Pieces of Resa

Wow it has been a while...

2009-05-11T17:37:00.005-05:00

I have been very very busy this semester. Things have been starting to come to a close now, and so I am able to spend more time putting somethings together for some blog posts that will be up this week.

First in my Constructional Sequence Video that I've made for this last project. This isn't perfect, but I had fun.

More Photos.

2009-03-12T22:21:00.003-05:00

New Photos posted to facebook. Commentary to follow eventually...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2253312&id=17017637&l=d6dc6

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2253327&id=17017637&l=f14a8

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2253330&id=17017637&l=4edfd

I'm in Boston

2009-03-09T22:05:00.002-05:00

I'm exhausted, but I wanted to go over a little bit of what I did today... for pictures go to:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2252704&id=17017637&l=af0b2

Quick run through
1. Drove w/ Momma to Airport really early.
2. Left at 6:05am CDT, Arrived 9:55 EDT about 20 of my classmates were on the same flight.
3. Got off plane, waited for Chris.
4. Chris and I waited for Shuttle for about 20 minutes, and then took it to the subway, which we took to Government Center and then we went from there to our Hotel, and checked in.
5. 12:00 Chris and I decided to take a walking tour of the area around our hotel. We ended up going further than we expected, making it all the way to the Boston Public Library. But we didn't go in anywhere.
6: 1:30 Chris and I went in the City Center Food Court and ate at a local sandwich shop where we had FRESH tuna salad sandwiches. Nothing like it.
7: Got back to hotel and went on a walking tour with Larry. Went to some of the same places as I did w/ Chris, but we actually went into many of them, and we went much further, heading all of the way down to the Smoots bridge, Stopping for Free Coffee at a new completely organic/natural coffeehouse. Good coffee! Then we took the bus across the river to MIT, and we went to the Boat House project site.
8: A few of us went from the Boat House to Harvard to see Renzo Piano. We waited in line for an hour or so hoping to get in an open seat. While we were waiting, he walked right by! We did get in, and he was an amazing speaker, entertaining and everything. The lecture hall was gorgeous too.
9: After the lecture, we took the subway back to the hotel where we met Larry before heading to Little Italy for dinner.
10: Larry, Vikki, Jill and I ate a wonderful Italian Dinner.
11. We stopped by a Gelato/ Bakery afterwards, but I was too stuffed to eat.
12. I'm back in the hotel and want to sleep.

Busy life.

2009-03-01T18:20:00.002-06:00

I haven't written in a while... Mostly because of how busy I've been with classes, family and such. Here's what's happened major in the past few months.

I worked at the same firm over Christmas Break that I worked at over last year, which was a lot of fun. Now I'm back at KSU working for the Facilities Planning office.

I Found out I'm going to be an Aunt in July this year, I'm really excited about this, and I'll find out whether its a boy or girl next week.

Started a side job doing computer drafting for a new Villa Fay apartment building just down the street from where I live.

Have a wonderful Studio professor, Larry Bowne, who pushes me to do my absolute best with everything, and has helped my designs blossom. I'm also in his Seminar class, The Sewer and it's representations, very interesting material if I say the least.

I am going to Boston and New York City next week (March 9-17), and I'll try to put most of my pictures up from this asap.

I will also put up photos of the KaMMCO Building I helped design when I get home next weekend to take them.

Well, I've got to get back to work.

Little Update... more to come.

2008-12-12T12:34:00.005-06:00

So, my classes are over, all but finals. I have a final on Monday, one on Wednesday, and a portfolio due on Wednesday. I'm moving everything out of studio this weekend, and will also have a lot of time on my hands. So I'll be updating this blog more this weekend as well, with personal photos and other computer renderings.

This week I've turned in 2 projects. Here's one of them, all of these were created by myself, with the assistance of some photos found online, 3DS Max, and Photoshop This is the house for Travis McGee, that I designed earlier this year. The actual Images print out on 11x17's but for blog purposes, they are smaller.

I am having a good time. Watch for more to come!

Oh... by the way, I am constantly updating my Christmas list (see earlier post). I am adding several inexpensive gift ideas, as well as marking off an item which I just had to have before Christmas.

Boston Trip: Planning for March 9th-13th

2008-11-25T12:56:00.007-06:00

My Studio is going to Boston, MA in the Spring, well at least from March 9th-13th. My Studio will be touring the area as a class field trip.

There is a chance my class may swing down to NYC that following weekend, but plans haven't been finalized for that yet.

My Spring Break is the following week, so we have a lot of flexibility.

We are in charge of our own transportation to and from the area, so I can plan on staying longer, and spending an extra few days there with my friends, or travelling around NYC, or whatever I want. It completely depends on how much money I want to and can spend.

Trip details:
Cost: $75 deposit due December 30th
est. $350+/- total for the week hotel expenses, public/ train transportation, and admittance to events and museums. (A GREAT DEAL) We will also be responsible for several of our own meals.

We will be staying at the OMNI PARKER HOUSE, a hotel which overlooks Boston Common.
We will be in the North End, where we plan on walking the Freedom Trail, and visiting the OLD NORTH CHURCH.
We will go to the Italian District, and eat real Boston Pizza at Regina's Pizza,
We will see the Green Monster, at Fenway Park, although it won't be baseball season yet.
We will visit both MIT and Harvard Campuses, taking in the beautiful buildings designed by some of the best Architects the World has ever known.
The Contemporary Art Museum cantilevering over the Charles River, will be one of my favorite stops on this trip.
We plan to take a Train up to New Hampshire, to see the Exeter library, (on Thursday)

Lastly, We will check out of our hotel by 11:00am on Friday Morning, when some classes may head to NYC for a few days.

So, I'm excited, and I have some decisions to make. Whether or not to extend my trip into Spring Break, where I will go, where I will stay, and what I feel like I ought to take in.

If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Well, I have a few months to decide, so I can still book my flights early.

Christmas Wish List

2008-11-19T17:10:00.008-06:00

I made this list when it was requested by a few friends that I put it on here, do not feel obligated to get me anything from here.

My Christmas Wish list.- Not in any particular order
· Netflix Gift Subscriptions for 1 DVD at a time unlimited per month. (I won’t be able to watch more than 1 at a time)
Available at: http://www.netflix.com/GiftPurchase
· Deep soup bowls/cups: Must be Microwaveable and good for 2-3 cups of liquid
· Small Thermos' for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
· Water bottles: for the Rec
· Small and Medium sized mixing bowls
· *Drafting stool/ Chair for studio: Back support, No arms, and cushions would be appreciated (would appreciate it to raise up 24”+)
· Cheese, Summer Sausage, and Cracker gift boxes (always good during holidays)
· Home-made treats (use your imagination)
· Hot Cocoa Mixes or Coffee Blends (pick out ones you like, and I’ll probably like them as well)
· *5 button optical mouse: for my laptop computer (wireless not desired due to battery consumption, and my tendency to lose things)
· *DVD-R for my TV
· *Printer for my laptop
X (already received)*Wall Charger for my Sam sung Cell phone: X
· Flour sack towels
· Big Bath Sheets (large towels sized 34x68 or comparable)
· 1 Gigabyte or larger flash drive
· Exercise Capri's Size Large (preferably with tied or adjustable waists b/c I am losing weight)
· Sweaters (large and not cut short
· Luggage(for travelling)

· Wal-mart Gift Cards (for groceries, and other necessities)

· Varney’s Gift Certificates

(for model building supplies and text books, I've spent almost $200 here this semester alone, not including textbooks, which is more than I've spent at Wal-mart) :

Available at: http://www.shopvarneys.com/

· *Ramsey/Sleeper’s Architectural Graphic Standards tenth or 11th edition: an invaluable resource for every architect.

NEW ITEMS ON MY LIST:

Cash or Checks: money always comes in handy for tuition and other costs.

Sketch book (8.5x11 or bigger)

*Narnia: Prince Caspian on DVD (widescreen format preferred)

Gently used items are acceptable. My rule: if you can get it cheaper, and it works just as well, then get it used!

Other Tips for gifting:
My favorite color is white, I collect snowmen, blue, black and red look good on me, I swim and exercise every week. I’m going to Boston/ New York in March, so any items that would help me in my travelling would be helpful. I appreciate things with multiple functions

*If you wish to purchase this Item, with a need of only 1, please contact my mother to let her know you want to get me this Item: mkemper@fbtopeka.com or if you have her cell phone #, just call, this is to ensure that I don’t get multiples (she will keep it quiet until I receive the gift)

Update 11/19/08

2008-11-19T16:00:00.003-06:00

Photos to come when I get my camera and computer together:

I have been very busy lately, with work, school, and Studio. Last week was insane, I was working on Three projects
One for Environmental Systems Due Tuesday,
One for my Computers class, with an interim due date on Tuesday,
And I had a Studio Mid-Crit on Wednesday, which required most of my Studio Drawings to be done, and a rough model.

Then, on Thursday I had a test in my Structures Class
Wednesday night, though, I took time away from studying to go to the Rec with Stephanie, where I found out that I've lost 2olbs since school started in late August. (oh yeah!)

So, I didn't get to work until Thursday, and I had to catch up on a lot of things there.

On Friday, I mostly relaxed, and worked all day except for one class period, because my professor wasn't going to be in Studio.

Then, on Saturday, I went back to Topeka, where I joined my mom for a late lunch at the Mall, followed by those fabulous nuts that they coat in the most amazing sweet glazing. We went home and watched a movie called "Nine Months" through my Netflix account on my computer.
We picked L.J. up from Chick-fil-A and took him to TWHS for his play preparations.
We met up with my brother Jere, his wife Reagan, my Aunt Beth, and my "sister", Kristin to watch L.J.'s performance in "Our Town" which were wonderful, both he and the play.

I think that during the play I realized that I wasn't feeling so well, My throat was sore, and I felt a little warmer than usual, not feverish, but like I was fighting off something. I didn't feel miserable until late Sunday Night.

We didn't go to bed until 11pm that night, and I was too tired to put the bedding on my bed, so I just slept on the couch, which I find more comfortable anyway.
Sunday morning came too early. Mom had to be at the Church really early in order to make the 9 pots of coffee with the one operational maker available. Thankfully enough, she let me and L.J. sleep in.

I woke up at 7:15 and hollered down to L.J. he made a reply that to me sounded Cognisant, but apparently wasn't, because 7:35 came around, 10 min before we had to leave for church, and I yelled down the 10 minute warning, and he wasn't up yet, and yelled back "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" Well, I had. Anyway, he woke up and got dressed and out the door with his Tux, Trumpet, and French Horn in my car. We scraped the frost off my windshield (first time I've had to do this this year) and went to the early service at church, getting there just right on time.
L.J. and I left the church after the first service, and with time to kill, we journeyed to Downtown Topeka so I could see KaMMCO and it's progress. We then drove to Washburn and I helped L.J. and his instruments into the concert hall, where he was going to practice before the Topeka Youth Symphony performance later on in the afternoon.
I then went home and played on my Computer for a few hours until My mother and Aunt Beth arrived so we could go out for lunch.
We had lunch at Johnny Carino's starting around 11:30am, and ending much later at 1:30pm. Mom had to leave to pick up L.J, and they came back to joined us around 12:45 or so. I ate more during that meal than I have in a long time, Stuffed Mushrooms, Salad, Bread, and my main Entree, Angel Hair pasta with Chicken and Artichokes. It was awesome, the only thing better during that meal was my family being around me.
We all went to the concert by 2:00 and enjoyed watching L.J. play both his French Horn and Trumpet, and during one song, he switched between the two, which is a difficult adjustment to make, as I well know.

This weekend made me really proud of my little brother. He's done some of the things that I really wanted to do during High School, but my classes, and other priorities never aligned in the right direction to allow me to do them. Seeing L.J. in the tux was very impressive, he looked so good, and grown up too.

Well, I returned to Manhattan after the performance, I wasn't ready to go, but I had to so I could get more work done for classes. While working, I watched Sweeney Todd, a gruesome movie, which I would only recommend to those who laugh at gore, and don't take it seriously, and don't look away at each throat slicing scene, as I did. The end redeemed it slightly, but not completely. It could be a decent Halloween Movie. I was glad that I only rented it, seeing it once was enough.

Because I still wasn't feeling well, I took Medicine, and went to bed early. Waking up feeling only worse, but I still went to work and classes.

I did have a small adventure on Monday, when the power went out at 1:00 on most of campus. The reason? According to rumor, a squirrel fell onto the Southwest Sub Station Transformer, and when it exploded, it made the squirrel fly and hit the back-up Transformer, causing that to blow too. The power didn't come back on until I left Studio at 4:30 when it was too dark for me to do studio work at my desk, and after I met with my Professor.

I went home and studied some for my Tuesday Systems Test, but went to bed early again, taking more medicine, because I was feeling awful.

Tuesday morning came around, and I felt a little better, but I decided to not go into work until after my test, so I could rest some and study more. I took my test, and I think I did okay. Then I went to work for a few hours, and back to classes. I thought I had a meeting that night, but I guess it was actually scheduled for tonight, so I finish this up and go there afterward.

I woke up this morning feeling a lot better, practically healed from my Brief cold. I slept in a little later than usual, and left my house late too, forgetting my lunch as I went out the door.

So, I went to work, and forgetting that it was Wednesday instead of Tuesday or Thursday, I forgot to go to my Structures class at 10:15, so I designed a couple of logos for a competition in the Facilites department. I'm sitting in Studio right now, with a long list of things to do for Friday and also for Monday, so I thought I would update this now, incase I don't get around to another update until Monday.
I'm hungry, and really wanting food, but that will have to wait until I get home from the meeting which ends at 7:00pm, because I can't afford to go and buy my dinner at the Union. I have a cup of hot cocoa here to tie me over though, so I'm not totally with out anything.

Well, I will have to wrap this up, so watch for the photos, and I hope to update you again around Monday or so.

Have a great Week!

E-mails

2008-11-07T10:06:00.005-06:00

If you received an e-mail just now, you have been connected to my blog by e-mail, that means that I have put you on the list of 10 people who will get e-mails whenever I update my blog.

I have 6 on my list right now. I you want on this list, or know someone who wants an e-mail each time I post a new post, let me know, and I can put them, or you, on the list.

If you got an e-mail, and you would rather not get a message whenever I update my blog, just let me know, I could use your slot for another person.

I have just discovered how to do this, so I hope it works.

As always you can contact me at mkemper@ksu.edu (checked everyday), or resas_pieces78@hotmail.com (checked weekly)

Legacy

2008-11-07T09:26:00.005-06:00

Recently I received an E-mail from my mom, which had these photos attached.

Most people when they die have some sort of epitaph on the front of their tombstone...

R.I.P.

Loving Mother...

Faithful Wife...

or some humorous quote.

On my Grandparents' Tombstone, picked out by my Granddad after Grandma passed away a few years ago, they have a simple front listing their names, important dates, the tombstone has a modern curved form, with a vase for flowers also on the pedestal. On the reverse side, they have the legacy they've left behind:

They list their children's names.

This will make it easier for future generations to track lineage, and adds another conversation point when going to visit Lewis and Betty in future years.

In all reality, stories fade. In several generations they may not know of Grandma's Teaching, or Grandpa's handiwork, but they will be able to know what their true legacy is: their children, their grandchildren, and now their great grandchildren, so on and so forth. People who are into heritage may find this in years to come can also see who their children were and automatically have more of a family tree. What a wonderful thought.

My weekend...

2008-10-27T17:08:00.010-05:00

My weekend...

I left Manhattan before 5:00pm on Friday, so that I could get out before the homecoming parade started. I drove to Topeka.

I visited the downtown bus station, to observe the buses and how the station was layed out to accomodate them. I am designing a bus station for my new Studio project.

Then I drove to KaMMCO to see the construction progress on one of the first buildings I've ever done drawings for. They have brick up! It actually looks like a buildings

Then I went to L.J.'s Marching Band performance.

And Light show.

Mom, Vera, and Dennis were there.

Mom and I went to Norton to visit Dad on Saturday. We had a good visit, accompanied with Pizza and hotwings. They were good. (no photos...sorry) I'm very proud of my dad... he's really growing in his new environment, and becoming closer to Christ and helping those around him. Its very apparent that he is where he is for a higher purpose.

We stopped at A&W on the way home, and had a wonderful meal there too. We got back before 9:00pm.

The next day we went to church early to help set up the hospitality, went to the first service, stayed to help during the second, then I was picked up by my "Sister", Kristin, for lunch at El Mezcal.

I went home, and then my mother and I drove to Lowes to pick up a Space Heater and a Humidifier for my bedroom, using the gift cards that I received from Dennis and Vera Brinkman.

After Lowes, and some afternoon devotions, followed by a Sunday afternoon nap, I drove back to Manhattan.

I wasn't in my bedroom but for ten minutes, setting up my humidifier, before I heard big and loud, creak, crack, scrape, and thump. The tree in my neighbors backyard fell, hitting the back side of our house (where Stephanie and I both were in our bedrooms) knocking out our cable,
and pulling the electric box off of our house, as well as pulling down all of the wires in our yard.

This branch hit our house on my bedroom corner, doing the damage seen here. I'm thankful it didn't hit the windows, or break through the walls, especially as I would have been in it's path.

When the electric company came, they had to shut off our electricity so that it wouldn't catch fire. It was one cold night. We had to wait for the electrician to come and rewire a new box onto our house, which would not happen until Monday.

Monday came, and so did the electrician, but they couldn't do work until the tree was removed from our yard. Tree company came, removed the tree, and the electric company came and were finished by 4:30, the next step was to get someone from the city in to inspect the box, then KP&L could come and turn our power back on. Of course, the city didn't come that day (they wouldn't come after 5) so there was no power that night. Tuesday came and the inspector arrived, and by 12:45 the KP&L people had come and restored our electricity.

My space heater finally came in handy that afternoon, and by 1:30 my bedroom was a comfortable 72degrees. YAY!

Now, I sleep comfortably, in my bedroom, watch TV through the wonderful internet, and feel a little warmer with my new space heater, and with more sunlight shining in my room too!

Fun drawings!

2008-10-10T15:19:00.003-05:00

So, in my computers class we have been working with REVIT, a wonderful software similar to AutoCAD Architectural Desktop, the program that I worked on with Schwerdt Design Group. I have really been enjoying it, although some things are more difficult, it can produce a much more cohesive design.

Here is a rendered version of my McGee house project that I finished for this Computers Class. This was ALL done on REVIT.

I am having so much fun with these programs.

Look for more to come!

Busy me, again.

2008-10-01T09:12:00.002-05:00

So, yesterday, Tuesday afternoon, I left work around 2:15 as I normally do. I went to studio to meet with my professor and go over my preliminary ideas, I settled on the last one (seen in previous blog) I will be modifying it greatly, changing sizes, removing the tower, but lifting another section so that is has a vertical emphasis. but it will still have th same basic concept.
Afterwards, we went to our computer class lab, then went to the studio section back in studio, after that we went back to the computer lab, but this time for Structures to work on RisaTech. It was 6:30 by the time I got out of that class, and on my bike to head home.

I ate a quick dinner, and then Stephanie and I went swimming. Stephanie and I were trying to figure out how much we actually swim. We thought originally that if our pool was 50m (like the olympic pools) than we could swim 32 lengths to equal the roughly 1600m that are in a mile. I made it to 32, and Stephanie reached around 36 or 38. It wasn't until just now that we discovered our pool is 25 yards, which means that we would have to swim 70-71 lengths to equal 1 mile. So, essentially, Stephanie swam 1/2 a mile, and I swam just under. Oh well.

I also discovered yesterday, while measuring my bike route on Google Earth, that I bike 2.5 miles everyday, going to and from work and classes. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

Well, today I have to get back to working on my designs, and working on classroom layouts, and afterwards, I get to study for my Structures test tomorrow. Yay!

New models and new ideas.

2008-09-29T16:35:00.004-05:00

So, I am working on a project in Studio for a hypothetical Konza Prairie Nature Center, a museum/ childrens lab/ visitors center. Here are a few of my current early massing models with basics.

These are just massing models, I haven't included much of the structural systems yet, just simple concepts.

Necessary things that we needed to integrate were green roofs and limestone. I also wanted to have some focus on the path which leads up to the building coming off of a trail. I wanted to have a vertical element so that people could go up and get a grand view, and to make the design stand apart from the horizontal of the site. With the last one I was able to bring the outside into the center and make the roof so someone could walk on it.

The third model varies from the first two quite a bit, and I kind of like it the best, although the simplicity of the first kind of draws me to it.

Why I am being forced to live a little greener...

2008-09-29T15:23:00.004-05:00

So... My weekend was okay.

I went to Topeka on Saturday night. I was driving in my car, in which the turn signals aren't working, so I had to roll my window down to make hand-signals. Which meant that I didn't have my air conditioner turned on much, as I had a cool breeze.

My mom and L.J. were out of town at one of his marching festivals in Olathe, so instead of sitting around doing nothing at the house, I called up my best friend, Kristin, and we hung out together. We met at Barnes & Noble, and got ourselves some blended creme drinks. We paid, and stood around talking until the drinks were prepared. Kristin's drink was done first, and handed to her. She handed me a straw, and by the time I had the wrapper opened, the power went out. Barnes & Noble, Kohls, and Wal-mart all were dark. I don't know where else was out of power, but it made us nervous. I was fortunate in that my drink was already blended, and all the person had to do is put the whipped cream on and hand it over. So, then I walked Kristin out to her car, and walked over to my car, and we left for Kristin's dorm. We spent time there talking, as we can always do. Then, I went with Kristin to watch her practice ballroom dancing, which was absolutely beautiful. I left the dorms around 10:30 or 11:00 and headed home. I was almost asleep when my mom called at 12:00am, a(according to my phone) Her car wouldn't start, and she asked me to go to TW, and jump her car for her. So, I got up, and went to the TW parking lot, where she was. One gentleman helped us hook up the cables and we tried to turn her car on, but no luck. The second attempt made a puff of smoke come up off of her engine block. We took my car home, and decided to worry about it after church in the morning.

So, the plans were that morning, that if nothing could be done about the car by the time I had to leave, my mom would drive me to Manhattan, and drive the car back to use that week.
I was fortunate to run into Joe Mullenkamp at church, he goes to K-State, and was going to be heading back later on Sunday, so he offered to carpool.

Nothing was done about her car, and so now, I am in Manhattan, Car-less. I ride my bike to work, classes, and Studio, and when it gets late, I pack up my computer, and some supplies, and ride back home. I should be okay with groceries for the week, so I won't need to go much further than my bike can take me.

Next weekend, Joe and I will probably head back to Topeka together Friday night, unless I have another friend heading from Manhattan to Topeka on Saturday or so. Which might be Kristin, as she might be coming to Manhattan this weekend to visit a few of her friends, including myself. I may be able to head back home with her. We'll see.

So, I am carpooling, bike riding, and basically conserving gas somewhat this week. Living just a little bit greener. I may be somewhat constrained in what I can do, but I will cope for a week.

A WEEK WITHOUT DRIVING?!?! WHAT WILL I EVER DO?!?! I do love to drive. But I guess I will learn to appreciate the priviledge even more so when I get my car back this Weekend, hopefully.

Photos!!

2008-09-25T22:46:00.010-05:00

So, I thought that I might share with you some photos that I have taken. ENJOY!

A Rainless Rainbow, which poked thru the clouds on my way to Kristins a while back. I just loved that rainbow, and being able to share it with Kristin was even better

So, here are a few of my early designs for my first project.

the first was too Geometrical, the second too literal. so I made a compromise.

And this was my final model....

And this was the resulting effect the final model's production had on me.

This is how I saw my drawings that night while putting them into the computer.

Like my memories of these evenings, which I'm glad I documented as they were going on in my previous post, Everything was blurry.

This is Meg. Meg was in studio late with me and most of our class. I took this photo to see if anyone else sees the resemblance between her and a certain Sister-in-law of mine.

These are from the Konza Prairie Field Trip that we took for studio.

The view of a bridge we walked across. The signs to the bridges said no bouncing and only 3 people allowed on bridge at one time. College students don't read very well.

The water we went across on the bridge

Two of the many beautiful views from the trail.

The second looks back towards Manhattan, but you can't see it so well.

One example of the beautiful plants on the trail. A Wild Sunflower.

Myself on the trail, after a long hike up a steep hill. I was enjoying the view and I took off my hat to let my hair blow so you could see the wind at the top of this hill. You also see my binocular string hanging around my neck, the only place where I was sunburned.

Myself, with my K-state Hat to block the sun from my eyes, I had my Babe-a- licious sunglasses on, but took them off so I could use my binoculars. You also see the strap to my camera bag, which left a significant rubbing burn on my neck, which is still there. I was well prepared, except for the water bottle I left in my car

Well, I hope you enjoyed these photos. It about time I get back home so I can get sleep before work and classes tomorrow.

What you wait for never lasts long enough. 9-15 thru 9-24

2008-09-18T08:58:00.014-05:00

So, sleep came. I did sleep Sunday night, from 11:30pm until 8:00 am. That was one of the best nights of sleep that I have had in a long time. I had waited, and waited for that night. 8 1/2 hours of sleep was very helpful, although it did not make up for all of the hours I lost.

Monday:

So, this day, I put some final touches on my project, triple checked things here and there to make sure all was going to go well. I went to my Structures class at 10:30, and stayed awake through it all, especially when he kept saying my name. The name of the software we will be using is called RisaTech. Pronounced "Reesa"tech like my name. Drago (Our nick name for Professer Dragoslav Simic) shortens it to Risa, and by doing so, I have to admit, keeps me awake. The class was only 1/4 full. Most of the other students decided to either sleep in, after having been up over the weekend as myself, or go to studio and work more on incomplete projects.
We also went over our tests from last week. This was when I knew I had an A. Knowing you did things right really makes one feel superb, I just hope that I can continue receiving these kinds of grades on Structures tests.

I then purchased my 3/8" Foam core for mounting purposes. At the K-State union bookstore, there is this gentleman named Seth. He is a very kind salesman, and has been there since my freshman year. I know him, and he recognizes me. He gives me straight answers, and even straighter cuts off of the cutting board. Seth is the only one I let cut my materials for me at the bookstore, as I have had bad experiences with others. If he is not there, I go back to studio and cut my own materials, or wait until the weekdays when I know he will be there. I do go to the bookstore at least once a week, and more so if it is at the end of a project. Monday, while cutting my board into 18"x24", he told me I'm always kind to him, which is good, because he's always the same way for me.

Anyway, Then I went and printed off a few color images to add to one of my boards. And was done with that by the time presentations began. We carried our models over to our crit room, which was in Seaton Court. Presentations of this scale normally last the whole class period, from 1:30 -5:30 or later. I was going to be the third to last person to present, so I knew I had a little bit of time to wait. While waiting, sitting in one of those tablet-arm-chair-desks, I had my model sitting in front of me. So, I started to clean it up, dust off saw dust, polish the plastic "glass" and such. It was around this time when one of the pieces of my model, a decorative piece of wood, fell from underneath the skylight I had in place. I realized that I had to remove the glass, (not easy to do without damaging it) and get a tool so that I could reach inside the model, as well as glue everything back into place.

So I left the room for a quick break, ran all of the way back to studio, and grabbed a little pointy file to reach inside my model with, and my super glue, (as well as a cola, so I could have something to drink.) I took my model out to the hall way, and did the last minute repairs.

I'm happy to say that was the only major problem I had that day.

I was really nervous about this crit. There was a professor whom I had for a previous crit, and along with one other, gave me the worst crit I've ever had. There was nothing positive stated about the design, and I had no support from my instructor as to the changes that she had told me to make.

Luckily, this wasn't the case this time.

I had a crit that I felt OK about. Someone in my class said it went very well for me. My drawings looked good, they showed things that almost every other person's lacked. They liked my model. A few things could have been done differently, and they would have if I had more time. They told me that it was obvious that I had done a lot of work, and that I knew what I was talking about, which is always good.

So, anyway, that night, I went home, and picked up my notes for a Systems test which was the next day. Then I studied for that test. It seems like there is always something. I get done with one thing, and the next deadline, or test is the following day.

Tuesday

I woke up early Tuesday morning, to copy my notes for Kendra, a friend, and put them on her studio desk, while I picked up her textbook so that I could finish writing up the crib sheet we were allowed. I wrote down what I could, and then went to work.

Systems is at 11:30 on Tuesday mornings. I left work early, around 10:30 and went back to Kendra's studio to read more.

Then, it was test time. I took this test, and it wasn't easy. The vocabulary was extraordinary. It took me a minute to understand what each question was really asking, and then another to figure out what the best answer was from the multiple choice questions. I do have to say, this was one, if not the hardest, multiple choice tests I have ever had to take.

We will find out soon how I did. I don't think I failed, but I don't know how good of a grade I actually received.

Then, I went back to work, and to studio afterward.

While in studio, I was working on my Computer's model of my McGee house project, the one I just finished for studio, which needed to be drawn in Sketchup. We have Computer's lab on Tuesdays, after which we go back to our studios for time on our own computers with TA's. When we went back to our studio, our TA hadn't arrived before the Fire Alarm went off.

Reactions

I feel sorry for those in Seaton who don't listen, or don't care. Everyone knows the story of the boy who cried wolf, well, people in Seaton need to take this to heart. We do have fire drills, and more than often, the fire alarms do signify just that, a drill. So, as people in Seaton feel that they have more important things to do in Studio than outside waiting for an all clear outside, several people just stay in the classrooms. But this day, it wasn't a drill. Apparently the fire alarm went off for real, as we were stuck outside for over 30 minutes. The fire trucks came, and a fire fighter went into Seaton. Apparently there wasn't anything major, because we were allowed back in and no one had seen anything abnormal.

I'm sure it was just a small lab fire or something, but they still had to turn on the alarms for the whole of Seaton, a very big building, with a few different wings.

So, I haven't heard about the cause of the alarm, or what exactly went on, but it made me nervous seeing that people were still in their studios when I came back in. What if there was a fire? Would those people have been able to get out in time? I think that people do need to take all alarms seriously, whether a drill or not. Well, every one's okay, including my computer and all of my equipment, as well as our class was cancelled for the day, so I'm happy.

Tuesday... Continued.

So, that night was a relief. My roommate and I went swimming. We always try to go swimming on Tuesday Nights. It felt so good to get in the water, get some exercise, and just enjoy the time with Stephanie. Then, when we went home I was able to sleep. REALLY SLEEP. No worries, no problems. I was able to relax after swimming. I think I slept the whole night through without interruptions.

Wednesday: FIELD TRIP

So, Wednesday was the day of the field trip. After having slept the whole night through, I woke up late. Yeah, I may have slept too well. I had set my alarm again, for a new time, 7:15, which would have given me plenty of time if I hadn't ignored it for the first 2 snooze cycles, like I was used to doing back when I set my alarm for 6:30 as I forgot that I had done before. So, I was semi-conscious around 7:35, and knowing that I needed to leave by 7:40 to walk to work, I knew I wouldn't make it in time. But I still dressed as quickly as I could, and was out of the door by 7:48. B/C it normally takes 15 minutes to walk to work, I could have cut it close, but I realized, in a stroke of genius, that I could bike it. And I did. For the first time, since the beginning of classes, I biked to campus, I took the lesser of the evil hills, which has a lower incline, and made it to work 4 minutes early. fwhew, what a relief.

I was very greatful for my bike that day too. I had to leave from work early, because I was "volunteered" to drive a group to the Konza Prairie for our Field trip. I had to run back home, which I biked in 4 minutes, and get my car, sunscreen, and everything else I needed for the 2.5 mile hike and the site visit we were having. I went to the pickup point, and picked up Jacob, Chris, and Stephanie, 3 people from Studio. We drove 10 minutes down to the Konza Prarie, and started our field trip. (see pictures next blog)

The hike was very nice. I felt well used after 2.5 miles of hiking in the sunlight, up and down hills.

Through the tall grasses,

around the wildflowers,

over rocks and spring streams,

beside waterfalls,

over small bridges, and at the apex of the hill, you could see what felt like forever.

It was just a really good nature hike. One that I highly recommend to anyone coming to Manhattan.

Most people in our studio were sun burnt from everything that day. I wasn't except for in a few spots where my camera bag strap had rubbed off the lotion, and I had switched shoulders because the strap started irritating after 1 mile of hiking and it rubbing my neck.

I was assigned to a group which was to build a model of the site. Which I will discuss more later.

So, I was exhausted after the hike, I took a 2 hour nap after getting back, ate dinner, and then I was still able to sleep again that night, very well.

Thursday.

With my experience the day before, I decided I would bike again to work, and give myself the extra 5 minutes it saves to get myself looking more presentable. My alarm clock had gone off at 6:30 or so, so it was back to normal, and so was my routine. I went to work, and classes just as any other normal day. Then I went to studio to work on the site model, going to Kinkos to print of an enlarged topographic map, as assigned by the group. When I brought it back, I went through the lines and color coated them to know which ones we would cut on which piece of chip board. After all of that was done, the others were going to trace it onto tracepaper, glue it to the back of the chipboard, and cut out the pieces. I was able to leave after I color coated the lines. I took my computer home, and worked on my Sketchup model of my McGee house for Computers class.

This project was going to be due on Tuesday the 23rd, which I had two projects due on, the one for Computers, as well as a group project for Systems.

This night I was really back into the grove of sleep.

Friday

Friday was good. I knew I was in over my head for the following Tuesday, but I was determined to have a weekend.

I went to work, as normal, and went to classes as normal, it felt like a normal day.

Studio went well, it was a work day for the groups so that they could finish up our projects for class on Monday. Our site model pieces were all cut out, and we were able to start gluing things together that night. I was given the task of putting the topography into AutoCAD, because I was the person who knew the most about it.

When I had the Topo lines all drawn out on CAD, I was able to go home, and rest. Stephanie and I went swimming that night, in an almost empty pool, (everyone likes to party and not swim on Friday nights, which is just OK with us) and then went to Walmart for some groceries. Friday nights are also a great night to get groceries. The lines are short, and people are friendly.

Saturday came, and I slept in. I don't know when exactly I woke up, but I do know that this was a VERY productive day. I did laundry, dishes, made my bed, and picked up some of my room. Some people would be amazed at this, but yes, I did it all of my own accord, no one asking me to do it, I just did it. Then, I went to studio, we finished our site model, and we set up that we were going to go back to the Prairie for more information on Sunday. I got together with Kendra, one of my partners for the Systems project, and we gathered more information on the Hearst Tower in NY.

Hearst Tower

I have wanted to study the Hearst tower since 2005, after I graduated in May, we went on a trip to visit my Aunt and do some sight seeing in NYC. I was able to witness some of the construction of this building and was intrigued by its unique diagrid structure. A few years ago I saw the tower in a Magazine, and found out it was the first, LEED gold certified GREEN building in NYC. This project was so much fun for me, because I was able to find out so much about this building and the systems it uses to keep the building comfortable. I was also able to see the pictures and really get to know the building and everything it was about.

Sunday

Sunday was another good day. I was determined to have a weekend, and I did. I slept in again, and lazed around most of the morning. I drove to Studio by 1:00 and picked up everyone so that we could go out to our Prairie site, and measure a few things. We were back in a few hours, and then I went to Aldi to pick up the rest of the necessary groceries for a week or two. I also worked on my Sketchup Model on my laptop at home, as well as gathering information for my Systems project with Kendra. I had so much work to do on my Sketchup Model though, so Kendra and I didn't meet. I adjusted some of my topo lines on the site plan that I made on CAD so we could print it off on Monday.

I went to bed that night, but never mentally prepared for the following day being Monday.

Monday

I woke up and realized that I had to go to work, and classes, and that my amazing weekend was over. And so was the wonderful sleep I was able to get. I sometimes wish I had an extra day, but no, weekends are two days, and we have to get back to work. I went to work, went to class, went to work, went to studio.

In Studio we watched the other groups present on GREEN technologies, and then we presented the site information, the model and the plans. I put everything onto a CD, and gave the site info to our professor for her to put on K-State online so everyone could access it.

Kendra and Patrick, my partners for Systems, stopped by after studio, and we talked about what we still needed to do. And we decided to break for dinner.

Then, I rode my bike home (which by the way only takes 3-4 minutes as it is all down hill. At one point, I'm sure I'm going faster than 20mph, the speed limit, but I can't tell on my bike. )

I ate Jalapeno poppers for dinner, and had some cookiedough bites for dessert as well as a few pieces of candy corn. A self-indulgent dinner, because I knew that it was going to be one long hard night.

I met with Kendra when we got back, worked on our stuff some more, and then went back to studio to work on my Computers project.

Monday Night

Over the course of the next 12 hours, I took my model off of sketchup, and put some images into Adobe Illustrator to change the lineweights and appearance of the drawings. I put all of the drawings onto a page in Adobe InDesign, and Sent it to the printer. It was 5:30am when I finished printing. I went home and slept for 2 hours, when I had to be back to work on our project.

Tuesday

I asked off from work on Tuesday, because we had a lot of work left to do on our Systems project. We had to compile all of the information for our 22x68 sheet. We went to our Systems class at 11:30, and then decided we were far enough to take a lunch break, and we went over to the Union bought Chinese food, and took it up the steps and sat outside of Seaton in the fresh air. Afterwards, we went back to work until my 3:30 class, when Kendra was going to finish everything up and print things off of my computer for us.

While I was in my class Kendra tried to get on my computer. But she didn't enter my password in correctly, and got locked out. It was 4:30 and we only had 30 minutes to find someone who would let us use their computer, and print off our huge poster. Paul, a neighbor of mine in studio obliged. And, we had it sent to the printer in a few minutes. The problem was it printed wrong. I reprinted it, and we had it hung in the hall by about 5:15. 15 minutes after it was due.

Kendra had put the PDF version online, for our instructor, so as long as the teacher didn't check the posters yet, we are going to be okay. He was also gone yesterday. So, we will see.

So, I went home. Because I was kind of down about getting the poster up late, and exhausted from only having 2 hours of sleep, I was greatful to just glide all of the way home on my bike. I decided I would eat a bowl of cereal, as I didn't need much after the Chinese, I also didn't want to sleep quite yet, as I still needed to go swimming that night with Stephanie. I wasn't so tired, mostly because of the adrenaline from that day. So, I watched T.V. for an hour or so, and then went to the Pool. I loved swimming last night. It was cool and refreshing after having such a long night the night before. I especially loved the nice hot shower, as I hadn't had one that morning, and felt terrible about it.

We went home, and I went to bed. I slept like a rock.

TODAY: Wednesday.

I woke up 15 min before I needed to go to work, but rode my bike and got here on time. I went to class, came back to work and ate a broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast for lunch, worked and then thought I would finally finish up this blog which I have been writing while I can when I need a break from studio stuff. This only takes a few minutes to write about today. and it is about time for me to go to studio, which I have little done for. Wish me luck!

And eventually, there is sleep.

2008-09-15T10:06:00.004-05:00

You never really appreciate the gift of sleep until you go without for a while. This past weekend was hectic. I have been finishing up my first studio project this year, and boy, I am still exhausted from it all. Our project was due at 10:00 Sunday Night, and boy, am I glad that is was due then, and not Monday.

So this is how my week was last week.

Monday/Tuesday

My studio professor was late coming into studio on Monday, so that she could help give a critique, as she was late, she asked some of us to volunteer to meet with her on Tuesday.

So, I met with her on Tuesday, went over my layout for my drawings, and my final concept. Then, I started my finished work.

Wednesday

Wednesday I started building trees, I cut dowel rods, and made a representation of Florida Cypress Trees, which come up out of the water with large "knees" or roots sticking up above the water line. Then I made water.

Off-topic:

Sometimes I feel like I get a very small glimpse of what God had to do when he created the earth, of course, he's so all-powerful, and all-knowing it only takes him a few days to do so. The same amount of time it took me to build a 1/4" scale representation on an 18x24 base of one site. And mine isn't real. My water, for instance was made by applying an un-even textured coat of soft, clear painters gel onto duralar, a clear sheet of plastic. I was able to make a pretty realistic representation of the water and waves.

Wednesday cont.
That was the majority of my Studio work on Wednesday, other than touching up a few drawings, and modifying my design. I decided to go home, eat, and get some studying done for a structures test the next day, and also to read a Computers' book that was due for another class on Thursday too. I forced myself to actually get some sleep, real sleep, for what was the last time until Sunday night, I knew I would need the sleep to perform my best on the test.

Thursday
Then there was Thursday. I took this day off from work so I could study more for my test, and sleep in. I ended up not sleeping in as much as I would have liked, instead, I watched the replay of the 9/11 broadcast, which made me remember what it was like in 2001, seeing it for the first time. I was able to get some more studying in, until I felt like I mastered the information.

Then I went to my first class, Systems. I barely stayed awake during a very dull lecture, and started preparing for another test in that class, which was yesterday.

Thanking God

I was very glad that I took that day off from work, when I found out that we were having a study session for that class 1 hour prior to my structures test. If I hadn't studied as I did before then, I may have decided to skip this study session, and study for structures instead of systems. Sometimes God prepares me for changes in my schedule without me knowing.

Thursday cont.
So, I went back to studio, touched up my water, and started the deck for my model, and scanned through my book for Computers. I went over to the Union, grabbed 3 soft tacos, eating 2 and putting the third into my mini-fridge at Studio, for dinner.

Mini fridge

-I really love my mini-fridge at Studio, it is a great model stand, keeps my pop cold, and is a great way to store leftovers, that I can heat up in the microwave later. And I also let others use it too, as I'm the only one in studio with one at the moment. -

Thurday continued again
Then, I went to my Computers' class, well prepared in case of a quiz. But of course, when you are prepared for a pop-quiz there rarely ever is one. After class, I made a quick walk back to Seaton for my study session, which started 10min after my Computers class let out. I took my seat, which I would also use for my Structures test.

After my study session was over, I ran up to studio to grab a few extra notes for structures that I had left up there, running back down stairs, and making it in time to organize my notes for quick reference during the test.

After the test was over I felt pretty good about it. So I snatched up my taco from my fridge, shoved it in my jacket pocket, and walked home to grab my car, and a few necessities for studio that night, while warming up my taco. I decided to indulge myself, and ate the last of the cookie-dough ice-cream I had in my freezer, a way to say "good job, Resa."

Then started the late/all nighters. Thursday night I was in studio until 1:00am. I decided I at least needed to go home early that night (yes 1:00am is early for the last weekend of a project)

Friday:

I had to work the next morning, so I was up at 7:00 to leave by 7:40, and walk to work. I asked for lunch off, so I could go to studio, and work over lunch, before the actual Studio class time started, so I could have more than just a deck, and some of the site work done for my professor to see.

Why the deck ended up in the trash:

With my project, the deck was one of the hardest things to build. I had curves that made the corners difficult to keep intact as I cut the wood planks which formed it. I had gone to the Union, and purchased insta-cure accelerator, and Un-cure. I thought that I could use the Un-cure to remove the excess glue that seeped out. Ha. Ha. Ha. I wasn't laughing then, but I am now.

That is when I realized something.

Using un-cure on wood that is not only thin, but has been scored to show the direction of the wood flooring is a BAD IDEA, unless your purpose is to make it curl up into a little roll. The edging I put around the deck to stiffen it up popped off, the planks of 1/16" thick wood broke apart, and it curled, into a tight little roll, no bigger than the cardboard on a TP roll. So, frustrated with the outcome, and the notion of all of my work going to waste, I spiked it into the trashcan.

Friday-cont.

When the actual Studio class began, I restarted my deck. This time being more careful with the glue so that I wouldn't need the Un-cure. I went from there, and then built the first 2 walls of my model. It took me 4 hours to do these 2 walls. I had to start, and restart after making a few wrong cuts, and I had to frame out the windows, so they would look operable. I built the cavity walls with wood framing, wood siding, and museum board interiors to mimic the painted gyp bd walls.

Our instructor came in, made sure our questions were answered, and had left us alone for the last 3 hours of class. After class was over, I realized that I needed to stay in studio for a long time. So, I went home, packed my bag for a long weekend, including a pillow, change of clothes, necessary toiletries, and food. I made 2 PB&honey sandwiches, chocolate pudding, packed wheat thins, popcorn, hot cocoa, and cereal. Enough snacks to last most of the weekend.

Friday-Saturday-Sunday.- all one big blur.

Simply put, I spent that night in Studio. I was the last one there that night/morning. I think I was the only one there at Sun-up. I stayed until 8:00am, then drove home, so I could get a few hours of a nap on my comfy bed. I set my alarm for 1:00pm, but woke up at noon, and just got up and drove back to studio. I spent that night in studio, until 2:00, when I was just so exhausted, I had to go home, because I wasn't being productive enough. I left earlier than many of the others, but that was fine with me, because I came in before everyone else. I don't remember how much I slept. I was back in studio way before sun-rise.

Why I do/don't like having a window at my station
So, I really appreciate having a window, sometimes. It's nice to see out, to be able to tell the day from the night, it kind of keeps me remembering which day is which. Other than that, it is distracting. I am a people watcher, and I can see out to Seaton Alley, and people watch. I am also a rain watcher, I love to watch the rain fall, hear it patter against the window pane. This can be a problem when I need to be working. Also, when our classroom needs ventilated for one reason or another, its my window that needs to open, meaning I have to anchor down all of my drawings, etc. on my desk or things will go flying. It also shines through, and creates glare issues on my computer screen sometimes. But it is nice to not in a space without. As I have been for every past Studio.

Okay, lets skip ahead to Sunday night.

The weekend was a blur as I put it before. I was able to get most of my model done before I left to sleep at 2:00am, so Sunday was working on my drawings, running to Kinkos to print, and getting things ready for the 10:00pm deadline when we thought our Studio professor would come in. When she didn't I stuck around until 11:00, to clean up. I had mostly everything done.

Then I got to sleep.

I took Monday off from work so that I could nap as needed, put together final touches on my presentation, and take care of a few other things.

Presentation went well. I will talk about this at my next blog. With pictures.

Curved Walls

2008-09-04T13:13:00.008-05:00

So, I have this really interesting design idea for my project. (see pictures above) Part of this design initially included the integration of curved walls, walls that curve in section and plan. The walls start out perpendicular to the floor, and curve at a regular radius some what like an "r". Ending at roughly a 45 degree angle. I started with the idea of using upside-down keelsons, (the members perpendicular to the keel of a boat) exposing them externally and framing on the inside of them. This would create an overhang for the roof, and direct the windows towards a downward view.

My only problem with this structure is trying to create operable windows and doors for it. I had the idea of hingeing the windows at the top, and having them prop open in an awning style, but how could I create operable doors?
The Doors will have to be part of a glass wall system. I can't hinge the doors normally. They would be too heavy to open like the windows. horizontal sliding doors would be extremely difficult, because most sliding doors tracks are ment to keep them vertical, and the torque of the weight of the doors on the top track would have to be compensated for, and factoring in a curve in plan as well as section is difficult as well. I want to be able to keep these walls as continuous surfaces, and making a protrusion of anysort would threaten the integrity of those walls.

I may have to rework my design, if I can't determine a solution in details.

Ideas? Comments? E-mail me.

Busy Busy me.

2008-09-03T12:55:00.003-05:00

So, this week has already been a busy one. I have been lucky to get 6 hours of sleep a night. I have been able to get home by midnight from studio, thank God, otherwise I would be exhausted, and probably would have slept through class today. I have to get up at 6:30 in the morning, (well, I wake up with my alarm clock, I normally hit snooze and am not "up" until 7, although I am awake at 6:30) I get myself ready, prepare my lunch, and leave the house by 7:40 so I walk can be at work before 8:00. Then I work from 8 until I leave for my first class at 10:15 or 11:15 depending on if it is a MWF schedule or TuTh. So, anyway, I go to my first class, then come back to work, eat whatever I made earlier, (which is normally just a sandwich) while I work, and then go to my next class. Today its studio, which I have been preparing for all weekend (from Friday until today as we had Labor Day off), but I still don't feel ready enough. Tomorrow it will be computers and then structures lab, which I do need to do some studying for still. Fun Fun stuff.

This morning I went to my Structures class, and was barely able to keep awake, less than 6 hours of sleep for 2 or 3 nights straight, is not necessarily a good thing. The weather is pretty nice today, a little chilly, but still cool and calming, I love being able to wear long sleeves. I've noticed today though, that the buildings haven't caught up with the outside. So, I have on long sleeves in warm rooms, my professor turns down the lights for structures, and that signals me to sleep, I knew I couldn't because I would be kicked out if I did. That, plus I swam yesterday with my roommate, Stephanie, which we do twice a week. So I am tired, sore, and ready for bed. But no, I need to go to studio. Sit at my station for 4 hours, trying to maintain conciousness, and then, maybe then, I can actually go home, eat, and get some real sleep. Well, we will see. It all depends on what my studio professor says, on how much work I have to do for Friday.

Well, I have to go, my phone is buzzing in my pocket, telling me to get a move on.

Chain of Blessings...(Cont.)

2008-09-02T13:04:00.001-05:00

So, where was I, oh yeah, Fellowship Bible Church. An amazing church that I am proud to have been a part of for the past... what has it been now?...9 years. Wow. Anyway, We started going there right before we moved to Topeka, the first time we came was the week after Mothers' Day in May of 1999. I've really grown a lot in this church. Grown in my desire to serve God and others especially.

After a few months of going there, I started helping out in the Nursery, which was then just a classroom in the Elementary School we were meeting in. We only had a handful of babies, 4 or 5. Lisa Hess would often come in and teach "Baby Bible" a sing-song style of teaching babies the bible. After a while, I started helping teach that to the children. We moved our church after a year or so of us being there, at the time we had grown from 50 or so to 70 people, and needed a bigger space then the schools cafeteria and a few classrooms. Helping in the Nursery is where I made friends with the Brownlee's, who had children of their own and lead the Nursery for a little while.

So, I was a Nursery helper and "Baby Bible" teacher for around 2 or 3 years. Then, I "graduated" to teach the Children from ages 3-Kindergarten. I would work with either the 3-4 year olds or the pre-K/ K groups. At first I was an assistant teacher, and then by the time I turned 16, I started helping as the lead teacher for those groups.
I would baby-sitt for the church's meetings, both at church and at the homes of many people. Last year, I also helped out with "The Mountain" a Wednesday Night Program. Where I was a Trail Guide to 6 wonderful children.

I was so involved with the kids at church, that people started to assume that I would go into teaching/ child services when I went to College. Not my cup of tea though. Honestly, I love children, and I am glad to work with them a few times a week. I will love it when I have my own family, and will probably help out with Sunday School during my professional life. But I really love designing, building, and Architecture in general.

So. Fellowship Bible Church has brought me many other blessings, too numerous to count, including people I consider as true family. Kristin Payne, my "sister" and her parents, then there are Dennis and Vera, my "uncle and aunt" and there are many, many more people, who I also consider family.

So... to continue this chain... We started going to FBC after attending a terrible Mothers Day service at a church there in Topeka (not named). Rich and Diane O'Brian, were the two to lead us to a new and wonderful church. They were friends with my parents way back in the early 80's in Lincoln Nebraska. We had needed a new church after moving from Perry KS, a move which at the time, I did not like making. Now, I know it was a great move for us. In Topeka, I actually made better friends, people who influenced me for the better. I also had more opportunities, especially through Topeka West.

I did go to Cair Paravel Latin School for the 2001-2002 school year, which I was glad to go to during 9/11, it was good to be able to pray openly in my classes, and focus on God's Will through it all.

Before Cair Paravel, though, I was at Perry Middle School. A decent school and all, I just mixed with some of the wrong people. I was able to learn that you do need to choose your friends wisely. Because they influence who you become. I have been contacted by some of them recently, and most are not in the best of situations, after having made some bad decisions. The blessing of learning who my true friends are, and how to pick the best of friends, came through this time.

Now we moved to Perry to get out of Garden City, and the neighborhood that I had grown up in.

Garden City at the time was the second-most gang populated city in the State of Kansas. Filled with Illegal Mexican Immigrants who came to work in the beef industry, many who had little respect for authority. On my 10th Birthday, there was a shooting in our neighborhood, disrupting my celebration.

I had just returned from going to my cousin Wendy's Graduation, from K-State, my only cousin to have attended there. She gradutated with a Bachelors in Interior Design. At the time, I admired her a lot, and I started getting interested in Design after seeing her drawings and portfolio work. My interest was initially in Interior Design, up until 8th Grade, when I met an Architect at a Career Fair at Perry Middle School, who showed me the work they did, designing the buildings.

Garden City, KS, is where both I and my little brother were born. My older brother was born in Lincoln, NE. Garden City is where my Parents met, and married. My dad was born and raised in Garden. My Grandpa is the only one left in my family now who lives in Garden.

So, anyway, that was a quick autobiography on me, and the blessings which have brought me to where I am. God had his hand in every step, every move I've made. There are many, many more blessings than I can count, or name, both in people, and events, but hopefully this gives you a glimpse into my life.

Chain of Blessings

2008-09-02T09:44:00.000-05:00

So, I have discovered that I have been blessed by God in many more ways than I can imagine. Yeah, he gave me my life, but I had no Idea how simple little things grew into such large gifts.

This is a short autobiography of my life to this point.

Here is where I'm at now.
I am a Student at Kansas State University studying Architecture, at the College of Architecture, Planning and Design, working at the Facilities Planning office, doing Architectural drawings for Campus projects.

Here is how I got where I am.

I received this job after an amazing reference from a gentleman named Dave Griffin, he was my mentor and teacher at Schwerdt Design Group, where I had worked over the past year. Had I not been at SDG over that whole year, I would not have had the relationship with him that I have now. Dave had called Dave Debusman, an former coworker of his many years ago. I am now working hand in hand with Dave D.

Now, I started working at SDG in July 2007. I was informed by a woman named Melissa Powers that they could use an extra hand. She was on her lunch break, and just happened to stop by Chick-fil-A where I was then employed. Not only had she just stopped by, but for three days before, I had actively been pursuing the idea of getting an internship somewhere.

Melissa knew me from way back in 2004 when I was in High School at Topeka West. My Gifted teacher, Mrs Bartel, had set up a High School Internship/ Shadowing program for me with SDG. I was working with Julie Garmon, who's name I had been given as a contact by my drafting teacher, when we had started a Design Competition,
So, I was working at Chick-fil-A at West Ridge Mall, for a full 3 years. I had been working there while at school at K-State, coming back as often as I could so I could get extra cash. At Chick-fil-A I started working the registers, then moved back to the kitchen, eventually becoming a fill-in manager while at school, coming back when needed. Then starting in the Spring of 2007, I became the Marketing Director, up until we had a few people leave, and they needed me as the night manager. I was working as the night manager while working at SDG. I enjoyed SDG more, they paid more, and was more along the lines of what I wanted to do with my life. Which became a problem for my morale. I told Thad that it was becoming difficult for me to enjoy CFA, and that I would stay until he told me that I could go. That happened one day when I had asked off so I could work at SDG, but I didn't get that day off, so, in a desire to keep the job at SDG more than CFA, I let Abby, the other manager know, and I resigned. That was one of the best decisions I have made. I had learned a lot at CFA, and it was a blessing while it lasted.

I had applied at somewhere around 10-20 places at the Mall, citing the same references, people who I knew mostly from church at Fellowship Bible Church. Kara and Greg Brownlee were among my references. Unknown to me, they knew Thad Allen. Having seen them as my references, I was contacted, then Thad introduced himself to me at FBC, and eventually I started working at Chick-fil-A.

To be Continued...

About me.

2008-09-02T09:03:00.000-05:00

I am a Christian woman, learning about life as I pursue new opportunities to grow. Sometimes I stumble, but I have learned to pick myself up, dust off, and move forward. I am currently studying to become an architect at Kansas State University. I work before and in-between classes, and when I'm not busy working, in a lecture, or a lab, I'm in Studio. My passions are God, Family, Friends, then Architecture.