Introduction to Aviation Scale Modeling

Today is Papa's bday so we went out to eat lunch. We went to this place called Jinbeh Japanese Restaurant and we sat by a Habachi table -- it's one of those tables where your food is cooked right in front of you with a guy that likes throwing knives and burning things up (he doesn't have to be Japanese, as in our case). after that, i went home and talked to katter then decided to go to Hobby Lobby to check out some models. A lone Tamiya 1/48 Beaufighter caught my eye and it was only $24.99 (as opposed to the $33 MSRP). That thought made me uneasy. Should I buy that model now or should I wait till the next sale. These were the pros and cons:

Pros: It's heck cheap and nobody knows when the next sale is gonna be. Also, since it was the single one, if I don't buy it, someone else might.

Cons: another sign of me being an impulse buyer. owell.

So I went home, did some research and found out that the model received really favorable reviews. I decided that I would get it so i drove to Hobby Lobby again. After getting there, I realized I left my wallet, so i quickly turned back and went back home. When I got my wallet, I ran back to the store and grabbed it before the other guy in the aisle decides to get it for himself. In short, i got it and i was so happy with my find. =)

Tonight, kat was browsing modelingmadness.com when she started to ask questions about modeling. she said she was getting interested of airplanes because of me!! Isn't that the sweetest thing!?!? Anyway, I revealed to her my scale model prowess but her brwoser died twice while sharing interesting model pictures.

She left already but Im gonna call her tonight (we talked from 12:30 to like 3 AM last night!). Man, i'm so excited! Im just anxious now because i really wanna hear her voice. and also, i can't solve this one problem in my HW.. heheheh...

I love Hobby Lobby

Maaaaan.... I am much overjoyed by my latest Hobby Lobby experience.....

I went there to buy an AM Dauntless kit when I noticed a lone un-labeled B-25B kit. I asked one of the associates and he goes "that's $24.99" then puts a sticker on it. I was shocked because I was pretty sure I saw it at around $50 online! armed with my 50% off coupon, I got the kit for $13.50 (tax included). can you believe that? An Accurate Miniatures B-25B kit for $13.50? That's cheaper than most of my Monogram models! This is my best deal so far in my years in this hobby!

Also, I got two three books today from ebay two of which were about airplanes and one, my Meterials Science txtbook.

Another cool thing, I get to chat with Katter's aunt. it was kinda awkward because you see, not all people are ready to accept relationships that developed online. She was cool tho. She said she supports us and everything. She was very nice and open-minded. and Katter was so sweet!! I love you, katter!!

This day have been a great one. So great that I thought that something towards the end will ruin it and depress me (as it usually does on previous great days). So far, I haven't seen it. =) Well, I gtg and do some dishes. Ta ta!

"Thou shall honor thy father and and thy mother"

Great graces were reserved to whoever obeys this commandment, according to Jesus. It's the only commandment with a guarantee. Some people think it's an easy way to heaven: just respect the people who you would naturally love (because they are, after all, your parent) and there you have your easy ticket. Unfortunately tho, it's not as easy as it sems for some (or most probably MOST) of us.

I for example, I came home from school today and I saw Papa fixing the vacuum. He then started blaming me for breaking the vacuum (the brush belt got torn). He started yelling and blaming and cussing me out ("Peste ka talaga dito" and "Wala ka nang ginawang matino"). Things led to another and it led to him yelling to my face and Im trying to reason out (I didn't use the vacuum on the carpet but on the linoleum kitchen floor). He kept yelling over and over, accusing me of letting it run on the carpet for long periods of time, and then yelled "YOU SHOULD LISTEN FIRST!" So replied, "You should listen to me too!" BAM! He picked the vacuum and threw it on the floor. Katter put into words exactly what I was thinking at that moment: "that's definitely going to fix it."

Usually, when I have a brush with my parents, I feel guilty of my disrespect. Not this time. All I asked for him was to listen that I never used the vacuum on the carpet before he did (and this naturally leads me to suspect). He can't accept the fact that he should also liten to what I have to say before he makes accusation (after all, I am just a useless son). It annoys me that I have a father that has the biggest pride I have ever ecountered in my life. This is not the time but he would lie just to feed his own pride. I avoid any contact with him the best I can because he hates me for some reason. He hates the fact that I wont give in to his lies and and suspicions as easily as he can fool his "drinking mates" (kainuman) the back home.

Sometimes, I say to myself, "There goes my easy ticket..." I think that God gave this promise of great grace because it requires great abilities. It is such a great challenge that for most of us, we have to deal with them for a great deal of our lives. Honestly, sometimes, I wish I didn't have a father. I would rather wonder how it feels having one than actually having someone like him.

I love blogger tho because it lets me vent out like this.

Freer

Sometimes, the thought of the people I cared for and doesn't care for me brings me down. The thought that somebody I've been really close to forgetting me makes me think. When I think about it tho, It all boils down to me. I just let it happen. There are so much crap going on I don't even recognize the subtle varying degress of importance and attention situations or personalities deserve. We meet alot of them in our lives but I don't think (at least from experience) nobody can keep track. It's just sad that sometimes the people you value are those that will forget about you in a heartbeat. The question is "is this greed?" Self-centeredness? Why would I expect other people I come in contact with be of the same level of my sentimentality? Why do i expect people to even care? I'm Mark. And tho that name holds millions of other personalities, I am the only Mark that I can attest to - the only Mark that I am. I'm unique, and as Kat puts it simply, I'm weird.

Resignation

Today, I officialy declared my resignation as the Communications Chair of the UTA Volunteers. After Monica's play-crying, the officers decided to inform the prospect replacement before next week's General Body Meeting as to create a smooth transition. Well, now, that's off my back but I will still do my best to help out with them on my free time.

I'm gonna miss them...

I switched my Solid Mechanics class from MW evenings (Dr. Ho) to TTH mornings (Dr. Nedderman). I was kinda hesitating because it would mean I already missed 2 classes for that class but owell. I just emailed the professor and informed him about my transfer and asked if I missed anything important. Hope he replies soon.

I got smoked in our little bowling game in the UTA HOSTS Mixer. It was fun playing with Jannielu, Upekesha and Sweta (Upekesha's roommate), tho. I also Swalpa there with her mentee. Monica and Anjenique were there also. After that, we went to watch Excel's movie Scary Movie 3 but we only caught like the part towards the ending. It was still funny tho. I think I'll tell my sister to rent that sometime.

Love Story

Cath sent me a link to http://www.love.2loop.com/ and I was bored enough to try it. I suggest you try it before you read my results..........
























One HUGE summer day at Lewisville you see the most computerized creature you have ever seen. [Her] name is Katter , and every move she makes just turns you on more and more. You nudge your best friend Peter Pan and say, "Wow, that has to be the most homogenized body I have ever seen." Suddenly, she looks in your direction and starts walking right towards you!!! she says, "I noticed you staring at me from over there. I just had to tell you, that I think you are so ambiguous , and was wondering if you'd like to go to University Place with me and sand airplanes ?" With a stupid smile on your face you say, " maybe next time *wink* " and go with them. When you finally get to University Place , she moves closer to you, and gives you the biggest kiss ever. The two of you are passionately kissing, when you feel a pencil hit you on the back of the head. You open your eyes to find out it's all a dream, but there is a note left next to your bed.

It reads: " Katter is the love you've been waiting your whole life for. she will ask you out in 9 days or less, but only if you send this e-mail to at least 10 people within the next few minutes. The more people you send it to, the sooner [she] will ask you out, and you both fall in love. Do not take this lightly, because if you simply ignore this, you will have bad luck in love for the next 9 years!"



Stupid forwards........

I dunno what to title this

As I maybe mentioned before, this is my first day of school. In the morning, talked to Jesi while updating my blog (read up for the result). Then, I prepared for school and drove and stopped by the gas station to get gas and then drove again...

And drove and drove and drove...

I finally got to my destination so I parked close to the bookstore. I claimed the books I pre-payed Sunday night but oddly so, it says one of the books was "not available" but there were plenty on the shelves. The bookstore lady fixed byt adding the book into my receipt and giving me one. Then, I went to Ransom to check my class schedule (I printed out a schedule from pickaprof.com the previous night but all it says are the code number designations and doesn't contain the room assignments). However, after several stabs on my password, my school account locked. I went to the Central Library to get it fixed and it was reset without much ado. I went back to Ransom to finally print. After that, I went to the lower level UC and saw Ivory there. I told her that I have to resign my position because of my class situation BUT still would help out the best I can. She refused to accept my resignation and said I can' resign.

Later that day, I got to talk about Seth and we somehow reached upon a solution that I will pick a co-chair and that would be my delegate to the meetings. That assistant will the report to me sometime after the meeting and work on the things they agreed upon.

I don't think this idea will be very sound tho. For one, it will be unfair for Christy and Sandi because they resigned for the same reasons. Secondly, I don't wanna be an exec chair that the people doesn't know. I don't wanna be referred to as "that communications guy." Also, I don't think adding an unnecessary middle man would be the most efficient way to tackle this problem. I think cutting the middleman out of the equation would make the organization simpler, and therefore, easier to maintain. This is however, just my opinion and I asked other people's. I really be a part of the UTA Volunteers but I'm afraid doing this co-chair thing would be unhealthy for the image and dignity of the organization. Seth gave me time to think until Thursday until we get to meet as executive chairs.

Anyway, I went to my Material Sci class and we just spent 15 minutes discussing the syllabus and we were dismissed. There was no lab meeting for the Engineering Analysis so I get to join the Volunteers meeting, prolly for the last time. There were only three members (and one is new.. a Korean guy named Kyuho). It wasn't really a formal meeting, we basically just told stories about our break, played a game of "Two Truths and a Lie*" and made some announcements. After that, I went to Walmart with Upekesha and Jannielu for a money order and then went back to school and I mailed it (stupid me, I mailed the stub with money order... I hope the seller is honest enough not to cheat me). Then, i drove and drove and drove till I got home.

Upon reaching my abode (hi kat!!), i received a news that I got a call from Fry's while I was away. My prayers were answered! When I called back, April (the girl who called) said that the interview slots were closed and would probably have more interviews next week. How disheartening.... I really hope I get in this time.. I will do my best....

Good thing my sweet Kat was there to cheer me up.

Maybe next time...

I had a weird dream. In it, I had a brother and we had a huuuuggggee fight. It was a stupid fight also. I cracked a joke as I was surfing some cellphone thing and he got so mad ans started cussing me out... Sobrang alang sense. As usual, the entire family got to his side. I was so mad and sad, just like what I feel when my family does that. haayy... kakainis. Well, it's not the weirdest but it's one of the most annoying thus far.

I wanna go to school but I don't. WAAAHHH!! I don't see any incentive to go but I just wanna go to see my new classes and professors, I think. First day of school kse. La lang.

I have been doing alot of modeling lately. Isa pa, I think I can use my airbrush finally. Kaso nga lang, walang tindang thinner na Gunze Sangyo Mr Color dito so I posted a question at www.finescale.com. Sabi nila Lacquer thinner raw ang mabuti. So I went to Walmart and bought a can of lacquer thinner. On the way home, I also went to ACE Hardware and the guy there told me that I should use mineral spirits for oil- based paints because it will produce better results than the lacquer thinner. Needless to say, I bought a can of that also. I checked the forum again and one guy said NEVER to use Mineral spirits...... Now, I'm thrown to confusion. I dunno which one to use. haaay... I guess I just have to experiment like everyone does... At least I'm making progress on my Academy F-5E (recon P-38 Lightning) and it's lookin good. I tried dry-fitting the engine nacelles and they fit quite well but i think they would need a little filler. Come to think of it, I only have two models painted so far ..and I gave one away because I wasn't satisfied with my results (and my lack of airbrush then caused me to paint and strip the paint a couple million times that caused the wingroot to warp). I just don't really have time (and sometimes, the right weather -- I plan doing it in the garage) to have an airbrush session (prepare, clean, use, clean, put away...) Well, maybe next time...

Last weekend, I almost didn't get to to with my hunnie. Her cable connection broke Friday night and it got fixed Sunday afternoon. Stupid lil me wasn't on YM and AIM so I didnt get to talk until Sunday night and we only had an hour or so to talk. I gave her a call that night instead. I wish I can do that more frequently without getting us in trouble...

Owell, cge na. Papasok pa ko.

Teeth of Royalty

Today has been pretty much a good day. This morning, I had a dental appointment. Two of my molars (both right.. one lower and another upper) were prepared for crowns. Dang, They injected alot of anaesthesia! I also waited alot because they were also tending to other patients in differernt rooms. After the procedure, I asked the dentist for some lead foil from x-ray films. I read from alot of sources that these are excellent for model airplane seatbelts. Luckily the dentist was kind enough to give me everthing he's got (eight all in all). When I got home, I waited for the anaesthetics to wear off by doing some cockpit modeling. However, realized my Hawker Typhoon's floorboard and stick were missing! I was in panic and looked for it in every kit box. honestly, that incident made me lose my appetite for what I was doing so I thought I would just mail Revell-Monogram and ask for a replacement. Then, with a twist of fate, I decided to open the box of my I-16 and, lo and behold, they were there!!! I was so glad and relieved. It was the box I least expected to be in. But it was all good. I also checked the mail and I got a new issue of FSM (Fucking Sex Magazine! HAHAHAHA!). I'm still worried about Kat and Aimee's Christmas cards tho. I have been waiting for them since .. well.. Christmas. Anyway, the anaesthetic was beginning to wear off and the pain started to creep in. At first, i could bear it but it started to bother me more later on. I started to panic because I want to call the dentist about it but I didn't know the number. I couldn't find his clinic in the yellow pages or internet and my mom wouldn't pick up bother her office and cell phones (it turned out, she was in a meeting). Then, after ranting to Kat, I got a call. It was the dental technician herself checking up on me! I told her about my pain and she told me to take 4 Advils every eight hours. Tho I didnt take what she prescribed (I was alone and I had no car to get them anyway) I was relieved because (she implied) it was a normal occurence. It was right on time also! And also, I didn't take any medication but the pain just went away! wow... I am so blessed....

Last night, I finally finished my friendster testi for Kat. i procrastinated alot for that because, for one, I didnt know what to say. Well, I just used her suggestion ("Branson... I feel him..annnd he is soft...") and went on from there. BTW, I gave her a bday and Christmas card and a Jane Eyre book. las t month. She really liked them and that makes me sooooo verrrry happified.

Anyway, for some sad news from the previous day, Piggy is dead. To those who doesnt know him, he was our dog back in the Philippines. According to the phonecall we had last Sunday, he died last August from some infection. It was sad. He was a really good and obedient dog. I was even daydreaming about him and Branson playing together when I go back home. Owell... It's a reality... Just like kat said, "Sometimes, dogs die...."

IQ test

Just took an IQ test from Tickle Your Brain. This is my result:



Your IQ score is 138

This number is the result of a formula based on how many questions you answered correctly on Emode's Ultimate IQ test. Your IQ score is scientifically accurate; to read more about the science behind our IQ test, click here.

During the test, you answered four different types of questions; mathematical, visual-spatial, linguistic and logical. We analyzed how you did on each of those questions which reveals how your brain uniquely works.

We also compared your answers with others who have taken the test. According to the sorts of questions you got correct, we can tell your Intellectual Type is a Visionary Philosopher.

This means you are highly intelligent and have a powerful mix of skills and insight that can be applied in a variety of different ways. Like Plato, your exceptional math and verbal skills make you very adept at explaining things to others and at anticipating and predicting patterns. And that's just some of what we know about you from your IQ results.




Yeah right.

Bagong Taon

Wow. Bagong Taon. la lang. Boring. I just stayed home and did, yeah, u guessed it. nothing. I don't even feel anything changed, even the year. It's like im geting more and more desentisized to occasions and thingies. I want to go back to school. At least, I have higher allowance and I don't get depressed much. I would pick stress over depression any time. It keeps my mind occupied.

For now, I just try to build and paint cockpits for my airplanes. for some reason, I think I don't have the balls to use my airbrush yet. Why? well I bought this interior color paint set from the Philippines. Then we moved here. The stupid thinner (which is usually paint specific for hobby paints) is not avaialbe here. I found the thing on ebay several times but I got outbid the same number of times. Owell. Note to self: Life sucks. Deal with it.

Good thing God sends angels to people for help. Luckily for me, I got kat. I feel so blessed for her after almost nine months of being together. I think I thought her some Filipino kajologan, tho. I dunno but it just sounds weird when an American teen says "Op Kors!"

Hey Kat! I love your art. Love u so much.