Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone!
I took a doodle I did during sacrament today and scanned it, then painted it in Photoshop~ :3
I was originally planning on using the tempura paints I have to actually paint it, but I realized that 1) getting the right colors with the awfully-translucent paints I have would be super frustrating, and b) that it would take forever to do, and I knew there were other things to get done. Plus, 3) my arms would not like me very well afterwards, since I'd probably do it all in one sitting... <w<'
This only took about an hour or so~ :)
I'm so happy with that tree~!! I usually make them look super-awkward and stuff! While it's not amazing, it's my best one yet! <3

...Moving on.

Yesterday I got the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. for a class trip, and we went to the National Gallery of Art! I went once last semester for a different class, and there are still a number of things I haven't seen! Here's me in front of the main rotunda fountain of Hermes. All the fountains were all decked out for Easter. Or maybe it was for the Cherry Blossom Festival...? Or the National Kite Day? I don't really know. There was a lot going on, but I'm assuming they were celebrating Easter.

And there are so many things I love to just sit and look at! Like Degas. He was so talented - there's a whole room dedicated to his statues of ballerinas/dancers and horses, pretty much. I love looking at the crazy poses he was able to get! Not only that, but he did some wonderful paintings, too. They were scattered around on the upper floor.

*sigh* Alas, we had a packet to fill out, which did allow us a nice semi-overview of a good portion of the building. However, there was just so much to do... but I loved the time I had there. I was with my roommate, and we did the packet (same class), and looked around a bit.

Then, we went over to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History! Goodness; smaller building, sort-of, but packed full of amazingness!! We spent the most time in the mammals area~

 The top one actually was a lead into the gift shop, but a good portion of the rest of the animals were similarly action-posed! And the second picture is an interesting little area talking about how the dingo (front) is still around, and has outlived the thylacine (in the back), believed now to be extinct. I couldn't help but think of Tazza!! <3


I also oogled over the bones section for a while~ <3 Next time, I'll plan on just spending a day in this museum or something so I will be able to actually assimilate more information.

 We briefly saw the Hope Diamond - it's really quite pretty, but the mob surrounding it was ridiculous!! I mean, look at that!

After that, quick jaunts to the gift stores to get magnets, and then it was time to head out! We were in D.C. for about 5-6 hours. There was a lot to see and do, and we only did a fraction. I am perfectly fine with that, though.
And Allan now has evidence he travels with me!

Then, after we got back from that, my roomie and I hoofed it to a cafe in town to get to our RA's concert! She's really quite good - writes and sings her own music for keyboard. She doesn't have anything for sale yet, but she's working on it~ ^.^
So... since my car is getting fixed right now, we walked there and back up the hills to our dorm, after walking all over in D.C.. My legs are kind-of letting me know, but not nearly as bad as I was anticipating. (Of course, talk to me tomorrow, and we'll see. XD)


That was yesterday, the 30th. On Tuesday the 26th, I had an experience I will remember for the rest of my life with happiness and joy. I got to go see a Broadway production of Les Miserables~!!!!!!!! *scream of joy*

Same theater in Richmond in which I saw Wicked and The Lion King. I love that place so barking much.
I know the story of Les Mis by heart; have read the book (unabridged), listened to and seen the 10th anniversary I don't know how many times, listened to the 25th anniversary as well (doesn't stick in my mind as much, though)... I'll be seeing the new movie once I get home. I wasn't sure if I'd ever get to see the musical performed though.
AND then this opportunity came up. I got medium-priced seating from the school, and ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. <3 I really should have known that I'd need tissues though. Really. I noticed later that my hands were rather salty because of all the tears I wiped away. >w< Usually, I don't cry so much, but Les Mis is a crazy spot for me. I cried at the end of the book. I cried when I first saw the anniversary performance. I expected to cry here, but got so excited I forgot tissues. XD AH well - I survived. And loved it. So barking much. <3 <3

I noticed a lot of things, some new, at least to me, and some not so new but wonderful reminders. So, I wanted to catch you all up with my craziness, and also wish you a happy Easter. I love the gospel, and I love the people in my life. Thank you for helping me look again at some of the things I've done.

School will be done next month... *sigh* I will do as best I can for the rest of this semester!

Wheel Keeps Rolling

So... I'm good at keeping track of things. I just don't share them very quickly. :3'

Spring break has come and gone for me here at school. I spent most of it happily engrossed in books (got through 9 mangas!), and keeping my foot up, for my left large toe had somehow gotten infected and I had to get the toenail removed. It's still recovering from that currently, but I'm not hobbling really anymore, and I can usually keep my foot down for the entire day, with only occasional elevation time periods, instead of visa-verse.

Schoolwork-wise, I am in another Art class this semester: 2D Design. It's really quite fun, although challenging for sure. Mostly because of the time it requires. My arms don't always like it when I spend hours at a time painting or sketching. The class is great though - there are so may talented people in there! I love seeing what they all can do~
I'm also in Ethics this semester, which is rather interesting. I read a book about lying for it, and I am consequently thinking of buying the book for myself... It's called "Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life" by Sisela Bok. I recorded so many notes/quotes from it.... X3
Other classes of mine this semester include Beginning Ballet, Arts in Western Civilization part two, and Intermediate Creative Writing~ And, of course, Institute, but that's been a constant during all my semesters. And will continue to be.

I've decided to step down from my position as Photos Editor for The Paladin, our school newspaper. While it paid and is a good job, it just... I am doing a lot. I'm getting paid better for being a Spanish tutor this semester. And while I cannot cease being a part of The Paladin because I've been with it since my first semester, I will no longer be officially part of staff. Nor will I endeavor to take those responsibilities again, at least this semester. Too much else to do.
Speaking of such - I'm now one of the leaders of the creative writing club on campus, The Underground. I'm really hoping it goes well. A lot of people are going to be graduating and moving on - I will endeavor to keep things alive whilst changes occur.
I know it sounds like I'm simply replacing a nice paid position with a non-paid more intensive position, but really I don't think I am. The Underground won't require me to be aware of every single activity going on on campus. And while I will probably invest some more time into it than my other position, it will be more of what I want; writing is really something that I want to get more invested in. I love photography, but I'm not huge on the public-relations portion of it. I can do it, and I know it's necessary, but it's not the avenue of photography I'd want to pursue for myself. Writing is. Writing always will be. Being a part of The Underground like this will be most... intriguing~ And exciting, I believe.

The Doctor Who Club is going to be needing a leader for the next semester, but I'm not going to be doing that. I really love the club, and what we do do is tons of fun. We got together just this past Friday and watched "The Fires of Pompeii". We had discussions regarding the role of responsibility, and how it can and/or should be used. We also talked about time, and fixed point possibilities, and it really reminded me of Metaphysics quite a bit~ Our sponsorial professor Dr. Jones was able to be there for a while, and he's always so good at these kind of discussions~! (He's the Metaphysics teacher too. XD) We also found out that we have collected about 1133 boxtops this year thus far!! We put TARDISes around the school to collect for the local schools. The campaign has been getting better each year~

Hm... Not sure what else to say. Attempting to write, getting more notes transcribed to the computer...

That's all for now, I suppose~

Happy New Year!

It is now 2013. That will throw me off for a while. But, it does every year, so I shouldn't be surprised. XD

So! I am at my home in TX right now, but in the midst of packing to head out. I will be leaving on a plane early in the morning tomorrow (Thursday) for VA again, and I'll have a few days until school starts again on Monday.
Currently, I am eating some wonderfully delicious Russian salad from my friend's New Year's party up at the Observatory, and our kitty Kali is sprawling in my lap. Tasha is in my room, sitting in the sunlight and staring down my suitcase. I think they know I'm going again

Christmas-wise, I first flew to Arizona and met my parents at the airport - then we stayed a while with my grandma Biel and uncle Roger. We played games and had fun talking together~

One of our last days, we also went and saw The Hobbit in 3D! <3 I heard some people complaining about it before I went to the movies, but I seriously didn't even notice that 3 hours had passed by the end of the movie. It was quite wonderful~! [I am hoping that when I return to VA Le Miserables will still be playing - didn't get a chance to see it, and I am so barking excited for it!]

After that, we returned to TX and I have been seeing a multiplicity of friends, and spending time at home with my parents. One of my friends who moved to Utah just before I left for school this past semester was given a Christmas gift of coming back for a while! I was so excited to see her~ <3

I got quite a few wonderful presents, and I don't think I can name off everything. But I can try~
- A new hat~! It's fedora-esque, but soft and grey.
- A new leather purse! Maybe it'll help me cut down on carrying so much... XD'
- Cards and some money
- Music and food
- "Steampunk Bible", "a fully illustrated compendium" of all things steampunk, including it's origins
- Beautifully embroidered soft zipper bags to carry things
- A clay-crafted steampunk dragon pen! (technically a birthday present, but I count it as both. I've named him Allan~)
- "Manga Females Clip Art" book and CD
- Necklace and earrings of gears (fake, but they're lighter that way, and still look fantastic) (picture on Facebook)
- A portable jewelry organizer! It's got tons of zipper pockets on a hanger. Now maybe I can keep my 40+ necklaces untangled when I travel! 8D (yes, I really do have that many)



School-wise, things have been rather crazy. My academics have been going well, though, and while it was a lot of work, I managed to pull all As this past semester~! WOO!! My finals went exeedingly well too: while I did study, I didn't feel overly-stressed, even during the tests. I hope that this next year will be similar in results, but lower on the during-semester stress. A number of outside-academic factors played into that, such as finances and clubs. I plan on budgeting better this year, though, and being firm.
I may possibly be doing tutoring as well. I haven't yet, but I could get paid by the school for it, and I know I have the knowledge to help. Just gotta figure out when...

Speaking of searching, I've been doing research regarding careers and looking into the future, somewhat. I have decided that I want to go into Psychology. I'm really interested in biopsychology, or cognitive neuroscience, or something to that effect, but that will require a lot of schooling, so I'm thinking of going for something a little less intensive to get a job first, like assisting as a clinical psychologist, before I can get the education for research. Of course, the other one will still require graduate school, but I believe I will be able to do it. Now to just locate schools to do such...
I don't have plans set in stone - heck, I just figured this portion out this past week! But I am getting more definitive, for sure.

In the meantime, I'll do my best at what I have going right now and hope I get enough funds to continue with my current schooling. Oh scholarships, why must you be so difficult to acquire?! You would think having a high GPA ought to help... XP

Well, I need to return to packing. I shall endeavor to write more frequently, but we shall see!

Oh, and yesterday, I had this strong urge to create a cat plush of sorts - meant to be Mogget from Sabirel (book). I wanted to make him before school started, but that failed, so I thought during school I'd do it, but that didn't happen... So I spent a good portion of the day yesterday sewing him together while watching shows with my parents and friends~
No, not stunning or anything, but it actually sort-of looks like a cat, so I'm happy! XD Tis my first attempt at a plush of any kind~ My mom helped me finish the last portion, as my hands were about dead, and stuffed him quite nicely.
Maybe I'll draw eyes on him later. :p For now, packing! 

October

I am thoroughly enjoying Metaphysics, although my roommate doesn't like the deep-thinking it requires. Tis fun for me. Now I just gotta write a few essays on it for my midterm by next Monday... Not tomorrow, thank heavens - else I wouldn't be here right now~! Anyway, we're finishing up our section about 'what is a person' and moving on to 'what is space, time, and space-time'. >w< So exciting~!

Intro to Drawing is teaching me a heck of a lot. I have some problems getting all 4 hours of drawing in each week, but part of it is bad planning on my part, and not setting aside time every other day or something to do it. And then there's my body's revolt, as well... I am trying to do my exercises at least once a week, sometimes more when I remember, but... Yeah. Even as I type this, my arms are kind-of numb... maybe that's because it's getting colder, though. Tonight it's supposed to be 37 degrees Fahrenheit. D8 It's been in the 50s and 60s most days, sometimes getting into the 40s on cold days, but I have a feeling winter is coming on soon. Glad I have so many coats and things here~ <3

Still haven't thought of what to be for Halloween, though... Usually, I try to get that figured out in like summer or something, but I've just been so busy this year... I feel guilty about it, yet I don't. Ok, scratch that - I feel sad, but not guilty; I am doing what I can. It's weird how I feel like I don't hardly have time get homework done, let alone talk with my friends or work on my own projects, and yet the friends-thing happens almost without my planning it. It's quite impulsive, actually - I find out and plan immediately when I am with a friend when they are free. Even then it doesn't always work out. But we manage.

So I've signed up for my classes next semester, and while I am taking two more credit hours than this semester, I think it'll be ok. I'll be taking another art class, 2-D design, and from some friends who have taken it, it seems more like a color theory type course, which I haven't had before. I mean, I've gotten the basics, but nothing intensive. Also, I'll have the same number of classes as I do this year - some are just worth more points.

I had an... interesting learning experience with my bank recently. Apparently, I was over-drafting money for a few weeks... and I didn't find out until a snail-mail reached my parents and they called me. However, after some phone-tag, we got things sorted out, and hopefully they update their notification services soon.I am also keeping closer tabs on my online stuff banking-wise; I admit that I have been letting the receipts pile up beside my computer and in my wallet, but the online helps me stay on top of my current standing without much hassle. Also, when I do finally get around to catching up my checkbook, I'll check it against my online history rather than statements. It's more up-to-date, and easier, for me.

Other recent experiences:
A week or so ago I went with some friends to Poplar Forest here in VA, to Jefferson's old hide-out; er, 'vacation house'. He was quite popular, and did not always enjoy it. Anyway, we were there with the Regency Society of Virginia, and had tons of fun! Check out pics on my Facebook page; I'll try to upload some video of dancing later. So much fun!

Also, I got to go on a class trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond! <3 It's so amazing, beautiful, fantastic... The two hours we had was not nearly enough time to look around, especially with the 3-page questionnaire we had to fill out in that time, and I'd love to go again; although I'd prefer someone else drive...

Well I just had a mini-twang of pain in my right wrist, and I can't really feel my fingers, so I'll be off to reading the Aeneid. In gloves.
(also, got to read the Iliad and Odyssey for a class - man I love mythology! <3)

Wow...

I haven't updated in forever. <w<'
Sorry about that.

Moving on!

I am now back at Southern Virginia University, through many graces and some wonderful scholarships. I am still loving it out here, although the humidity is always something to get used to. I don't think we've gotten much from Isaac's remnant's, but we'll see how the rest of the week goes. It's been cloudy, but yet rather warm, so I've been staying in air conditioning when possible.

Also have been meeting up with a lot of friends from last year! Haven't seen all of them yet, but I forgot how many there were! Classes don't start until Tuesday, though, so I ought to have time to find everyone, hopefully.

My new roommate is a freshman, and thus far my only roommate, oddly enough. I'm kind-of hoping that it continues as such, since we've already got the room fairly organized, but we shall see as the year actually gets started. It's a bit sad, since it's just more proof that the attendance here has fallen a bit, but I don't mind so much.


On to my classes! I have a number of reading-intensive ones, I believe, so not sure how much time I'll set aside to get to this blog, but I'll try to keep it in mind.
Arts in Western Civilization (pt. 1)
Classics of Western Literature
Information Literacy - online class meant to help learn how to get information for papers
Introduction to Ballet
Introduction to Drawing
Metaphysics

I'm really happy that I finally got into a real art/drawing class! I've been wanting to study it more, but haven't had time. The usual story. XP
Plus, with my arms doing better, I should be able to handle the class-load~! <3
I still have to do my exercises occasionally, but I expect to need to do that for.... a long time. But it's still SO much better than it used to be~

I'm also looking forward to Metaphysics. Yes, it's a level 3 course, and in Philosophy, and a bit abstract, but that's part of the fun of it! Also, a good friend who was in my Logic class last semester is also taking the course. >3
This shall be interesting, for sure~


Well, I can't think of anything else to update about... I'm going to try holding back and going to less activities this year, though - last year I am pretty sure I almost ran myself into the ground trying to get to everything.
We'll see how I manage myself this year.

Talk to you later~

Lots To Do

Alright, I've been home for a good two weeks finally, and I think I'm starting to get used to things again. There's still so much to do, I've been running every-which-way, trying to unpack in-between everything,  plus seeing friends... There's just a lot going on. If the lack of activity hasn't told you as much.


But anyway, on to something good:
Some awesome news~

I went to a physical rehabilitation center called Airrosti in San Antonio, staying at a wonderful friend's house meantime.
Airrosti was is a wonderful, fantastic Godsend~!
They were able to help diagnose, treat, and give me a home program to work on in the time space of about a week.
Check that - one barking week.
I've been trying to get this thing with my arms figured out for about 2 years now...
I am eternally grateful for the power of faith, prayer, and awesometastic doctors who know what they're doing.

So, I never got a specific 'term' for what went wrong with me, but basically I do too much desk-type work. My shoulders tend to be inwardly rotated because of it, making it harder on my forearms to rotate outward for gripping and other such movement. Usually, with exercise and such, this works itself out, or simply gives minor aches and pains that most people don't think about. But with my week of over-doing everything, I'd overblown it, and twisted up my fascia, the thin covering over all muscles. Unfortunately, this fascia also doesn't get a lot of blood supply, so healing is really slow, sometimes doesn't even happen if it's not helped.
A wonderful doctor at the Airrosti center was able to figure that out after a few minutes of prodding and pulling and discussion. He also has a chiropractic degree. So we set up to get the treatments I needed done in just a few visits, 4 or less is pretty much their goal for treatment visits anyway.

I'll admit, there were many-a-time while he was pushing and massaging my muscles that I held my breath for pain, sometimes subconsciously, but he kept talking the entire time, so I had something else to focus on and reply about. After the treatment, though, I would feel much more relaxed. Then off to the gym for learning what I needed to do on my own time. Got some flex-bands, a lacrosse ball (those things are dense!), and knowledge. Then I ice my arms afterwards.

I continue to do the exercises on my own, and did them between treatment days as well. What was exceedingly wonderful, was that I started noticing a lengthening in my stamina even just after the second visit! The third (and last) visit, I and the doctor agreed that I had practically doubled the strength in my right hand~

I... still find it kind-of hard to believe. But yet it's there.

Now, I'm not back to full strength, and I'm still trying to do my exercises a couple of times a day to get that back. I am getting better.
Wow... I never thought that sentence could have so much power. But it's true. I am. And I will continue to.


I've also started working full-time at the Humane Society~ Tis very tiring, but good fun and work at the same time. Lots-o-dogs and cats, numerous puppies and kittens coming in and going out at rather consist pace.


To help me keep up with the exercising in the mornings, before I head to work, I've finally started an awesome show called Once Upon A Time, from ABC. I watch it whilst doing my exercises. I am really loving the show thus far!

Anyway, still in the midst of doing a lot of things, and trying to get to writing on top of it! Not to mention all the books I want to read.... So I'm off to transfer some notes from notebook to the computer.

I'm also uploading a number of pictures from my San Antonio trip to my deviantart account. We went to the Botanical Gardens, and I couldn't help but get a bit carried away~

Anyway, I'll try to find time to update more often! Although, less 'social' stuff is going to be happening because I'm back home now, I've always got tons of stuff planned to keep me busy. Well, actually, I plan them to get them done, but they tend to keep me busy.
Anyway.
Talk again later~

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~)