Bay’s Move-in Day at Rice University

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2, 1/100 sec, ISO500
“New Students” Houston, 2019

Today we drove down to Rice University in Houston to drop Bay off at his new school. It was an amazing experience, not only for Bay, but also for Mariko and I. When we arrived at Martel College (Rice has 11 residential colleges), a group of “Martelians” were there to greet Bay and help take all his luggage and stuff up to his room. It was so cool!

Martel is a really nice residential college, with a great courtyard and an awesome sundeck. It looks like it’s an ideal place for college kids to hang out (and party). Below the sundeck is the lounge area with a piano and it connects to the “servery” or cafeteria. It’s a really convenient set-up.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 sec, ISO200
“Martel Sundeck” Houston, 2019

This was my first time to visit the campus, and I was super-impressed. It’s so clean and beautiful, but not huge and spread out. I’m kind of jealous that Bay gets to go to such a great university. But not jealous enough that I’d want to go back to school. 😄

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/2400 sec, ISO200
“Quad” Houston, 2019

After lunch, we said our goodbyes to Bay, and he went off with the other students to begin “O-Week”, while the parents all went to the fieldhouse (indoor arena) for a greeting from the school president, and to hear speeches from alumni and current students. It was fun, funny, and informative. A+

After some shopping at the student store and some refreshments, Mariko and I joined the other Architecture students’ parents at the Architecture school for a meet and greet with the Dean of Architecture. I think all the kids are in great hands there… the Dean and the Advisor are both very approachable, smart, and dedicated. I have no worries!

But soon, it was time to leave Rice University and head back home. We’re so proud of Bay and hope he makes the most of his collegiate career. Such a great kid! 😌

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO320
“Sci-fi Hallway” Houston, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO200
“Studio” Houston, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO800
“Rice Architecture Pins” Houston, 2019

Decluttering Alma Mater Items

"Old Pullover" Cedar Park, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/25 sec, ISO6400
“Old Pullover” Cedar Park, 2019

While going through some of my old clothes, I came across two items from my alma maters, Torrance High School and UC Irvine. The one from high school was my old cross-country jersey. It was cool to look at it again before putting it in the trash. Its last bit of usefulness was to remind me of the good times I had running in high school. Honestly, I didn’t really enjoy cross-country. Haha. But it happened, and it gave me experiences and I learned about myself.

The other item I found is a pull-over from college. I really like the classic design and color, but it’s uncomfortable and not soft anymore. Actually, I don’t think it was ever very soft. Anyway, I was going to throw it away but then Bay decided he wanted it. I guess he’s into “college mode” or something. I’d eventually like to get a more comfortable replacement for the pull-over because I am sort of proud of graduating from UCI. It’s not really high on my list, though. 😄

Who knew decluttering could be so fun?