The days and crazes of a hobo student

To Kill a Mockingbird Review

2011-06-03T15:17:00.001-07:00

Aha! I remembered to post this time! Although it helps that I am on the constant edge of caffeine and last-minute projects...surprisingly enough, I remembered about today's review because I know many of you were looking forward to what this play really is all about.

Well, for those who don't know: To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel written by Harper Lee that takes place in the 1930s down south. The book's perspective takes from a young girl, Jean-Louise Finch (also known as "Scout") and her memories regarding her childhood friends, adventures, her brother's growth in maturity, and her father facing a hard case defending a black man from a crime he didn't commit.

Now, that's the basic idea of the book. The adaptation OSF took on was making the court case the main driving plot of the play, which makes sense if you're going to condense a book into a two-hour production. There is an interesting take of having the narrator of the book as an older woman describing certain scenes when need be, so the play really is heavily driven by the memories of the narrator. Such is also reflected off from the set as well, as most of the set pieces are part of a shadow puppet-esque style (imagine, in the background, just a white sheet and several layers of shadows that have the ability to move towards the audience)
There is some confusion, however. While the narrator is talking through her own recollection of memories, the acting style of the play suggests that it's really about Atticus Finch (Scout's father). Everybody in the company either consents or counters the actor's character, and the subtle passion the actor portrays in his monologues and court cases strongly suggest the power behind the character, while the rest of the actors seem to act more as back-up characters.

For those who have never read the book or seen the movie, I recommend this production simply because it is to the point regarding main plot points. But for the more passionate fans, I would still recommend seeing it. Yes, it leaves out some plot points from the book and that should be expected, but the style of the show and the acting of Atticus Finch are the two main reasons one should enjoy the show, let alone see it.

And so that's the end of my reviews for OSF this year! I'm not entirely sure what is going to happen with the Elizabethan productions as it has been raining almost non-stop and it has been difficult to keep up rehearsals if the equipment keeps getting wet. If they do continue, however, I know personally I'd like to see Love's Labor Lost and The Pirates of Penzance. Maybe once I'm rich, perhaps.

But anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed these reviews! Y'all have a wonderful weekend and I shall talk to y'all later~

Totally uncalled for + OSF Review: August: Osage County

2011-05-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

NEW RECORD: THREE WEEKS!

Somehow, I should not be proud of this.
This seems almost routine for me to say why I keep skipping out on my friday updates, but so much has happened in the past few weeks: technical rehearsals of training a cat for stage purposes, going back to work closing shifts for Wendy's, and receiving only the best news I've heard in quite a while.
For next year's mainstage production, A Midsummer's Night Dream, I will be the costume designer for the show.
As selfish as this may seem, hearing about this has made me the happiest I've ever been in a long time.

SO. YUP. Needless to say, a lot has been going on these past few weeks.
But now I present to you another show review!

August: Osage County, as many of you will not know, is a fairly new show (written/performed in 2007) about the dysfunctional dynamics of a family coping with a father's suicide, a mother's addiction to pills, divorces, scandals...oh, and this all takes place in Oklahoma. So imagine, if you will, Little House on the Prairie + Desperate Housewives + every sarcastic remark you've ever heard.
That's pretty much the play.
It certainly invokes the atmosphere of a midwestern setting: the set perfectly condenses the house so that it feels as though nothing could be kept secret within its walls, the lights' amber glow was subtle enough to give off the classic sun-time setting one usually associates with midwestern homes, and the costumes were practical enough to show the character's personalities and their levels of how comfortable they were among family members.
But if one did have a reason to go see this show, see it for the acting company. This play was intentionally written for the acting possibilities, and OSF's stock of brilliant actors did excellent in promoting the story. The actors know when something is meant to be laughed at, and also when the timing is more crucial and serious. Honestly, this show promotes the best of OSF's acting talent from the eldest member to the youngest, newest of its members.

So there you have it, and hopefully by next week I will review To Kill a Mockingbird (something I know a lot of you have been waiting to hear about!) So I hope y'all have a good rest of this weekend and I will talk you y'all later~

Apologies + OSF Review: Julius Caesar

2011-05-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Two weeks. Wow. I think that's a new record for me.

I apologize for such the delay in blogging. The last two weekends have been someone pressing for time with midterms to study, cats to train, and costume sketches needing to be finished (four days without sleep can be a damaging thing to the body...). The next few weeks aren't looking to lighten up either as the show is moving into its tech rehearsals and most of that will consume my time. That and I have given in by applying back to my old job (Wendy's). At this point, it is the easiest option to earn money over the summer.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program:

For those of you who may not know, Julius Caesar is one of Shakespeare's political/historical plays about rise to power, corruption in an orderly system and honor to one self. It tells the tale of Brutus, a friend of the war hero Caesar among others, and his conflicts of Caesar as an acquaintance and his role as a leader. While other political figures seem to be okay with killing off the tyrant and gaining back their freedom, Brutus feels conflicted if not dishonored by such a horrid, backstabbing deed.
Also, keep in mind the traditional setting for this play is set in Rome.

NOW.
OSF decided to take a different route with this production, making it at modern as possible, minimal as possible, and as last-minute as possible. The stage is essentially stripped to its bare minimums (to the point where you can see what their Black Box looks like without any fancy scenery), lighting makes no sense, and costumes are all over the place with a mixture of steampunk and post-apocalyptic drags.
The only thing that seemed to keep up anybody's attention was the acting. Some actors were intense and successfully showed a progressive change in character (whether for poor intentions or honorable ones), deaths of some figures were hauntingly beautiful, and it was a treat to see the actors so casual at the top of the show and then immediately drag audience members back into the scenario of the world.

But the most important feature, I believe, was the casting of Julius Caesar as a woman. Granted, the role could have been taken to an extreme feminist, but the actress did not choose to take that step. She treated the role as a gender-neutral role, neither condoning or praising one sex or the other. She was simply known as Caesar, and that was good enough for her. I believe OSF wanted to shift the play being about Brutus towards Caesar's favor and they did it brilliantly by having her linger around for the second act as a ghost, spectating the world around her and the people who fight either in her name or against it.
Regardless, her name and reputation still lingered even after her death. She IS Caesar, after all.

Anyway, so if you want to see it because it's a classic, I certainly won't stop you, but it wasn't one of my personal favorites.

So I hope y'all have a good weekend ahead of you and I will hopefully update by next week! Later~

OSF Review: The Language Archive

2011-04-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

I apologize this is a weekend late, it hasn't been a very successful couple of days as of late.
So I will just proceed with the review.

The Language Archive is essentially the tale of learning how to communicate with others, from expressing oneself to another human being or clarifying truths for a self image. The story begins with George and Mary, a married couple soon to separate from each other because Mary feels a lack of love and expression from George, who cannot for the life of him express his love for her. This making it ironic as he is a linguist. In fact his job soon consumes his life as he attempts to retrieve recordings of a dying language from a couple that refuses to speak with one another. Add in the love interest that Emma (George's lab partner) has for her boss and you have yourself a merry dramatic love story.

Honestly, the acting became overshadowed by the technical aspects supported in the play. All the light cues were struck beautifully according to the scenes and monologues, the sound system completely encased the audience with a sense of realism, even the props took a step beyond as bread is literally cooked backstage to allow the theatre to smell exactly like a bread store. An overreaching feature, but such devotion brought tears to my eyes.

The ending was obscure and left me with little satisfaction for any of the characters, so I would only recommend this play to those who appreciate the other elements of the show. Admittedly, it is a nice change to see the technical aspects overrule the actors. It deserves that recognition every once in a while.

That's all from me, so tune in on Friday for my review of Julius Caesar; truly, a unique turn of the play with OSF's production.
Later~

OSF Review: The Imaginary Invalid

2011-04-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hello all, and we're back with another review for the week! I can't believe how much of a talk show host I just sounded like, but there you go.

I guess to start off, school has been pretty hectic if not slow (oxymoron, right?). I found out recently that SOU's production of "You Can't Take It With You" is indeed using a live cat as part of their crew and I have been entitled to be their "cat wrangler", as it were.
So that's about all the exciting news I have, really. Now, to the review!

In an attempt to reach out to the issue of the public health option, OSF decided to put on The Imaginary Invalid, a french play by Moliere and adapted by the genius' who brought OSF The Servant of Two Masters about two years ago (for those who have no idea what it is, just know it was brilliant and hilarious). The story is about a hypochondriac man who tries to wed his youngest daughter off to a doctor's nephew, when really she is in love with another man. His servant constantly tries to convince the hypochondriac that he is not really sick at all, and that he must see his family is more important than his health. It's full of antic loop holes and improvisational fun that it just keeps you keen on your ears throughout the entire story. At first I was excited to see this production because:
a) David Kelly is the lead actor (a man of genius, just keep this in mind)
b) It was by the adapters who brought us said-previous play. Which I loved.

. . . To say the least and in all fairness to OSF's hard work, I would recommend this play to anyone looking for a comedy. There are not a whole lot this season so if you'd like to give yourself a laugh, then this is the play for you. It's interactive, flashy, gaudy (in the good sense), and will pinpoint memories that you didn't think you could have picked out beforehand. Oh, and the ending leaves you for thinking, as well.

Now, here's MY personal view of the show.
I didn't really like it. I didn't really enjoy it minus a few actors I had known through SOU. It also doesn't help that the play is set in 1960s France. When I read the script for this show before I had a completely different vision for this show, and the way OSF portrayed it did not work for me at all to feel for the cast, minus one character.
The costumes were fantastic and enveloped the characters perfectly based on the material used for said costuming. But really...it was hard for me to focus on the show since the play was solely prodding fun at the era of 1960s sitcoms. Not to mention they blended the pop cultural references of pushing for the most recent debate of public health care (intentionally set for a Democratic stance), and I've recently discovered that I just don't enjoy excessive pop cultural references in a given medium (books, movies, games, etc.)

So, go if you'd like a good laugh. Don't go if you're anal about design like I am.

And that's my two cents! So next week will be a review of one of my personal favorite pieces by OSF so far this season, so that should be exciting! Anyway I hope y'all have a good weekend and a good week following after that! Later~

Play of the week: Measure for Measure

2011-04-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, so perhaps it'll be easier to remember that between Friday and Sunday this blog will be updated. I apologize to everyone, but times are getting busier by the minute.

Anyway, instead of just keeping updates about my life, I think for this term's set of blogs will revolve around the plays going on at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It might be good for you guys to hear how the productions are doing down here in Ashland, and this way it makes for a good exercise since I need to write analysis papers on the plays.

So here we go!

William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, a rather lesser known play, is essentially about a Duke entrusting a deputy position to one of his trusted men, who in turns is corrupt with power by shutting down all brothels, sentencing a man to death for "stealing his wife" and then bribing this man's sister to give up her virginity for the life of her brother (which wouldn't be a problem if she wasn't just starting her nunnery business). I wasn't entirely sure what to make of this play, seeing as I read very little of the script before seeing the show (...I'm a horrible theatre major, heh). But I thought it was a very enticing choice to set the play in the 1970s, which addressed a lot of issues (state vs sexuality, state vs religion, state vs immigration, etc.). The set is essentially one generic color, and it opens up late at night in a business office, which would consist of grey walls, white floors and geometric shapes. Thanks to the lighting, I genuinely believed I was transported to the ten other locations this play took place in. There is also the pleasure of latin-american music played during certain scenes, which added a little nice spice to the static nature of some of the performances.
Not...that the performances were bad. Just intense sometimes.

Overall, if you did want to see an OSF show, Measure for Measure is the one you should be seeing. At least that way you can acclaim your smart rights to your friends by telling them about a play they've probably never heard of. Hurrah!

Anyway, I hope y'all are doing well! I'm so sorry for the delayed post, but at least next week you'll get a treat for one of the comedies shown this year at OSF! Please let me know if you think these reviews are a good idea or not!
Have a good rest of your week, guys!
Later~

Spring Break

2011-03-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well I didn't get a chance to post a blog last week because I was home in The Dalles for a few days. I'm sorry guys!

But to pretty much sum up my Spring Break, I stayed home and doodled, went home for a few days, came back home and doodled, and now the break is almost over. I'm so productive!

In all seriousness though, this break did me some good. Not to mention that I am still celebrating my good grades from last term and that many life errands have been taken care of. That and I am relaxing to the best of my ability before jumping into my 18 credit term coming up. I'm not entirely excited about it, but it has to be done.

Anyway, I really don't have a whole lot to write about, so I'll let you know how my first week of Spring Term goes! I hope y'all are having a good time yourself and a good week ahead! Later~

In Other News

2011-03-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ha ha! I...do NOT have an excuse as to why I didn't post last week!

I'm not sure if it was because my time was cluttered with OSF showings or amongst other things, I guess it just slipped my mind.

Oh. Me being able to afford seeing OSF shows? Aha, allow me to explain:

For next term I'm taking a class called OSF Plays in Production, and for those of you who don't know: OSF = Oregon Shakespeare Festival, full of fantastic productions and amazing new features. Anyway, the class requires its students to see six of the shows that opened up in February and write an analysis paper based on the plays. Now, some of you may be thinking, "Oh, you get to see OSF shows for your class, you poor, poor thing." And believe me, people have said this to me. Until I tell them that the tickets the students have to purchase comes out of their own pocket money. This wouldn't be so bad if

a) Tickets weren't so expensive (between $20 and $80), and
b) Shows weren't selling out (To Kill a Mockingbird now has tickets for a discount of $70! Whee!)

...Somehow. This will work. I've already managed to see The Imaginary Invalid and Measure for Measure, and plan to see The Language Archive tomorrow afternoon. So far, I'm half way there.

For more information about the shows, see here for details: http://www.osfashland.org/ Though if you ask for my recommendation, I would see Measure for Measure. Elegantly designed and the acting was adequately satisfying. The Imaginary Invalid is good for a laugh or two (especially for those who remember the 1960s. Ugh.) if you can get past the gimmick they stab fun at about the Health Reform Bill. But if that's your thing, then you might enjoy the comedies of David Kelly. Everybody does.

Anyway, so amongst finishing my final for Chinese later today, I also found out that there was an 8.9 earthquake over in Japan this morning (or yesterday for them? I don't remember how that works). Regardless, it certainly caught me off guard and I feel devastated by the damage the earthquake and tsunamis created amongst the people of Japan. My heart goes out to the surviving families and to their losses.

Which leads to the potential tsunami warning California/Oregon has received for the coastal lines. So family members and friends that I know who travel to places like Manzanita/Astoria: DON'T GO. Or, at the least, be as careful as you can. Your lives are more important than the need for a relaxing weekend.

So that's all the news from me. Maybe for next term's blog series I might do some play analysis'. In case y'all would like an opinion on the OSF shows this year. We'll see.

Please, everyone, keep safe and relaxed, and I hope y'all have a productive weekend! I know I will since finals are over with! Later~

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaait for it

2011-02-26T00:22:00.000-08:00

Ha HA! This time, I definitely have an excuse for not posting my blog on time.

Today for the Alice show the theatre department held special showings for children with disabilities, which was fun and everything (some of those children can be so adorable!) and yet there were three showings within one given day.

SOOOOOOoooooooo I have just now finished with laundry for the show and ready to stay up for the good portion of the night to finish my costume sketches for class due monday. There are three more shows this weekend. Hence, my reasoning for posting late.

...Actually, I've just noticed this recently, but I have a bad habit to explain everything that I do in my life. Is this really necessary? Does one really need to go into detail about the methods of their lifestyle? It seems as though for the general audience to get a better grasp of one's life, we find it essential to speak logic through the methods of a given situation, like how to go about one's homework or how to handle behaviors in others. Do we really need to explain ourselves to these people, or to oneself for that matter?

...And I have no idea where that came from. There, I'll leave it at that. Moving on to school, there have been a couple of panic attacks I've been undergoing. 'Tis the usual anxiety of what next term will bring and what summer will bring since my plans for a summer internship have crumbled due to academic matters. I suppose it's for the best, but still...for someone who doesn't have a whole lot of experience in costume techniques who is going for a design career, it would have been nice to gain something for my self worth. Oh well. Maybe this summer will bring something I didn't expect to happen.

So I hope y'all are having a successful weekend yourself, and for those in the Pacific Northwest I hope your weather is in tip-top shape! It finally snowed down here in Ashland and reports say the blizzard conditions will continue through the weekend. This has pretty much made my weekend.

Have a good weekend and forth-coming week, y'all! Later~

Another day, another commercialism past us all

2011-02-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

...and it never really occurred to me that I didn't post last friday. That's not a good thing.

But there wasn't much that y'all missed, considering last week was tech dress rehearsals, so you can imagine that my time had been more than tied up (which is really nothing new). However, the show seems to be doing a great deal of success since all the tickets have been sold out. The same can be said for King Lear (the main stage production), which was a phenomenal production aside from some scrupulous lighting/sound choices and some color choices for the costumes. But with a cast of 28 people...still, an amazing feat indeed.

To those who have wondered about my emotional tripping there is no need to question it any longer. Taking some time for myself has seem to helped, but it's all the other people who have put up with my rants and stupidity that keeps reminding me how much of a great life I've walked myself into. I extend a thank you for family, my housemates, and both online and theatre friends who either gave me a call or email. I suppose in the end, knowing y'all care just eases my heart. (Though why that sounded selfish of me I'll never know)

Speaking of hearts...

I have to also say that I was not as bitter about Valentine's Day this year as I thought I would be. Which is weird, since I've never been bitter about such a commodity day in 20 years. I can safely say it was mostly because I wasn't spending it alone but with the comforts of friends and housemates, which followed with sushi and video game playing through the night. Better to spend the day with friends and family than just yourself. It makes a world of difference.

Which is really what Valentine's Day should be about.

Anyway, I hope y'all had a good week yourselves and continue that great attitude through the weekend and into the next week! Later~

Oh bla dee, oh bla da

2011-02-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Life goes on, WAH. No, I won't go ahead and sing the rest of the song, y'all should know its special meaning by now.

Anyway, hello again! I hate to say it, but this week isn't much of a change from last week as now my sickness has progressed into a severe cold. It may not sound like much but it's enough to stir a coughing fit and harmful to breath. Today I am planning to take it easy before things collide next week.

What's in store for next week, you might ask? Final dress for Alice Through the Looking Glass is rearing around the corner, though I have faith with my crew that the quick changes will all work out. Granted, there have been mishaps of switching members and assistants out, but that's all in the past.

In the mean time, have been busily trying to apply for summer internships again, along with researching my next Design II project: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, a play about 1920s Chicago and Black recording artists and the class system based on that. Dare to say I've never drawn ethnic people before...so this should be interesting.

Oh, speaking of sketches...here are some of the designs from Arsenic & Old Lace that I am rather proud of:

Overall I believe I could have processed these designs better, but as I had to keep reminding myself...it's all just a farce. Plays like this infuriate my creative process, gah.

Anyway, I hope y'all are staying more healthy than I am, and I hope y'all have a fantastic weekend! Later~

Oh me. Oh my.

2011-01-28T12:03:00.001-08:00

Wow, how silly was that for me to post a blog with no text. Hm.

Anyway, I shall keep this short since I'm afraid if I type anything lengthy, it will become nothing but cold, penetrable words, and nobody wants to read about that.

It has felt much like a slow week except for the amounts of water coloring I am so famously known for not doing until the last minute. But I have a good feeling these sketches will turn out better than my last design sketches (which I still need to post up. Hm.)

Other than a severe swing of depression every day, the only thing that has seemed to be the high light and uplifting thing of this week was seeing a run-through for Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Such...SUCH an adorable play. I am so grateful to be working on such a fantastic show with such fantastic actors. When I get the permission and find the resources, I shall post pictures of the numerous amount of zany costumes being put to innocent use.

So I hope everybody else's week has been going better and I hope y'all have a fantastic next week as well! Later~

1/21: Exploratory Week

2011-01-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

Well, not entirely, but I felt as though this week's title could use a little more flare.

But in all honesty, this week has been a little bit more of an exploring new talents sort of week. The nice thing about not having enough brain space for people is that it leaves more room for projects I always needed to get done (i.e. art, costume constructions, crafts, etc.). There is only so much time before I call in my wardrobians to the first tech run for Alice Through the Looking Glass.

So many of you might be asking: Hannah! What does a Wardrobe Supervisor do?!

Well, it's simple. I make sure everybody is not naked. Ta-da!
No, there's more to it than that. It's a wardrobian's job to coordinate quick changes, prepare the costumes to appear according to the Designer's original intent (that means no lint, no wrinkles; it must be perfect like the movies!), aid the actors with their costumes and come up with quick solutions to quick problems (ripped seams, crushed hats, etc.) And so, why does this position seem to be overpowering?

Well there are six actors and thirty-six roles.

...I think that's all I really need to say about it.

In other news, classes are going well, so I've also had enough head space for academics, regardless of my assignments only being drawing, construction, and Chinese grammar.

Honestly, I can't explain my reasoning for not being as sociable as before. Perhaps because the house I reside in is infamous for hosting over ten people within a given weekend. Or maybe because I'm sharing a room like I'm back in the dorms...?

I cannot tell, but for now I only have to take it one step at a time.

I hope y'all are having a fantastic week and have plans for an even brighter tomorrow! Later~

1/14: Wow

2011-01-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

It's the beginning of 2011 and already I have become placate with my blog updates. I'm terribly sorry, all.

I suppose this is what happens when my schedules just goes all over the place.

In all honesty, I'm not taking that many classes this term due to finances: Costume Design II, Costume Construction II and Chinese 202, with my theatre practice being Wardrobe Supervisor for SOU's Alice Through the Looking Glass. However, with the open schedule it leaves for more room to plan ahead.

As of late I have been taking up art commissions (somebody actually asked for one, I am talented again!), planning for the future and sending out resumes and applications for summer internships. So far my luck has been in the Pacific Northwest with housing and payment, and though I do realize not all internships require a stipend, I don't think I'd fair well in pitching a tent while working for a theatre company outside of my own state.

So, for the most part, I am still looking hard for potential work places in the near future.

Despite the lucid scheduling in my life, I feel somewhat brain dead. At least around people. I've started to become more and more socially awkward that perhaps a life of solitude is really the way to go. In the woods? With my own stage show for the children of a thriving lumber town?

...We'll see. But for the time being, I have to increase my intelligence somehow. Maybe by taking up classic literature. I'm not really sure yet.

Anyway, I hope all of you are fairing better than I and I hope y'all have a good weekend ahead of you! Later~

12/24: Holidays!

2010-12-24T16:43:00.000-08:00

First of all...

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

For all my family and friends within the state: I'm sorry I won't be there to celebrate the holidays for you, but know that I am thinking about all of you, miss you, and hope the warmth and care we give each year to one another is still glowing for the holidays! And not just for Christmas, but also for the remainder of the year.

As for me, job searching has become an ultimate failure, seeing as I've spent most of my time catching up with studies (Chinese, internship applications), commissions (for artwork, yay!)...and for me being lazy and sucking in the free time for once.

That just makes me a successful procrastinator. Hm.

I do need to get into gear though, despite my hesitations of summer internships (meaning I'd only be able to keep a job for six months. Is it worth it?) I'm still looking though, don't get me wrong about that!

Anyway, I hope everyone has a merry weekend, and I'm thinking only for the best for everyone!

Merry Christmas! I love you all~

12/17: Vacation catch-up time

2010-12-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

First week of the vacation and I cannot deny how much I'm enjoying catching up on things that needed to be done.

Amongst looking for a job, I've also been reorganizing my living space, cleaning the garage, setting some priorities straight and...of course, catching up on all the drawing that I've missed so dearly. Aah, it feels good to pick up a pencil again.

Unfortunately I haven't had time to scan my sketches nor embroider my shirt, so showing off my costuming skills will have to wait for another time. Sorry, guys!

And my grades have come in, though I cannot say that I am entirely proud of them this year. I passed, but some grades were worse off than some. Which is why I've begun my studying earlier this year so these dire circumstances won't happen again. I have always been a good student, and I plan to maintain that reputation up until I graduate with a degree in my hand.

Anyway, today is a day mostly finishing up everybody's gift, so I hope y'all are having a productive day yourself and hope to talk to all of you soon! Later~

12/10: MMM.

2010-12-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

Hey, remember last week when I said I was prevailing through my studies with high spirits and confidence?
Unfortunately, my finals did not turn out for the better, despite my hard work towards studying for them.

Although I feel pretty good about my construction project (which hopefully I will post pictures later this month!), everything else seemed to have slipped out my mind. But I suppose studying for three days straight on four hours of sleep will also contribute to my lack of thinking for the finals.

Today is the last day of finals for me (Costume Design; hopefully I can get some of those up, too!), and I am exhausted and frustrated with the outcome of this week. So pretty much after today's final, I will be hibernating for two days.

My plans for Winter Break have not been entirely finalized. While I do miss everyone back at home and it was a pleasure to see you all during Thanksgiving, I unfortunately do not have the funds to come back up for a few days. I'm still in search for a job, and my aspirations lie in being able to work some solid weeks in so I can prove to be a good employer.

At this point, it's either find a job or go back to Wendy's. And I'd rather not have to go back there only for the managers to tell me, "Told you so."

But for now, I have a final to attend to. I hope everybody else's week turned out more successful and I hope only the best for y'all next week. Later~

12/3: can't sleep, finals will eat me...

2010-12-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well. Back to school for another week and a half. UHHM. So many things to get done before next week.

Anyway, for those I have seen during my Thanksgiving Break: It was good to see you all! Good to know that everyone is doing well and I hope this winter will treat every single one of you just as fairly!

And for those who have no idea: MY GOODNESS, so much good food. It's a shame I didn't get a chance to snag some back home with me. But nonetheless, I had a very stuffing and thankful Thanksgiving.

Despite this week being the dragged out week for Finals, I still have many things to prepare myself for. I need to finish my shirt by Tuesday, perform an 8-minute monologue in Chinese, study for my Astronomy final and finish all my costume sketches and still apply watercolors to them. All within the squeezed hours of searching for a job and working on everybody's Christmas gift.

Just as I had thought would happen: I waited until the last minute before working on everything. How very, very stupid of me.

But regardless of personal frustrations and lack of sleeping, I am still prevailing through with a high head and confidence that I will surpass the challenges set before me. After all, it is December, my favorite month of all!

So I hope for all of you that your lives are running smoothly and that you get the chance to sit back and enjoy warming yourself up in this progressively cold weather! Later~

11/19: Thanks for the break...!

2010-11-19T12:18:00.001-08:00

WHELP. It's that time of the year again. Time for the students...to have a week break to be thankful for what they got. And believe me, I am so thankful for the people I know, have worked with, and cherish dearly.

I'm very much looking forward to going home and seeing family this next week, I have missed every single one of you since...well, I can't actually remember the last time I saw everyone. So this will be exciting!

This week has kind of been a slow one, but if not relaxing. Have finally been able to get home before 6 pm as of late, allowing me time for reading, drawing and catching up further with homework. Ah...post show vacation is always a good thing.

For those of you expecting me home, I will not leave until Wednesday morning for I still have some homework I need to finish that requires a sewing machine and looooooots of space for sketches and what not. Oh, and looking for a job to have when I get back from vacation.

So for the remainder of the weekend, I am sending good thoughts and wishes towards y'all and I hope you guys have a good weekend! Later~

11/12 ...Wow.

2010-11-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

What. A. Week.

WELL, A Streetcar Named Desire finally opens tonight, but SOU sponsored a student preview night filled with mardis gras masks, food, and fun, so technically I consider opening night last night.
Had to watch the show five times beforehand, but other than that I think it went swell.

It has certainly been a while since I've been a part of dress rehearsals and tech week, so this week has been more or less like an elevator towards Heaven and Hell. One day I'm manic depressive, the next I'm bursting with confidence, and then there are 'meh' days.
To say the least, I went a little crazy this week.

But the show finally opened, which means my job as an Assistant is over for this term. Next couple of terms will be primarily focused on other costume practices so that I may expand my skills even further.

So what other plans are there left in the term? Well I need to find a new job (now that I have the time) and get caught up on my homework. That is about what is going on in my life as it stands. Hopefully, relaxation will come back to me.

Anyway, I hope all of you are doing well and prospering with good fortunes! Enjoy the rest of your weeks! Later~

11/5: Moments of Truth

2010-11-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

I remembered this time to post on a Friday, ha ha!

Ah, well we're moving right into the true Autumnal months as the leaves fall into the gorgeous color palette. Definitely love this weather, but cannot wait for Winter to come. Fireplaces, snowing, CHRISTMAS...Ah, a magical time.

Anyway, things are certainly speeding up again. The show I'm working on opens up next week, which means for the next few days is definitely last-minute adjustments and fixing the kinks and knots of the production.
Am I excited? Of course I am.
Did I really do anything to support this show? ...not really.

Working with two assistants must be nice for the Designer, but for someone who has never helped run a show such as this, I had no idea what to do or expect, or even when it was appropriate to speak up. Even with what ideas I did had, the other assistant thought of them first before I got the chance to say something.
So, essentially, I was really a third wheel in this production. I suppose something that should have been expected, but it's something I also have to learn from.
Still, had been feeling useless as a theatre student for a majority of this production. Oh well.

Academics seem to be doing well, I'm well caught up for the time being and have time to sleep in every once in a while (WHAAAT? You may question me later about how pleasurable this was).

OH. And my housing situation, yes.

Managed to find another roommate just in time, but the deal is that I will be sharing the master bedroom with another friend of mine (Rebecca Denley, I'm sure many of you may know, but for those who don't: High school/colleague of mine) so that we can all save some money. It would be nice to pay less than what I'm paying now, but we'll see.
The important thing, though, is that I will not be homeless. Yay!
On the other hand, this does mean I need a job soon. Something different. Probably retailing since the holiday season is coming around the corner.

So that is how my life has been so far. I hope everyone is having a good week and hopefully a better week to come! I will let you know how opening night goes and there may even be some pictures involved, ooh la la! Later~

10/23: Almost There...

2010-10-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Another day late. Hm. Expect updates now on either Fridays or Saturdays. Sorry, guys!

Anyway. More Hectacity ensues. This week hasn't been so much of a homework overload as it has been a time-consumption for other things.

The Assistant Designing thing has obviously been taking some time. We're now closing in on our Technical week, which I will have to start squirreling food around in the theatre building (I will find hidden cracks to hide cookies in!). It has mostly been figuring budget numbers and accounting for what the show needs and what it doesn't need. Ahh, to be a skillful accountant...

What has been taking my time, mostly, is Construction Class.

Mostly because our class is in the process of patterning pieces for the final project (An Edwardian/Victorian shirt fitted to ourselves) and the process takes several hours outside of class to finish the patterning.

The average for my fellow classmates is an hour minimum to finish this process.
It takes me five hours.
...I've been a little frustrated with myself, but I am determined to make sense of patterning with paper. It will happen. I may be slow with it, but with time and practice I hope to become more of a useful person.

I have been making myself step back and relax when I can, but some stress factors keep coming up. Mostly financing (what else is new?), finding a job, finding the hours for sleeping, and possibly finding a new place of residency before the end of December.

At this point, everything is literally up in the air. I have no control over what happens, so I am enjoying and taking everything one day at a time. I am having a wonderful time hanging out with my fellow costumers and friends and keeping in contact with the people I love. It means the world to me and literally makes the one-day-at-a-time thing such a possibility.

I hope all of you are taking your days one at a time as well, and I hope everyone has a fantastic week! Later~

10/22: Hectacity

2010-10-22T10:59:00.001-07:00

I forgot a post last Friday...? DARN ME. I promised myself that I wouldn't keep doing that! I'm terribly sorry, everyone.

Well, I suppose now I should recap on what's happened in the past TWO weeks, ha ha.

Mostly? Assistant Designing.

The weeks have been consumed by pulling clothes out, purchasing period-styled garments and communicating with the director as to how many characters ARE in A Streetcar Named Desire. This is a worthwhile process and I am learning a lot from it, regardless of me doing mostly grunt work.

I definitely am aware, however, that it is going to take me a few more years before I can even consider being a Designer of a show. I might not get to design a show for when I'm in college...but someday.

In other news, have mostly been concentrating on Costume classes and Chinese. Astronomy is now a joke to me as the professor pretty much talks straight from the book material. A fantastic use of my money towards the man. I am not entirely worried about that class at all.
Oh but how I long for a Biology or Chemistry course...*sigh* One can dream, no?

And my birthday went pretty well. I have not gone out for a drink yet, but I am in no rush; being 21 doesn't exactly mean I have to jump the gun just yet. Although I may visit a bar with a billiards table and play some pool. I can finally do that now! I miss playing the billiards.

Within the next two weeks begins Technical Rehearsal for Streetcar, which means I will be strapped to the theatre building well into two o'clock in the morning. Hopefully, however, I will not forget to keep you guys updated!

Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend and a fantastic day! Later~

10/8: Elevator Days

2010-10-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

Second week into the term, still incredibly tired. Both for good and for bad.

Bad first: I've come down with some kind of cold (it's foreign to me, though; I've never had a cold this demanding before), and it seems everyone else on campus has had the same symptoms I have, all stating how abstract the symptoms were from a normal cold.
UM. I'm sure it's nothing serious, ha ha. But it has made me more fatigued than before, as I force myself into bed by midnight regardless of homework content and waking up at 8 am. Someday, I shall sleep in.

But as far as homework goes? AMAZING. I have to make character sketches for the play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" with character analysis', I have a daily construction homework for my Costume Construction class and basically looking at the stars for my Astronomy class. Oh and practice my Chinese, of course.

我研究了很多，但我讲一点点国语 (Translation: I study a lot, but I speak a little Mandarin. Even though, technically, the Internet is stupid in not translating right. I will have to download something to make my character writing even more efficient and accurate)

Anyway. But I am also exhausted for good reasons, too. Tonight was my last night officially working at Wendy's, which means more focus time on all this Assistant Designing work! It is for the better, I believe.

Speaking of which, so far everything is going smoothly. But everyday seems like a test on my self confidence. The days alternate; one day I will feel like the most accomplishing person ever, and the next day I will have completely screwed something up and disappointing my Designer. It certainly is testing who I am and who I have to become to accept this career choice. Along the way, I will just need to know how to become a better helper and realize, in the end, that if I don't live up to someone's expectations, then I have to compromise with that rather than beat myself up consistently about it.
Or strive for improvement. Either way.

I am grateful for this opportunity and by the end of this run, I will have learned more than I thought I would have.

So I hope y'all had a good week and I hope you have a good week to follow! I'll let you know how everything goes on my end! Later~

10/2: Beginning of New Ends

2010-10-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

...HA. I lied again, I'm terribly sorry.

It is time, however, for me to commence my blog updates once again! Now that the Autumn season is flowing back into the world as students continue their education, so must I in my feeble attempts in earning a college degree.
Well, we'll see how this goes.

To say the least, my first week of school demanded MUCH more time than I anticipated. For some of you who may not remember, I was assigned to Assistant Design the Main Stage production for SOU's "A Streetcar Named Desire". And with our school system's shortened term, we had to basically hit the ground running. This week mostly consisted of:
-Production Meetings
-Review Meetings
-Pulling costumes from the stock racks (about two rooms worth of clothing)
-Measuring Actors
-Color palette/swatch shopping

And that's just the first week. November will look amazingly more busy, ha ha!
But for now it goes well. I am not taking as many classes this year (mostly costuming classes!), so it'll lighten the load from the amount of work I need to do for this show.
On top of all this, I am quitting the Wendy's job (at laaaast!) in exchange for possibly another job at a local theatre for an Assistant Costumer's job. It will pay as a stipend, but it's a step forward! I am excited.

As for how my summer went...? Let's just say it was filled with many changes, epiphanies, and...WELL it was just a BIG metamorphosis project, all together.
Was the change for the better? I honestly believe so.

Anyway, with how hectic this term will be, I will do the best of my ability to either post my blog BETWEEN Friday through Sunday. There are no guarantees though, so watch out!

I sincerely hope that all of your had an interesting summer and I hope only the best for y'all this coming Autumn and Winter seasons! Later~

False advertisement

2010-06-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

I am such a bad truth teller. Sorry, guys.

So finally the school year is over with! I think I did well on my finals and it seemed to have paid off: I have passed all of my classes with flying colors! (with the exception of my dropped class, but I'm going to wipe that out of my memory). And I have moved slightly into my new abode for the school year, though this weekend I will finally be able to unpack most of my stuff as the people who were living in my room are now moving out. The tangles are starting to unravel themselves, and all it took was some time. Go figure!

In other exciting news, I will be an assistant costume designer for this fall play's production of 'Streetcar Named Desire'. Even though I will be in charge of the budgeting, still, EXCITEMENT! I cannot wait to get started on my research for this play and be able to help out the designer!

And in other miscellaneous news, I have dropped the idea of working two jobs, as I had figured the result would've been me ending up in the hospital from exhaustion. Better to find this out now than when it actually happens, I suppose. So I will just be working as much as I can over the summer to ensure my education for the following year.

That's about all the news I have as of late, I'm sorry I haven't been posting regularly! I will try my best to get back on the Friday updates, but nothing should be set in stone at this point. But I hope y'all are having a fantastic week and I am thinking about you all! Later~

End of Search

2010-05-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

AH-HA...I'm just...I'm just bad at doing this.
So here's my excuse for last weekend why I didn't post anything up: was looking for apartments and trying to figure out roommate situations as well as finances. By the way, Ashland has a lot of expensive places to rent out to! That and the market for rentals is unbelievably competitive.
THIS WEEKEND...
Well, I just decided to become a vegetable. Why? Because I had talked to a recent friend of mine who just had two rooms opened up and offered me and my friend Rebecca Denley $600 + 1/2 of utilities (Originally the rooms separately were $450 and $500). So I took him up on that offer and I've just been packing ever since. It's so nice to know that I have somewhere to live down here; my last resort would've been to live in a storage unit. Or a tent.

Anywhooo, classes are going great, finally got my illustration project printed! There's only one copy, though, but I am thinking about going to see another printer to print off the file into more books. Who knows.
And really, the only classes I have to worry about now is Chinese. I've been more strict with myself and have glued myself to my desk for two hours a day studying the language. It's really been helping, but I guess it helps more now that every other stress factor is out of the way :)

So for many of you, I won't be coming home due to working like a dog over the summer for schooling next year. But I will try my best to come home when I can...I just need to know exactly when, now that I'm balancing two jobs. Hmm.

Anyway, so I hope y'all had a good two weeks, and I should be able to keep you updated (on time, might I add!) from now on! Later~

May Madness (pt 2?)

2010-05-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

See, I can't even remember if I had labeled another blog like this. Huh. Not a problem.

Anyway, the school year comes to another close here at Southern Oregon University for many of us who cannot afford the summer classes. But for the closing of the academic year comes many complications, including (but not limited to):

Finals
Opening of plays/strike
work schedules
finding more adequate jobs, and the eternal favorite
finding a house/apartment to stay in for the next few years.

Roommate situation has been fluctuating like crazy over here. Some people are willing to share an apartment with me, and others have complications of their own. For sure, me and another college buddy are all prepared to move into somewhere different. Now we just have to find the right place...

In other news, I had to drop a class (unfortunately, Environmental Studies) because I had failed the midterm, which accounted for 35% of the final grade. I will admit it: I screwed up. I didn't put as much effort into reading the materials or studying the necessary items, that doesn't scare me. What does scare me is the withdrawal from this class has shown me how lenient I have become with my academics. And I am not okay with that. So now I'm setting up goals for myself next year to put my classes expectations before my own needs. That's how it has been before, and that's how it should be now.

Other than those pieces of excitement it's been planning for next year and figuring out my current situation via finances, residency, academics, etc. I am sure a kitty will make up for all of these worries, though. Oh, and family and friends always help, too :) love you guys!

So I hope y'all are having a great Friday and I will come by next Friday to report my current position! Later~

Busy weekend. Busy indeed.

2010-04-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

What a week this has turned out to be. Not in terms of academics, but the weather has just been ridiculous! First thing it's raining, then hail, then there is ten minutes of sunshine...and we're back to stormy rain.
It's a privilege to be able to experience all four seasons of the year in one week in Ashland. We're so lucky.

But in terms of academics is a little stressed. Not only am I pressed for time with increased work schedules at work and theatre practice, but I have also become dumb enough to not come up with a project for my environmental studies class. The project is due monday.
...yes. Yes, I'm an idiot.

So this entry will be short as I have work in the next 50 minutes and I still need to find a topic to discuss. This lesson will be thoroughly thought through as the weekend progresses. I hope everyone else's Friday is full of excitement, though! Later~

It's a beautiful morning...aaah

2010-04-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

At least that's what I kinda thought waking up at 6:30 this morning to see the nice, cold weather.

Anyway, this will probably be the only time I post this early as I do enjoy my sleeping habits as of late. And yes, I totally realize college has broken my strict discipline in getting up early for class. When did this revelation happen? ...probably during Winter term, when waking up at 7:30 was bad enough for me. OH COLLEGE, WHY HAVE YOU BROKEN ME?!

...*a-hem* onto other news...
Coming along on my illustration class, hopefully I can make copies for everyone. Or get it published and then everyone can just buy it! Isn't that selfish of me?
Musical Theatre Workshop has degraded my aspirations for being a part of the class; it's kind of like being in high school choir again, where there are some parts I enjoy about it (the people, the teachers, the learning process) and then the not-so-great parts (no solos...). Again, selfishness.
And work is still a drag, especially when they schedule me to work on a day I have a class. After all the cleaning I do for them and...
...
WOW, I have been really selfish this week! I definitely don't mean to, but...huh.

In other news, still trying to figure out what to write about for my Environmental Studies class. It has to pertain to something about a depleting resource and its impact on the environment.
So it's either going to be about the costs to produce coins such as pennies, nickels and dimes, overpopulation of the white-tailed deer, or fast food waste. But I need to decide soon, it's due in two weeks...
And other than that, just been looking for apartments/2nd job/planning my future out, which I really hate to due. Especially if I don't know where I'm going now.

Ah well, it's time for me to get breakfast. Can't finish a coat on an empty stomach! Hope everyone is doing fine and I wish you a good day! Later~

3rd week - nice weather?!

2010-04-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

So the forecast proclaimed that Ashland would have been swarmed with clouds all week, and what happens yesterday?
BOOM.
Instant sunshine and 60˚ weather all weekend long. Kind of a sudden shift, but I'm okay with it. Not that I would do anything within the nice weather, but still.

Anyway, third week, right? Lately I've been feeling like my own character has been slipping. Not so much personality wise but my study skills have become atrocious. It probably doesn't help that

•most of my metalsmithing projects need to be done during class/lab time
•most of my illustrations for Digital Illustration can only be done in the computer lab
•most of the songs I'm learning in Musical Theatre Workshop has to be practiced inside the classtime
...and
•all my lecture notes for Environmental Studies are posted online

...whatever shall I work on when I come back from classes for the night?!
Granted, I've always wanted more freetime to finish other projects, but this term it feels like everytime I come home there has to be something school-related I have to do. So...it feels a little weird.
I'm just going to have to toughen up my life and cut off my free-time expenses.
So hard on my self...*sniff*

So what else has been going on? Um...
Theatre practice crew leader probably thinks I'm an idiot, not sure why.
Thoroughly enjoying my Sunday game night (in which I partake in gaming with my friends and we enjoy a nice dinner)
and planning for the summer where it's come to the conclusion that I need to work two jobs AND find a cheap-o apartment to rent with friends AND maybe take a science class to get ahead of my degree requirements.
...I'm...not really looking forward to the summer.

But anyway, I hope y'all are having a good Friday and I will talk to you later! Later~

Sick, sick, sick...

2010-04-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hey all. So nothing much has happened this week except three things:

1) Severe cold
2) fever, and
3) my time of the month

All simultaneously happening. Fantastic.

Luckily, only missed one day of class, but missed out on my work schedule of the week. NOT THAT I'M COMPLAINING, but...yeah. It's been not a great week, sort to say.
What's more, we had auditions for solos for my Musical Theatre Workshop class...and both days I had lost my voice. So...that was interesting.
Anyway, mostly today will consist of staying low and not being so active. Other than seeing How to Train Your Dragon in 3D (which was AMAZING!). Oh, and outlining my illustrations for the book I'm making. Chances are, once the class is done I will send my project to a publisher since so many people have asked for a copy. Soooooooo hopefully my story will get through...? I'm not sure how the whole process works.

Oh, and Grandma and Grandpa: I haven't received your letter/mail yet. I am concerned, especially when I just went to the mailroom today and saw a notice about mail theft. UM...yeah.

So I'm off to try and beat this stupid cold...I hope y'all are having a much more successful Friday and I will talk to y'all later! Later~

April showers brings more power

2010-04-02T15:36:00.001-07:00

Ah, I love it when I totally break my own promises about keeping up my blog during Spring Break.

Well, I apologize about not posting during the break. So let me just sum it up in a few words: relaxing, depressing, and overwhelming. Mostly because I spent time outside my dorm room, worked ridiculous hours and traveled basically all of western Oregon.

Anyway, Spring classes seem to be off to a good start. While I am taking 18 credits, most of these classes are...well...easier than last term's:

Environmental Studies - mostly about what it is and the environmental changes effects on society. Mostly reading. But less so than the last two terms (English, History...)
Digital Illustration - I GET TO MAKE AN ILLUSTRATED BOOK! Enough said.
Metalsmithing - I GET TO MAKE METAL SCULPTURES! and get to think outside the box moreso than usual.
Chinese 103 - advanced lessons, not sure if this will be continuing on to next year as more people have dropped out of the class.
Musical Theatre Workshop - I'm actually disappointed about this class. Last year I heard about how students were challenged to pick their own solos/duets, choreograph it themselves and then perform it before an audience for their final project. Instead, this year all solos/duets/group songs are focused on anything written by music legends Kander and Ebb (who brought us Chicago, Cabaret, etc.)

And I'm not really a big fan of Kander and Ebb. BUT this will be a challenge so we'll see how this goes.

Still work at Wendy's. Taking more bold steps into realizing how silly customers actually are. Someday I will find a new job.

Speaking of work, I should probably get going; I close tonight. Ugh.
Anyway, so I hope y'all have a good Friday and I'll talk to you soon! Later~

Finals week, Final day

2010-03-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Ahahahahaha...SO. About last week's blog...
I still apologize for the dark, brooding feeling the blog sort of set off, but really last Friday wasn't all that great for me. So what did I do to change my spirits? Cut my hair and actually spent quality time with friends. My hair is not as short as it was for Peter Pan, but the important thing is that it is short and I love it.

Anyway, today is my final day for Finals and it just so happens to be the only final I'm actually worried about. I had prepared an outline to write off of for my History final, it took me 45 minutes to complete my Art History final, and I was absolutely slutty for my Acting Aesthetics final (FYI (For Your Information): I played a Russian prostitute for my final scene). And I feel pretty confident about the grades I'll get for those finals.

But now, I have four writing segments, two auditory segments, and an colloquial exam (at random given topics) for my Chinese final. With little time to study. SUPERB!

So unfortunately, I will not be coming home for Spring Break as I am in desperate need for finances. But I am taking a weekend off at least to go to the beach and manage to slip off my snow tires...somehow.
I hope you guys have a good rest of March, though! Chances are I will be able to keep updates on this blog since adventures in Ashland will be pursued during Spring Break.

So don't forget about Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, and I hope y'all have a good Friday! Later~

Ugh...I'm really bad at this.

2010-03-05T13:19:00.001-08:00

Sorry guys...it's been another two weeks. I don't know what to say this time.

There's been an off and on balance between helping others with their own stress and studying and working on class homework. Now it seems like this is my week to stress out.

Why? I don't know.
What caused it? I honestly don't know.
How can I get over it? I'm still working on that.

Not to mention the coat I have been working on has not been cooperative with me (that and I'm a terrible stitcher, so...)

I think my self-esteem has also plummeted once again. I can't tell if this is a side effect of Winter term or what. All I know is, something's wrong with me and I need to figure out what it is.

I'm sorry this journal couldn't be any more uplifting, but...I don't know. I'm sort of lost right now.

And I'm still sorry for not posting a blog every Friday. I'll try and remind myself when every Friday is so I remember to make a blog.

Hope you all are having a good Friday, though. Later~

Two weeks

2010-02-19T22:33:00.000-08:00

I think that's a new record: not posting up a blog in two weeks.

I apologize for not posting one last week; that weekend was hectic enough with my work schedule conflicting with my academic schedule and what not.

Anyway, like I said, things have been pretty busy, despite me being off from Costume Crafts (all the hats look fantastic, by the way! I will take pictures and post them up in the next blog) and I managed to sign up for some of my classes next term. I finally got into an art class (Digital Illustration), and I know I should be taking more general Ed classes, but I figured this was something I just needed to do before I lose my insanity in classes. But I have a good feeling about next term, I really do.

Still hate my job and I'm getting to the point where I might be looking for other kinds of jobs. The local bookstore is hiring and I will try there, but for now I will just buck up what I have going for me and keep my sanity in other forms (drawing, making fun of horrible movies, etc.)

Speaking of horrible movies, I went to go see one of my favorite book series as a movie: Percy Jackson and the Olympians - The Lightning Thief and was sourly disappointed by the interpretation of Chris Columbus' directing. If anyone had seen Eragon and had read the books, then this movie is far worse then that interpretation. But it's only inspired me to read the series again and satisfy my nerdiness of bookworming.

Anyway, I'm off to eat dinner/finish some sketches, so I hope you all are doing well and I hope to have time to post a blog next Friday! Later~

Everything's getting set up...

2010-02-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

WHOO I remembered to post up my blog on time this week! Ah, such an accomplishment.

But anyway, another stressful week. I'd hate to keep bringing it up, but I swear with the shortness of this term and all the classes I'm taking plus work, everything's just cramped for time. ...which, I know, I need to learn my lesson about, but somehow it evades me. Huh.

So I had midterms (somewhat) this week in half of my classes and I have a monologue to study for in Acting Aesthetics (which I have come to hate; it's hard for me to relate to it AGH). And hopefully by this Saturday, a majority of our hats will be finished. Hopefully.

Really, there's nothing much to report. Today I hope to work on my commissioned coat, but I don't think that will happen as I have so much reading to finish before Monday and Tuesday.

Anyway, this will be a short entry today- I need to get back to my homework and whatnot. I hope y'all are trying to relax as best you can and I'll talk to y'all later next Friday. Later~

Week...3? 4? Shoot.

2010-01-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, I almost went two full days without posting my blog. That's pretty bad.

Actually, this past week hasn't been working so well in my favor. My schedule for both class time and work time have basically collided like a train wreck. Once I'm done with classes I jump straight into work and get very little sleep during this process.
And I feel like I'm doing worse in my classes, for some reason. Whether it's waking up for my 8 am history class or not getting my readings done for Art history or Chinese, everything just kinda seemed to slip out of my fingers lately.

And to top it off, social life has kind been on a roller coaster again. Friends were disputing with each other, problems occurred with the roommate (but we talked about it, so we're good), and the majority of the people at Wendy's still don't think I can do a good job with what I do there. I've had about enough of it...but it's a paying job. I can't quit now.

...SHOOT, I'm doing that complaining thing again. Sorry, guys. I don't mean to, it was just a really bad week for me last week.

Anyway, I'm off to work again tonight so I thought I'd type this before my leave. Hopefully my Friday won't be bombarded with so much schedule conflicts that I forget about posting my blogs!
Later~

I'm all for civil rights, but...

2010-01-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

If it affects the school week by having a day off to commemorate its importance, then it's no bueno (bù hǎo (不好), for you Chinese speakers).

I learned that because SOU had Monday off because of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, classes that were missed on that day will have to be made up by having Monday classes on the week Finals are supposed to be given out. This does not bode well for us academic nuts.

So having Monday off was both a blessing and a curse (much like FDR's New Deal, I'm crudely relating to); it was beneficial for me 'cause I got what homework I needed to get done that day, yet this week I've been crammed with more reading from my History classes because the week had shortened. And the readings have increased for this weekend as my Midterms approach in the next week or so.

BUT.

I'm smart enough to finish the majority of my homework today before going to work. And I will finish what I can on Saturday so I can do absolutely nothing but relax on Sunday. Yay!

Speaking of work, the managers have decided to move me to the cashier to *gasp* interact with the customers! It's such a wonderful thing to know that some Ashlanders have mercy for those who have never worked a cash register in their life.
(So of course they try to put me on backbox to take Drive-Thru orders last night, but that was like committing suicide for perfect attendance)

So it's been a rather packed week and I'll be glad when my readings are done and out of the way.

On a side note, I went to go see some sort of cake exhibition at the Rogue Art Gallery in Medford. Basically, there was cake to eat and cake portraits to bid for. It was rather fascinating and I enjoyed a few selected pieces of the cakes. One of my favorite portraits was one called Chocolate Raspberry done in Acrylics and it was painted in such a way where I had to look at it for two minutes before noticing it was a type of cake.

Well I'm off to do more reading before I am off to work, so I will see you all on Friday (I promise I'll keep remembering)! Later~

Week 2: Aaaah...

2010-01-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

...I did it again, didn't I?
Sorry folks, yesterday was a day full of readings and seeing a movie (spontaneously) later in the evening. I was rather surprised at the price of the ticket ($4.50!!), but the theatre is in White City (about two minutes away from Medford). Still, unbelievable.

Anyway, another week survived! I've learned a lot of new things this week (for example: I never knew Oregon was an intolerable state in the 1920's and even had their own Ku Klux Klan. Huh.) Saw too many things this week (Annunciations for Art History: Please stop appearing before I make a movie out of you), and still scattered about an upcoming scene for Tuesday (my partner seems inclined to NOT respond to my calls/emails. Hmm...)

And so I also started my theatre practice this week with a new goal: make 40+some hats before February 12th. Or even before that. And our crew only has about 7-8 people working on this project. WELL, at least I'll get to learn how to make hats, even though I have a strong distaste for papercraft now!

So today commences the 3-day weekend, which I will spend on homework, most likely. And reading. And working. But I will keep in mind why we all have this wonderful short vacation in the first place: to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership and influence on the people that really needed to hear what King, Jr. had to say.

I will sign off by saying have a great Martin Luther King Day, everyone! Later~

Commence the reading! ...moreso!

2010-01-08T13:03:00.001-08:00

Hello all, and welcome back to another exciting term of college life! Winterbreak was more or less interesting as I became a literal "traveling circus" (Shift sleeping places from Phoenix, OR to Portland to The Dalles and back to Ashland in the course of three weeks). But my Christmas Break was good nonetheless and I am prepared for my upcoming classes.

...or so I believe.

As we all know, Winter Term is the time where professors assign numerous amounts of readings to the students, assuming that because of the cold and wet weather students will be cooped up in their rooms.
While it may be easier than last year for reading, my History 251 books contain many documents due every week or so and my Art History 205 book is over 1,500+ pages.
SO.
Reading will be interesting this term.

Other classes include Chinese 102 and Acting Aesthetics with David Kelly (which I have a feeling I will only squeeze by with just a passing grade, for some reason...)
And this term I am determined to balance out great grades with work, so we'll see how it goes!

BUT tonight will mostly consist of Cosplay meetings, seeing a play (The Secret Garden) and relaxing. Perhaps reading homework. Hope y'all enjoy the rest of your Friday! Later~

Fall term comes to a close...aaah...

2009-12-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the late post, everyone; yesterday was kind of frantic.

I had my Chinese Final yesterday morning, following afterwards of ultimate packing as the dorm rooms closed and threw out the students at 4 pm yesterday. Which I was more than willing to move out of because

a) The heaters still do not work, which resulted in
b) me finding mold on my windows. I was not entirely happy about that.

SO. I am here now at a friend's house for the next week until I am able to come back home for the holidays. There was black ice and hail yesterday in Ashland, but...MEH. I will figure out a way to get back home once I am done with work.

Anyway I'm glad to be out of the dorms and I expect the next week to be very interesting. It's been a while since I've been in a house with other roommates...
So I hope everyone is doing well and I will be sure to update next Friday, I promise! Later~

Post-thanksgiving break

2009-12-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

It's not much of a creative title, so I apologize for the lack of art in it.

Anyway, welcome back all. I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving feast(s). Mine was pleasant, despite the fact I was rushed in and out of places to visit because I had to work that following Friday. I did not enjoy work, but I enjoyed spending what time I had with family and friends.

This week has been moreso hectic than before as I study for finals and finish off papers. I've also had some side projects that I wanted to get done by today but alas they did not. In fact most of my projects went in the opposite direction because it was so cramped up schedule-wise this week.

However, I did meet with my advisor to see if I had the potentials for the Costume Design sequence. She said yes (thank the gods) and gave me some nice critiques to work on for future references. And within the Spring Term I may apply for Assistant Designing within the following year. So that made my week.

Also, I have been informed that my usual acting teacher for my Acting Aesthetics class will be taking a leave of absence next term. Taking her place is OSF's David Kelly. Which will be interesting.

Sorry to keep the post short but many things are yet to come as I continue studying and...eventually go to work. *sigh*

Again, I miss you all and I hope y'all had a good Friday! Later~

Thanksgiving break...wish there was more.

2009-11-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

I keep noticing that my journals seem to just get more and more depressing every time I write them. I'm DEFINITELY NOT doing this on purpose! I guess it's just how life rolls out.

Anyway, this week has been a little bit more cramped up than usual. Thursday I had an oral exam in Chinese and a presentation due in English (luckily, I finished my book, A Disorder Peculiar to the Country, the night before hand. Recommended only for those who dare to read. Literally.) And before that I was freaking out about my History papers because I thought they were due this week. Which they aren't. But, then again, the professor never really specified the exact due date for that paper.

On the sidelines I have been working on my toolbox from Stagecraft (I may or may not bring it home; depends) and other projects for fundraisers for the club I'm in. Not to mention work has still been keeping up with me.

BUT at least I am getting a decent amount of sleep. That's important.

Today isn't as great; it's not only raining cats and dogs, but it's raining the entire pet store, and with both my shoes and boots falling apart...well. It just calls for more duct tape. Also, I went to go get my oil changed for my car and was not too thrilled that the entire check-up cost me $120. Of course, the majority of the bill was to replace the driver belt (which was cracked at this point), but the oil service fee anyway is nothing to brag about. My loyalties still continue to lie with Oil Can Henry's.

On some positive news, I finally got some bristol board so that I may work on my design projects! And out of my own pleasure, I got myself an encyclopedia of elements with visual references and all. Ah...I am such a nerd.

Well I may or may not post something next Friday as I will be traveling from the beach back to Ashland in time to work that evening. I'm sorry I won't get to see very many of you during my run back to The Dalles, but I still hope y'all have a great Thanksgiving Day! I'll be thinking of you all! Later~

Let it snow, let it snow...

2009-11-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

This is too odd for me.

The weather down here in Ashland has been very sparatic. At the beginning of this week it was nice, sunny, and fairly warm. And now it has started to snow by the end of this week.

Normally I enjoy the snow, but this year it poses as a threat: if it ices up the roads during my days off from work, then I won't be able to come up for Thanksgiving. And after watching a play about the importance of family values and holidays...WELL, I'd just like to spend time with my family!

Agh. The weather...pleh! Very peculiar.

Anyway, classes are starting to roll up as theatre practice is drawing to a close. I have signed up for classes next term (including an acting class, which I am excited about!) although I have felt more and more detached to my Chinese class. It reminds me too much of Japanese, which I miss with a passion. Not sure what to do about that. Hmm.

And still, the heaters do not work in the dorms. I have reduced to sleeping with three pairs of pants and shirts in bed because it is so cold. Rather ridiculous.

Next week I have to prepare a speech/presentation about one of the optional books I read in my "Book Club", study for tests, see the plays before they close...all the usual listings in my schedule, so I guess there's no major changes there.

Today I finished my toolbox though! Whoo! I still have to paint it, so when that's finished I will take pictures and post it up in my next blog (hopefully).

Now I am off into the cold yonder once again for meetings and such. Hope y'all keep warm and have a good Friday (even if it is the 13th)! Later~

Oh Friday nights...

2009-11-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

I honestly would have posted something up sooner...if I had not been busy (and had also reminded myself earlier. Sorry guys!)

In all honesty, not a whole lot has been going on for me. Classes are just about the same (I am caught up! Hurrah!), work is more tiring than ever (four nights of closing is not fun), and I am more than excited to be working out costumes.

Speaking of costumes, the one club that I have joined has inspired me further to start several costume projects for futures to come! (Right now, I am in the process of designing a White Rabbit costume - just because). I'm also spending the majority of tonight designing stuff for my advisor, to get ahead on my design sequence at SOU (working on becoming a designer/assistant designer for next year). Perhaps I will post up some of my sketches here on blogspot.

And as the months dwindle by, it surprises me that the dorm rooms could still be 20˚ cooler than the outside world. It is all ready 40˚ in the evenings/mornings! IT'S RIDICULOUS.

OH and as far as last weekend went:
The Servant of Two Masters was amazing! I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time and it felt great. Lots of great improvisation and the actors were just phenomenal (as usual for OSF actors). And then going to a Halloween party with pumpkin carvings and Rock Band served for good times :)
Thanks Mom and Bill for a fantastic time in Ashland!

Anyway, you all have plans for the evening. I shall attend to mine. I'll see y'all next Friday! Later~

Transitions

2009-10-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember, while I was working at Burgerville, me saying that my job could always be worse?
Well, Wendy's now qualifies as that worse fraction.

Here's how the system work: There are at least six different positions: Grill, Fryers, Sandwiches, Front Box, Back Box, and Cashier. Certain people are scheduled to work certain positions and can't really do much else until an Operation's Leader/Manager tells you otherwise.

This leads to extreme difficulty for me since the Theatre Department encourages students to be able to think for themselves ahead of time and to fend for themselves. It was essentially the same principle at Burgerville as well. So now it's hard for me to just stay making sandwiches when clearly I could be doing something else like cleaning or getting ahead of my closing activities.
Not to mention that while I've been there for 3 weeks already, many of my co-workers continue to treat me as if I've never actually done fast food before. Rather insulting.

Oh, and working until 1 am three days straight also doesn't help my academic position. I am now behind on most of my classes...except Stagecraft.
ACTUALLY, no. I'm sort of behind on that too; I fail at tying more than one knot. I'm lame.

Sorry, it's been a hectic week and, rather, not a very pleasant one at that. So I apologize for the rant. I know that's not what you guys want to read about.

BUT the next two evenings make up for it since Mom and Bill are in town and our activities include seeing OSF's "Servant of Two Masters", which is a hilarious, well done performance. Then tomorrow evening there are some Halloween festivities going on at a friend's house.

So I'm looking forward to at least these next two days, before I go back to homework and closing shifts again. Ahh...
Happy Halloween everyone, and I will see you all next Friday! Later~

Of cake, sandwiches, and books

2009-10-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

So for those of you that may wonder...

October 18th was pretty much a relaxing day, minus the fact that my roommate and friends were conspiring something for the end of the day. I think I drove them off the edge with guessing what the surprise was. But essentially the day ended with a collaborated gift of a popcorn popper and a cake with twenty "magic" candles. Which was nice and all...minus the fact that candles + fire are prohibited in the dorm rooms and we could have gotten kicked out of our dorms because of it.

...SHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

ANYWAY.
All in all, it was a very nice birthday. Thank you all for your gratitude and for the cards and for the love!

So my job seems to be going pretty well. Takes me two days to get sandwiches down and apparently I'm one of the fastest cleaners they've had in a while. Which is a good thing 'cause now I start closing the place (essentially, working until 1 am in the morning). I'm only scheduled for three days to do that, however, so I don't completely kill myself.

And classes still seem to be doing okay. I suppose with a job and other *personal* projects, it's a little hectic catching up with my homework.
My "Book Club" just recently finished Windows on the World and we are moving on to the book Saturday by Ian McEwan. Haven't really started on it yet...thank goodness the weekend is still ahead.

Still, with classes/jobs/theatre business, it depresses me slightly that I hardly get the chance to participate in clubs. Oh well, such is the life of a working student.

To finish my day, I think I will continue with homework and personal drawing projects. So I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and I will see you next time! Later~

Phish sticks!

2009-10-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well, first the important news:

I have a job!!

I regret to say that I work at the local Wendy's®...but at least I am financed for the time being. I have to say, however, it's a LOT different working there than at Burgerville. It's almost kind of a downgrade from Burgerville, actually.

ANYWAY.

That has been the highlight of the week as I watch countless videos on food safety, security, and how to cook fries. Tonight I either actually get to work the fry station...or perform dishes for four hours.

But school has been going good otherwise. Amongst history lectures and power tool orientation, it has been fair. The next book I'm reading for my English class is Windows on the World by french author Frederic Beigbeder. It's an interesting book, but definitely something I would probably not read again. Oh and today I made a push stick (used to "push" small pieces of wood through a large table saw), but it looks like a fish, hence the title of today's blog.

No big plans for the weekend except finishing a history midterm and practicing my chinese for an oral exam monday. So nothing big.

...Except SOME people have decided to celebrate my birthday on Sunday, for reasons beyond any I can think of. Bah. Twenty. My teen life has died.

Anyway, so I hope all goes well for you guys and I will see you next friday! Later~

Another week, another learning experience

2009-10-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

As with most weeks are. Or days, for that matter.

Anyway, hello again everyone! Another Friday is upon us! Unfortunately, I have little to report since...well...nothing monumental actually happened this week.

Classes are going fine, I've come to the conclusion that my Eng 209 class is essentially a book club within educational reasoning. In a nutshell, all we do is read the book, come to class, discuss the book we're reading, and then go home and read some more. Quite fascinating, really.

Theatre practice is adequate. It turns out I'm doing more than just stitching so hopefully I may be able to pick up my costuming pace even quicker (And for those who don't know yet, I have decided to emphasize in Costume construction/design). Speaking of designs, I've made it a personal project to start designing costumes from plays, both for practice and to show to my advisor, so that she may either critique me or spit on my drawings. Huzzah!

In all reality, this year seems to have less activities than last year, as Freshman year always seems to be the most interesting...

But aside from academics, today consisted of receiving both a seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 nasal spray, so that I may be protected! Although it didn't help that my flu shot needle broke on my arm, only giving me half of the given formula...oops.
And right now my roommate spreads desires to get a fish for our room. A betta fish, nontheless. She seeks companionship from it...while I seek to get another male betta and have them fight and take bets off of it.
...WHAT? It's profitable!
Oh well, I guess that's also illegal, in some cases...

ANYWAY.

Nothing much for me this weekend except looking for more jobs, apartments, and getting ahead on my book club reading. So I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I'll see y'all next Friday! Take care!

Week One - success!

2009-10-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello again, readers, and happy Friday! See, I actually remembered the day today. Praise school for re-establishing my sense of time again!
Anyway, here's a recap of what has happened in my classes this week:

History 250 - Synopsis: going through American history from the beginning of settlers moving in to the reconstruction period of the Civil War. The teacher digresses tremendously. I have a feeling if I just read my AP US History book from High School and take notes, I will do just fine.

Chinese 101 - A new program at SOU which is a good deal within itself; all SOU has to do for the teacher is provide her with a home and a meal plan. China pays her salary and (best of all) our school supplies, including textbooks! Ahh...bless China. Anyway, fun class, lots of tone uses, and I'm really glad I took Japanese beforehand, otherwise I would have been lost in the dust with the characters.

English 209 - Another new program/class at SOU, taught by a British teacher. The subject revolves around the reactions and materials created after the 9/11 attacks. Lots of novel reading. Very little time. But seems interesting enough (even though 9/11 was of no relevance in my life, I'm sorry)

Stagecraft - Essentially, a theatre class on how to build sets, get familiar with tools, etc. Since I've had prior knowledge of such tools and methods, I have no worries about this class.

Not so tough, right? Well, here's another interesting twist to the school system this year: The state had to cut out budgets from its school systems this year, so in order to save money SOU has cut its academic year by two weeks. It may not seem like a lot, but the effects include...
• Shortening the term, cutting down on actual class time, and
• Cramming in theatre performances, running two shows at the same time for three weeks. Plus auditions for the winter shows are in two weeks (for those of you who don't know, that's about a month earlier than auditions should be held at)

Oh and I found out that everything's been increased by 32%, including tuition and board. whoo.

So to wrap up, my main concerns for this week have been a) finding a job (my hopes are with Subway®, I'm just hearing back from them), b) finding an apartment/room to move into (because, frankly, it is cheaper than dorm rooms by far), and c) organizing my crap, because there is A LOT. I'm going to take time this weekend to donate/trash my junk......even though it's not junk to me *is sad*.

BUT anyway, I hope you all are doing well! I'm off to explore the Ashland I have left and eventually make cupcakes today! Yay! Later, peeps!

Lord of the Craziness: Return of the Student

2009-09-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

First off, to those which I had promised to post a blog yesterday I apologize, but I was having a crazy time at Willamette University.

Anyway, welcome back readers! Summer has been more or less full of experiences. My activities mainly consisted of work (at Burgerville, making onion rings), work (on the apartment portion at the red house), and being part of a play production (Rumors, I essentially played an upper class drunk snub. It was fun). Other than that, the summer was hot and filled with little pool time. Poo.

But another school year is approaching once again! Classes start on Monday, which will consist of History 250, Chinese 101, English 209, and Theatre 144. Details will follow in next week's blog (which will actually be on a Friday)

I leave you all to your days while I start unpacking all my crap. AUGH, so much! Anyway, take care!

College, Year One - EH.

2009-06-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today will mark my official first academic year of college and the last journal until September, when I start school again.

Overall, this first year of college has, of course, taught me a long of things and opened me up to new experiences. As expected. I just don't want to repeat this year again.

I think I did okay on my finals, I spent a lot of time working on my sociology final. Six pages, but I think I gave it a harder time than it deserved.
But I loved my other finals, which was essentially a rewrite of a past paper and costume sketches. Yeah!

So I am back in Portland, spending the night at a friend's house because
1) I'm tired of driving and
2) Kind of shaken up from the near-death accident I almost got in on the highway this afternoon.
Everyone was fine, no car were damaged in the process, but I'll just say that I'll never get into the situation I was in ever again.
EVER.

Anyway, I CAN'T WAIT TO COME HOME! I miss it so.
I hope y'all have a good summer! :) I'll see you guys (blog wise) in September.

I'm very bad at this.

2009-06-06T00:55:00.001-07:00

I can't believe this is already my third time forgetting to update a blog on Fridays. I apologize for this dilemma.

It turns out this week has had its ups and downs: I've recently discovered I am practically on the edge of my Sociology course and if I do not do well on my Final...well, it won't be a pretty sight.

This is really the only final I have to really worry about because my USEM final is basically a write up of something I've all ready done and my Elements of Design/Costume Fundamentals finals are costume sketches (I'm very much looking forward to that).

But I'm either making my Sociology final harder than it seems or I'm just easily distracted with trying to pack things away and put into storage over the summer.

Besides the usual feeling of small stress outs and despairs about the fact that I feel like I'm behind in Theatre (as far as starting anything out), there has not been a lot of things going on in my life.

I will be looking forward to coming home, along with working at Burgerville, being involved in a play (as far as my knowledge remembers, anyway) and working on Bill's house/apartment area. Maybe I will relax and study along the way.

Again, I am sorry for the day-late post. My internal schedule hasn't been at its best.

Take care!

2 more weeks (2? 3? something like that)

2009-05-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well, first off I'd like to say congratulations to my brother who is now a successful graduate from PNCA :)! Glad I got to see you graduate, bro!
And another congratulations and good job to the Theatre Company's production of "A Midsummer's Night Dream". I enjoyed it very much!
Overall, it was great to be home. I'll do it again in the next two weeks.

Anyway, this week seemed to be a little airy. I've been getting more rest, so that's always good! The only downfall was that I missed work this week. Bah. I will make it up and work my butt off in the next two weeks.

I've also been getting my work done and have become very calm about getting all my finals in time. I will gladly finish my assignments in the next two weeks.

The only other thing I have left to worry about is packing to go home. Apparently I have to be off campus by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 12th. So that'll be my spare time activity in the next two weeks.

Can you tell I'm super excited for the next two weeks?!

Seriously, it's been a crazy academic year. And then I just have to keep telling myself that it isn't over yet. There's still this next Fall term.

Ah...

So what I have planned for the rest of today is homework, organizing the room, seeing the movie "Up" and then going on a spirit walk through all the haunted places on SOU. I'll let y'all know how being posessed was like.

Later!

Memorial Week

2009-05-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

This blog isn't as late as I have posted before (like on the following Saturday mornings...), but I type this now because I've been on the road since about 9 a.m. this morning making my way for home. Currently I'm sitting out on my front porch back in The Dalles and loving every minute of it.

Let's just say I really, really needed to come home this memorial day weekend.

But the reason for it being a memorial week for me rather than a day was because I went to the doctor on the SOU campus and was diagnosed with mono with my sore throat and fevers and what not. So basically I have missed out on all my classes this week and can no longer participate in my Rock Climbing class because of my spleen.

If you're confused, I'll explain.

Mono is basically a virus disease which is ONLY contagious through saliva (thus being known as the "Kissing Disease"). But I'm pretty sure some jerk at the Rock gym just spat on his hands before climbing a rock and that's how I got it. Or on a bathroom stall door handle. I DON'T KNOW, I can't remember back that many weeks ago of how I first got this.
Anyway, the Mono virus usually enlarges one's spleen and liver and if either get ruptured due to extreme exercise, alcohol or tylenol (or anything else that damages the liver/spleen)...then that's bad. Could go to the hospital for that one and I don't have the time for that.

So this weekend I plan to do nothing but relax and enjoy the fact that I'm home.

In other academic news, I get interviewed for my Theatre Major next week! Pretty sure I'll get in since my grades are decent enough and I haven't really ticked anybody off to have them not want me in the department (at least I don't think I've angered somebody THAT much....have I?)

Next week, for sure, I will get back on my game of going back to classes. Though it is convenient to have Mono during the end of Spring Term where it isn't required as much to go to classes.

Oh well, I'll catch you later guys!

Collision of worlds

2009-05-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Another week has gone by and I am still alive, amazingly enough!

This week's been a little hectic, I must admit. In Usem I had to give presentations about my experiences at a dance party and I am preparing to become a technical helper for the symposium coming up. Also, there's been lots of other presentations going on as well...(people put their piercings and tattoos in weeeeeeeeeeeeeird places...)

Sociology's fine, one of these days I have to tell myself to get started on the final for it. Just to get a head start.

Elements of Design is fine, starting on the final project for that. I'm designing costumes for "Waiting For Godot" and the theme is abandoned carnival. Ooooh, so many good ideas.

Costume Fundamentals has been my biggest issue this week, really. Stayed up for long hours putting my fundies bag together (which I will get pictures for, I promise!) and then more hours researching for my design project in that class. Deities are so picky sometimes.
It's only inspiring me to work on costume construction/design nontheless, though.

And Rock Climbing is fun. Went to Rattlesnake (45 minutes away from Medford) to get some real rock climbing in and found it to be more productive than the indoor walls. Super!

In other news, I've come to the sad realization that I am addicted to caffeine. It's pathetic. I can't survive the day without a Dr. Pepper in my hand. I'm trying to cut back, though...for my teeth! I'm working on it.
I've also had less hours of sleep and my throat has been killing me for the past few days. I tried examining the inside this morning and it doesn't look pretty. I can't tell if it's just sore or if my tonsils are swelling up. Should probably see a doctor if it's not gone by monday, neh?
But in any case, I plan not to do anything this weekend except go to theatre practice, if we have call. Need the rest. Need to sleep and finish homework...

Anyway, I hope you all are doing well! I'm going to start packing most of my stuff so it'll be easier for me to come home for the summer! Still coming up for Memorial Weekend, so watch out!

Can't wait to see y'all! :) enjoy your Friday!

Deals under $10

2009-05-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

Certainly, this week has been far more eventful than last week.

Here's how my budget's been the past week:

Monday - Spa night: $5 (veeeeeeeeeerry relaxing for my back, lots of nudies. Wish I had sketchbook)
Tuesday - Cinco de Mayo luncheon: $5 (two tacos, beans, rice and a jarrito! WHOO!)
Wednesday - package sending: $7.70 (for Mommy on Mommy's Day :))
Thursday - veggies and dinner: about $7 (it all balances out in the end)
Friday - Resident Evil 4: $10 (because it was new, a good deal, and I needed something new to play with)

and I LOVE the fact of how much I complain about my finances. YEEEEAAAAAHHHH.
At least I admit it, right?
...right?

*a-herm*

Anyway, this week has been rather interesting. It's been a mixed bag of figuring out if something's wrong with my body, self-esteem fluctuating, costume fundamentals bag finally done (and it looks fabulous!) and my envisions of my status of friendship.
Epiphanies also occurred with these questions: my body's going through withdrawals of caffeine so now I'm addicted to the stuff, I don't care about my self-esteem anymore, still love my fundies bag, and my empathy levels for being a friend crashes lower than the 1929 stocks.

Not trying to be cynical, I just think this is the truth.
Although I could be a bit more positive, I guess...
um...

HERE, A KITTY PICTURE:

(picture courtesy of http://icanhascheezburger.com/)

Hope that made y'all laugh.

In other news, I'm planning to come back to The Dalles during Memorial Weekend, so watch out roads!
Home has been really sounding good for the past few days, just to let you guys know.

And before I head out, I'd like to send my love to Grandma Kroner and Wagenblast, Aunt Debbi, Mariah, Aunt Sally, Aunt Jean every other moms I haven't mentioned and especially my own Mother. I hope you all have a nice Mother's Day :)

Ta-ta!

Slow, slow week

2009-05-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

HEY LOOK! I remembered when Friday was. Go me!

In other news, it has been incredibly slow this past week. I'm caught up (for the most part) in my assignments and, really, not a whole lot has happened this week.
Besides social drama. But even that's been slow and dragged out, sooooo...

I did not get the RA position for next year, which I knew I wasn't going to get anyway, but now that just leaves me with two more options (for the time being): apply for scholarships (like I'm suppose to), or apply for a campus police job which pays for room and board anyway. It's *kinda* like being an RA, only you're a junior police officer instead of a junior house manager.

Either way, I'm taking out loans next year. I plan to find work over the summer (Cherry Plantations, YEAH!), even if that means doing onion rings again for Burgerville. Yippy skippy.

On another note, I finally got to see what all the dorm areas look like, and I must say I am impressed with the Madrone apartments (the fancy dorms across from Cascade)
Better yet, here, a photo:

Nice, eh?

Anyway, feels much like an apartment as you walk into a living/kitchen room, and then down the hallways there are separate bedrooms for up to four people. Plus personal bathrooms. SO NICE.
Unfortunately, the price for it per year is $8,852 (this includes the meal plan). Only a $1,082 difference between what I'm paying now for staying at Greensprings, but I hate to have loans paying for my housing more than it's paying my tuitions.
Seems kind of weird, however, that if I'm taking 16 credits for three terms exactly, it only comes out to be $5,718 yet I'm paying more to stay at housing that I can barely afford for in the first place unless I quit school and work for at least one year.
I'd hate to do that though, so I won't. I'll just regret using loans to pay for my housing more than my education.
Ah...at least I won't have to pay the additional 8% rate that's going up for next year.

Oh and on another random note, I might be getting sick and I might have TMJ. Huzzah.

Anyway, I hope you all are doing well, to say the least, and I will talk to you guys later!

Day confusion

2009-04-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

WOW, I'm sorry guys! I didn't realize what day of the week it was until my mother called asking where yesterday's blog was.

Seriously, I thought yesterday was Saturday. My gods, how the spring term has screwed around the days of the week for me.
Well, I suppose it doesn't help that the weather has also not been very stable. In this entire month of April it has snowed, hailed, rained, reached a cold temperature of about 30 and the highs (since the past three days) of about 90. Today is a chilly 50 with wind gusts.

THIS IS NOT NATURAL WEATHER. Just thought you all should know *coughcoughglobalwarmingcriticalconditionscough*
Naw, nothing's critical until crops fail. THEN it is critical.

Anyway, college.

Not much has changed since last week, I've been planning for the summer a little bit more since I AM coming home (I officially did not get the CA position; oh well). My summer plate mainly consists of work, work, and work. ALL RIGHT!

As for theatre, I think I've decided to start leaning towards an emphasis in costume construction/design since, it seems, the costume shop is like a tranquility sanctuary. Plus it helps that my costume fundamentals class has inspired me beyond reasoning.

Also, I'm definitely looking forward to have the TDWHS Drama group come on down for some Shakespeare excursions! I can't wait to see you guys again!

Well, sorry for the day-late post of my life, but...as you can tell, I'm disorganized with the days of the week. I should really get that straightened out.

Take care, y'all!

Spring Term: all about getting off campus

2009-04-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Well, ever since I've brought my car down here, there have been many excursions out of SOU/Ashland. This is both a good thing and a bad thing; first off, it feels great to know that whatever supplies I need that are not in Ashland, I can just always go to Medford. Plus, getting off campus is a super thing! The only bad part is the whole gas issue...UGH.

Anyway, having a car is great. Love it. Love the transportation idea.

Classes are still good, I'm ahead of everything, and my theatre practice is sooooooooooooooo lenient this term! Well, really, we haven't been able to do anything because the director of the show is having a hard time coming to decisions about what props he wants and what he doesn't want. Very aggravating.

In other news, I haven't heard anything about my Conference Assistant job, so I probably didn't get the position or the people are late notifying people. I don't know, I was really hoping to get this job; I think I qualified well enough for it.

Ah, but that's me being conceited again. That sucks.

Otherwise I've been fine other than tired. Should consider getting more sleep.

Sorry this is a late-night post and I hope y'all are doing well!

Let's set up an interview on this blog...

2009-04-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

All right, so this week has been mostly nothing but interviews, which has been the main focus for this entire week.

Really, I think some interviews bring out the worst in people. Mostly because you're under so much stress that you make a completely new image of yourself and all your answers get mumbled up...AH.
But I guess interviews emphasize the stress part for themselves to see how you do under pressure...huh...

Anyway, the Resident Assistant interviews were a little difficult. Just because it seemed like they need more of a team player and leader (which, I think, I performed badly enough with on the group interview yesterday).
However, I feel really confident about my Conference Assistant interview as I seemed to be the only one who was the most expressive and positive about the job. It also helps to know that working in a theatre can allow for MAAAAAAAAAAANY many many many types of experience. YES!

Ah...but, other than that it's been a pretty easy week. Still ahead of my class work. Still ahead of my theatre practice. All is well!

I'm heading off to Portland for the Easter weekend, so I hope y'all enjoy your Easter dinners with each other!

Spring Term opening

2009-04-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

wow, this week has certainly started off with a bang.

Well my personal/social life seems to be having its ups and down once again; funny how this only seems to happen every time I come back to college...huh.

BUT I'm liking my classes so far! Only Sociology looks like it will be extreme with reading and quizzes every week and such.
Rock climbing is fun, though (haven't done any climbing perse, but I'm getting closer!). Elements of Design is DEFINITELY going to be my kind of class (yay ART!).

My USEM class requires that I write my research paper again, only shorten it to four pages, which shouldn't be that bad. Also, apparently, I need to do two projects outside of class and present my experience on it. My first project is exploring opportunities (aka doing something I haven't done before) and exploring outside of my comfort zone (which I find amusing because I have to go to extremeties for that one).
So basically I've got plans to go see a garage-type-band in Ashland and then attend a clothing optional night at the spa. This should be interesting...

Costume Fundamentals is AWESOME! All ready I have to get materials for my fundies bag and I'm researching for my design project which consists of me designing clothes for guests that are attending a party. I have chosen to hold a poker tournament with several ancient religions, so I'm super psyched about that.

Moreso, I'm also super psyched about me being able to take a car down to Medford for my supplies! Ah...spring term is a good time to have a car.

Speaking of which...

LOOKEY, BILL! I HAVE FULL OIL IN MY CAR, WHOO!

Just thought I'd share that with you ;)

Anyway, one last thing: next week I'm being interviewed for my Resident Assistant AND for my Conference Assistant positions! I don't know when I'll find out about the RA position, but results for the CA position come up on the 17th. So by then I should know if I'm staying here for the summer or not.

All right, well I hope you all are doing well and remember that I miss you all! I'm off to Medford to buy supplies, so I will talk to y'all later!

work work work...work work work

2009-03-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

WOW. It's...Saturday.

Sorry for the day-late post, but yesterday ended up having a chain of events which lead from one thing to another that I was not in control of. In fact, most of it has been used for studying finals for next week. There's only one class I'm worried about, but all my other finals should be fine. The best part is: I'LL BE DONE ON WEDNESDAY. YES!

Ah, counting down the days until Thursday...

Anyway. Besides studying until I can see my own brains squeezing out of my ears, I'm fine. I just wish I was home so I can see family, friends, Seussical, and just away from campus for a while. Though sometimes I do wish Spring Break was a tad bit longer...

So next term looks pretty dandy. I have prop artisan for my theatre practice for the next productions, my friend Meagan got her wardrobe supervisor position (one of the positions she has been seeking), and Becca will be starting her rehearsals for her internship in the coming months (which starts in May).

...And it's March, right? SHOOT, I could have sworn it was only January not too long ago. Funny how that works...

Anyway, it's off to studying again, so I hope y'all are doing well. I will probably not write next Friday considering I will be home by then.

OH. And before I go, I would like to congratulate my father and his fiance, Meagan (a different Meagan, everyone) on his proposal to her and their wedding happening on Sunday. I wish only the best for you two and I hope you guys have fun!

All right, I'm out. Take care!

Think: it's not illegal, yet

2009-03-06T16:39:00.001-08:00

OKAY. So let's start off with my Script Analysis class.

So for the past two weeks, my theatre class has been reading and analyzing Death of a Salesman and discussing metaphors, plot points, and taking at least five days to decide who was the protagonist and who is the antagonist. Basically, the wheel is turning but the hamster is definitely dead.

It's funny to have our teacher point out that many of us (me being included in this clump) are, believe it or not, over analyzing the plays we have been reading and thus, thinking too hard. Thus I ask: what is the limit to thinking about something? I mean, apparently I've been thinking too hard this week, from how to produce my papers to finishing my lighting final (which, by the way, had to be completed in two days, this including hanging our lighting instruments, programing cues and making sure our lights work). It's both comical and a little frustrating to know that one can work so hard for something when the project can be just as easy as everyone expects it to be.

Sometimes, I just don't get life.

On some down notes, half of my dreams have been dashed when I was told that all the posters made for the theatre productions are done by any students who qualify for work study. It is not part of the theatre practice curriculum. It's more the principle of the matter that it's not just anyone who wants to make posters, but it's ANYONE who CAN that don't even have to be part of the theatre department. Ugh! So hard to explain.

On some other random notes: I've signed up for classes, Spring Break is coming up, apparently I won two free fighting classes in Medford (...don't ask), and there is a Chocolate Festival here in Ashland that I will be attending very soon!

...In fact, I'm leaving right now. I hope all your guy's weeks have been going so well, and I'd like to thank Mom, Bill, and Grandma and Grandpa Kroner for their lovely packages! Thank you very much, I love you guys!

Well, take care until Friday, everyone!

Mighty mighty fit-in week

2009-02-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

WELL, this week has certainly been a little...stressful.

Lots of things have piled up, as usual: Communications homework needed to be done and forums to write on, "Is Negativism Bad for the American Political Process?" (Which, in all terms, isn't necessarily true). Needed to read Death of a Salesman (interesting play, makes me think too much about my own life, though). But my biggest concern has been completing my research project for USEM. I finally turned in my rough draft, but it is literally a diamond in the rough. It needs the polishing badly.

Other than that, I appreciate the time I have spent with friends, am much in love with Mom for that wonderful package of cross-stitching and hot chocolate books. Thank you! And I've also managed to FINALLY draw in my sketchbook again. It's been weeks. I never even realized it had been that long since I have sat down and drawn a picture. Very depressing.

Well I'm typing this as I'm working in my 2 out of 8 shows for Dick Whittington this weekend. I'm not too happy about waking up to be at the theatre building at 8 am when I've been exhausted with 4+ hours of sleep this week + a mighty cold. Oh well, such is life, and it could be worse.

Time for a quick change, I hope you all are doing well and I will talk to y'all next Friday!

Skipping Days

2009-02-20T23:39:00.000-08:00

Well, ladies and gents, this has certainly been a busy week. Not to mention how many times I've mistaken the days of the week (like for the longest time, I thought Tuesday was Saturday for about three days).

For starters, I'm glad I have gained some experience working for wardrobe crew in Dick Whittington and his Amazing Cat. I've gotten a glimpse of what the jobs are like, and I can safely say I will probably never work for wardrobe crew again. Except when someone I know is the supervisor. That's my only exception.
Classes are going well, I managed to successfully register for classes early (15 CREDITS, I'VE LEARNED) and I'm proud of what I've chosen. And homework has just...well, has become homework. There is nothing special about it.

Other than seeing some plays (Anna in the Tropics at SOU and Kickin' The Clouds Away at the cabaret), I haven't really been up to much. All I can say, despite the chaos of working a lot and homework, this has been one of my more favorite weeks this year.

Sorry if this post is late, but I just got done with wardrobe crew and just remembered that it was Friday. I still thought it was Saturday. Darn.

ALSO, just to point things out, I've also discovered that yoga has contributed nothing to my life. I'm a doer, not a meditator. Sorry, Mom!

Anyway, I hope you all are doing well and I'll see you guys next Friday!

Week 4

2009-02-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, the creative title era has come to an end. For now.

I've officially deemed Winter Term to be the most stressful term ever. No, I'm not going to wait until Spring Term to change my mind, I've all ready made it up.

Ah...well, there's considerably *less* things to stress about now. I'm through with Midterms, so the only things I have left to work on are final projects, basically. I've also managed to take the time to do something else OTHER than school work. This week has basically proven to me how important that is.

On another note, I have been dismissed from my stitching crew to go work for the wardrobe crew for 'Dick Whittington and his Amazing Cat' because of the lack of people helping out in that crew. Though I wish I could do both crews (seriously, stitching is a relaxing drug), I'm glad to help out with this production in any way I can. It's a really cute children's show!

Also, it snowed here last night. It both was hypnotizing to watch and made me home sick at the same time. Again. Still counting off the days for Spring Break...

Well, I will be heading out, now. But I'd just like to say how much I love you all (or everyone who keeps track of this blog, anyway) and I miss every single one of you.

Until next Friday~

What...a....uh....part 3!

2009-02-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

3 weeks. 3 ridiculous weeks of continuous things/stress to think about. WHAT?

Ah, well, this week's been a little bit of a hysterical one. ACTUALLY, let's break down the last three weeks:

Week one: Emotional Hangover week
Week two: Social construction week
Week three: Ultimate study on 4 hours per day of sleep week

...YAY!
Well, basically, I've been juggling my communication homework along with my USEM midterm (which had to be done in a week) along with gathering more information on my research paper and still attending all my other classes and trying to remember what to do where.
This week has included many late nights at the library upon very little sleep.
In fact, this week's been so hectic, I couldn't go to work in the morning because I was at the library studying (which I still feel bad about, but hopefully I'll be able to catch up next week)
And even after all this, I have another midterm to study for Communications, prepare for a presentation for Communications, start thinking about my Communications final project AND I still have to touch up on my research paper.

Ah, such is college life.
I've decided to take 14 credits next term. Congratulations. You've all warned me about this and now I'm knowing the consequences of over-exerting myself. Thank you for warning me ahead of time, I appreciate the concerns.

No, this isn't sarcasm, I still love you all.

Other than that, sewing, family and friends continue to be a favorite part of my life, I love the plays that I'm reading for Script Analysis and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has invited the SOU Theatre Dept. for a free showing of "Death and the King's Horsemen" this Saturday. HUZZAH!

All right, I'm heading back to work, so you all take care for now!

What. A. Week. Part 2!

2009-01-30T10:28:00.000-08:00

Hm. Well, let's just say the last half of January has just been...an 'eh' category.

Continuous reading goes on. I'm taking what time I can to catch up on debates, research articles, and plays that need to be read. And it's not very much. So I'm doing the best that I can.
Financial problems still ring up to me, no matter how much I want to ignore it. Same with housing for the summer. I really need to stop thinking about that kind of crap in Winter Term.
My social life is *almost* falling apart in my mind. I won't go into detail for that one.

Doctor Faustus and sewing, once again, comes to save the day. OH and the fact that Mom and Bill are home safely from Baja, California. Glad you guys had fun!

In any case, home-sickness is kicking in for me a lot earlier than it did in Fall Term. All ready, I am looking forward to spring break. Or sooner, I wish.

Anyway. Take care, everyone.

OH PS: if anyone knows any teachers/professionals who work for any type of arts (graphic design, advertisement, etc.) that use Mac computers, could you email me ASAP? I'm in need for people to interview for my research paper. Please don't make me resort to trying to interview Steve Jobs; he'll eat my head for brunch. Thank you, guys!

What. A. Week.

2009-01-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

It certainly has been a very eventful week. Let me start off with the great news:

My roommate, Becca, auditioned for a paid intership (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) at the local dinner theatre here, and she got the part she auditioned for! She also recently got hired for a house cleaning job! I'm very excited for her, that means she'll be financially all right...for now.
My other friend, Meagan, managed to get together with the Ashland High School's drama teacher (as she is currently taking an Intro to Teaching class) and managed to pin down her volunteer hours needed to complete her course! Plus she's doing very well with the rest of her classes, so I'm glad these two are having a great week.

...As for me? Well, apparently, I've stressed myself out so much I've caused myself to be sick and continuously have been sick since Tuesday. It's more of me having to catch up with assignments, work, figuring out financial issues and future planning about this summer. Not to mention some more emotional/personal issues with myself, but that's beside the point.
So long as I keep up my diet of Gingerale, saltines and soup, I'll be fine.
AND STITCHING. Because, apparently, stitching random pieces of cloth with no patterns what-so-ever is VERY relaxing.
And as long as everyone else is doing fine, then I'm good.

I'm sorry to say, I won't be putting up a Hot Chocolate post this time mainly because I haven't had the time nor the stomach-strength to endure the sweetness and to search out for my choice of the week.

Anyway, I hope you all are doing well and I will see y'all next Friday!

Slow time down

2009-01-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

You know what's really interesting? I attended my yoga class this morning working with very little sleep (as usual). For the entire class time I was stretching, I swear my muscles were going to give out. Hey, I don't use my muscles as much as some think I do. But anyway, after the class was over and I stepped out of the room, suddenly I just felt...better. Physically, I mean. It was rather interesting...

Anyway, so remember how in Fall term I said that all my work wasn't going to bombard me until a month later? Yeah, winter term is more intense: this is the week of discourse. I've been up to my neck reading nothing but textbooks, waking up early to go to work AND frustratingly going through at least 20 different ideas for a research paper topic about something I'm "Passionate" about, yet it stands at an arguable point.
...it's harder than you think, trust me.

So it seems to me like this week has just gone by reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally slowly due to the fact that I've been enduring longer days and that I've been mentally/emotionally stressed the past few days. It's not really the best combination.

But a few things have saved me...
1) Hanging out with friends/enjoyable people
2) Costume theatre practice
3) Oedipus

I know 3) may seem a little weird, but somehow it was just too funny for me to pass up. HEY. Tragedies in our time and place are more funny than the comedies (well, the old tragedies, anyway)
And my theatre experience this term is something to behold: I'm taking stitching for my theatre practice, stage lighting as one of my classes, and possibly I'll be working for the scene shop and the wardrobe crew. POSSIBLY. Nothing's set in stone (except for those first two)

..Ah. yes. Anyway, back to the Hot Chocolate of the week:

--
Zoey's Cafe
199 East Main St.
Ashland, Oregon

This is more of the shop you'd want to go for ice cream in the summer (such choices!) but their Hot chocolate is still something to behold. It has a dark flavoring to it and very sweet to the taste. Not as rich as the Badass Coffee Co. had, but it still satisfies the taste buds for you sweet-go-getters.
It's about $2.25 (+ tax) for a regular mug-size which, in my opinion, is a little spendy, but if you have that crave by the gods, buy it from there. If you're in Downtown Ashland, at least (or until I find another just as successful company).
I give it a 4 out of 5.
--

Okay, well, I hope all of you reading this are having a great day yourself and I'll catch you around next Friday!

Back for the Winter!

2009-01-09T12:13:00.001-08:00

Hey all! I'm back up for updating on la Bloggage!

The sum of my winter break can basically be summed up like so: awesome, fantastic, beautiful, and something I reeeeeally needed after my first term of college. It was certainly good to see friends and family while I was back home. It took me a day to miss all of you once again (and I apologize to those that I didn't get to see as much - all the more incentive to come visit MEEEEE!)

Ah, well, all I can say is that Winter term may be a little more hectic. Somewhat because I'm taking 16 credits, but also because most of my classes requires LOTS of reading and research papers and that I'm looking for a second job on top of my other painting job. I CAN make it work! Work in the mornings, go to class, then work late at night. I've done it before. I know my limits so no one is allowed to freak out.
However, it is helpful that two of your classes directly links to each other (as my Communications class explains the Mass Media and then in my University Seminar class we're reading "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman who opposes the idea of how the media is being used to communicate with the public. It's...interesting)

Anyway, does anyone remember my hot chocolate journey? Well I think I've compiled enough information to make at least one suggestion every blog (or when I remember to do it). So here's my first suggestion:

---

Badass Coffee Company
143 South Riverside
Medford, Oregon

This company produces Hawaiian grown coffee and imports their stuff around the States (and even in Japan!). A cozy little shack to hang out in for a morning sip or something.
A 16 oz. Hot Chocolate is about $1.75 (this includes tax). It has an incredible rich taste unlike most hot cocoas I've tasted as of yet. It's creamy and you can actually taste more of the chocolate than you can of anything else that may be in there (more than likely, milk and water). Sadly I never finished my drink last time I was there due to some indigestion problems I had, but I would definately drink this daily if there was a Badass Co. in Ashland.
5 out of 5. Highly recommended.
---

Well that's all I have for you guys this week. It was pretty slow, but next week I'm sure I'll be just as busy as I had been before. Later!

Fall term: Conclusion

2008-12-12T03:14:00.000-08:00

It's late as I'm writing this. I explain, though: was challenged to pulling an all-nighter by my roommate and now we're duking out who can stay up the longest. It works anyway because we're done with Finals and we're catching a bus back to Portland earlier this morning. OH WHAT FUNS!

Ah. But Fall term, I consider it to be a little bit more relaxed (if you could call it that) than I'd expect it to be. For now I'll thoroughly enjoy my winter break with family, friends, and my best bud from Texas coming up. Yes!

So to conclude, this will be my last blog for the Winter Break. I'll be sure to write a summary on my adventures throughout Winter Break upon my return in January since for most of you readers, I will end up seeing during my break anyway, soooo...?

Until January then, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a fantastic day :)

Off week

2008-12-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I find this post to be funny as it almost contradicts my last post.

This week just seemed....off. Very few wonderful things happened (for example, Becca D. got called back for auditioning for a paid internship; I'm happy for her on that one). But everything just crashed after that. For me, anyway.
Mostly has to do with more stress and freaking out financially. Trivial things, that's what makes it even more depressing about it.

But...life goes on.

On a brighter side, I finished my christmas shopping for the year! Not everyone's going to get a gift from me, but most definately a card. I just need addresses from y'all (or I could send you the cards personally, but what fun is that?)

Finals are next week, which I find even more funny because I *technically* only have one final to study for. The other two finals I have to do is based on an evaluation and something about an article about Al Bondy (That guy from "Married...With Children", yeah, that).
I'm coming home OFFICIALLY on December 16th, so look out everyone! Take care until then!

Thanking Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

By the time you read this, I'll be in The Dalles catching up with old buddies and preparing for a second Thanksgiving with the Wagenblasts.

OH. It feels good to be home.

There's a few things to be thankful, then: the fact that I get to see the people I love and enjoy the family I get to see in the short amount of time that I am down here.
I really do miss home. I think I've noted that out in the past few logs that I've created.

So this blog will stay short as I'm going to enjoy what little time I have left here at home. Expect more details next Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving out there, by the way~

If you could slow down time

2008-11-21T21:55:00.001-08:00

Wow. I almost forgot to post today. That could've been disastrous somehow.

I don't know, it's been a really long yet short week all together (perhaps getting psyched for Thanksgiving contributes to that somehow). Also, this happens to be the most I've spent money-wise this week (to print my greeting cards, it cost around $50 + $7 for the right envelopes that took me five days to find in this tourist town, but apparently I saved about $20+ if I had bought cards from a local store. All right for being resourceful!)
But, this doesn't change the fact that I will not allow myself to buy anything for the next month. I need to work my butt off until winter break, both academically and ethically in my job.

Anyway, back to what I wanted to say.

It's almost been one of those weeks where I could just slow down time for a short while just so I could get what I need to get done, or even to participate in certain activities. However, I do say I was quite active this week; in fact I just got back from a ceramic get-together and had some fun with clay! ...Not that I molded anything well, but I still enjoyed myself.
Same with reading books. I just want to stop time so I could read everything I want to: Brinsinger, The Accidental Mind, the plays I bought a while back, books on the Golden Mean (a book about math?! DARN IT, the inspiration strives on!) Aaaaaaaaand just a lot of things that strikes my curiosity.

I promise, I won't let my curiosity lead to my demise.

Ah.

Registered for classes on the 17th and I'm very satisfied with my schedule. Also trying out for the children's musical at the Theatre Department, but I've all ready guaranteed that I will not have been casted in it. Oh well, it's for the experience, anyway.

Still can't wait to see you all during Thanksgiving, even though my week will be travel consistent! And I still can't wait to see all you school students/teachers when I come up for Winter Break, though I highly doubt any of you are actually reading this. Or miss me for that reason.
Torey, you don't count because I think you're the ONLY High school student that actually keeps up with this Blog and misses me.

That doesn't make me miss y'all any less, though~

TLC presents...Stress, and how NOT to hit someone over the head with a baseball bat

2008-11-14T11:37:00.001-08:00

Did I not specifically state, in past journals, that I would be going crazy after I had been so bored the first three weeks?
Amazing how that works, isn't it?

This week has been more over the idea of stressing under a number of things:

1) Financial needs
2) Keeping up with papers (Which is only one class, so THAT'S a problem)
3) Networking (it's harder than it sounds, trust me)
4) Keeping up with projects and personal time
5) Financial needs
6) building a reputation
7) maintaining my current job and even finding a second one
8) social pressure
9) Financial needs I'M A PENNY PINCHER
10) etc., etc., etc.,

Mostly, though, I have indulged into how I will maintain my college education going into the next year. YES, I have been applying for scholarships. YES, I am currently holding a job on campus (and even looking for a second job for when Winter Term starts up). YES, I am "trying" to spend less money every other day and YES, I even have art commissions going through a few people willing to take pity on me, apparently (one of my commissioners I have complete faith in; the other two commissions I have received I have never even heard from yet...)

Ugh. Recession's are hard.

So I've decided my plan of attack would go like this:

--Apply for becoming an RA for next year and have my room and board paid for me, if that doesn't work out...
---search out for cheap rooms and apartments around Ashland (if that's possible), and if it's not...
----find a motor home or a tent. Live in that through the summer and even through the next year (Since my current job allows me to work through the summer...)

Sounds reasonable, right? Of course it does.
MOVING ON.

I've managed to make some homemade Christmas cards that I'm thinking about donating to hospitals, family and friends. They're really clean and smooth looking as well! Ah, the power of a MacBook Pro truly is an amazing thing.
Hot Chocolate Journey still in progress, though I did come across one type that definately stuck out from the rest...
Registration is coming up, I get to sign up earlier than most of the freshman because of my Honors status. YES! (however, Intro to Drawing is only available to Art Majors. Much sadness). I'm looking at 19-21 credits. ALL RIGHT!
Ring Around the Moon is awesome (the play in which I helped build the set for). Wish you could all see it. But you get to see Harvey, so we're equal on that part.
and I'M GETING PSYCHED FOR THANKSGIVING. I hope I manage to get to see everyone while I'm up back in The Dalles!

Wow, long Blog today. But y'all go enjoy yourselves today!

Homesick

2008-11-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

I was doing really well, I swear. I could go a whole day without having to become crippled in a short depression about home (and don't get me wrong, I miss The Dalles and everyone in it, but I didn't brood about it the entire day).

Until it rained. Then everything changed.

So for the first part of this week, Ashland has been getting some pretty rainy clouds and cold weather. It rained fairly hard Wednesday and it was misty, cold, cloudy...and wet.
It was then I started thinking about my old house on Summit Ridge Drive with the big fireplace in the living room, then that memory shifted over to Christmas at my Dad's house, and THAT shifted over to the beach cabin our family owns in Manzanita.
Suddenly, the world became both a cozy and depressing place to be in. I just wanted to sit in front of some kind of fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa and a good book to read all day.

It was depressing that I couldn't do that.

And speaking of hot cocoa, the journey is still in progress! It's just been hard, as a college student, to actually purchase a lot of the drinks available in Ashland. Purchased some kind of grain/barley grinds, though, that's been interesting to drink. Tastes like watered down coffee.

*sigh*

Still progressing through college. Attempting to stay ahead on all my papers and work so I don't have to stay up until 1 in the morning to finish them every night. Also getting ready to register for Winter Term classes soon. SO MANY CHOICES! It's ridiculous.

ALSO, as Barack Obama was announced the 44th president on Tuesday, I was in the middle of watching SOU's, "Enemy of the People". What were YOU ALL doing?!

sometimes, it's worth being tired.

2008-10-31T03:13:00.000-07:00

So.

It's now...3:13 in the morning of Halloween. Still Friday, so this counts as an update! And I thought since I'm up, I might as well post something.

I just got back from working for a local theatre company in Medford with loading equipment for a traveling road show (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee WHICH, by the way, was AMAZING to see on stage at last!). Woke up to get there at 7:30 am, worked until 1:00 pm. Rushed back to the SOU theatre scene shop to work carpentry crew hours until 6:00 pm. Had a short break before actually going to go see the performance at 8:00 then went backstage to work again until about 2 am. And I have class later on this morning and a job to work at (and possibly another job interview for another job on campus). And what comes after that? Halloween is expected to be a late night and Saturday I have another date at the scene shop for 6-7 hours.

I realize I will be very tired, but you know what? I believe I had done something that will be of great experience for me in the future to come. I met a lot of interesting people and I got an idea of what a one-day traveling show is like as far as preparing for it and such. And for the first time in weeks, my mind was washed clean of all the past stress I've been having. I was truly embracing the rush of the technical theatre and I loved every minute of it.

...isn't that the important issue at stake here?!

Anyway, I'm getting psyched to get caught up on my papers. It'd be nice to get back on track on my education (don't get me wrong, I'm not failing! I'm just...overloaded for the time being). Seriously. It's time to take learning to a new level. I challenge my studies to a full-showdown.
Ready, set...GO! *goes to sleep instead*

Intensity Insues

2008-10-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

This week, Theatre Foundations had just gotten intense.

So performers are scrambling around and about because auditions for the Acting I class are coming up. That's how it works: theatre people who WANT to act for a living are recommended to take this class, but because there are so many who want in the class, the acting staff has to hold auditions to allow only 32 people to split up into two classes. I think 90+ people are trying out.

Anyway.

Performers are scrambling for monologues and on Tuesday (well, this last tuesday), our instructor gave a lot of students the chance to get up on stage to recite their monologues.

This is the point of insanity that had become of that class.

As each person recited their monologues, the teacher would work with these performers to make their pieces even more better. She'd end up yelling and pacing around the performer and even whispering into their ears, secret little things that drove the performer into a frenzy and more dramatic with their piece. People even started to get emotional and cry over their monologues. But by the end of the performer's session, there is a FINE, Fine, fine difference between when they first recited their monologue and then after working with the teacher.

By the way, these were all dramatic monologues. Nobody did comedy, a lot of people think it's too hard to do.

...WHAT. I can't help but give these people a crazy, skeptical look. It's the opposite for me. Seriously. Who here has ever seen me act dramatically? ...well?

That's what I thought.

MOVING ON.

School, for the most part, is still going well. I'm now officially tired from a lack of sleep. I TOLD YOU, that this would happen, did I not?

Learning voting principles in Math Honors.

Finding the original American ritual in University Seminars.

Theatre Foundations...

...

Getting bruises in Judo.

Painting science rooms for money.

Riding my bike (thanks Mom and Bill!)

Attempting lots of reading.

So little time.

90 days, 90 nights...

2008-10-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

OH WAIT, that's suppose to be "19", never mind.

No, seriously. It's funny how you'll be out of one's hometown for just half a month and all ready it doesn't feel like one's birthday is coming up.

Like that time I didn't feel the christmas spirit. Now THAT was bad.

Anyway.

Again, being the third week in for college, I'm still feeling a little too ahead of my classes, thus inducing the need to do more things. I know some of you may be yelling at me to stop where I am, but I can't help it; can't just sit on my butt all the time.

For example, I've joined/currently joining a disney, musical theatre, and an improv club. I'm still working at my painting job. I take hundreds of walks early in the morning before class. I have put a stall on my journey, but it'll pick up soon.

...Oh, wait, I never told you my journey, did I?

OKAY.

SO basically I've decided to journey forth and find the best hot chocolate possible. I've made notes from a few places here in Ashland and continue to do so at whatever restaurant I end up being in. I've decided to count all the hot chocolate I've had in The Dalles as well.

It's a spiritual pathway of redemption! ...of chocolate, for god's sake!

Other than that I've been holding up. The only thing that's been bugging me is my faltering status on whether I really want to just become a scenic design theatre major or not.

...maybe I'll major in Math. Yeeeeeaaaah...

Moving dates for winter.

2008-10-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

Seriously. It's going to happen.

Because when you wake up on an October morning and find out that it's about 39 - 42 degrees out...IT'S NOT FALL ANYMORE. I've made my claim and nobody's going to make me change my mind.

Anyway.

FINALLY, things are starting to pick up! I now am officially working the carpentry crew for the theatre department's main stage production and I have a new job as a painter around the campus! Huzzahs all around!

Doesn't help, however, that the technical director for the crew I'm in is probably wondering what he did wrong to wind up working with me, since I possess no knowledge what-so-ever in the projects that we're working on.

Well, that's a lie.

I know, at least, how to handle a screwdriver, sweep floors and do what I'm told. I'm learning, god dammit! Isn't that what counts?!

If anyone says anything against that, may the Gods curse your head with weeds.

But, yes, other than that I am looking forward to a lot of things:

1) continuing to work with the theatre dept. (no duh there)

2) being able to eat real food for once! ...OH and see my Mother/Stepdad next weekend

3) finding more jobs! (more money, yaaay!)

4) registering for more classes in the next term.

But, for now, I'm focusing on keeping warm and remembering that it's OKAY to eat SOMETHING. I'm a tight-wad when it comes to food + money, give me a break.

WHICH REMINDS ME.

Apparently, there's a foods tax in restaurants and food-serving places here in Ashland. Why didn't I realize this when the drama group came down?

...dammit. Oh well.

Syllabus' are a pain

2008-10-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's come to my attention that the first week of classes usually are the most painstaking things to deal with.

What with all the syllabus' passed out, what not to do in a classroom, memorizing names and all that crazy junk. In college, it's at least a little bit more paced.

As it has truly stated, SOU has very small class sizes. The average number, I'd say, that I was in a classroom with students is about 20 to 25 students (I'm not counting Theatre Foundations, all the pre-major freshman + transfer theatre students are in that class). It's a nice feeling, at least interaction with the classroom is a bit more lively than it was in high school.

In fact, our Honors Math class decided it was much more lively to talk about the Vice Presidential debates than logarithms (it's Math 105, don't expect me to be a genius).

Anyway.

The most important topic for now: the Theatre department. Apparently, there are 240 majors/pre-majors enrolled and the main stage can only hold a capacity of 260 people.

Competition... intensifies! Thank the gods almost half of them want to become performers.

Either way, I'm still very much excited for the productions to start rolling. Quote me on this two weeks from now when I'm only living on four hours of sleep.

And when I'm swamped with homework and jobs (WHICH, by the way, I'm still applying for, the Elmo's restaurant here in the student quad wants me to check in next monday while a painting crew wants to interview me today. Huzzah!)

Well, take care until next Friday, everyone!

Orientation - still going strong!

2008-09-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so yesterday I had officially unpacked all of my crap into my dorm room (which, by the way, is a lot bigger than I thought they would be. So instead of having cabin fever in three weeks, I've upgraded my condition to three months. Super!). Seriously though, I had one chest of clothes and six other boxes of books, art supplies and conversation starters.

HEY, conversation pieces work great! Some people appreciate the fact that I collect antique items for no apparent reason.

Anyway, in the middle of the third (out of five) days of orientation. Already went through the classroom experience, outside sources (ie health services, mailroom, etc.) and I've walked around the campus at least ten times. I can now fully guarantee that by Thanksgiving, I will have lost ten pounds from walking around so much as I live across the street from all my classes.

But during this time so far I've successfully managed to "play nice" with the other kids and now I have a strong urge to take a sociology class. The teacher was very inspiring.

OH and apply for jobs. That's always been fun, too.

Weeeell, I'm going to chill out for a bit, figure out financial stuff and wait for free dinner to come around. Wish they'd offer free dinners three times a week for this term. Be so much easier for me to handle.

Later!

Adventure awaits!

2008-09-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

Hmm...well, this is rather interesting.

Well, for most of you that have taken notice of these words filling up blank space, I've decided to break down and collide my life-ly updates...through blogging.

Isn't it great? I broke down to the internet world, ha ha! Not that it's happened before, I'm just saying. And who's to say that the internet has not provided us, US human beings the chance to interact with other people out there with such a distance from other people? If all the more reason, the internet has become our Ace Bandage!

...or, at least, that's what I keep telling myself.

SO, long story short, I'm a hobo-ish college student in Ashland, Oregon, who will update every Friday (because, conveniently, I am practically free on Fridays to do such activities) for the sake of those who...well, surprisingly still want to hear from me.

There, I've marked my territory on Blogger. I hope you're all happy as clams.

See y'all on Friday!