. The slow river of paperwork and forms to sign has been helpful in mentally comprehending the fact that life as I know it ended on March 31, 2010. I have been in contact with Mr. Eric Schunk by phone and email, and furthermore we met in person for a solid 45 minutes on this past Saturday evening to look at models and discuss the process of constructing a model from a relief map. We discussed which supplies are necessary and how I should organize myself for the most efficient work possible.
Even still, it was still weird to go to school this morning and start setting up my workspace for the rest of the year in the back of room 324. Weirder still was that the first class in 324 was AP Biology, which I just dropped in order to work on this project. Thankfully, they did not shun me nor refuse my questions as I overheard lecture going on in the background. But it was clear that my role in the room had changed.
I got my workspace ready to go, and after a full class period of moving old papers, cleaning up dust bunnies, and finding my initial tools, I got my "office" (as Mr. Reynolds calls it) up and ready for work. I will continue to post pictures as this area becomes a chaotic construction site. I'm glad to finally be here and working towards a two-year dream!
Of course, my senior project is no different. The slow river of paperwork and forms to sign has been helpful in mentally comprehending the fact that life as I know it ended on March 31, 2010. I have been in contact with Mr. Eric Schunk by phone and email, and furthermore we met in person for a solid 45 minutes on this past Saturday evening to look at models and discuss the process of constructing a model from a relief map. We discussed which supplies are necessary and how I should organize myself for the most efficient work possible.
Even still, it was still weird to go to school this morning and start setting up my workspace for the rest of the year in the back of room 324. Weirder still was that the first class in 324 was AP Biology, which I just dropped in order to work on this project. Thankfully, they did not shun me nor refuse my questions as I overheard lecture going on in the background. But it was clear that my role in the room had changed.
I got my workspace ready to go, and after a full class period of moving old papers, cleaning up dust bunnies, and finding my initial tools, I got my "office" (as Mr. Reynolds calls it) up and ready for work. I will continue to post pictures as this area becomes a chaotic construction site. I'm glad to finally be here and working towards a two-year dream!
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