The theories of art.

They are as varied and sometimes opposing as one can imagine... as many can imagine? Art is, simply put, communication. It generally holds greater value than regular communication, though, and tends to pick up its own meaning and value in each person's life. It is somewhat consistent in its recognizability but almost always defies accurate descriptions that might make it a specific thing of any kind. And, to me, it's just the kind of mess that I enjoy. If my alignment were able to be summed up by an Advanced Dungeons & Dragons term it might be chaotic good.

Doing something out of the ordinary.

I have done sound work before but it is fairly infrequent. I enjoy the challenge of really getting the best quality audio that I can, though. I have learned a lot from the sound guys that work on Hoarders and feel reasonably competent these days. It should be a fun experience no matter what happens!

Retail sales is annoying.

Which is certainly a very old concept so I make no claims to its unique relevancy. I thought I'd make the statement in a basic declaration of defiance, though, as I am making the decision to save a bunch of money at the personal loss of a little time. I get that retail establishments based on in-person interaction are living in the realm of FUD(fear, uncertainty, doubt) themselves now that Amazon has reared its world-dominating head but I really despise the tactics they tend to employ in their attempts to separate me from my financial stability. Anyway... I am glad I held strong and didn't give in today. My self-discipline carried the day and now I will sleep much more soundly.

The tale of the title.

It all started with the simple suggestion from a friend that I consider buying a car from a friend of his. I looked at it, thought it seemed cool, worked out a price with the owner, then purchased said car. It needed repair in order to be operable so it was in the shop when I purchased it. The morning of it's retrieval I went straight to the DOL to switch the title over but, instead of the typically easy trip that lasts a mere few minutes, a new life journey full of disappointment and annoyance would ensue. The DOL was apparently closed for the day due to some sort of training the entire branch was attending. I decided to head to the next closest one that I knew of which was about 20 minutes drive. It was, however, not the right "type" of DOL since they no longer dealt with non-human licensing. I then drove another 20 minutes to the next closest one I could find on my GPS. While there I was told I needed an additional signature from the same person since there was another line not filled in... he literally needed to sign it twice. The DOL closed at 1pm that day so even though I was able to drive up to Auburn to get that signature I would not be able to go back to the DOL until at least Monday. I wasn't able to get to the DOL on Monday but I was able to head there during my lunch break on Tuesday. Sadly/annoyingly, they told me I needed a whole new piece of paperwork filled out by the owner so I headed back there yet another time after I was done with work. Feeling confident this was all behind me I headed into the close DOL location first thing this morning and was yet again denied! The owner now needed to fill out another piece of paperwork describing why he accidentally put the wrong date and corrected it with his initials. I was so infuriated(this is an accurate, non-hyperbolic statement) that I decided to try a different DOL(20 minute drive away) to see if they would do it anyway... which they did not. So I headed back to Auburn AGAIN to get the paperwork filled out and headed to the DOL in Auburn immediately afterward. This time I did succeed but even my visit there wasn't without it's own challenges. The teller initially thought my paperwork(nearly rejecting it) was printed off by a computer due to the neatness of my handwriting. Then after going through all the paperwork, entering it all in the computer, utilizing my driver's license as the reference for my personal information, after I paid the fee with my debit card the teller then asked me to confirm the data on the actual printed title... to which I noted an error in the numbers of my address. I was given an option to restart the whole process over or simply fill out another piece of paper stating that I accepted the change in the computer right there. I obviously took the second option FINALLY ending the travails of this whole ordeal. Now... I will basically wrap this up mentally and emotionally having taken the time to write it all out in a word-vomiting exercise intended as both a general catharsis and a meager source of entertainment to any patient enough to read all the way through it. Not enough humor, really, but certainly a bit humorous by magnitude. Magnitudinous annoyance.

So much to do on the day off.

I have a plethora of errands to run and tasks I should complete if possible. But I do get to enjoy an evening meal with somebody I haven't met in person before so that should be interesting/fun. I'm pretty sure it is my first date this year. Anyway, tomorrow should be packed with goodness. I look forward to sleeping in!

The early call time.

It would be nice to think it means an early wrap but it often turns into a really long day instead. But... thus is the way of things in my chosen industry. It is a whacky, obsessive, over-indulgent mess of artistry and intensity... which is probably why I enjoy it so much. Gotta make some rad stuff!

Something things run away from me.

Whether it's time, or people, or projects... and I have to think that it's a pretty normal thing. Sure, it can be frustrating at times. I tend to throw myself into the immensitude of my scheduling tomfoolery, however, and I really don't have anybody to blame. So I won't blame anybody. Not even me. It's just life. Things come to me from time to time as well.

Wrap on principle photography with all the kid parts.

Now we're down to a few remaining scenes with some of the adult actors. Nearly to the end of a long production journey. After it's done I am quite excited to see how it all comes together.

I bought another car.

I think I got a good price and I expect to enjoy the car once it is operating normally again. My old car is still running fine but it lacks many useful and very normal features found in my new car. Air conditioning(not a super common need in Washington), a cigarette lighter(a somewhat common need when I have my power inverter and camera batteries to charge), all-wheel drive(for my uncommon trips to unfavorable driving conditions such as the snowy mountains or the like),  a passenger window that rolls down because it isn't made of plastic(probably not necessary for anything except actual car security), and a high-powered turbo engine that gets me to cruising speed lickety split(more of a fun feature than anything particularly useful.) I still need to pay for certain repairs but I expect to be driving it within the week if all goes as planned. I am excited to have something like this despite the potential speeding tickets its nature could incur. I guess my own discipline will be its truest test of whether or not it was a good purchase. I expect there to not be any problems but who knows? I've never actually owned a fast car before.

Thus the new week beckons.

And I go to it willingly with anticipation of good things in store. I only really have the first half of the week planned out, and it's not particularly inordinate, but I just feel a good vibe on the horizon. I guess time will be the revealer of this current mystery... or whatever. Ha.

Dear Mom.

I know you are not able to put physical eyes on this text anytime soon but I feel to express some thoughts for you... nonetheless. This is likely cathartic in nature but it is also intended to honor your memory in my own way. I write to communicate the inside of me and the impulse to do so as well as gift of this expression definitely finds its roots in your parentage toward me.

You have been gone a little over half a year. In this span of time much has happened in life for me, and all of the family, as we have adjusted(with varying degrees of success) to your passing. The void left where you once were is an impossible thing to fill so we reach for whatever piece of structure, whatever familiar scrap of normalcy, whatever empathetic offering in any form that helps us to recognize our innate human power to press on. Life requires it... no matter the cost.

In many ways things have improved for me. Simply an incidental step of progress unrelated to your passing, of course, but I would have been much happier to share my successes with you here as they happened. Financially I am doing better than ever. Not where I want to be, and definitely not in a place that is ready to support a potential family, but I feel like I am gaining momentum to achieve that type of security in a relatively soonish time frame.

My focus on work has definitely challenged my general social efforts but I do feel improved in my social life despite my work. I have a great circle of positive influences in my life and consider myself lucky to be where I am.

I feel as far away as ever from any meaningful relationships that could lead to the family life I do hope to one day find. I don't feel significantly lonely, however, as I have often felt over the years as I have made failing attempts to change the situation. I am confident I am a quality prospect for the right woman and only feel that patient and thoughtful consideration will be the correct method of seeking so I am no longer frustrated by my lack of result, as I once was. I am not interested in settling for that which does not fulfill or inspire.

Mom... I miss you greatly. The sting of your loss still lingers somewhat close by and from time to time it is certainly clearer than I would expect. Who knows how to fully prepare for this sort of life event? I will continue to make every attempt to become the best version of myself in my attempt to honor your legacy, however, despite every challenge incurred by your passing.

I love you. I know you are well and I one day look forward to being with you again. Until then, thanks again for being the greatest Mom I could have ever hope to have!

Love,

Your grateful son, Aaron

Work and play mixed into one quick trip.

I just got back from a trip to Washington D.C. to do a job there. I was afforded the opportunity to spend a little personal time exploring the place as well which was quite cool since I had never been to that city before. The whole place had a very unique feeling to it that I quite enjoyed. I don't generally get any personal time when I am traveling for work so I feel quite lucky for this particular opportunity. I hope I get to visit there again sometime. It is an almost magical kind of place, as weird as that may sound. Ha.

I think I really must dislike editing.

I could have gotten an edit project taken care of today but I neglected it despite the value of getting over with it. Now I'll take care of it during the middle of next week. Meh. The rest of my day was nice anyway. Got some things done. Relaxed. All kinds of Saturdayness happening.

Five rad business days in a row.

I can't expect this sort of streak to happen with any regularity but I am quite enthusiastic about getting it this time. A couple different crews between them and they were all fun, quality folks. Positive, talented, quirky, good-humored and delightfully patient... some of the time. Ha. Anyway... I look forward to my first real day off in a long time. It is definitely overdue!

It is always nice to work efficiently.

And especially nice to work so efficiently that you basically complete three days worth of work in two days. Yes, we will have some things to do tomorrow to polish up the tougher shots but I imagine we will be getting a half-day of work in max and might even be able to avoid the rush hour on our way back. Boom!

A long day of work followed by a long day of work...

Ad infinitum. And I love it! I am quite a lucky fellow. A tired, lucky fellow. A tired, lucky, bed-owning fellow... with a pillow. Good night!

Busy as a bumbling bee.

But mostly in competent action. Bumbling is just a bi-product of my oddball humor, I'd say. Now I must sleep since the next day's worth of bumbling is only hours away!