Still Adrift

Speaking.

August 30, 2004

So, not much has been going on...just working and schooling. Tonight I had my first presentation. I decided to do it early and get it out of the way and I'm glad I did. Now the rest of this class should be a little easier.

I've been kinda of blah lately - it's one of those situations where you know you feel a certain way, but you can't really pin-point why you feel the way you do. You have an idea of why, but then you're not sure because it's really something that needn't be feeling "blah" over. I have no clue if that make sense.

Anyways...

My parents bought a brand computer, complete with monitor and printer. I am a little jealous. It sounds like it's identical to Merc's new computer. I want to get a laptop, but I should wait until I have a little more money...or maybe I should wait until this one completely dies. *shrugs*

Well, that is all that's going on here...just wanted to do a quick update. I must be off to do homework...a-woohoo.

August 27, 2004

First Week of School

Let me start off by talking about things that happened this week, but didn't necessarily deal with school. Wednesday was a crappy day for me. I left around 11:30 and I was going to put gas in my car and then go to the DMV to get my car transferred in my name. Well, I get to the gas station and I cannot pump gas into my car. I couldn't figure out what was going on, so I moved to a different pump, and I still had trouble. So, THEN I went to a different gas station across the street and STILL couldn't pump gas. I decide to call my dad to see if it's anything I'm doing and while I'm talking to him a little distracted, I locked my keys in my car. Funny thing is, I have a spare key in my wallet, but that too was in the car. Luckily, my dad thought for me to call Geico's emergency roadside assistance and in about 30 min. a condescending tow truck guy came to break into my car. I've never seen someone do that, but ya know, it's not that hard - anyone could do it w/the right tools. Kinda scary. So anyways, I left that gas station (still with no gas), and drove all the way to a Shell station by Merc and Ong's because I knew I could pump gas there. I discovered my problem - the first 2 stations had different pumps. The pumps had that rubber, accordion looking thing that you have to push hard to get gas in the car (hopefully that makes sense), but I had never used them, so I was having trouble. I swear only stupid shit like that happens to me. After I finally get gas, I find my way to DMV and get out of there just barely in time to come home, grab something to eat and go to class at 4pm.

Though I am only taking 4 classes this semester, I think it's going to feel like I'm taking 5. There's just going to be a lot of writing and reading. And I always feel the need to torture myself with at least one class every semester - this time it will be Screenwriting. I am hoping it won't be too tough because I already have the story...but now I have to write all of the dialogue and other descriptors. This class will definitely be a challenge for me. And Merc, that's why I never sit down just to write - it's like pulling teeth for me.

After going to all of my classes and seeing the work that I have ahead, I decided to quit at the movie theater. I work tomorrow and I will be turning in my 2 weeks notice. I know I could probably use the little bit of extra money, but I can't over do it and let my work suffer. I'll still have Target and hopefully in a month, I will be getting a raise, so maybe that'll help make up for the loss of money at the theater. It's the money and the free movie tickets that I will miss the most, but oh well. At least now I am making money, so if I want to go see a movie, theoretically, I can afford it.

It's been a long week - no class today, but I need to go to the bookstore...I work tonight, work both jobs tomorrow, and work Sunday night. OH yeah - it's gonna be a fun weekend.

Music: The Killers - Somebody


August 22, 2004

New Home

I am now reporting from the dorms and it is not so bad. My roommate is awesome, she's really nice and we got along really well and 2 of my other roommates are cool too. One girl isn't really socializing with everyone and there's one girl who hasn't moved in yet, but I've heard that she's nice, so should be okay...hopefully there will be no drama.

The move to the dorms went pretty smoothly. Since I did it by myself, it took a while, but I was proud that I got it done w/no accidents or problems. I did manage to do a few things though; I have this little metal security box thing that I dropped on my big toe and it hurt like no other. It bled and bruised right away. And...because I never miss a moment to embarrass myself...I had this big paper bag of video tapes that broke and fell all over the parking lot at the apartment complex...and the handy guys on break laughed. When I moved for the summer, I dropped my hangers all over the parking lot and now videos. But other than those mishaps, things went well.

I can't wait until the managers at Target realize that they shouldn't put me in infants because I suck in that department.

Next Sunday is the NASCAR race that I'm going to, and I'm really excited. Of course this is assuming I get the time off of work, but I don't know why I wouldn't. I put for the time off at Target like a month ago and I did at the theater today and I was the first one to request the day off. Oh and there's a radio show that hosts a party and some drivers show up and I may get to go to that too. That would be awesome.

No big plans for tomorrow. Think I may go to this store in the mall my roommate was telling me about to try and find a poster to put up on my wall. I also went shopping yesterday; got some new jeans. I got 3 pairs of pants and a shirt for $70. I thought that was a good deal.

I can't believe school starts in one day....*shiver*

Music: Watching the Olympics

August 16, 2004

Socks and My Future

I have been thinking about my future a lot lately. One of the things that has been on my mind is my career choice and I think I have decided that I do not want to pursue a career in the film industry. It still interests me to an extent, but not as much as it used to. But doing anything film related, such as filming, editing, or even writing, I have to be in the mood for - it's not something that I constantly want to do. Maybe it would be a better hobby or a side business. I have one year until I complete my BA in Radio-TV-Film and an internship. Perhaps I will change my after the internship, but as of right now this is how I feel. So, now I feel like I'm just floating along...completing school just so I have a degree. Part of me is freaking out because it's like, "what the hell am I gonna do now?!" But another part of me kind of just wants to go with the flow and see what life brings my way. If you've known me for a while, you know that I would LOVE to work with animals and that is something that I will seriously look into. So far I've found a few job titles that I would like to do. I don't want to become a Vet. or anything, just some kind of Animal Attendant or Animal Care Worker or something. The only thing I wonder about is the opportunity to "move up the ladder." I know I would love working with animals. I like them too much for my own good. This is the direction I am thinking of going.

In other news...
I bought a folding hand truck today to help move my stuff on Wed. I really didn't want to spend $40 on it, but I'm sure it's a nice thing to have and something I can always use. I also went to lunch with a few friends which was nice. Work wasn't bad at all tonight. The last 2 nights I finished my departments with time to spare. It made me feel really good. Hopefully I can keep it up. Oh...and the best part of the day...a few months ago I noticed these Garfield socks at Target but they were selling for $4 and I wasn't gonna pay that for a pair of socks, so I decided that I'd wait for them to go on clearance. About a month ago, I noticed that a lot of character socks had gone on clearance, but I couldn't find Garfield anywhere, so I gave up. Then, tonight, while I was sorting stuff, I found a pair and they had gone on clearance! They were only $1.98, so I carried them around until my break so I could buy them. And then when I bought them, they rang up as being $.98...isn't that awesome?! Okay, I'm sure none of you think so. But that's okay...I know I am a dork. :)

Music: Foo Fighters - Darling Nikki

August 14, 2004

Things I've Learned From Working

1) There is a double standard in the work place: A manager or supervisor can be rude and disrespectful to you, but if you do it back, you get in trouble. It's irritating to have respect someone who does not respect you.

2) You are always going to work with bosses who sit on their ass and do nothing, yet complain when you don't get your job done and when they know you probably could use some help.

3) Gossiping is bad. If you do it, it's more than likely going to bite you in the ass - in other words, don't trust the people you work with to "keep it secret" if you don't like another coworker.

4) It's not appreciated, but expected of you to come in on your day off if they need you to. You will receive a half ass "Thank you for coming in."

5) Supervisors who are not "big bosses" will always act like they are.

6) You will be criticized more than complimented.

August 11, 2004

One Week Left

Well Target should be a little easier to deal with now...Inventory is over. Geez, inventory sucks ass. That's all I have to say.

Not much else going on. In a week I move back to the dorms. I dunno, I really don't want to move back. Maybe if I were living in the single rooms, but it sucks, I found out that I don't get to live w/the RA, so there will be 6 of us in one suite - haven't done that before...I know it's only one more person, but still. Oh well...I'll probably be so damned busy I won't have time to worry about it. I haven't quite made a plan yet. I figure I'll get up early and pack some stuff in my car and go check in and start moving crap in. I am kinda bummed about leaving Merc and Ong's. I really enjoyed staying with them, though I am sure they are ready to have their space back. It's weird, I felt more independent living here than at the dorms, which is one of the reasons I am reluctant to move back. I also kinda feel like I am too old for the dorms. I mean I did it for 2 years, and it was an awesome experience, but I just want something new. Guess I'll just have to suck it up for one more year.

No plans for tomorrow. I think Thursday I am gonna go see a movie and while I'm there pick up my schedule and then go to Panda Express for lunch because I have been craving it for like 2 weeks. Oh yeah, gotta deposit my check too. But tomorrow I think I'm gonna be bummin' it.

Music: Senses Fail - One Eight Seven


August 08, 2004

Work sucked tonight. I did not even come close to finishing my department and I left 2 carts full of stuff to put away; so if anyone works there tomorrow, they will probably be pissed...OR...I'll get called in early to finish it. I just need to find good routine when it comes to infants I guess.

I just drank a very strong screwdriver in about 5 minutes...my head is a little fuzzy and I'm having a hard time typing. I didn't eat much tonight, so I figure that's why it went straight to my head.

Hmm..alright, that's all I have to say I think...exciting huh?

August 06, 2004

Go home; Get a car

I had a nice 2 1/2 days at home, though it wasn't nearly long enough. And it's really weird, it seems each time I go home, it gets harder to say goodbye to my parents. Maybe it's because of all of the health issues, I dunno. Speaking of health issues...my dad's doctor now wants him to have that stomach bypass surgery to lose weight. I am sorta split on the issue...on one hand, it's surgery, which is kinda scary in itself; but on the other hand if he loses the weight, his health will be better - there won't be so much pressure on his heart, he may be able to stop taking his diabetes medication and his blood pressure would probably go down. If he could get the surgery done and be successful with it, it may help him to live a longer, happier life. But it's the thought of the actual surgery that scares me. It's funny - one doctor wants him to have stomach surgery, the other wants him to have brain surgery. Though I think right now his weight and it's issues are more important than the Parkinson's Disease.

I successfully drove my car back to Southern CA. I am very proud of myself - I have never made the trip before and it's not the easiest trip to do if you've never done. It was my first time being in SoCal traffic and I didn't freak out as much as I thought I would. There were a few spots where I got a little scared, but all in all, I did good. I got me, my parents and my car here safely, so that's all that matters. :) I have to say that I LOVE my car. It's me...I love the color and I have already stuck a 311 sticker on the back window...sure didn't take me long. ;) Maybe I can get Merc to take a few pics of me and the car so I can show people.

While at home, I also got to visit with friends, which is always nice. Well, I hung out w/one and talked to the other on the phone. I really miss my friends too. I know where I'm from sucks and is boring, but none the less, it is home and I miss it. And now that I am working, I can't just go home when I want to anymore. And the chances of being able to go home for Thanksgiving or Christmas doesn't look good. I may have a chance for Thanksgiving, but I dunno about Christmas. But...I guess this is life; just gotta learn to deal with it.