creativemachine

Sketchbook Project

2012-01-04T10:29:00.002+10:00

I found THIS blog a few days ago, and have been using it since as a cure for boredom in this first week back at work after the Christmas break. Since most other companies we deal with are still on holidays, including our own Melbourne office, there really isn't much at all to keep me busy.

Anika, the artist/author of the blog, participated in this little thing called the Sketchbook Project. I'd heard of it before, and always wanted to take part so this morning, whilst looking for more ways to cure my boredom (since I finished reading every last post on her blog yesterday) I impulsively headed over to www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject and signed up. I limited myself to just ordering the book, although I was tempted to go for the $75 digitisation and final artbook pre-order package. I may get the book later though, and I'm perfectly capable of digitising the book myself.

Gotta be honest with you. I'm quietly nervous, and just a little bit excited. Before this, I've never shared my art in this way. Now, my art will forever be archived in the Brooklyn Art Library with thousands of other fantastic artists. It may never be seen by anyone ever again, but then again, it might be. Point is, it'll be there.

I'll be posting some ideas I have and progress pics once the sketchbook arrives. Can't wait! *eek* Leave a comment if you're the arty type and will be filling up a sketchbook too. I'd love some company on what is sure to be a bumpy ride :3

Changes

2011-11-29T10:43:00.001+10:00

I think I've finally decided what to do with this blog. I've also decided what I won't do.

I will not make myself post on a schedule, just for the sake of putting up content.

I will not put pressure on myself to make everything I post perfect.

I will treat this blog less like a portfolio of well-drafted thoughts and opinions; and more like a scrapbook of ideas.

I will be myself. Even if that means long hiatuses of laziness.

Because, I mean, really, who am I kidding?

If you're wondering what brought this on, I've just been thinking lately about how I don't really post much of my work online. Also, I need a space just to chuck the junk that I wouldn't put on, say, deviantart.

There's an awful lot more junk to post these days too, since getting my new job. I now work reception for an air-con wholesaler in the industrial district. Even when we're busy, there isn't that much reception work to do. So what happens when creativemachine gets bored with a pen in her hands? You're just going to have to wait to find out :P

I won't explain myself any further - chances are no one's going to read this anyway. Although, I did have a spike in page views a few days ago. No views for ages then *BOOM* suddenly 18 in one day. I know 18 is hardly anything, but considering the dormant nature of this tiny little blog that warranted 18 views on a good day back when I was posting frequently, an unexplained spike of 18 in one day is, well, a lot, and also kind of weird.

Sidenote: I nearly typed "alot" instead of "a lot" then. I don't normally make that mistake, but yesterday, I saw this and flipped. The internet just gets me sometimes.

ANYWAY...

Expect a redesign soon. I have a few ideas in the works.

Japan Report :)

2011-10-24T12:00:00.000+10:00

Just recently, I went on a trip to Japan for my third international music tour :D We were asked to write reports on our experience, and I felt like mine was blog-worthy, so I'm sharing it with you here.

So here I am in Japan, sitting on the couch in my pyjamas, watching trashy daytime TV in a language I can't understand (don't get me wrong though; I find it sort of fascinating). Why? why am I here, and not outside enjoying my time here in this beautiful country? I'm sick. Nose dripping like a tap, scratchy throat and between being stuffed up and drugged up on cold&flu medicine, I can barely think. But, I will give it my best shot.

My host mum Akiko has been wonderful, giving me ginger tea and tissues, and letting me sleep in. It has been quite a hectic week, after all. I won't give you a full-on play-by-play recount of everything that has happened, but I will share with you some observations that I have made since arriving here on Sunday night.

The biggest cultural difference I have seen so far, is that the Japanese really care. About everything. For example, whole teams of people are assigned to keep the streets clean and litter-free. It's their job to make sure that Japan stays beautiful. Even such a small and seemingly unimportant detail of daily life is given such attention. But the Japanese acknowledge just how a small detail can make such a big difference. If this is the kind of attitude that this society has towards the little things, you can imagine how that translates across to every other aspect of daily life here.

The second thing is that Japanese people are full of respect. For each other, for themselves, for the country they live in, and for anyone who comes to visit. I have never felt so completely welcomed into somebody else's home before. My host family, the Kawasaki's, have been the friendliest, most caring and generous hosts. Like I mentioned, while I've been sick, Akiko has taken good care of me.

The country itself is just beautiful to look at. Everything is packed in tight, but no one seems cramped or irritated by the close proximity. Despite the high density population, there is greenery and recreational space everywhere. Their work-life balance is perfect; or at least, as close to perfect as anyone on earth has yet achieved (at least to my admittedly limited knowledge).

Perhaps the greatest indulgence in this country, besides the beyond-amazing food, is that we're here to do what we love. Not only are we here to experience another culture, but we are in a position to give back to the generous community that has welcomed us here, by doing something we all do well. Making music.

It's at this point that I should express my sincere thanks to Shaun Dorney and the LYME staff for all they've done. The opportunity to see another country, and to perform on foreign shores is not something I take for granted at all, and I'm truly grateful for the time and effort they have put in to making this trip a success. I quite literally would not be where I am today without them. So Shaun and Co, I know you'll read this, for all the opportunities, for friendships forged with fellow musicians both Australian and Japanese, for the bonds formed with our new surrogate families and for everything else, I say thank you all, so so much.

To Pam Parker, if you're reading this, thank you for your ongoing support in our musical endeavours also. It means a lot to have our creative efforts recognised by the city's leaders - it's not often groups like ours earn this kind of recognition. I really hope we'll do you proud tomorrow in our final big concert with Hirakata's Brass Band.

Of everything amazing in this country, I have only one little niggling criticism - Hirakata is experiencing an epidemic of wonderfully talented young woodwind, brass and percussion players, but it's definitely missing something...

...Yep. Needs more strings.

;)

Now if you'll excuse me, there's a trashy Japanese game show on just begging me to watch.

Review Friday: Fish Custard

2011-07-30T02:23:00.004+10:00

In my recent blogging hiatus, I decided it was high time to see what all this fuss surrounding Doctor Who was about. I watched my first ever episode, The Impossible Astronaut, exactly a week before my twenty-second birthday. In the space of about a month, a friend lent me each of the boxsets starting on season 5 to fill in the Eleventh Doctor's story, and then back to series one to fill in all the fun from the Ninth and Tenth incarnations.

It took me a grand total of about 2 minutes to completely fall in love with the show. I am totally in awe of the acting abilities of all the involved cast who brought the characters to life. I am also constantly blown away by the intricate writing abilities of Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat, and all the rest of the writers who passionately contribute their imaginations to the show. BUT, that's not what I'm reviewing today.

I've been listening to the soundtrack* from Season 5, and while I'd like to review the soundtrack as a whole, I feel like there are a few stand-out tracks that really deserve a review post of their own. One such track is "Fish Custard". If you haven't watched the series and intend to, be aware that there are spoilers ahead. If you want to watch the series without having it all spoiled for you (which I highly recommend - Doctor Who is one of those things that should never be spoilt), I suggest you turn back now. Once you've caught up, then, feel free to come back and read, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Right. COMMENCE REVIEW

The track "Fish Custard" is played during the scene where little Amelia Pond is letting the Doctor into her house and offering him food to eat. Eleven** is still very newly regenerated, and adjusting to his new body. He requests several different types of food, all of which he expresses his taste for before he tries, and promptly spits out and changes his mind upon tasting. At the end, he finally finds what he needs to eat. Fish fingers and custard. Together. The scene is very quirky and comedic and that is exactly what Murray Gold injects into the music. This is one track that I can listen to and instantly picture exactly what was going on.

The track starts with some sparse pizzicato, channelling some tip-toeing vibe. Already the track is perfectly endearing, and complements Matt Smith's new portrayal of the Doctor beautifully. The track bends and sways with lilting strings and brass, punctuated by woodwinds and quirky percussion, breaking off and building back up with each failed food. At one point, the orchestra*** strikes a dissonant, suspended chord, as the Doctor flings a plate of food - this time bread and butter - out the front door, "AND STAY OUT".

The oboe's tone makes it perfect to audibly describe the new doctor's inquisitive, bizarre nature, as he rediscovers himself. One of the reasons I absolutely love this scene is that it's the perfect opportunity for the audience to rediscover the Doctor as well. This was so, so necessary for this particular regeneration, considering the extreme popularity of his previous regenerated form, portrayed by the ever-charming David Tennant. When you lose such a loveable face, it can make it really easy to spite the next one, simply because it isn't the last. As a fan of the show though, it's one of those facts you just have to come to accept. But I digress.

Later on in the track, after all these failed foods, the pace of the track picks up a bit. It signals that the trial-and-error phase is over, and now, he has a rough idea of what he wants, but he just can't put his finger on it. Apparently carrots are not it ("Are you insane?") and as he takes over the search, the music keeps building and getting even more frantic, until he finds exactly what his new taste buds have been looking for - Fish Fingers and Custard. Here, the music hits its peak and ends boldly on a dominant chord. It feels finished, but not quite, like a sentence finishing on a comma. It's perfect though, because the musical silence that follows is perfect for the next part of the story.

The music doesn't take over the whole scene, rather, it lifts it to a whole nother level, which is exactly what it should do. As a whole, the track gives us clues to the Doctors new character, provides emotional - in this case, comedic - cues, and put's the whole audience into Little Amelia's shoes. It musically describes the scene without spelling it out or stealing the spotlight. But it's still distinctive enough that you can listen to it on its own and the scene floods back into your head. As far as I am concerned, this track, this crucial element, has been what has made this particular scene so memorable. Of course, it wouldn't have been without Matt's incredible performance either; and I in no way suggest otherwise, but the track pulls the whole thing together. Murray Gold has done a fabulous job yet again, and reflects the enthusiasm and gusto and passion for the show that seems to echo and emanate from everybody involved.

I can just imagine being a member of the orchestra. Being in one myself, I know full well that you have certain pieces that you adore more than the most for whatever reason. It could be a particularly difficult piece that took you forever to get but you finally mastered, and now you love it. It could be that piece that wells up some deep emotion right from the pit of your stomach. Or it could be one like this. Quirky, fun, and full of attitude. I imagine quite a few BBC musicians list this one among their favourites.

I'm going to end it there. It is stupidly late again, which means I need to stop writing before my ability slips, if it hasn't already. Thank goodness I did restrict the review to just one track, otherwise I'd be here all night.

Hope you all have a nice weekend, I'll be back on Sunday with a report on this week's creative endeavours.

Love :D

This reviewed item out of 5: Definitely *****
Average stars this year: 5

Days I've kept this going: 3

*I should mention at this point that I'm going to be reviewing LOTS of soundtracks. They make up about 70% of what I listen to at the moment, the other 30% consisting of classical music (about 25%) and whatever else on my iTunes takes my fancy.

**I will henceforth refer to the Doctors by their regeneration number. Eleven refers to the regeneration played by Matt Smith, who is the current Doctor, and will be up until the 50th anniversary year 2013, so we have recently heard.

***BBC National Orchestra of Wales if you were wondering. They do, and have done, all the soundtrack work on the modern series, and they're phenomenal and severely underrated as an orchestra.

Here we go again

2011-07-28T02:45:00.002+10:00

So, after giving it a generous amount of thought, I've finally decided how I want to set this thing up.

Without further ado, I present My New Blogging Schedule.

Monday - "Little Things Monday" - I will be continuing the series I started with the goal of listing all the things in the world that make me happy, and that I am grateful for, in blocks of ten at a time. This, with the goal of encouraging myself to look closer at things, and be glad for even just the little things when times are tough. I feel like this is a worthy thing to blog about on a regular basis.

Wednesday - "Critical Thinking Wednesday" - This will be the day where I plan/post an in-depth analysis of whatever has been occupying my thoughts throughout the past week. It could be anything, from politics, to music, to whether Snape deserved to be with Lily instead of James (short answer: No). I decided to include this one, because I am discovering that when it comes to certain topics, I have very strong opinions, and I'm pretty damn good at backing them up too. And where better to put one's opinion than on one's blog?

Friday - "Review Friday" - I tend to like reviewing things when I'm done experiencing them. You might see reviews of concerts (usually of the orchestral variety) or pieces of music, or movies, or books. Basically, if you can experience it in some capacity, and you can review it; you could possibly find it here.

Sunday - "Creative Sunday" - This is where I get to show you guys what I've been up to. Whether an illustration, or a video, or a graphic, or a song, or anything really, as long as I've made it using my own two hands and my creativity, it goes here. Even if it's just an idea. This is where you guys come in too. All creative people need a sounding board. I'm relying on you guys to let me know how awesome/terrible my work is, and also, what you would like to see me do next. See, being the creative type I am, I can be terrible at keeping the creative juices flowing. It doesn't have to be profound either. I may just need one word to kick-start the next project.

Anyway, that's it for regularly scheduled posts. Unscheduled posts will include but not be limited to: diary entry or recount/reflection on the day whenever I happen to do anything interesting/worth recording/remembering, any other lists I happen to come up with, and so on and so forth. Labels/tags should also be used extensively, just in case a reader feels like going through and looking at every "Review Friday" post, or something.

Also, posts should be ended with some sort of counter, preferably relating to the topic of the post, although keeping consistent within the category. For example, on "LTM" I will be keeping tally on the total things I can think of that keep me happy, and also, a tally on how many items listed were experienced on that Monday. "RF" could give a rating out of five for whatever was being reviewed, and also, a running average out of five for reviews throughout the year. "CTW" might include some sort of satisfaction rating, depending on how much a situation/issue is annoying me eg. if the issue is easily solved, or being handled effectively, or something relating to the resolution of the problem. This one still needs to be clarified though... ideas?

Today is Thursday, so the first official scheduled post will be up tomorrow. A Review for Friday :)

Sleeping time is now though so I must away. I look forward to this new venture. May it actually work out this time. Cheers.

Days I've kept this going so far: 1

^ I like this counter. I might keep it there :D

Keeping with the times

2011-07-24T03:33:00.000+10:00

This is going to be a short post. Yes I realise I posted only a few hours ago, saying that I was tired and about to go to bed. Yes I am still awake. I blame the internet.

Skipping forward to the catalyst for me hitting the "new post" button for the second time in only a couple of hours, I just found out via Twitter that Amy Winehouse died. She was 27.

I'm devastated. I know she was a drug/alcohol addict. I realise that this is something she brought upon herself, but MAN! That woman had one heck of a voice on her. Have you ever heard it? She was incredible. I just, I think in my eternal optimism, I was hoping she might recover and make a decent career for herself. Which makes this even more tragic. It's like romeo and juliet, minus the romeo element.

I remember sitting in my work tearoom, reading up on her latest antics in whatever gossip magazines were there. I, just, why? I can't even.

I realise that topically, the events in Oslo, Norway are far more tragic, but to be completely candid with you all, I haven't really caught any of the news, so I'm really disconnected to the tragedy over there. I'm ashamed to say so, but it's true. Whereas, even though Amy had a choice, and the people of the Norway Tragedy had none, I actually spent time, while Amy was still with us here on this lump of rock, listening to her dulcet tones. Developing some semblance of a one-sided relationship with her as a human being (as we all do with musicians. That is, after all, the role of the singer/musician/artist/whatever). So, there was a part of her that had become a part of me before she died.

Don't get me wrong, any loss of life is terrible, and my heart goes out to all of Norway in the light of everything. But a little tiny piece of me died tonight with the news of Amy's parting. And that is why I am in mourning.

Last time I felt like this was a few years back, when we first heard the news of Heath Ledger. Then again when we heard of Britney Murphy. So much talent among them all. So much waste. And it's no unheard of either. Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, among others, were only 27 when they left us too. I wasn't around for those, but I imaging their supporters all felt the same too. GAH! I have no more words.

I'm going to shut up now before I get any more gushy. It's 10 past 3 in the am. I'm obviously just emotional and delirious because it's 3:10am, and I need sleep, though I doubt this news is going to suck any less when I wake up.

RIP Amy. Let the heavens enjoy your dulcet tones forevermore.

Oh wow...

2011-07-24T00:56:00.001+10:00

I was just about to make a post about how long it's been, but MY! This whole system looks different! I must say, I like the sleek look of the upgrade, but, well, I mean, this is the most different the posting/dashboard has looked since I started blogging. SO UNUSUAL!

Ok, spaz attack over.

So, it's been like, forever again. Sorry. Whatever, let's move on.

I'm so out of practice at this I'm afraid I've completely forgotten why it is I come here. Why did I ever post here in the first place? Was it worth it? Why did I stop? I've been eyeing the Blogger bookmark in google chrome for weeks now, feeling guilty that I haven't posted in forever. It's been quietly nagging at me to come back and show it some love and attention, which up till now I have dutifully ignored. Tonight it finally won.

So for the few of you who still come on here to read these pointless meandering ponderings, I have questions. First off, I just checked my insight for pageviews on this here blog. It says that my viewing audience have logged on in Australia (not surprising), America (where I know some of you live) (specifically those to whom I used to write snail mail to) (speaking of, it's about time we jumped back onto that old bandwagon isn't it? I feel like it's time) (sorry, I digress) and, of all places, Russia. It's odd, because I know at least 2 of my subscribed readers live in the UK, but the UK didn't show up :-/ and I don't know anyone in Russia, but on the insight map, Russia is dark green, suggesting high concentration of pageviews.
My question for you, readers, is Where In The World Are You? Let's get some sort of idea of our demographic, shall we?

Secondly, how exactly do you benefit from reading this here pointless-waste-of-internet-time-and-space-I-refer-to-as-my-blog? I mean, I benefit because I suppose it's an outlet, and it's a form of entertainment. But, like, if you're reading it, you must be getting something out of it, right? Am I entertaining? Am I informative or insightful? Am I simply relatable? Please leave me little nuggets of joy and love down below in the comments. You know how much I love knowing that strangers/acquaintances on the internet/other side of the world love me enough to acknowledge that they have read/enjoyed/even hated my outpourings of mental mush...

Thirdly, what would you LIKE to see from me? See being the creative type I am, I'm completely hopeless at coming up with blogging ideas. I have a couple of post ideas, but in order to get into a routine, I feel I should follow some sort of blogging agenda or pattern. Like, post reviews of books/movies/music on Fridays. Post an artwork/work in progress on Tuesday. Some sort of critical thinking/analysis of something-or-other on a Sunday. And then in between, just post and keep you all updated on my not-so-interesting-when-you-compare-me-with-other-individuals-on-the-internet life. I'll sort out the details later.

I'm very tired right now, so I'm going to leave it there. So, minions, leave me your comments. Spam the heck out of my comment box. And get creative. Tell me what you want from me, and I will MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR YOU.

Love

*EDIT* So I just noticed that last time I tried to recommit to blogging like a lunatic, I started a thing where I attempt to list ten things that I love. Little things, but things all the same. Should I keep going with that? COMMENTS. DO IT. Cool.

List of things I love: Part the Second

2011-03-30T01:54:00.001+10:00

I know I said that this was going to be my Wednesday thing, but I am quite a forgetful person. I'll catch up eventually.

It has come to my attention not so recently that I start a lot of my sentences/paragraphs with the word "so".

So there's that...

To the LIST!

11. Harry Potter
12. Tumblr
13. Chronicles of Narnia (currently starting The Last Battle. It has taken me so long to get around to doing this. EXCITING!)
14. When a little bird comes and just chills on my bedroom window sill in the morning. Just minding his or her* own business.
15. Hans Zimmer's work. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but it's worth another mention, just to ensure that it is here on this list.
16. The Corrs. Irish-pop band who were big from the mid-nineties to the early naughties. Still love every little bit of music they have released to date**
17. Sitting down after a long day with a book and a cup of tea and some relaxing music.
18. The way the sun shines on dewy grass in the morning. I like this especially when it is still misty. There's just something magical about it, and when you're not a morning person like I am not, that extra little bit of magic helps
19. Finally getting a passage of music right after practicing it and screwing it up a million times.
20. Getting excited about nerdy things, be it the release of the latest HP movie***, or an awesome teefury t-shirt design.

*It's a bird, guys. How am I supposed to find out its gender? I mean, really...
**Including the solo releases of both Andrea Corr and Sharon Corr. Don't tell the others, but those two are my favourite.
***Super stoked for the next one btw. The first promo poster came out for it today. Excitement levels through the roof.

Movies to watch this year.

2011-03-02T21:36:00.001+10:00

I just need to make one of these lists. So many awesome movies I haven't seen and really need to see. Will probably save them for the winter months because everybody knows winter is the best time for watching movies. It's too damn hot in summer to sit down on a couch for a couple of hours in front of a screen. No. Summer is night-time-stroll season. Winter is curl-up-under-the-blankets-and-watch-movies-with-a-cup-of-cocoa season. But, I digress. TO THE LIST

1 Inception. I know, I know. What kind of Hans Zimmer* fan am I if I haven't even seen this one?
2 Avatar. The one with the blue people. Not the last airbender one. I hear the latter is really crap.
3 Tangled. I've seen the first hour, but I was watching online, and it cut me off. I hear the lantern sequence is the best scene in the film.
4 Sherlock Holmes (the one starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law)
5 The King's Speech
6 Black Swan
7 Slumdog Millionaire

Can you tell I don't get out to the movies much?

That's all I can think of right now. Got any suggestions for me? Or movies that everyone else but you has seen, that you really need to see? Or even, anything you've seen that has an incredible soundtrack? Soundtrack is a big thing for me, and can sometimes be the make-or-break factor of my liking the movie.
This list is bound to grow. I just need to keep track of these amazing

Also, I feel like this blog is turning into a place for me to dump all my lists. I hope that's ok, and if it isn't I don't care.

I might add in an update every now and then, but it's kind of handy having somewhere to keep my lists.

*Still a pretty huge one, considering the ever-rising play count of the Pirates: At World's End soundtrack.
Current plays: between 50 and 66
(this isn't completely accurate as it's been a few weeks since I plugged in my iphone for an update. I assure you there are plenty of plays on there too)
Most played track: Up Is Down
(fairly sure this is accurate though. Favourite track/theme of the score)

List of things I love: Part the First

2011-03-02T14:53:00.000+10:00

I've decided to make a definitive list of all the things in life that I love, or love to do, or that make me happy. It's going to be an ongoing thing. I'll try to do ten things each time I post, and I will try to make these posts weekly. So this will be my wednesday thing.

Here we go.

List of things I love, part 1

1 Pokemon Cards
2 Playing the violin
3 Awesome people
4 The Internet
5 Internet Memes
6 Youtube
7 Tumblr
8 Twitter
9 Facebook
10 Expressing myself creatively

Since this is the inaugural post, the initial list items will be mostly generic things. Hopefully, as we go on, the items will become more and more obscure. I like to think it will encourage me to appreciate the little things.

Also, maybe, it might encourage me to come on here more often to share my life with you lovely people. I really hope that is the case.

<3 you all

Oh hay

2011-02-18T13:42:00.000+10:00

Yeah. It's me.

Now that you've recovered from the shock of finding a post from my blog in your feed (really, did you ever think you'd see the day?), let's chat.

So how've you been? My life's been ok. Up and down. Which I kind of like. I don't really feel like recounting every bit of it for you here though. I hope that's ok.

I've been spending a lot of time doing stuff online lately, so I figured it was time to resurrect this old blog. Dust of the cobwebs and such. I want to use this as a station where I can post anything and everything that I do, so you guys know what I'm up to. So instead of just reading about it, you can live it with me.

If you want to keep up with me day-to-day, I am on twitter. My twitter feed shows up in the sidebar here anyway, if you don't have a twitter account. Which you should, if you're on the internet. I mean, my pet spider has her own twitter account. And youtube account. You really have no excuse... other than perhaps if you were a Swan Queen, or if Voldemort* killed your parents...

Ok, that's enough guilt-tripping for one post. Since whenever I start posting on here again, I am temporarily super-motivated, you may see another post from me as early as later this afternoon. (Current time: 1:42pm)

So I guess I'll smell ya later.
:P

*sidenote: Google Chrome recognises the word Voldemort. Awesome.

It's late

2010-10-30T00:32:00.000+10:00

I have work tomorrow and I should be sleeping. But I am not. Instead I am typing this while listening to my brother help a friend with uni work.

Just wanted to say that I experienced a moment of impulsiveness today when I watched some of the YT videos regarding NaNoWriMo*. Even though I decided ages ago I wasn't going to be writing this year, I changed my mind. Roughly five minutes later, I changed my mind again. As fantastic and valiant as this challenge is, it takes a lot of mental preparation. And with just under 2 days to go until it starts here, I'm way underprepared.

I mean, 50000 is a lot of words. And I'm not the kind of person who can just dive straight in and run with it. I need to think about it for ages, settle on an idea I like, and outline it pretty thoroughly ahead of time if I have any hope at all of winning**. So not this year.

Having said that, I fully support everyone who is embarking on NaNoWriMo in a couple of days time. Good luck to you, I wish you all speedy fingers and wordy minds. Type like the wind!

But yeah.

I was contemplating taking on a different month-long challenge... Vlogging every day, perhaps? I reckon maybe a video, and a blog post each and every day of the month of November. Because there are blog post ideas and video ideas circling in my head, and they need to see the light.

So what should I do? Leave a comment.

Have a good night/day/afternoon guys.

L

*for n00bs: NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month. It happens every year in November, and it's huge in these parts of the internet. So, if you're here reading my blog, you should have heard of it. If you haven't heard of it, where have you been, n00b? Living under a rock? (I'm kidding. I love you :D)
**for n00bs: winning = reaching the prescribed 50000 word count.

It's not "Pass" or "Fail" anymore...

2010-10-28T14:08:00.000+10:00

Hey guys.

I just got back from retaking my driving test. You'll know already if you are friends with me on Facebook or Twitter that, again, I didn't pass.

I know I already mentioned that I failed my driving test last time (obviously*, otherwise I wouldn't be retaking the test) (derp) but I didn't tell you guys how it went down. In short, it was probably one of the worst experiences of my young life. I had high hopes, I had worked hard, everyone pumped me up, I felt good vibes, and I honestly felt I was ready. Not to mention, I had a whole host of things planned for the rest of the week; all involving me being able to drive. So basically, the whole run-up was setting me up for a win, but I had no safety net.

Ten minutes into the test, we were back at the testing centre and the driving tester asked me if I knew what I did to make myself fail. Naturally, I had no clue. "Do you think I would have done the wrong thing if I knew it was wrong?!" is what I thought. Going over the speed limit is a critical error. I didn't see a 40 sign, and since unmarked roads are 50, I figured 47 was a safe speed. Instant fail. Basically, I crashed unceremoniously back down to earth. It hurt. I cried. It took a good week or two to get back on my feet.

So, what was different this time around? Well, my failure was not due to a sign that could have been more visible if they'd actually thought about where to put it. It was due to my own mistakes. My own shortcomings. Basically, this time, I was in control.

I think that was the biggest thing for me today. Last time, I felt like the carpet had been pulled out from under me. Like something else had pushed me over the edge. This time, I jumped. I also did a glorious swan dive on the way down, Pocahontas-style. It was more important for me to feel in control than to win. At least I failed on my terms. Now I have a mission; I have something to fix, and to build on, and improve.

Coming up to this one, I was really unsure how I would do. Well-meaning friends encouraged me, saying things like "You'll do great" and "You're a good driver, you'll pass", but my knee-jerk reaction was "You don't know that". Nothing was certain. After the first attempt, I couldn't find my grip.

What I'm trying to say is, although failing sucks, it was exactly what I needed to so. Successful people say that you need to fail in order to succeed. Failure is good for success, because failure teaches you what you need to know to succeed. So now, when someone says "You're gonna rock that test" I fully, 100% believe them, because I know what to do now.

I mean, it's still going to be a while before I can drive myself around, but I am now confident that I can work around it. Everything will be fine.

Thanks, btw if you're still reading this. It wasn't the most interesting or entertaining post. I just had to write it and share it. And I dunno. Maybe you got something out of it too. Or not. Whatever's cool.

*Is it weird that I can't hear the word "obviously" anymore without following it up with "we have a rapist in Lincoln Park"? I didn't think so...

HI EVERYBODY :D

2010-10-26T03:13:00.000+10:00

I don't even need to start by saying it's been a while. You all know that. Right. Point acknowledged. Moving right along.

So, you're probably wondering, "what's been going on in Lucy's life all this time?", I mean, because that *is* why you read my blog, amirite?

And I intend to fill you in. In point form, because there's too damn much to type otherwise.

So, in the past few months, I:

Went to China. Best 11 days or so of the year. The Great Wall was amazing, the Terracotta Soldiers were amazing, World Expo was amazing. There's not much that can top performing on the world stage.
Did not continue studying. The funny thing about travelling is it tends to cost a lot of money. So by the time enrolment came around, I'd run out. :-/ Don't take this the wrong way though. I don't regret my decision in the slightest. I mean, I'd love to go back and study and get my diploma, but I'm also happy to do other things in the meantime while I scrounge and save.
Moved out of home. Best and worst thing ever. Best because my mother is no longer breathing down my neck every second I'm in the house. Worse because financially, I've been far better. My current work situation isn't helping. But I won't bore you with the deets. I am looking for a new job though.
Finished my 100 hours of driving practice (finally). Also, in the same category, I failed my driving test. I won't go into it, but it made me angry for a while, but I am getting over it. I have my next test in a couple of days, so here's hoping all the extra money i'm outlaying won't be wasted this time.
Performed one of the best concerts ever: comprised entirely of music from Video Games. All of the music was new, so to get a good ten or eleven songs learnt in three months is a stellar effort. It *could* have been more polished*, but hey, considering the circumstances, we did a bloody good job. If you want, you can see video footage from the day here. There were loads of important people in attendance. People from our state professional orchestra, people from the gaming industry. And loads of gamers, of course. It was a big deal, because we're the first youth orchestra in our state to perform this kind of repertoire. Such a thrill to be a part of. Also, since I helped out with the visuals, I was given a Mario figurine. I'll post a pic later**

I think that's pretty much it. Doesn't sound like a lot, but time still seems to slip by.

Anyway, glad we had this chat. Now I can stop feeling guilty every time I look at the Blogger bookmark at the top of my screen (I use chrome). I might actually come back and do this more often. Would you like that?

I thought so.

Seeya soon :)

*I'm allowed to be critical, since I was there every step of the way.

**I'll probably just insert it into this post. Check back later?

CHINA!!!

2010-06-28T12:50:00.000+10:00

It's only 2 days away now!!

Ten days of no facebook*, foreign cuisine, not enough sleep in hotel rooms with hardboard beds, sightseeing, shopping, bargaining, and the time of my life.

I will be posting photos to facebook upon my return. :D I'm also keeping a travel diary, some portions of which I may post here.

I really don't know what else to tell you about the trip at this stage. Did I already mention that I will be travelling with the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra, and that we will be performing at Shanghai Expo '10? Because we are.

I think that's it. I've been posting tonnes of china related status updates on FB, trying to get it all out of my system.
I don't post here that frequently to be missed for that length of time, but I figured you guys should know what's going on anyway.

Love you all, and will post again when I return!!

*Or any other social networking (including blogging) for that matter

Mildred's Adventure

2010-05-29T23:22:00.002+10:00

I figure after making such a huge deal of it you guys might want to see this. Let me know what you think.

SUCCESS!!!

2010-05-29T02:03:00.000+10:00

Ok, so I WAS going to post about how much of a pain iMovie is for not importing my video tracks that I needed to edit, but THEN, I figured out how to do it! I am so unbelievably happy. I thought i'd have to submit raw files for my Type in Motion assessment on Monday. BUT NOW I DON'T HAVE TO!! YAY!

This post just shrunk dramatically in size...

I know, I'll tell you what I was going to write anyways.

So, if you read my recent post about my short animation of Mildred the Spider, you will know of my plans to continue animating and posting my beloved character on THIS CHANNEL.

If you haven't, I will fill you in now, although you're more than welcome to check it out after... or now if you want... i mean, I'm not your mum, I can't tell you what to do...

So, I had this animation assignment for my Photoshop class*. We were supposed to animate something around the theme of "Self Expression" which is code for "We couldn't be f***ed thinking of a stimulating topic, so we'll give you something loose and ambiguous to play with. Good Luck." As a result, I hated everything I came up with that came anywhere near matching the brief. It was only last Thursday (not the one just gone, the one before... the... 20th? Yes. The 20th) that I had an epiphany. With these new skills, to create basic** animations, I would animate one of my most beloved characters. Mildred the Spider.
If you haven't been subbed to my channel (no point now, I've deleted all my videos) or to my collab channel Snailmates (currently on extended hiatus) (not intentional, school just does these things) you will have heard of Mildred. In my very first vlog ever, I told the story of how I met Mildred. Oh, yes. It's true. She is based on a real-life spider.

Anyway, the story goes, she (this huge, massive, ginormous huntsman spider) (i can tell it was a girl, because only girl huntsman spiders grow to this size) snuck into my room whilst I was indulging in some late night YouTube bingeing (spelling?). I was watching the screen when I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I ignored it at first but then it moved again. I looked and saw A DIRTY GREAT BIG FAT SPIDER. Right there. On my carpet. Thankfully I am not one to be scared off by such a thing, No. Bugs do not phase me***.

So, like the crafty, resourceful girl I am, I crept past, avoiding scaring it anymore (Fact: humans are bigger than spiders. Spiders move quickly when they are scared s**tless. Don't scare them, and they won't scare you. Unless you are a big baby. And I mean that in the most affectionate way) and I ran to the laundry to fetch the broom. Long story short, I managed to coax it onto the broom and I took it out to the garden. Spider stays alive. Bedroom becomes spider-free. Everybody wins.

This was not her first appearance in our house though. No. She'd snuck in once a few weeks before, when she was on the outside of the glass sliding door. Someone opened the door to let the dog/cat in/out, and she must've snuck in then; because next thing you know, she's on the inside of the sliding door. We did manage to get her out then, too. She was more subtle the next time, yet still she was caught out.

I'm not afraid of bugs/beetles/critters of the 6-8 leg variety. But at the same time, I recognise that killing them isn't always the solution. I like to keep them alive. I'm actually quite affectionate, when it comes to bugs, now i think of it. I suppose this is where the whole naming-and-personifying-bugs-and-other-various-critters thing stems from. Hence, Mildred. And Bob the Ladybug. And Cedric the Bee, and Linus the Snail (beloved mascot of the Snailmates) and Evangeline the Caterpillar. The family of bugs seems to grow with each letter sent between me and Sean and Beth, although not atm, since, like i said, hiatus.
I think it was only Cedric and Linus who didn't actually have a real-life counterpart. Or did they? I can't remember...

Anyway, I have been wanting to do stuff with this Mildred character for ages, and now, this assignment in all its glorious ambiguity provided me with the means and reason to do so.

Then, after I successfully finished my 31-second animation (limit was 30 seconds, but then, there were people who submitted 10 second clips when the minimum was 15 seconds. Pretty sure 1 second over is no crime) I attempted to upload to YouTube. No luck. I tried and tried to get iMovie to accept my .mov file, but it kept rejecting :(...

I then semi-successfully uploaded using QuickTime Player, but the first few seconds were obscured... which i had no explanation/fix for. It also cut off the last second or so... which was annoying because that was the part i put the most work into.

After messing around for ages, I discovered how to IMPORT the damn thing into iMovie, and now am able to fix everything. I haven't re-uploaded yet, because I want to make changes, and extend the story a little. It'll probably be about a minute long when I finish up. Then my brother will be composing a track for it... and only then will it be ready... I will be replacing the piece of poop version up now.

EDIT: am replacing it NOW. You can view the better version here

Anyway, it is really late and I've babbled way too much for someone who has to work in the morning. I'll be posting en masse when I finish assessment next friday :D. Including coursework! So you'll be able to see what I've been up to while I've been avoiding the internet.

I seriously miss this. Miss you all.
I'll be back soon.

-Lucy

*sidenote: my commitment to this class has wavered somewhat, with my whacked out sleeping patterns and way too much work to do on account of my amazing procrastination skills.
**and by basic, I mean "make images move across the screen". Nothing fancy schmancy. I mean, we were using Photoshop. Not exactly purpose-built for hardcore pro animation...
***Bar cockroaches which I don't find scary, either. They just gross me out.

The little things...

2010-05-22T04:37:00.000+10:00

So this may or may not come as a surprise but I am a closet fan of The OC. Do you remember that show? Got cancelled 3 1/2 years ago, angsty teen drama, not altogether different from Gossip Girl (funnily enough, created by the same guy) (Josh Schwartz, if you were wondering). Anyway, at the time, my obsession was as such that I forced myself to acquire the boxed sets. And by forced myself, I mean I couldn't stop myself.
It was just one of those things, and, apparently, at least to me, still is. For years, after me and a couple of friends from highschool who were equally obsessed had finished marathoning them, the DVDs sat in my bookshelf. Kind of like a secret shame. Something I saw as a thing of the past. A memento of my teen years, if you will. But, just recently, I've kind of rekindled this hidden passion.

Truthfully, I just polished off season 2. I nearly cried (again) when they staged an intervention to get Kirsten to go to rehab. I gasped in shock and called Marissa an idiot for shooting Tray. And it's funny. It's funny just how efficiently a tv show can throw some light down onto your own life. Shows you what you're missing. I don't mean drugs and alcoholism and extortion and the constant stream of drama that the characters seem doomed to endure; I mean the simple things like, a social life with a solid friend group equipped to deal with any and all crap that gets thrown their way. Like a rich private school education to ditch whenever I felt like to run off to the beach. Like enough money around to not need a job throughout said education. Like a bulletproof family. Like, dare I say it, a boyfriend.
Don't you just hate how good they seem to have everything? They make the hard stuff look breezy.

Or maybe, I dunno, maybe it really is easy. Is it? Because I wouldn't know. Bar like one guy who conveniently (for me, at least) asked me out in time for Formal, I've never had a boyfriend. I wouldn't know the first thing about relationships. I make excuses all the time. I'm too busy, I'm not ready, I still need space and time to figure stuff out... But I gotta say it. I want a boyfriend. I want to sit at family dinners with a partner there to back me up. To sit there with their arm around me while watching a movie (and I don't mean the classic smoothie yawn-hug either. Here's a clue: those don't work. Even if a girl really likes you, it's far too cheesy.) To enjoy the company of on long walks not necessarily at the beach. To make valentines day an exciting event to look forward to and enjoy instead of the most boring insufferable day of the year; a day to dread. To fight with over stupid stuff knowing that they won't leave over such a trivialities.

I don't actually know why the heck I am writing this here. I guess I figure no one I know in person will read it.

Man, I need a life. I wish study wasn't so crazy like all the time so I could actually have time for a social life. I wish there were people in my course who I actually wanted to hang out with.

Maybe this is stress. Maybe I'm burning out. I don't know, though either, or both for that matter, would not surprise me. I wish I had more focus, more motivation. I've only been to class like 2 days this week out of 5. On Tuesday I was actually sick, but the other days, I can't pass off so easy. Assignment deadlines approach thick and fast and my first reaction is to run and hide. Geez, Lucy. Way to prep yourself for a cutthroat industry. Cutting school, missing deadlines to watch the OC, sleeping all day after another killer allnighter. It's like I'm wallowing or something. But I can't, for the life of me figure out the reason.

Sorry guys. I know this post is a far cry from recent ones, but I'm actually a mess right now. Thanks for listening to me whine about my pathetic little life. You guys are troopers.

I should probably get some sleep...

- Posted using owl post from me pocket iParrot. Arrr

Making Progress and Mildred's Channel

2010-05-21T05:45:00.000+10:00

So, that brilliant idea I had before seems to be working.

If you're wondering what this master plan is, I shall explain, as I don't think I did a very good job of it in my last post.

For my photoshop class, I have an assignment to do utilising the "animation" function. The brief said it had to be based on a self portrait we did earlier in the semester. Since, even though I liked my work before, I only just passed, I didn't want to make the same mistakes over again. This left me with nothing to use. Literally nothing. Boring. And no matter what I did I could not think of any ideas that I really liked and knew I could execute well and be left with something I am proud of.
Eventually, I decided to scrap the idea altogether and go with something different. No more emo crapness. No more "expressssssss yourselfffff" bullcrap. No. Instead, I, wait for it...

I decided to animate Mildred the Spider.

Oh yeah. You read correctly. Mildred is GETTING HER OWN SHOW!

I got her a youtube channel to commemorate the occasion, so, if you want to subscribe to mildred's channel, I'm pretty sure she'll love you forever! Her channel is: www.youtube.com/user/mildredthespider

Omg, I need to get her a twitter too!
*EDIT: Mildred's twitter ID is @mildredspider. Follow her! Send her ideas and challenges!

This kind of thing takes forever, as I am learning. But, it's fun and rewarding :)

If you are a fan of Mildred, and want to see her do anything in particular (or any of her friends, for that matter) let her know, or leave it in the comments of this post.

I am stupidly excited about all of this... :D

Anyway... Progress is going well... I have between 10 and 15 seconds done, which meets minimum requirement. BUT I'm not stopping. I'm going to keep working on this until I am DONE.

The day my willpower died

2010-05-20T14:35:00.000+10:00

So it seems that the more urgently something needs to get done, the less i want to do it, and the less power I have to make myself do it. I probably won't sleep tonight, as I have a huge photoshop assignment to do, which is actually a short animation. I'll probably post to youtube if I can figure out how to upload this particular filetype... but yeah.
It's supposed to be 15-30 seconds long, and I have had over 3 weeks to get this done, but so far I am up to a grand total of 2.9 seconds. I am not even one fifth of the way to fulfilling the minimum requirement.

AND YET here I am blogging. WHY am I doing this?

I may have an answer to that. (I am clearly going insane. Now I answer my own questions)

I am doing this because I need an outlet. There is no one here to talk to, and I skipped class today to work on this (well, it IS kind of urgent...) and I just need to say this to someone instead of thinking it over and over to myself. I gotta get it out of my system, so that I can continue to function long enough to get this assignment done.

So far I hate what I've done. It isn't any good, honestly. It's crap. I guess that's part of why it's so freaking hard to get through. I hate the topic, I hate the requirements, I hate my attempt. I want this over with, but I can't bring myself to do it. I didn't sign up to learn animation after all. Although, I might have been more excited about it if it were less "express yourself" and more "animate this:...". These assignment briefs just have no imagination.

I think that's the problem.

I might just start over. New angle. New attempt. Not like I'll be losing much.

Right.

Let's do this.

The Lacking

2010-04-29T23:48:00.000+10:00

You, my dearest, ever-faithful readers, are probably wondering what this current lack of posts is all about*.

Well, allow me to enlighten you.

Aside from the usual (being far too busy to even think about blogging/being preoccupied/being lazy/yada yada yada...) there has been a lack of posts on this blog as a result of a lack of direction. I don't know where to take you with each post, so the posts just don't get written. As a wise blogger once said, it's just as important to know when not to hit that "new post" button. There's no point me typing away for no good reason. I could fill you in on the mundane and not-so-mundane details of my life and its happenings, but I don't feel like it right now. 11:30 on a thursday night, you'll have to excuse me.

I've been considering direction a lot lately. I think the lack of direction on this blog directly reflects the lack of direction in my life. I mean, sure. I'm studying a course I love, there must be some sort of direction involved there, right? Maybe. I mean, I had to know what area roughly to go into to pick my course... but like a great deal many other things in life, there are many many subdivisions and specialisations within my broad area of study**.

Who here knows it is a stressful thing to constantly worry about direction? I thought this gnawing feeling at the back of my mind would leave once I started study and was busy Going Somewhere, but it never. goes. away. Should I go into Illustration? if so, illustrating what? Botanical sketches? Children's books? Graphic Novels? What if I can't make enough money in that field? What then? Should I explore Web design as a back up? Should I sell vectors/stock photos/fonts? Will it be enough to get me by? Will I ever get a job in New York/London like I hope? Am I selfish for being so preoccupied by my career, and not worrying enough about charity/missionary work/whatever else God might have planned for me? Am I being frivolous by going on another trip to China instead of saving my pennies/paying off my car? Am I ever going to earn enough to move out of home? Will I ever reach my 100 hours of driving practice on my logbook and get my licence? What is all this worrying doing to my health/skin/face? Why can't I just give it to God and be done with it? Why is it so hard to stop worrying? How come, every time I stop worrying about something, something else comes up?

Then, there's questions like, will I ever get a boyfriend? Could I ever let myself love another person freely? Why the heck can't I just let go of whatever is stopping me? What the heck is this invisible roadblock anyway? Why am I completely unable to move forward?***

Yeah. I'm a mess.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is why I am currently refraining from hitting that "new post" button every second day or so...

Trust me, this is a good thing.

I'll see you all again when my thoughts are arranged in a slightly more orderly fashion. Oh, and remind me to post pictures of my stuff. I'd love to hear what you all think.

*Ok, let's be honest, you're probably not wondering at all. You've probably completely forgotten this blog is even present on your blogroll, since nothing ever pops up on your google reader...
**Which is, for those of you who have forgotten/are new and haven't read back yet, Graphic Design.

***I bet you got a headache just from trying to read all that. You deserve a medal for getting this far.

2010-03-23T16:57:00.000+10:00

My blog-as-a-method-of-procrastination reflex just kicked in.

I couldn't resist.

So, how are we all? Fantabulous I suppose? Great. So good to hear. I'm absolutely spiffing if you were wondering. 3 assignments due in the space of a week... It doesn't get much better than this. Especially considering how much work is yet to be done on them all. Don't you just love that feeling? But don't you?

Also, I'm incredibly tight on money due to being a full time student and also due to needing to pay for a trip to China in june/july, so what do I do? I pre-order a copy of Pokemon SoulSilver for DS (out this thursday) and buy a preowned copy of Super Mario DS (like Super Mario 64, but... yep, you guessed it, for DS. Aren't you glad I tell you these things? Where on earth would you all be without me? I tell ya)

You're probably all getting the feeling at this point that I haven't got any actual purpose for posting this body of meaningless text. I'm getting that feeling too. I just like posting stuff. And I like you guys for liking what I post. Yeah, you guys are a bit of alright.

I have got some small tidbits, I guess... like, ummm... Holidays are coming up! Easter holidays approach, guys! This means I will have time to sleep in and squeeze oranges (did I ever mention how much I like freshly squeezed orange juice? No? well, I do. But I won't drink stuff out of a bottle with the pulp take out. Yuck! So sour!) and breathe and do homework at a leisurely pace while the sun is up. Oh yes. A week of bliss. I AIM to redesign my blog somewhere in there too, and I'll try to post some of my work so far too, so you can see why you've all been missing me so much.

Easter holidays also mean lots of rabbit- and bilby- and egg-shaped chocolate. But not peeps. Apparently, us Aussies are too classy for sugar-coated, rabbit-shaped marshmallows. One day I'll try them, guys. One day. Highly likely in front of my computer, caught on my iSight camera, for purposes of editing and uploading for the enjoyment of perfect strangers. Are you looking forward to that day as much as I am? I bet you are.

*slips slowly into panic mode as it becomes clear that there is nothing left to say, and yet no way to wrap up the post* *frets* *backs slowly away from computer* *turns and runs* *screams maniacally* *runs out of breath* *calms down* *regains composure* *walks back to computer* *takes deep breath*

...

I guess I'll see you next time then.

Oh and PS. Congratulations to Nat and her holbsband, who have just found out they will soon be parents of their first child! Also, go follow Nat, she writes a killer blog.

Letter to my Blog Readers [insert heart here]

2010-03-19T23:43:00.000+10:00

Hey Guys,
So I really don't want to just make this another maintenance-style, i'm-just-writing-something-to-give-you-something-to-read kind of blog post. In all honesty, for once I have the legitimate excuse of just being way too busy to blog. I haven't even had time to miss blogging. Until now. Right now, I am sitting outside on the patio, with my MacBook Pro waiting for someone else to get home so I can get inside because I have misplaced my house key. For now this is great. But. The light is already fading, and m battery is below 50%... It should last for a good while longer, but you never know.
I should really be spending this time working on my triptych self portrait due in a week (sounds like a fair bit of time doesn't it? Not really. Time seems to go faster when you have assignments for each of your five subjects and you work both days of your weekend). Or I could be starting my final versions of my pen and ink roses for my illustration class. Or I could be researching and compiling quotes and planning my essay for my Design History class. Or I could be finalising my designs for the album covers I am supposed to hand-render for Design Practices class. Or I could be designing my stamps for Typography. Or hanging out my washing. Or practicing for our upcoming Russian-themed concert with BRYO*.
But I'm not. I'm blogging.
Man I love blogging. I just wished I loved it enough to make it a more important factor of my life. I'm just really really focused right now on getting my career started, and I'm absolutely loving the near-total immersion in graphic design (I say near-total, and not total, because I still have orchestra rehearsal and work) and I think that blogging regularly would only serve to distract me from my school work, which is currently more important.
I guess what I am trying to say is Thanks. Thank you for staying loyal to my blog when not even I am. Even when the only content I post consists largely of gushy "I love blogging and always want to blog more but never do" sentiments. Even when my level of writing dips below abismal. Thank you for being interested, even when I am not always so interesting.

I don't really have all that much to say now. At least not anything I have time to sit and think about how I want to write about and then write about. My sister just got home. Time to go inside.

I'll make an effort to be back soon. I will. If I don't feel free to bombard my twitter to remind me.

Until then.

<3

*BRYO = Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra. I'm travelling to ShangHai as a member of BRYO in June/July for an International Youth Music Festival in celebration of ShangHai's World Expo this year. You'll probably be hearing a fair bit more about this yet.

School Assignments and Term Projects.

2010-02-09T23:54:00.000+10:00

Hey guys.
So, surprise surprise, I fell off the horse again. BUT, do you know what the best thing to do when you fall off is? Get straight back on. Before fear/shame/whatever is stopping you sets in.
K, I'm done preaching... On to the blog post!

If you read my lil ol' blog here on a regular basis (that is, whenever I post something) you will know that my studies recommenced last week. I started a diploma of Graphic Design :D So far I absolutely love it. For once, starting something new I don't feel like the most awkward person on the planet, and I actually got excited every time we got a new assignment. I know right? I have been tol so many times that this enthusiasm quickly fades, but I am going to make a conscious effort not to let it wane. I want to get the ball rolling, and quickly, and I want it to keep up that momentum, if you follow. I know I chuck a lot of random metaphors into my blog posts, but I can't help it, it's just how I write, so you'll just have to roll with me.

ANYway, you guys are all smart, so I think I can safely assume that you all catch my drift.

I'd discuss my assignments with you now but 1. that would make for a very boring blog post, 2. I will show and tell them as I finish them; that way, I can show you the good ones and leave out the shockers, and 3. I am already tired, and don't have the mental patience to type it out for your reading pleasure (well, not just now anyway) You'll just have to wait to hear about them :D

Ok.

The other thing I wanted to talk about is what is happening at my young adult group at the moment. We've started these things called Term Projects. The reason for this is, often these days, kids and young adults will come along on a sunday night, encounter the Lord, and have an awesome time hanging out with everyone, but then they go home, and fall back into the same old life patterns and not really bring much of the awesome home with them. The idea is that with each term, or section of the year, we will be focusing on something different. The first of these started on Sunday night, and the topic is Love. Not just any love though, at least not in the sense often meant in popular culture (eg. I love my family, I love music, I love ice cream, I love that movie, etc) but God's love for us. One of the biggest points I got out of it was that real love is not just (as Chrishan puts it) something that we associate with a positive feeling or emotion. It is not necessarily something we feel for other people or things. Love starts with God. It is because He loved us that we are able to love. (see 1 John 4:7-12 (i'd type it in here but it's pretty long. Find the Message version here - first 2 paragraphs))

The aim is to become more loving people through a daily revision (or something) of what Love is (see here) and to try to show love more through our day-to-day lives, not just to those we love, but to our enemies too.
I personally really love that we are doing this, mainly because I was one of those kids who didn't bring the awesome home with me, and I find I kick myself a lot for not doing devotionals or praying enough - or at all - so this is something simple to start with, and build on.

I know this preachy style isn't what you guys are used to reading on here, but I just had to say what was on my heart, and, more importantly, I want to be able to track my progress somewhere. So, I will probably be writing about this kind of thing more often.

I know some people aren't entirely comfortable with this topic. It's touchy, and often controversial. I don't write this kind of thing here with the intention of stirring up a massive debate on beliefs, or religion or whatever. I don't do it with the intention of shoving it under your nose, or bible-bashing you, or anything else. I write about this because this is part of who I am. If this blog is going to stand a chance of accurately reflecting or representing my life, then I need to write about this every now and again.

I love and respect you all.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!! jumps on Marlin

2010-02-02T00:02:00.000+10:00

Wow. I'm going to start by saying just how glad I am to be going back to school.

I am SO glad to be back. SO glad.
Get ready guys. I'm about to take you on a journey with me, through My First Day Back At School.
Ready? Good

After waking up much earlier than I am used to (what is the meaning of this, 7am?!) I gulped down a hairy lemon, sipped a cup of tea made by my sister :) and showered, dressed and, well, I didn't eat. I skipped that part because I was too damned excited to think about doing anything else but get to school! ...and, I was running a wee bit late. Not to worry, though. Caught the eight o'clock bus in to the bus station, and transfered to an inbound express route there, and hey presto, twenty minutes later, I was there. I was at TAFE.

When I reached my building, I took about two minutes to see where each of my classes would be. Easy enough, they're mostly on the same level, right next to each other. Only one class (History of Design) is in the auditorium on the opposite side of the campus. Easy enough. Then I proceeded to spend the next ten minutes or so checking and replying to people on twitter, so as to avoid the awkward sitting-and-not-talking-to-classmates-I-have-yet-to-meet thing. My teacher/lecturer/tutor (not sure what to call him...) was there early, so I went in. There were already a handful of students seated at one of the tables, so I did what made the most sense; I joined them. Being the introverted creative types we were, no one was talking. I pretended to check my phone again, but the instructor started early. He turned out to be a pretty funny chap. Swiss born, still pronounces his rather colourful language in his lingering accent. He really likes to talk and retell war stories from back when he was a young GD. It's good though, because every story he tells is relevant.

Anyway, the class I had was Typography. Now, before you groan to yourself and think "Oh GAWD. How positively mind-numbing. Could there be a more boring topic to study on the face of the planet?" (to which I would answer: Yes. It's called Maths. Also Science, which, so the nerds INFORM me, is just applied Maths) it was actually really interesting. I'd go as far as saying it was fascinating. Now, for the sake of not stretching this post out too far (it's late already) I'll go into a more in-depth explanation of exactly WHAT typography is at a later date. Perhaps when my brain is a bit less fried.

We had a fairly long introductory discussion about Typography. I also took notes not only on the subject matter, but also some of the funny things that came out of my professors mouth (that's what I'll call him - Professor). Not necessarily the funniest things to read, but they were interesting/entertaining coming out of his mouth. Things like "Political correctness gives me the $%^!#". Describing one of the example typefaces (and keep in mind: it's JUST a font) (he'd probably deck me for saying that) he came out with "It's like getting your teeth pulled". I'll save up some more gems for later and distribute them evenly throughout this here blog at a later date. Maybe I'll add it as a treat at the bottom of my Monday posts (and possibly Tuesday as well... I have him then too). I got a real corker for the end of this one.

...Ok, maybe it's not THAT great... Could be more of a be-there kind of thing...

Anyway, then we took a break, I got a delicious-but-too-expensive-to-get-everyday, white-chocolate-and-raspberry muffin. I'm probably going to have to learn to make them. So gooood.

After break, we were shown a PowerPoint Presentation on the general awesomeness of Typography. Really. It was awesome. Then when the Slide Show of Awesome was complete, we were given our first assignment. A Self Portrait, using only typefaces. I'll definitely have to show you guys when it's done. I'm really looking forward to doing it.

I stayed behind after class to ask the Professor about possible pathways to the College of Art across the road (the very same institute I quit from at the end of 2008.) It seems if I manage to snag an offer (only 5 DipGD students will be made an offer), I will only need to take on one uni subject in second semester next year along with my Diploma studies. If I manage to do this, I can complete both a Diploma and a Degree in the same amount of time it usually takes to complete one degree (three years) So I'll be saving myself 2 years :). If I don't get it, I'm still considering study overseas, although there is still finances to take into account... We'll see, I suppose.

I have more stories of today to tell you all about, but they will have to wait.

ANYway, it's nearly 12, and I have class at nine. Time for sleeps.
Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow.

Nail colour: Still the ever-sexy Oscar Eveing.
Professorism: (in regards to McDonalds' brainwashing of innocent children's minds) "Those bastards are Perverts". Again, be-there thing. It was funny though, I promise.
T-Shirt Caption: [Picture: Loading bar at about 70% complete] THINKING... Please be patient

Did I ever mention how much I like T-shirt captions? I feel like I have brought this up before...
Submit your own, if you like.