It is time for my semi-annual update!
Ok, so I AM alive in fact ^_^
Lots has been going on. Here's the overview:
1) Moved down to Emporia, KS (i.e. Bumblefuck) and started school about two weeks ago. All things being equal, there are some positive things to be said for living in small town America. Being able to ride my bike to just about anywhere in town, including work (less than 2 blocks) and school (less than 8 blocks) is chief among them. Add to that the quaint "downtown" area with locally owned shops and eateries, fresh farmer's market twice a week, and people who actually say hello to each other when they pass in the street, and it suddenly it's not so bad. Options for late night entertainment are limited, the local movie theater closes at 10 as do nearly all of the eateries and the one coffee shop. On the other hand it is reasonably safe to walk the streets at that hour, so at least I can go wander about if I choose to do so.
I love my apartment that I've got and am very pleased with how it turned out as my first solo expression of my interior decorating tastes. A college apartment with curtains and color coordinated throw pillows, who would have thought?! ^_^ Besides the color coordination that makes me happy, I also have furry art prominently displayed in the living room and kitchen and hope to add more to the collection come Oklacon.
School is going well. I'm only taking 12 credits right now, but they are interesting and a good way for me to get used to doing university level work again, so it's all ok. I am looking forward to becoming active in several school organizations including the campus PRIDE group, fencing club, and perhaps even the young Republicans or Democrats, depending on who provides the more intelligent conversation ^_^
2) New Computer! I have finally upgraded to a new notebook, an Acer Aspire 5570 with Intel Duo Core technology running Windows Vista. I am happy about the new lappy, not such much about Vista. Thus far, it's working ok. I am thrilled to have the horsepower to run Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Premiere now, and am looking forward to making progress on my video and digital comic book projects...now I just need a camcorder!
Also, related to the new computer is my new office suite. I've replaced Microsoft Office with OpenOffice 2.0. This is a free office suite developed by Sun Microsystems that is totally compatible with Microsoft file formats. Thus far, I find OpenOffice's word processor and spreadsheet programs to be at least the equal of Word and Excel. I can't wait to try their PowerPoint equivalent.
3) Theater! I am no longer a theatre major but I am again doing shows! I've been cast in the school's productions of the Trojan Women and Lysastrada. While I am giving up attending Midwest Fur Fest (Sorry Quentin!) to do these shows, one so rarely has the opportunity to do Greek theatre that I really can't pass up this chance. Besides that, I sort of need to save some money after recent unexpected expenses (Hooray for new tires!).
4) Oklacon! While I cannot attend MFF, Oklacon happens to coincide with my fall break perfectly and is sooo inexpensive, I can't say no! I'll be going with my friends Halex and YamaInu at least, perhaps a few more. $29 for registration, housing, and at least 2 meals at the con? HELL YES!
5) Personal Improvement:
Physical - I've started a workout regiment of doing strength and flexibility training three days a week and swimming two days a week. I don't feel that I've got my fat to loose, but I'd like to keep myself trim and generally improve my conditioning.
Personal / Emotional - I've started an affirmation system that my father and I are working on together about maximizing one's potential. I know it sounds corny, but I have seen REAL progress in my father since he started this project (like going off his anti-depressants for the first time in years) so I figure it's worth a shot.
Creative - As mentioned above, I have some creative projects I'm working on. I no longer have the excuse that I lack the equipment to make my projects happen, so now it's all on me. Hopefully the affirmation process will help move this goal along as well.
And that about sums things up! I also have a new job that's largely a non-event, and I've been spending WAY too much time hanging out with friends instead of doing homework, but I'm leveling that out now.
In summary, my life is moving forward again :). Happy kitty.
Lots has been going on. Here's the overview:
1) Moved down to Emporia, KS (i.e. Bumblefuck) and started school about two weeks ago. All things being equal, there are some positive things to be said for living in small town America. Being able to ride my bike to just about anywhere in town, including work (less than 2 blocks) and school (less than 8 blocks) is chief among them. Add to that the quaint "downtown" area with locally owned shops and eateries, fresh farmer's market twice a week, and people who actually say hello to each other when they pass in the street, and it suddenly it's not so bad. Options for late night entertainment are limited, the local movie theater closes at 10 as do nearly all of the eateries and the one coffee shop. On the other hand it is reasonably safe to walk the streets at that hour, so at least I can go wander about if I choose to do so.
I love my apartment that I've got and am very pleased with how it turned out as my first solo expression of my interior decorating tastes. A college apartment with curtains and color coordinated throw pillows, who would have thought?! ^_^ Besides the color coordination that makes me happy, I also have furry art prominently displayed in the living room and kitchen and hope to add more to the collection come Oklacon.
School is going well. I'm only taking 12 credits right now, but they are interesting and a good way for me to get used to doing university level work again, so it's all ok. I am looking forward to becoming active in several school organizations including the campus PRIDE group, fencing club, and perhaps even the young Republicans or Democrats, depending on who provides the more intelligent conversation ^_^
2) New Computer! I have finally upgraded to a new notebook, an Acer Aspire 5570 with Intel Duo Core technology running Windows Vista. I am happy about the new lappy, not such much about Vista. Thus far, it's working ok. I am thrilled to have the horsepower to run Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Premiere now, and am looking forward to making progress on my video and digital comic book projects...now I just need a camcorder!
Also, related to the new computer is my new office suite. I've replaced Microsoft Office with OpenOffice 2.0. This is a free office suite developed by Sun Microsystems that is totally compatible with Microsoft file formats. Thus far, I find OpenOffice's word processor and spreadsheet programs to be at least the equal of Word and Excel. I can't wait to try their PowerPoint equivalent.
3) Theater! I am no longer a theatre major but I am again doing shows! I've been cast in the school's productions of the Trojan Women and Lysastrada. While I am giving up attending Midwest Fur Fest (Sorry Quentin!) to do these shows, one so rarely has the opportunity to do Greek theatre that I really can't pass up this chance. Besides that, I sort of need to save some money after recent unexpected expenses (Hooray for new tires!).
4) Oklacon! While I cannot attend MFF, Oklacon happens to coincide with my fall break perfectly and is sooo inexpensive, I can't say no! I'll be going with my friends Halex and YamaInu at least, perhaps a few more. $29 for registration, housing, and at least 2 meals at the con? HELL YES!
5) Personal Improvement:
Physical - I've started a workout regiment of doing strength and flexibility training three days a week and swimming two days a week. I don't feel that I've got my fat to loose, but I'd like to keep myself trim and generally improve my conditioning.
Personal / Emotional - I've started an affirmation system that my father and I are working on together about maximizing one's potential. I know it sounds corny, but I have seen REAL progress in my father since he started this project (like going off his anti-depressants for the first time in years) so I figure it's worth a shot.
Creative - As mentioned above, I have some creative projects I'm working on. I no longer have the excuse that I lack the equipment to make my projects happen, so now it's all on me. Hopefully the affirmation process will help move this goal along as well.
And that about sums things up! I also have a new job that's largely a non-event, and I've been spending WAY too much time hanging out with friends instead of doing homework, but I'm leveling that out now.
In summary, my life is moving forward again :). Happy kitty.