New Groups

Monday we had another 3+ hour discussion. Each of the groups presented and the gist was that no one could really make a definite decision without talking to the other groups, and since no one was in studio at the same time over the weekend almost nothing got done. Then the three people in class with the clearest visions presented their ideas. As a studio we decided on one to go with as a theme. Then we split into new groups to explore one of four ideas for the focus wall to go with the new theme.

My group is working on the expanding pattern idea. (I'll post pictures soon. I forgot to take my camera today.) I've been working on some patterns for the focus wall. I learned today that most of my originals aren't going to work. I made some adjustments and then as a group we developed this really awesome s-curved pattern. Then we started working on the plans and the model.

One of my group member is an older gentleman. He doesn't seem to work as well in groups. He's always doing his own thing or talking about ideas that the rest of the group has already moved past. It's annoying. Especially when he's talking at the same time as someone else. I have a very hard time listening to two people at once, so when he was doing that today, it was very distracting/confusing.

I also found it frustrating when another one of my group members started texting me last night right as I was going to sleep, about how no one in our group was in studio and we really needed to start working together. It was 10:30 pm and I had to get up at 5:15 today. I was not about to go spend my night in studio like all the other groups, apparently. I don't understand why people stay in studio until the wee hours of the morning every night. It's no wonder everyone is sick. It's true, most people do get more done than me, but that's because they have a good idea and go with it. I'm always struggling for the idea.

Anyway, our group reviews are Friday, and two of my group members have class until 8 tomorrow night, so it looks like I'm going to be in there late with them tomorrow. I don't mind a few late nights, but not every night. I need to sleep.

On a completely different note, I sent my manager the letter about recycling bins and asked her who I should send it to. She still hasn't responded. If she doesn't respond by next Tuesday I'll just send it to the head of Campus Dining. Here it is:

To Whom It May Concern:

As a student of sustainability at Cal Poly and an employee at Einstein Bros. Bagels on campus, I am concerned about the lack of recycling receptacles available for both employee and customer use at the Einstein’s store.

Currently there is one large recycling bin near the door between Jamba Juice and Einstein’s for customers. There are no bins in the back or behind the registers for employees to place recyclables such as milk cartons, empty glove boxes, or the paper tickets and receipts that are printed with every order. There is so much waste generated everyday, as is inevitable at a food services venue, but a great portion of that waste could be going to a recycling facility rather than ending up in a landfill.

Last year I tried to designate one of the garbage cans behind the registers as a recycling bin, but because it looked just like the other trash cans and paper signs only last so long, it wasn’t long before it became a regular garbage can again. I’m writing to request at least two small blue recycling bins (around 10 gallons), one for the back and one for behind the registers. This would be a great first step in the reduction of the school’s carbon footprint and the folks at the Cold Canyon Landfill I’m sure would be much appreciative.

Thank you for your time,


Now I must study for my Practice midterm tomorrow. Awesome.