I'm having a bright day today :)

But my feet are killing me! Silly shoes. (And no, they're not even new. My old brown ones!)

Yesterday was such a brilliant day. I did bounce at rather a lot of people.

Up nice and early, did a fair bit of dissertation.

Funtimes in lectures :) Clippy shoes. Discovered I am the only CompSci in the year without Wifi at home..

Walked home in the warm.

Did lots of writing.

Had tasty, spicy, lentilly goodness.

Went to a string clinic with Casanova (the cello :P) - I've never changed a string on it. I felt it was high time (after a few too many years), but I didn't know what type of strings are on it now, or what type to buy. A little Internet research showed there was a LOT of choice.

A very interesting presentation on how strings are made, and how their different materials combine to form the tones, a free pen and chromatic tuner (!) and then a consultation with my cello.

The best bit - what I'd thought was a free trial offer (trial these strings for a week, then decide whether to buy or return them..) was actually a whole free set of strings! So now, I'm waiting on a lovely lovely set of strings to arrive!

Then I get the fun of trying to put them on ; )

I bounced home.

I have no fear, for I am Atticus now

I am referencing Chuck Close in my dissertation. I keep going to write Chuck Norris. Sigh.

From Saturday to now, I have had an extrememely mixed head. I went to concert band last night. Was mostly good : ) Surprised myself at my sight-reading ability on bass (previously untested, assumed to be the same as the rest of my sight-reading [i.e. dismal]). I like bass. Also found out just how painful it is to carry a bass, amp and stand from Fitz to St.Giles.. Have blisters on my hands. Looks like I've been rowing :P

Fingers, as ever, are crossed.

I cannot disguise my love

Just thought I'd share the song that's running circles round my head.

[edit: However, the link may not be working. Hmm. Leave it with me]

[edit edit: link works now :) Albeit a live version, it's still amazing]

Atticus -The Noisettes

Wild young hearts

Felt like someone else yesterday. Only briefly, I wasn't being anyone else.. Just certain parts had a this-person feel to them.

Anywho, was another wonderful day, even if I really hardly did anything.

And I only briefly woke up at half 4 today. I managed to fall back asleep, rather quickly, which is something at least.

Plan for day: grapes, shower, work, orchestra, late lunch, work, eat, sleeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

John?!

The Water Goblin

I'm very sad that I'll be missing the concert tomorrow evening : ( The CSO are a lovely bunch of people.

I still have everything crossed. I'm guessing I'll know Monday..

And I would rather like it to be sunny and hot today yesplease. I'm most likely going to be awandering with a diabolo : )

Last night I was indeed rather sparkly! Went to Merchants' OBA dinner. Food was good, but a risotto as a main is very very filling! Luckily, I did eat it all, because my real main was a quiche xP Dessert was tasty - Apple Tart Tatin, with Creme (imagine the accent) Anglaise. Which actually turned out to be vanilla infused thick cream, and a creme brulee (again, imagine) sauce. Would've been a lot nicer if they'd taken the skin off the apples (tell a lie, they did take it off some of them.. Randomly), but hey. Yum.

I was also stupid and forgot my college card. Remembered my Party Feet but still got a cracking blister on the bottom of my left foot. Ouch.

Woke up again at half 4. Managed to get back asleep somewhere close to 6 I believe. Have no clue what's going on with my body clock.

Anywho, to work!

Stuck in reverse

Yeah. I'm awake. Have been since 04:19. Why, I have NO CLUE.

I've only had 4 hours sleep, yet I'm more awake than when I've had 8 or 9. *issoconfused*

[EDIT: No! This is a lie! I went to bed at 01:16.. 3 hours?!]

And I like sleep, I do. I've been lying in bed, telling myself I want to sleep; that this is the right time to sleep.

That didn't work. So, I put on some music. Really quietly.

That didn't work. Was good music, but I didn't nod off. So, I called O2 Treats and found out why I haven't been receiving my Treat for the past 2 or so months.

That worked :)

But still no sleep.

Mmmmm concert last night was good. <3 Vaughan Williams <3 . As they say (write??)

Although, I now have to watch out for cellists sneaking up on me to shout 'BOOM', making me jump a mile in the air.. Silly storms. (But very very well played storms)

Helped out a lovely lady called Mary, with promises to see her at the next concert :) And bumped into Diane! And caught myself an Italian! And met some wonderful people! And listened to great music (of several different genres!)! Exlamation mark!

Yesterday was a damn good day. I bounced. Rather a lot. Nothing at all was going to bring my mood down.

I feel bad that I haven't written in my diary for AGES. Albeit nothing *much* happened in the time I didn't write (see my other post, about my thoughts about the Easter holiday..), but now term proper has started, already so many things are happening! And I do have this, which shall act as a good aide-memoire.

I may try go back to bed now.

Or I may eat some more grapes.

A damn good day so far : )

So. Yay! Now just to wait and see..

Distinct lack of lectures, beautiful warm sun, tasty lunch, *amazing* friends, complete surprises, concert tonight, making yummy food, a certain Italian making an appearance later, smiles and hidden reasoning.

Grapes are addictive.

Sieve-brain

I left out a really-rather-relevant thing on the application. Oh well, at least I have something to talk about!

Idiot.

Why did I not shop around? Why did I not save myself a *lot* of money? Oh well, at least I'll get it tomorrow morning. Let's pretend it was expensive postage.

I am so stupid.

Lewis Takes Action

I wish I was Lewis.

I'm finding it so hard to motivate myself. It doesn't feel like I should be working. I mean, I know I'm back in Cambridge, in college, and have work to do, but it's sunny, and there's been no lectures so far.

Maybe that's why I'm looking extra-forward to UCPO - it will be like going back to 'normal' Cambridge, and I'll feel like I should do work. Right now, I'm literally just pottering round :S

And I'll feel bad if I don't get anything done before I go out tonight. Maybe I should just pick a random section. The start is too hard.

Why does my mind work like this? (Why does it not work??)

Here, have a picture:

A random outpouring of thoughts

Bah sun. Lovely lovely sun, and we must stay in and work and be good. Sigh.

All unpacked now, apart from 4 piles of photographs, but I don't think I own enough blutack.. I've brought many more clothes, and my room looks a lot more empty. There has been a musical instrument exchange, so I got to play bass in my window yesterday. I sadly, and scarily, don't know where my clarinet is.

Already have a crazy busy week (evenings at least), with 6 new lecture courses (yay.), a concert, a rehearsal, a dinner and a pub. Not necessarily in this order.

I painted yesterday. I felt really ill, so I painted, made yearbook page, and slept. 'Twas nice.

I've changed my ringtone, and keep bopping along to it. Must remember to answer it. Have ordered new headphones/adaptor for my phone - mine went walkies after orchestra, but I literally have No Clue where.

I miss my favourite Italian. She's stuck :( Silly volcano. I can't believe just how disruptive it's been.

Prince Philip came to visit Fitz yesterday, and open the new library. He witnessed Fitz in a 'nearly-normal' state. As normal as can be, including the slacking, and tea-drinking ; )

Also tested a friend's project. Was so cool! And makes me worry about mine.. I need to analyse the results.. Please do my survey if you haven't already!

I just received a text. From O2.

Isn't that nice?

Here comes a gale

Gah packing. I really dislike having to pack my life up, just to travel for a good few hours and unpack it all again. Currently trying to condense things, so they all fit. Am taking a lot of musical items..

And yay! Past stage one for one of them! Hopefully will know by the end of next week : )

Heartland score still hasn't arrived. Oh well, will get to see it all shiny new, and as at least a part-surprise. I must remember to pack my He Poos Clouds sheets..

Spent too much money yesterday. Oh well, very nice things have been acquired : )

Righty ho. Let's ferry more things down the stairs!

You got the love I need to see me through

Ok, so I really don't rate the song she's playing, but OHWOW her pedal harp lights up. Flash.



Still not for me though ; ) This is my dreamy dreamy harp:



Today I listened to Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24. I'm listening to Vivaldi's double 'cello concerto right now.. I like it lots...

Easter holiday 2010

Lived in my room, on the floor

Daily ritual of moving Things

Avocado and toast

Sponge cake

Joanna Newsom

LOST

Owen Pallett

Bananas and Special K

Mosaics

Salt & Pepper loaf

Applications

Bass

Red floral dress

Beethoven 7

Brightly coloured tights

Shoes

Pyjama pants x2

Purple dressing gown

Slow hands

Gah. Where did my motivation go??

I made another cake today, to complement my zebra cake. Now it looks a bit like a tie-dyed pacman is eating the aforementioned zebra :D

I also just ate a lot of salt & pepper baguette.

Thursday is my LOST day - I am an avid follower. I watch with Phil, sometimes in Cambridge, sometimes in his house, more recently over Skype. I'm happy we're finally getting answers, but rather gutted that it's the last series. I remember watching the pilot episode. I was in L5 (first year GCSE), and taking over the front room. Mum was on the couch. It was dark. I had giant pieces of brown paper all over the floor, stuck together to form a very big square. In episode one, I cut out lots of images of shells (about 4 different pictures, repeated about 5 times each), and stuck them on. Then I

Oh no. That's a lie. That's what happened for the finale of series one. I remember Locke peering over, finding the hatch as I waited for all the sand to dry (I filled in the gaps with glue, then gave everything a covering of bird sand. The piece was turned into a giant origami shell the next day)

That was years ago.

Here is a quick picture of the shell. It's not very good; looked better stapled to the wall, but you get the idea : )



I'm fed up of x, and I'm better than y. Just so you know : )
[and no Jo, I won't be defining my variables for you :P]

Orange.

Haha. I am now orange. Silly free sample of foundation. *Who* is that colour??

Smile.

Choose Delivery Option:
Fast - Usually next day before 6.30pm - FREE
Faster - Next day before 12 noon - £5.00
Fastest - Next day before 10:30AM - £10.00
Saturday - Saturday - FREE

What's the fastest one can go? Saturday!

So they say..

Is well and truly stuck in my head.

"so they say she helps the homeless, and doesn't eat meat.. We have a problem with her!"

("This is his hair!")


Just got that feeling again.

Survey..

is done and live!

Please help out :D

What makes a "good" Photomosaic?

The survey is split into 4, because there was a question limit *grr*, but they are all only about 5 questions long each.


danielle1.questionpro.com

danielle2.questionpro.com

danielle3.questionpro.com

danielle4.questionpro.com

FOUR SWEATER VESTS!

YES (thrice, YES)

I now have all of my survey-mosaics!

I feel I have a renewed bounce in my step, and do not feel too apprehensive about the dissertation, even if I have just read what I said I'd do in my project proposal :S

I'm gonig to tidy up the survey, and set it loose on the world.. Mwuahahaa

Today, I've mostly listened to 'So They Say' from Dr.Horrible's Sing Along Blog. It's wonderful.

I'm so scared about the future and I don't know what to do

Nervousless pacing around. Can't sit still. The last of my survey mosaics is nearly done, only 14 more matches, and I'm getting butterflies in case it doesn't work.

Sister's iPod as distraction. 'Talk' by Coldplay came on. Damn good song. Some very good lyrics.

Sent two things in today - one of them won't get there on time; hence the second. More nerves.

All very cryptic I know. Just need to get it down somewhere.

Off to wander for another few minutes..

Surveys

Surveys take a lot longer to make than I anticipated.

I have cello-knee-rash on the side of my left knee.

Today, I made the tea.

I'm not going to bed until this survey is done.

Apart from questions 4 through 7, for while the mosaics are STILL being made.

Still!

(more) YES

Ok! So I think I finally have myself a fully functioning Photomosaic generator!

I honestly never thought the day would come..

In the past few days, here's a rough guide to my progress, starting with the original image:









So, all that remains is for me to decide whether to remove the 'sensitivity' setting, because it doesn't make *that* much of a difference, and to be honest, it's just plain confusing; to make a help file; to make the survey; evaluate; and dissertate.

I don't like the 'word' dissertate. But it just fitted nicely there ; )

I can smell the end..

xDup and xTimes work now :)

xSensitivity works in my head, and as soon as I've finished this mosaic (currently matching 281 of 464), I will hopefully make it work in real life ; )

Currently listening to a brass band version of Guillaume Tell which even has the cello soli bit - very impressed.

Can't wait until my days have a bit more variety in them. Right now, it's pretty much like this:

<+> snooze alarm for an hour
<+> get up. Choose top and pyjama bottoms
<+> move bags, cello and bass from floor to bed
<+> turn on laptop 1. Check e-mails and Things
<+> turn laptop 2 on
<+> have breakfast
<+> come back upstairs and commence project stuff
<+> have mini breaks for dinner, tea, and Just Dance :P
<+> finish early in the morning
<+> turn off laptops
<+> move things from bed to floor
<+> sleep. Recently, with the addition of 'whilst listening to sister's iPod'

The soundtrack to this Easter holiday (I refuse to use the word 'vac'; I hate it) has been, so far:

<+> Owen Pallet, various live sets
<+> OotH Lent 2010 concert programme (Peer Gynt Suite 1, Hoffmeister viola concerto, Dvorak Slavonic dances op.46)
<+> Beyond the Sea
<+> Muse - Absolution
<+> Arcade Fire - Funeral

Hehee!! It worked! And it looks pretty good.. \(^0^)/

Try looking at it from far away : )





So yes, going to do the sensitivity bit now : )

So very nearly there

Only 1 and a half bits left.. Then the fun begins!

Had a bit of a day off today :) Stopped me from going insane, I think.. And twas spent with my lovely sponge!

And yay. Sleep time. Looking forward to it. Lots.

My sister's laptop

makes making mosiacs a breeze.



Woop!

Your move..

Ooof. Unwise.

YES

Victory is mine!



(mostly.. Only a little bit more to do!)

And another :)

Dakota

Isn't it funny sometimes how stuff can just hit you? Like, properly knock you right over?

No. No it's not.

Rowing

Oh yeah.. Looking at this, I *can* row :P

Rooting for Cambridge today! GDBO!

Mosaics

*coaxes program*
Come on, you can do! *nods* Don't run out of heap space..

Yay for a more efficient way of doing rotation, and only allowing a certain number of each tile per mosaic.

OOH it worked! Just this second!

This is what it made!

I know it doesn't look that great, but it's an experiment. The mosaic is only made from 15 different tiles, and each one is allowed no more than 40 times. They are tiny tiles, which is why it took a while to make.. Oh, and rotation rather than squashing was chosen.

This is the source image:


..*tries something else*

WOOP my "Was you project successful?" criterion holds!!!!!! SO happy. At least I can look a little less stupid now.

The criterion was that when you feed it a source image that *is* a mosaic, and set it up with exactly the same settings, the same image is produced as output.
(much more easily demonstrated by example..)


Tis my Henriette : )

And here she is with bigger tiles / less detail:


And a nice balloon picture to finish, methinks. Note I've not set any limit to how many duplicates are allowed, and it is only the small tileset again :)


And now, I'm off to make lots of tiles from my photos! Then the mosaics will look good, I promise ; )

Song associations

Come On Home - Franz Ferdinand --> Go Ape in Grizedale

Feeling Good - Muse --> Coffee / Truffle / Chocolate / rdecorating my room

Autumn - Vivaldi --> The colour pink / blonde hair / room 997 in Fitz

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen --> Lunchtimes spent around a piano

Somebody Told Me - The Killers --> ML3, MTGS

Wind in the Wires - Patrick Wolf --> running round a mini lake in Florida

The CN Tower Belongs to the Dead - Final Fantasy --> Bottom C kitchen

Ruled By Secrecy - Muse --> CP1, MTGS

El Tango De Roxanne - Moulin Rouge OST --> CP2, MTGS

Violet Hill - Coldplay --> A21

String Quintet in C - Schubert --> Coming home from Cambridge interview

Space Dementia - Muse --> AS Level ICT / the first time I got wireless Internet on my laptop

Teeth - Bowerbirds --> Jungle Parc / Khlöe's 10th birthday

Blame it on the Boogie - Michael Jackson --> Ice skating and curling

Black Holes and Revelations - Muse --> Bude / harps

Franz Ferdinand (full album) --> Silverdale

Love's Not a Competition (But I'm Winning) - The Kaiser Chiefs --> Next (the shop, yes)

All These Things That I've Done - The Killers --> The Box (tv channel)

American Idiot (full album) - Green Day --> Being in a car, turning left, and seeing a park on my right, and black railings on my left.

Took You Two Years - Final Fantasy --> JJ Thomson

Isle Delphino - Mario and Zelda Big Band Live --> French GCSE oral exam


Isn't my mind weird?