Rolling up to the new year.

Today seemed quiet and relatively peaceful. I did a lot of daydreaming while I commuted, which is normal, but I think it seemed somewhat valuable today. I hope it becomes an activity or two in the future in some way.

A full day of busy.

With most of it being useful busy, even. Sure, there was a meeting in the mix(with the productivity quotient being something of a mystery) but it felt good enough. Now, I really look forward to sleeping in. That'll be really nice.

A semi-confusing week upcoming.

Mostly because I don't have exact details about my schedule throughout the week. I know a lot of the things I have planned but the timing is a bit foggy. No worries, though, since There seems to be enough time for most of it. And, if I'm lucky, there might even be enough time for all of it.

Pieces of the band puzzle.

I enjoy the process of auditioning a potential band member... however, it does always show the difficulty of finding a good fit. No matter what, any one member of the current line-up of our band would be difficult to replace. Possibly even me. Ha.

Super extended weekend.

I thought I would be at least a little more productive today. It wasn't a total loss, though, since I still have two more days of weekend before life comes back. I already know some of the good stuff I get to do tomorrow so that helps.

Merrylaxation Christmas.

I enjoy the non-days like today from time to time. Just letting the intensities of life fall out of view for a bit... it's nice. Even healthy, I daresay. I did do some of the work I have been laboring over for the last week or so but I never let the pressure of it drive itself anywhere I didn't want to go. Anything I got done today will just be a bonus... that much less I will have to do another time in the future.

Still getting things done.

Even though it's a break. I don't mind, even, since it feels like quality progress, not only on the project in general but the learning aspect as well. Good stuff for sure. I look forward to the final results!

Rolling into the break.

I get a five day break from the regular grind because of the holiday. I guess that's nice... though, I really could use the money. Oh, well. I can stay busy with my projects anyway.

Almost done with the move.

Moving a business certainly increases the busyness... with long lasting effect. We have been pretty hard at it for the last few or so weeks and now we are finally getting close to wrapping it all up. I expect the work flow to change pretty soon, though, I am not entirely sure what form it will take for me. Should be fun to see, I guess.

The unlimited future.

It happens on occasion, somewhat rarely, that I look at all the directions my life could go and I feel like the number of viable options is somewhat immense. It is, in many ways, somewhat encouraging to think about. There is, on the other hand, a bit of trepidation when really considering the best next step. I suppose I should be glad for even feeling like this is the case.

Wedding video.

It feels good to work in a team on such a potentially stressful event. The video side of things, even though I have done a little before, now seems much more under control than it did before. I would even compare the difficulty level to being near, or possibly even less, than the difficulty of photographing a wedding. Maybe that is just an indication of my skill increase with video since the last time I tried it in such a setting? Either way, wedding video is becoming more and more enjoyable.

Recently cleared a thousand.

I forgot to make mention of it on the actual 1,000th entry... oh, well. It has been a good run. And life only gets better moving forward anyway. I have a great deal of positive energy building up. All good things.

Keepin' things in busy land.

I like working for so many reasons. The intensity of focus is great. The exercise(whenever applicable) is invigorating. The opportunities to serve others are numerous. The positive feelings of accomplishment flow. All good things all the time.(enter cheesy slogan jingle here)

Tying the past and present together.

It was really great to reconnect with a friend from my deep past. It was further great to see how similar our intervening history actually was. It was also interesting since we were definitely headed down different paths the last time we saw each other. Now, it is interesting to see where things head from here.

Reconnecting dots.

I am always grateful for the many friends I have in life. I am further grateful to see them after a long absence and to relearn about who they have become. Today I got a small dose of this but tomorrow I will be privy to an exceptional dose as well. And the blessings of each storied life will unfold upon me in a way I appreciate uniquely and humbly.

Live symphonic excellence.

It has been quite a while since I attended a musical experience like the one I was privy to work at tonight. It was powerfully moving. I am certainly in need of repeating, even in a different flavor, this kind of musical entertainment. Just gotta do it.

Rolling on into another week.

This should be another busy week but more of a slightly different way. Unpacking and organizing and editing and a little shooting. Should be quite the instructive experience to say the least.

Success in embryo.

The production phase of our project seems to have gone quite well. The actors did well, the lighting guy did great, and the client seemed very pleased with how things went from his perspective. Next comes the post production but I expect it to be a relatively easy edit(not easy, mind you... just relatively easy). Then, after it has been completed and sent into the forever embedded internets for the whole world to see, we might see it become something recognized as a 'success'... if we're lucky.

Big shoot coming up!

Today was a solid prep day full of quality activities. Planning for movie, gathering for commercial, and brainstorming for media workshops. All good things! Plus I got to catch up with my old teacher/friend at our gig tonight. Quite the fantastic day, I must admit!

Nearing the end of an era.

Having packed almost everything up at our old office it can bring quite a few interesting perspectives of how much history has happened there. It is fun to hear about but is even more exciting to think about all the new and unseen exploits waiting to unfold at our new office. Transitions like these are always interesting, in my book.

The little bits and pieces.

Of which there are extremely many! We don't have a particularly large company but we certainly have a ton of little things attached. Soon it will all relocate to an entirely new environment... and we will continue the task of sorting and organizing and understanding.

Slowly rolling along.

Sometimes the work is so big it seems to be going nowhere even though it has a decent pace. Today felt kind of like that. So the work keeps moving as it has been for the last few weeks. I won't complain. I'll just enjoy the paychecks.

Quickly taking a break.

Going from inspiration to lazy nation... it's kind of a strange course. I'm okay with it today, though, as it didn't feel quite as bad as it probably should have. Tomorrow will be plenty busy anyway. Back on track, I suppose.

"Everything happens for a reason."

This is a somewhat trite phrase that often loses its deeper, more substantial truth whenever it is bandied about in the often cavalier manner it so commonly appears. Tonight, as I was contemplating its relevance and even thinking to discount it a bit more than my usual gut reaction, it actually happened to me... and that thing that I intended to discount gave me a simple, direct flick in the nose.

I was driving home and coming around a slow corner behind a vehicle in the passing lane. It slowed down as it exited the turn and I wanted to pass it but a different car was merging into the slow lane at the same time and made it impossible for me to do so before the car in the passing lane clogged up all options. It proceeded to slow down to slower than the speed limit, basically matching the slow lane car's pace, annoying me immediately and causing me to feel quite uncomfortable with my poor emotional state about the whole thing. After stewing about the apparent idiocy of the situation for a not-so-brief moment I finally noticed that the car in the slow lane was likely an undercover police car.(exempt plates and make/model being the primary signs) I would have likely been pulled over by it had I passed it when I wanted to... this maddeningly slow car had actually saved my hide.

My contemplations of it's 'reason' where all the motivation I needed for this post. A moment of clarity expressed in my experience with the truth of things. Sometimes I am blessed to notice such things.

Survival of the insane.

Regardless of my basic non-sleep I was still in it for the art of it. We had a fun little shoot today. Good, self-instructive activity with a couple good friends. I look forward to doing more in the future... preceded by more regular sleeping patterns.

Shooting the cool stuff.

I was told it is a rare opportunity to film Queensryche for one of their concerts. This makes it all the more of an honor that I was one of the few able to enjoy such an opportunity. The whole thing was fun on top of that and I really think I got some pretty awesome footage that I can be proud of. I hope the band enjoys it as well!

Lots of busy work.

From moving offices, to location scouting, to equipment planning, to shoot organization, to live show coordinating... it has been and will be a highly active week and weekend. I probably should have more to say about it right now but really I'm just kind of wiped out and would rather go take a nap... so, ya... there's that.

The ultimate b-roll challenge!

Okay... so it wasn't really all that ultimate, but it was quite a long, enjoyable day anyway! Seattle is a lovely city. So full of interesting, cool stuff! The Pacific Northwest is a lucky place indeed!

Long, busy days.

It feels good to be consistently busy but it also feels a bit tough. I do prefer it, though, and find much more purpose in life through it. I also enjoy getting the unexpected raise from time to time. I know it's on a job to job basis but it still feels good... like an unexpected gem in the rough.

Extending the vision.

One of my favorite things to do is finding a beautiful scene and capturing its visage for the echo of its influence later. That is probably a fairly unconventional way to put it but it really is the way I feel about it. Somewhat for me but also somewhat for others. I really do love my job sometimes!

Meandering far and wide.

Day two of my scouting expeditions has been equally enjoyable as the first. I am fairly certain I travelled several roads I have never travelled before today. And I certainly got to see quite a few beautiful sights equally new. I'm not sure what my current plan for tomorrow is yet but I hope it follows suit reasonably well.

The beautiful, scenic Washington.

Today, as was part of my scouting duties, I travelled hundreds of miles through the countrysides of Washington. In search of that perfectly suited 'small town', I diverged from the path more travelled and saw the more bounteously picturesque landscapes around until darkness claimed its visage in its own repetitive, unceremonious way. Tomorrow I look forward to more of the same.

The beautiful Thanksgiving Day.

I am quite grateful for my awesome and extensive family. They always remind me of the best things in life. I look forward to someday building my own.

The beginning of 'that' time of the year.

The season is a powerful influence, I must admit. It has all kinds of emotional landscapes colliding to be traversed in every direction. I imagine my entries will tend to be somewhat disjointed or erratic over the next couple months. Just a heads up, I guess.

The rapidly spinning clock hands.

And not just the second, minute or hour hands at that. Every week and month has seemed to take an abbreviated route lately. Though some of that comes as a result of impending deadlines, or in this case funlines!(not a real word... though, a definitely real concept!) The movie shoot will shortly be upon us and it will definitely be an excellent experience. Fun, challenging, tiring, exciting, and instructive all in one package!(and so many more descriptive words than that!)

Delightfully challenging decisions.

We finished casting our upcoming commercial and I think we were quite fortunate with the turnout we were afforded. It was a very close pick between two of the candidates and we probably would have done fine with two other of the one's that tried out. I think we are going to produce something quite good and I look forward to the rest of the production process quite a bit!

The beautiful earth.

This place which I have chosen to inhabit is incredibly picturesque. Exploring it's meandering nature tracts, even only superficially, impresses my soul immensely... a pleasure to behold, a greater joy to become. Lasting and positive reflection.

Loud music mayhem.

I really enjoy loud music... but I really enjoy the feel of it more than it's loudness, I would say. I guess that's the typical perspective of a bass player... well... the one's that recognize the source of said feeling.

The excitement of a sale.

We sold a show at my work today. This is a big deal because this means we now have quite a bit of work ahead of us to fulfill the order. It is also the first time that we have made any sales in at least a couple or so years. Everybody was quite excited about it and I am glad for the good news, indeed!

Things move along.

We made some decent progress in our moving activities today. It's cool to see things start coming together. It's always cool to see where things can go, too, as there is still so much work to be done. The weeks ahead should be pretty fun!

Ramping up for the big move.

I think it is quite an experience to relocate just about anything... doing it with a fairly major organization is a whole different thing altogether. It's good for me since it gives me so much to do but also because I am sure to learn a lot about what is going on behind the scenes during the process. Fun stuff!

Work brings a good feeling.

As motion and productivity always lead to somewhere different, and usually better, in life. I am quite glad for the various jobs I currently enjoy. They all have a wide variety of interesting activities involved with a wide variety of responsibilities attached. So much more interesting than the typical day job right now!(nothing against those)

Extended weekend break.

I expected to be more productively engaged in my projects today but did not end up having any particular need to do so, unfortunately. So it was a pretty quiet day. But I know the storm starts tomorrow. It should be fun, indeed.

The calm between the storms.

Which is normally how a weekend usually should be. Friday work was pretty intense and, starting Tuesday, work will pick right back up to a similar level once again. It is a good thing. It brings a certain level of security that I appreciate for sure.

Things getting busier by the day!

Now I know I have a lot to do with my own projects AND I have a lot to do with my work obligations. Possibly all the way through the end of the year, even. Which means I should be sleeping... now. Ha.

The birth of a new future.

Every day presents the seeds of possibility in many various forms. It is at the times when they become most recognizable that my optimism and courage gain roots of their own. I have said it before(possibly many times) that I think the aspect of hope is vastly overlooked in its importance. The statements usually revolve around attitude, I suppose, but there is real merit to paying attention to the effects and need of hope. And I am glad for this realization, yet again.

More little steps.

I am still getting closer to finishing one of the re-edits I have been working on. The progress wasn't dramatic but even little bits of progress are nice. It'll be nice to get a solid portfolio together soon... ish.

Monday, monday.

It was so reasonable to me. A lazy way to start the week. I have a lot to do and plenty of time to do it... weird. You won't hear me make that statement very often. Now I just need to take advantage of it before it disappears unexpectedly.

Friends make all the difference.

And I am glad for all the awesome ones that I have in my life. I don't always make very much effort to actively participate in the life experience with the many wonderful people I know... but when I do I am always richly rewarded. Plus, weekends are cool.

A pleasant weekend.

I have enjoyed the lazy of lazy days today. It seems like a fitting follow-up to the last couple days worth of work and labor. A delightful respite. Plus a pleasant evening's performance to cap it all off... a very nice day.

Learning from a master.

I tend to enjoy watching high-quality work as it happens because I get to learn like crazy. Today I was especially lucky because the guys I worked with were open to allowing me to observe them as they worked. It was the kind of experience I would have paid for if I wasn't actually already getting paid for anyway.

Workin' hard.

I really enjoy doing the things which are difficult, yet at the same time I have some proficiency with, for the experience and opportunity to improve. I really enjoy working with very professional, high-talent people as well. Always a great learning opportunity all over the place!

Interstellar... or interwormholer?

I don't have the time to write a proper review at the moment but my initial statements will be as follows: dang, that movie is awesome. Matthew McConaughey now appears on the far side of two different wormholes in his career. Big screen, big beauty, big awesome! If I have time tomorrow I'll give a more detailed analysis.

Artistically inspired.

Sometimes all you need is to see the beautiful works of another artist. Sometimes just seeing the process a little helps. Sometimes even just knowing somebody who has done it brings a spark of motivation. Sometimes it only takes a bit of learning. And in every situation it takes action to make anything happen.

The big week?

Due to illness this last week took a turn into the delay department for any big life-type changes that were kind of looming on the horizon. It seems pretty likely that it could happen this week, though, and that is kind of exciting. I have a good deal of enthusiasm for the possibilities, anyway, and that is good enough for me.

Way too late.

But better now than never. Even if the content is nearly nonsense. At least I get an extra hour of sleep... thank you daylight savings!

Good times with good, goofy people.

I quite enjoyed the social interaction tonight. It is something I really need to engage in more often. I spend far too much time of my life alone, even if it is productive. Regular socialization is definitely a piece of a successful life formula. And I should probably not be so wordy about it and just start getting back in the action somehow.

Working and not working.

Is there a question?(other than this one, that is) I guess life is basically one or the other at all times anyway. I wouldn't call them specific opposites, like the difference between good and evil, but I do realize they are both two sides of the same coin. Maybe life is actually just both of them at all times? Eh? How do you like them mental apples?

Slight progress.

It is still better than no progress. Even though it may feel like it isn't I know that would just be false. So today wasn't all that bad. I moved a tiny bit forward.

Finding more work is sometimes quite lucky.

And I am quite grateful for the great network of friends that add to that luck pool. Also, I highly appreciate the times when positivity gets recognition. I agree that it is a highly valuable trait.

Learning about the act.

I have long thought it would be a fun thing to pursue. I think I might have a bit of skill for it, too, though that has yet to really be tested. In any case, I look forward to giving it a shot. I wonder when I will find the opportunity to do so.

The camping weekend.

I was off in the hills for the last couple nights and really enjoyed the disconnection from technology. I brought my paper journal with me but did miss this part of my journalling a bit anyway. Life events are really swirling around a lot and I think the coming week might be full of potentially impactful decisions to be made. I guess the end of the week knows better than I do so I suppose it'll be a bit before we meet each other and make that connection.

The bright and ever-emerging future.

I like to contemplate the possibilities with great enthusiasm. I sit at the crossroads of my mortal existence with a strange sort of muse lingering in my mind and heart. It is similar to the idea that "I am the oldest I have ever been and the youngest I will ever be again." Something that brings a smile with the sober stillness of the dignified reality of life.

Super meeting day.

Three meetings spanning four and a half hours is quite the chunk of meetings. They were all quite productive so the time was well spent, even somewhat invigorating at times. And in quite the semi-unusual way they all point to a brighter future... which is often how meetings don't feel at all. Ha.

Timeshifting.

One of the strangest things that happens whenever I take a late evening nap(or even go to be super early, for that matter) is how off my biological clock gets whenever I wake up. Time seems to pass exceptionally slowly for reasons I don't have any theory to explain. I was only napping for about half an hour and it felt like several hours had passed when I unexpectedly woke up way before my alarm was set to go off. I wanted more sleep so I adjusted my nap time for another half hour and maybe only slept another ten minutes and woke up again... feeling that I had slept another couple hours. It was weird. And it was not the first time this sort of thing has happened. It's just the first time I realized the consistency of the strange happenings and felt like writing about it. Fun.

Broken windows don't equate to broken hearts.

But they are pretty annoying when they put some pressure on your bank account. Especially when the bank account is not particularly quick to replenish its fundage these days. I really need to get my act together!

A day of mental rest.

I do appreciate a day of inactivity. The brain needs a break every once in a while. Perhaps using less sentences is a good reflection of that. Ha.

Learning the ways of business.

We had a very insightful meeting today that I think will go a long way toward helping us get things set up the best way possible as we move forward toward the possible partnership opportunity laid before us. Again, I am sure there was a simpler way to say it but I am a bit tired for simple I guess. Simple is often more challenging, strangely. Just thought I'd defend myself by pointing that out. Ha.

More interesting things.

I am quite interested to see what sort of business partnership/opportunity we might be able to form with my current employers. It is somewhat of an unexpected proposal and I hope we are able to make a wise decision about it. And I certainly look forward to meeting with people who know more about the whole thing than I do.

Loves me some basketball.

And that's why I'll keep playing it until my body decides otherwise. I hope that time is still very far off. I need to lose weight doing something fun somehow!

Rambling back to normalcy.

I can't say today was actually any sort of normal but it certainly felt pretty mundane, in not a necessarily negative way, and certainly feels like a step in the 'normal' direction. This is just part of the normal life progression cycle, I suppose. And I'm sure I've remarked on it in a very similar way numerous times in the past. Maybe I'm just expelling words for words sake right now. Ha. Oh, well.

High-quality creation.

I am quite impressed with the result of last weekend's efforts from our 48-hour team project. It was quite an immense labor to perform and we turned out some excellent work, it seems. Watching the other submissions was somewhat enlightening and I am confident if we had a non-disqualified submission(missed the time requirement but a few minutes) that we would have surely claimed a prize or two in the awards ceremony. In any case, I quite enjoyed the experience as the work itself was definitely reward enough.

Working with the right people.

I think there is definitely some level of luck involved when I think about all the great people I work with and each of his or her respective talents and characteristics which makes him or her such a good fit.(that was a wordy sentence... oops) What I'm saying is I work with many people very well-suited to their work. It's awesome and delightful and fun. I am a lucky man, indeed!

48-hour film festival, coming right up!

And I should have gone to bed long ago... but excitement is one of the hardest things to sleep through... so tomorrow comes later than preferred and the products of our passion will soon be put to rest!

Creatively entrenched.

I quite enjoy days like today that are chock full of creative endeavors. It is especially rewarding when there is a decent level of complimentary praise tossed my way as well. Sometimes I have to take a step back just to take in the awesomeness of life!

Unexpected event.

I went to a career fair thing today. It was a bit of an unusual format in an unfamiliar place. But I found it to be quite a fascinating experience, nonetheless. The interactions were... unexpected and delightful. I learned a thing or two about my job searching direction... and self. I would like to repeat this sort of experience again in the future.

Things a happenin'!

But mostly because I was actually smart enough to do something today. Namely, actually cleaning my car for a change. I am also working on my bedroom but that probably won't get finished until tomorrow or so. But it's a good thing. And the productivity is quite appealing, I must say.

Back on the pavement.

So, I need to be hunting for more work with a bit more vigor this week. I have a decent amount to keep me busy but I need to be smart about the kind of busy. All of this is good for the excitement, I suppose, and toughens the will power a bit so that's pretty swell. Just gotta keep moving forward and up.

Words of wisdom.

I appreciate hearing them as often as they come to me and in whatever form they are offered. Friends, foes, far-spoken fundamentalists and everything in between, on, and around. Wisdom is a fleeting concept only found in personal experience. A specific kind of wisdom is found in adherence to the expression of it from someone else's own findings. I lack all of it in every form... and basically just get lucky whenever anything goes right. Better lucky than good, I hear. Don't know if I really subscribe to that theory, though. Ha.

A day off is nice.

Especially when my sleep has been all screwed up by work... for two consecutive days. Anyway, I am quite glad for a break and thoroughly enthusiastic about sleeping in tomorrow. That is all.

Basically done!

The edit has taken an excessive amount of labor over the last couple days and it is finally done!(enough) I would have enjoyed some more time with it, of course, but the customer is plenty happy and I think it should do just fine. Now.... I sleep.

Survivor's remorse.

I've never heard this term before today. I've also never needed to hear it before today since I've never been in this situation before. It is the term to describe the feeling I have after being one of the few who somehow made it through the huge wave of lay-offs at my new job. It seems strange considering how new I am and how long many of the people who were laid-off had worked there... but I do consider myself quite lucky anyway despite my generally crappy feeling that so many of the good people I was working with are no longer employed along side me as they once were only days ago... day ago. Now I suppose I just gotta move on and make the positive difference I am being kept around to make. Before, when I was the newest, least useful one of many, I was quite dispensable... now, as one of the few remaining, I am quite important... well... it kinda feels that way, anyway. I might just be the least expensive. Ha. Either way, I  gotta do my part with gusto!

Certain challenges unexpected.

I can't say much right now(as I do not formally know very many details) but I am quite sad by what I expect to happen over the next day or so at work. It is a tremendous and unexpected change, to say the least, and I really don't see very far into the future with very much clarity at all because of it. More details to come.

Very impressive display of awesomeness!

I quite enjoyed the portfolio review of the next graduating class of my old school. They were all excellent, inspiring presentations to behold! I really look forward to seeing their excellent futures unfold and especially how they weave into my own future along the way. Cool stuff!

Progress in the edit bay.

Though I am not sure 'in' would best describe the use of my laptop just about anywhere. The world is my edit bay. Whatever. Anyway, I feel like I am wrapping up to something pretty decent here soon and I look forward to seeing a reasonable result that I might even be proud of. Now I just gotta actually make it happen.

A new week, a new way.

But mostly because there's lots to be found on the horizon of life... not for any significant or particularly meaningful reason. I'm just tired. Lots to do, though. Lots to do!

Still adjusting.

So, I remembered my dream the other day and it was one of the first ones I had remembered very clearly in a quite a while. It was a strange zombie dream(only my second one) which, after describing it to my bandmates, gained a little clarity from the insight offered me by them. Basically, and in a very non-extensive explanation, I was a zombie when I worked at UPS. Weird that my mind made a dream out of that metaphor. There's a lot more to it but I thought it was funny... and sad... and weird. Now, I get to become something different altogether. I hope it's a good kind of different.

Basketball is painfully delicious.

To the body, that is. All kinds of fun while playing AND I know I will enjoy the after effects over the next couple or so days, too. Ha. I hope I am able to lose some weight in the process! Get my metabolism going again. That would be nice.

Exploring work possibilities.

I suppose I never really thought about all the ways I might be able to contribute to my new position. I have a wide variety of experiences under my belt and many of them could potentially be useful. I guess I mostly didn't think of that stuff because I mostly wanted to promote my skill set more obviously related... I am glad for the opportunity to explore those other areas, though. Should make my job that much more fulfilling.

1 minute after my normal wake-up call.

But now, it will likely become my normal sleep-down call. And I don't really mind that much. And I am totally looking forward to my body finding it's normal rhythm again. Today was a bit tougher than I expected it to be.

Kinda gettin' back to it.

It will probably take a little while(I am not really sure how long) before I become acclimated to my new sleeping schedule. It is immensely valuable to me, though, and I am certainly looking forward to it. I think it'll help me reclaim a lot of my former, hopefully positive, pieces of my life.

Work a bazillion hours.

Which I suppose is pretty much exactly what I always wanted to do. Except doing it on more than two hours of sleep would be a much better scenario. Of course, that might imply the use of brain power in said work... which is a standard that isn't always the funnest to observe. Ha.

Counting down the working days at UPS.

T-minus 4 days and counting... to the return of a normal sleeping schedule. Boom! It is one of the greatest parts of life that I have overlooked the importance of for far too long. Just a feeling of normality once in a while would be nice. Now, I expect I will get to feel it quite commonly once again!

Anticipating the wonderful world of sleep.

I have been so reckless with my sleeping habits lately that I have a lot to look forward to once my time with UPS has come to an end. I am thoroughly jazzed about sleeping in more than once a week. My work habits will improve, also. Or at least they should improve. All good things. So many good things. Nice!

Positive mental energy.

It really changes the way life happens to you. The actual events might not be any different in any real, physical way but perception definitely changes how we act as we go through things. It would be really good to practice, and improve, the habit of utilizing positive mental energy to make life better. It really is something one can decide to do both before and after the events of life might influence us. What a blessing it is to simply have such a choice!

Asked to leave... or fired?

I definitely had a rough day at work today but I did make it through to tomorrow. I have a boss that I don't think realizes how to deal with stress and ends up taking it out on the people in his direct line of authority. I also think that because I have a will of my own that he is somewhat threatened by it and just wants to replace me with somebody who is easier to sculpt into his own image. It is pretty frustrating. I hope he gets some guidance/course correction before he creates too many more problems.

Finally got the internet back!

It took quite a few impatient days(as it would be fairly easy to notice, according to the large gap in my entry dates) but it was a somewhat revelatory experience, as well. I have entrenched myself into the internet society quite a bit more than I thought. I knew it was deep... just how deep, though... that's the annoying part. But I survived. And so did the internet. It always does. Now I'm back on board. And now it's time to just move forward. No need to dwell on the deeper implications now. Ha.

Day 1: Success and Learning

I am quite happy with how well the work moved today but I am also aware of the lessons to be learned. We didn't nail everything as well as we could have but we will definitely be prepared to do better the next time... if we pay attention and remind ourselves of that particular learning. What good is any of it if we don't take the time to reflect on it after the fact?

Pulling through the gruff.

Cars break down. It's what they do. It's not really a bad thing, either. It's just a part of life. And the key to it, for me, is basically managing the experience and moving forward through it like I would any other trial. One step, one helper, one moment at a time. Easy. Really.

Big things coming.

This week should be full of delightfully challenging, highly important events. I am mostly referring to the two scheduled shoot dates for the production company I would like to work for. I expect that the work I do this week will have a somewhat significant impact on my future with the company. I hope to do better than I have before!

Anticipating the upcoming shoot.

Now that we're down to the last couple or so days to go I am quite excited for the possibilities. There are many different potential scenarios which could grow out of it nicely. How fun this wall of words has become. Ha.

Far from invincible.

Is the mind of this sleep-deprived creature. I really felt the effects of it today after all the energetic elements of my checklist were completed. I am glad I was able to take it easy throughout the evening, though, as it was highly appreciated me time that refueled my self-awareness a bit along the way. Tomorrow should be a bit easier, I expect, just because of it.

Working every waking moment.

It is entirely unnecessary but I tend to do it from time to time anyway. I really need to allow my brain to cool off once in a while. It will begin to break down if I am not careful. This is a fact. Everything responds to stress eventually.

A possible trip to the U.K. also?

This stuff is all pretty exciting, I'd say. I have a good deal of ground to prove before the best stuff can happen for sure but I feel confident I am up to task. It is a good deal of tough but fun work that sits right in my wheelhouse, so to speak. Now comes the 90% part of life... you know... just showing up!

Exciting things!

Today we had a meeting with the production company we will be doing work for on the upcoming car project. It looks like things are very well in hand and we will have a lot to do over the next couple months or so at the very least. It looks like we will have the prospect of some travel abroad as well as working with some very high-end clientele. Should be quite the adventure!

A surprisingly smooth transition?

I broke the news to my boss that I might be leaving soon and he almost sounded excited. I told him I would try to give him a month advance notice if I did indeed plan to move on and he almost insisted that I only give two weeks. He seemed like he was genuinely interested in helping facilitate a smooth exit. It was kinda weird and somewhat unexpected. I won't complain, though. I appreciate it, in fact. One of the more human moments I have had with him.

One step closer to the offer.

Today presented an exciting possibility in the development of my career. I was unofficially invited to take a position with Screaming Flea Productions. This is something which I had already been contemplating lately and had even been thinking of ways I could ask for the very thing which had been offered. I say it is 'unofficial' because there were no times, wages, or exact job descriptions discussed. The owner was feeling out my availability and ability to move out of my position at UPS into one with the Flea. I don't know how long it will be before anything official is offered but she claimed that patience was not one of her finer character traits... I imagine I will have greater news to share sometime soon. Fun!

Half-way through.

Given the much higher-than-normal number of expected hours to work this week, I am certainly glad that my normal UPS stuff is quite a bit easier than usual. The lengthy hours are somewhat mitigated by the generally higher positivity level preceding them. This is probably true of all work... I just hope it is something I can remember to do when the expectedly challenging stuff is on the horizon.

Flour is fun... add zombies for bonus flavor!

Even though it was something like a million degrees out today I still found it fun to round around in a field throwing flour-filled nylon balloons at people. It creates a bunch of clouds in the air, it harmlessly coats your enemies faces and hair, and begins to cake up a bit once people start sweating. It's kinda strange that I've never done this before. I've been to numerous F.H.E.s in my time. Glad to experience something new, that's for sure!

Oh... and zombies. That's always a fun twist. Basically self-explanatory, I'd say.

Cowabunga: A un-intellectual glance at the Renaissance.

Childhood is often a confusing, yet wondrous, experience. Early on, you notice how big every body is and how small you seem to be by comparison. This makes you jealous and forces your hand when disappointing meal insults are cast on your plate... you have to grow big and strong somehow, thus ensuring meals of your own choosing from then on! It's a twisted sort of blackmail that occasionally found reward whenever the dessert that followed was awarded to you for your diligent(or begrudged) consumption of said insults. I am not going to say that a certain Michael Bay-produced movie actually follows this shoddy sort of metaphor(if that's what it seems like I am building here) but, rather, I am glad to say that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles do remain firmly rooted in my childhood. The aforementioned movie merely, and somewhat faithfully despite its many other faults, echoed the Ninja Turtles of my youth in a generally confusing, yet wondrous, way.(if this paragraph is also confusing and wondrous I will parenthetically blame Michael Bay right now)

The movie starts on a semi-high note of intensity and I have to say that this is basically the most annoying thing about the movie. I don't mean it is all actiony right from the get go... more that it doesn't give itself any time to breath or flesh out any real character development. It follows April O'Neil, meagerly played by Megan Fox, in a way that gives her a bit too much prominence, in my opinion. I don't normally have a problem with Megan Fox as an actor but I think she was pretty ho-hum for most of the movie. Will Arnett's character, a basically uninspired tagalong, was equally ho-hum and it tends to make me think that the director is more to blame for their general blandness than anything. All the ho-hummety basically creates a problem for the first half of the movie since April, as the main focus of the movie, is not really able to carry it very well from a lead sort of position.

However... once things started to pick up, somewhere in the middle of the movie, it all changed for the better. Mostly, the turtles themselves actually saved the movie. They really are heroic! Ha. They brought in all the action goodness that I hoped to see and basically squashed out all of the lackluster nonsense permeating first half of the movie. And, even though the turtles themselves, along with Splinter and the Shredder, were quite visually different than the 1990 film of the same name, they definitely commanded the leading role of the movie quite well throughout the rest of the movie.

Each turtle was visually distinct, uniquely characteristic, and reflected well the turtles of old in their individual personality as well as their group dynamics. I scoffed at the visual changes to their faces when I first saw a preview of the movie, thinking they tried to make them too "human" looking, which basically made them creepy/goofy-looking instead of radical. I got used to it fairly quickly, though, and even though their facial look is not as good as the original movie, their overall look was pretty gnarly.

The plot was nothing too mysterious. The cinematography was pretty good. The music was fine.

Overall, I will rate this movie 6 bo staffs out of 9. Good enough for repeat viewings, though, not at full ticket price... you know... on Netflix or the like. Good times.

Continuing plans.

I really like checking off items in my list of things to do. Big or small, it always feels good. I really like it when somebody else's check list also gets checks because of my actions. I really dig. It is these little things in life that really make things nice overall. Ha.

Exciting things on the horizon.

And maybe even IN the horizon... if I am able to travel like it seems might be the case. I need to get a passport(and probably learn a bunch of Spanish) first but it's all part of the excitement if you ask me. I like traveling, I like video production, I like earning money... it's a triple win!

15 hours of awesome.

I am pretty sure it was awesome anyway... mostly because I earned a lot of money that I can really use. Work is, therefore, always awesome. Even when it absorbs pretty much my entire day. Even when it hurts and is somewhat emotionally difficult. Even when I don't actually know when I will be getting paid. Ha.

Artistic gratitude.

I am always thrilled when someone I am doing work for appreciates what I have done for them. It is never assumed, or taken for granted, because I know how subjective art can be. I am quite glad I am even able to enjoy doing it at all. I know it is a blessing not everybody takes advantage of and not many take advantage of as often as I do... and I could be doing so much more. And I certainly plan to!

Professional encouragement.

In my industry study today I came across a remarkable piece of video footage that I had seen before but had not really paid much attention to the first time around. Certainly I thought it was remarkable the first time I saw it but this time I watched it through the lens of my own experience and it became something new entirely.

This time I watched it for its camerawork... more specifically, steadicam operation. As someone who is working to improve his steadicam operating skills, and watching this particular example of it, I found it quite encouraging based on the feeling that I could already be very near to the skill level I witnessed in this clip. I don't have a totally comprehensive view of how challenging it actually was but I think I could have done something quite close to it already. Now I just need to prove it.

It's gonna be a busy weekend.

The extra work will be highly appreciated but certainly won't be easy to squeeze in sanely. No worries, though since it is pretty much just this weekend. I don't like giving up any time on Sundays, generally speaking, but I think it will be fairly worth it in this case. I am really looking forward to the relaxation of the coming Monday!

Renewing the photographic muscles.

I think today's shoot went fairly well but I expect tomorrow's effort to go even better. I'm feeling like today was a pretty good refresher in most ways but I'm also feeling like I learned a few good things that will help the cause in general. I also learned that shooting with two cameras is quite useful.

Gettin' prepped for the shoot.

I am looking forward to the next couple day's photo shoots quite a bit more than I expected I would. I have been so focused on the video stuff for the last several years that I sort of thought my enjoyment of photography would have diminished or something. I'm not sure how that actually seems logical but I thought it anyway. I am thinking, now, that it may have enhanced my enjoyment and anticipation for the opportunities I get to so photography... in sort of a synergistic way, I suppose. Compare and contrast, even? Either way, I am stoked to do some shooting tomorrow.

Gettin' back on it.

Staying in full swing with several of my various projects. It is a good feeling to take a weekend off to let a little steam out but it feels even better to hit the ground running upon my return. I have a lot to do for the remainder of the week, as well, and I expect it to all go well.

Possible move.

I would like to live in Seattle. It would make a large variety of life challenges far less challenging. Well that's what it seems like, anyway.

I checked out a possible new place to live with a friend of mine today. The location was pretty awesome but the actual place was a bit rough around the edges. I think it could be a great place to go... but I need to think on it for a while. It's kind of exciting to think about, at least.

A step or two closer.

It seems like a little progress was made in my job hunt for something in the field of study I pursued. Nothing crazy but forward nonetheless. I know that much of how I make changes in life are influenced by my purposeful direction but I know that luck also plays a role in how things shake out. I just need to find more opportunities in order for my luck to increase.

That's a rap wrap.

It feels good to finish the final day of shooting on a project. This one only had four shooting days but it was big enough that it had some commitment involved. Now, it's all done. And it feels good. And I will definitely not get enough sleep tonight. Ha.

Making nothing out of something.

Well... that's what it feels like when I waste almost an entire day doing very little of value. It's a strange sort of creative effort which requires no effort at all. Just make it into the nothing it always intends to be whenever the goals of something are left behind. At least tomorrow is something different than today automatically. I better make it something, instead!

Work is a beautiful thing.

Especially when it is something that you really enjoy doing. I find that I tend to enjoy most work, generally speaking anyway, but finding the work that challenges my creative tendencies is definitely the most fun. Physical limitations seem to be the only thing that keeps me from just doing that stuff all the time... which wouldn't be healthy anyway.

Marriage and softball.

This weekend is quite the whirlwind of awesomeness! I was quite delighted to enjoy spending the beginning of the weekend with one of my good friend's family and be there for his wedding. Now I will be privileged to help shoot a celebrity softball event at Safeco Field where I will get to meet and see a lot of cool people. I have little time to sleep so I will hit the sack now but I expect this weekend to be quite the experience for the history books of Aaron!

A very busy summer!

I have already had quite the experience so far and I still have a load of fun events on the docket over the next couple or so months! It's a good mix between work and play and work/play. I couldn't ask for it any other way, really.

Taking a break.

I didn't really do much today. It was a very boring day. I could have been super productive but I was just not all 'there' after my nap today. No worries... I'll be busy tomorrow. It'll be a good comeback.

Classic fun.

It is always enjoyable to be around good ol' friends from way back. I am glad I tend to keep my friends fairly well. Of course there are the regular dose of folks that come and go but on the whole fewer go than come. Good people make life good. This is one of the most pleasant and enjoyable facts of life.

Excitement for the possibilities.

I sometimes lose my focus a bit and tend to forget where I am headed... which is into a career that I truly enjoy. I have a lot of opportunity coming up and I suppose I could be more proactive in trying to obtain it. It's definitely exciting to think of all the possibilities!

I confuse me too.

Which is likely a thought most people have at some time or another. I seem to run counter to many normal ideas, though, which makes me especially confusing in a lot of ways also. It is often kind of fun... but it is pretty frustrating at times, too. Oh, well. It is what it is... I am what I am.

Slowly getting the digital ball rolling.

I made some pretty good progress on some of the projects I am currently working on which is always a good thing. It is especially helpful because the momentum(even if it's just a little) of moving in a productive direction is quite beneficial to further progress in that same direction. I have a lot of projects that are not currently finished, which is quite annoying to say the least, but I am thinking the end is starting to draw closer... even if it's still pretty far away... and that's a pretty sweet deal if you as me.

Resetting the week.

Now that I have made it through another tough weekend I am excited for the coming week. I have a lot on my plate that I believe I can get accomplished and making this sort of progress should be very good for my own projects moving forward. Lots to do, lots to do!

Age is an interesting thing.

The body doesn't quite work the way it used to but experience is quite a valuable ally in its stead. Basketball is my main area of thinking on this concept but I know it applies in other areas as well. I look forward to seeing the results of my MRI. Ha.

The grind is quite grindy.

I was so exhausted after work yesterday that I basically napped all day after I got home. I haven't done it to that extreme before and it kinda felt good and weird at the same time. It certainly was a waste of time but might not have been so much of a waste at the same time. Sleep is important, after all. Just wish I would be smarter about getting it before work instead of sucking up all the regular day time instead.

Long-term perspective.

I suppose I might think further into the future than a lot of people. This could be a good thing a lot of the time but it might also be a bad thing. I think I might get caught living more in the future than living in the now, from time to time, which probably causes me problems here and there. Anyway, I guess I need to try to readjust my perspective more to the current time-frame now. It'll definitely take some practice.

Back from vacation!

And it's pretty late to go into any depth right now but I am finally back in the normal groove once again. I'd still rather be on vacation, truth be told, but I'm glad to be back for other reasons. Life does need to move forward every once in a while, I suppose.

Road-trips are fun!

So... I am on the road and havin' fun. I get to relax and sleep in and see family and friends a lot for the next week... I might be erratic in my posting frequency during this time. Oh, well... good times!

Oh, how soon the sweet vacation cometh.

Which is definitely not going to be long enough but I certainly intend to make the best of it nonetheless. I have many ideas about things I can do and enjoy along the way... I will be happy(and surprised) if I even do half of them. Vacation will already be swell enough simply through the act of vacating, anyway.

Unexpected loss.

Is there something about unexpected loss that makes it more painful or disturbing? As if some kind of preparation can soften the blow, so to speak? I am not sure, really, but I am nonetheless quite taken out of my emotional calm by this sort of thing. My prayers should definitely run deeper as a result.

Minor adjustments.

Not because I wouldn't like major adjustments... but more because those ones don't really stick without the minor ones along the way anyway. So, I'm glad to have made a tiny bit of progress today. The extra sleep seemed useful. All kinds of pleasant.

Skipping some of my nap seems to have helped.

Because I am fairly ready for bed now... which is a good thing. I usually power right through this time of night as a reckless anti-sleeper without a cause or purpose for doing so. Now, my purpose is clear. Get sleeping as soon as possible. Dreams are a good thing to enjoy. Life is a better place when you are rested.

Exhaustion can motivate.

I know I don't like being so run down so I am actually somehow aware of this right now and am actually seeking to avoid it. This is kind of a new thing for me. I doubt it will happen all that frequently but I'm glad to be aware of it right now. Baby steps, I guess. Exhausted baby steps.

Sleep: the ever elusive.

I wonder if I am subconsciously rebellious toward sleep? It seems that I tend to sabotage my own efforts to regulate my sleeping patterns almost every single day. Like I kind of stumble around from one waking moment to the next in a daze, basically incapable of any positive course correction. I know, of course, that it isn't technically impossible but it seems pretty confusing to me why I would still be having such a challenge overcoming it despite all the challenges it begets by its very nature.

The necessity of sleep.

I am really starting to realize how important regular sleep is to the quality of my life. It's influence descends down from the sky all the way to the very roots of my being... in an almost literal way. In short, I am way past my bed time and I need to stop doing this... yet, like an addict, I seem to be unable to translate this realization into reality. Pshhh. Better luck, tomorrow!

Rockin' the socks.

I really enjoy performing. It's fun to unleash energy all over people's faces... that they hopefully enjoy. I don't even remember when it happened but there came a point where being nervous basically disappeared as well. And humor is always the funnest ingredient... but definitely the one I need to work on the most. Loves me some a' that!

Wheels still in motion.

Now that I've had almost a week of semi-relaxed work pace outside of my regular job at UPS I feel like my perspective is starting to adjust. I basically feel like I still don't have enough time to get most of the good things done but I also feel like it can be done, nonetheless. Sort of a weird conundrum, I know, but feelings and logical statements have not often been very comfortable bedfellows, in my opinion.

The long shooting days can be tough.

8am to 11pm... that's a long day. I did get a lunch break somewhere in the middle of that, and it's not like I was constantly engaged in the work, but I was at least partially involved with what was happening for pretty much that entire time. The physical elements of the job were fairly demanding but the mental elements were nearly as demanding and much more of an energy drain than I would have expected.

The work was quite rewarding, however, and I hope it was a fruitful effort for all those involved. I really look forward to seeing what comes of it all. Should be grand fun indeed!

Work is an ever-changing experience.

There can certainly seem to be all kinds of repetitious and familiar things happening at work from day to day... but I tend to think that is more of a myth than one might think. It's sort of like communication - it can never be exactly the same twice. Mostly, I would say, because the process of work should not only be productive toward achieving the goal of whatever the work is... but because that process will also change the person doing the work in some way. Ideally it becomes easier. Or maybe I just hope that it will become easier for me.

Depth of character.

I think it is sometimes hard to detect. One reason for this might be the greater goodness a person carries that only manifests in their reaction to adversity. Another reason, I would guess, could be the greater goodness that is tied to a person's deeper passions for something in the future. The things they want to do that are not immediately accessible to them. The goals and desires of his or her heart. It is as I learn these things about a person that I truly learn to appreciate them beyond what I thought I could.

The relaxing days.

And they seem to be somewhat few and far between. Some of that is simply perspective and some of it is how I handle my challenges in the first place. And, if I slow things down a little, I can enjoy many more of them than I already do, for sure. A new personal goal, perhaps? An old personal goal? Ha.

What are you doing still awake?

This is the question I really need to be better at asking myself... like, four hours ago. Either that or I really need to get a different job... like, four hours ago. Good thing I was actually doing a job like thing similar to what I actually want to do in the future... like, four hours ago. And, I've basically been smiling ever since... like, four hours ago... at least... probably more.

The exciting creative process!

I finally started reading the rad book I was given during my portfolio review. What a rad book! No holds barred, it just goes right for the advertising jugular! And even though it mostly focuses on the advertising perspective, it translates quite well into the other creative areas of life. I am quite grateful for the kind portfolio reviewer who gave it to me in the first place.

Trudging through the trials.

I feel like I have been making progress in some ways in life. I also feel like it is somewhat hollow progress given how light the victories feel lately. A victory is a victory but when other things take an unnecessary hit it kind of makes me wonder. No worries, though... I'm happy with any kind of progress anyway.

Back to the busy.

Only one day back in the saddle and I suddenly feel like there is no time for anything else in life except work. It's all good work, mind you, but certainly something that doesn't need to rule my life. I need to work harder to find a balance, that's for sure. Tomorrow should be a nice step in the right direction.

Confidence in the product of myself.

I have spent most of the day rebuilding my demo reel and now, having finally put the finishing touches on it and setting it to upload, I am actually fairly proud of my work. I have worked many long hours in the doing(nowhere near the amount of a truly competent professional, mind you) but feel my work is starting to approach that professional feel and look that should be able to land me something good in the field. I suppose I should expect lots of rejection before that which I seek finally joins up with my daily routine... but that is always a part of truly succeeding, I would say... which is also something to be just as proud of as the successes which follow.

Networking is fun!

I thoroughly enjoy all the interesting interactions I encounter when I meet lots of new people. Some of it comes through their stories and unique perspectives. A little bit of it comes in the semi-awkward parting phase. It's all good, clean fun... and I look forward to the next opportunity to do the same!

I keep forgetting to make new business cards.

Which is pretty annoying. I keep forgetting a lot of other things, too, but few are quite as annoying, generally speaking. I don't want to be represented as a "Director of Photgraphy" forever, you know. Typos are sometimes fun... sometimes not so much. Ha. Anyway, I suppose I am the only one to blame. Thanks, me, for such a splendid memory!

Enjoying a holiday in busy time.

It was a relaxing, yet busy, day for me today. Which, while it might seem like something more annoying than desirable, is pretty much how I wanted it to go. I got to get my stereo installed, I helped my dad with a tow, I watched a movie, I did a little storage exploration, I picked up a six pack of fine root beers... all kinds of good stuff! Tomorrow will certainly pale in comparison... but that's okay. It'll still be good, too.

Relaxing on a Friday.

I am quite glad to be able to take a day off once in a while. Today was an especially delightful day off. Not a lot going on... just relaxation. No work. Nothing stressful. Good times.

Best door prize ever!

I attended a mini-conference for video editing and production in Seattle today. It was a fun little get together from many local industry folks as well as the support folks they rely on. It was the sort of thing I should have better taken the opportunity to network for.

The bonus of the whole experience, however, was the sweet door-prize I won! It was the grand prize of the whole event! I am not sure what I will be doing with it(I might just want to sell it for money)

Calming down the schedule a bit.

I really like staying busy but doing it to the exclusion of prior commitments is not what I had in mind. I have recently realized that I will have to cut back some of my hours doing what is good, but not entirely necessary, work to start catching up on some of the other things I really need to finish. I kinda look forward to it, actually.

Unintended break.

I have taken several days off of my online journalling lately. It was not part of the plan, so to speak, but neither was my creeping physical exhaustion. I suppose it represented the manifestation of my poor sleeping habits. I really need to change something... but what... and how?

Still doing the fun things.

I really enjoy doing camera work... like, a lot! I am quite inspired just by doing it even a little bit when I get the sense that I might be doing it well. And, as strange as it might sound, I think the cameraman is one of those truly unnoticed heroes with an immense level of responsibility for actually creating the best shots. I am always inspired to see the great stuff in action.

The rare good day at work.

This isn't to say that work can't be called good simply by virtue of its nature. Really, any day at work is a good day. The 'good' I am referring to today, however, is that rare day which actually feels as good as it already is. Since the time that I recently took the position of supervisor I have had very few moments/shifts I would consider to be in this category. Mostly, I think it was just a lucky fluke that it even happened today... but I'll take it... and be grateful for it! The next one might be in the distant future but I certainly look forward to that day!

Slowly stepping back.

Back, meaning earlier, in order to get more sleep. I have long ranted on my apparent inability to create better sleeping habits. Lately, however, my degenerating clarity has started to really affect me. It has certainly affected my outward appearance but that is the least of its detrimental effects. And I don't get enough naps to really soften the blow very much. Thus... tonight, I retire earlier than usual. It might only be a few minutes earlier but it still feels like a victory to me.

The fundamentals of fundamentals.

1. Fundamentals are necessary to achieving lasting success.

This is the rule that so easily gets overlooked. People want a short-cut to success and this is the rule that crushes that desire with an iron hammer... designed specifically for crushing desires. Patience is also a trait that is not commonly found among most people and, in the case of fundamentals, is quite necessary in the development of said success.

2. Fundamentals and their importance are easily forgotten.

This effect is two-fold. Firstly, it is easy to forget why fundamentals have relevance to the success of just about anything. People often achieve slivers of success which feed their ideas that fundamentals are not necessary... until those slivers get stuck under their skin... when the person realizes their insufficiency in the grander scope of lasting success. Secondly, fundamentals are easily forgotten by those who have firmly established his or her mastery of said fundamentals. Perhaps forgotten is not the right sort of word to describe it since it is more that those fundamentals have become an afterthought to the greater, more complex, more impactful, less easily acquired skills.

3. Fundamentals are the building blocks of all greater concepts.

Whether an idea, a game, a system, an environment, a skill, a sport, a way of life, or any other element of life which requires any sort of understanding, fundamentals are the simplest, most foundational elements one needs to understand in order to truly comprehend any of the greater, higher level elements and idea they combine to form.

Anyway, this has all been a practice and a reminder for myself how important fundamentals are and a little about why they are important. I need to really work on my fundamentals in so many areas of life lately... perhaps this will spur a little motivation to do so!

Walking with the honors rope in tow.

I did it. Some might say I even did it well. And now I even have some sort of documented evidence of my efforts thereunto. And it feels pretty much awesome to have done such a thing, despite the numerous reasons it may have been a poor choice. I obviously think those reasons don't outweigh the ultimately greater positive reasons for doing it... but there is always opposition to every good thing... and justifiably, aptly so. The greater the challenge the greater the victory. And thus it is for me... and on to the next, in like manner!

Somewhat perpetual ranting.

I have never been to ranty about work like I have been lately. The work part of it would not be so bad if the managerial component was not so challenging. It is really kind of a bummer. I don't like being so negative pretty much ever. On the plus side, it helps me appreciate pretty much everything else I get to do in life... so there is that. Ha.

I really enjoy my work.

Calling it mine almost feels somewhat greedy. Like as if I 'own' it or something. But it's really too fun for ownership... it's more of an experience. And a good experience, at that! I love working with cameras and film. I love the challenges and the possibilities. I love the people and the opportunity to help them shine. All good things, all good things.

Productively grateful.

Today I finally got started on my thank you letters/emails and after having only written a few I am starting to realize that it will be quite the task just writing them all out. I know it will be time well spent, however, as it is something I feel is quite important and I definitely need to practice on top of that. It could be considered an important business skill but, more importantly, I would call it a critical life skill. Gratitude expressed is one of the cornerstones of a happy life.

Kind of setting out in life.

Now it is week two of the new chapter... and it is actually kind of feeling that way. Like as if it is something new and unusual. Sort of open-ended and mysterious. There is so much to be thankful for and so much possibility for new and exciting things. There's also room for new and boring, but important things too!

Rockin' the socks off.

There is something really satisfying about a large audience which really seems to be enjoying your performance. I am sure the statement I just made is almost entirely rhetorical but the fact that I stated it at all certainly emphasizes the point anyway. Tonight's performance really felt different because of that... though, there were more people in the audience than we usually see, as well. Anyway... it was all kinds of awesome fun. That is all.

Learning about a group orgy in the car.

But nothing too freaky deaky, really. Just a goofy ol' time with the fun friends for hours. It was a great way to burn off the week's stress and a really splendid way to start the weekend. I am quite the blessed fellow, I think. And I even got a cookie with it all!

Hey, why not make it 13?

Today was even more absorbed by work than yesterday. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. I am quite tired, of course, but I really dig the sleep deepness because of it. Plus, it makes me really appreciate the more normal-length Friday that I will get to enjoy tomorrow. Ya. It's Friday/awesomeday.

Actual 12-hour days.

I think it has been a while since I actually worked a 12-hour day. I've had school and work ad up to about as much but school is different. I am quite exhausted right now. I could have easily gone to sleep long ago. Not sure why I didn't, actually. I know I will be sleeping like a stone tonight!

Back into the real world.

I suppose I kind of thought I might have a little more time now that school is done. You know... time to get things together and work on more of my own projects. And, while it is true that I am only one real day into the post-school era of my life, I kind of get the idea that time will not be magically found in abundance any more now than it ever was before. I could just be a bit cynical... but I am tending to think not. The idea/feeling is a strong one.

Finally setting off on the new chapter of life.

The weekend was a good one but it was technically still connected to the finals days of school as the final bookends of my schedule there. Tomorrow begins my first days as a non-student. And, even though the reality of my post-education life has not set in yet, I am not sure it will really do that very quickly. I still feel quite connected to what is happening there. Maybe I don't really want it to change anyway. I really enjoyed school a lot.

I don't quite feel it yet.

Even though I do feel done. I still wait for the actual graduation ceremony I suppose... which is technically nothing in the grand scheme of things... but that's just what I feel like anyway. No problem. It is still the commencement of something groovy. You know... like, the rest of life!

Wrapping it all up in style!

The portfolio review was a smashing success! The feedback was exceptionally encouraging, the atmosphere was light and friendly, and the folks who participated were all entertaining as well as entertained. It gives me great hope for where things might go in the future, not only for myself but for my fellow students as well. Now I just need to finish my internship stuff as soon as possible!

The penultimate preparations.

I've always wanted to use that word in context. Well, I have used it before... but it doesn't get enough use, in my opinion. Anyway...
It was a reasonable day of reasonable things. It wasn't a repeat of yesterday's stellar performance but I don't have a bad review for it, either. Tomorrow will be loaded with things to do so I guess that's just how it's gonna be. Should be fun, I guess!

One truly productive day.

I mostly say that because I didn't really do any single activity which was not specifically applicable to the things I am working on for Thursday. I suppose I could have done more... but I am actually somewhat hard-pressed to figure out what it could have been. What a strange, delightful feeling. Ha. Too bad it's a somewhat rare one.

Less ranting, more doing.

I'm sure it'll be nice in a few days when I stop complaining about how procrastinaty I have been lately. Luckily, today has been a bit less so than usual. I got a lot done. Though, most of it was working on my car... not my schoolwork. Ha. It feels pretty awesome to have a clean car, though, as it really does have an impact on my feelings about life... even though I don't really believe that most of the time. But it does. And I'm glad for the reminder of that today.

Madness ensuing.

Which sort of makes me mad in the first place. I could have done SO much more before now. Ugh. But I expect to do reasonably well, nonetheless. Just not the best way I could have done. I suppose regret will be a silly thing to worry about as well. Oh, the fun! Ha.

Less than a week!

More than a pain.
Bitter and bleak.
Winter-like rain.
Cloud break is cracking.
Sun through the door.
My future not lacking,
A degree anymore.

Too much non-sleep.

Though, I am quite glad to have a job that I can actually take a sick day off once in a while... which will be what I sorely need to do tomorrow. My progress on my projects has been commendable over the last couple or so days so I feel like I kind of earned it anyway... in both positive and negative senses of the word. I really am sick, after all.

Crunchy time.

Which certainly sounds tastier than the far more bland 'crunch time'... though, I can't say it's particularly delicious anyway. It feels as good as high-quality local anesthetics when things are clicking, and feels as horrible as a screatching tire on your face when it isn't. I know my metaphors are clunky and ridiculous but I guess that's an accurate reflection of which side I am currently sitting on in the matter. Never enough time!

Progress is happening.

And it feels pretty awesome! I am getting very close to a solid first draft of the fine cut on my current big project. All it took was a little research and patience to find the right filter for the job. Now, even though my work is not automatically easy, I can see the end somewhere closer than the horizon line. What a strangely delightful feeling!

Less than two weeks left.

And the pressure is keeping me up at night. I am trying to get too many things done that should have been done long ago. I guess it is a personal form of torture that I knew was coming but neglected to avoid, for whatever reason, and simply accept as normal these days. I think of myself as a Pro-crastinator... which means that I professionally delay things... though, most of the time without any particular reason. What a silly form of torture.

Return from beyond.

It was somewhat of a traveling day. Not only in a physical sense, as well. I seemed to find an interesting premise to a story I'd like to develop that seems original and could actually go somewhere if done properly. I will have to start sketching out my ideas sometime soon so they don't get away from me too far.

NAB 2014 - Day 3

Today was a much nicer paced, more relaxed and pleasant day overall. I got to a few of the intended interviews, caught a little more useful b-roll, and didn't even need to buy any expensive food(outside of the expensive gatorade I needed to squelch my dry mouth challenges.) Based on the timing of things I don't expect to be going back tomorrow for the final day but I am fairly happy with all that I was able to do anyway. Now I just look forward to next year's event!

NAB 2014 - Day 2

Today was quite similar to yesterday in almost every way. The only thing specifically different was my liberal use of time lapse photography technique for b-roll... and no use of GoPro. Other than that I think I am fairly prepared for tomorrow's challenges and look forward to all that I discover in the process.

NAB 2014 - Day 1

Well, despite my best efforts to sabotage my experience here(speaking totally facetiously, of course), I made out with quite a good first day experience here. Everyone I met was enthusiastically positive, and I am not in any pain after all that walking. It might accumulate over the next several days but I suppose the truth of that happening yet remains to be seen. Now... sleep time!

Excitement for the coming NAB trip.

I plan to make something different out of my trip and I think it will be a great thing for me overall. The focus of working on my craft is always a good opportunity. I just need to buckle down a little as I go.

Analytical mediocrity.

I was assessed by some of the folks at my internship as being average in my analytical skills... which is a strange and fairly unusual assessment of me. I am not offended, though I am curious how I might be able to replicate such results in the future. It seems like it could be a very useful skill to have.

23-year anniversary of my patriarchal blessing.

I happened to glance at the date on my patriarchal blessing tonight and was surprised to see that it said April 2, 1991! Wow... I guess I'm quite a bit further in life now... yet how much further back I have often felt recently. Life is loaded with challenging choices designed to improve us... though, through the silly actions I often choose, it feels like improvement is simply not part of the plan for me. I know technically this is not the case... but the feeling still remains. Anyway, I was quite happy to read over my blessing tonight. It did actually fill me with some much appreciated, much needed, hope.

Considering the future.

In somewhat typical fashion I am often thinking of where I am headed in life with a bit of a curious optimism about all the possibilities I am seeking. Certain things don't seem to get much wiggle room in my mind. Things like my career as well as my interests in general don't seem to project any differently in my mind. Other things like eventually finding a wife are nearly invisible to my imaginations. I wonder if that's a good or bad thing? I'm not really sure. Either way I guess it's just part of the landscape of my thinking at the moment.

Peeling back the layers.

We don't ultimately want to be a band without a drummer... however... it is quite the delightful experience, once in a while. It seems to offer us, as a band, the important challenge of making music outside of our comfort zone. This is an excellent practice for any artist. So, in short, we sometimes get lucky that our drummer is not available. How strange that statement sounds. Ha.

Busy bumble bees.

Work just needs to get done sometimes. I am often one of the people who enjoy the crunch... but I am also often one of the people who unnecessarily create the crunch because of my procrastination. I guess I like it more than I thought. Fun times!

Rain and shine.

I don't get to see it very often but whenever it is very sunny whilst raining I am pretty much always quite impressed and delighted by the scene. Today was a loadball of such wonders and I look forward to the rest of life because of it. Score!

Networking with the biz.

A friend from school and I went to a social mixer for film and music people in the industry. It was a fairly intimidating thing at first but I think we made a couple good connections. It looks to be a good thing to go back to each month. I will likely report on it then, too.

Sleepocalypse!

I really tend to forget the basic stuff whenever I throw my sleep out the window! It's a terrible thing to do! I also recently heard that a study was done that stated that you lose more brain cells under sleep deprivation than you so under the influence of alcohol... sadness! I have always prided myself on doing well at avoiding the temptations of substance abuse... but now I need to avoid the temptations of mental abuse as well! Ugh... WAY more challenging!

The delightful variety.

Yet another positive experience was had at my internship today. This was mostly because it was a somewhat attention deficit experience - meaning I went from project to project the whole time I was there. But I also got to do a few lines of voice acting so that's pretty awesome, too! Doubt I'll get to do that again in the future but I would certainly be happy to do it again if asked.

Finding my way to the end.

Though, in reality, there is no such thing as the end... it is more of a transition... or a beginning of something else. Nothing too fancy, really. Just different. And I feel like I am running along that path lately, so it's a fairly splendid feeling.

Final mid-term.

Dang, the days fly by! I am already half way through my final term and it feels like it just started! Which means I'm almost done, as well! Which means I am WAY behind on getting my portfolio projects together! Which means I exclaim and capitalize(yell) things FAR too much right now!

Work becomes less with patience and time.

And that may sound like a somewhat redundant statement... until one recognizes patience as a non-temporal skill/quality... which is a tremendous life asset for sure. I really had to flex mine a lot last weekend and, even though I am never truly out of the dust in this setting, I am finally starting to feel a big of the peace afforded one's conscience by a job well done. I have yet to really find that 'well done' status in tow... but I feels quite a bit closer now... which is really a nice feeling.

Basically half-way there.

I know week five is technically not the exact middle of a ten-week term but it's close enough. And I am starting to feel the crunch with a decent amount of intensity. It's a good, motivational thing, I suppose. I just need to avoid getting buried by my wimpy inadequacies. Boom!

The frustrations of disrespect.

I was quite wound up at work today and was nearly putting plans in my mind for quitting the job sometime soon. I am not a quitter, generally speaking, but absolutely recognize how unlikely things are to change in a positive way and it is definitely unnecessary work stress that nobody should have to deal with on a daily basis. I made it through those challenges today(somehow), though, and I suppose I'll continue to fight what seems inevitably soul-crushing anyway.

Semi-useful.

I thought the couple extra hours of sleep would have been much more noticeably beneficial... oh well... I can't complain. I know it was still the right thing to do. Ha. Off to bed late, once again!(sadly)

Getting to bed early!

I didn't take my nap today and it paid off in slumberness tonight. I am quite looking forward to my bed time and even more so I am looking forward to a semi-rested day tomorrow. I hardly remember what that feels like on a regular work day. It has been QUITE a while since I last did something like this.

The fun experience.

I am really enjoying my internship opportunities a lot. I get nearly infinite ability to choose whatever path I want to explore there. Certainly, I am obligated to follow up in any of the areas I already commit but I get to choose wherever I go next. I really like doing the editing stuff I am doing since it is allowing me to see lots of good raw footage... which I expect will improve my cinematography skills since I get to see what sorts of shots get tried on a shoot even though I don't get to be on the shoot in the first place. Radness!

The better life.

I think about all the reasons I experience difficulty in life. Much of it is simply a product of circumstance. A normal and expected sort of test that comes based on the fact that life is supposed to be that way. Some of it comes because of our own choices, though, and I think that, even though I have made this realization many times in life before now, it seems even more clear to me that I am attracted to a relationship because of the typically better choices that I make when I am in one. Simply put, I am happier when I have someone else other than myself to care for. I hope that's not a bad reason to want to find a relationship.

Prepping for another fine week.

Though, I think this one will be somewhat smoother than the last one was. I suppose the work stuff could get more challenging but that is not what usually happens during the normal progression of practice. Plus, we get to play a couple shows with my band this coming weekend. That's always fun. Should be a good week!

A lazy Saturday.

These are nice to claim once in a while. If it is a weekday I don't quite feel like it's a very good idea but the weekend is something else. Games and naps make a nice combo. Now I am kinda wiped out just from the length of the day. Also not a bad thing, I suppose.

A little bit of a grip.

And it helps me to feel somewhat useful now that I kind of understand what is going on at work now. I am far from knowing all that I should like to know but I feel like I might be past the half-way point at least. Productivity is finally starting to feel like it is setting in. This is a very good thing indeed!

Productivity power!

There is certainly more than one thing to be said about being consistently productive throughout the course of a day. It keeps me positively distracted, keeps me positively directed, and keeps me positively motivated. Plus, today there was a high variety of different things which fell into this awesome category. So, even though I had a couple or so down-notes, I am still thoroughly plussed about the day as a whole. Boom.

Research is challenging.

It requires a great deal of complex thought as well as the temperament to realize when any particular line of research might need to change. Dead ends can not be too daunting as they are a more than regular occurrence. Overall, you just need to be fine with doing what feels like a poor job almost continuously. No biggie. And yet I still enjoyed several hours of doing it today. Ha.

Wrapping up the season.

Despite our losing record it has been a fine year of basketball this year in the men's league at church. Lots of great moments in every game and I feel like I still contributed a decent amount to some of our successes overall. Plus, I feel like I am in better shape than I have been in recent years. I am not entirely sure what to attribute that to but I am glad for it anyway.

I have lots of cooler thoughts, on average.

But it always seems to be the most boring part of my day when I sit down to write this stuff out. I often think I need to record voice memos of the shinier thoughts in order to recount and expand on them later but I just don't seem motivated enough about changing my ways at the moment. Maybe next time... so sayeth the procrastinator within.

Getting back to it... again.

My consistency has been really spotty lately but I think I'm finally getting back to a normal pace again. It has not actually been particularly busy, actually, more as it has basically been sleep-deprived. My brain and body have been in more of a pre-sleep stupor than anything functionally writer-like. Anyway, it is another reboot which I am sure to repeat again not before too long. Sleep is a precious, somewhat elusive, commodity these days.

Sleeplessness.

Which is a terrible excuse for my lack of entry consistency lately. Terrible because it just shouldn't be happening, not because it doesn't have an effect. Now, I need to sleep as soon as possible. Boom!

Getting on board... slowly.

Which isn't the worst place to be, really. I have so much editing to do that it is a little daunting but I am actually looking forward to seeing the product when we are finished so making the first steps feels pretty good. It will be a challenge that I know will stretch me.

Finding or manufacturing.

Both things are a challenge when it comes to obtaining work. Today my internship sort of felt like more of the latter but I enjoy the challenge of trying to do things independently. It has inspired a few ideas in my mind, even, about what I might be able to do in a more semi-extracurricular sort of way in the future. The life of an intern is a challenging one, rightly so. Learning to exploit it to maximum effect should be fun!

The busier weekend.

I have had a few schedule blips over the last week or so and it would mostly be due to the challenging schedule I have undertaken. It can be a bad thing, as I have often lost touch with some of the more important things in life, but it can be a good thing, too, as the content of my activity strengthens my connection to life. The challenging schedule I have undertaken lately seems to be more of the latter, so I have to be glad for that, I suppose.

Doing the down and dirty.

Today I got to help the development department work on ideas for potential shows and I found that, even though the work could be very tedious and outwardly lackluster, I quite enjoyed the challenge of being ultra creative on demand. It is a VERY challenging position for the development team to try to think of the next marketable idea and their general enthusiasm is admirable. I could see myself in that sort of position as a regular job.

Internship euphoria.

It might seem like a strange thing to say but that is pretty much how I'm feeling about it right now. The people, environment, work, and potential work all seem unexpectedly awesome! Far beyond what I could have hoped for. Certainly, my ideas about the experience will likely scale back to something more realistic over the coming weeks... but I don't mind reveling in the ignorant bliss of it all for now. It's one of those life surprises that are few and far between.

Keeping myself busy.

It has never been much of a challenge. I rarely suffer from boredom due to the opportunities I am so easily able to find and enjoy. I think I just like the experience of doing things pretty much no matter what it is. It is something I have often attributed to my level of skill with many of my hobbies... that basically I just really enjoy doing them so I naturally improve at them relatively faster than typical. Anyway, I am thankful for it. I am thankful that I have so many outlets of interest to keep me moving.

Rolling into the final chapter of my undergraduate school experience.

And I phrase it that way not to state that I am making definite plans for education beyond what I will soon be completing but, rather, as a door of possibility that I might take that journey should the right factors come into play. Anyway, this post is mostly just a declaration that my final 10 weeks begins today. I will graduate shortly thereafter. Life, already highly blessed, will continue to improve as the challenges and opportunities increase. I am thoroughly excited for it all!

The new details of my work.

I am thinking that I will enjoy the work more than I expected, based on what I learned about it today. It seems that it will appeal to my multi-tasking sensibilities much more than expected, which is always something that makes work not only more enjoyable but more interesting and diverse all at the same time. It was one of the aspects of tugging that I enjoyed the most so this is all kinds of good in my book.

Another solo "V" day.

It isn't so bad most of the time. I am generally not interested enough in any girl in particular to feel the immensity of my situation. The times when I do have interest are few and far between and rarely come around at this time of year I suppose. This year is different, though, but not in a particularly hopeful way. Just the kind of annoying-that-I-never-seem-to-put-it-together way, I would say. Ha.

The waiting game.

It feels like I should be able to do something about it... but there are times when I just plain can't. Exercising my patience is probably never a bad thing, though, even though it is almost always a challenging thing. Good things come to those who wait, right? Well, that's what I'm banking on, I guess.

Further anticipating the coming months.

I have only had to personal interactions with the folks at my new internship but I have to say they have both been far better than one might expect which has increased my excitement about the opportunities I am likely to enjoy there. I know that my work ethic, much of my prior experience, and my generally exceptional ability to work well with others should for a highly, and mutually, beneficial experience.

All kinds of planning.

It is somewhat amazing how much I get lost in planning when I know my number of options has greatly increased. I am a highly anticipatory fellow, I suppose. It might be to a fault, sometimes, as I am pretty sure I often forget about the importance of the "now." And while there certainly is something good to be said for forward thinking... there is something even better to be said for keeping ALL things in moderation.

The first day off.

Now that my regular classes are officially complete I find myself back in the "blank life" mode that is so easy to fall into. It is the sort of thing that sits like a shell, waiting to be inhabited by intentions and motivation, which can easily become a lazy sort of "nothing life" mode if I am not careful. Today sort of ran both directions from time to time but that is kind of how it always begins with me, I think. Tomorrow will be something different. And every step afterward will hopefully find its purpose more than nothing.

The all-day shoot.

I quite enjoyed the experience of a shoot which was mostly under my direction today. The flow could have been better but it was not bad to any serious degree. It, like every instance of a similar nature, was an excellent learning experience. High quality learnin'!

The motivational reminders.

I got to watch yet another portfolio presentation group today and, wow, is that a very inspiring sort of event to go to! It makes me think of all the things I want to be doing with my own portfolio stuff next term. I am still a little undecided about exactly the things I want to highlight but I still want to get started on it right away. Ten weeks just isn't long enough!

Party success.

Any party where many of my closest friends bring themselves into it is already a great success. Anything they do beyond that seemingly meager first step is all icing on the cake, in my book. Tonight I was blessed by both, and more, as some of the greater moments in life were enjoyed! Even though it was quite low-key in general, it was quite awesome-key in general, too!

A general success.

I know I should have been smarter with my time management over the last few or so weeks but after the positive reviews of our work came in today I am not too disappointed in myself after all. Some of it was even quite encouraging to see in final form. There is still quite a bit of polish to really put the professional touches on both projects but I am happy to roll those out at my own pace in the weeks to come. Funawesome!

Day 1: Training is one of the most boring things ever.

It almost feels like a right of passage, though, and I know the excitement of finishing it will be quite a joy.

My perspective of the place has already been significantly altered. Not something I expected to this degree. It is not a bad thing, either. Just more of an interesting thing, I'd say. I wonder if tomorrow will have a similar transformation.

Last bearded day for a while.

It was a good run, old friend. You've found yourself among the aged in appearance, growing up the whites and grays with a fair amount of youthful zeal. The face was a warmer place due in part to your effortless ease of existence. I will keep a place for you at the table of my jawline... for I know you will someday return... even if it might be an indeterminate span of time.

Down to the last few days.

I suppose I will have a fairly intense final couple weeks of my actual last term but this will be my last week of "finals", so to speak. I have a ton of work left to do but I think I am up for the task if I focus myself a bit... and get some decent rest! So, despite the current workload I am going to bed now. I really need it!

The end of a short era.

I am no longer a "tugger", officially speaking. Today was my last day. One of my favorite all-time jobs has now become a thing of my personal history. It is a bittersweet kind of life change, I have to say. Certainly, I am looking forward to the new challenges of my new position... but I highly doubt I will find any job as fun as tugging anytime soon! Good times behind the wheel, I must say!

Birthdays come and go.

But few are as good as today's was. It had all kinds of interesting elements, from suspense, joy, excitement, to laughter. I am so blessed, lucky, and grateful for all that I have been given! It is FAR beyond anything I could ever repay!

Still lots to do!

Today was a very productive day and I still feel a little overwhelmed by the amount of things I still need to be working on. Mostly school stuff, mind you, but the pre-production on the music video is certainly important as well. Now, sleep is the most important thing. Ha.

Looking for the network.

I had another productive, encouraging day for pretty much the entire day again but that was almost not quite the case a few hours ago. I was heading to a networking event where I was hoping to meet people from the Seattle area film community which I somehow thought started at 7pm. When I got there, a little after that time, I learned that the event actually went from 5-7pm and that I basically missed the whole thing. The positive twist of what happened, however, was that I connected well with the organizers of the event who were very positive and helpful and seemed quite interested in helping me make those connections in future events. Lucky me! So, ya, it was a solid day after all.

Gettin' it done!

I put a LOT of hours into my portfolio website today and after reviewing the results so far I think it has turned out pretty good. I have a great deal of work left to do, and the endless chore of updating and revising in years to come, but I really feel like I have made good strides in keeping better tabs on the whole thing. It is a great feeling, I have to say.

Wiped out all by myself.

Which just means that I didn't really need to pull an all-nighter last night... which I didn't technically do, but two hours of sleep later still felt like I did. And somehow I got myself around fairly okay, between school, home, and FHE. I was even quite productive in my job hunting development and whatnot. It was a good day, all in all. And there's even a plus side to the non-sleep... which is, that I am super tired right now. My awesome bed will be comfortably beneath me shortly.

Already finding too much to do.

I don't normally do homework on Sundays but I am quite certain I don't want to get ridiculously far behind... you know, versus the stupid far behind that I already am... and I'm not even really procrastinating like normal either. Ha. Here comes the busiest two weeks in recent memory!(possibly distant memory, too)

The busy days of the weekend.

This one pretty much kept on giving all day long. I even skipped work to try to recover a bit but I still had to fight the sleepy-time station several times throughout the day. I think tomorrow will remain somewhat busy but at least it is all relaxing stuff anyway. The bed rarely seems so appealing as it does right now.

What was likely my last student video shoot.

It happened today, and considering how well it all went I consider myself very lucky! Fun, technical, and high-quality for sure. I wish I could do the experience justice by writing much further in depth right now... ugh... tired.

All kinds of scheduling crazy.

I think I drove somewhere between 180-200 miles today... whoah! And it's mostly because I didn't really think of a more efficient way to connect the necessary locations very well. I enjoy keeping myself busy but I am certainly going to pay the price sometime soon, I expect. My sleep has been atrocious!

Getting closer to one of the big shoots.

We are down to the last couple days and there is quite a bit riding on the big shoot that day for sure. It is basically the last big thing I will be involved with during my schooling career(assuming I don't pursue any further education) and it would really be nice for it to be a high-quality piece. It should be a fun experience in any case!

I really need my naps.

I mostly say this now because I had a semi-profound thought sometime in the middle of the day today that I wanted to write about and now I can't remember it. I even screamed it in a weird voice in an attempt to create a more easily recalled memory but it apparently didn't work. And now, when I try to think back on anything interesting I might have thought about during the day, I just come up blank... and a little annoyed at myself because it is probably mostly difficult to recall right now because of my self-imposed sleep deprivation. Whoops! Ha.

An actual holiday off.

Not as if it hasn't been happening much lately(since it certainly has been) but I am still in the mode of appreciating it quite a bit. Today was no exception since I got to go hang with a bunch of cool people in the process. I might have been smarter to do some homework but I think the break could have been more productive for my future plans since my mental strength was highly renewed because of it... though, the clunkiness of that last sentence my make it seem otherwise. Ha.

A big week ahead.

This should be a fairly eventful week, between work, school, and play, with lots of memorable happenings all the way through to Sunday. I am glad it starts with a holiday break tomorrow, too, since the rest might become a challenge to manage as it is. It is an exciting thing to anticipate in any case.

Small steps closer to something.

Whether it was work, school, play, or girl related, I felt like at least a little progress was made in each area today. I have a good deal of things to do in order to really feel like progress actually is being made on any one of those particular topics, though, so I shouldn't float my own boat too soon. Ha.

Rockin' the internship road.

I have a lot of work ahead of me in order to secure a suitable internship for my program during the upcoming term... however, I am feeling much closer now than I did even yesterday. I had some good collaborative sessions with my advisor folks at the school. Things seem very promising.

Beyond all that, I didn't get nearly enough sleep but I still had a fun day with fun people when the fun times rolled around. The radness of my friends makes me feel quite pleased about life. Ha.

Instructive disappointment.

I had a rough go at my basketball game tonight. There wasn't anything dramatic that happened, no event in particular which triggered things in a way that I can pinpoint it, but I certainly didn't feel like myself. I normally push my challenges aside in favor of the optimistic mentality... I'm not sure what I skipped out on today. No worries, though, as I am thankful to recognize that piece of my humanity without letting it break me down. Even our strongest traits are still flawed and that's okay.

Hurdle #1 now behind me.

I found out today that I passed the management assessment test and now I am simply waiting on my background check results to begin training as a supervisor at work. This is exciting news! I am certain it will be a difficult road to travel but I am also certain it will be a great positive step in my life. The financial stability alone is extremely valuable to me! The experience will only help to improve my future plans as a creative producer, whether that be directing specifically, or anything else that I find in the creative field. Fun times! Big brown for the win!(not poo, I mean)

Almost there.

Literal system crash has prevented me from finding out my test results thus far but that looks to be remedied by today. It was a good day outside of that, though, so I can be happy enough for that... even if this journal entry is abysmally short because of it. Ha.

Back on the upswing.

Today was a somewhat unexpected, though totally appreciated, positive emotional boost. Things just went well, and were fun, and showed me a little life love in the mix. Tomorrow I find out about my possible promotion, and I think I did alright on my test last Friday, so it should prove to be another big plus in the coming week. I may even get my internship stuff moving if I am diligent... which I plan to be diligent. So, ya, good stuff!

Going for the 4-5 hour experience.

So, I suppose I should have thought of it earlier, but now I am glad to realize that I can visit the singles branch for their last two hours anyway. It is a nice thing that makes me a little more excited about church again. I am not sure how often, or how long, I will do it but it certainly seems good for easing my transition away from them. Life is better with them, in my opinion. Ha.

Shooting commercials can be fun.

Today's shoot certainly was, anyway. It probably helps that both of the folks that I was working with are fun people, and the talent was fun too. I know this will not always be the case, though, so I am ready for the less fun commercial shoots to happen in the future. This shoot was almost entirely at our discretion as well, and I am sure that played a huge part in the fun factor of it. Flexibility is definitely a desirable feature of any creative endeavor!

Assessment is an interesting term.

I know the test I took at work this morning was for my employer's assessment of me, as a potential supervisor, but as it made me examine myself in the process I found it to be unexpectedly interesting. I had to think about the actual ways I would treat various challenging situations, some of which were not really something that I think even could happen to me in real life, but the hypothetical imaginings were a fun challenge anyway. I guess the process of simply putting yourself in hypothetical situations is a reasonably useful practice to engage in from time to time.

Basketballness!

I have probably said it many times before(I am sure I have said it before, in all reality) but I really love basketball season. I love playing organized games even with referee challenges, technical fouls, ejected players, and every other seemingly bad thing that comes along with it all. I guess I like running, passing, and shooting a lot since that's pretty much what the game is mostly made of. These are the finer things in life to me!