So, I started the production of my film full on. It’s been a lot of work and fun too, drawing like crazy all day, every day. I’m really excited though, meetings with faculty is going well, I’m feeling good, and I should be able to finish at a good time!

Last weekend’s party was a great success! I think about 50-60 people showed up, my husband and I djed for a bit, and got people on the dance floor. What I enjoyed the most was all the effort we put in to make the place nice and functional for a gathering. We had the sofa beds flat and outside the yard, so people could sit around it, ashtrays for the smokers, lots and lots of candles…

Anyway, what can I say, I love hosting parties. Too bad we were all so busy we forgot to take pictures…

A friend of mine died on Saturday, I just found out about it. He was 27, and full of life still. It was such a shock to me, considering I had just talked to him a couple of months ago, and everything seemed fine. It shows how fleeting life can be, and that you really don’t know what’s going to happen next.

My friend had been battling cancer for two years, lymphoma to be more exact. I was so sure that he would recover from it. And now here it is. I’m glad though, that he seemed to have a smile to the end, and never gave up.

My mom is going to have a second surgery for her cancer in about a month, but I’ll spare you the sordid details. I’m a bit worried, but there’s really nothing I can do about it… I just wish I was closer to able to help her out more, if it gets bad though, I will take a semester off to care for her for sure.

Anyway… ugh… bad things do come in threes…

Just saw “Repulsion” today, and was very impressed with it. Very raw still, and young… but so atmospheric, you feel like you are going crazy with the young woman in it. It also gave me more ideas about visual metaphors to include in my own film. I’m really happy about getting back to the roots, and start watching as many films as I can get my hands on.

Our grand house party is coming up, and my husband and I are very excited about dj ing the music for the night. I have a newly found respect for DJ, as it’s actually a lot harder to make a successful mix, let alone keeping track of all the music you played. You have to be on your toes the whole time. Anyway, we are both practicing every day to get a bit better, thankfully the invitees are all friends, and will forgive us if we mess up.

I watched Vertigo for the first time yesterday. I know… it’s a sacrilege for a film student to let this oversight go on for so long. But alas, I took the plunge and was completely taken. The film is so mysterious and real, especially for something made in the 50’s in the studio system… no wonder it’s such a classic. I barely got the twist at all… until the reveal.

Also, watching all the spiral motif sprinkled throughout the film, made me consider how I approach filmaking myself. I think I’m gonna go back to the drawing board, and add more depth and details to emphasize my themes.

My roommate paid me for the cat’s surgery today… in CASH! At one point during the day I was carrying $1,180 in my purse… I felt so… empowered and terrified at the same time. Alas, I deposited it within 1 hour of receiving, lest I should get robbed or something.

It’s strange to think that some people normally carry this much money with them… so unreal…

First day of school, and I’m happy to say that I’m getting back into the rhythm of insanity. Woke up extra early to sign up for a shooting space, get access keys, work study, and fill out financial aid, then proceeded to my part time job until 7pm nonstop. Now I still have to work on my own film, and get some exercise squeezed in somewhere… ay! Loads of fun!

Today, one of our faculty member threw a little get together for the incoming and current students of our department. It was really nice and low key, I enjoyed it a lot. Met some new kids that looked as lost as I was when I first came in… I’m really excited about all the different backgrounds that come together, painting, sculptures, video, etc. etc. all for the good of animation. I kinda wish now that I dabbled onto different fields before I came here… there’s so much to learn and so little time…

Today, my roommates and I chipped in to get the cat cleaned and groomed. Here are some photos, they are pretty funny. Who knew that Maggie was so skinny?

She was really angry the whole time, scratched the groomer, and on top, poohed herself in the van and had to be washed twice. We all felt pretty bad for the guy, he was so patient and nice… Anyway, for those with feisty animals, I totally recommend hiring a groomer, especially cats since they only need to be washed once every 6-8 weeks. Poor kitty.