30 days ago, I set out to post in this blog everyday for a year, and with this entry, I have successfully completed 1/12th of that goal. 31 days in January; 31 days down.
I have to to say, about seven days into it, I was already regretting my decision. I would sit down and have nothing to type; nothing to share. It occurred to me that there are going to be some days I have absolutely nothing worthwhile to post, yet I soldiered on and made it.
Now I just have 11 months to go. Piece of cake.
Days Completed: 31
Days to Go: 334
1.31.2010
1.30.2010
The Unforeseen Path
It is 1:10 AM and I am deep in the corridors of Arco Arena, completing covert operations in the name of art.
..........
..........
That was my Facebook status update a few hours ago. It's funny sometimes how life works out. Two years ago, if you had told me that I'd be driving to Arco Arena in the middle of the night to work on a mural for the Kings, I'd have never believed you.
First of all, I would have never foreseen myself being an "artist" of any sort, let along working on a mural. Sketches? Sure. Canvas? Maybe. But murals? Never.
Secondly, I never would have thought I'd do anything for the Kings. To begin with, I'm not a big fan of basketball, but when I do watch it, I'm a Lakers fan. What do you expect? I'm originally from LA. Loyalties aside, why would any professional basketball team ask me to work on any sort of project for them?
Well, somehow life has lead me on a path where not only am I in fact an artist, but this is actually the third project I've now done for the Kings. This path isn't even something I set out to follow; I reached it more by accident than anything.
So, now, as I lay in bed after a long night of painting on the third floor of a deserted Arco Arena, I can only think about how funny life is sometimes, and how important it is to take opportunities that come your way. You never know where they might lead.
1.29.2010
I Want to Get Married
Alright, I don't really want to get married - at least not any time soon - but I'd consider it if only to have a cake like this.
1.28.2010
1.27.2010
Music Minute #8
Seeing as I'm a little under the weather, I really don't feel like writing today. So, sounds like it's a perfect time for another Music Minute! Here are four songs from my current playlist.
- Editors - "Papillon"
- Editors - "You Don't Know Love"
- Lil Jon feat. Kee - "Give It All U Got"
- The xx - "Crystalised"
Check 'em out and maybe you'll find a new favorite song.
1.26.2010
1.25.2010
A Good Date
You know how you've had a good date?
It's actually quite easy to tell.
You know you've had a good date when you don't actually have to "go out" or do a single thing, and you still have a great time. You just hang out with the other person and know there's nothing you would change.
What a great way to start off the week. I wish every Monday was like this.
It's actually quite easy to tell.
You know you've had a good date when you don't actually have to "go out" or do a single thing, and you still have a great time. You just hang out with the other person and know there's nothing you would change.
What a great way to start off the week. I wish every Monday was like this.
1.24.2010
Yay for 80's Music!
After last night's show, some friends and I decided to out dancing. None of us was too sure on where we should go, until someone mentioned Press Club. I had never been there before, so I really had no feeling either way, but I agreed and off we were. How have I never gone there before?! I loved it! Almost all the clubs I go to play the same mix of hip-hop and Top 40, which is OK, but Press Club had a great variety of the usual, along with music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
For those of you that don't know, I love 80's music. I constantly say that I was born 20 years too late, because I would've loved to have been old enough in the 80s to go dancing. Sadly, I was only a toddler back then.
As soon as we walked in, Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Right Round (Like a Record)" was playing, and I knew I was in for a good time. As soon as we hit the dance floor, I could not stop dancing. Aside from a very few songs, everything the DJ played kept me dancing the whole night.
It was definitely one of my most fun I've had clubbing, and I shall definitely return soon.
For those of you that don't know, I love 80's music. I constantly say that I was born 20 years too late, because I would've loved to have been old enough in the 80s to go dancing. Sadly, I was only a toddler back then.
As soon as we walked in, Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Right Round (Like a Record)" was playing, and I knew I was in for a good time. As soon as we hit the dance floor, I could not stop dancing. Aside from a very few songs, everything the DJ played kept me dancing the whole night.
It was definitely one of my most fun I've had clubbing, and I shall definitely return soon.
Work from Star-themed Show
Here are the pieces from my latest show. The theme was "star", so each piece has some connection to stars.
Power Star
Starfish
Galaxy
Army Star
Star Wars: Chewie
Star Trek: Green-Skinned Seductress
Starr
Power Star
Starfish
Galaxy
Army Star
Star Wars: Chewie
Star Trek: Green-Skinned Seductress
Starr
1.22.2010
Painting the Night Away
Tonight is going to be a busy night.
A friend and I are having an art show tomorrow, but unfortunately I haven't been able to devote the time needed to complete my pieces. That's nothing new -I typically do all my painting last minute - but this time it's really not good because my partner is submitting 100 pieces. One hundred! Granted, they're all small scale, but still; she's going to make me look like a fool!
I've only completed three pieces, all done last night, and I'm shooting for another three tonight/tomorrow morning. Wish me luck.
If you're available, come check it out. Not so much for my work, but for my partner's; it promises to be amazing.
A friend and I are having an art show tomorrow, but unfortunately I haven't been able to devote the time needed to complete my pieces. That's nothing new -I typically do all my painting last minute - but this time it's really not good because my partner is submitting 100 pieces. One hundred! Granted, they're all small scale, but still; she's going to make me look like a fool!
I've only completed three pieces, all done last night, and I'm shooting for another three tonight/tomorrow morning. Wish me luck.
If you're available, come check it out. Not so much for my work, but for my partner's; it promises to be amazing.
Kamon Japanese Restaurant
2210 J St.
Sacramento, CA
6-9 PM
2210 J St.
Sacramento, CA
6-9 PM
1.21.2010
The Quest for 101 Tasks
A few days ago, I wrote that I was going to participate in the 1001 Day Project, which challenges people to complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days. At the time, I had only come up with 35 of the 101 required tasks, so I clearly had a way to go.
Wells, it's been a week since then and I thought I'd take a moment for you sitting out there to post an update on the formation of my list; I now have 71 tasks. An entire week and I've only come up with 36 more tasks. This is taking longer than I thought.
If you have any suggestions on tasks I should complete, feel free to let me know. And like I mentioned before, if you want more information, check out the website: Day Zero
Wells, it's been a week since then and I thought I'd take a moment for you sitting out there to post an update on the formation of my list; I now have 71 tasks. An entire week and I've only come up with 36 more tasks. This is taking longer than I thought.
If you have any suggestions on tasks I should complete, feel free to let me know. And like I mentioned before, if you want more information, check out the website: Day Zero
1.20.2010
Absolute Justice
YES!!! My nerd dial just went to 11. Hundred. I saw this and absolute-ly (bad pun intended) had to share.
And if that wasn't enough, check out this video with hints to the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl & Wildcat.
The Justice Society of America. It's going to be epic. I can't wait.
And if that wasn't enough, check out this video with hints to the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl & Wildcat.
The Justice Society of America. It's going to be epic. I can't wait.
1.19.2010
Are You There, God? It's Me, the Devil
I've been called the devil on more than one occasion, but more than one person. I usually laugh it off, because it's said (mostly) in joking, but last night I came to the realization that I may actually be the devil.
Why, you might ask? Well, I won't go into details, but it has to do with the fact that I am so willing to mess with people's lives and emotions. I don't set out to do so, but somehow I keep finding myself in the same position - doing something I know I probably shouldn't, just because I know it won't affect me. I decide what I want is more important and forget that there are consequences, even if I don't feel them. It's something I really need to work on, because I hate the way I feel after. I've gotten away with it for too long, and it's time to fix that.
Don't get me wrong, I know I have a good heart, but that doesn't necessarily mean I can't still be the devil. Right? Just to be safe, don't come along if I invite you to take a vacation with me to a "warm, exotic location".
Why, you might ask? Well, I won't go into details, but it has to do with the fact that I am so willing to mess with people's lives and emotions. I don't set out to do so, but somehow I keep finding myself in the same position - doing something I know I probably shouldn't, just because I know it won't affect me. I decide what I want is more important and forget that there are consequences, even if I don't feel them. It's something I really need to work on, because I hate the way I feel after. I've gotten away with it for too long, and it's time to fix that.
Don't get me wrong, I know I have a good heart, but that doesn't necessarily mean I can't still be the devil. Right? Just to be safe, don't come along if I invite you to take a vacation with me to a "warm, exotic location".
1.18.2010
This Time Last Week
This time last week, my body was in pain. It was the day after I had played soccer for the first time since sophomore year in high school, and my body was not happy with me. Every movement I made was a battle. I could barely get out of bed and walking up stairs was completely out of the question. All in all, it was not a good day.
Today, however, is a different story. I played soccer again yesterday, but surprisingly I am barely feeling it today. Does that mean I'm in shape again? Not at all. I think it's more like breaking in a new pair of shoes. The first time you wear them, they're incredibly stiff and can be very uncomfortable, but once you've broken them in that first time, the subsequent uses are much more comfortable.
Now that my body has been broken in, I think it's only a matter of time until I really feel comfortable playing again. Once that happens, hopefully the skills will soon follow. I can sure use them.
Today, however, is a different story. I played soccer again yesterday, but surprisingly I am barely feeling it today. Does that mean I'm in shape again? Not at all. I think it's more like breaking in a new pair of shoes. The first time you wear them, they're incredibly stiff and can be very uncomfortable, but once you've broken them in that first time, the subsequent uses are much more comfortable.
Now that my body has been broken in, I think it's only a matter of time until I really feel comfortable playing again. Once that happens, hopefully the skills will soon follow. I can sure use them.
1.17.2010
Mari Carmen
Back in the summer of 2000, after my freshman year of high school, I was lucky enough to take part in a program that sent 25 teenagers from the USA to Puebla, Mexico to live and study for two weeks. Each student was paired up with a student from Mexico, and their family became our host family. Although I was only there for those two short weeks, it has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. No small part of that is due to the fact that while I was there, I became close to two girls. Very close.
The first was Lauren, a hot 17 year-old senior from New Jersey. During the first week together, Lauren and I developed a unique friendship that found us making out a lot. It was a lot of fun, but after a few days, it's ended for reasons lost to time. Still, not bad for a shy, skinny 15 year-old kid. Lauren shall forever remain my first older woman.
The second week, though, was even more memorable because of Mari Carmen. Mari Carmen was a daughter in one of the host families, and she and I found ourselves becoming very close. We were the same age, and for some reason we just clicked. We would sit together whenever possible, dance together if the giant group of students would go out dancing, and generally spend as much time together as we could. For the last five days or so, Mari Carmen became my girlfriend; and I her boyfriend. When the time came for the American students to return from whence they came, Mari Carmen and I were genuinely very sad to leave each other. I remember her to deciding to ride on the bus to the airport with the American students, and her and I just sitting together in the other's arms; wanting to enjoy the last moments we'd have together. We only knew each other a very short amount of time, but we formed a connection; one which I have always treasured. Even after returning home, we kept in touch here and there, through email, faxes, and the occasional phone call. However, those slowly stopped, and we never heard from each other again.
Since the introductions of MySpace and Facebook, I have tried to find Mari Carmen, and occasionally Lauren, with no luck. I had pretty much come to the realization that I never would, but still I would try on the off chance I was wrong. After years of trying, I think I may have actually succeeded.
Two nights ago, I typed in Mari Carmen's last name and only one profile came up. It wasn't Mari Carmen's; it was her sister's, who was also part of the summer program in Mexico. I looked at her friends, and sure enough I saw a profile for someone named Mari Carmen, albeit with a different spelling. Unfortunately, that profile is private, and the picture is not very clear, so I can't be sure it's the same girl, but I'm almost positive. I wrote to the sister, reminding her who I was and who I was looking for, and although I haven't yet gotten a response, I know I've found her.
I feel like finding Mari Carmen means I've opened a portal to another time; another life. So much time has passed since that summer. Will she even remember me? Maybe it doesn't matter if she does, because I do. It's been nine years, but I've finally found my Mari Carmen.
..........
Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking, "You went to Mexico and hooked up with two girls in two weeks? You manwhore!" Perhaps, but I prefer to think about it as what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico.
Unless, of course, you blog about it nine years later.
The first was Lauren, a hot 17 year-old senior from New Jersey. During the first week together, Lauren and I developed a unique friendship that found us making out a lot. It was a lot of fun, but after a few days, it's ended for reasons lost to time. Still, not bad for a shy, skinny 15 year-old kid. Lauren shall forever remain my first older woman.
The second week, though, was even more memorable because of Mari Carmen. Mari Carmen was a daughter in one of the host families, and she and I found ourselves becoming very close. We were the same age, and for some reason we just clicked. We would sit together whenever possible, dance together if the giant group of students would go out dancing, and generally spend as much time together as we could. For the last five days or so, Mari Carmen became my girlfriend; and I her boyfriend. When the time came for the American students to return from whence they came, Mari Carmen and I were genuinely very sad to leave each other. I remember her to deciding to ride on the bus to the airport with the American students, and her and I just sitting together in the other's arms; wanting to enjoy the last moments we'd have together. We only knew each other a very short amount of time, but we formed a connection; one which I have always treasured. Even after returning home, we kept in touch here and there, through email, faxes, and the occasional phone call. However, those slowly stopped, and we never heard from each other again.
Since the introductions of MySpace and Facebook, I have tried to find Mari Carmen, and occasionally Lauren, with no luck. I had pretty much come to the realization that I never would, but still I would try on the off chance I was wrong. After years of trying, I think I may have actually succeeded.
Two nights ago, I typed in Mari Carmen's last name and only one profile came up. It wasn't Mari Carmen's; it was her sister's, who was also part of the summer program in Mexico. I looked at her friends, and sure enough I saw a profile for someone named Mari Carmen, albeit with a different spelling. Unfortunately, that profile is private, and the picture is not very clear, so I can't be sure it's the same girl, but I'm almost positive. I wrote to the sister, reminding her who I was and who I was looking for, and although I haven't yet gotten a response, I know I've found her.
I feel like finding Mari Carmen means I've opened a portal to another time; another life. So much time has passed since that summer. Will she even remember me? Maybe it doesn't matter if she does, because I do. It's been nine years, but I've finally found my Mari Carmen.
..........
Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking, "You went to Mexico and hooked up with two girls in two weeks? You manwhore!" Perhaps, but I prefer to think about it as what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico.
Unless, of course, you blog about it nine years later.
1.16.2010
Music Minute #7
Image from http://shefkey.deviantart.com/OK, boys and girls, let's all gather around for another Music Minute. For your listening pleasure, here are a few more of my favorite songs of the moment.
- Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift - "Two Is Better Than One"
- Jay Sean feat. Sean Paul & Lil Jon - "Do You Remember"
- Lady Gaga - "Dance in the Dark"
- Lady Gaga - "Teeth"
- OneRepublic - "All the Right Moves"
Give them a listen and share your thoughts.
1.15.2010
I'm with Coco
I would just like to take a moment to let you all officially know where my allegiance lies…
Artwork by Mike P Mitchell
Conan O'Brien.
The Man. The Myth. The Legend. The Barbarian.
Artwork by Mike P MitchellConan O'Brien.
The Man. The Myth. The Legend. The Barbarian.
1.14.2010
1001 Day Project
Recently, a friend of mine turned me onto the 1001 Day Project, which challenges people to complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days. I was instantly intrigued by the concept and have decided that this is something in which I would like to participate.
I am currently working on my list of 101 tasks, of which I have currently decided upon only 35. Making the list is going to be a project in and of itself. I hope to have the entire list done by this Saturday, so that I can begin at the start of next week.
If this sounds like something you would want to do, or for more information, check out the website: Day Zero
I am currently working on my list of 101 tasks, of which I have currently decided upon only 35. Making the list is going to be a project in and of itself. I hope to have the entire list done by this Saturday, so that I can begin at the start of next week.
If this sounds like something you would want to do, or for more information, check out the website: Day Zero
1.13.2010
Tough Quarter Ahead
I haven't even gone to my two Friday classes, and I can already tell this quarter is going to be a tough one. With a Theater class, a Sociology class, an art class, a computer class, and a Scriptwriting class, this is the most diverse quarter I've ever had. I'm going to have to really access every one of my talents to survive.
Check back in 11 weeks and see how I did.
Check back in 11 weeks and see how I did.
1.12.2010
Jason Rico, Master Thespian
Today, it begins.
Today was the first day of my Theater class. I'm not sure yet if I'll like it or not, but it'll definitely be interesting. That much is clear. However, the way I figure it is if I stick with it, I'll get discovered after a few weeks and move down to Hollywood.
Today, the Art Institute.
A month from now, Hollywood.
A year after that, the World.
Today was the first day of my Theater class. I'm not sure yet if I'll like it or not, but it'll definitely be interesting. That much is clear. However, the way I figure it is if I stick with it, I'll get discovered after a few weeks and move down to Hollywood.
Today, the Art Institute.
A month from now, Hollywood.
A year after that, the World.
1.11.2010
Spider-Man Film Reboot?
Whenever I want the latest scoop on upcoming superhero/comic book-based films, the first place I go to is SuperHeroHype.com. However, for every big scoop that gets my inner fanboy excited, there is always another that just leaves me in anger and/or disappointment. Here is a segment of one such story:
Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012.
Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.
The new chapter in the "Spider-Man" franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.
..........
Why?!
I'm all for rebooting a series for a new generation, or even rebooting a series if the first attempt was a failure, but the first Spider-Man film was great and came out only eight years ago! The second film was just as good, if not better; the third, while not as good as the previous two, wasn't bad enough to disregard the first two and warrant an entire reboot. Superhero/comic book stories are episodic by nature, so fans expect to see future storylines. Because of that, each storyline is its own reboot of sorts. New writers bring in new villains, new characters and new problems to make it their own, yet still continue the series. There is no reason film series can not do the same thing.
I am not a huge fan of Spider-Man, but I liked what has been done with him in the film series, and I know I'm not the only one that wants to see it continued. If the studio wants to "fix" it, then get a solid script, solid villains and solid actors, don't just hit the redo button. That seems like a cop out to me.
Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012.Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.
The new chapter in the "Spider-Man" franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.
..........
Why?!
I'm all for rebooting a series for a new generation, or even rebooting a series if the first attempt was a failure, but the first Spider-Man film was great and came out only eight years ago! The second film was just as good, if not better; the third, while not as good as the previous two, wasn't bad enough to disregard the first two and warrant an entire reboot. Superhero/comic book stories are episodic by nature, so fans expect to see future storylines. Because of that, each storyline is its own reboot of sorts. New writers bring in new villains, new characters and new problems to make it their own, yet still continue the series. There is no reason film series can not do the same thing.
I am not a huge fan of Spider-Man, but I liked what has been done with him in the film series, and I know I'm not the only one that wants to see it continued. If the studio wants to "fix" it, then get a solid script, solid villains and solid actors, don't just hit the redo button. That seems like a cop out to me.
1.10.2010
Soccer = Bad Idea
It happened.
I was worried about making a fool of myself out on the soccer field, and it happened. Ten minutes into it the first game, I began feeling light headed and had to walk off the field, afraid I was going to pass out. About ten minutes after that, I vomited the entire contents of my stomach. The breakfast I had was too heavy and I didn't have enough sugar in my system.
That's OK, though, because as soon as I vomited and drank some Gatorade I felt fine and was ready to get on the field again. My skills were lacking and I got winded way too often, but I had a great time, everyone playing had a lot of fun, and it was a great way to end the winter break before school starts again this week.
I can't wait to do it again.
I was worried about making a fool of myself out on the soccer field, and it happened. Ten minutes into it the first game, I began feeling light headed and had to walk off the field, afraid I was going to pass out. About ten minutes after that, I vomited the entire contents of my stomach. The breakfast I had was too heavy and I didn't have enough sugar in my system.
That's OK, though, because as soon as I vomited and drank some Gatorade I felt fine and was ready to get on the field again. My skills were lacking and I got winded way too often, but I had a great time, everyone playing had a lot of fun, and it was a great way to end the winter break before school starts again this week.
I can't wait to do it again.
1.09.2010
Feeling Old, Part II
The fact that there has to be a Part II to last night's entry is just plain sad, but two more incidents happened today that were the final nails in the coffin of me feeling old.
The first occurred immediately when I woke up this morning; my body was sore. Now, it wasn't me being sore that made me feel old, it was the fact that I had no idea why I was sore. I get sore all the time, but I know it's because I did some sort of physical activity the day before; maybe I ran or spent the entire night tearing it up on the dance floor. Today I woke up and could not think of a single reason why I should be sore. Isn't that what happens when you get old? Doesn't your body hurt for no reason? I spent half the day trying to think of why I'd be sore... with no success. This was it; I truly was turning into an old man. Luckily, my sister came to my rescue and reminded me that I went bowling last night. Eureka! My soreness had its cause. Still, being sore because of bowling doesn't make me feel much better, and not being able to remember going bowling only the night before makes me feel like my memory is fading.
However, that wasn't the worse deciding factor today. The thing that really made me feel old, but in a sort of good, nostalgic way, was when I played Disc 1 of Season 4 of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon for my little sister. She had never seen watched it, so I thought it'd be good if I schooled her a bit in classic cartoons. We didn't even get through a full episode before she thought it was ridiculous. Even the opening theme song sounded old to her. I looked at her and couldn't help but laugh at the fact that she thought a cartoon I used to worship as a kid was now a relic. I have to admit, that cartoon has not held up kindly to the tests of time. As I watched the jumpy animation and heard the dated slang being spoken, I saw my childhood float away on the television screen.
It's official: I'm getting old.
The first occurred immediately when I woke up this morning; my body was sore. Now, it wasn't me being sore that made me feel old, it was the fact that I had no idea why I was sore. I get sore all the time, but I know it's because I did some sort of physical activity the day before; maybe I ran or spent the entire night tearing it up on the dance floor. Today I woke up and could not think of a single reason why I should be sore. Isn't that what happens when you get old? Doesn't your body hurt for no reason? I spent half the day trying to think of why I'd be sore... with no success. This was it; I truly was turning into an old man. Luckily, my sister came to my rescue and reminded me that I went bowling last night. Eureka! My soreness had its cause. Still, being sore because of bowling doesn't make me feel much better, and not being able to remember going bowling only the night before makes me feel like my memory is fading.
However, that wasn't the worse deciding factor today. The thing that really made me feel old, but in a sort of good, nostalgic way, was when I played Disc 1 of Season 4 of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon for my little sister. She had never seen watched it, so I thought it'd be good if I schooled her a bit in classic cartoons. We didn't even get through a full episode before she thought it was ridiculous. Even the opening theme song sounded old to her. I looked at her and couldn't help but laugh at the fact that she thought a cartoon I used to worship as a kid was now a relic. I have to admit, that cartoon has not held up kindly to the tests of time. As I watched the jumpy animation and heard the dated slang being spoken, I saw my childhood float away on the television screen.
It's official: I'm getting old.
Feeling Old
At what point do we start feeling old? Granted, that's a subjective question - a teenager might feel old compared to a toddler, or an 80 year-old might feel old compared to a 30 year-old - but is there a general age where we first start to feel genuinely old?
After tonight, I can say that I began feeling old at the young age of 24. I say young age because it is exactly that; young. I still have a lot of life to live, but in terms of maturity and outlook, I really am starting to feel old. It wasn't one night that made me feel like this, it was two separate incidents on two separate days that really solidified this feeling.
The first came at the beginning of December, before schools were out for winter break. I was driving from my house to a destination that shall forever be lost to history, when I caught the red light at an intersection next to my former high school. As I was waiting to make a right turn, I kept thinking to myself that I wish these kids would hurry up and cross the street. These kids. I had driven past that high school countless time since graduation and never once thought of the current students as kids. In fact, I had previously considered them and myself to be in the same general age group. However, that was clearly no longer the case. I look at those students and see them as kids; something which I was no longer.
The second moment came tonight, when a friend of mine and I went to a college party. We're both college students, so we should have felt right at home, correct? Wrong. We walked in and instantly felt out of place. I can't speak for him, but I looked at the game of beer pong going on and thought, "I am too old for this." The whole party consisted of games of beer pong and quarters; both excuses to drink. And there was no food. No food! Where I come from, you don't have a party without food! (Yet another sign that this was less a "party" than an excuse to get together and drink.) To me, a party is friends getting together to talk, hang out and have fun; alcohol may be present, but it is not the centerpiece of the gathering. What really secured that this was not my kind of party was that fact that the average age of everyone else was 19 or 20. I have few things in common with guys of that age, and I can't hit on girls of that age without feeling like a pervert. I need to party with people my own age.
I know I'm not old, but sometimes I feel like I'm getting there. And that's OK, because it's a normal part of growing up. It's simply a matter of recognizing when a chapter of your life is over and that it's now time to look forward to the next. I can honestly say I can't wait for the next chapters in my life to begin, so if I have to feel old to get there, I say that's an even trade.
After tonight, I can say that I began feeling old at the young age of 24. I say young age because it is exactly that; young. I still have a lot of life to live, but in terms of maturity and outlook, I really am starting to feel old. It wasn't one night that made me feel like this, it was two separate incidents on two separate days that really solidified this feeling.
The first came at the beginning of December, before schools were out for winter break. I was driving from my house to a destination that shall forever be lost to history, when I caught the red light at an intersection next to my former high school. As I was waiting to make a right turn, I kept thinking to myself that I wish these kids would hurry up and cross the street. These kids. I had driven past that high school countless time since graduation and never once thought of the current students as kids. In fact, I had previously considered them and myself to be in the same general age group. However, that was clearly no longer the case. I look at those students and see them as kids; something which I was no longer.
The second moment came tonight, when a friend of mine and I went to a college party. We're both college students, so we should have felt right at home, correct? Wrong. We walked in and instantly felt out of place. I can't speak for him, but I looked at the game of beer pong going on and thought, "I am too old for this." The whole party consisted of games of beer pong and quarters; both excuses to drink. And there was no food. No food! Where I come from, you don't have a party without food! (Yet another sign that this was less a "party" than an excuse to get together and drink.) To me, a party is friends getting together to talk, hang out and have fun; alcohol may be present, but it is not the centerpiece of the gathering. What really secured that this was not my kind of party was that fact that the average age of everyone else was 19 or 20. I have few things in common with guys of that age, and I can't hit on girls of that age without feeling like a pervert. I need to party with people my own age.
I know I'm not old, but sometimes I feel like I'm getting there. And that's OK, because it's a normal part of growing up. It's simply a matter of recognizing when a chapter of your life is over and that it's now time to look forward to the next. I can honestly say I can't wait for the next chapters in my life to begin, so if I have to feel old to get there, I say that's an even trade.
1.07.2010
Major Lazer's "Keep It Goin' Louder"
I love cartoons. I have to; I'm an animator. I'm almost positive that it's some sort of an animator law. And as an adult that loves cartoon, I of course watch the shows on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. That's a no brainer.
Well, most of them, anyway. There are some shows on Adult Swim that I find so mind-numbingly dumb, that they're like torture to watch all the way through. At the top of that list is Tom and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! I think that show is just ridiculous and I have never been able to watch an entire episode. Some people love it, and I can respect that, but I think it's just stupid.
That said, I have to admit that I think the music video for Major Lazer's "Keep It Goin' Louder" is kind of funny, considering that it's directed by Eric Wareheim; one half of the comedy duo responsible for Tom and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
It's the same sort of humor and graphics as the show, but somehow it works a lot better as a singular music video than it does as an actual TV series. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Well, most of them, anyway. There are some shows on Adult Swim that I find so mind-numbingly dumb, that they're like torture to watch all the way through. At the top of that list is Tom and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! I think that show is just ridiculous and I have never been able to watch an entire episode. Some people love it, and I can respect that, but I think it's just stupid.
That said, I have to admit that I think the music video for Major Lazer's "Keep It Goin' Louder" is kind of funny, considering that it's directed by Eric Wareheim; one half of the comedy duo responsible for Tom and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
It's the same sort of humor and graphics as the show, but somehow it works a lot better as a singular music video than it does as an actual TV series. Check it out and let me know what you think.
1.06.2010
Music Minute #6
Image from http://mish-ael.deviantart.com/- 50 Cent feat. Ne-Yo - "Baby By Me"
- Jamie Foxx feat. Kanye West & The-Dream - "Digital Girl"
- Major Lazer feat. Mr. Evil & Mapei - "Mary Jane"
- Major Lazer feat. Nina Sky & Ricky Blaze - "Keep It Goin' Louder"
- Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - "Relator"
Give them a listen if you haven't already and let me know what you think.
1.05.2010
Fed Up with School
Let me start off by clarifying: I am not fed up with schooling, rather fed up with the institute itself.
When I first decided to go into animation, I knew I wanted to focus on the writing/story development side rather than the drawing/art side. I've always considered myself more of a storyteller than an artist, so although I would be majoring in animation, I would make sure I took as many creative writing classes as possible, including scriptwriting. If I want to write scripts for animation, then of course I'd need to know how. Unfortunately, my program of study doesn't include any scriptwriting courses, but that's OK; that's why I have electives. Quarter after quarter I asked if there were any scriptwriting classes available to take, and the answer was always no. Well, my prayers were finally answered, because next quarter I will be taking Introduction to Scriptwriting.
Today I went in to speak with my academic director about switching one of my other classes next quarter, and he informed me that he didn't think I would be able to take Intro to Scriptwriting because the rules say that only one of the four electives I have are allowed to be lower division; the rest have to be upper division. He spoke to the dean to make sure, and sure enough, since I already had a lower division elective, I would be unable to take Intro to Scriptwriting.
I felt like my dreams had been crushed. The ONE class I had wanted to take since I started school was unavailable to me. This rule about the one lower division elective/three upper division electives wasn't even around when I started school, so I felt like blindsided.
The lower division elective I already took was Intro to Photography, way back from my first quarter, when I was registered as a Graphic Design major. My school was one quarter away from offering Media Arts & Animation, so I decided to start off as a GD major since it had same first quarter fundamental courses as my current major - save for Intro to Photography. That was OK, though, because I had four electives to take and I didn't mind making one of them Photography.
Well, not with this new rule. If I wanted to take Intro to Scriptwriting, I would have to make Intro to Photography not count towards graduation. And that's exactly what I did. I will have to take one extra class just so I could take the class I actually wanted. In the grand scheme of things, one extra class isn't a big deal. The big deal is that my school changes policies without notifying students; policies that are often unfair to students. And when these new policies are found out, do they offer any explanation? No, they don't.
Like I said, I'm fed up with the school. If I care about my education, I'm going to have to take it into my own hands and stop assuming my school actually cares.
When I first decided to go into animation, I knew I wanted to focus on the writing/story development side rather than the drawing/art side. I've always considered myself more of a storyteller than an artist, so although I would be majoring in animation, I would make sure I took as many creative writing classes as possible, including scriptwriting. If I want to write scripts for animation, then of course I'd need to know how. Unfortunately, my program of study doesn't include any scriptwriting courses, but that's OK; that's why I have electives. Quarter after quarter I asked if there were any scriptwriting classes available to take, and the answer was always no. Well, my prayers were finally answered, because next quarter I will be taking Introduction to Scriptwriting.
Today I went in to speak with my academic director about switching one of my other classes next quarter, and he informed me that he didn't think I would be able to take Intro to Scriptwriting because the rules say that only one of the four electives I have are allowed to be lower division; the rest have to be upper division. He spoke to the dean to make sure, and sure enough, since I already had a lower division elective, I would be unable to take Intro to Scriptwriting.
I felt like my dreams had been crushed. The ONE class I had wanted to take since I started school was unavailable to me. This rule about the one lower division elective/three upper division electives wasn't even around when I started school, so I felt like blindsided.
The lower division elective I already took was Intro to Photography, way back from my first quarter, when I was registered as a Graphic Design major. My school was one quarter away from offering Media Arts & Animation, so I decided to start off as a GD major since it had same first quarter fundamental courses as my current major - save for Intro to Photography. That was OK, though, because I had four electives to take and I didn't mind making one of them Photography.
Well, not with this new rule. If I wanted to take Intro to Scriptwriting, I would have to make Intro to Photography not count towards graduation. And that's exactly what I did. I will have to take one extra class just so I could take the class I actually wanted. In the grand scheme of things, one extra class isn't a big deal. The big deal is that my school changes policies without notifying students; policies that are often unfair to students. And when these new policies are found out, do they offer any explanation? No, they don't.
Like I said, I'm fed up with the school. If I care about my education, I'm going to have to take it into my own hands and stop assuming my school actually cares.
1.04.2010
The Call
This is a call.
A call to any person who has the will to lead;
To sacrifice their own needs for the well being of others.
This is a call to anybody who is not easily influenced,
But instead positively influences the world around them.
A call to any warrior with a purpose or mission.
To any artist who is not scared to be great.
This is a call to any voice with a story to tell,
Or any mind with knowledge to seek.
This is a call to anybody that has made the decision
To forgive themselves for the mistakes they have made.
This is the call.
Can you answer it?
A call to any person who has the will to lead;
To sacrifice their own needs for the well being of others.
This is a call to anybody who is not easily influenced,
But instead positively influences the world around them.
A call to any warrior with a purpose or mission.
To any artist who is not scared to be great.
This is a call to any voice with a story to tell,
Or any mind with knowledge to seek.
This is a call to anybody that has made the decision
To forgive themselves for the mistakes they have made.
This is the call.
Can you answer it?
1.03.2010
Dreams
Unless you're an android, you have dreams. We all do. We may not be able to remember most, but we know they're there. I don't know about any of you, but of the few dreams I can actually recall, most typically make no sense. The best way I can describe them is as 1) a mash-up of cheesy movies from different genres, or 2) a teenage boy's repressed sexual fantasies.
Some nights, however, my dreams actually manage to form themselves into semi-coherent visions. During the last few days, my dreams, albeit still a bit random, have been really interesting and I've been realizing that they might make for good stories. Granted, I'd have a lot of work to do to turn random collections of memories and thoughts into actual engaging stories, but I never would've thought I could turn to my dreams for inspiration. I guess inspiration really does come from anywhere.
Oh, and if you are an android, let's be friends. I'd love to have an android on my side when the human-robot war breaks out.
Some nights, however, my dreams actually manage to form themselves into semi-coherent visions. During the last few days, my dreams, albeit still a bit random, have been really interesting and I've been realizing that they might make for good stories. Granted, I'd have a lot of work to do to turn random collections of memories and thoughts into actual engaging stories, but I never would've thought I could turn to my dreams for inspiration. I guess inspiration really does come from anywhere.
Oh, and if you are an android, let's be friends. I'd love to have an android on my side when the human-robot war breaks out.
1.02.2010
The Dangers of a Premature Idea
There are some ideas that sound great when they are first thought up. Slowly, however, once the practical implications of this idea are considered, what seemed like a stroke of brilliance begins to turn into a nightmare waiting to happen. Last night, I had one of these ideas.
I was talking to a good friend about getting together and doing something before our winter break was over. Seeing as he’s a huge soccer fan, I suggested we get a game going with our classmates. Naturally, he was excited, as was I. A fun game amongst friends before another hectic school quarter begins is sure to be a great time.
Today, as I began to consider my role in this game, it dawned on me that I have not played soccer since my sophomore year in high school – about 9 years ago – and I haven’t really done any sort of prolonged athletic activity since senior year. Playing a game of soccer with my schoolmates is just going to make me look like an out-of-shape fool.
So much for my reputation at school.
I was talking to a good friend about getting together and doing something before our winter break was over. Seeing as he’s a huge soccer fan, I suggested we get a game going with our classmates. Naturally, he was excited, as was I. A fun game amongst friends before another hectic school quarter begins is sure to be a great time.
Today, as I began to consider my role in this game, it dawned on me that I have not played soccer since my sophomore year in high school – about 9 years ago – and I haven’t really done any sort of prolonged athletic activity since senior year. Playing a game of soccer with my schoolmates is just going to make me look like an out-of-shape fool.
So much for my reputation at school.
1.01.2010
365 in 2010
When I first started this blog, way back in March of 2009, I intended it to be an outlet to share whatever interests were currently on my mind. If I just saw a funny video on YouTube, I'd post a blog entry. If I fell in love with a particular song, I'd post a blog entry. If there was an upcoming art show, I'd post a blog entry. Simply put, if I found anything I'd want to share with a friend, I'd post a blog entry.
However, as the year came to an end, I realized that my blog was a perfect outlet to really write. Whether it's summarizing how an academic quarter went, sharing the events of a memorable night, or simply sharing a piece of poetry I've written, my blog gives me the excuse to write; something of which I need to do a lot more.
So, I've decided to take my blog to the next level and post everyday. It's time I use my blog to its fullest potential by posting 365 posts in 2010, starting with this one.
365 in 2010. This is going to be a busy year.
However, as the year came to an end, I realized that my blog was a perfect outlet to really write. Whether it's summarizing how an academic quarter went, sharing the events of a memorable night, or simply sharing a piece of poetry I've written, my blog gives me the excuse to write; something of which I need to do a lot more.
So, I've decided to take my blog to the next level and post everyday. It's time I use my blog to its fullest potential by posting 365 posts in 2010, starting with this one.
365 in 2010. This is going to be a busy year.
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