My nickname is PANG. I created this blog as part of journal for my English class in 2009. I use this blog to practice writing in English as well as expressing myself most of the time. If I could, I may develop this to be my personal website later on. Anyway, Welcome!
currently tumblring here: http://morgetha.tumblr.com/
It's been a while since I wrote the blog, and that blog is not even about my personal life. I just went through music after days of work. Right now, I am between working my *** of on my thesis. I've been through 3 reviews already. The grade on my first two had been satisfying. However, the third review got me thinking.....
"Am I making a mistake?"
You see, my thesis topic is "Water, Society and Culture". What I am trying to do is finding a relationship between water and culture from various aspects and insert them into architecture from various aspects. This includes design approach, programs and so on....
The reason this topic got me interested was from my visit to North Eastern of Thailand. I'd seen water space not being used to full potential. I've heard of the link between water and Thai Culture, but the sense of water space in that city did not really convince me. So I urged to find out on that question. During the city walk conversation, ajarns told me that this could be a topic for your thesis.. Well, I agreed. But this is not the first one came to mind.
So after months of consideration, I decided to go for this topic. But halfway through the thesis prep class, I may have realized I've made a mistake:
Because I was such a "CITY" girl, I found that linking local culture and beliefs of people outside of my city are difficult. I felt like I've been stepping out of my comfort zone and I'm halfway through already. Therefore, there is no turning back.
What I found it really hard is the question of why? why are you doing this and that? what makes this city so special with water and so on. These are the questions that I must convince committees and prove what I am trying to propose is possible.
For days, I've been searching through various relationship between water and culture. Here is my conclusion from what I found, in words:
Nan city and water relationship,
From the city scale, Nan city had been through various developments. The one thing that remains firm to the city is the way it was structured. The city was planned according to Cosmic Landscape methodology, with temples as center and so on. Water streams running through the gate represents 4 continents. However, because the city is situated near the hills, there's no constructed pond for irrigation. In addition, like many Thai city in the past, the current road lines were canals.
As for Land use, well, the city's structure changes a bit. But there are resemblances in some point. Like riverfront space is still a space for public usage.
The architectural symbols are significant in aesthetics of symbols such as Naga, ตุง. The reference of Naga is all over the place of the city, from the street signs to boat decoration. Nagas on temple stairways are also the most significant of all parts of Thailand.
In architectural construction, wooden architecture is firmly constructed in Lanna traditional house. With lightweight structure, Thai traditional house is able to withstand flooding.
As for water-related activities, the obvious one is long-boat. Nan long boat is the most significant in aesthetics and decoration, whose main characteristics are slenderness and Naga decoration along the boat. In addition, the hint of water is indicated in namings of Nan performance. The examples include "ซอล่องน่าน" and "ฟ้อนล่องน่าน". As posture of traditional Thai performance being an indication of life on the river, it is only suitable that my project would include traditional thai music and performance as part of building programs.
For water-based beliefs, it was believed that the origins of Nan generation was born from Naga.
From this research,
Therefore, from this reason, I choose Naga as beliefs for the approach of my project. What I do was linking water-inspired activities.
My proposal is linking my project with existing park to make a complete promenade that reflect the culture of Nan city through space and program.
I am in nostalgic mood. After done working on my report, I youtube songs over and over. In fact, I'm just done watching Spice Girls Documentary.
Spice Girls always have a special place in my heart. I have their CD, greatest hit and a tape which I still keep. In fact, I can sing almost all their songs. And I even have one Victoria Beckham's song on my PC. A mind of its own is a very good song, you should check it out.
Another pop Band I like is Backstreet Boys. I don't have any word to say than just liking them. Like the Spice Girls, there came around the same time (BB GG Boom!) And just like the girls, they all have unique personalities. And unlike *NSYNC, all five actually sing!.
I'm just saying that listening to those music bring a big smile to my face. Now I can understand how my mom feels when she played her music.
For me, music is like a space. Probably the smallest space where people look for comfort. It's testy, it's everywhere regardless of surroundings.
Actually, what drives me into writing this blog is because I am listening to NKOTB mix on youtube. I don't know much about them except for the fact that they are very famous in the late 80's. They reunite 2 years ago and the reception was very overwhelming. Seeing them dance in their late 30's brought a smile on my face. It might be true that you can never leave the kid inside of you.
I think NKOTB music is very edgy. I may not know any of the band member, except Joey McIntyre, but they do have a RAPPER!!! Great!
Finally, It's a pop culture that evolves in time. Every history in the era is defined by pop music.
But don't get me wrong here, all right? I mean, I still have a diverse range in musical taste. One they I might turn into so pop, the next I just when totally hard rock, or just in between.
But anyway, if I could describe my music taste, I would say I like "adult alternative". Not too electric, not too hard, not too R&B, just pure rock.
Here are lists of latest music on my youtube collection:
Thinking of You - Katy Perry
I really love this song, I'm just not into her pin-up girl image. I thought it was manufactured, but isn't everything manufactured these days. It is a way to characterize your image together with the music, making it looks more interesting. Few days ago I was criticizing "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga as just a simple pop song, not up to Gaga's standard. But the video keeps people interested.
Lightening Crashes - Live
I simply love this song. It's just so full of emotion. While I am trying to understand the lyrics, it was the music that moves me. I guess that's what Rock means. It doesn't have to riff guitars or rolling drums. Rock is about expressing your feeling to the fullness. I have so many songs on the list that fall on this category. That reason alone makes singer-songwriter like Jewel and Sarah McLachlan a rocker, even though their songs never really have aggressive attitude toward anything, they're all just well expressive.
Yesterday I was having a presentation of my life. Yes! the 1st thesis review. It went quite well. However, I came up jumping in a conclusion too soon. So an excuse? I was saving myself, hall of fame is one of the idea I might include it on my design.
My next work is consulting with Aj. Mike. But before that, I have to decide what I should discuss about, and my next move will be.
Today is the day of my rest. I decided it is ok to work on weekends, as long as you have a day in a week to rest.
So what did I do today? sleep alot, have meals, went to a bank but end up paying nothing. And I exercised.....go back to my normal routines. I realized just how much I miss exercising because my fitness level has been down after a week of not exercising at all.
Then I watched a much anticipated movie, the count of monte cristo, for a 2nd time. The last time I watched it, I think it was when the protagonist was not best known for protraying Jesus yet, or the movie just hadn't come out. What I remembered from that time was the plot and fun I had watching it, but I didn't remember the details. Partly because I was watching it without subtitles in order to practice my English as well.
So the second time, I do the same, hoping I could grasp some more story because my English has improved so much since I began college.
The result of watching the movie made me realize that my listening skills still need improvement. I still grasp some of the dialogue, but very few when compare to recent movies I watch such as Angel Eyes, or even Salt. I don't want to blame the skittish French-English accent, but I'm just not good enough, that's all.
Maybe that's the reason why I own so many DVDs because I can easily watch the movie the second time around just to hone my skills. I still plan on owning more DVDs, but I should finish watching the ones I haven't watched first. And part of my collection will definately include Angel Eyes and Count of Monte Cristo as well.
Now, back to the movie, I thought it was great. Although it was long(131 min.), it doesn't feel as long as Inception whose duration is definitely longer. However, watching this movie makes me hungry for the novel, because I need more details!!!! But the truth is probably because my English was so bad I couldn't quite catch it up. I mean, it could have a better ending, (the following lines contain spoil!!!!!!) I wish Mondego could had kill himself instead of dying on Dantes' sward, even though it looked like Edmond didn't mean to. And Edmond may end up alone instead of reuniting with his family. But this is a way of Hollywood telling the story, they changed a great novel for a screenplay a lot so that the movie can be finished within 2.30 hours. I feel like there are more stories to be told, I can feel his revenge, but I want more!!!
BTW, I think I had a greater time watching it the first time around, probably because I don't know the background story of The Count of Monte Cristo at all. Last but not least, I think Jim Caviezel is hot!!!, great performance, very memorable!!(anything other than Jesus of course.) He's a perfect Edmond Dantes. Guy Pearce is a great villain, no wonder why he turn down the lead role in the first place, he just enjoyed playing the bad guy too much. I still remember him in Factory Girl, his portrayal of Andy Warhol still creeps me out after all these years.
A highly recommended movie for those who love a real good revenge story!
อยากดูหนัง The English Patient, The Last Emperor, Shine ซื้อมาดองเป็นปียังไม่ได้แตะ นี่จะมาอยากดูมินิซีรียส์ The Prisoner อีกหกตอน Angel Eyes รอบที่ล้าน The Count of Monte Cristo ที่ทั้งอยากอ่านและอยากดู มีหนังโรงอย่าง Inception ที่อยากดูอีก โอ๊ยๆๆๆ ความจริงอยากดูตั้งแต่ Shutter Island เดือนก่อนนู้นเลย นี่เราไม่ได้เข้าโรงหนังมานานแค่ไหนแล้วเนี่ย เรื่องสุดท้ายที่ดู The Proposal ก็กี่เดือนมาแล้วว่ะ?
แพลนภาพยนตร์ต่อไปก็ต้องเป็น Toy Story อันนี้ต้องดูให้ได้จริงๆ ต้องดูง่ะ
I currently have a man Crush on Jim Caviezel, best known for playing Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. I watched 'the passion' in theaters when it came out. Before that I watched him in Frequency and The Count of Monte Cristo. But I was totally crush on him when I watched Angel Eyes. I guess because it was a romantic movie that I watch of him that made me fell in love with his performance. He was the reason why I want to watch "The Prisoner" and re-watch The Count of Monte Cristo. I watch "The Count" 5-6 years ago, but my English was bad then. So it would be a good idea to watch it again as well as reading the book.
To clear things up, I really like ANGEL EYES movie, not just one particular actor. I though J.Lo is a better actor that a singer.
I used to have a man crush in Josh Lucas from Sweet Home Alabama and Nicolas Cage when I was very young. I still like Josh Lucas, but haven't seen much from him since 'Poseidon'--bad movie and Nic Cage's movies haven't interested me for years.
I have to go hurry doing thesis. It's better doing one thing at a time.
The truth, I've watched a lot of rom-com and rom-dra movies. But I didn't have crush on many male leads, the last two guys I remember having a crush on are James Marsden from 27 dresses and Jim Caviezel from Angel Eyes. I watched many Matthew McConaughey's rom com movies but didn't care much about that guy. That's a proof!! I'm not easily crushed.
I just finished watching the trailer of "life as we know it movie" starrting Kathering Heigl and Josh Duhamel. Everytime I see Katherine Heigl in a movie, I think of a younger Meg Ryan. Anyway, her movies don't interest me much.
I'm still moving on everyday, doing the things I must do, should do and stumble in sometimes.
Recently, I'm very into the movie called "Angel Eyes" starring Jennifer Lopez and Jim Caviezel. To be honest, I'm not really a fan of JLO, I can listen to some of her music, but not so much. But like alot out there, I like her more when she's acting.
What really brought me into this movie was because I really needed some refreshment. Beside world cup football, I hadn't watched any movies for months. So it's fitting that I stumble into this movie I'd been eager to watch, but never had opportunity for years.
What I like....or say really love about this movie is the love story between Sharon and Catch. It's dramatic, mysterious and heartfelt. The chemistry between JLo and JC was well acted. Catch is a dark and mysterious guy who, as time go by, you mysteriously fell in love with. I thought casting Jim Caviezel as catch was a perfect match. It was hard to believe that few years later, Jim would be most remembered for playing Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. But I like him nonetheless, one of my favorite Hollywood actors :)
Although the trailer was somewhat misleading. But again, never judge a book by its cover, or how bad those so-called critics write about. It is the best that you appreciate it yourself.
Last but not least, I think it might be great to give yourself a movie night once a week. Go out and choose the movie you like to watch for whatever reasons then sit back, relax and enjoy.
The last 2 days has been really hard for me. I lost my lovely rabbit named PP for some unknown reasons. It happened right bore 9PM Wednesday. On the way home I bought him favorite veggies, then I came home seeing him lying flatly on the floor. The image I saw was unexplainable. I was in shock, I couldn't believe this is really happening.
PP was the male rabbit that my mom brought him home 2 and a half years ago. At first I had mixed feelings about having a pet our house. But we grew to love him as time gone by. I put him on my self-phone to remind me of a home when I was away from home. He was the one that brought our family together. Having PP was like having a baby you never had because despite the change in size, he was always your kid. It was easy to forgive him, even though he broke my laptop adapters 3 times already. When I came home, the first thing I did was looking for him. It feels so weird that now I don't have anyone to watch over my house anymore.
I can write more just how I feel about PP. My sis has already express her feelings on her blog. This week is a week full of mixed emotions. I'm glad that my sis and my friends has graduated. At the same time, it's been sad. I'm still sad, and I have to get over this feeling fast. But it's still kinda hard.
Last night I was youtubing my favorite songs, the songs that I can relate to, the songs that I cry to. I came up with a few of them that I thought maybe I can use them in my funeral. But that's not the point. These songs are just like medicine, they slowly heals you as time goes by.
I listen to "circle of life" from the lion king and I cried so hard, I cry just about every time I heard this song for no reason.
The first song I played as a tribute to PP is Bye Bye from Mariah Carey, she's so great for summing up my feelings in one simple song.
Here without you from 3 doors down is really the first song I can absolutely relate to. It was hit around the time of my dad's passing. 7 years ago, I cry really hard when hearing this song.
Gone too soon from MJ is so full of emptiness. It may not explain your feeling much, but listen to this, you'll feel like the one who's gone has gone to a better place.
Wind Beneath My Wings from Bette Midler makes me cry so bad just be listening to the lyrics.
I ended the grieve by listening to From the distance by Bette Midler. But it's not the end, you just have to move on.
Finally, I would like to thank you to all my friends who make this week better just by having a dinner and chatting with you guys. It was a great getaway from all sadness. Ploy, Fai and all of The pujjek group are the best of friends. And I would like to thank Mr.Komsit for calling me back after 2 miss calls and wait to take a photo with me on MRT, I appreciate it alot :)
Now it's time to move on. PP, I'm so thankful for the time we have together. And to the friends, I hope we'll keep in touch, whether it is just a little hello. BTW, I hope to finish my NAN city presentation within weekend. And I can stay focus and stabilize my emotions.
1. After exercising for a few days consecutively, I have to admit I love exercise like I never have before. I love getting sweat because it makes me feel relax, especially on my forehead and brains. I don't care feeling hurt or tired on the other part. Since then, I don't feel like I can survive a day without doing a few push ups or crunches.
2. After some considerations, I decided to change my thesis topic. The thing about architecture thesis is that you have to somewhat think ahead of what would the final outcome be (my adviser told me that). And I'm not talking just about appearances, but everything in between. So from the first idea that I like the green design so much? why not attacking on green architecture. But at the same time, based on my experience city walking earlier this year with group AJ. P'Chun and Aj.Jhee. In addition to my fascination with water in architecture and the riverside I saw in the city of Nan makes me convince that this is the thesis topic that I have to do, otherwise I would be regret for the rest of my life. Also, earlier this year on my birthday, Aj. Chun told me not to forget about Nan in your thesis. But in the decision making process earlier this year, I was hesitate. Part of me wanted to play safe, another part of me want to play with water. In the end, I believe that we have to listen to our instinct when deciding what to do on your work. Finally, I decide to go with Thesis @ Nan Riverside. The problem is, I haven't told my adviser yet. So here's my statement to Aj. Mike "Aj. Mike ka, I decide to change my thesis from tackling with science program to dealing with great site such as riverfront on Nan river. I visit the site on new year during the city walk trip. I had discussions with ajarns about the role of water in architecture. I look at the surroundings, the space of the city, social, cultural, religious and activities. I think it would be great if we can express the liveliness of water activities through architecture. Because recently, there's a somewhat a decline in tourism around the city like Nan and Prae that's be taken over by you know what provinces. There are great cultures and architecture that we can emphasize in NAN that can be used as a base during the research. In the end, I hope to develop great programs that provoke tourism around the city and that water spaces.....which I think is on of the most approachable and beautiful in Thailand"
Although I will be out of country for a while, I have some information about the city during my trip then. And some journal that I may try to convince AJ.Chun to pass it on me. In fact, he already told me to help him edit some of the works earlier. In the mean time, I'm gathering information about my trips as sort of slides-show and new proposal so I can present it to you next time we meet. Hope you get well soon na ka.
-AMORNPUN S. 10/06/2010
3. I discover cool workout videos from youtube. follow bodyrock.tv to get sexy workout! The trainer is pretty hot! especially her accents.
4. I am looking for a new digital came as a companion on my once in a lifetime trip to Tunisia. Because my Olympus S710 is not worth repairing and I have to admit, the shooting quality ain't that good for many shots, I have to get a new one ASAP. My specs are simply wide angle, ultracompact and durable. Here's my options:
Canon IXUS200 : overall best reviews, but I don't like touch screen, somewhat expensive
Olympus fe5020 : so-so reviews, don't like lots-of-buttons interfaces, on sale @it city. Can be used with the remaining olympus accessories I have.
Casio exilim H10 : overall most functional, wide-angle, zoom10x (the rest is just 5x), average reviews, most expensive.
That's all my 3 options, there might be more depending on free gifts within purchase. But these 3 are the one I considered getting.
5. I'm entering the final days interning @ Taak interior and architect. It's been wonderful experience and help me realize that I am choosing the right career path. But that's not the end yet so I will not write any farewell statement.
6. Finally, I hope the thesis vote will somewhat satisfy everybody, including me. Can't wait for the exact schedules so I can fully plan the project :)
- I'm ending this blog feeling sleepy and listening to The Freshman by the Verve Pipe. Every time I listen to 90's rock songs, I always felt I was born a little to late. On the other hand, everyone has different taste and I am glad that internet and youtube exists around this time so I can visit any period I like.
I haven't write in months. So, here's the update of what's going on with me:
First off,
My design work were submitted on last Wednesday of March; and I was not satisfied with it. I felt like I underestimated the power of "research+analysis" in design process. I was a bad student in this class and I know I could do it better.
Lessons from this project: Think all, think through and full preparation is a work half done.
(สรุปคือว่า....เรียมพร้อมให้ดีนี่แหล่ะ ดีที่สุด)
What should I do next? : preparing checklist for my final these that is about to come
Second:
After months of worry for not getting a job. Thanks to P. Baitong’s namecard, I am currently an intern architect at TAAK interior and architect company. Overall, my time working in real architect’s office has been good. I think I will learn a lot of things and after the internship period is all done.
Surprise! surprise! IAESTE called and tell me that I got an internship offer from what? TUNISIA. They actually called me ten minutes after I was done talking to K.Wantiya(P’ Ped, TAAK’s senior architect) about extending the internship period.
Fortunately, the TUNISIA period is within SoA+D internship period. So I can intern at both places consecutively. That’s TWICE an experience!
Anyway, IAESTE haven’t told me if I am accepted or rejected from Tunisian employer. I have to wait. So I tell everyone at the office that I will stay there if I couldn’t go.
And it’s almost 3 AM. right now. I don’t know why I keep on writing this. I should be sleeping right now. I have to get to the bus and MRT to work early……..I’ll write later cuz I have so much to say.
At this time of my life……22, on the verge of 5th year in college. I have never felt more intense in my life. And Yes, I’ve been feeling pressure from works before. But it has never tougher than this time. It is all because of Construction Management Class.
From Friday to Wednesday, I worked non-stop. But knowing that the design work I had to submit can’t be done within 4 days, I ask my teacher to extend the dateline. I’ve got my wish. Then I started to do other works that must be done as well. But I’m feeling pressure every time I think about it. Just wish it could go away……hopefully it will within few days.
I actually wanted to write about this long time ago, but haven't until this time of month.
On January 29, I heard one of the saddest news ever, is that my favorite football player is retiring.
His name is Kurt Warner, he is a former NFL quarterback. I have been following him since I was in Matthayom 2. It could be said that I grew up idolizing him, since he is one of the first real-life inspirational stories I have known.
His story is amazing. It is not just about his talent playing football. I can say that the way he live his life can be inspiration to everybody looking for a real prototype person. The one who dedicated his lives to others on and off the field.
Kurt Warner had a rough start coming into the league. In 1994, he was not drafted by any NFL team. He signed a free agent with Green Bay Packers to be their 4th QB on the roster, only to be cut by a team a few weeks later.
However, that does not stop him from realizing his dream. During the time he was out of job, Kurt was working bagging groceries on a night shift at Hy-Vee while looking for another football gig. He worked there for a few months before finally land a job with an upstart Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League. This league is where he finally showcased his talent. He was one of the best player there for 3 years before finally land another opportunity with an NFL team.
First, it was with Chicago Bears. However, he suffered an injury during honeymoon. Then it was with the St. Louis Rams, where he signed a contract to be their 3rd string QB in 1997. He was sent to NFL Europe for a season before coming back as a 3rd QB.
His opportunity finally came in 1999 season. He was elevated to backup role, then to the starting role after the team's starter, Trent Green, went down with a knee injury that kept him out of sideline for the rest of the season. In the 1999 season, he went from national curiosity to become an NFL superstar within 4 months. Kurt captured an MVP award, as well as leading his team to become a world champion in the same season.
Between 1999-2001 season, the St. Louis Rams was known as the greatest show on turf because of their electrifying offense, led by all-pro QB in Kurt Warner, Running Back Marshall Faulk and Speedy receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. I came to know the team during the 2001 season when I watch the reruns of St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles game. I remember how much fun I had watching the Rams team. Their move still stuck on my mind these days.
The 2001 season ended with the Rams losing Super Bowl to New England Patriots in a closing match. Again, I remembered how sad I was that time. Since then, Warner suffered a hand injury, he was replaced by his backup Marc Bulger. Since 2005, the Rams has gone downhill to a one-win team in 2009 season.
However, this is not the end of the road for Kurt. He was then released in 2003 season, found himself sitting back and forth between football field and the bench. He was a mentor to 2 first -round pick QBs before finally on a starting in 2008 season.
The 2008 season was his next breakout season. That year, the Arizona Cardinals had one of the best passing offense in the league. The team advanced to Super Bowl before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in one of the most exciting Super Bowl ever, and I watched that game several times also.
Then Warner would play for another season. The Arizona Cardinals would advance to playoffs before losing to the New Orleans Saints, an eventual champion on divisional round. As I watch that game, I got a sense that this would be his last game.
Finally 2 weeks later, he would announce his retirement at the age of 38. He have left the game with many breakout records. But what he want us, the fans to remember that, with all the road he has taken, anything is possible if you believe in yourself.
Beside his work on the field, he is also very active in charity off the field. His charity, first thing first, has helped children and family around the states with many programs.
Overall, I think Kurt Warner is one of great role model. He is a living example of never give up on your dream, and never let obstacle bother you.
This has been one of the weirdest week I've ever had in my entire life. It is weird, as well as worst than I ever had. During the week, I am patiently waiting for my internship result. I know it is not guarantee whether I will get a job or not. During this time of the week, I can't remain positive.It is too much of a wait and in the meantime.....I have to look for alternatives also. Just to make sure that I WILL get a job.
On the last 3 to 4 days, I have been doing report that will be submitted on Thursday. It still has 250 words left. But I believe I overdo it so much that I completely forgot I have a work to submit on Tuesday....
How Stupid I am!
I realize it once my teacher call me. I admit I had stomachache during the week. But that is not the reason why I just didn't do the work I am supposed to. Thank god that my teacher reschedule the date. I have more time to do it and I promise I'll do my best.
This week is one of the week I show my stupidity. I realize this is the final week of me being a 4th year student. I guess I didn't grow up the way I like myself to be.
These things all over me are way to much......and I just can't let it go, even though I have to.
When I work, there are times when I feel so stressful that I can't work anymore. This kind of time happens so much after few hours of work. I would feel so much pressure around my head and I just fell completely hitting rock bottom. I would get away, escape and do something that I feel enjoy doing while I'm free. For example, I would watch the hilights of NFL games I like. Watch some TV or listen to music. Those are all kind of things people do on free time, right? Maybe that isn't enough. So if it doesn't work, I would just lay down in bed and go to sleep. But what if I'm not sleepy? I would do something else, such as chores.
Recently, I tried traditional ways. So I bought inhaler for the cost of 22 baht. Just feel like something aromatic to do and I hadn't used it quite a while. As a result, I feel pretty OK after inhaling. It's kinda like ways to regain my concentration back. It's one of the helpful way I tried, like aromatherapy on the palm of your hand.
