29 October 2013

The Talking Cure in Journal Writing

A couple weeks ago, my friends were mocking me because I told them that I had made a new friend. I shared this bit of information in an excited manner, so you can imagine me flailing my arms while saying something along the lines of "Hey guys I made a new friend!" They responded apathetically and one proceeded to say "Dear diary, I made a new friend today, yay me!" in a mocking tone.

Since then, I've filled a third of my red Moleskine which I had acquired in the summer of 2011. When I picked it back up, it was only a third full. It took me two years to get a third of the way in and its content were the antithesis of dense.

I started writing two days before my birthday, so that must have been the 16th. Today's the 29th. In 13 days, or about two weeks, I filled the same number of pages that it took my two years to fill. Two years versus two weeks. That just means that I've had a lot to say lately.

My red Moleskine has since become a necessary therapy. In my Lit & Psychoanalysis class, we drew connections between journal writing and the talking cure. When you write in a journal, you are releasing thoughts that you've kept to yourself throughout the day and is akin to a "chimney-sweep" of the mind.

As an architecture student, stress is an inevitable ailment, along with sleep deprivation, suppressed feelings and emotions, and all the jazz that comes with these symptoms. At the end of the day, my brain is chock full of unspoken thoughts and I can sweep them all into my journal to reveal a clean surface.

The object of these ramblings is to encourage you to take up journal writing. Sometimes there are things that are better left unsaid to the public, even if you think nobody is going to read it. Your journal will become your new therapist, and your sessions free of charge. Pick up your pen while on the train and empty your mind. I promise you, you'll feel so much better afterwards.

26 October 2013

If anyone actually reads this anymore...

I'm going gluten free! (Kinda)
Bread is now reserved for special occasions. Baked goods will be a toughie to kick. (But not really, all I have to do is stop baking, which has happened anyway as a result of being at school all day, everyday)
I should stop talking about how I go to school everyday because so does everyone else (but not really)
-sigh-


14 October 2013

I'M IN A REALLY GOOD MOOD.
My brain is running at a bazillion thoughts per minute and I can't get anything translated through text. There's nobody else here right now so I'm getting a ton of work done and my new drawings are looking quite handsome. Secret: I hope nobody comes in, for fear that they'll burst my bubble. STAY HOME, GUYS.

Anyway, classes are going well, except for physics, in which my participation has deteriorated. We have a test tomorrow. I am very concerned for myself. Otherwise, As across the board (so far) and I'm really proud that I'm doing good work..

And speaking of work, back to work I go!
Ciao :)

07 October 2013

The Invisibility Factor

There's comfort in invisibility, isn't there? I suppose that's why we were all so enamited by Harry's Invisibility Cloak, envious of his ability to wander throughout the world unseen. I like to think that all New Yorkers have an invisibility factor, a measure of how well they can blend in to the background in and out of New York. The higher your invisibility factor, the more discreet you can become, and vice versa. I would like to point out, however, that the invisibility factor is unrelated to one's personality or loudness. I consider myself, for example, to have a moderately high invisibility factor, but that does not mean that I wither away into the background in all situations. 

Someone with a low invisibility factor would be like a redneck who is visiting New York for the first time and is occupying the most space possible on the Subway while shouting to their relatives across the car. That, my friends, is a prime example of a low invisibility factor. I suppose this means that all New Yorkers have fairly high numbers. If you can take the train every morning and afternoon without making another passenger annoyed/angry, you've pretty much qualified. 

7 train, Oct 07 2013. 7:09 AM. 

01 October 2013

Thank You Notes: The First Review

Thank you to David Judelson, Melissa Santana, and Noshin Apurba for facilitating conversation and inquiry into the world of architecture and guiding us along the path to an endless destination.

Thank you to my studiomates for creating a supportive environment to learn and grow. I look forward to many more tomorrows with you all.

Thank you to Ken Allison for adding a dash of humor and lightheartedness to our first review which is especially appreciative after days of going without sleep.

Thank you to my friends outside of studio 312 for inquiring about our projects and allowing us to explore your work as well.

Thank you to my parents for rides to and from the train, tuition, supplies, endless support, and for putting me on this planet.

I'm feeling very sentimental right now. Can you tell?