Finaalllsss...

Alright, so finals week has started.

I had my first final today at noon.
And guess what?
I TOTALLY ACED IT I'M SURE 8DDDDDDDD *imagine an exceedingly-overjoyed-excited face*
Tis Logic.
You know, that class that has had me working hours on end scratching my head trying to make connections and things.
SOMEHOW, SOMEWHERE, IT CLICKED
AND I FEEL SO ACCOMPLISHED NOW
>w<
I even saw a place where I could use logic in my Biology class last week~
I AM SO EXCITED

Seriously; it's been almost an hour since I finished it and I'M STILL SO HAPPY CB
OH MY BARKING HECK I NEED MUSIC ON
Ok, I've got Quest for Camelot music going on in different languages; I feel a bit more able to type coherently~
>w<

Ok, ok, I'll move on..... XD'

So, I still have a number of finals to prepare for, one of them my Spanish final that I decided to make a comic for. I only have about 4 pages put together at the moment, so I still have a ways to go, but I just had to share this epic information from above. >w<
Then, right before that, I have Western Political Theory, which I've been studying for since Friday or Thursday last week.
Aaand then there's Biology.
I'm not sure how worried I should be or not, considering how much I love it, yet how much information we're asked to remember. >x<
I really should look more at it.
And draw fun pictures to help remember things.

Speaking of pictures, I have a job pretty much secured for next semester! I'm going to be the photos editor for the Paladin, the school's newspaper magazine. I've been a staff photographer all semester, a freelance last semester, and I even got recognized for "Being the Eyes on Campus" at our last meeting~ ^.^ I'm excited!

Unfortunately, as I still have finals to study for, I don't have time to upload any pictures on here this time, but hopefully next week will be better.

Which also brings up another fact! After this week is over, I'm going to be heading back to Texas with my mom and my car, stuffed full of my stuff. On the way, though, we're going to stop for about a week or so in San Antonio, because I finally have a doctor's appointment for my arms again!!!!
It's at the Physical Rehabilitation Institute [sorry, wrong one - it's the Airrosti Rehab Center] there, which one of my friends' grandmother knew about and shared information with my family. We're really hoping that they might have some answers. I have several sessions scheduled, and there's a chance they could even help fix the problem, whatever it is. I'm not getting my hopes up too high, but there is hope~
Besides, if anything else, my family and I get to bum around San Antonio for a few days! XD My dad is going to drive up and join us for a little while, so it will kind-of be our mini-vacation for the summer~

No matter what, these next few weeks are going to be busy and exciting! I may not have a lot of time to do much blog-wise, but I'll be out there doing things!

Also, don't forget that Jonah's book is still available for one dollar digitally on amazon, or $20 in paperback!!
-> His blog! <-
Also, if you're still not convinced, he has the first 9 chapters available on his site for free. Yeah; go and test the waters before you cannonball in for probably one of the best deals ever.


OH! Right! I can't believe I almost forgot this!
I joined Pottermore~ <3
I'm in Ravenclaw!
They have some epic graphics on that site, I'm pleased.
I haven't had much time to devote to it, but I've gotten my wand (Spruce 11 1/4 inch, Unicorn core, unyielding) and gotten sorted (Ravenclaw FTW!), and I'll get to the potions 'n more after finals~
(now this doesn't mean I won't keep my wand that I actually made out of cactus a few years ago - I still love it~)

Lighter Future

For my head, at least, that's for sure! I donated a bit over 12 inches of hair to Locks of Love~

Before:

After:

I love it!! It's so light, and free, and... fwooshy~ <3 Tis so wonderful! I like the (lack of) weight it has, I've got a few layers in as well, and I can still pin/pull it back if need be. Summer is going to be a lot easier without that monolith of hair I had before!
Don't get me wrong, I liked it well enough - I just don't have the time or patience to learn how to put it up nicely on a regular basis.
I am now, occasionally, "Short-Haired Poof." :D


Another big thing; bigger, actually: I got to go to a Creative Writing Workshop by Orson Scott Card!! >w<
Now, albeit I've not read any of his books, but I've heard great things about him, and know the general type of things he does, as well as have read a few bits and pieces here and there of his work. I was rather impressed with him in person, as well! He and some other writers got together for the workshop - Aaron Johnston, James Maxey, and Edmund R. Schubert. Card presented in the morning, the others split some of the afternoon, and then they did a joint forum Q&A session at the end.

 

Most things discussed were basics, but Card really helped open my eyes to how much knowing a second language can help one understand how grammar works, since it's not really addressed much in schools with English. (or at least, not remembered near as well)

If you're wondering what that says, it's "How to write your brains out and still have a life." This was Aaron.

Heh... I need to better learn this one...

Maxey here; one of his slides showed a rough estimate about how eBooks have literally shot up in sales remarkably fast. He mentioned that the eBook is great, if your stuff sells, and how a lot of other people are catching on that it is a big market, and therefore the crowded place it is becoming. He mentioned that a good portion of eBooks may not sell 5 a month, and therefore eBook-ing may probably not be a great option. However, it just made me remember how awesome Limbo's Child is, and realize how many other people must realize that since it had sold over 500 copies from November till January!
That reminds me, Limbo's Child is now available in print!! Yes, it's more expensive, but you're paying for a physical copy rather than simple data that can be stored in a space smaller than your hand. It looks fantastic; I don't have one (as of yet), but I've seen a picture or two, and just kept repeating excitedly "It's in print! It's in print!". Then, my roommates came back in.... XD'
BUT STILL.
It's in print, if you find that easier or more comforting than the electronic version~
http://jonahhewitt.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-now-available-on-amazon-in-print.html <- the blog post about it~

...back to the workshop~

Schubert. He's more on the editorial side, and is quite knowledgeable about what kinds of things magazines accept, how to go about writing query letters (which I didn't even know existed), and similar such stuff. He's also head editor of that site behind him, which was started by Orson Scott Card and is still connected with him.

It's all of them! Yaaaay!
Really was an amazingtastical day~

AND, to top that off, I got to talk personally with Orson Scott Card after the workshop~ Sure, only for about 15 minutes or less, but still!! I wrote 5 pages of a story and submitted it to a decision-maker who decided who would get to talk with him. A number of those people were chosen, and I was one of them!
He didn't get it but from me in the room, so he got to read about a page and a half or so of it. Basically, he told me to try not to be so cinematic/detailed about everything and get to telling the story~ XD' I tend to be rather intricate about details, so I understand that. BUT, he said he was interested to see where the story went! And he didn't even get to a more interesting part!
So that makes me happy~
Very happy~
CB


Well I gottta go to a Doctor Who Club meeting, so I'll try to remember to talk more later!

Spring Has Rain!

It's crazy! Not sure if 'official' spring is here, but it's now Spring Break where I am, so I say that counts. We've been getting rain on a fairly regular occasion, and a few snows even! (finally XD) I'm happy with the amount of water received~ I've heard complaints a-plenty, but I figure that being a desert-rat myself might have me a bit biased. <3

Also, good news about Limbo's Child! Not only has it been downloaded over 300 times (probably well over 500 by now, but I don't know for sure. Maybe Jonah should get a 'downloaded' counter for his site... if one exists~ That would be awesome! ...Anyway.....) , BUT it is now available in print!!
It's more expensive, sure, as it's print-on-demand, and printed books are of course going to cost more than one dollar, but still! The option is there!
-> Right Here <-
As still is, of course, the option to buy it at one dollar from Amazon.
Just saying~

Also, if you happen to have a deviantart account, or just want to see something adorable, one of my friends has entered in the "Cute Monster" contest! She's got a great design. Go and vote for her if you've got an account! If not, just look at iiiiiiit~ X3

Thus far this week, I have gotten my car inspected (again) for possible problems. Earlier in the year, found out that the radiator cracked, and had to get it replaced. >.o  So when things started feeling wonky more recently, I got it in straight-away. Thankfully, ended up just being  transmission fluid. But there was hardly any there; and it was black.... heheh....
Yeah. Not the car-savvy one over here. Thankfully, I was able to contact my bishop last time to ask his recommendation of mechanics, and the guy I've gone to seems quite friendly. I'm thankful for him, at least.

Now, for some pictures of some of the snow we got!

Yes, I made that snowman. No one else was up at that point, and there was just so much possibility!
(I also hoped he could encourage others up those stairs... Too bad he melted by that evening. XD' )


School-relation-wise, we now officially have a new president! His name is Paul A. Sybrowsky, a formal General Authority in the LDS church. Here's the article.
The ceremony was nice, with great talks all around, and he and his wife definitely seems qualified! Looking forward to seeing them around campus more.

Hmm... other news...
Oh! I got this awesometastical jacket from my friend here at school, who painted it up and decided it didn't work out quite how she wanted. I had been oogling over it since she started, so instead of scrapping it she gave it to me~! <3

The symbols on the back are for the elements, and along the arm should stand for something like "brave one". Nothing too significant for me, but sooo barking awesome!!! >w< I glomped her at least 3+ times when she gave it to me~

 Also! Got to go see The Secret World of Arrietty, the newest Studio Ghibli film~! Basically The Borrowers, but anime. 'Twas really fun! A group of friends and I drove out to Roanoke in 2 cars for the premiere.

The brightness isn't that great, but it was the only group shot we got with my camera. *shrugs*

That's a better shot of the poster. It's a really fun show, and I was totally expecting -*sorry no spoilers XP*- at the end, and was surprised that it didn't happen! But that's just my natural cynicism I guess. XD


I'll have to talk about other things at another time, as I am getting tired, as are my arms.
But before I go, here's a fun/pretty French song "A La Claire Fontaine." It's really a traditional song, and tis pretty as such. However, this version is a little bit 'smoother', and has a few changed lyrics; it's by a Canadian band called Garolou. I was lucky enough to have a friend translate this version for me (for a story I'm writing), and although not all the differences make total sense to me, I still love listening to it~

I am also going on a hike tomorrow. SO I ought to be off now~

Isn't This Exciting?

I know! An update! How amazing!

heheh, ok, so all not joking aside, I have things to talk about and the time to do so! Somewhat...

SO, quickly then~

I have signed up for my classes for next semester [fall] here at SVU, because February is when it opens. If you don't grab your classes right quick, you won't be able to get into much of anything! At least, of what you probably need to get into. And a few of the wants.
I shall be taking Metaphysics, an upper-level Philosophy course. It's with an awesome professor, too! I'm rather excited~
I'll also be taking a Beginning Ballet class. I've had one year of classes before, but it was quite a while ago, so I'm looking forward to re-learning things. At least I won't have to worry about my feet positioning too much; my toes naturally point outwards! (not many people notice, but those who do tend to give strange looks... Can't say I blame them.)
I shall also be taking one of the required cores, Classics of Western Literature. I believe that I'll enjoy the reading, but there's going to be a lot of it, so hopefully I will at least like the subject material. We shall find out...
Oh! And I'll finally be taking Intro to Drawing! I'm excited to see what I will learn from an actual art class, instead of random model-drawing and stuff on my own. Plus, at least 4 hours of drawing will be required weekly, so I'll have an excuse to draw a lot again! (unfortunately, it may not be of things I want, but that is class for you) I may not get to draw much otherwise, as my arms still have no answer in sight, but a possible help may be investigated on my way home this spring. I shan't go into details because honestly, I don't remember many.
I was considering taking Anatomy & Physiology as well, but that would have taken muuuch more effort to handle at the same time as Classics of Western Lit, and would have thrown my whole schedule off because it's 4 days a week. *sigh* So unfortunately, no science/biology class next semester...
I will be taking Info Literacy, which is an online class that I hear is mainly teaching us how to use our resources properly. I hope it'll be a fairly easy class, because I'll need to focus on Metaphysics and Classics of Western Lit a lot, I feel.
But it also feels exciting~

Now I just got to get together more funds so I can actually attend next semester...
*sigh* More scholarship searching ahead... And applications. Hopefully that pay off.


Now, you're probably wondering what I've been doing besides class stuff. Well, unfortunately, I have gotten sick in the past week. Some cold of some sort is going around the school, and a good quarter or more of my Spanish class was out with it, and still has it, so it was kind-of inevitable that I would get it, I guess. But, I am doing what I can about it. Liquids, cough drops, TheraFlu... Bundling up warmly.

Also, my friends have decided that I have quite lovely hair, which I won't disagree with, and since it is also rather long, enjoy playing with it. I am astonished at the amazing things they have been able to accomplish.

I felt almost like Ariel!

I've never been able to get my hair to behave so nicely. It boggles my mind that people are capable of doing this. It'd be nice if I could get them to do it daily, but of course, I have a 7 AM Biology class 3 days a week. XD'

Oh, and there's a lovely river nearby that I finally got to go to for a little bit. Only a short time, but still lovely~ (though cold)

Well, I've got to be off! Bye~

Foggy Future

Well, it's been rather freezing around here lately. Sometimes below, it feels like. But, thankfully I have a plethora of layerable clothing, as well as numerous hats and jackets! Gloves don't hurt, either. So, while it's been normally clear and cold, I have managed to at least stop myself from shivering most of the time. (not always)

Today, such is not the case, but that's because it's cold, cloudy, and rainy/foggy. But, this is a good thing in my opinion - I enjoy the water thoroughly, as I see so little of it back home, even if it does tend to make me shiver. I can always put on another layer~ It's beautiful writing weather; now if I can just get through my homework so I can do the writing...

Not to say that I haven't been doing much in my Creative Writing class. It's a lot of fun, though challenging. Most of the time-consuming homework involves reading and critiquing. I'm good with that. There's just... other things I'd like to write on as well.

My Western Political Theory class is also going great! I knew from my philosophy class last semester that I liked reading the Socratic dialogues (Apology, Crito, etc.), but I wasn't sure I'd like other things involving Socrates so much! We're going to be reading most of Republic in class this semester, and while I was reading the first book I honestly forgot that I was reading it for a specific purpose (aka class). So entertaining~

Also - on Friday, for our Forum speaker, we had an amazing person who I never heard of before speak: Mindy Gledhill. Apparently, she's a really fun and insightful songwriter/musician who has done a few things for EFY in the past, and has recently made a name for herself as a somewhat popular artist non-religiously. She had a concert that evening, and it was most definitely a fantastic experience! I took pictures, but I don't have them loaded yet. Hopefully, later this evening, that will happen. We shall find out. >D
Look her up if you haven't heard of her - she's a beautiful mom and an excellent artist.
her site -> http://www.mindygledhill.com/  go to the music link and her songs'll start playing
Well, I'm stealing this off before eating again, so I'm off to food! Hopefully, I"ll keep updated more often~

New Year's Semester

So, back to the school-grind!

This semester, I'm taking Biology, Western Political Theory, Spanish IV, Intro to Logic, and Intro to Creative Writing, as well as Book of Mormon part 2 in Institute.

I've got a much more spread out schedule than last semester, which was just scrunched almost entirely into one block of about 5 hours a day. Now I've generally got an hour or more between some classes, and I think only two or three are right after the other.

My computer is running low on fuel, though, so I gotta make this quick before going to eat.


Creative writing is going to be a blast, but all this writing is really going to stress out my arms. (like I don't do that enough)
So I may end up at teh chiropractor more often, though we still haven't the slightest idea what's up with me.
So I'll be using my heating pad and ice packs until then.

And I got a new camera!! Maybe meaning more pictures~ <3
(ok, not new new, but it's fancier than the other one, and I've not had it before. So I'm excited!)

Plus! I just found out that one of my friends here at school also has Manga Studio!! Her style is much more amazingtastical than mine, I assure you, but we need still to explore this strange program and see what it can do! So we're hoping to get some time together at least once a week in order to do something together about that.

Alrighty, gotta go!

Christmas Seasoning

Alright. So my goal of getting more posts in before the next break didn't happen. BUT, I passed all my final exams~!! So I shall attribute my lack of updating to studying (although it may or may not be entirely true).
...Well, I'm still unsure of my Biology final, but I haven't gotten any ominous letters in the mail or in my inbox, sooo I think it's safe to assume that I at least passed. :D
Plus, on my unofficial transcript, it says that I got a B+ in the class overall!! I'M SO EXCITED!!
Seriously, that class takes effort. I mean, yeah, all my classes do; but Biology is the most demanding, right over math. (The only reason math is so close is because I don't like it as much. XD)
I managed to pull an A in all my other classes as well!! Hoorah!

So, that's my first semester full-time at college passed.
Now, to get through next semester.
........
We shall see how that works out.


So, right now I am back at home in Texas, enjoying the slightly-warmer weather and open space. Well, actually, the weather has been rather cold; I've even had to use the ice scraper a few times!

Which brings me to my next subject - I got a holiday job! Woo!
Well, more like returned to my old job for my break; I'm working at the Humane Society Mon-Fri the two weeks that I'm here. It'll get me some more money for the upcoming semester, which every college student knows is greatly appreciated. Plus, I get to inundate my animal-meter again~! <3
That is one thing I miss in college - having animals nearby all the time. Tame animals.


Well that's pretty much all I can think of for now. I've been catching up with a lot of family and friends, so those who are reading have probably talked to me already by now, but that's ok. I've also been watching a lot of movies.
And drawing. I finally got back to my fun comic-creating program called Manga Studio. It's on my home desktop computer.  I want to try to see if I can install it on my laptop that I might be able to use it while at school. Yes, with all my imminent homework and hanging-out and everything, I still want to pile comic-making on my list. Along with my arm exercises. We'll see how that works.


Love you all, and Merry Christmas~!
(And just for the season, Jonah Hewitt, the author of Limbo's Child, is offering the book up for FREE for a few days!
-> http://jonahhewitt.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-christmas.html <-
Really and truly! Now, go treat yourself to an awesome read~)