Day 272: Blow Me

September 29, 2011
Excuse the vulgarity; there's a story behind this wristband. I bought this in Ensenada, Mexico during my senior year during a cruise trip with all the music department kids. Since then, I've worn it for every big test (namely APs), and I wore it to let the test know how I felt about it. This tradition followed me to college, and I wore this for every midterm and final during freshman year. However, today, I had two midterms and completely forgot to wear it. I felt I did both exams justice (music and econ) though, so I have no regrets so far. But this is still how I feel about midterm season.

Day 271: Quaint Village

September 28, 2011
I had a review session for my economics midterm at the Goldman School of Public Policy today. It's all the way on northside, but it reminds me of a quaint Scandinavian village, much like what I've seen at Solvang. I'm not sure if the review session itself was worth the walk, but the view I think compensated for it.

Day 270: Evening Splendor

September 27, 2011
I'm in Berkeley from sunrise to sunset on a regular school day. Not that I'm complaining really. The Campanile at sunset is a work of art.

Day 269: So Fluffy

September 26, 2011
Because of school, I don't have much time to play around with the settings on my camera. I'm still getting used to the "Effects" option. Marshmallows under the "mini" setting seemed appropriate.

Day 268: Grass Element

September 25, 2011
I just really like shots in the grass. I realize now I just need a water photo.. 

Day 267: Excited Dogs

September 24, 2011
For the first time in what seems like months, we, as a family, took the dogs out for a walk. Boy, were they excited. 

Day 266: It's Home

September 23, 2011
"It's not much, but it's home." - Ronald Weasley. 

Day 265: Uglymon, Part II

September 22, 2011
Doodling once again during economics. This time, Uglypuff (and Uglett). 

Day 264: A Cappella Elite

September 21, 2011
The UC Men's Octet at their Sproul. I'm not sure how I feel that I've never auditioned for them before. It seems like everyone has before. Maybe in the future, but for the time being, I need my AiR! 

Day 263: Tenor Bonding

September 20, 2011
Tenor bonding/brunch at Cafe Durant! It's comforting having these to look forward to during my hectic three days at school. 

Day 262: Shrinking Trails

September 19, 2011
It's been a while since I've been out on the trails between Hercules and Pinole. The river that flows along the trail has widened considerably. And they've built levies to prevent flooding. It's only a matter of time, I guess, before this trail is demolished by the advancing tide. 

Day 261: Home Front

September 18, 2011
The waterfront in front of my house. I guess I'm not too sick of the Bay Area yet.

Day 260: Flowering Civility

September 17, 2011
AiR callbacks and deliberations were today. Tough pool of auditionees, and everyone fought for who they thought would bring something new to the group. Who shows the most potential as a performer, who has the biggest potential to grow, who can leave their roots and show new colors. An interesting day of philosophical discussion, ethics, morals, and most importantly, music.

Day 259: Before Partying

September 16, 2011
A steak-and-cheese calzone from Gypsy's on a Friday night. Needed this before hanging out with AiR that same night. I ended up knocking out at Jackie's. It was a pretty crazy night.

Day 258: Unnecessary Lighting

September 15, 2011
There's a problem when the lamps are being left on in broad daylight. People (especially the government) need to stop talking about conserving energy when they can't even do something as simple as turning off unnecessary lighting.

Day 257: Uglymon, Part I

September 14, 2011
My economics class is extremely boring. I must, therefore, resort to doodling. My latest doodle: Uglychu (because I can't draw Pikachus for my life). It's going to be a long semester.

Day 256: Home Comfort

September 13, 2011
I actually missed packed lunches last year when I was dorming. Definitely a pro of living at home.

Day 255: Death Potatoes

September 12, 2011
Hash browns from the Alley Cafe in Pinole. Can you believe this is less than two dollars? Elim and I have some traumatic experiences from that place. But I managed (with Elim's help, somewhat) to finish the entire plate, plus toast and eggs and sausages. At least it wasn't like the pancakes. 

Day 254: Smiling Star

September 11, 2011
And the doodling continues. Fractals within a star. I commemorate this star to those who lost their lives or lost a loved one on this tragic day ten years ago. Remember to smile; sometimes that's all it takes.

Day 253: Red Spider

September 10, 2011
Another spider/spider web shot, but this time the spider was red. Oh, nature.

Day 252: Korean Music

September 9, 2011
Yim Jae Bum was in Berkeley to lecture on Korean music, but unfortunately the event filled up pretty quickly. But considering that people like this frequent Berkeley in the midst of their busy schedules, it shouldn't be long until another one of these events.

Day 251: Taco Tuesday

September 8, 2011
Taco Tuesday at Cafe Durant! One-dollar tacos! An afternoon well-spent with AiR. 

Day 250: Femme Fatale

September 7, 2011
Today is my parents' 20th wedding anniversary, but since I've been at school all day, I haven't had a chance to post about it. I have no photo to show for it, either. So, in lieu of that (maybe I'll post one tomorrow), say hello to Cindy! I was extremely bored in my economics discussion today, and decided to take Youtuber ViHart's advice about doodling. When I finished, at first glance it looked like a girl, melded out of various shapes and amateur shading. She's deadly to some, as some hate the concepts of math within arts like this.

Day 249: Crazy Commute

September 6, 2011
The first time I've driven to Del Norte and taken Bart to school. Hectic, to say the least. But I have to make it part of my routine now. Here's the parking lot at 10pm. 

Day 248: Canine Captives

September 5, 2011
Both our dogs are being held in my room because my sister's piano teacher is here. I wish all my afternoons could be spent like this.

Day 247: Dino Reception

September 4, 2011
Sang at a wedding reception with AiR. The bride and groom were both from Berkeley, and appropriate held the reception at the Lawrence Hall of Science. While waiting, we got to play around in the exhibits, including this awesome dinosaur display! It's been over a decade, I think, since I've been here. I should comeback really soon!

Day 246: Lone Cypress

September 3, 2011
A while since we've been here in Monterey, and over a decade since I've taken the 17-mile drive. I remember seeing the Lone Cypress, though. The entire place is beautifully breathtaking. 

Day 245: Spontaneous Youth

September 2, 2011
The spontaneity of the youth: this little girl ran into the photo.

Day 244: Bird Catcher

September 1, 2011
It's pretty convenient not having to get close to an animal to get its picture anymore, thanks to my zoom lens!

Day 243: Terribly Mistaken

August 31, 2011
I always thought these were from Power Rangers when I was younger. Oh, the blight of imagination.

Day 242: Lost Unicorn

August 30, 2011
I found this wanted poster on a board in Wheeler. It's pretty self-explanatory what they're looking for..

Day 241: AiR Sproul

August 29, 2011
My first ever Sproul performance with AiR today! Quite an exhilarating experience that I cannot possibly express in words. 

Day 240: A Promise

August 28, 2011
I promise my dad to buy him a house here in the Berkeley hills. And I intend to keep that promise. No matter how tough the road ahead gets.

Day 239: My Roots

August 27, 2011
I have quite a history with this place. I hope to be volunteering here next summer. It's one of the main inspirations behind my major/career track. 

Day 238: Zoom Lens

August 26, 2011
Got a new camera! A Nikon D5100, and it came with a zoom lens that's stronger than the one my sister got. I went to test it out at the Berkeley Marina. 

Day 237: Library Bust

August 25, 2011
First day of classes, and I'm already at the library. I think this may be how I spend the rest of the semester during my free time..

Day 236: Welcome Week

August 24, 2011
Welcome to Welcome Week, courtesy of UC Berkeley. This is probably the only time you'll see this many people on campus at the same time.

Day 235: Ironic Burst

August 23, 2011
Hidden nature. My favorite.