Konbanwa, minna-san!
It's over. It's finally over. Semester One has finally ended!
We made it through the semester, with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Congratulations, everyone!
Since today was the last day of classes, we had a party in ICS. The funny thing was, no one brought any plates, so we had to substitute napkins for them! It's okay, though.
Mr. Arkin brought in a big, rectangular chocolate cake. It was delicious! There were also chips and chocolate, which I happily snacked on. And, of course, Zarin-dono brought in her yummy cream puffs! (What's a party in ICS without her cream puffs? *smile*)
While we socialized, everyone's Culminating Activities were up so we could walk around and take a look at them. I was acting a bit drunk, yelling out "67 pages in three weeks! We did it!" to anyone who happened to take an interest in my group's manual. Ha... That's okay, ne?
It is also Zarin-dono's birthday today! She got embarassed whenever someone wished her happy birthday - how cute~! Teehee~
I spent the period drawing something for her. I hope she likes it!
In my English and Science classes, we prepared for the exams.
After writing two practice exams in English, I think I'm well-prepared for the actual one on Monday
afternoon. I have no idea how one can study for the English exam - which is basically writing an essay. So, I plan on going over the handout Ms. Fisher gave us regarding compare/contrast essays and review what happened in each of the literary texts we read before the exam.
In Science, we did a quick review of all four units - Chemistry, Ecology, Electricity and Astronomy. Mr. Pourkhatai gave us an idea of what would be the major focus on the exam. I plan on going over all my Science notes vigourously before thursday.
On the other hand, we wrote our listening exam in French. I found it pretty easy, and I'm confident I will get over 95%. Next year, I plan on taking Latin. It'll help me a lot with my writing, plus I've been planning on learning Latin since Grade 5. (I just never got around to doing it. Ha...)
After exams are over, I plan on creating a LJ account to put my fanfics up. I already have one on FF, but the quality or those on LJ are much better; and I hope to join their ranks. I also plan on drawing a lot more! I have art next semester, so that'll be sure to happen.
I want to become a PP editor - preferably for the Literature section. I'm going to dedicate more time to my writing as well.
Anyways!
My exam schedule is as follows:
Monday
- English @ 1 PM in the Caf.
Wednesday
- French @ 9 AM in S2
- ICS @ 1 PM in 105
Thursday
- Science @ 1 PM in the Caf.
I'll be sure to study this weekend, but right now...I'm just going to take a well-earned nap!
Thanks for the great semester, everyone! Now...we just have to tackle the exams!
---
Current Music: Anti-Paradichlorobenzene - Len and Rin Kagamine
(I actually like Len's version better, but this is amazing as well.)
Showing posts with label selection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label selection. Show all posts
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
In which we all breathe a sigh of relief...oh, wait, not yet.
Konbanwa, minna-san!
In case you were wondering, I just spent the last three hours writing an exam review for Science. Why? Well, Mr. Pourkhatai asked us to. Or, well, no, he assigned it for homework. I feel sorry for whoever gets mine. Ha! They'd better appreciate it, because right now, I'm exhausted and can barely keep my eyes open!
Tonight everyone is scrambling to finish their Culminating, including my group. We are basically done; all we have to do is add in the exercises and finalize everything. So far, there have been ten versions of the manual, all of them with major differences.
A few problems we had were the screenshots and the answer keys. It took forever to write the answer keys; probably because no one wanted to take the time to do work that seemed like homework. Well, I ended up writing the answer keys for the quizzes and part of the exercises. As for the screenshots, we had to remake them because the file name was "Unnamed #1". According to Mr. Arkin, it wasn't professional. There was some confusion about that, but I ended up making all of those as well. Hmm.
I think we should modify our page on the VPCA Wiki so that it's more specific as to who did what. Honestly, I can't remember every exact detail, but I'd like to give a guideline so Mr. Arkin will have a clearer idea of how to dole out the marks. Right now, it just says "collaboration" if more than one person worked on it.
Tomorrow is the last day of Semester One. Can you believe it? It all passed so quickly. Exams are next week, and after that, Semester Two will begin. I won't see Mr. Pourkhatai, Ms. Fisher, Mr. Arkin or Mr. Vretranos anymore; and that saddens me. To tell you the truth, I really disliked Mr. Pourkhatai at first, but now, I'm actually okay with him. He's pretty funny! I will miss Mr. Vretranos a lot - he's my favourite teacher at VP (Sorry, Mr. Arkin!). Next year, I plan on taking Latin, so if that works out, I'll get him as a teacher again. Hooray! *smile*
It was a great year--er, semester--with Mr. Arkin. Although Mr. Vretranos is my favourite teacher, ICS is my favourite class because I have so much fun in it! It's where I met Zarin-dono, and we're really good friends now. (By the way, her birthday's tomorrow. I'm going (attempt) to draw a bishie for her. Shhh! It's a surprise!) Mr. Arkin is also pretty funny, and he can teach much better than most of my other teachers. I'll miss him, too.
As I sit here writing this blog entry (and arguing with Andy about whether tea or coffee is better), I'm also reflecting on the past five months. This start to high school has been amazing, and I'll never forget it.
---
Current Music: Nishiki no Mai - Gakupo Kamui and Gakuko
In case you were wondering, I just spent the last three hours writing an exam review for Science. Why? Well, Mr. Pourkhatai asked us to. Or, well, no, he assigned it for homework. I feel sorry for whoever gets mine. Ha! They'd better appreciate it, because right now, I'm exhausted and can barely keep my eyes open!
Tonight everyone is scrambling to finish their Culminating, including my group. We are basically done; all we have to do is add in the exercises and finalize everything. So far, there have been ten versions of the manual, all of them with major differences.
A few problems we had were the screenshots and the answer keys. It took forever to write the answer keys; probably because no one wanted to take the time to do work that seemed like homework. Well, I ended up writing the answer keys for the quizzes and part of the exercises. As for the screenshots, we had to remake them because the file name was "Unnamed #1". According to Mr. Arkin, it wasn't professional. There was some confusion about that, but I ended up making all of those as well. Hmm.
I think we should modify our page on the VPCA Wiki so that it's more specific as to who did what. Honestly, I can't remember every exact detail, but I'd like to give a guideline so Mr. Arkin will have a clearer idea of how to dole out the marks. Right now, it just says "collaboration" if more than one person worked on it.
Tomorrow is the last day of Semester One. Can you believe it? It all passed so quickly. Exams are next week, and after that, Semester Two will begin. I won't see Mr. Pourkhatai, Ms. Fisher, Mr. Arkin or Mr. Vretranos anymore; and that saddens me. To tell you the truth, I really disliked Mr. Pourkhatai at first, but now, I'm actually okay with him. He's pretty funny! I will miss Mr. Vretranos a lot - he's my favourite teacher at VP (Sorry, Mr. Arkin!). Next year, I plan on taking Latin, so if that works out, I'll get him as a teacher again. Hooray! *smile*
It was a great year--er, semester--with Mr. Arkin. Although Mr. Vretranos is my favourite teacher, ICS is my favourite class because I have so much fun in it! It's where I met Zarin-dono, and we're really good friends now. (By the way, her birthday's tomorrow. I'm going (attempt) to draw a bishie for her. Shhh! It's a surprise!) Mr. Arkin is also pretty funny, and he can teach much better than most of my other teachers. I'll miss him, too.
As I sit here writing this blog entry (and arguing with Andy about whether tea or coffee is better), I'm also reflecting on the past five months. This start to high school has been amazing, and I'll never forget it.
---
Current Music: Nishiki no Mai - Gakupo Kamui and Gakuko
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
In which we start to wrap things up
Konbanwa, minna-san.
When you have a bad day....feast on chocolate! Or any other comfort food. For me, it's usually cookies, but I practically ate an entire bag already so I'm resorting to chocolate. And somewhat toned down Vocaloid music. I love the BLAZE music video. At first I was only going to download the song, but then I saw how...*ahem* cool Kaito and Len looked and decided to take the video. I mean, who can resist Len with a shuriken? *fangirls*
Err...yes. Well, today Mr. Arkin taught us how to print and laminate a PDF (or, well, any document, really) at Staples. I don't think my group will have to do that, since Tasfia's father owns a printing company...or something like that.
Speaking of Culminating, we're almost done! I'm finishing the Answer Keys up tonight and will add them in along with the references. The link will be up before everyone gets to class tomorrow. I also have to recreate certain screenshots. Phew! Luckily, I have no other homework.
Which brings me to my next topic. I completely failed my French and Science presentations today! *cries* I messed up some timing in French and in Science, I completely forgot what lines I was supposed to say. I want to apologize, but my friend told me not to apologize so frequently. *wince*
Exams are quickly approaching, and everyone - including I - is scrambling to review everything for each subject they have to write an exam for. I'm almost done my French notes, but I doubt I need to spend so much time on them. I'm most worried about Science and ICS. I will go on an extensive training (studying) regimen once this final Culminating project is handed in.
Wish me luck!
---
Current Music: Child's Garden - Len Kagamine, KAITO Shion, Gakupo Kamui
I'm actually listening to an entire playlist. My favourite Vocaloid songs are (in order):
When you have a bad day....feast on chocolate! Or any other comfort food. For me, it's usually cookies, but I practically ate an entire bag already so I'm resorting to chocolate. And somewhat toned down Vocaloid music. I love the BLAZE music video. At first I was only going to download the song, but then I saw how...*ahem* cool Kaito and Len looked and decided to take the video. I mean, who can resist Len with a shuriken? *fangirls*
Err...yes. Well, today Mr. Arkin taught us how to print and laminate a PDF (or, well, any document, really) at Staples. I don't think my group will have to do that, since Tasfia's father owns a printing company...or something like that.
Speaking of Culminating, we're almost done! I'm finishing the Answer Keys up tonight and will add them in along with the references. The link will be up before everyone gets to class tomorrow. I also have to recreate certain screenshots. Phew! Luckily, I have no other homework.
Which brings me to my next topic. I completely failed my French and Science presentations today! *cries* I messed up some timing in French and in Science, I completely forgot what lines I was supposed to say. I want to apologize, but my friend told me not to apologize so frequently. *wince*
Exams are quickly approaching, and everyone - including I - is scrambling to review everything for each subject they have to write an exam for. I'm almost done my French notes, but I doubt I need to spend so much time on them. I'm most worried about Science and ICS. I will go on an extensive training (studying) regimen once this final Culminating project is handed in.
Wish me luck!
---
Current Music: Child's Garden - Len Kagamine, KAITO Shion, Gakupo Kamui
I'm actually listening to an entire playlist. My favourite Vocaloid songs are (in order):
- Meltdown - Len Kagamine, KAITO Shion (Originally sung by Rin Kagamine)
- Paradichlorobenzene - Len Kagamine
- Romeo and Cinderella - Nodoame (Originally sung by Miku Hatsune)
- Uninstall - KAITO Shion (Originally sung by Chiaki Ishikawa for the anime Bokurano; the lyrics were rewritten for a yandere KAITO)
- Magnet - any couple (Originally sung by Luka Megurine and Miku Hatsune)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
In which Mr. Arkin gives us advice for the exam
Konbanwa, minna-san.
Oh my. Jenny really got me obsessed with Vocaloid. (Zarin-dono, soon you'll be glomping KAITO and Len too! Yes, I know they don't exist in real life, but has that ever stopped me from loving someone? *cough cough Shizu-chan and Firo cough cough*) I can't stop listening to their songs! And somehow... I think I'm starting to love Len more than KAITO... No!!! Don't worry, KAITO, I'll always love you...
Ahem! Ah, well, sorry about that. I get emotional when it comes to...er...yeah. Anyways! Today Mr. Arkin prepped us for the exam next week. I can't believe three weeks passed so quickly! But it's the harsh reality. Culminating Activities are coming to an end, while teachers are reviewing the semester's curriculum with their classes. In English, Ms. Fisher gave us a practice exam (shortened, of course) in hopes of getting us used to writing essays on the spot. See, the English exam is, in essence, writing an essay. It's sort of hard to study for that - all one can really do is practice! I've also gotten the test format from Mr. Vretranos, my French teacher, and of course, Mr. Arkin. Mr. Pourkhatai, my Science teacher, will give us the exam format around Thursday.
Besides giving us the exam format, Mr. Arkin gave us some exam writing strategies. Like how we should bring a timepiece (I have to get that watch this weekend!) so we don't spend too much time on one question; and how if we can't finish any one question in the allotted time, we should just move on (of course, we should write something down!). Moreover, we should always do the easy questions first.
I'm very grateful to you for doing that, Mr. Arkin! Arigato gozaimasu~!
The people who didn't get their Mosaic Projects yesterday got to see theirs today. I wish my background showed up - I don't know why it didn't! And poor Zarin, too... I'll leave it to her to explain what happened.
Ne, I worry about her. She stresses much more than I do! It's not good to work one's self up like that; especially when exams are coming round next week.
Well, talking and prepping for the exam took up most of the period, so we only got about ten minutes to work on Culminating. It's due on Thursday, so we must wrap everything up tomorrow! I'm working on the Answer Keys to the exercise Shreya made right now, and I plan on finishing everything up tonight. I need to talk to Lisa about proofreading the manual, because I don't want to edit something she already did - it'd be a waste of precious time.
I'm off now!
Oyasumi, minna-san. Mata ashita!
---
Current Music: Child's Garden - Len Kagamine, KAITO Shion, Gakupo Kamui
Oh my. Jenny really got me obsessed with Vocaloid. (Zarin-dono, soon you'll be glomping KAITO and Len too! Yes, I know they don't exist in real life, but has that ever stopped me from loving someone? *cough cough Shizu-chan and Firo cough cough*) I can't stop listening to their songs! And somehow... I think I'm starting to love Len more than KAITO... No!!! Don't worry, KAITO, I'll always love you...
Ahem! Ah, well, sorry about that. I get emotional when it comes to...er...yeah. Anyways! Today Mr. Arkin prepped us for the exam next week. I can't believe three weeks passed so quickly! But it's the harsh reality. Culminating Activities are coming to an end, while teachers are reviewing the semester's curriculum with their classes. In English, Ms. Fisher gave us a practice exam (shortened, of course) in hopes of getting us used to writing essays on the spot. See, the English exam is, in essence, writing an essay. It's sort of hard to study for that - all one can really do is practice! I've also gotten the test format from Mr. Vretranos, my French teacher, and of course, Mr. Arkin. Mr. Pourkhatai, my Science teacher, will give us the exam format around Thursday.
Besides giving us the exam format, Mr. Arkin gave us some exam writing strategies. Like how we should bring a timepiece (I have to get that watch this weekend!) so we don't spend too much time on one question; and how if we can't finish any one question in the allotted time, we should just move on (of course, we should write something down!). Moreover, we should always do the easy questions first.
I'm very grateful to you for doing that, Mr. Arkin! Arigato gozaimasu~!
The people who didn't get their Mosaic Projects yesterday got to see theirs today. I wish my background showed up - I don't know why it didn't! And poor Zarin, too... I'll leave it to her to explain what happened.
Ne, I worry about her. She stresses much more than I do! It's not good to work one's self up like that; especially when exams are coming round next week.
Well, talking and prepping for the exam took up most of the period, so we only got about ten minutes to work on Culminating. It's due on Thursday, so we must wrap everything up tomorrow! I'm working on the Answer Keys to the exercise Shreya made right now, and I plan on finishing everything up tonight. I need to talk to Lisa about proofreading the manual, because I don't want to edit something she already did - it'd be a waste of precious time.
I'm off now!
Oyasumi, minna-san. Mata ashita!
---
Current Music: Child's Garden - Len Kagamine, KAITO Shion, Gakupo Kamui
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
In which Pearl starts to feel the pressure
Kon'ichiwa, minna-san.
I came home this afternoon to find my mom lying on the couch, reading newspapers. What a scare. I had completely forgotten that she said she might take a day off because of the excessive amount of snow.
Which reminds me. This morning I was fifteen minutes late because of the traffic jam on Victoria Park caused by the snowstorm last night/this morning. It took...forty-five minutes to get to school by car; whereas on a normal day, if I left at the same time, it would only take twenty to twenty-five minutes. The funny thing is, I got there a few minutes after my teacher, Ms. Fisher. And I wasn't even the last one to get to school in my class.
I didn't really have a great day. I only got six hours of sleep (which, strangely enough, is actually more than I usually get these days) and spent three quarters of an hour in the morning in traffic, so...please excuse my irritability. I almost forgot that I hadn't already attended ICS earlier, and mistook my Period D class (French) as the last class of the day. Imagine my surprise when I didn't see anyone else at their lockers.
ICS seems to get shorter and shorter. I don't feel like I'm getting a sufficient amount of work done. Nevertheless, last night I typed up the good copy of the About the Authors page and helped Lisa finish part of Test One. I have also been asked to edit half of the Glossary terms (the definitions) and edit the If Statements Lesson. I still have to complete a few more flow charts.
Suddenly, I feel like a world of work has been piled on me.
I want to do as much ICS as I can tonight, but I have to allow time to practice for my English CA. My group is presenting tomorrow; and I don't want to be the one to bring our marks down. So I have decided to finish my Science first (as it's due tomorrow), then work on ICS until eight- or nine-ish, and finally, spend a few hours practicing my lines for English.
Hopefully I stick to this schedule.
Wish me luck, minna-san!
---
Current Music: Meltdown - Len Kagamine & Kaito Shion
I came home this afternoon to find my mom lying on the couch, reading newspapers. What a scare. I had completely forgotten that she said she might take a day off because of the excessive amount of snow.
Which reminds me. This morning I was fifteen minutes late because of the traffic jam on Victoria Park caused by the snowstorm last night/this morning. It took...forty-five minutes to get to school by car; whereas on a normal day, if I left at the same time, it would only take twenty to twenty-five minutes. The funny thing is, I got there a few minutes after my teacher, Ms. Fisher. And I wasn't even the last one to get to school in my class.
I didn't really have a great day. I only got six hours of sleep (which, strangely enough, is actually more than I usually get these days) and spent three quarters of an hour in the morning in traffic, so...please excuse my irritability. I almost forgot that I hadn't already attended ICS earlier, and mistook my Period D class (French) as the last class of the day. Imagine my surprise when I didn't see anyone else at their lockers.
ICS seems to get shorter and shorter. I don't feel like I'm getting a sufficient amount of work done. Nevertheless, last night I typed up the good copy of the About the Authors page and helped Lisa finish part of Test One. I have also been asked to edit half of the Glossary terms (the definitions) and edit the If Statements Lesson. I still have to complete a few more flow charts.
Suddenly, I feel like a world of work has been piled on me.
I want to do as much ICS as I can tonight, but I have to allow time to practice for my English CA. My group is presenting tomorrow; and I don't want to be the one to bring our marks down. So I have decided to finish my Science first (as it's due tomorrow), then work on ICS until eight- or nine-ish, and finally, spend a few hours practicing my lines for English.
Hopefully I stick to this schedule.
Wish me luck, minna-san!
---
Current Music: Meltdown - Len Kagamine & Kaito Shion
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
In which Pearl questions her sanity
(Or, in which Pearl's brain becomes so fried that she can't act sane.)
Konbanwa, minna-san!
Well, I'm certainly quite a bit more upbeat than I was the week before Winter Break. I feel like I shouldn't be, considering Culminating Activity deadlines and the ever-terrifying exams are quickly approaching. Then again, this might just be my way of keeping myself sane. Yes...acting crazy to keep myself sane...what a reasonable explanation.
I wonder why people stare at me strangely when I say "This is so interesting!" about a crime fiction/mystery novel. Or a show where something - doesn't matter what: vehicles, trains, airplanes, houses, barren fields, etc. - blows up. Or a chase scene. Or a gunfight scene. Is it strange to like that?
Meh. Castle always says (and yes, this is part of the introduction to each episode) "There are two kinds of people who spend their lives thinking of ways to murder people. Psychopaths...and mystery writers."
I relish in that kind of stuff.
Anyways, before I completely forget what we did in ICS this morning, let me write it down here.
Today was basically another work period for the Culminating Activity. (Why do I capitalize that? Is it simply an example of how much it towers over me; an example of how much of our mark this is weighted on?) Yes, er, well. I made some necessary edits to the About the Authors page, since Shreya joined our group. Lisa had asked for it to flow better (see, before I had tried to follow the model of a short About the Author[s] blurb in the back of a fiction book), so I had to change a few things.
Last night, Shreya sent me the glossary terms she wrote. I put those up on the Wiki. Looking over them, I feel like we'll have to do some editing. The language is not exactly professional, but that's okay. At least she has the basic idea. Don't get me wrong - I'm very glad she's so eager to contribute to our project. But...the grammar Nazi I am, I just...I'm picky about these things.
Which reminds me, as soon as exams are over, I need to reply to my pen pal (sort of) on FF. I still remember the days when we sent several messages back and forth on the same day.
So, for tonight I have to finish the flow chart about Tutoring Turing and the edits to the AtA page. Lisa will (hopefully) send me the rest of the introduction so I can put the two parts together.
I can't feel the pressure. Is that a bad thing?
Nevertheless, we're making good progress. Hm. That's probably why.
I'm feeling wistful now. Mm.
I think I'll go talk to my friend on MSN for a bit. He's always fun to talk to.
Mata ashita!
---
Current Music: Victory Korea - Super Junior
[Zarin-dono, you'll be happy to know I've gotten somewhat addicted to their songs. And Amy, too, if you're still reading my blog.]
Konbanwa, minna-san!
Well, I'm certainly quite a bit more upbeat than I was the week before Winter Break. I feel like I shouldn't be, considering Culminating Activity deadlines and the ever-terrifying exams are quickly approaching. Then again, this might just be my way of keeping myself sane. Yes...acting crazy to keep myself sane...what a reasonable explanation.
I wonder why people stare at me strangely when I say "This is so interesting!" about a crime fiction/mystery novel. Or a show where something - doesn't matter what: vehicles, trains, airplanes, houses, barren fields, etc. - blows up. Or a chase scene. Or a gunfight scene. Is it strange to like that?
Meh. Castle always says (and yes, this is part of the introduction to each episode) "There are two kinds of people who spend their lives thinking of ways to murder people. Psychopaths...and mystery writers."
I relish in that kind of stuff.
Anyways, before I completely forget what we did in ICS this morning, let me write it down here.
Today was basically another work period for the Culminating Activity. (Why do I capitalize that? Is it simply an example of how much it towers over me; an example of how much of our mark this is weighted on?) Yes, er, well. I made some necessary edits to the About the Authors page, since Shreya joined our group. Lisa had asked for it to flow better (see, before I had tried to follow the model of a short About the Author[s] blurb in the back of a fiction book), so I had to change a few things.
Last night, Shreya sent me the glossary terms she wrote. I put those up on the Wiki. Looking over them, I feel like we'll have to do some editing. The language is not exactly professional, but that's okay. At least she has the basic idea. Don't get me wrong - I'm very glad she's so eager to contribute to our project. But...the grammar Nazi I am, I just...I'm picky about these things.
Which reminds me, as soon as exams are over, I need to reply to my pen pal (sort of) on FF. I still remember the days when we sent several messages back and forth on the same day.
So, for tonight I have to finish the flow chart about Tutoring Turing and the edits to the AtA page. Lisa will (hopefully) send me the rest of the introduction so I can put the two parts together.
I can't feel the pressure. Is that a bad thing?
Nevertheless, we're making good progress. Hm. That's probably why.
I'm feeling wistful now. Mm.
I think I'll go talk to my friend on MSN for a bit. He's always fun to talk to.
Mata ashita!
---
Current Music: Victory Korea - Super Junior
[Zarin-dono, you'll be happy to know I've gotten somewhat addicted to their songs. And Amy, too, if you're still reading my blog.]
Monday, January 10, 2011
In which our CA group gets a new member!
Konichiwa, minna-san!
Even as I type this, I'm creating flow charts for our ICS Culminating. Oh, the month of January is so busy! With exams coming up in two weeks, and Culminating Activities to finish, I'm as busy as a bee. Some people are stressing out, but not me! No, my mind has already blown up! I just get really hyper and then sporadically change energy levels and get depressed. Then I get hyper again. Yes...if you see me acting drunk, you know what happened.
"Mi-mi-mikuru, mi-mikurun-run!"
You might hear me singing that. Three cheers for Mikuru and all the people who act like her in real life (a.k.a. me)!
Yup. That's how far I've gone.
Well, today we got a new addition to our ICS Culminating group! I'd like to extend a welcome to Shreya, from Class A. She will be taking care of the glossary - not exactly an easy feat.
As for my tasks, all I have to do is edit the About the Authors page and the first part of the Introduction. Then I'm going to help Zarin-dono with the Case Statements lesson, and I have offered to help Shreya with the Glossary. Then, I will get to work thinking up test questions.
Ah, but before that, I have to finish creating the flow charts that were requested. It's pretty easy, and everyone else is doing so much; so I want to contribute as much as I can in any way possible.
Then I must memorize my lines for English CA; and do research for French CA, which is more about science (environmental problems). If I may, I'd like to voice my anger at Naeem for basically forcing our group to do Climate Change - something he's been obsessed with for the past two years (at least).
It's shameful.
Ah, well, there's no time to blow up at anyone. Besides, my brain is already fried.
"Koi no magiku, mi-mi-ku-run-run!"
Mata ashita, minna-san!
---
Current Music: Koi no Mikuru Densetsu - Yuko Gotou (Mikuru Asahina from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)
Even as I type this, I'm creating flow charts for our ICS Culminating. Oh, the month of January is so busy! With exams coming up in two weeks, and Culminating Activities to finish, I'm as busy as a bee. Some people are stressing out, but not me! No, my mind has already blown up! I just get really hyper and then sporadically change energy levels and get depressed. Then I get hyper again. Yes...if you see me acting drunk, you know what happened.
"Mi-mi-mikuru, mi-mikurun-run!"
You might hear me singing that. Three cheers for Mikuru and all the people who act like her in real life (a.k.a. me)!
Yup. That's how far I've gone.
Well, today we got a new addition to our ICS Culminating group! I'd like to extend a welcome to Shreya, from Class A. She will be taking care of the glossary - not exactly an easy feat.
As for my tasks, all I have to do is edit the About the Authors page and the first part of the Introduction. Then I'm going to help Zarin-dono with the Case Statements lesson, and I have offered to help Shreya with the Glossary. Then, I will get to work thinking up test questions.
Ah, but before that, I have to finish creating the flow charts that were requested. It's pretty easy, and everyone else is doing so much; so I want to contribute as much as I can in any way possible.
Then I must memorize my lines for English CA; and do research for French CA, which is more about science (environmental problems). If I may, I'd like to voice my anger at Naeem for basically forcing our group to do Climate Change - something he's been obsessed with for the past two years (at least).
It's shameful.
Ah, well, there's no time to blow up at anyone. Besides, my brain is already fried.
"Koi no magiku, mi-mi-ku-run-run!"
Mata ashita, minna-san!
---
Current Music: Koi no Mikuru Densetsu - Yuko Gotou (Mikuru Asahina from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)
Friday, January 7, 2011
In which the first signs of exhaustion appear
Konbanwa, minna-san.
I'm scared. Very scared. The lack of sleep resulting in drifting off at certain times in class is getting out of control again. Today, when walking home, I only had to climb two very short hills and it got me wheezing. Moreover, those incessant, painful headaches I get are annoying me. These are the same things that happened last year, before I went into my period of exhaustion. Now, this wouldn't terrify me as much if it wasn't January; that is, exam month. I absolutely cannot afford to get sick now. Besides, exhaustion is frightening in itself.
Today Mr. Arkin asked us to send him the link to our PDF files (for the Mosaic Project). There were a few problems with most of them, so we were asked to resend them. Ah. I should go do that now, before I forget.
Done! *smiles wryly*
That project has caused me a lot of pain.
Now, my main focus will be on Culminating. Luckily (in a way), there is no CA for Science, so I won't have to worry about that. And the French CA appears to be much simpler than the ones for English and this class, ICS.
Zarin-dono and I edited and improved our group's proposal in class today. Strangely enough, that took the entire period. Huh.
As I have mentioned before, we are writing a manual (similar to the Topic for Dummies series) teaching the reader about Selection.
I have been assigned the Introduction to the book, the About the Authors blurbs and the Glossary definitions. Writing out a lesson for one of the components of Selection would've been fun to do, but oh well. I'll take what I get.
I plan on finishing the Introduction tonight so I can send it Tasfia. She'll edit it into the manual.
Over the next two days, I plan to do as much as I can between the About the Authors blurbs and the Glossary. I want to finish at least one blurb, but am aiming for all of them to be done.
I'd also like to edit the book. I love editing others' work. But after my meeting with Mr. Arkin a few days ago, I wonder if my corrections are, well, correct. I hope so. It would make me feel really guilty if they weren't.
On another note, we got our exam schedules today. My ICS exam is on the same day as my French one. Luckily, I have my Science exam last - more time to study!
I'm off to work now.
It's back to class on Monday!
---
Current Music: Motteke! Sailor Fuku (Lucky Star OP) - Aya Hirano, Emiri Kato, Kaori Fukuhara and Aya Endo
^I can do the dance, too. Except for the high kick. I'm not flexible.
I'm scared. Very scared. The lack of sleep resulting in drifting off at certain times in class is getting out of control again. Today, when walking home, I only had to climb two very short hills and it got me wheezing. Moreover, those incessant, painful headaches I get are annoying me. These are the same things that happened last year, before I went into my period of exhaustion. Now, this wouldn't terrify me as much if it wasn't January; that is, exam month. I absolutely cannot afford to get sick now. Besides, exhaustion is frightening in itself.
Today Mr. Arkin asked us to send him the link to our PDF files (for the Mosaic Project). There were a few problems with most of them, so we were asked to resend them. Ah. I should go do that now, before I forget.
Done! *smiles wryly*
That project has caused me a lot of pain.
Now, my main focus will be on Culminating. Luckily (in a way), there is no CA for Science, so I won't have to worry about that. And the French CA appears to be much simpler than the ones for English and this class, ICS.
Zarin-dono and I edited and improved our group's proposal in class today. Strangely enough, that took the entire period. Huh.
As I have mentioned before, we are writing a manual (similar to the Topic for Dummies series) teaching the reader about Selection.
I have been assigned the Introduction to the book, the About the Authors blurbs and the Glossary definitions. Writing out a lesson for one of the components of Selection would've been fun to do, but oh well. I'll take what I get.
I plan on finishing the Introduction tonight so I can send it Tasfia. She'll edit it into the manual.
Over the next two days, I plan to do as much as I can between the About the Authors blurbs and the Glossary. I want to finish at least one blurb, but am aiming for all of them to be done.
I'd also like to edit the book. I love editing others' work. But after my meeting with Mr. Arkin a few days ago, I wonder if my corrections are, well, correct. I hope so. It would make me feel really guilty if they weren't.
On another note, we got our exam schedules today. My ICS exam is on the same day as my French one. Luckily, I have my Science exam last - more time to study!
I'm off to work now.
It's back to class on Monday!
---
Current Music: Motteke! Sailor Fuku (Lucky Star OP) - Aya Hirano, Emiri Kato, Kaori Fukuhara and Aya Endo
^I can do the dance, too. Except for the high kick. I'm not flexible.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
In which Pearl blows up at her computer
Konbanwa, minna-san!
I'm taking this opportunity to relax a little since I finished all my homework, and all that's left to do is write this blog and make some progress on Culminating (for ICS). Of course, I do plan on working on that, but I need a break first. However, I plan on going to sleep by midnight at the latest tonight. I've only gotten seven hours of sleep in the past two days!
Today Mr. Arkin introduced us to CutePDF, a program which allows an user to convert web pages into PDF files. It's very easy!
Nevertheless, I had some problems when I tried to convert my Mosaic Project's web page into a PDF file. In the PDF file and the print preview, the text got pushed down, and there was a vast amount of blank space to the left of my image. This annoyed me to no end because no matter what I tried, I couldn't get the layout to be the same as my web page. So I posted up my question on the Discussion forum in the class Wiki.
Since no replies had been posted, and I wanted to finish this trivial task quickly, I asked Zarin-dono to take a look at the print preview for my web page, to see if it looked the same for her. Surprisingly...it didn't. Later, when Mounir (thank you so much!) answered my question, he said the same thing. It still shows up strangely on my computer, so I guess there must be something wrong on mine. I'm not sure what, though, but if I remember, I'd like to ask Mr. Arkin tomorrow.
Now, I can officially say that the mosaic project is over! From tomorrow on, I will be focusing solely on the Culminating Activity. As I said before, my group is writing a manual. It's an interesting process, and we even set up a Wiki so we can plan and communicate with each other.
Exams are coming up, too, so I need to start gathering my notes and summarizing them. I plan to type out all my notes for all my classes so that I have a neater, shortened copy that is easier to study from.
So! Until tomorrow, minna-san!
---
Current Music: Bleed it Out - Linkin Park
(Suggested by one of my very close friends. Unfortunately, the latter part scares me quite a bit.)
I'm taking this opportunity to relax a little since I finished all my homework, and all that's left to do is write this blog and make some progress on Culminating (for ICS). Of course, I do plan on working on that, but I need a break first. However, I plan on going to sleep by midnight at the latest tonight. I've only gotten seven hours of sleep in the past two days!
Today Mr. Arkin introduced us to CutePDF, a program which allows an user to convert web pages into PDF files. It's very easy!
Nevertheless, I had some problems when I tried to convert my Mosaic Project's web page into a PDF file. In the PDF file and the print preview, the text got pushed down, and there was a vast amount of blank space to the left of my image. This annoyed me to no end because no matter what I tried, I couldn't get the layout to be the same as my web page. So I posted up my question on the Discussion forum in the class Wiki.
Since no replies had been posted, and I wanted to finish this trivial task quickly, I asked Zarin-dono to take a look at the print preview for my web page, to see if it looked the same for her. Surprisingly...it didn't. Later, when Mounir (thank you so much!) answered my question, he said the same thing. It still shows up strangely on my computer, so I guess there must be something wrong on mine. I'm not sure what, though, but if I remember, I'd like to ask Mr. Arkin tomorrow.
Now, I can officially say that the mosaic project is over! From tomorrow on, I will be focusing solely on the Culminating Activity. As I said before, my group is writing a manual. It's an interesting process, and we even set up a Wiki so we can plan and communicate with each other.
Exams are coming up, too, so I need to start gathering my notes and summarizing them. I plan to type out all my notes for all my classes so that I have a neater, shortened copy that is easier to study from.
So! Until tomorrow, minna-san!
---
Current Music: Bleed it Out - Linkin Park
(Suggested by one of my very close friends. Unfortunately, the latter part scares me quite a bit.)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
In which Pearl's pride takes a blow
Konbanwa, minna-san!
Last night I slept at 2:30, seeing as I wanted to finish a rough draft of my Mosaic Project so I could clean it up today, and I had to read some pages in my Science textbook. Then I had to get up early so I could meet my French group to practise for the presentation today. However! Although majorly sleep-deprived, I have finally managed to complete my Mosaic Project! So, I'm in quite the good mood right now.
Remote Access Trojans are very interesting. To me, at least. I was always fascinated by how the Greeks defeated the Trojans by hiding in a wooden horse. Actually, I even learned something new from this - did you know that this legend is actually a myth? Like Miria says, "Sugoi~!".
I'd like to give a big thanks to Mr. Arkin and Zarin-dono for editing my work and helping me think up an idea for a conclusion respectively. It really helped!
Ah, now this is where the title plays in. As most of you know, I'm very confident in my English skills. Mr. Arkin found grammatical errors that I didn't even know existed in my writing, so my pride took a blow. Like he said, "You look like I just ran over your cat with a steam roller". Ah, well, that made me laugh. *smile* This incident hasn't dimmed my love for the English language, and I will strive to get better and understand what I have done wrong and why, so my writing will improve!
After I finish my French and study a while for my Science test, I will devote my time to the Culminating Activity. My group members - it's been finalized - are Zarin-dono (Class C), Lisa (Class A) and Tasfia (Class A). We're going to write a manual on Selection. Everyone is brimming with ideas, and eager to contribute, so everything's going great! I feel so lucky to be in such a motivated group.
Because we are all working on our Mosaic Project tonight, the real work will most likely start tomorrow.
On that note, I'm off to study now. Or, at least, try to study.
---
Current Music: Shut Up! - Simple Plan
---
Translation Notes:
Sugoi [sue-go-ee]: An expression of amazement: awesome; amazing; wow.
Last night I slept at 2:30, seeing as I wanted to finish a rough draft of my Mosaic Project so I could clean it up today, and I had to read some pages in my Science textbook. Then I had to get up early so I could meet my French group to practise for the presentation today. However! Although majorly sleep-deprived, I have finally managed to complete my Mosaic Project! So, I'm in quite the good mood right now.
Remote Access Trojans are very interesting. To me, at least. I was always fascinated by how the Greeks defeated the Trojans by hiding in a wooden horse. Actually, I even learned something new from this - did you know that this legend is actually a myth? Like Miria says, "Sugoi~!".
I'd like to give a big thanks to Mr. Arkin and Zarin-dono for editing my work and helping me think up an idea for a conclusion respectively. It really helped!
Ah, now this is where the title plays in. As most of you know, I'm very confident in my English skills. Mr. Arkin found grammatical errors that I didn't even know existed in my writing, so my pride took a blow. Like he said, "You look like I just ran over your cat with a steam roller". Ah, well, that made me laugh. *smile* This incident hasn't dimmed my love for the English language, and I will strive to get better and understand what I have done wrong and why, so my writing will improve!
After I finish my French and study a while for my Science test, I will devote my time to the Culminating Activity. My group members - it's been finalized - are Zarin-dono (Class C), Lisa (Class A) and Tasfia (Class A). We're going to write a manual on Selection. Everyone is brimming with ideas, and eager to contribute, so everything's going great! I feel so lucky to be in such a motivated group.
Because we are all working on our Mosaic Project tonight, the real work will most likely start tomorrow.
On that note, I'm off to study now. Or, at least, try to study.
---
Current Music: Shut Up! - Simple Plan
---
Translation Notes:
Sugoi [sue-go-ee]: An expression of amazement: awesome; amazing; wow.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
In which Pearl struggles to write a code
Konbanwa, minna-sama.
As usual, I'm feeling very tired and lethargic. Add in some stress because the majority of my classes are "behind" the other Grade 9 Pre-IB classes of said subject, and you have the perfect formula for exhaustion. If it's possible to get more than 7 hours of sleep a night in the next few days, I'd like to take advantage of that. Otherwise I might really fall asleep in Science. (And no, I absolutely cannot afford that!)
I think my overall average went down a lot, and it's got me worried. I already knew that my Science mark would drop, I just didn't expect it to drop so much. I'm even dropping in ICS, and I feel horrible, especially after Mr. Arkin gave his speech about expecting us to get over 80% on the recent programming test. I made stupid mistakes...very stupid mistakes...
Anyways, today we continued working on the "Follow the Bounce" program. Last night (this morning?), I had gotten a large part of it done. The only problem was that there were (I'm exaggerating here) a million loops, so that even I got confused - and I was the one who wrote the thing! So, yes, when Randi came over and told Zarin and I that the program only needed to consist of one loop...I...cried. All my hard work, gone! Well, it's nothing to lose sleep over.
By the end of the period, I had gotten a pretty good idea of how to do it. Of course, that included a ton of desk checking (in my head, because it would take too long to do it on paper) and tracing the execution (with the computer). Now, I only need to fix a little glitch and it'll be perfect! Of course, I could never have gotten this far without help! Thank you to everyone who helped me, you know who you are!
I really like this program (staring at it is fun!), so I'm going to create an executable for it. I want to send it to my mom so she can see it (and maybe even show it off to her colleagues at work). Teehee.
For homework, I need to start on the "Window-edge Tracker" program. I have a pretty good idea about how to do it, but I don't want to spend an excessive period of time on it, since I have a big essay for English that I need to finish. I also agreed to editing Zarin-dono's essay (and I'm perfectly happy doing so - I don't mind at all)!
So, I'm off to work now.
Mata ashita, minna-sama!
As usual, I'm feeling very tired and lethargic. Add in some stress because the majority of my classes are "behind" the other Grade 9 Pre-IB classes of said subject, and you have the perfect formula for exhaustion. If it's possible to get more than 7 hours of sleep a night in the next few days, I'd like to take advantage of that. Otherwise I might really fall asleep in Science. (And no, I absolutely cannot afford that!)
I think my overall average went down a lot, and it's got me worried. I already knew that my Science mark would drop, I just didn't expect it to drop so much. I'm even dropping in ICS, and I feel horrible, especially after Mr. Arkin gave his speech about expecting us to get over 80% on the recent programming test. I made stupid mistakes...very stupid mistakes...
Anyways, today we continued working on the "Follow the Bounce" program. Last night (this morning?), I had gotten a large part of it done. The only problem was that there were (I'm exaggerating here) a million loops, so that even I got confused - and I was the one who wrote the thing! So, yes, when Randi came over and told Zarin and I that the program only needed to consist of one loop...I...cried. All my hard work, gone! Well, it's nothing to lose sleep over.
By the end of the period, I had gotten a pretty good idea of how to do it. Of course, that included a ton of desk checking (in my head, because it would take too long to do it on paper) and tracing the execution (with the computer). Now, I only need to fix a little glitch and it'll be perfect! Of course, I could never have gotten this far without help! Thank you to everyone who helped me, you know who you are!
I really like this program (staring at it is fun!), so I'm going to create an executable for it. I want to send it to my mom so she can see it (and maybe even show it off to her colleagues at work). Teehee.
For homework, I need to start on the "Window-edge Tracker" program. I have a pretty good idea about how to do it, but I don't want to spend an excessive period of time on it, since I have a big essay for English that I need to finish. I also agreed to editing Zarin-dono's essay (and I'm perfectly happy doing so - I don't mind at all)!
So, I'm off to work now.
Mata ashita, minna-sama!
Friday, December 10, 2010
In which we achieve our goal!
Konbanwa, minna-san~
I think I was still "drunk" from International Night this morning. Heh, not even. I was "drunk" the entire day. I'm going to sneak in a fangirl moment here and say "Oh my God, the Korean groups were so awesome!!!" (Y'know, I'd replace "awesome" with another word [that starts with "h" *wink*] but it's probably not a good idea to say that here.) Ha, now I have renewed respect for Asian boy bands. *cue fangirl squeal* The song's still stuck in my head: Again and again and again and again...
On the other hand, I'm exhausted. After I got home and ate dinner (yes, I get home almost right before dinnertime) I went to sleep. I woke up at 9:30 PM, mentally kicking myself for not writing my blog first. Then again, the minute I go on the computer I won't be able to get off of it for a while. So, yep, that's why I'm doing it now.
*cough cough* Anyways!
Today was the last day we had to review programming in our groups. As I mentioned in the blog title, I think we achieved our goal. My group went over all the Programming Concepts noted on the handout Mr. Arkin gave us quite a while ago. I made sure I understood everything there, and if there was anyone who needed something to be explained to them, I tried to help. (Hopefully they understood after my efforts!)
I love helping others. *smile* I want to be an elementary school teacher, so it's actually helping me prepare for the "challenge" as well.
On another note, I need to start preparing for exams and culminating. Over the break, I plan on taking all my binders home and creating study guides for each one of my subjects, especially Science. Hah... That's what made me "sober". Mr. Pourkhatai returned out Ecology tests today after school, and I got a...horrible mark that will undoubtedly bring down my average.
Dakedo...oyasumi, minna-san!
---
Translation: So...good night, everyone!
P.S. For anyone that's interested, there's a Japanese boy band called NewS (also, NEWS, News) that's actually good. Sorry, I used to hate boy bands in general because they sang about...fickle concepts. Like love. (Dear God, I must sound morbid now.) But yeah, they sang for the seventh One Piece movie. It's called "Sayaendo". The translation's cute.
I think I was still "drunk" from International Night this morning. Heh, not even. I was "drunk" the entire day. I'm going to sneak in a fangirl moment here and say "Oh my God, the Korean groups were so awesome!!!" (Y'know, I'd replace "awesome" with another word [that starts with "h" *wink*] but it's probably not a good idea to say that here.) Ha, now I have renewed respect for Asian boy bands. *cue fangirl squeal* The song's still stuck in my head: Again and again and again and again...
On the other hand, I'm exhausted. After I got home and ate dinner (yes, I get home almost right before dinnertime) I went to sleep. I woke up at 9:30 PM, mentally kicking myself for not writing my blog first. Then again, the minute I go on the computer I won't be able to get off of it for a while. So, yep, that's why I'm doing it now.
*cough cough* Anyways!
Today was the last day we had to review programming in our groups. As I mentioned in the blog title, I think we achieved our goal. My group went over all the Programming Concepts noted on the handout Mr. Arkin gave us quite a while ago. I made sure I understood everything there, and if there was anyone who needed something to be explained to them, I tried to help. (Hopefully they understood after my efforts!)
I love helping others. *smile* I want to be an elementary school teacher, so it's actually helping me prepare for the "challenge" as well.
On another note, I need to start preparing for exams and culminating. Over the break, I plan on taking all my binders home and creating study guides for each one of my subjects, especially Science. Hah... That's what made me "sober". Mr. Pourkhatai returned out Ecology tests today after school, and I got a...horrible mark that will undoubtedly bring down my average.
Dakedo...oyasumi, minna-san!
---
Translation: So...good night, everyone!
P.S. For anyone that's interested, there's a Japanese boy band called NewS (also, NEWS, News) that's actually good. Sorry, I used to hate boy bands in general because they sang about...fickle concepts. Like love. (Dear God, I must sound morbid now.) But yeah, they sang for the seventh One Piece movie. It's called "Sayaendo". The translation's cute.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
In which we review programming in groups
Kon'ichiwa, minna-san~!
Tonight was International Night, so Zarin-dono and I stayed at Maryvale library (at Parkway Mall) until around 5:30, when we walked back [to school]. (God, it was cold!)
Anyways, the entire show (concert?) was amazing! I'm so glad I decided to go. *smile*
Last night, Zarin-dono and I went through the Skills Inventory, briefly going over certain aspects of it and taking note of the concepts we didn't understand.
Anyways, yesterday I mentioned that we got into groups to help each other catch up/fully understand programming, right? We continued doing that today!
It was sort of funny, because I had no idea that there were two kinds of loops. When Mr. Arkin and Zelin tried to explain it to me, I got even more confused, and was like "ne?" *cue cute head tilt*
But eventually I understood! And when I did, I felt extremely stupid.
I think that my group made good progress today! We're going to continue doing that tomorrow. By Monday, I'm sure my group and I will be "Level 4" Computer Science students!
Tonight was International Night, so Zarin-dono and I stayed at Maryvale library (at Parkway Mall) until around 5:30, when we walked back [to school]. (God, it was cold!)
Anyways, the entire show (concert?) was amazing! I'm so glad I decided to go. *smile*
Last night, Zarin-dono and I went through the Skills Inventory, briefly going over certain aspects of it and taking note of the concepts we didn't understand.
Anyways, yesterday I mentioned that we got into groups to help each other catch up/fully understand programming, right? We continued doing that today!
It was sort of funny, because I had no idea that there were two kinds of loops. When Mr. Arkin and Zelin tried to explain it to me, I got even more confused, and was like "ne?" *cue cute head tilt*
But eventually I understood! And when I did, I felt extremely stupid.
I think that my group made good progress today! We're going to continue doing that tomorrow. By Monday, I'm sure my group and I will be "Level 4" Computer Science students!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
In which we learn about procedures
Konbanwa, minna-san!
I...get obsessed with different series very easily. Sometimes my love for a certain series dies out. (For example, I used to adore Hot Gimmick, but now it's...meh. It's not like I don't love it anymore (I mean - who can resist Ryoki-sama? *wink/fangirl squeal*), but it's just not as important to me.) But at other times, I will continue to love that series forever and ever... Like Inuyasha. I started watching it, what, six...years ago? I still adore it. And FullMetal Alchemist, which I started watching at around the same time. Of course, I absolutely cannot forget Detective Conan/Case Closed~! I'm a huge mystery/detective fan, so I love this one. Right now, I love Durarara!! It has a really unique/amazing/epic/addictive storyline and even more unique/amazing/epic/addictive characters. I don't want to stop loving it...
Ah, but these are simply the ramblings of a crazy fangirl/writer. To get back on topic...
According to my Programming Glossary, a procedure is a subprogram that performs a defined task. It is very similar to a function. However, a procedure does not have a result (because it's not returning a value) and it can have zero or more arguments. An example of a procedure with zero arguments looks like this:
procedure sayHello
put "Hello!"
end sayHello
sayHello
This code outputs "Hello!"
However, you can "upgrade" it, using an argument. This code will output "Hello, Shizu-chan!"
procedure greetUser (greeting : string, userName : string)
put greeting + ", " + userName + "!"
end greetUser
greetUser ("Hello", "Shizu-chan")
Simple, ne? *smile*
Of course, if this was Izaya-kun speaking, Shizu-chan would say: "Get out of Ikebukuro!!!"
D'awws, we love you, Shizu-chan~
You can also ask the user to give you the greeting and name. However, then you must make greeting and userName variables (within the procedure, if that makes sense).
procedure greetUser (var greeting : string, var userName : string)
put greeting + ", " + userName + "!"
end greetUser
var greeting : string
var userName : string
put "Greeting? " ..
get greeting : *
put "Name? " ..
get userName
greetUser (greeting, userName)
Got it? *smiles again*
Well, I hope that explanation was plausible. I'm generally horrible at explanations (and you wonder how I'll ever become a teacher).
Anyways, after we were taught how to create a procedure, we evaluated ourselves on our understanding of programming. Then we got into groups based on our evaluation. By Friday, Mr. Arkin wants us to fully understand all the concepts of programming! With a bit of work, I'm sure we can do it~!
Ganbatte, minna-san~!
I...get obsessed with different series very easily. Sometimes my love for a certain series dies out. (For example, I used to adore Hot Gimmick, but now it's...meh. It's not like I don't love it anymore (I mean - who can resist Ryoki-sama? *wink/fangirl squeal*), but it's just not as important to me.) But at other times, I will continue to love that series forever and ever... Like Inuyasha. I started watching it, what, six...years ago? I still adore it. And FullMetal Alchemist, which I started watching at around the same time. Of course, I absolutely cannot forget Detective Conan/Case Closed~! I'm a huge mystery/detective fan, so I love this one. Right now, I love Durarara!! It has a really unique/amazing/epic/addictive storyline and even more unique/amazing/epic/addictive characters. I don't want to stop loving it...
 |
| From left: Izaya Orihara, Anri Sonohara, Mikado Ryuugamine, Masomi Kida, Shinra Kishitani, Shizuo Heiwajima. The figure in the moon is Celty Sturlson, a dullhan. Durarara!! (c) Ryohgo Narita |
According to my Programming Glossary, a procedure is a subprogram that performs a defined task. It is very similar to a function. However, a procedure does not have a result (because it's not returning a value) and it can have zero or more arguments. An example of a procedure with zero arguments looks like this:
procedure sayHello
put "Hello!"
end sayHello
sayHello
This code outputs "Hello!"
However, you can "upgrade" it, using an argument. This code will output "Hello, Shizu-chan!"
procedure greetUser (greeting : string, userName : string)
put greeting + ", " + userName + "!"
end greetUser
greetUser ("Hello", "Shizu-chan")
Simple, ne? *smile*
Of course, if this was Izaya-kun speaking, Shizu-chan would say: "Get out of Ikebukuro!!!"
D'awws, we love you, Shizu-chan~
You can also ask the user to give you the greeting and name. However, then you must make greeting and userName variables (within the procedure, if that makes sense).
procedure greetUser (var greeting : string, var userName : string)
put greeting + ", " + userName + "!"
end greetUser
var greeting : string
var userName : string
put "Greeting? " ..
get greeting : *
put "Name? " ..
get userName
greetUser (greeting, userName)
Got it? *smiles again*
Well, I hope that explanation was plausible. I'm generally horrible at explanations (and you wonder how I'll ever become a teacher).
Anyways, after we were taught how to create a procedure, we evaluated ourselves on our understanding of programming. Then we got into groups based on our evaluation. By Friday, Mr. Arkin wants us to fully understand all the concepts of programming! With a bit of work, I'm sure we can do it~!
Ganbatte, minna-san~!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
In which Pearl bows down in shame
Uwaah, gomen ne to shimimasen, minna-san! I forgot to write my blog yesterday! It was the Girls about Girls sleepover, and I went to Cinye's house to pass the time. I completely forgot about this, and I even thought I did it until Zarin-dono reminded me just about two hours ago. Grah... Again, I'm so sorry! *goes into seiza position and repeatedly bows down*
Yes, er, well, on Friday we got yet another work period. The night before, I was working on Repetition Assignment 13. I had finished the basic outline, but I needed to fix a certain (very annoying) glitch. It took me the entire period, but I managed to do it and print out the code! (With about five minutes to spare)
Zelin asked if he could desk check it, so I let him. And when he returned it, he told me that I got the Senior ticket price wrong. I had written "const SENIOR_TICKET_PRICE := 7.25", but the correct price is $7.50! Oh, how stupid I felt. I felt even more stupid after I noticed that I had copied down the exact question from the website, which included the prices. Grah... I must fix that before Monday.
On another note, I'm going over to Lisa's house tomorrow (Sunday) to study for both ICS and French - we have tests for both of these subjects coming up the following week.
I think that's all I have to say. I'm going to sleep now, as I need to get up early to finish my homework. (Plus, my mom wouldn't let me go if I didn't go to sleep right after I finished typing this up) Grah... I have to finish my PP article, do my English (which is actually not that hard), check to make sure my ICS binder is up-to-date, and write out a Science Lab Report (due Tuesday, so I can put that at the bottom of my list - for once).
Can I say a little something about the sleepover?
It was awesome! My group leaders were hilarious, and I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt! The dinner was delicious - lasagna and salad, with a side of bread. We even got cupcakes and chips as evening and midnight snacks (respectively). And there was karaoke~! The only part that I didn't like was that I got a headache at around 9 PM, and it got worse as the night progressed. It's probably due to lack of sleep - after all, I had gotten a total of 17 hours of sleep the previous three days. I took a nap at around 10 PM, woke up at 10:30, then went back to sleep at midnight. I didn't watch the movie.
I woke up numerous times in the middle of the night. The first time I woke up, the movie had ended. The second time, I heard these banging/popping noises. I got so freaked out! My first thought was, Oh my gosh, it's a gunfight. Then the logic kicked in, and I realized that if it was, then everyone would probably be screaming. I concluded that someone must've been setting up equipment for Saturday, and bouncing balls (some of them make a scary sound!). So, I went back to sleep. I woke up again to hear the same noise. I was a bit more awake then, so I decided that it could've been someone's air mattress. I went back to sleep. The next time I woke up, it was five minutes before 7:30 AM, and we were going to get up anyways. Hm.
Okay, this wasn't really "little", but I just had to talk about it. I had such a great time, and next year I want to be a leader!
...I'll shut up now. So, um, see everyone on Monday!
Ja ne!
Yes, er, well, on Friday we got yet another work period. The night before, I was working on Repetition Assignment 13. I had finished the basic outline, but I needed to fix a certain (very annoying) glitch. It took me the entire period, but I managed to do it and print out the code! (With about five minutes to spare)
Zelin asked if he could desk check it, so I let him. And when he returned it, he told me that I got the Senior ticket price wrong. I had written "const SENIOR_TICKET_PRICE := 7.25", but the correct price is $7.50! Oh, how stupid I felt. I felt even more stupid after I noticed that I had copied down the exact question from the website, which included the prices. Grah... I must fix that before Monday.
On another note, I'm going over to Lisa's house tomorrow (Sunday) to study for both ICS and French - we have tests for both of these subjects coming up the following week.
I think that's all I have to say. I'm going to sleep now, as I need to get up early to finish my homework. (Plus, my mom wouldn't let me go if I didn't go to sleep right after I finished typing this up) Grah... I have to finish my PP article, do my English (which is actually not that hard), check to make sure my ICS binder is up-to-date, and write out a Science Lab Report (due Tuesday, so I can put that at the bottom of my list - for once).
Can I say a little something about the sleepover?
It was awesome! My group leaders were hilarious, and I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt! The dinner was delicious - lasagna and salad, with a side of bread. We even got cupcakes and chips as evening and midnight snacks (respectively). And there was karaoke~! The only part that I didn't like was that I got a headache at around 9 PM, and it got worse as the night progressed. It's probably due to lack of sleep - after all, I had gotten a total of 17 hours of sleep the previous three days. I took a nap at around 10 PM, woke up at 10:30, then went back to sleep at midnight. I didn't watch the movie.
I woke up numerous times in the middle of the night. The first time I woke up, the movie had ended. The second time, I heard these banging/popping noises. I got so freaked out! My first thought was, Oh my gosh, it's a gunfight. Then the logic kicked in, and I realized that if it was, then everyone would probably be screaming. I concluded that someone must've been setting up equipment for Saturday, and bouncing balls (some of them make a scary sound!). So, I went back to sleep. I woke up again to hear the same noise. I was a bit more awake then, so I decided that it could've been someone's air mattress. I went back to sleep. The next time I woke up, it was five minutes before 7:30 AM, and we were going to get up anyways. Hm.
Okay, this wasn't really "little", but I just had to talk about it. I had such a great time, and next year I want to be a leader!
...I'll shut up now. So, um, see everyone on Monday!
Ja ne!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
In which we spend the majority of our time talking
The day started off with Mujtaba informing the class that we had the choice of taking Latin instead of French to get our Language credit next year. I knew this already, because we are in the same French class, and our teacher, Mr. Vetranos, was the one who told us about it. Personally, I'd love to take both. I've been wanting to learn Latin since Grade 3, but I don't want to stop taking French - after all, I've already spent five years in the Extended French program, so why drop it now?
Mr. Arkin told us about how valuable it was to know multiple languages. Being bilingual, trilingual, etc. is very helpful in many different aspects of life, especially getting a job. By the time we finished discussing this, half an hour had already passed. (Yeah...being worried about how much time we would have to actually work on our Repetition Assignments, I kept glancing at the clock. I would've looked at my watch, except it broke. Two months ago. *cry*)
So, after we closed the "forum" on languages, Mr. Arkin provided us with three points that will help one become a better programmer.
I do break a solution into an ordered set of steps when I program. I write half of the documentation section (programmer, date, file name, purpose), then before I do anything else, I think about what I will do. When I have a basic outline of the steps needed to reach the solution, I start writing the program. Like Mr. Arkin previously suggested, I start with the input/processing section. Every time I finish typing out a major action, I make the necessary changes or additions to the declaration and/or initialization sections.
I don't visualize contents of memory unless I am desk checking my code. However, after I do a test run (of my program), I look back at what I inputted and mentally check to see if the processing is done correctly.
---
Then, Mr. Arkin gave a brief demonstration of three ways Repetition Assignment 8 could've been done (for a certain part of the code).
Method 1
if integer > 0 and integer mod 2 = 0 then
Method 2
if integer > 0 then
if integer mod 2 = 0 then
...
end if
end if
Method 3 (using a boolean expression)
positive := integer > 0
even := integer mod 2 = 0
if positive and even then
The last one is cool, but it requires more variables. If I was writing the program, I would most likely use Method 1 because it is the simplest and most straightforward (in my opinion) out of the three.
---
When we got to go to our computers, we had fifteen minutes left. I barely did anything, because I needed to check over some other stuff.
All our programming assignments are due on Monday. I finished everything, but I'm not sure if I have all the codes printed out. Derr. I need to make a checklist (though I'd probably lose it anyways).
On another note, tomorrow is the Girls for Girls sleepover. I won't be home until Saturday afternoon (I'm going straight to the library, then dance class after I leave the school.) I'll do my best to write my blog entry tomorrow afternoon, but if it's not up, you know why. I promise to write it the minute I get to the library on Saturday, though. *smile* I'll make a mad dash for one of the computers!
I think this is the longest blog entry I've written so far, ne? I'll stop talking (typing?) now.
Ja ne, minna-sama!
Mr. Arkin told us about how valuable it was to know multiple languages. Being bilingual, trilingual, etc. is very helpful in many different aspects of life, especially getting a job. By the time we finished discussing this, half an hour had already passed. (Yeah...being worried about how much time we would have to actually work on our Repetition Assignments, I kept glancing at the clock. I would've looked at my watch, except it broke. Two months ago. *cry*)
So, after we closed the "forum" on languages, Mr. Arkin provided us with three points that will help one become a better programmer.
- Read with precision.
- Break a solution into an ordered set of steps.
- Visualize contents of memory.
I do break a solution into an ordered set of steps when I program. I write half of the documentation section (programmer, date, file name, purpose), then before I do anything else, I think about what I will do. When I have a basic outline of the steps needed to reach the solution, I start writing the program. Like Mr. Arkin previously suggested, I start with the input/processing section. Every time I finish typing out a major action, I make the necessary changes or additions to the declaration and/or initialization sections.
I don't visualize contents of memory unless I am desk checking my code. However, after I do a test run (of my program), I look back at what I inputted and mentally check to see if the processing is done correctly.
---
Then, Mr. Arkin gave a brief demonstration of three ways Repetition Assignment 8 could've been done (for a certain part of the code).
Method 1
if integer > 0 and integer mod 2 = 0 then
Method 2
if integer > 0 then
if integer mod 2 = 0 then
...
end if
end if
Method 3 (using a boolean expression)
positive := integer > 0
even := integer mod 2 = 0
if positive and even then
The last one is cool, but it requires more variables. If I was writing the program, I would most likely use Method 1 because it is the simplest and most straightforward (in my opinion) out of the three.
---
When we got to go to our computers, we had fifteen minutes left. I barely did anything, because I needed to check over some other stuff.
All our programming assignments are due on Monday. I finished everything, but I'm not sure if I have all the codes printed out. Derr. I need to make a checklist (though I'd probably lose it anyways).
On another note, tomorrow is the Girls for Girls sleepover. I won't be home until Saturday afternoon (I'm going straight to the library, then dance class after I leave the school.) I'll do my best to write my blog entry tomorrow afternoon, but if it's not up, you know why. I promise to write it the minute I get to the library on Saturday, though. *smile* I'll make a mad dash for one of the computers!
I think this is the longest blog entry I've written so far, ne? I'll stop talking (typing?) now.
Ja ne, minna-sama!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
In which Pearl feels ridiculous
Well, today was the "dreaded" day. Or, so I thought.
Remember how I said that Lisa and I had a two-hour-long study session over the phone? (Oh, God, my neck hurt like hell.) Yeah, well, it turns out that I didn't really have to study at all. I pretty much knew everything on the test already.
The only question I had trouble with was Question 3, the one where you have to explain why the error message appears. My first thought was "What? He never taught us this! ...I think." Heh. *sweat*
So I did the rest of the quiz first. Then I had to go back and think about that question (unfortunately). I remembered that I once got a similar error message, except with a different kind of operator. In the end, I made an educated guess. I really hope I got it right. *wince* Because I think I did surprisingly well on the rest of the test. Then again, I shouldn't jinx myself.
My favourite question, however, was the last one - in which we had to write a program. (Heh. Personally, I would've been so much happier if the entire test simply required us to write a variety of programs.) I got through the declaration and input section pretty quickly. Then, when I got to the processing section, I was stumped - for a while. See, I couldn't figure how to instruct the computer how to, er, figure out...which integer was the greatest. But then I was reminded of the and option (I knew it had something to do with selection!) and things went uphill after that.
If you asked me, I think I did pretty well on the test - it was much easier than I expected it to be. On the other hand, I could've totally bombed it. *wince* I'm just going to cross my fingers and hope for the best...
Remember how I said that Lisa and I had a two-hour-long study session over the phone? (Oh, God, my neck hurt like hell.) Yeah, well, it turns out that I didn't really have to study at all. I pretty much knew everything on the test already.
The only question I had trouble with was Question 3, the one where you have to explain why the error message appears. My first thought was "What? He never taught us this! ...I think." Heh. *sweat*
So I did the rest of the quiz first. Then I had to go back and think about that question (unfortunately). I remembered that I once got a similar error message, except with a different kind of operator. In the end, I made an educated guess. I really hope I got it right. *wince* Because I think I did surprisingly well on the rest of the test. Then again, I shouldn't jinx myself.
My favourite question, however, was the last one - in which we had to write a program. (Heh. Personally, I would've been so much happier if the entire test simply required us to write a variety of programs.) I got through the declaration and input section pretty quickly. Then, when I got to the processing section, I was stumped - for a while. See, I couldn't figure how to instruct the computer how to, er, figure out...which integer was the greatest. But then I was reminded of the and option (I knew it had something to do with selection!) and things went uphill after that.
If you asked me, I think I did pretty well on the test - it was much easier than I expected it to be. On the other hand, I could've totally bombed it. *wince* I'm just going to cross my fingers and hope for the best...
Friday, November 5, 2010
In which we tie up loose ends
Ah, how I love baths... So warm and comfy...
They're a welcome distraction from the large amount of homework that I have to do after. Then again, so is manga...
Anyways! Today, we continued working on the poster we started last class. (See my previous blog entry for more information on that) My group...didn't cover all the sections outlined in the Programming Guidlines...But we did our best, and hopefully that will count for something!
Then, Mr. Arkin surprised us with a pop quiz! I missed the first one our class had, since I was at a X-Country meet, so I was quite anxious and nervous in the...five-ish minutes...he gave us to clear our desks and get out a pencil and an eraser.
When we got the quiz, I was extremely surprised! It just seemed so...easy! And it was! Even after I handed it in, I had the uneasy feeling that I missed something important - I mean, it couldn't have been that simple! Or maybe I'm just overanalyzing it. I probably am...
On another note, we missed Studio 218 again! It's so sad... Nevertheless, on Monday we'll...have a great time! *wink wink nudge nudge*
Haha, well, I'm off now! Time to go procrastinate by reading fanfic~ I need to catch up on Acerbus-chan's fics! (Er, I highly doubt that anyone knows who I'm talking about, so I'm providing a link. Just a warning though - she writes shonen-ai.)
Ja ne, minna-san!
They're a welcome distraction from the large amount of homework that I have to do after. Then again, so is manga...
Anyways! Today, we continued working on the poster we started last class. (See my previous blog entry for more information on that) My group...didn't cover all the sections outlined in the Programming Guidlines...But we did our best, and hopefully that will count for something!
Then, Mr. Arkin surprised us with a pop quiz! I missed the first one our class had, since I was at a X-Country meet, so I was quite anxious and nervous in the...five-ish minutes...he gave us to clear our desks and get out a pencil and an eraser.
When we got the quiz, I was extremely surprised! It just seemed so...easy! And it was! Even after I handed it in, I had the uneasy feeling that I missed something important - I mean, it couldn't have been that simple! Or maybe I'm just overanalyzing it. I probably am...
On another note, we missed Studio 218 again! It's so sad... Nevertheless, on Monday we'll...have a great time! *wink wink nudge nudge*
Haha, well, I'm off now! Time to go procrastinate by reading fanfic~ I need to catch up on Acerbus-chan's fics! (Er, I highly doubt that anyone knows who I'm talking about, so I'm providing a link. Just a warning though - she writes shonen-ai.)
Ja ne, minna-san!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
In which we do a desk check
Aw man, I thought I already wrote this. Who knew desk checking could take so long? I'm so tired...
Well, the title is self-explanatory, isn't it? Today, we focussed on desk checking. Mr. Arkin gave us a copy of a model answer for Selection Assignment 6, and we were supposed to individually trace the execution of it. Of course, if we needed help, we could always ask a classmate or Mr. Arkin himself.
For me, it was relatively easy - just time-consuming. I performed the desk check three times, once for each possible route. (In which the conversion was cm-to-in, in which the conversion was in-to-cm, and in which there was an error when inputting the conversion choice) The biggest problem I had was remembering that the computer types in pencil, and the user types in ink. There has been many a time when I wrote the user's part in pencil and had to erase it and rewrite it. *sigh*
Then, we got into groups of four and put together a list of features that the code (for Selection Assignment 6) had. Mr. Arkin provided us with a copy of the programming guidelines, so my group used that as a template. I tend to write titles and headings in print (because it's easier to discern it from the actual content), so it was hard to get rid of that habit. However, I made sure the actual points were in cursive. Besides, I normally write in cursive...when it's not a title or heading. *sweat*
It seems like I'm writing my blog entries later and later now. I keep thinking, "what happened to the time?" .
I still have to finish doing some research for Science and further memorize my script for French (our presentation's tomorrow!). But before I do that, I'm going to check the Daily Log in case I forgot anything else.
On a completely different note, my friend introduced me to a website where you can chat like the characters in Durarara!! do. You can find it here. They even have the same icons! It's too bad Shizu-chan never enters the chatroom...I'd love to use his icon, since he's my favourite character and all. *smile* I guess I can pose as Kida-kun (Bakyura) or Izaya (Kanra). If I want to be loved by Shizu-chan, that is...and I do...I really do...
Sorry for the above paragraph. I guess it sort of wasted your time. *wince*
I'm sorry! *bows down*
I'll shut up now.
Until tomorrow!
Ja ne, minna-san!
Well, the title is self-explanatory, isn't it? Today, we focussed on desk checking. Mr. Arkin gave us a copy of a model answer for Selection Assignment 6, and we were supposed to individually trace the execution of it. Of course, if we needed help, we could always ask a classmate or Mr. Arkin himself.
For me, it was relatively easy - just time-consuming. I performed the desk check three times, once for each possible route. (In which the conversion was cm-to-in, in which the conversion was in-to-cm, and in which there was an error when inputting the conversion choice) The biggest problem I had was remembering that the computer types in pencil, and the user types in ink. There has been many a time when I wrote the user's part in pencil and had to erase it and rewrite it. *sigh*
Then, we got into groups of four and put together a list of features that the code (for Selection Assignment 6) had. Mr. Arkin provided us with a copy of the programming guidelines, so my group used that as a template. I tend to write titles and headings in print (because it's easier to discern it from the actual content), so it was hard to get rid of that habit. However, I made sure the actual points were in cursive. Besides, I normally write in cursive...when it's not a title or heading. *sweat*
It seems like I'm writing my blog entries later and later now. I keep thinking, "what happened to the time?" .
I still have to finish doing some research for Science and further memorize my script for French (our presentation's tomorrow!). But before I do that, I'm going to check the Daily Log in case I forgot anything else.
On a completely different note, my friend introduced me to a website where you can chat like the characters in Durarara!! do. You can find it here. They even have the same icons! It's too bad Shizu-chan never enters the chatroom...I'd love to use his icon, since he's my favourite character and all. *smile* I guess I can pose as Kida-kun (Bakyura) or Izaya (Kanra). If I want to be loved by Shizu-chan, that is...and I do...I really do...
Sorry for the above paragraph. I guess it sort of wasted your time. *wince*
I'm sorry! *bows down*
I'll shut up now.
Until tomorrow!
Ja ne, minna-san!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
In which Pearl feels really...really...tired
I'm so glad I read the Daily Log today. Otherwise I wouldn't have known that I had to do this blog posting. My first reaction: "Whaaaaat?" *spazz*
Okay, now that that's out of the way (heh, my shock/disbelief is important), I'll talk about what I did today. Instead of going to school as usual, I went to my mom's office for Take Your Kids to Work Day. She's so organized, it scared me... She had made arrangements for me to go to each one of the sections of the company and get a little introduction. I don't deal well with meeting new people by myself, so it...was a bit terrifying. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the mini-workshops I attended very much.
First, I met with the Recruiting department. They didn't spend so much time explaining to us what they did (it's sort of self-explanatory, anyways) as they did talking about writing a resume. We got a sample resume, and wrote our own based on it. It reminded me of the first day of school, when we were suddenly bombarded with creating a resume. Oya...that was...a surprise.
Anyways, that got me thinking about getting a summer job - preferably at a newspaper office (like the Toronto Star) or a publishing company, but I doubt they'd hire someone with such little experience. So I guess I'll have to start where everyone does - fast food stores!
My second workshop was with the Communications people. Personally, this was my favourite part of the day. We acquired some presentation and communication skills through playing games. It's quite helpful, since I can apply the stuff I learnt to school presentations, or when I'm writing an essay.
One thing we covered was the pyramid theory. In a grouping pyramid, we have the main message at the top; then two to five reasons supporting the main message; then about three reasons supporting each point. It's the type of format I usually use for speeches and essays, so I'm pretty familiar with it. However, in an argument pyramid, we don't start with the main message. Instead, we start with a statement that everyone agrees on, along with a few supporting points which are reasons. Then, we introduce a "but", along with a few supporting points, also reasons. Finally, we suggest what we could do, and the supporting points are actions. The main message comes last.
I prefer using the argument pyramid, but it's much harder to do because there's always a chance that (a member of) your audience might not agree with you on the first statement.
The last thing I did wasn't really a workshop. I sat beside my mom and "shadowed" her. The work she does is interesting, almost secretarial. I wouldn't mind being a secreatary... I've always done quite well in that area. But I'd much rather be a teacher-turned-writer or a video-game programmer. Haha...
By the end of the day, I was exhausted! But we went to Indigos to look at books (what else?) and I stayed there for about an hour, admiring the manga section. Grah... They had Colour Bleach +! It's the newest Bleach fanbook, and it even has 50 colour pages! Fifty! But my mom wouldn't let me buy it. "It's not worth it," she says. Hmph! Well, manga and anime mean a lot to me. Couldn't she have just let it go as an early birthday present...? Even though I'm paying it from out of my pocket...
Well, I still have to alter the ATM outline program to guard against negative values. I'm almost done...
Then I have to post my fanfic up (the raw copy, since I haven't had time to revise it yet) and practice my French script. Ah...so many things to do...
Well, tomorrow I'll be back at school! Until then,
Ja ne!
Okay, now that that's out of the way (heh, my shock/disbelief is important), I'll talk about what I did today. Instead of going to school as usual, I went to my mom's office for Take Your Kids to Work Day. She's so organized, it scared me... She had made arrangements for me to go to each one of the sections of the company and get a little introduction. I don't deal well with meeting new people by myself, so it...was a bit terrifying. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the mini-workshops I attended very much.
First, I met with the Recruiting department. They didn't spend so much time explaining to us what they did (it's sort of self-explanatory, anyways) as they did talking about writing a resume. We got a sample resume, and wrote our own based on it. It reminded me of the first day of school, when we were suddenly bombarded with creating a resume. Oya...that was...a surprise.
Anyways, that got me thinking about getting a summer job - preferably at a newspaper office (like the Toronto Star) or a publishing company, but I doubt they'd hire someone with such little experience. So I guess I'll have to start where everyone does - fast food stores!
My second workshop was with the Communications people. Personally, this was my favourite part of the day. We acquired some presentation and communication skills through playing games. It's quite helpful, since I can apply the stuff I learnt to school presentations, or when I'm writing an essay.
One thing we covered was the pyramid theory. In a grouping pyramid, we have the main message at the top; then two to five reasons supporting the main message; then about three reasons supporting each point. It's the type of format I usually use for speeches and essays, so I'm pretty familiar with it. However, in an argument pyramid, we don't start with the main message. Instead, we start with a statement that everyone agrees on, along with a few supporting points which are reasons. Then, we introduce a "but", along with a few supporting points, also reasons. Finally, we suggest what we could do, and the supporting points are actions. The main message comes last.
I prefer using the argument pyramid, but it's much harder to do because there's always a chance that (a member of) your audience might not agree with you on the first statement.
The last thing I did wasn't really a workshop. I sat beside my mom and "shadowed" her. The work she does is interesting, almost secretarial. I wouldn't mind being a secreatary... I've always done quite well in that area. But I'd much rather be a teacher-turned-writer or a video-game programmer. Haha...
By the end of the day, I was exhausted! But we went to Indigos to look at books (what else?) and I stayed there for about an hour, admiring the manga section. Grah... They had Colour Bleach +! It's the newest Bleach fanbook, and it even has 50 colour pages! Fifty! But my mom wouldn't let me buy it. "It's not worth it," she says. Hmph! Well, manga and anime mean a lot to me. Couldn't she have just let it go as an early birthday present...? Even though I'm paying it from out of my pocket...
Well, I still have to alter the ATM outline program to guard against negative values. I'm almost done...
Then I have to post my fanfic up (the raw copy, since I haven't had time to revise it yet) and practice my French script. Ah...so many things to do...
Well, tomorrow I'll be back at school! Until then,
Ja ne!
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