mlina, posts by tag: school - LiveJournal

So I'm freezing my poor little toes off here at the office. Joel shut down the airconditioner on our end but it's done very little, really. At least I don't have the brunt of it turning my station into a meat-locker, but well. It's still cold. And I'm in sandals. *snuggles further into her dad's Naval and Marinetime Museum sweater*

I've spent the entire morning juggling my workload (oh FRIDAYS you FAIL >< tho not as bad as MONDAYS, but still) and the essay I'm trying to write. Creative Non-fiction is difficult, I will not have anyone tell me any different. *puffs*

I've been struggling with my writing -- well, my original writing. Which kind of bites because I was so excited about this class. After looking through all the original work I did way back when I realized that there are some pieces that could actually pass for creative non-fiction. That's not to say that I figured that this class would be easy, but I at least had an idea of what I would more or less be working, with so that it might just be a LITTLE bit easier than writing poetry which pwned my ass dead and good last term.

I started on something last week for Name's as the Self's Talismans. Didn't make the Thursday deadline, but it came out pretty good -- not incredibly wonderful like the two readings we tackled in class -- but fair enough, I think, for a first draft. After talking with Kathy in the library snce I read it aloud to her, I think I need to hammer it a bit more -- to hell with the stubbornness of words. I will make it neater and more cohesive and less... clinical. I pray I don't fall flat on my face.

I wanted to stick to the theme this week and write something to Lares et Penates: Family Guardians and Ancestors, but after struggling with several trashes paragraphs I decided to wing it... and rounded back to my aunt, and last May, and the fact that I really need to write about this, because (a) I can write about it, since I'm oddly distant from the event, and (b) because there is enough underlying emotion -- the kind that comes when I can step back and see things as they are like a short film or documentary on my life without giving in a hundred percent to the feelings of being torn up over it.

Unfortunately, all my sources do not keep dates, or are very bad at keeping track on it, and the heart of non-fiction is being true to the facts which are verifiable. Also, my Tita Inday -- the aunt who lived with Tita Bingbing in the early stages of her lupus -- is currently in Baguio and will be unreachable until she comes back down to Manila.

My parents suggested I talk to her this Sunday, gather my information then. But I feel so torn because I actually can write now.


So I guess I'll just write it out, print it up and slap it into my journal. Will work out the facts later. I'll do rough estimates based on memory and I can only hope that while I can't submit this week, when I do submit next week, it'll be all good.

Read Dr. Marj's response to my email inquiry. See, I have two untitled poems in my section of the workshop manuscript, and one of them would be discussed in class. I wasn't sure which one it was (though Kam's le_chatnoir guess turned out to be right), so for my own sake as well as everyone else's, I asked.

We'll be doing several classroom workshop sessions, two poems from each writer if I understand things correctly. Culminating activity will be the out-of-town weekend from November 30-December 2 in Tagaytay. According to the email, whatever remaining poems we have will be workshopped there.


The first poem up for discussion is is the one I wrote for Mom homesong [view poem]. I've already begun writing down marginal notes on it (in pencil); been looking for flaws, memorable lines I'd like to keep, crossing out anything remotely cliche. I sincerely want to improve this piece -- I hope to. And hopefully after all that I'll be able to find a title for it.

Confession: Despite feeling game for the class, I'm once more both looking forward to it and trying my best to fight back the anxiety that surfaces right on cue for this sort of thing.

When in the presence of more experienced writers, I admit, my confidence level goes down. I love the challenge, I really do, but sometimes there are pieces of writing that just "banish" me (I credit that to Louise Gluck, she said it in this video we watched).

I haven't touched "Epiphany". Not that I don't want to, because I do. But the more I try to work it, the more it insists to run to prose, so I've left it well alone. Started on new poems. Yes, the ones I've posted up in this journal.

But it's not just that. Based on past experience, I've had quite a number of written pieces that never manage to make it back from "the graveyard" (yes, that's a reference to Magic, the card game). So now I'm just struggling between wishing today were the day we all sat down in class to workshop and the inescapable dread that I might not do so well this term.

In relation to this, I think it's only fair to air my fears for "A Conversation". I feel bad that I already love the way this one sounds/reads. It's a surprising (well not really, when I consider that there's something about it that makes you enjoy it from the get-go) favorite, if I'm to go with the number of responses/comments on that particular entry.

But it's more than that.

The idea for it has been sitting in that little couch at the back of my head for an entire term, staring at the backs of my eyes with beady little eyes and a head-quirk reminiscent of my dog. It liked making itself heard, skittering up and down the odd staircases of my mind.

I first wrote down the line on a steno pad when we visited the Lopez Museum. I can't remember who exactly was reciting up front, but I do know it was two people after Kam le_chatnoir.

When I try to visualize an image instead of the 9 words that make up that one sentence, I pciture this dragon with Gremlin-ish ears holding a balloon. I saw that picture on devART. Yellow/yellow-brown background, purple dragon. I call him Figment, like the one Dad brought home from EPCOT when I was a kid.

It's a tiny little thing:

The bones of dragons built this city, she insists.



Ugh. I really like what I've done so far. I guess I'm just trying to tread cautiously, prodding it a little to let it know that there may or may not be any drastic changes to the final product.

I guess I have no other choice but to wait things out.


**


I have fic at the back of my head for Sam Guthrie, 616. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to bridge the gap between "idea" and "written product". Sadly, I think this is because I'm being anal again. I know its set right after the Children of the Vault bit, but I can't seem to find a particular time wherein to frame it.

Anyone on my flist with suggestions on this? Plz to be commenting. *loves*

Taken from FindArticles.com:

Science Fiction and Human Nature
[read this article]

Shades of Meaning: Science Fiction as a New Metric
[read this article]

Isaac Asimov: A One-man Renaissance
[read this article]

Creating and Comparing Myth in Twentieth-Century Science Fiction: Star Trek and Star Wars
[read this article]

Marxism and Science Fiction: A Celebration of the Work of Ursula K. Le Guin
[read this article]

Heading to school early today so that I can come home early too. Will see to the things that I need to see to and then will hitch my butt back where I'm supposed to be.

The Gaiman/FullyBooked event was great. :) Have pictures and will post them up after I transfer them to the computer. Will accompany pictures with the obligatory post. :D Heh. Watched PoTC last Saturday with Kam le_chatnoir and have decided that one day I will own the two Nightcrawler trade paperbacks that are sitting pretty at Rockwell FullyBooked.

T_T *flails* Now you see why my icon is what it is. ;p Meh.



Anyway, critiques and comments for All the Bright Children: Katé - APERTURE (in my previous post) are still very much welcome; and without further adieu (because I've been asked to post it up already, and because Issue #8 is 85% accomplished):

otherearth626 Issue #7 - Things We Do

things to do:

♥.. submit thesis to the Behavioral Sciences Department
♥.. get PROGDEV course card
♥.. get CHILLIT course card


Last day of school today. Tomorrow, I'm a free woman in more ways than one. Let's hope there aren't any more surprises (oh like the one wherein the first page of my thesis paper read '2005' and not '2006' ugh ><) -- I think I'd prefer a normal induction into Summer 2006 thankyouverymuch.

I think I'm actually now allowing myself to feel good -- to feel free.

Four copies of my thesis are sitting in my room right now (whilst Neal watches TV, heheh...). Two for submission to Ms. Myla (original and one photocopy) on Monday, and the other two for me and Gi to keep for ourselves. Feels good. It really does. Now the only thing I need is the .pdf file in a CD. Have asked Kam to convert my thesis for me into that -- hopefully she can do it, if not, I guess I'll have to scramble about for anyone else who knows how.

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Mom managed to dig up my old pointe shoes. Saw my very first pair again. And yes, I know, I know -- why the heck do we bother to keep battered, run-down old pointe shoes? Easy: the Bloch size 4 was my first pair, and the Grishko 4 1/5 (there's another one in my room) holds sentimental value.

I guess it's still sinking in. The scholarship, I mean. Was chatting with Angel lock_n_pop on y!m last night (her flight's been moved to May, btw) and other than catching up and agreeing to meet sometime next week (I'd say my birthday... because I'm like that -- smushing a whole lotta people who don't know each other together -- I did it a lot in previous years... but this year I want to ask the Buko Crew buko_sessions if that'll be okay... ^^;; I want you guys to meet my dance class friends... heheh...), we talked about what exactly was going to happen to me once the summer dance workshop starts.

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The hearts signify my schedule -- I'm going to get run down. I LOVE IT. Can't wait. :DDD I get to learn a helluva lot.

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Had Rangiku and Howl respond to their threads. Am still trying to get myself familiar in Howl's skin (*prays that the book S sent her gets here safe*). He's now with Xaldin and we'll see how things go from there. As for Ran, shared this thread with Chibs silverscar82. Am terribly amused and excited with the prospect of seeing the Bleach cast (those who are on Thursday) shunpo-ing all over the city. *crosses fingers* Hopefully that happens soon. D: I want to RP with Skwinky/Hitsu-mun.

*yawns*

Will go watch Oprah with my parents now. :D

I think I want to cry over it, but I won't. Because as of tomorrow -- as of the moment I see the three (3) sets of photocopies plus the original copy sent off to the bookbinder, I am officially done finished through with thesis.

Oh. My. God.




thank you.

It's finally OVER. Just OVER. I don't think I've ever been more relieved in my entire life. And that is not an exaggeration. Not in any way.

I know I've been over this probably a hundred time by now, but the official recap of the past two days plus my weekend was spent poring over revisions and changes (I swear to God, the margins for thesis kill my brain and my editing skills. >< Ugh. Can't they stick to NORMAL margins? 1''x1''x1''x1''???) attempting to meet and include all that Ms. Alice sent as mentor's notes. That does not exclude tonight... err... today, that is.

Now it's finished. Ohhell I love that word right now: finished. There is no turning back, no more editing, no more typing, no more worries save for the actual submission. More stress on the no-more-editing part particularly because I have no more thesis paper. ^^;;

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Flip: hullo, sis.
Me: omg
Me: O____________________O
Me: it's YOU
Me: :D
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There is something mildly surreal about getting an im from my brother _thenothing_ at around 1am. I dunno... he and I have never imed each other before (I mean, hey, we see each other here at home every night and well... we only have one computer so... yeah...). This was a first.

Heheh... the abridged version is -- Nate's out. Something about planning with his orgmates or something. I just hope he gets some shuteye. If anything, he's gotten so little of that lately (my opinion) what with KH2 temporarily taking over his life, my room and my tv. ^^;;

Speaking of shuteye, I need to get some soon.


Today in a couple of sentences: Went to Taft (where my school is) to check on my clearance with the clinic and to get the format for the Approval Sheet that we have to include in the thesis. Accomplished tasks and droped by Sammu's alluriel just to hang out for a bit. Ate a light lunch c/o Sammu. Played a bit with Merc who needs a bath cos he is dusty (but still adorable). Watched about six eps of Kare Kano which has now officially stolen my ickle heart. Squealed with delight and kilig infront of Sammu which made me feel good cos I haven't done that in awhile. Went home. Talked to Mom homesong over Ruffles and Cream Cheese. Ate dinner. Edited thesis. Talked to Kam le_chatnoir. Printed thesis.

Also, got to SMS Krys a.k.a. Isis formerly known on LJ as isiseden. I don't know how schedules will go, but in the idea setting I will hopefully see her either this week or on my birthday itself. *yawns* But we'll see.




And now to bed.

On school... Today will be work on final thesis editing before will send it off via email to Gi for printing so that she can hand it in to Ms. Manlangit tomorrow. Dunno if I can get to school and back home in time (read: before 12:30pm) if I do it myself, so I really feel it would be best to leave it in Gi's hands for now. I'll do the worrying for the actual book binding for the final, final copies and the .pdf file for the CD which is due on Wednesday.

*sighs* Oh, BeHaSci Department. Why do you stress your students so?

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On Airdance... Got a call-back yesterday, :( though I'm sad that Nate didn't make it. Didn't really know what to say when Ate She called to tell me to show up tomorrow . In any case, will be going to the final audition tomorrow with Mirell and will be hoping for the best. Wish me luck? *nervous already*



Tagged by Crissy crazycrissy

Name ten of life's simple pleasures that you like most, then pick ten people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used.

1. Waking up to a cloudy, rainy, cool morning when it's been terribly hot.
2. Finding a book that I really, really want at the booksale or unearthing a favorite book from my own shelf.
3. Getting to spend time with friends for either lunch or dinner out.
4. Getting sent stuff for no real reason (♥s S white_death; and like that time last year when TheManinBlue sent me Vienna Teng's autographed pic).
5. Finding Arce Dairy Cheese Ice Cream in the fridge.
6. Naps... and a good night's rest.
7. Digging up old books that I can read again.
8. Chance meetings with people I haven't seen in awhile.
9. Finally knowing for sure that it's all working out for the best (THESIS! ;p).
10. Having TIME back on my side.



Dunno who's already been tagged by this thing, so I'll keepit's pretty much open to snicking from anyone.

I just finished my bio-data/resume for the audition this afternoon. Will be joining my brother instead of postponing the whole thing for Friday... I guess it makes more sense this way. Thesis went well yesterday, but Gi and I have to work on the editing and final revisions before Monday so that Ms. Alice can give us feedback and so that we can finally have it bound (omgthethoughtstillgivesmetheshivers). So... yeah.

Hopefully Mirell can make it today. At least that way I won't be... alone? :(

In any case, I've finally had a good night's sleep. No more tossing and turning. No more worries. Submitted both the PROGEV Project Proposal and my CHILLIT Creative Final (Ms. Pacis loved... *sqeuees* and we read it to the class and *I* got the shivers) and have just my CHILLIT Critical Paper to go (will submit tomorrow). Checked with my clearance and all that was in my account was that I have to go check with the clinic to clear my APE (whatever that is).

Received pictures from Angel lock_n_pop via email and will check them out later. Nothing yet from Shary sharysweetie, but I'll ask her again maybe this afternoon via text if not personally. Am also currently catching up to the RP threads that I have to reply to: have Rangiku over here and Howl over here. :)


Odd, this feeling of freedom. :p

One word for y'all, say it with me:

BOUND!

Here we go! 2-point-oh BABY!!!

I'm graduating this year!


Love to Nate _thenothing_, Ice alana_feuery and Hope-lovecoffeebased for the comments on the previous entry.