I begin writing this with three minutes until midnight.
Today marks the end of build season.
Today is the end of late nights, the end of excused chores and late homework. Today is the end of Mountain Dew and Pizza being the staples of life. Today is the end of bad programming and physics jokes, endless That’s-What-She-Said puns, and the joking questioning of everyone’s sexuality. Today is the end of abusing the label maker at three in the morning to put “Gullible” on the ceiling. Today is the end of massive pool noodle fights because the “code is compiling”. Today is the end of “I hope this works” after you have checked it for weeks, to see it finally does. Today is the end of build season.
While this moment is not the end of FIRST Robotics, as the competition is yet to come, it is the end of many pieces that we will miss from our lives. The all-absorbing obsession of robotics is coming to a close. For many it is coming to a final close, as they are seniors and will never have this experience again. It’s sad to think about.
As my team scrambles around at the last minute to pack our crate, bickering like crazy, I finally realize why I am going to miss this so much. Over the past six weeks Roboteknix has built more than a Robot.
We have built a family.
A horribly corrupt, ill-fitting, dysfunctional family that will never cease arguing, but it is a family none the less.
As Thomas has been reminded merely minutes ago, this is not a club. This is far more then any little school extracurricular, this is a FIRST Robotics Team. There is so much more that comes with that package when you sign up. For better or for worse, you are stuck with these guys to live with and problem solve for the next six weeks.
These six weeks have been some of the most productive, most intense, most enjoyable, and yes, probably the most stressful, I can say I have experienced. It was well worth it.
Better still, it’s not over yet.
The competition lays ahead – regionals and championships, prizes to be taken, teams to meat, collaborations to be made, friends to acquire. This is not the most important part, by far, but it’s going to be FUN.
See you there,
Team 2865 Roboteknix,
Claire
(You can see the post HERE. I do not see posting this as my blog post as cheating, as I did start this FOR my blog, but decided I wanted to share.)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Northwest College of Art
Dude. So. Today I heard back from the Northwest College of Art, the one and only college I want to go to. (Yeah, I know, I need to broaden my horizons. I don't care.) And. I have a tour scheduled over spring break, so I get to go down for Sakura Con AND hang out at the college of my dreams the day before! It's going to be awesome. They even sent me a picture drawn by a student in the email. [See!]
NWCA has been my #1 school choice for about a year now. It's a really small privately run art school with a student body of about 90. All of their classes are art centric. Instead of learning US History, you can learn about The History of European Art or some such other course. They don't even offer hard math classes! As the speaker said, about 70% of their curriculum is art related, where most schools hold out at about 50%.
I'm really excited to get to stop by and see the campus, as I honestly haven't even considered more then one or two other places, and those other places I am considering are just "meh". I'm hoping to sign up for the pre-college correspondence course, in an effort to sink my teeth in early. Maybe I'll convince them they should admit me before I even have to apply.
(On an unrelated note, it's FUN talking about which guys are the hottest in Robotics with Brandon. Creeps the hell out of the people listening. [And don't worry Colton, you're still the one for me. <3])
![[See!]](http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h120/oncooolc/SafeRedirect.jpg){kind=link}
NWCA has been my #1 school choice for about a year now. It's a really small privately run art school with a student body of about 90. All of their classes are art centric. Instead of learning US History, you can learn about The History of European Art or some such other course. They don't even offer hard math classes! As the speaker said, about 70% of their curriculum is art related, where most schools hold out at about 50%.
I'm really excited to get to stop by and see the campus, as I honestly haven't even considered more then one or two other places, and those other places I am considering are just "meh". I'm hoping to sign up for the pre-college correspondence course, in an effort to sink my teeth in early. Maybe I'll convince them they should admit me before I even have to apply.
(On an unrelated note, it's FUN talking about which guys are the hottest in Robotics with Brandon. Creeps the hell out of the people listening. [And don't worry Colton, you're still the one for me. <3])
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ha-HA!
Today when I came home my mother accosted me and demanded to know why I was using a picture of myself as my avatar on Chief Delphi, never mind that half the users do it, and that that particular photo had already been posted on our team's website. She got mad about it and lectured me for a while.
After that she told me I have to clean the kitchen (which was in shambles) or I couldn't go to Robotics.
I calmly explained why I chose to use the photograph, and accepted the fact that the kitchen did need to be cleaned. Facts of life. After all, I had already spent the day horribly stressed at Robotics, it wasn't like anything she threw at me was going to make my day worse.
She then admitted she was trying to make me blow up and get mad, and have a horrible day. Her motivation? She was having a horrible day herself, and is apparently half way through a mid-life-crisis. And on her period.
My first thought was, "Wow, that's bitchy!". Then I told her I had a bad day at Robotics, and she might as well be throwing stones at a brick wall.
I then commenced cleaning the kitchen by plugging in my MP3 player, turning it up really loud, and playing fast happy music. I danced like an idiot the entire time, and I feel much, much better. Happy, even.
Thank you mother for trying to kill my day, I think you just about made it instead.
After that she told me I have to clean the kitchen (which was in shambles) or I couldn't go to Robotics.
I calmly explained why I chose to use the photograph, and accepted the fact that the kitchen did need to be cleaned. Facts of life. After all, I had already spent the day horribly stressed at Robotics, it wasn't like anything she threw at me was going to make my day worse.
She then admitted she was trying to make me blow up and get mad, and have a horrible day. Her motivation? She was having a horrible day herself, and is apparently half way through a mid-life-crisis. And on her period.
My first thought was, "Wow, that's bitchy!". Then I told her I had a bad day at Robotics, and she might as well be throwing stones at a brick wall.
I then commenced cleaning the kitchen by plugging in my MP3 player, turning it up really loud, and playing fast happy music. I danced like an idiot the entire time, and I feel much, much better. Happy, even.
Thank you mother for trying to kill my day, I think you just about made it instead.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Mr. 2!
So. I just got around to watching the latest One Piece episodes.
And. MR 2 BON KURAE IS AWESOME.
Watching this episode caused massive amounts of squeakage.
Mister Two just got his own theme song and character development.
I am in freaking love.
With Oda. The guy who wrote all this awesome. My brother informs me this is only the beginning, and it's gunna get hella better as it goes on. I can. Not. Wait.
Might edit later. Might not. Dinner calls.
And. MR 2 BON KURAE IS AWESOME.
Watching this episode caused massive amounts of squeakage.
Mister Two just got his own theme song and character development.
I am in freaking love.
With Oda. The guy who wrote all this awesome. My brother informs me this is only the beginning, and it's gunna get hella better as it goes on. I can. Not. Wait.
Might edit later. Might not. Dinner calls.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
FTC is Awesome
I just got back from the FTC competition.
IT WAS AWESOME.
I mean, not nearly the same level of awesome one would find at FRC - it's a smaller scale competition. But still awesome all the same. These types of events fill my heart with nerdy joy. <3
The team I was with ended up with 11th place over all out of 21. We were 9th place through most of the qualification rounds, but then got knocked down to 11 after match six.
We got to meet and play with two particularly awesome teams, 295 and 417. These teams took first and second respectively, and playing with them was both an honor and a joy. Team 417 is also participating in FRC (FIRST Robotics Challenge) this year, and we've planned to meet up in Portland at the Regional some time.
They had awesome hats. AWESOME hats. They said "You lost the game". BUT IN BINARY.
After this I'm feeling like next year it would be tons of fun to join FTC instead of just tagging along. I hope Sal decides to continue the team.
IT WAS AWESOME.
I mean, not nearly the same level of awesome one would find at FRC - it's a smaller scale competition. But still awesome all the same. These types of events fill my heart with nerdy joy. <3
The team I was with ended up with 11th place over all out of 21. We were 9th place through most of the qualification rounds, but then got knocked down to 11 after match six.
We got to meet and play with two particularly awesome teams, 295 and 417. These teams took first and second respectively, and playing with them was both an honor and a joy. Team 417 is also participating in FRC (FIRST Robotics Challenge) this year, and we've planned to meet up in Portland at the Regional some time.
They had awesome hats. AWESOME hats. They said "You lost the game". BUT IN BINARY.
After this I'm feeling like next year it would be tons of fun to join FTC instead of just tagging along. I hope Sal decides to continue the team.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
WHEELZ PLZ
DUDE. DUDE. DUDE.
CHECK.
THIS.
OUT.
Aren't they amazing!? Those, right there, those beautiful things are the teaser pictures for the wheels our Robotics team has spent the last three weeks making. Even if the rest of our robot completely sucks, we will still have the most awesome wheels at competition. At least at regional. I'm not sure about the Atlanta game (internationals), as those will be the top robots in all of FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition).
Making the wheels has been way too much fun. For example, the other day Mike (one of our mentors) was playing with the wax we were using to duplicate molds, stuck his thumb in, and when we went to poor the molds he created a silicon recreation of his thumb - complete with fingerprint. He even dipped the end in the red rubber so it would look like it got chopped off bloody, and as the silicon is a light pink color and a semi-squishy, it's pretty convincing at a glance. It's pretty kick ass.
Besides our wheels, though... We're still behind. The chassis JUST got welded. As in, today. It's week five. Out of six. ...It's going to be close, to say the least.
CHECK.
THIS.
OUT.
Aren't they amazing!? Those, right there, those beautiful things are the teaser pictures for the wheels our Robotics team has spent the last three weeks making. Even if the rest of our robot completely sucks, we will still have the most awesome wheels at competition. At least at regional. I'm not sure about the Atlanta game (internationals), as those will be the top robots in all of FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition).
Making the wheels has been way too much fun. For example, the other day Mike (one of our mentors) was playing with the wax we were using to duplicate molds, stuck his thumb in, and when we went to poor the molds he created a silicon recreation of his thumb - complete with fingerprint. He even dipped the end in the red rubber so it would look like it got chopped off bloody, and as the silicon is a light pink color and a semi-squishy, it's pretty convincing at a glance. It's pretty kick ass.
Besides our wheels, though... We're still behind. The chassis JUST got welded. As in, today. It's week five. Out of six. ...It's going to be close, to say the least.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Hanna Is Not a Boy's Name
...but it is in the webcomic of that title, which happens to be the most amazing thing I've read this month (Penta doesn't count, I read most of that in December and January).
The plot is good. While in concept it's normal, the characters are what take the story and really hitch it up to awesome. They are loveable. In a way that zombies and shitty vampires really shouldn't be, but manage to do, anyways. They'll capture you in a moment, I swear.
...and the art is just something else. Oh my God, I am in love with Trissa's art. It is in. Full. Color. Beautiful color. And the textures top it off sooo nicely. She puts attention to detail, and it's not just some generic Manga/Animoo stuck together. It sticks out. It's bold. It's beautiful.
What really tops it all off, though, is... the typography.
I know, that sounds lame. But it's not. Trissa doesn't treat the type as just words, she treats them as an extension of the art in which anything can happen, in which emotions can be conveyed. Everything else is great, sure... But the typography is what's transforming this comic from a simple piece to something truly out of this world. Every time I flip to a new page I am in awe.
Go read it. Now.
http://hanna.aftertorque.com/
---
On another note, I had my first date tonight. :3 I had a fantaaastic time. <3
The plot is good. While in concept it's normal, the characters are what take the story and really hitch it up to awesome. They are loveable. In a way that zombies and shitty vampires really shouldn't be, but manage to do, anyways. They'll capture you in a moment, I swear.
...and the art is just something else. Oh my God, I am in love with Trissa's art. It is in. Full. Color. Beautiful color. And the textures top it off sooo nicely. She puts attention to detail, and it's not just some generic Manga/Animoo stuck together. It sticks out. It's bold. It's beautiful.
What really tops it all off, though, is... the typography.
I know, that sounds lame. But it's not. Trissa doesn't treat the type as just words, she treats them as an extension of the art in which anything can happen, in which emotions can be conveyed. Everything else is great, sure... But the typography is what's transforming this comic from a simple piece to something truly out of this world. Every time I flip to a new page I am in awe.
Go read it. Now.
http://hanna.aftertorque.com/
---
On another note, I had my first date tonight. :3 I had a fantaaastic time. <3
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Cars
I'm not a car person. I don't talk cars. I don't understand cars. I couldn't tell you the engine from the transmission. I don't even know what a transmission is.
But I adore trucks. I looove large vehicles. The feeling you get driving and riding them is amazing, and the knowledge that you could crush that little Honda Civic like a bug is just awesome.
James' mom has a Hummer.
It can climb steep inclines. It's got huge wheels. The vibrations going over speed bumps are almost nonexistent. It has a Bose sterio system.
I'm pretty sure I salivated.
And then I remembered my brother saying we should trade in his truck for a fuel efficient car so I have something to drive. And nearly teared up.
Why does no one understand? Why is it I'm expected to drive some sort of "chic car"? Why aren't girls supposed to love trucks? Because the world's not effing fair, that's why.
But I adore trucks. I looove large vehicles. The feeling you get driving and riding them is amazing, and the knowledge that you could crush that little Honda Civic like a bug is just awesome.
James' mom has a Hummer.
It can climb steep inclines. It's got huge wheels. The vibrations going over speed bumps are almost nonexistent. It has a Bose sterio system.
I'm pretty sure I salivated.
And then I remembered my brother saying we should trade in his truck for a fuel efficient car so I have something to drive. And nearly teared up.
Why does no one understand? Why is it I'm expected to drive some sort of "chic car"? Why aren't girls supposed to love trucks? Because the world's not effing fair, that's why.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Circle of Life
I retract my previous claim about screwing the Circle of Life.
Why?
Today my cousin Jacob died. He was a sweet kid, and special needs. He had never done anything to intentionally harm another person in his entire life. His life was one well spent.
Today my cousin, Nicky, had her baby.
It puts a lot into perspective.
Why?
Today my cousin Jacob died. He was a sweet kid, and special needs. He had never done anything to intentionally harm another person in his entire life. His life was one well spent.
Today my cousin, Nicky, had her baby.
It puts a lot into perspective.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Blarg
Ug. I am not in a blogging mood today.
There's lots I could rant about, but I don't really feel like talking.
One of the major highlights of my day has been aquiring Lemon Demon and Hallelujah for my new (suckish but at least it works) MP3 player. Jon's also given me permision to crack his iTunes, so Doctor Horrible shall be mine soon, too. I love my music.
I recieved an awesome group hug today at Robotics. It made me squeek, but still made me happy.
I need to figure out how to get some sleep this week without sleeping through first and second period constantly.
Brain. Not. Functioning.
There's lots I could rant about, but I don't really feel like talking.
One of the major highlights of my day has been aquiring Lemon Demon and Hallelujah for my new (suckish but at least it works) MP3 player. Jon's also given me permision to crack his iTunes, so Doctor Horrible shall be mine soon, too. I love my music.
I recieved an awesome group hug today at Robotics. It made me squeek, but still made me happy.
I need to figure out how to get some sleep this week without sleeping through first and second period constantly.
Brain. Not. Functioning.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I'm Mad at God Right Now
Fuck this "circle of life" crap. It still sucks when someone you know and love has to die.
It's not fair. It's not cool when an innocent kid who's never intentionally hurt anyone in his life, who is the sweetest person ever, gets the death sentance.
For what?
Why?
Because his body doesn't work quite right?
That's not fair.
The good people should get long lives. They shouldn't have to die young while our prisons are clogging up with people who are still alive and kicking but have no regret for what they've done (the other ones are okay. I don't mind if they're there thinking about themselves and changing and all that crap).
Hell. He deserves to live more then I do.
This isn't cool, God. This isn't cool.
But please, please don't let him be in pain.
It's not fair. It's not cool when an innocent kid who's never intentionally hurt anyone in his life, who is the sweetest person ever, gets the death sentance.
For what?
Why?
Because his body doesn't work quite right?
That's not fair.
The good people should get long lives. They shouldn't have to die young while our prisons are clogging up with people who are still alive and kicking but have no regret for what they've done (the other ones are okay. I don't mind if they're there thinking about themselves and changing and all that crap).
Hell. He deserves to live more then I do.
This isn't cool, God. This isn't cool.
But please, please don't let him be in pain.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Matt the Photographer
Matt randomly picked up the pink block of Styrofoam the camera was ducktaped to, fiddling objectively, as his hands felt empty without the normal professional style camera slung around his neck. He pointed the camera up at at Claire, as she was the one standing nearest, and twisted his head back to see the display on the netbook behind them. He jittered it around a few times, but to no avail.
"Aw. The camera's not working." He stated, a slight note of disappointment audible in his voice.
"As you have that pointed at my boobs right now," Claire responded with fake hostility, "It better not!"
Matt dropped the camera like a hot coal, blushing slightly, and the room burst out into laughter. The moment was made all the more hilarious, as Matt had been stating mere moments earlier that even if the rest of the team made constant sex jokes with no regard towards her, at the very least he respected Claire.
"We see what you do." Enmar laughed from the other side of the table, looking up from the robot.
"So that's your kind of photography!" James added a little bit too loudly.
Claire just rolled back on her stool, laughing and gasping for breath.
---
Best. Moment. Ever. I felt the need to share.
The exact words are slightly tweaked, as this happened over an hour ago and I can't remember them perfectly. But you get the general idea.
"Aw. The camera's not working." He stated, a slight note of disappointment audible in his voice.
"As you have that pointed at my boobs right now," Claire responded with fake hostility, "It better not!"
Matt dropped the camera like a hot coal, blushing slightly, and the room burst out into laughter. The moment was made all the more hilarious, as Matt had been stating mere moments earlier that even if the rest of the team made constant sex jokes with no regard towards her, at the very least he respected Claire.
"We see what you do." Enmar laughed from the other side of the table, looking up from the robot.
"So that's your kind of photography!" James added a little bit too loudly.
Claire just rolled back on her stool, laughing and gasping for breath.
---
Best. Moment. Ever. I felt the need to share.
The exact words are slightly tweaked, as this happened over an hour ago and I can't remember them perfectly. But you get the general idea.
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