Le Vie en Cardinal and Gold: Welcome Back!

Hi Everyone!

So I just started my 4th week of class. It is my pleasure to report that ALL of my classes are AMAZING! Here's a little synopsis:

-Art History: General Education co-requisite with my writing class. We are examining the social conflicts created or exemplified by works of art from the 18th century to the present day. It turns out I love art history even more than I thought I would! It is not only answering all the questions I've always had about the social contexts of art, but also teaching how to think critically about art to answer these questions yourself. Last class we studied (James Abbot McNeill) Whistler's trial when he was accused of "throwing a pot of paint in the public's face," or in other words, practically inventing abstract art. Whistler is once again confirmed as my favorite artist!

-Writing 140: Underclassmen General Ed requirement. Similar subjects, since it's a co-requisite, except more focused on expressing yourself successfully through writing essays. Right now we are preparing for an essay debating the success of the 9/11 Monument, which has first required articulating what defines a successful monument. It's one of those things that you feel like you know, but when you are forced to say it in words, you realize you have a lot of research to do haha.

-Accounting: Lower Level Business Requirement. Absolutely shockingly more fun than I anticipated. I knew I would appreciate the usefulness of the material, but honestly, the beautiful logic of the system is really enjoyable to study. I think a lot of it has to do with my wonderful teacher, Maria, born in Greece and here after working in Prague and New York and earning her master's degree at Harvard. She is like a living marble statue of Athena who happens to teach Accounting through in-class practice rather than lectures. So fun. Plus she is so un-American, it reminds me of my family.

what?!?!? my favorite coffee has arrived!

-Design 2: Design Minor class. I can already tell this class is going to help me so much as a designer, because while we have much more freedom when it comes to completing projects, with great power comes great responsibility, and we are likewise held to a much higher standard. My professor and classmates are great, and it's been so fun helping refine each other's designs. We have almost completed our first projects and I am so looking forward to the results.

here are some random shots from an exhibit the cinema school had with the REAL costumes and props from THE AVENGERS and related films!

-Digital Tools for Design: Design 2 co-requisite. This class is essentially Adobe Suite 101. It is going to be so useful, but I didn't realize how hard it would be for me to start thinking digitally! When I want to make something, instead of the idea moving from my brain to my hands like I'm used to, I have to convert that idea into the program, then my hands can make it happen, kind of. Through the program. Basically I have to constantly be thinking, "What would a programmer do to achieve this result?" rather than just following the intuition of my more tactile brain. It's a learning experience for sure, but it's great.

the mighty THOR and his hammer

Here are some other noteworthy involvements:

-Campus Crusade: I have the privilege of being a Assistant Focus Area Leader this year! This is essentially a Bible study leader for a specific area, in my case, my dorm and the one next door. Two of my closest friends and I get to do it together, and all the freshmen we've been getting to know are awesome. I am excited to see what God is doing!

this is a beauty from the Blue Moon last month.

-Unity: this is also a Christian initiative. It began as a night of worship for all the different Christian fellowships to come together, but that has been changing a little bit as God leads us to see what He's doing on campus. I'll keep you updated!

-MICC: This is the case competition I get to plan this year. Business schools from all over the world come compete for a week, and it is my job to make sure they are well fed, comfortable, and having a really fun time! My fellow Executive Board members are great and it is going to be a great event.

here's a pic of the Zipcar I rented for my first day driving in LA!

-AIGA: I recently got invited to be on the Executive Board of AIGA, the design club, as an Event Planner! A few other members and I will get to plan workshops, tutrorials, museum visits, etc. for the USC design community.

-Cooking! Yes, I have a kitchen in my apartment, and yes, I intend to use it. It just so happened that yesterday, just as I used my very last dining dollar for the semester, a friend offered to take me grocery shopping for the first time! What an answer to prayer.

I pretty much just walked around and grabbed things that looked yummy, because I knew I would be able to make something up to do with it all when it came time. Also, I was glad I followed my #1 food shopping tip: EAT BEFORE. Or else EVERYTHING will look delicious. If you shop for food hungry, your stomach will tell you weird things like, "I love sauerkraut! I eat it all the time! Buy three jars!" Just don't do it.

So here's what I inaugurated my Cuisinart "Griddler" with after Accounting today!

Recipe:

5 shrimp (frozen Argentine beauties from Trader Joe's)

1/2 lime

1/2 avocado

1 tbsp. diced red onion

1 cup brown rice

Olive oil and salt to taste

1. start making the rice! this was good practice for having all the elements come together on time. (although it was admittedly the organic microwave rice from tj's. shhh)

2. rinse shrimp, add olive oil and salt.

3. put those babies on the grill set to "sear" for 2/2.5 mins.

4. meanwhile, cut lime, avocado, and onion...

5. juice the lime over the rice, with a little salt.

6. add the rest of the veggies and shirmp.