Cooper District

Today GBDA X01 officially ended. After 8 weeks, a group of 20 of us came up with a proposal for the Cooper Site behind the campus. We have a website, video, branding, physical models and blueprints (which I've mentioned before), and perhaps my favourite, a book, to represent what we are now calling the Cooper District. We were assembling the books today. It's a accordion style book, with actual front and back covers. They're obviously handmade, but I think they turned out really well. Each one is just a tad unique, and that goes along well with the branding we came up with - rustic and a bit edgy. I wasn't a part of designing the book, but a couple of pictures I took as well as the blueprints made it into the book. So that's my little claim to fame on that aspect of the project. If I can find the motivation to photograph the book properly, I'd like to add it to my portfolio. I really enjoyed the whole thing and I'm happy to be able to say that this is something I did because I wanted to, not because I needed to for a mark or school. I'm really looking forward to what we do next term.

Speaking of making the book, we were using bone folding tools to crease and fold the pages, and I now want one for myself. It would be really helpful for origami folding.
In other news, last night the SSC had their last event of the term, a holiday dessert potluck. We had 10 people, which was just about perfect for the space (and chairs) we have. There was lots of delicious dessert, one of my favourites being peanut butter and corn flake munchies. They were very good and I ate (too) many. We built the gingerbread house without any structural difficulties and one guest even made a cat out of candy. I ate the chimney today and the gingerbread is rock hard. I'm wondering if this kit might be leftover from last year? Or maybe I'm just so used to the softer homemade ginger bread that this is a rude reminder of what I used to enjoy eating as a child.

Let it Be Christmas Already

Here I am again, not as stressed as everyone else. I'm just about done my ePortfolio, just waiting to hear back from some people for feedback. You can take a look too if you like: heatherwoo.com.
The SSC will be hosting another potluck on Thursday, this one is a dessert potluck. I'm very much looking forward to it. Unfortunately, two of my closer friends won't be around to come, but we had to go with the date that worked for the most people overall. I bought a gingerbread house for people to decorate, since that was something that people liked last year when it happened on campus (although I died a little inside, since I haven't bought/used a store bought gingerbread house in 4 years). Right now it looks like we're going to have a good turn out. It's a fine line though. Obviously we want as many people to come as possible, but we also don't have a ton of space in our apartment. And we can't really use our 'sunroom' off the back this time because it is not insulated. So we'll see how it goes. Might have to do some rearranging of the furniture.
Thanks to Black Friday and the magic of the internet, I've completed all of my Christmas shopping except for one gift. This is definitely a record for me, having it done so early. My mom messages me on a semi-regular basis saying "Another package arrived today," since I'm having them sent to London. Although I think they've all arrived by now. I am very excited to wrap the gifts. I love gift wrapping. (If you want me to come over and wrap your gifts for you, I'd love to. Seriously).
Not a whole lot else going on. I only have one more week of classes, and then I'm free! I've been making Christmas cards and I have to say I'm quite happy with how they are turning out. I'm really looking forward to being at home over December. I can't wait to do Christmas-y things. I'm also excited to get back into sewing.
I made dinner tonight for Marissa and Michelle. I made dill meatballs, which is one of my favourite meals. I made it for them at some point last year, and they both really enjoyed it as well. So now I try and invite them over to eat with me whenever I have it. Michelle and I played Mario Kart after. It was fun to just hang out with her for a while; she's often very busy and is never around on the weekends.

RedonDONE

I am often significantly less stressed the 48hrs leading up to a due date than my peers. Most of the time, this is because I complete my work before hand and apparently everyone I go to school with is an expert procrastinator. However, I thought this weekend might be different. We're on the third and final iteration of our Redondo prototype project (due on Monday), and my group was struggling to solidify our idea. This meant I couldn't start working on my part of the write up ahead of time. Finally, on Thursday we came to an agreement only because we argued that we literally didn't have anymore time to discuss ideas, and had to start working on the write-up and physical prototype. Filip and I were assigned the physical prototype because we were going to be the only ones in Stratford over the weekend. Filip didn't seem too happy about having the physical prototype, but I would take crafting over writing any day. Over the past two days, it took us 8 hours to complete the prototype out of cardboard, and that was on top of 2 hours the group had spent together building the shell of the Redondo. We went through 3 cans of spray paint trying to make this thing look half decent. But on the plus side, I am now done my contribution to the project, and thus have the weekend to myself. Which is where I started this narrative. Still done my work ahead of time :)

My other task for the weekend is 3D printing a bunch of mini pieces of furniture. This is for the GBDA X project, where we're redesigning the Cooper Site. As a part of the 3D model team, I created a blueprint of the building that will eventually printed at 24"x62". The mini furniture pieces will sit on this blueprint. The group became a bit pressed for time because the book/brand team wants pictures of the miniatures for their book. So we suddenly needed our models finished earlier than anticipated. I took one for the team and offered to print them over the weekend. It will be cutting it close. I started one today (a desk and bed) and it's going to take 9hrs to print. I'm just hoping that everything goes smoothly, because I left after about an hour. I will find out tomorrow, fingers crossed. 

Other than hoping the 3D printer doesn't break down from continuous operation over the next 48hrs, I don't have anything going on this weekend. All of the M&Ms are away for the weekend. I made chocolate chip cookies this evening. I used to bake because I wanted baked goods. Now I bake to occupy time, and have the added bonus of getting baked goods out of it. I finished The Crown on Netflix today. I really enjoyed it and hope they continue to make episodes (there's some controversy as to whether there will be another season due to comments from the Royal Family). Might do some reading, since I haven't done that in a while. Unfortunately it doesn't look like the weather is going to be great. Although today it was lovely. I was walking around in a t-shirt. 

Catan > Bowling

It is with mixed feelings that I let you know that the SSC event for tonight - bowling - has been cancelled, after my last post boasted of the success of the club. We had 6 people sign up, but then two backed out, so we decided to cancel it. Hopefully our event next week will do better. I think bowling was a bit of a stretch for people anyways. People would rather watch movies or go to pubs together.
The upside of bowling being cancelled, on the other hand, is that Mara, Marissa and I are now going to play Settlers of Catan instead. I'd choose Catan over bowling any day. I'm especially excited because I've 3D printed two resource hexes (rock and wood), so I'll finally be able to put them to use.
We might be co-hosting an event with the GBDA Society next week for a horror movie night. Only, Mara, Marissa and I are not interested in watching horror movies. So basically, we're just going to help promote the event and then not watch the movie.
Our professor asked us today to bring half a dozen cardboard boxes to class tomorrow. He didn't elaborate at all. Where the heck am I going to get cardboard boxes? I might go to the LCBO across the road and see if they have any I can use. He also asked us to bring tape "or anything that sticks". I ain't bringing my tape and having it all wasted on what I'm sure will ultimately be a useless exercise.
Speaking of which, I should tell you about our guest lecture with Jordan. First of all, Jordan is my favourite Stratford Campus staff member. I was very excited when I heard that he would be guest lecturing in our class. The class consisted entirely of us playing with Little Bits and Makey Makey parts, both of which are electrical circuit toys for kids. He was using them as a representation of the Internet of Things and how all the parts interact. It was basically 2hrs of goofing off. Perhaps the more entertaining thing was everybody's snapchat stories. Just about every snapchat story I looked at that day was of people showing the Little Bits and saying things like "what even is university" "Engineering at UW" "#GBD4". But it was actually kind of cool because you could connect it to your laptop and play one-button games by interacting with the Little Bits.
I'm currently working on updating my personal website for a e-Portfolio project I have this term. And no, I won't tell you what the URL to my site is. Not until I'm done with it at least. It looks fine, but I'm thinking of changing the layout, or at least the colour scheme. It's also horribly outdated.
One last thing: I'm very excited for the second Guardians of the Galaxy movie, not just because the first one was awesome, and not just because I'd watch Chris Pratt in just about anything, but because of tiny Groot! He's way at the bottom of the poster, by Starlord's feet :) I'm going to be freaking out the entire movie purely about Groot *he's so cute*

Apple and U2: More Like Apple and Not Again

Upon hearing that U2 and Apple have collaborated again, I thought back to a paper that I wrote last year for an English course that I took. I wasn't a huge fan of the course content, but I really enjoyed my professor and she gave me a lot of confidence in my writing abilities. Ever since I wrote this paper, I've been proud of it. It got me a really good mark (93% thank you very much) and my professor loved it. She said I had a good use of subtlety and could get a point across clearly. So I'm going to share it with you (I suppose now would be a good time to mention that the paper I wrote is about when Apple gave everyone with iTunes U2's album Songs of Innocence).

This article is everything I've ever looked for in one of those "X number of blank you should blank".

Jimmy Fallon: Worship Leader (?!)

I think this article is a really good (short) read about worship leaders and Jimmy Fallon: read it here.

Handwriting Fonts

Create your own font here.
All of my free time is now going to be spent creating fonts.

As some of you may or may not know, I made a documentary last term about 1 Columbia, a high rise apartment building that wasn't ready for their move-in date. There's an article in the Record about it.

Posting this is very self-centered and materialistic (but hey, at least I'm aware it's self-centered and materialistic, right?)

Christmas Wish List:
- Sherlock Book Pillow
- digital drawing tablet
- temperature set kettle
- Toothless stuffed animal
- humidity regulator for guitar
- RELEVANT magazine subscription
- Whispers T-Shirt (green) 
- laptop case - hard shell, snap on, transparent
- Sherlock Limited Edition Gift Set S1-3
- Sherlock: Chronicles
- TARDIS Skirt

Who Needs Productivity?

I have done nothing academically productive this evening and I feel really sucky about it. So I'm going to blog.

If you're looking for some new music, might I direct you to Hozier and his debut self-titled album. He's got an indie rock, soul/blues sound. I really like his album (it's the only I've been listening to recently).

272. Favourite picture of your idol.
(I'm going to call them my favourite role model/person rather than an idol)

(also remember when I lost it over this?)

273. Something I'm talented at.
Painting? Doodling.

274. 5 things that make me happy
1. Completing things before they need to be done
2. Watching movies
3. Talking to my friends
4. Mentally allowing myself to do something (ex. "You can eat a cookie once you're done this paper")
5. Finding new music that I like

McDonalds is Organic

Where McDonalds is pulled off as organic food: here. (click the little cc button at the bottom to get subtitles.

How I Procrastinate

You should go listen to Wikipedia.

I got my exam schedule today, and I'm going to be finished on Dec 13th, which means I get 3 weeks off at Christmas! Woot woot I'm so excited! I can't wait to make gingerbread! I love gingerbread :)

264. Favourite Sport(s)
climbing

265. Favourite Memory
Wow. That's a big one. I have no idea. The first thing that pops into my mind is going on my first cruise (see QOTD #73). That was pretty intense. Also getting my acceptance letter to UWaterloo was pretty awesome.

266. Relationship status
Single (and maybe loving it??)

Smorgasbord of Thoughts

The "Fund Heather's Halloween Costume Fund" can be found here*.

261. 3 dreams you want to fulfill?
1. Work for myself/start a business/company
2. Start a family
3. Be someone's role model

263. Favourite Comedian(s)
Jim Gaffigan, Bill Cosby

Also, check out Ed Sheeran's new music video:

Emma Watson speaks at UN Women He for She Launch

y'all need to listen to this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6XTx2Rg04g

Hey hey hey guess what? One of my classes, Digital Lives, is (apparently) one of the coolest classes in Canada! I've been to two classes so far, and I have a lab later. Both of my profs are pretty awesome. They are very aware of what it's like to be a student (I don't know if that's the right way to say that, they understand what they're putting us through, I guess). My Digital Lives prof is awesome. She's very "hip", I guess you could say. She's really funny too. That course is going to be a lot of reading and a lot of writing,  but I'm looking forward to it.

I've been stressing about school stuff all weekend, but I think I've finally got it all figured it out. Fingers crossed.

Now, I haven't posted since June 23, 34 days ago. That means I have to answer 34 QOTD. Here goes nothing.

211. Would you change your name?
If they mean, would I change my name today, I would say no. But if they mean if I could go back and start with a new name, I might say yes. I don't know what I would change my name to, though.

212. What is your zodiac sign?
Libra.

213. Do you like Subway?
Yes (and I wish I had figured that out earlier).

214. Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?
Contemplate what life would be like with him.

215. Who's the last person you had a deep conversation with?
I've had quite a few life chats recently with people at camp.

216. Favourite lyrics right now?
Oceans (Where Feet May Fall)

217. Can you count to one million?
In theory, yes.

218. Dumbest lie you ever told?
The dentist asked if I wanted the fan turned off, and I said no, but I was really cold and wished I could turn the fan off.

219. Do you sleep with your doors open or closed?
Closed.

220. Curly or straight hair?
Wavy.

221. How tall are you?
5'9"

222. Brunette or blonde?
Brunette.

223. Summer or winter?
Summer (but actually spring).

224. Night or day?
Day.

225. Favourite month?
May? September? I dunno.

226. Are you a vegetarian?
No.

227. Dark, milk or white chocolate?
Milk.

228. Tea or coffee?
Tea.

229. Was today a good day?
It has turned out to be a good one, with a couple of hiccups along the way.

230. What's your favourite quote?
"I always have a quote for everything - it saves original thinking." ~Dorothy L. Sayers
or "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people." ~Colossians 3:23

231. Get the closest book next to you, open it to page 42, what's the first line?
"But Judah said to him, "The man warned..." (It's the Bible, in case you didn't get that. I have to admit, when I originally read through these questions I was really excited about this one and I am slightly disappointed that it was the Bible. )

232. What would you name your future kids?
Jacob, Ethan, Asher, Benjamin. I really like Jezebel, but that has a bad connotation.

233. What are you looking forward to?
I'm going on a little trip to the states this week :) Also, I'm getting baptized this summer!

234. Is there anyone who can always make you smile?
My roommate Lindsay makes me smile at the randomest times with the randomest things.

235. Is it hard for you to get over someone?
I've never had someone to get over.

236. What was your life like last year?
Pretty average, it was good. A new experience.

237. Have you ever cried because you were so annoyed?
No.

238. Who did you last see in person?
My BFFLAAT.

239. Are you good at hiding your feelings?
I personally think I follow after my dad a bit and don't show as many emotions as other people. I, however, do not make an attempt to hide what I'm feeling, leading me to believe that I'm not good at hiding my feelings.

240. What is something you want right now?
For this list to be over already. Never again will I do so many at once. I also wish I was asleep.

241. How do you feel right now?
Tired. Hot because of the humidity but cold enough that I want a blanket.

242. When was the last time someone of the opposite sex hugged you?
Friday.

243. Personality description.
Oh wow this is a big one. I think I am:
- patient
- quiet
- caring
- funny
- sarcastic
- intelligent
- have common sense
- introvert
- organized
- a leader when the situation calls for it
- genuine
I dunno what else to say. Feel free to add on to the list.

244. Have you ever wanted to tell someone something but haven't?
Almost every day of my life.

There we go. All caught up. Maybe in another month I'll post again. No promises.

YO!

I'm (kinda) in the news! Check it out! I painted that piano! With my friend Croissant, we are the "high school students". Ah I'm so happy it finally made it to where it was supposed to be. We painted that over a year ago, and hadn't heard anything about where it was going or when. That just made my day :)

Spritz

Spritz is an application where you read one word at a time and the words flash in this little box. It sounds really weird, but I like it. You can choose the speed you go at. This is at 350 wpm (words per minute) (the average is 250wpm):

I think this is so cool. I would use this all the time. Their website has a button at the top so that you can Spritz their website. How fast can you read?

170. Favourite Movie?
This is a question I hate being asked. I really like Inception and Avatar, those are my go-to answers. Frozen is also really good, but that's more of a passing appreciation.

171. Mean Girls or Mean Girls 2?
I didn't know there was a Mean Girls 2...?

172. Mean Girls or 21 Jump Street?
I haven't seen 21 Jump Street, so Mean Girls.

173. Favourite character from Mean Girls?
Probably Damian.

174. Favourite character from Finding Nemo?
Peach (the starfish) and the "mine" seagulls. But of course Dory.
(I was just looking at the IMDb pages for both Mean Girls and Finding Nemo, and did you know that FN came out before Mean Girls? I thought it was the other way around...)

175. First person you talked to today?
My dad.

Geese Watch

I can't remember how much I've talked about Waterloo's geese issue, but I'm going to now. They are everywhere. Walking on a path, walking on the road, everywhere. They know how to find you. Even when you are inside, you can never escape the never ending honking. And guess what, right now its nesting season. So they make nests. And become extremely protective of these nests. And violent (but to be fair, they're always violent). You think, oh surely this is an exaggeration. No. I invite you to visit UWaterloo's very own Geese Watch '14. We here at Waterloo don't mess around.

137. Have you ever been drunk?
Nope*

138. Have you done anything recently that you hope nobody finds out about?
Well if I have, I'm not bloody likely going to post it here.


*I was about to say that I've never had alcohol, but that isn't even true! omg