"everyone, rich or poor, deserves a shelter for the soul"

“Architecture has to be greater than just architecture. It has to address social values, as well as technical and aesthetic values. On top of that, the one true gift that an architect has is his or her imagination. We take something ordinary and elevate it to something extraordinary.” Samual Mockbee

I just tried my hardest to track down a quote I heard by this man today. He was the genius architect behind Rural Studio. Something I would love to get involved in if I ever got the chance.

So the quote I was really after was about how we need to recognize when we are going through the motions without seeing the purpose. Only he had a much more profound way of saying it that really made me stop to consider what it meant.

I won't go on and on about it since I can't even share the real deal. I really could go on and on. I've been going full speed all day and don't know how to turn it off. Just putting it out there as a half baked thought.

I'm so close to being done with finals I can almost feel the satisfaction. So so close, but I just remembered CAD.

give me a reason

there is a couple rooms here at the bc dedicated to CAD. One has a plotter {really large printer} the other does not.

I'm in the plotter-less room. I have a large drawing to print. But there is a class in the other room. I've peeked in a few times and the instructor is sitting quietly at her desk while the handful of students are working together on something I assume are group projects.

No harm in sneaking in and using a computer at the back of class right? I've been in classes in that room before when there have been random students in back plotting things. My turn.

I no sooner sat down quietly and without a single student turning to look to see who just snuck in, when the lady snapped to attention and informed in a loud {and rather rude} manner that they were in class.

right. I see that. But you aren't lecturing, people aren't presenting things, and I was way less disruptive than your loud territorial outburst. My my. This is what I would have said if I was the kind of person to say my thoughts without thinking it through first.

give me a reason lady.

This little story represents the moments in my harried schedule where I feel the stress. I have about 7 lists running right now that I consult and they keep me happy and sane. {I find great joy in crossing things off} I don't feel the stress until presented with the opportunity to lash out at authoritative figures who like laying down the law for no other reason than they can.

six days and counting

the skinny

Saturday we went to the JSB to be oriented to the upcoming trip. Here's what I learned.

How it came to be: The church was asked if our missionaries could be used as translators in the different ports. Yes, is there anything else we can do? Supplies? OK. Staff? OK. This year is the first year for the church has been involved and they didn't think they would be able to find enough people who could take months off of work at a time. We are completely staffed and ready to go.

Countries we will visit: Haiti, Dominican Republic, Antigua, Columbia, Panama, Nicaragua, and El Salvador

What we're doing: Over 90,000 operations and procedures will be performed. Not only medical, but also dental, veterinary, engineering and much, much more.

How I'll be involved since I get squeamish over a sliver: Non medical volunteer doing a bunch of stuff that is still undefined. I'll be the team leader for June and July. What does that mean? the navy requested that there be a team leader to brief with them each day. I make assignments for onshore stuff and solve problems. I love solving problems. I was also introduced as the official photographer. Pressure? nah.

Weather news: We are traveling during the beginning of hurricane season. They hope we are out of there early enough to miss it all, but in the event of disaster our project will change and we'll go wherever there is need.

Sad, but manageable news: No real internet. Which means I will be blogging via proxy. Dad will be the new cat. I'll be able to post thru him and view comments thru my military email address. Where there is a will there is way.

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. - anais nin

The Awesome's new loo

It has been the talk around here for some time now to remodel The Awesome's bathroom. Grandma mentioned wanting to update the room awhile ago and I'm sure that is what sparked the idea. Somehow it became a while you were out, extreme bathroom remodel involving the entire family, including those out of state even.

Intricate plans were laid. My parents coincidentally came to do their taxes while Grandpa and Grandma made their annual pilgrimage to Phoenix to relax and enjoy some fun in the sun.
I was given the task to come up with a color scheme. {sigh. why do they make me do the hard stuff?} The inspiration: towels found at Ross a month or so ago. The aqua blue brought out unexpected blue swirls in the existing laminate making everything come together beautifully.

Construction began early Monday morning when the one man demo team {aka Doug} showed up. He scraped, sanded, and ripped his way through the bathroom with Michele there doing her thing as well. I couldn't believe how much work they got done that first day! {for more details on the work done while I was at school/work check the Frybaby and PBPB blogs}The above picture is what the bathroom looked like at the end of Day One.

Day Two {Tuesday} I found the women still tearing it up {or should I say putting it down} with their regular zest after 7 pm. Doug, Michele {and Tony too}, Kris and Terry all put in long hours each day.
Day Three and Four {Wednesday and Thursday} were more of the same. More painting, scrubbing, caulking, the new toilet went in, details were being worked on.













Day Five {Friday} Carpet Day
We found ourselves in a tight pinch without any carpet laying expertise.

We called in a professional to save the day. {thank you Bry}

My dad and Bry are buddies now so it was necessary to take a few breaks to play.

The finishing touches came together Friday night. I'm impressed with how smoothly the project went. Again, I was gone during the day so I was being true to the designer stereotype doing the fluffy stuff and mostly missing out on the real labor.

Happy Awesome 66th Anniversary!!

edmonds grandma

heaven had an angel come home today. My dad's mom, Marva, passed away this morning. While we are all sad about her passing, more than the sadness I feel assured that she was met by many people who went before her who loved her as much as we all do here. I look forward to a year from now when we can do her temple work and she can be sealed to my grandpa.

She blended two things I love to do; speed walking and shopping. She would peruse the morning paper for deals to get an idea of where the bargains were hiding, put on her walking shoes, and away she went. When I was young it was difficult to keep up with her, I'd do a combo skip-run to keep up. She wasn't messing around. When you went on a walk with Grandma you knew you were on serious business.

She had diabetes for as long as I can remember so her purse was the source of some interesting sugar free treats. I can't say I like sugar free candy, but it was fun to try one if she offered. Her fridge was always stocked with sugar free/caffeine free Pepsi and sugar free Klondike bars. She made the most amazing pies.

Night time rituals were something I looked forward too. She'd check her sugar level and then have a piece of toast with peanut butter and a banana on top. {still a favorite of mine} She pronounced favorite like favoright.

She and I pulled out the photo albums a couple visits ago and she told me stories behind some of her favorite pictures. She paused on one of herself when she was young and made the comment, "I was beautiful once." I think she was beautiful always.

She loved the color orange. Still to this day if I see anything particularly beautiful and orange my first thought is my grandma would like that. I might have thought that today when I saw this flower, but I could just be sentimental now.
I loved when she and my grandpa would sit in their matching recliners and hold hands across the divide. I loved her wild socks and pretty lipsticks. I loved the predictability of meals at their house. Always with sunflower seeds in a pringles can and the option of blue cheese salad dressing.

I was her 'pin-up' girl. In the main bathroom at their house hangs a poster size black and white photo of me posing by the tub, in my birthday suit, with one leg up on the toilet seat {keeping me modest} and this crazy grin on my face. I'm maybe 3? It's hung there since the picture was taken. I should probably be embarrassed but I've always felt pretty cool to be the grandkid with the big picture in the bathroom.

We love you Grandma.

long gone

butterfly mobile {breeze not pictured}
7 pm sunset + light switch = sparkles {grandma's hallway}

I did something yesterday I've wanted to do for years. {pictured below} I like the cut a lot more than I like the way it looks in these pictures. It took me maybe 5 minutes total to wash it and do it this morning.
partners in crime. Or maybe I should say 'crimeless partners'. We went and had background checks and had our fingerprints taken. One more thing to check off the list of things to do before we go. Next: immunizations and missionary papers. YES! Real missionary papers. How did the timing get so perfect that I could work in a mission type experience between semesters?

getting down with tinky winky

I've been needing a Seaira fix and thought I'd share the video because it makes me laugh every time I watch it.

Seaira has an insane love for the Tellytubby's theme song. Any form of it, humming, singing, or in this case, Yung ju playing it on her Gayageum. She couldn't help but bounce.


{I think that's what the instrument is called? It's a beautiful ancient string instrument and Yung ju is on a scholarship and top of her class. I wish I had a video or her playing. }

going green

fitting that this holiday falls at a time when 'green' is the focus of my design life. sustainability, LEED, eco friendly... I love green; both the color and the movement to treat our earth better. Told you I'm a hippie deep down.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

half division of march

I never intended to be your official meteor source, I do write about the weather a lot though. Sushicat's official report: Spring is here. {for today at least}

Reasons I know:
my bones are thawing out, shivering is at an all time low
I put on an outfit this morning that has been an easy quick decision, but today, it depressed me with it's lack of color. Instead I changed and put on something bright. It felt so much better.
the bees are back. What do they do all winter? Sleep? Snack on honey?

I just spent the last hour on the porch reading my religion homework {eternal marriage}. I can still feel the sun on my skin.

From my reading today I learned what a Plimsoll mark is. It's on the side of a ship and when it is level with the water, the ship has reached it's load capacity. It was passed in 1868 in the British Parliament that all ships would have this mark. The result has been fewer deaths at sea. Good job Plimsoll.

Same goes for our relationships with friends and family. "...people have differing capacities at different times and even different days in their lives. In our relationships we need to establish our own Plimsoll marks and help identify them in the lives of those we love.. monitor the load levels and be helpful in shedding or at least readjusting... until stabilized."

I like this metaphor. Anything to do with ships seems to catch my attention these days, can't imagine why.

Thank you for keeping me afloat.

undefined

In a required general study class we are given a personality test. I have never been a big fan of tests like this. Of course I'm curious and it can be entertaining, but I don't really care. Reading over the answers I have a hard time picking just one. I could answer with all honesty a few different ways, why must I only answer by darkening one scan tron bubble? I get caught up with details like, do I 'always' feel this way, or do I 'sometimes' feel this way. And this one answer will then define me. I don't like it.

This test says I am an 'I' with a strong 'C'. {contradicts the color test since 'I' is most like 'yellow' and I'm not a 'yellow'. I'm a white/blue if you must know.}

A common conversation I eavesdrop on around campus is, of course, about what letter defines this person and, now completely versed in the test, they are predicting the fate of those who haven't taken the test yet.

My friend just took the test so this started up a fresh round of who are you questions?

I'm Jenna, don't you know that?

No! Who are you?

Oh, that, I'm an IC but I don't put much merit in the test.

Experienced and enthusiastic observers exclaim, 'OH! That is such a C thing to say!'

This gives me opportunity to spout off about how I don't like to be pegged but I stop myself because it would only compound the believers faith in the test that I am, indeed, a blasted C.

SO I took the test, and came out an I and a C. But the great thing is that out of the class I was one of two students who's test results were unreadable. When this happens you are supposed to take the test over because basically I failed the test. Personality? undefined.

This gives me great pleasure. "I cannot put my feelings in scan tron bubble form."

pardon my absense

I was getting ready this morning when Frybaby said from the other room, "I'm sick of looking at this boat!" {code: update your blog already}

but that boat is the very reason why haven't updated the cat. I could, but it'd be lists of things that are running through my head, most of the time quicker than I am able to follow.

I'm dreaming about eco friendly dryers and in my waking hours I'm hunting down the eco friendly dryers I dreamt about. Amongst this frenzy of school work I'm making lists of stuff to round up. Mosquito repellent, laundry detergent, rx's...what was that other thing I really needed? uum... I've resorted to keeping a post it and a pen next to my bed for 4 am reminders.

things I'm loving/grateful for right now:

checking things off my lists
talking to mom because we are both so excited
the gorgeous weather
grandparents
friends
calm
Frybaby and her 'sunshine'
temple nite with the family {wish you could all be here}
guardian angel types {7 year anniversary of walking away from my ultimate rollover stunt unharmed}

all aboard the USNS Comfort

I'm taking my finals early and going on an adventure.

What I know: I leave in less than a month. We hit a bunch of countries in the Caribbean and South America. The medical volunteers do somewhere around 5000 surgeries in the 4 months we're traveling. The USNS Comfort does amazing things.

My mom was invited to go for a rotation to give her medical expertise {for the month of May}. She gave me the email for the lady in charge on Sunday after she told me my plans to go work in Europe on a farm were faulty. The coordinator wrote back and said all the non medical volunteer positions were full. Thursday night I got an email asking if I was still available. Of course. Five minutes later {no joke} she had emailed back to let me know I was in and I was filling out forms and getting my flights.

More details when I know some myself. Personally I'm good with the little details I have. All I really care about is I'm going to be a part of something that is changing lives and know it will change mine too.

prickly weeds

I'm up to my elbows in projects and while I'm downloading, drafting, creating a power point and researching this guy {um, I heart Barclay} I thought I would say hey to my online friends and share a couple pics that started me in the direction I'm thinking of going for my final studio project. {Yep, I get inspired by prickly weeds.}

so far mixing those colors with a borrowed idea from the man, Corbusier: using lots of vertical lines to create the illusion of space - and I'm feeling pretty good about things thus far. I'm going to need every vertical line I can get {without being obvious} to make my teeny tiny 524 square foot loft look spacious. Even if the living space is only 15'x10'...

Can you imagine fitting your lifestyle into a kitchen/dining/living area within a 15'x10' space? I'm going to make it work somehow bc every inch of the rest of my sq footage is eaten up in other awesome ways. thank heaven for 'loft sized' appliances.

crazy to me that after each project I get completely burned out and i never want to pick up my scale again. Then a couple hours into the next one and I've forgotten how tired I was and somehow it all becomes exciting again. What is this addiction?

Thrown for a loop

Thrown for a loop is what I decided to call my 'emo' painting. I wanted to show the commonality I see in the events in my life. Even the hard to understand or appreciate experience is beautiful. While I'm struggling my way through it and I can't see it for what it is completely, once I reach the other side I can see where I was from a new perspective. Hopefully a new height. What felt like separate events all start to come together as combined experiences that make life fulfilling and something to be grateful for. The lighter colors on one side and the darker on the other go along with the fight between the wolves I mentioned in the last post and about rising above difficult times and finding hope in the process...blah blah blah... I'm so bone tired of all the sifting.

Writing about it is a little easier than my attempt at presenting my concept this afternoon. I knew it was going to be hard, but the public meltdown is something that will go down in my book for one of my personally most horrifying moments ever. Ever. I'm still wondering who that person was. Body snatcher. I think that's the story I'll stick with if anyone asks.

It looks like a harmless swirly pattern, but I put it all in there. I poured all my sadness and worry into this painting. It was therapeutic and the timing for the project was divine. I couldn't have been that focused on any other assignment.

signs of life

it was a stretch to find anything showing signs of acknowledging the arrival of March outside today. After awhile, it became the game of the day and I was happy to find these hopeful yellow buds a couple blocks over in one of my favorite gardens.


Growing up, my science teacher Mrs. Taylor had this love for nature that was easy to get caught up in. She had us press our ears into the grass one afternoon and asked if we could hear the earth's heartbeat. Even at that young age, when I was generally accepting, I thought she was pushing it. I'm actually sure Jackie and I laughed about the idea. But the thought has stuck with me over the years and maybe I'm asking for it now too, but I kinda like thinking about funny things like that. Especially when the seasons are changing when there is something in the air. Fission? {Call me what you want to call me.}

Enough of my tree-huggerish ramblings, on a whim, I applied for an au pair position in Greece yesterday. I'll hear back from them by the end of the week. Now that would be something different wouldn't it? I have 2 months to kill between semesters and hope to come up with something along the lines of international adventure dome. An internship would be ideal, but really, I'm up for anything.

a cool Cherokee parable if you are in the mood:

“A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

One wolf is evil. He is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, jealousy, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.

The other is good.

He is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”

His grandchildren thought about it for a moment, and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee replied simply, “The one you feed.”