My Building Blocks

11052009 Tis’ the season…to be jolly

2009-11-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

So this morning first of all my alarm didn’t go off…oh snaps…so I was running a few, take that back several minutes late. I was having the strangest dreams. One I was invited to some organization initiation, but when I got there first of all I was under dressed ( and is partly why I chose to wear the dress I am currently wearing right now). Strangely the organizations practices were not in my best interest. The second one I had an assistant position for the Asst. VP of DCM here on campus. Talk about intimidating…and I wasn’t really her direct assistant. She had this get it done attitude and I’m only going to tell you once (Devil Wears Prada style). Anyways I got to work and got into the flow (whatever that is). Still I don’t want people to know about my situation. Frankly whose business is it? Unless I personally tell you, you shouldn’t know. Anyways just got back from a staff meeting…furloughs were discussed I am obviously not exempt. So maybe my last day will be before that Monday…got to take the days if I’m going to have my check effective.
I’ve made the first round of interviews on Friday the 13th of this month…still figuring out what I’m going to acknowledge as a weakness but turn it into a strength. I want to impress…oh crap and I have to be able to describe what will make me the best fit…but I would still need tom go through one more interview before I get the job…
If I think of it as a half of basketball…the first five minutes I have to prove that I am the one…the best choice. At this point all of my eggs are in one basket…I have nothing to lose at this point…but everything to gain (another “job” vs. “career”). Each moment that I have a ask the lord to give me favor and lay my path. For all I know there is a reason that I have taken the long way to get here…I’m still learning to this day…faced with life changing circumstances and decisions. It should be all in…it’s a gamble or maybe not…but I have to be proud and commend myself because I could have continued on and not pursued this lifelong dream (lol lifelong and I’m only 26).
Dido “White Flag” is playing
“I will go down with this ship. I won’t put my hands up and surrender. There will be no white flag above my door.”
Peace out <3

11032009 He has gotten me to the first round XD

2009-11-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have to give praise where praise is due. Thank you Jesus!!!
for a moment is was going crazy...ready to fall down to my knees and take the easy way out. Giving up is never the solution, its persistence and perseverance that guides individuals to full fill their dreams. It is that since of self fulfillment that i am longing for...to know that everything i am going through right now is shaping me, guiding me, giving me the necessary life experiences that i need to be successful. thank you Jesus for laying my path and testing me. Thank you.

11032009 Oh, the day draws closer

2009-11-03T07:51:00.002-08:00

Not saying that I am completely unhappy with the way things are going…actually scratch that I’m a little frightened. I spoke with my mom yesterday about how I am awaiting an email stating if I have indeed made the first round of interviews. Each day, every sec, every minute I’m asking the lord to rebuke all of the negative thoughts going through my mind. For instance “Did I not say enough at the information session”, “should I have not sent the thank you emails”, “do I not fit the profile of someone they can groom”, “was I not dressed appropriately”, “will I even receive and email if I am not one of the selected individuals to make the first round of interviews”…I want theses thought gone. Only thoughts of how I’m going to prove that I am the best fit for the company and how I see myself being there fitting in and becoming successful and learning a heck of a lot.
The fact that I soon will be out of a job is scary. I don’t want to waitress lord knows I don’t want to but sometimes one person doesn’t have a choice. As of this moment I haven’t been forced to make one….I don’t want to lose my apartment, my car, develop ridiculous bad credit because I can’t pay, the harsh reality is only a couple of weeks away…and above all I don’t want to move back home. I have a chance to finish this semester and get an “A” in Jeremy’s class…lord knows I have to get that or I’m out of school…then what will I have?
Oh Jesus you have kept me for so long out here. I don’t want these depressing thoughts going through my mind…rebuke them and keep me. Lord you know the desires of my heart all this I ask in Jesus name amen.
Thank you.

10302009 Happy Hollows Eve

2009-11-03T07:51:00.001-08:00

Well yesterday was rather productive. I was able to stay focused long enough to clean up my apartment. It didn’t take too long. I was able to get the task done in two movies. First I put on Love Jones (that is such a rainy day joint) and then I put on The Gate…and it had the nerve to still freak me out (just a little of course). After I was done I took a nice nap. Why not take one I thought I had been up since 6 that morning. Around 6pm I headed to my guitar lesson (I’m more than likely going to be going once a month now, but I’ll do the hour session the half hour is pointless and truly a waste of money if you ask me… so once a month, hour long, more material).
Got home got into my pj’s totally enjoyed the cleanliness of my apartment and watched Flashforward, Supernatural and some of the RHATL Reunion show (which I regret and I probably lost a shit load of brain cells).
I need to start reading more. I mean I have the material I just need to take advantage of it. I have to go to the library after work today.
I have drafted up a thank you email to send to the Turner Construction reps today. As soon as my mama takes a look at it I’ll send it on its marry way. I will not know until next week if I even made the cut for first round interviews….nervous. I shouldn’t be…confidence is key. I have notes that I took while at the session and what I need to do I go over how I fit at Turner. There were a lot of Civil, Mechanical and Electrical engineers in the building and only two of us from the Architectural department. The company has individuals from all back grounds and is well rounded so any one of the individuals sitting in the session had a successful resume and may have made a better impression with the reps…urg arg….
Here is to looking up. Oh Jesus when I woke up this morning I didn’t want to come into day. I wish I was sick. Four more weeks and then I will be out of the job. Recruitment maybe the best way in getting that foot in the door. When resumes are sent out blindly you are just a piece of paper in a larger stack. Key words come into play but the ability to make a first impression is lost. Here’s to looking up.
I’m kind of losing my focus and my direction so I’m going to end it here.

10282009 Maybe

2009-11-03T07:50:00.002-08:00

I just might find an online blog site to publish these entries….

ps
found one...obviously (lol)

10272009 Real estate…design, develop and market

2009-11-03T07:50:00.001-08:00

So on the third of November I will find myself in Hunt Valley, MD I will be attending a free workshop. The purpose of this is to spark more interest and of course $$$$$ into the real estate market. I know that for sure if the market was booming this event definitely wouldn’t be free…free is good especially for me. I will be allowed to gain insight into this realm of the built environment. There are so many different facets when dealing with the designing, building and selling of real estate. I am supposed to get information on how to start with no money, no credit check, and etc…and that’s me right now in a nut shell…shame huh. Oh good things come to those who wait. On the other hand work hard now and play later. You can quote me on that…shoot I need to quote myself on that. Anyways I believe its valuable information I got to be a sponge in this industry make myself valuable and indispensible <3 with prayers and work experience and exposure.
I am still strongly considering taking acting classes.

10272009 Been away for so long

2009-11-03T07:49:00.002-08:00

A series of events have happened since the last entry. I have been made aware that November will be my last month in the Procurement Department at Morgan State University. Its bittersweet I believe. The feelings are Bittersweet because I can focus on truly gaining more relevant experience in the design and building environment. I am scared that I could lose everything and be forced to move back home, which would be a huge step backward.
I have been given the opportunity to truly grow from this and have my true character defined. I know or I believe I know who I am, but maybe there is something more to me that I haven’t yet seen…that could be excited. I don’t want to fall by the waste side….
This like a game of basketball is a competition and can I put my best foot forward and succeed? Ever since a little girl I have had fascinations with the built environment and now I have the ability to immerse myself in it. The only question and prayers that I have is will I be fulfilled and it not feel like work. What ideas can I bring to the work place to make it fun, creative, competitive, innovative, reliable and not considered work?
Oh yea and the other things that happened is that my computer got a real uber-ugly virus on it. Working on it as we speak…
Um I can’t remember if anything else is as drastic as those two, but I am looking at it head on and I will overcome. Thank you Jesus, you have kept me…I pray that you will continue to keep me and guide me.
Oh and I want to start thinking like a designer…designers are different they notice things that ordinary people take for granted…I believe that.

1042009 There is no such thing as time

2009-11-03T07:49:00.001-08:00

Why should I feel that I am limited to a clock? Why should I believe that I only have a certain amount of years where I can be successful and fruitful? Than is my problem I’m 26 and I need to embrace it live it as another year will be granted. Instead of living as though I will not have the guarantee of another day….but the complete blessing of the opposite. Take each day as it comes and let it teach you, and allow you to apply it. Your dreams are at you’re reach, take the steps.

1042009 Give and Receive Love From My…..

2009-11-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Love it’s the one thing I’ve got to checkout…before I check out. Oh lord. The music that seems to touch me in so many ways is scary. Why does his music seem to touch every aspect of my life? The feeling that the music I hear can never get old or redundant, is a strange Phenomenon.
With every word, line, versus, hook, bridge, chorus….touch, motivate…but, the train…you can’t stop the train…though one should never trade the place they are in. What does that mean? I hear that line and I try to grasp a hold (it still lingers at my finger tips).

1012009 9/9

2009-11-03T07:47:00.004-08:00

So I wasn’t able to keep focused long enough to make it to class yesterday evening. It must be the effect of the trip back home and the lack of sleep along with that good ol’ monthly friend (sike). Anyways, so I made sure that I emailed Professor Kargon about me not “feeling well” (shhhh) and told him I wouldn’t be present. He then returned his reply of course giving me his condolences and news that partially after this morning made my week actually…lol. So the going through the assigned reading and applying the SQ3R method really helped (in all actuality I never got to the read and review part so that makes it SQR then right). During class I continued to pay attention to the lecture and take as many notes as I could. Once he handed out the test or daily quiz I had my book open and my notes sprawled out in front of me….and of course he says these quizzes are closed book…
I did respect that and I took the quiz praying the whole time that the questions had no trick answers. So to make this long entry short (lol) in his email reply he congratulated me on making 9/9 on my quiz. I have been working toward that for the past three weeks. Now all I have to do I maintain and stay persistent. In this case I know what I have to do, and it’s going to take work. Lets go Candy!
It seems as though I am the only one here in Baltimore cheering myself on. I am the only one in my corner. It is the truth when I am the only one looking back at myself in the mirror. I’ve been saying to myself “run unbridled” once I do this and believe it entirely the better off I will be. Here’s to taking the steps necessary to becoming a better version of me.

9302009 Persistence

2009-11-03T07:47:00.003-08:00

Hmm. I believe the title seems to sum it right up.

9172009 Withdrawal

2009-11-03T07:47:00.001-08:00

I haven’t been to the gym in two days or touched my guitar in the last day. Something is missing. I am going to be going to the gym tonight after work and then I will strum on my guitar before I go out. I really need to find a teacher. As acquainted I may be with the two chords I have been practicing as well as working on the high e I need direction. That direction will help me with strumming. I want to say that I am proud of my corny self. I was listening to JM the other day and I was working with both the e minor and a major chord and practiced changing chords with the songs as well as match a possible strumming pattern. I know right now I am no good but just imagine with time down the road….the same thing goes for health, architecture, and the guitar….I’m all about time being my friend and me growing older, more beautiful and talented.
Jesus I believe I can say this is a tome of prayers to you. Thank you Jesus. Lord you know that I need guidance, my mind right now is my first battle and all the rest shall follow.

9172009 One Step at a Time

2009-11-03T07:46:00.002-08:00

Nothing comes in an instant. My deal is that I have an opportunity at a career, not a job but a career, the ability to be in one of the most rewarding fields. It’s scary and intimidating for sure. Though it is that challenge and how I rise and perform that will determine the success of my outcome.
First thing, not only do I need my degree but I also need a portfolio. At this moment I don’t have anything that would get my foot in the door. Tomorrow not only am I going to go through my files but I need to dump what is worthless and expand on what’s worth keeping. Hmmm. I got to draw some trees and elevations too. I also have a worksheet that I got to finish before 6pm and get it turned in to Jeremy.
When considering the program for my shot gun study I need to speak with someone that knows what is needed for a successful productive studio. So I believe speaking with Darren he would help me get an idea of understanding. I should look into Codes (I know I don’t want this design to violate anything). Have yet to determine the site for the studio. I know that the location will determine the true orientation of the building.
(This design will most definitely be used during studio in parts if not all)
I know in here somewhere I have an abstract. Maybe I should look into building abstracts?
GRAVITY…playing in my ear.
Ok so I just remembered what I was pondering yesterday. I printed out my passport application…oh my goodness I need to take my own passport picture.
Oh my goodness the guitar solo in GRAVITY is so beautiful.
I was also looking into study abroad websites. I was thinking Japan, Greece…I need to figure out some other places. I need to get beside myself and do something. I don’t know why it is so easy to quit then do the work, make the sacrifices, take the chance, make the mistake, learn from the mistake?.....I am in desperate need of a inner revolution. Oh yea and I plan on volunteering for habitat for humanity….wow actually take hammer and nails and create something…a home. I have always wanted to design them so why not gain the priceless experience of building one….that will help me (it would be nice on a resume).
I am 26 years old and I need to make up my mind and start stepping in the direction. It’s just about breaking bad habits and practicing new ones. I have to start turning some wheels and kicking up dust and leaving anything that will hinder my progression behind. I know it sounds so good when I write this….but it’s the action…oh wow that saying
Actions speak louder than words!!!!!
I may have to say this to myself over and over again until it is so ingrained in me that I live and breathe it without a conscious thought.
So here is to making the right decisions.

9162009 Style

2009-11-03T07:46:00.001-08:00

Modern, retro, and vintage with a dash of life’s influences.

9162009 Inside my head

2009-11-03T07:45:00.004-08:00

My thoughts are not innovating. It’s truly a crime. As an individual I try to change the way I think. What about opportunity, do I grab the bull by the horn and take it down, or do I flirt with the thought and when the time comes to challenge myself I retreat. A waste, how do I as a person shake loose these negative characteristics? I don’t even know where it came from. I used to be dedicated sit in a room alone and draw… solace. Where did it go, why do I feel as though I am crippled thoughts and hands. Sometimes I have ideas floating around in there though I never grasp them at that moment and I’m always left trying to remember, but by them it is never quite the same (correction it’s never the same).
What needs to channeled, I’ll get on my knees and pray. I don’t want to be a failure. I don’t want to have gone through all of this for nothing to matter. With me being so far away from what I knew for all of my life, I have time to listen to me and only me. No one is in my ear whispering contradicting or discouraging advice (I battle with myself enough on that one).
Lord I don’t want to be a useless shell, I want to live, have fun, love, laugh, and cry and be grateful. I am such on a loss for words. I just want to connect with the inner me, with me, who am I. I’ve been asking this question for some time now. Will I ever know? What challenge needs to be placed before me to test my character?
When I the best time flee. I don’t want to be stationary for longer than I have to. There is no one else that will be disappointed but myself if I don’t persevere. I got to do this for me my approval is what I seek to gain. My face is the only one I see in the mirror each morning when I wake up and every night before I go to bed.
It’s all about me.

9152009 Outside of the box

2009-11-03T07:45:00.003-08:00

So yesterday, while in the shower I started to go over my design influences. I realized how I use john mayer and his music as well as me starting to play the guitar as inspirations. I then began to think that if he and the guitar are major influences does that mean I can’t think on my own. Do I not have vision, am I not a real designer, am I not original, will I never be original. That thought process sparked the question; who is original anymore?
As a justification even john mayer himself has used his influences to create something signature. In the sleeve of his where the light is CD he mentions that he “steals” from eric Clapton. So why do need to feel less of a designer, aspiring architect if I can’t let others art inspire something in me.
So as of right now I am designing a shot gun studio influenced by me learning to play the guitar. A house influenced by a line in the song “home life”, and another house that is going to have Japanese influences.
I want these space to be somewhere jm would use to record or even live.
So the real question is…am inside or outside of the box?
I have to build a model for the studio design because drawing isn’t allowing me to get the entire idea and vision out.

9142009 I’m cool!

2009-11-03T07:45:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I get caught with my thoughts. I’ve always been this way, introverted. When I look back I try to figure out ‘when did I become this person?’ Nowadays I learn to slowly embrace that woman that I see in the mirror. I still fall victim to that ‘what will they think’, ‘they’ being no one in particular even…and I think that’s what makes it worse. Countless seconds, minutes, hours, and days all adding up.
I looked at myself in the mirror last night. Some flaws but overall, you know that bigger picture everyone is talking about, you know I can kind of see perfection were there was imperfection.
When at the gym I feel I take steps to just let go. I sing, I try to dance, I work hard, I sweat, I smile, I speak, I keep to myself, I get lazy, I self motivate all of these things I do. If I didn’t do these things I wouldn’t be me, but who am I really. I looked at myself in the mirror last night. I turned my head to the left, I turned my head to the right, I looked at my face head on…I’m pretty. And know I always try to look at myself from an outsiders perspective…and I still give myself the nod of approval…lol.
I went to the movies the other day, I got ‘dressed’(without a stylist of course), put my makeup on, did my hair, put on my beatnik inspired black beret (I need a red one), my frames, heels, jeans, and a long-sleeve. Hmmm I was a big woman, I believe that the heels had me standing at 6’2” (still shorter than…) I had eyes on me I know that, I mean like I said earlier I really couldn’t do the blend in kind of thing…hehehe. I felt attractive, I walked nice and tall, I was sexy conservative and I believe it showed…or they were looking at my piercing…oh geez. But the overall package that I presented was nice. And eyes are eyes none the less, hmmm it was nice.
But anyways so sorry for the rant. Actually no I’m not, I haven’t done this writing thing since high school. When I go through those old pages…’what was I thinking’.
But screw the world. I’m cool, I know that there is a time and place for everything. I need to get out in the professional world and gain more experience there. I say come on age….I can only get better in time, I think comparing me to wine is a wonderful analogy. As time goes on I lose inches as well as my face seems to be aging well…hallelujah.

9142009 Repetition

2009-11-03T07:44:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I was thinking you know…I was thinking about how I can take architecture, guitar, basketball and the gym and all have them relate. In words, I mean to have each of them have the same foundational principals. This means when I started basketball I took it upon myself to practice outside of the gym. It was this repetition that lead the way to most improved player my freshman year on JV. That means a lot considering I had not organized basketball experience, couldn’t make a layup, jump shoot…nonexistent (although natural form was always present). Repetition, Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!
This is the attitude that I need to apply to my architecture (I will get that degree!) as well as my fitness and guitar practice. I learned three more notes (all the while still practicing my strumming patterns and chord progression). You know sometimes I start typing and it just feels like I’m going on some crazy ass rant. I think I need to write more and about some of everything…asking questions, answering questions you know and so on. I know that my but is going to be in California in two weeks.
In California time seems to move slower, the fountain of life. It never rains and one is always bathed in the warmth of the summer’s sun. California is heaven where a lifetime is in the blink of his eye. All the while the moments seem to be frozen in time. California dreaming…
One of these days when I am able to compile thoughts (with the assistance of being able to play some notes and chord progressions) I’ll write some songs.
Oh snap, I have an idea….I have to build a model because I haven’t completely gotten the mind to paper thing down yet for a studio. It’s a shotgun style retro mod music studio with six butterfly wing roof elements (represent six strings and their thickness on a guitar). The building is a long rectangle on an angle. I have yet to determine the angle/orientation of the building. I made an attempt of determining my axis last night but it didn’t work. I also need to look into roof systems and how they are designed and put together (oops…looks like I got a hw assignment…lol). Anyways I am well aware of what needs to be done in order to be successful…so just do the damn thing. What is true is that it is all hard work now but all fun and down hill from there, so candace bare the climb darlin’.
The day you reach the top bask in the moment and then start all over again.

992009 Anything Worth Having Is Worth The Wait

2009-11-03T07:43:00.002-08:00

So I have class tonight. I didn’t get up this morning to get to the gym. The thing about the gym is I don’t know if my alarm didn’t go off or if I slept through it? Or what if I actually work up and pushed the snooze and just barely remember? Anyways on to more relevant thoughts in the now, I have class tonight and I need to focus on what’s going on in front of me and nothing else. I pray I did well on the last quiz that I had. I made an effort to take my time…so I’m going to listen and make sure I write down all of the key points that are discussed class tonight. I can’t forget that there will be test in the class, so the more notes I take and eventually get the book the better off I’ll be. I want two A’s not just the one that I need. So I know it takes work. Nothing comes easy not even A’s.
Last night me and Gravity spent some quality time together, not quite making music, but none the less it was time together well spent. I know that for me the song that I believe I want to learn first once all of the lessons and things like that would be In Your Atmosphere most importantly the intro. Once I get the hang of it I would be so happy if I can play it the way he does in Where the Light Is.
This morning I found a video on youtube, it was a q&a session at the university of Miami with none other than John Mayer himself (with the long hair I might add…hotness!). Anyways John Mayer went on to say how important patience and passion is in anything you do. He went on to say that just having this confidence that overshadows the quality of the individual and what he or she can bring to the table isn’t the best solution. He isn’t saying don’t have confidence; he is saying that there is a balance and one should find that balance and while working toward your dreams think of quality. So for me that is patience in Architecture, playing the guitar, maturing, learning who I am each day, friendships etc. the list can go on and on.

982009 The Day I Brought Gravity Home

2009-11-03T07:43:00.001-08:00

So yesterday I began a new journey. After thinking to myself ‘why can’t I be multi-talented?’ Couldn’t there be more to me. More than just an aspiring architect, designer, add aspiring guitarist to the list. I want there to be more to me as an individual. What else do I like? What inspires me? What motivates me? What calms me? What angers me? So I bought my first guitar and named him….hahaha it’s a him. A sexy and masculine acoustic guitar, and his name is gravity. Hmmmm, must one need to ask where I got that name from? Well ill go on and answer that good ol’ rhetorical question….from one of the most accomplished guitarist of my generation and none other than my muse of course.
I started off learning how to tune the guitar, can’t wait till I can do that by ear. The starter kit…haha starter kit. Well it’s rather economically a good idea. I just couldn’t wait and the lord knows that I was afraid that if I kept waiting the guitar would be one of those things that I’ve wanted to do, dream about doing and never do. Well here is to ‘Nothing comes without work, hard work and determination’ that goes for everything, but for now it is to apply to my architectural designs and my aspiring guitar playing coming soon.
‘Good things come to those who wait’ I made up my mind that I was going to get into the seasoned field of architecture long ago before I got side tracked and got off that train due to fear. As I’m going along each semester, I realize one learns something new every day whether good or bad. It would be how do I let these things define me as a woman, individual, student, employee, daughter and sister. The Lord know that I don’t want to quit. I’ve quit once before and all I did was ask myself ‘what if’.
I went to church on Sunday and it was a good thing. I cried like I usually do.
I don’t want to do the what if’s anymore, I want to make up my mind and then follow through and discover who I am in the process.
So cheers to my new man…Gravity and our beautiful relationship together. Good thing he doesn’t mind that architecture is in my life as well. Ooo we I get to have my cake and eat it too !

942009 ….!

2009-11-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Ok so I spoke with Ruth yesterday, the meeting was short and to the point. Make sure that the both of us are on the same page (come to find out we weren’t). Evidently Ruth thought I was taking studio V; which I am not taking this semester. Which led me to believe that the discussion I had with her back in the summer or end of spring (whichever came first…haha spring comes first duh, anyways) I discussed the possibility of taking studio contingent on the A’s that I receive from the summer studio. She went on about ‘well..that could be considered…’ basically I never got the go ahead. Spoke with Jeremy prior to registering for fall classes and he discussed that courses that should have been taken as a pre requisite for the studio classes (and mind you I hadn’t taken any of them).
Well long story short, evidently I could have taken studio V because Ruth just knew that I was in that class, but I’m not and we both exhaled with the fact that we are on the same page. She then requested that I schedule another meeting with her in two weeks to keep her updated on my classes. When sitting in her office we briefly discussed that fact I need another A to balance out another 3hours of C. I want to get to A’s you know gain some sort of cushion.
Reach for the stars, Dream Big, Hold high expectations, Don’t settle, To achieve goals it takes hard work and dedication.

932009 Real Estate Appraisal

2009-11-03T07:41:00.002-08:00

Ok so this isn’t the first time I have considered real estate appraisal. I thought about it months back when I was thinking….’what can I do to make me more marketable in a competitive work field?’ As of right now I’m working on my work ethic and my focus at my current job (the lord knows I don’t want it to slip through my fingers). I work in the procurement department on the construction side. I have had a couple of projects come across my desk. One I had complete control over and that was more like a maintenance contract rather than construction, but still it was an experience. I’ve taken over with some guidance of course a landscaping contract, door modification contract, swimming pool repair contract, student housing market study contract and so on.
All I know is that this experience if valuable because I am going to be dealing with it for the rest of my career. I’m going to be dealing with proposal documents, bid documents, bonding documents, being scored based on my qualifications, technical proposals and oral presentation all of which I have observed.
Over all I want to be licensed and I want to have a firm, I want to invest in real estate and that is where the ability to appraise comes in handy. I want to know what it is I am looking at and what it is worth, as well as that being a benefit of my firm. It all sounds so good don’t you think, but it takes action and money, devotion, and the ability to dream and dream big.

Ps
According to Yahoo Answers maybe investing my money into getting a real estate appraisal license may not be the best route. I mean if I’m going to be in the architectural field I should be able to determine a figure…or have some sort of overhead..can anyone say estimator? Ran across some of these in our kick off meetings with a construction management company ( that meeting was short to the point and interesting). In any case maybe I will be getting a construction management degree (and associates of course cost so much less for the same information I would receive at a University).

922009 Where the Light Is

2009-11-03T07:41:00.001-08:00

So I began doing some drawings for my ENST class on Saturday’s. I’m going to have to have a real nice portfolio for this tech class if I plan on (which I do) receiving an A. So with that thought I’m going to have to be doing a lot of drawing in my spare time. Oh and I want to put gravity in letters above my bed….sexy, and not many or anyone would know what it means for real. So I just got back from looking for some cool letters online to spell out gravity on my wall, and lo and behold that on walmart.com one can order personalized industrial letters in a frame…, for damn near $50.00. Crazy right…well you would believe me if you saw the thumbnail, basically letters are spelled out of basic things like rope, pencils, road signs, matches and etc. I mean I can do that with my camera and frame the art myself and it be way, way, way sexier. Did I say way sexier? Yeah I think I did. Oh my how I have digressed from the main purpose of this blog. I don’t believe it can be qualified as a blog actually considering the fact that is on my laptop and not posted for all eyes to see on the internet. I don’t believe it’s ready. I want to make a myspace page or facebook page more geared to my growth in architecture oh and the guitar. I’m fairly new at both so why not document my thoughts and ideas into written words and then portray those words in my work, my art….Yea I kind of like that my art. Why can’t I be considered and artist…architects get commissioned just like artist do. Wow its sounding a lot better now that I start to think about it that way.

8252009 SQ3R

2009-11-03T07:40:00.002-08:00

Ok, ok so I’m working on it. Got the reading material out, piece of paper and ready set go.

8242009 Choices

2009-11-03T07:40:00.001-08:00

I am faced with choices every second, every minute, every hour of everyday. It is how I react to these choices that will either assist me in my journey toward having a successful career, or break my dreams in pieces. I don’t want my dream in pieces, I want my dream molded and intact with the decisions that I make now.
I have decided to forgo Studio this year. I ask myself ‘what is the larger picture here?’What place do I want to be in when I start my race?
No class means no excuse! Make the right choices that will aid and not harm my future is key in the remaining semesters. Start with getting in good academic standing…then go from there. Chip away! The finish line is at the end of many many steps. Don’t be afraid! Close your eyes and get carried away, and DARE to DREAM!!!

8242009 The Dream House (Battle Studies)

2009-11-03T07:39:00.002-08:00

As much as I hate to admit, I haven’t sketched anything in the past couple of days. The fact that I am aware of this, means that a positive action could be taken. Here is a quote that I got from Carmen Johnson’s Facebook post. In a way this totally applies to my aspirations of architecture
“High achievers spot rich opportunities swiftly, make big decisions quickly and move into action immediately. Follow these principals & you can make your dreams come true” Robert Schuller
I don’t think I could say that better myself thanks Carmen for the post. Get back to the drawing board or in this case my new drafting table…hehehe.

8242009 Freecycle Drafting Table

2009-11-03T07:39:00.001-08:00

So there is this wonderful group comprised of over six thousand Baltimore city and county residents. The name of the group is Freecycle. Freecycle is a mediated group that post offers and wants on the internet. I myself am a member and have witnessed its intentions. Once I was a confirmed member I made an effort to read each of the post that are automatically forwarded to my email account. People post offers, offers can range from simple clothing items, furniture, electronics and appliances. Wants are when an individual in a group needs something specific for example a lamp. I myself posted wants on the group’s site. I, being a graduate student in the Architecture program posted a want for a drafting table. Now there is no guarantee that someone will have what you are asking for, but there is no harm in asking. As a result of that post a nice gentleman responded. Within in a week the man was kind enough to deliver the table to my apartment and put it inside for me. The faith I have in this site is rather strong. I am so glad that I am a member. At this point I have said that I am interested in some vintage circa 1970’s lamps. In a way this group is like ebay except you are bidding on a free item, and to win the bid you want to be the first to reply.
I have cleared out my nice little drafting studio, moved my shoes. It’s rather comical when I think about it only considering how small my apartment is. Although when I awoke this morning and saw it sitting there I felt as though it fits. I had to do quite a bit of cleaning when I got it…there were dead bugs and dust all over it, but on the other had it wasn’t as bad as I had thought it was going to be. So now my kitchen/dining room table will be just that.

8202009 Japanese Architecture

2009-11-03T07:38:00.002-08:00

So last night I was thinking…again. My goal is to study Japanese urban architecture as well as residential (I’m going to create a dream house for JM….to put in my portfolio of course). Koi fish will play a part in the detail of the house. A Japanese graden with views from the bedroom and studio a must have. The house will not be ridiculously large but comfortable. He already has a huge (and I think huge is an understatement) house so this would just be one of his many escapes. It would be a house that inspires and encourages creativity. Warm material ( “sustainable”) emphasis on change in material and purpose of the intended space i.e. gym, studio, kitchen, foyer, bedrooms, bathrooms, surrounding garden spaces and so on. I would like to determine how to incorporate the guitar in the details….guitar strings for railings, guitar inspired treds and risers… windows how can I express the windows….traditional Japanese inspired probably? That is what I see in my head. I’m thinking about square footage right now…around 3,000 sq ft. I want the house to be just as hip, sexy, cool, masculine, and cultural. Hmm split level perhaps…although I envision a single story house…with maybe a basement. Where will this place be located. California? New York? Connecticut? I have to think about weather and how it will affect the desired architecture of the building. I don’t think that I want the garden and the snow…but on the other hand it may be beautiful and serene.

8182009 Untitled

2009-11-03T07:38:00.001-08:00

Clean Lines. Sharp Lines. Complementing Lines. Hmmm like fashion. That takes me back to the quote from the Devil Wears Prada. I think that whenever a see a house, but see its use as a home. What is funny is that I believe that I’ve always seen them this way since a child.
I can remember the joy of going to look at models when my dad told me the news that we were moving. I wanted to go along, didn’t want to miss a single opportunity.
Hall way house or an up stairs house? I love how at a young age I wasn’t as politically correct with the terms I would have liked to…lol.
I still remember the model that I went to with my daddy, it had a spiral stair case and pink carpet…ewww, but I loved it.
Later down the road I didn’t leave empty handed I always had a book with all of the styles, models and floor plans.
Trips to the grocery store, arts & crafts store, hardware store I always found myself in some isle related to architecture or construction. The grocery store for instance I was perusing and purchasing ‘build your dream house…over 500 floor plans to choose from’. A store like Michaels for instance…I admired the doll houses and always wanted to put the one I had together (never happened though). When in a store like Home Depot I wondered off into the kitchen and bathroom renovation model area.
It just seems to me that hey….don’t deny it sweetie.
“You can make it if you try.” Sly and the Family Stone
So…so try why don’t cha.

8132009 Music = Architecture

2009-11-03T07:35:00.001-08:00

So last night I was watching John Mayer perform at the MJ memorial playing Human Nature. He had no vocals he did the entire joint on the guitar. Eyes closed….and he was in the zone…as they say in White Man Can’t Jump “I can hear Jimmi….I’m in the zone man.” Lol. Anyways I’m not the first and I certainly will not be the last to see the similarities. I’m going to have to dive deeper into this analogy. Stay tuned for more as I become more enlightened…

P.s. I think I have some history books that cover this good ‘ol subject.

812009 Untitled

2009-11-03T07:34:00.002-08:00

“Know who you are and be who you are. All the way. All the way to the hilt”

812009 Untitled

2009-11-03T07:34:00.001-08:00

Last night I was in one of my altered state of mind. I began to contemplate what are going to be my motivating forces with my architecture. Sure I haven’t done all of the necessary traveling and work experience, but that is inevitable…I’ll get there. I wrote on my white board
Nostalgia= architecture
I incorporated the idea of having individuals as a muse, as a basis, foundation, starting line. So underneath that I added a few bullets as follows:
Personality, individual, and muse
Still my first muse is John Mayer. He’s a rock star, song writer, designer, and guitarist. He is influenced by the blues, horned his skills in Atlanta, is originally from CT. 1983 is a memorable year for him. He admires the Japanese and the koi fish.
More research as to go into these details for me to come up with a dream home design for him. Now where would the location be? Would he want it on the west coast or east coast? Would it be one of his temporary homes, or would this home be what he considers part of this “HOME LIFE” (maybe that would be the name of the design that I would propose) I kind of like that idea.
Anyways he loves the guitar and I think the guitar is sexy as shit. I want to take lessons and own one of my own…you know round myself out a little more.
He would definitely need a secret passage way…that would be spot on and fun…I mean I’m just a big kid and it would be cool to have a place to sneak off to. What would the reason for the room? In other words what purpose would it serve? That is a question that always needs to be asked. There are always so many questions that need to be asked, answered and then asked again (that is why it’s said that a design is never really 100% done).
“Battle Studies” hmmm. This is the house that he has turned into a studio….how could that be incorporated or is it good to keep the two independent Home Life/Battle Studies contradictions I believe or could that be what make this design real sexy and rockin’….hmmm don’t know.
JM is also very laid back, jeans and a tee kind of guy…humorous and blunt.
“New Deep” wow could each of his song titles be the premise…..
My stupid mouth
Your body is a wonderland
Why Georgia why?
Clarity
Bigger than my body
Vultures
Gravity
Lamo…I don’t think so but it was worth the consideration I’m sure.

2009-11-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Paint. What could the grid be good for?

What is a site plan?

2009-11-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

Come to find out since I have been enrolled in the School of Architecture and Planning at Morgan State University much of what I am learning I have already done in some form or fashion. For instance I would take a piece of 8.5” X 11” paper, and randomly pick a starting point. That starting point slowly began to expand…expanding into an aerial view of a neighborhood (all this I did on my own and I enjoyed every second of it).
I wish I would have held on to all of the work I did as a child with regards to architecture. My first site plans.

852009 My first competition

2009-11-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

When I begin to think back on my childhood days I usually begin to kick myself, not literally of course. When I was younger I didn’t think twice, I wasn’t afraid of possible criticism, or the tedious details. I would find amusement in drawing, perusing build your dream home magazine, realizing that the Sunday paper ads held secret gems.
When I was a student attending Glen Cove Elementary School often to spark creativity in the children contests were developed (probably among the entire school district). I will never forget the contest that I truly took interest in…design your dream house. I can’t recall till this day how many hours I spent preparing my drawing. I just knew in the back of my mind that no one was as excited and determined as I was. I finished the house colored it in, provided people (a family) cars, lights on or off in the windows, a yard, fence, trees….
I submitted my drawing. I wanted to win. Days weeks and years went by, and till this day I never knew the results of the competition. I had to be in the third or fourth grade.
Today, although the stakes are a little higher, I constantly tell myself that I need to push on…keep my eyes on the prize. Fear is the enemy, I myself am the enemy. The light that constantly glows continues to shine on the memories, dreams, and aspirations that I had since a young child to design and build.
“Don't you know that you are working at the place that published some of the greatest artists of the century? Halston, Lagerfeld, de la Renta. And what they did, what they created was greater than art because you live your life in it. Well, not you, obviously, but some people. You think this is just a magazine, hmm? This is not just a magazine. This is a shining beacon of hope for...” Quote from The Devil Wears Prada.