Kelli

The first day of school on Monday wasn't so bad. I only had Web II that day with a familiar teacher and classmates. It's a good thing there was that comfort zone because we jumped right into Flash and I was seriously getting lost over the simplest things. Because Steph already took a class involving the program, she breezed through everything and got bored quickly, further frustrating me when she complained about it. All in all, a good class though. It's about time I learn Flash!

Tuesday's itinerary does not include any classes this semester, though I did open at work alone for the first time. There were only one or two times when it got crazy busy (for someone new-ish and working alone, at least) but I survived. I got some stuff done around the house afterward. Jake came over later that evening, and I ended up giving him his birthday present two weeks early. He's been so cute lately pestering me about it, and I've been giving him a very hard time about having to wait and not telling him what it was. But I caved and let him open his gift. I don't really regret it either; I'm glad he seemed to enjoy his new pretty blue guitar strap. :)

Today was not so good. I had three liberal arts classes right in a row: History of Illustration (which went okay actually), Social Problems in Modern Society (when I started to feel discouraged... I don't like social science), and then Writing Fiction (I got very overwhelmed by this point). The last two classes involve all the things I dislike about LA courses... lots of books to purchase, unfamiliar people, unfamiliar topics, and group projects. I know I can handle it in the long run - I've made it through three years of school so far - I just didn't need the bullshit today I guess.

I sent in all my gallery stuff after school today... yay. But now I've got to look around online to find the plethora of expensive textbooks I'm required to have. :( The one for Writing won't get here in time for me to do the homework, so I need to buy it from school tomorrow... grrr.

Although I'm moody today and the weather is dreary, I'm glad it's raining. The cool misty air, the clean scent of rain, the soft light from the clouds reflecting off wet roads and cars - as strange as it may sound, I've needed this kind of inspiration for awhile. I at least feel better than I did at school.

By the way, when it comes to selecting the songs for the soundtrack of my life, this "Aurora" has replaced Carbon Leaf's.

less than three

I went to hear the band practice last night. They all played so well, as always. Billy and Jake took some time to search Craigslist for a bassist before Scott arrived (and as of this morning, it seems like they found one). After jamming, Jake and I went to my Kroger to get some ph00d and fruit punch... 'course I had to supervise him heavily so he wouldn't go around embarrassing me. ;) Then we watched The Green Mile at my house. T'was a very good movie; I originally wasn't in the mood for a more serious plot but I was genuinely impressed. Jake has yet to recommend a bad movie... but I've still got eleven films left in my need-to-watch pile!

Next week's going to be fun, in an interesting sort of way. School starts!! I've got Web on Monday with Steph, yaaaaay! When it comes to work, on three days next week I'm either opening or closing by myself. They've got more faith in me than I do in myself, that's for sure. :)

Are your paren​ts over the age of 40?
Yes. Over 50, actually.

Do you have siblings over the age of 21?
Nope.

Are you ready to get out of this town?
Not really.

Do you read?
On the interwebs, yes.

Is there anyone that you wish was out of your life?
Meh, not really.

What makes you mad?
When people don't get what they truly deserve (good and bad).

Who was the last person to make you laugh?
Probably CC.

Would you rather sleep​ at a friend's or have them over?
Have them over.

Do you have a hard time admitting you're wrong?
Yes.

Do you get along with guys or girls better?
Guys; girls are bitches. ;)

What made you happy today?
Padre came to visit me!! And work went well, too.

Are you waiting for something?
Friiiiday!

Does anyone hate you?
Probably.

Are you happy with life?
Yes.

Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
Back in the day.

If you could have one person with you right now, who would it be?
Jake. I don't see myself getting sick of him anytime soon. :P

Do you hate the last girl you had a conversation with?
No way.

Was your last kiss drunk or sober?
Sober. :)

Do you put ketchup on top of your french fries or on the side?
Side. Who likes soggy fries?!

Who did you last talk to on the phone for over 15 minutes?
Jake.

Are you a family person?
Not really.

Are you scared of spiders?
YES.

Is there anyone you would die for?
Honestly, no. I'm selfish.

Ever talked to someone that was high?
Don't think so.

Last comment you left someone?
...?

Do you have a facebook?
Yes.

Are you excited for summer?
There isn't much left, but I'm still excited about it.

What did you do last night?
Watched 40 Year Old Virgin with Jake. Good flick.

What is the closest thing to you that is blue?
Dried blue paint on a palette. :)

Does it snow where you live?
Yeppers.

When is the next time you will see your grandma?
I don't know... :(

Would you go out in public without getting dressed up or put together?
Yep. It's somewhat common, actually.

Have you kissed or hugged someone today?
Padre hug!! :)

Do people underestimate your intelligence?
Not sure.

Would you rather have love or money?
Love.

Have you ever sat on a roof top?
Yes. Sometimes I wish I didn't have a screen on my window so I'd be able to roof-sit all the time.

Do you know how to play poker?
Yeah.

What time do you get up in the morning?
Noon today. :P

Do you eat ranch with your pizza?
Um, yuck?

Have you ever thought you liked someone then found out that you didn't?
Yeah I believe I've done that.

How about love someone then realized you hated them?
Not hated.

How was last weekend?
Good I'm guessing. The days run together in the summer; I don't remember!

Did you have any unread text messages this morning when you woke up?
Nope.

Do you love anyone?
Yes.

Have you ever broken someones heart?
Yes, but it isn't something to be proud of.

Who do you hate?
I don't hate anyone.

Do you wish someone would call you right now?
Not really... I'm kinda sleepy.

Who are your favorite people to talk to when you're down?
Josh and Jake.

What song are you currently listening to?
"Better Than You" by Metallica.

What's the worst abuse you have done to your phone?
Dropped it. Overall, I'm pretty nice to my phones.

Do you personally know anybody who has more than five tattoos?
Not that many.

Is there something that you dislike about the day you're having?
Nope; I'm pretty content.

Is there anybody you're really disappointed in right now?
Yes..

Well now, it looks like I'm a barista at the Kroger Starbucks. I had my official first day of work yesterday... mostly just filling out paperwork and doing online training. But today's the real first day, in my eyes, where I actually start training with my manager at the 'Bucks. My nerves are definitely getting the better of me; I've got a very uneasy stomach at the moment. It's very hard to start over knowing absolutely nothing and coming back from a two-year work hiatus. AHH... nervous!

There's a new guy in my life who, to put it simply, is everything I have ever asked for. Jake's incredibly sweet, adorably handsome, a talented musician, and he's funny without resorting to douchebaggery. :D He has really cool friends, too, but I just can't help but feel awkward and shy around them. I'm just the newb, lol. I think I'm behaving pretty well though in contrast to all the butterflies I have on the inside. Ever since I've been back, I've been out of my comfort zone, which in all honesty is probably a good thing. Work is one thing, but the new social situations have also given Schlady an uneasy tummy. It's just an overload of new things all at one time, and I'm usually one to take things slowly. I guess it's time to make that change!

Even with Jake around to slurp up my free time, I'm still getting more artwork done than I did in the Bubble. After work today (and after a nap, possibly), I would like to finish my panoramic painting of another Broad St. sunset. It's big and taking longer to finish than I thought, but it's turning out to be one of my all-time favorites. I've got some work left to do on it, especially in regards to the physical state of the painting. A portion of the canvas got damaged from the move and the long supports have bowed slightly. I've got many months to figure it out, perhaps even re-stretch the damn thing. (It's too big for a gallery, but it would make a GORGEOUS show piece for the art sale in December.) If I'm not inspired to paint, I will be... I've got to cut down all my boards to continue work on The Sock Monster. The CCAD work ethic is easily ignited by the cutting of boards! :D

( A Not-Random Music Survey )

What year was it five years before you were born?
1982.

What holiday is closest to your birthday?
Yom Kippur... sometimes it's ON my birthday!

What is your name if you spell it without the letters "e" "y" and "t"?
Klli.

If you named a band after your birth-month and your pet, what would it be?
October Tabitha... or October Aurora (my fish)... I like both!

Who is your 9th contact in your phone?
Char. :P

How old will you be in 5 years?
25.

How about in 20 years?
40!

Where was the last place you went?
Indian Mound Mall. :D Lol, I've had a mug from there on my desk for two years and have just now gone to see what it was all about.

Do you have a twin?
No. I don't think the world needs another me!

What was the last movie you watched?
The Dark Knight! I HIGHLY recommend it.

Are you afraid of shots?
Nah.

What color are the walls of the room you are in?
A light greenish-blue.

How many letters are in your middle name?:
Five.

Is your Last name more than 6 letters long?
Nope.

What are you looking foward to?
The next time I get to see him... *squee*

Have you ever dyed your hair an unnatural color?
Nope, never even dyed it a natural color.

If a gorilla and a horse had a baby, what would the new creature be called?
A gorse, duh.

Does anyone call you baby?
No.

Regular Cheeto's or hot?
Regular. Or better yet, some Dandee Corn Twistees!!

How's your heart lately?
My heart has been all over the damn place lately... but tonight, it feels more full of life than it has in a VERY long time!

What's your favorite fruit?
Strawberries.

Are you scared of spiders?
Yes!

Do you have a piercing?
No.

If someone doesn't like you, its usually because...?
I'm quiet. Too quiet. :D

Do you wear the hood on your hoodie?
I don't have any hooded sweatshirts...

How long does it take for you to take a shower?
Fifteen minutes.

Do you like being around a large group of friends, or two best friends?
Two best friends!

Ever bit someone else’s tongue?
Gently... :P

Whose birthday is coming up?
Cheer's.

Do you like roller coasters?
Not really.

Do you have a tattoo?
No.

What is wrong with you right now?
I've been sucked in by a beautiful soul.

Do you care what others think about you?
Not too much.

Do think you'll be married in 10 years?
Yeah probably.

Are you afraid of the dark?
Not usually.

Do you like your life at the moment?
I LOVE it.

Where were you Last Night?
In this same computer chair, chattin' away with friends.

What kind of shirt are you wearing?
An old DI shirt. :)

How late did you stay up last night?
Oh geez... past 2, probably.

Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you?
Yes.

Did you ever lose a best friend?
Yes.

What are you afraid of the most?
Not living up to my potential, and crazy-fast ceiling fans.

When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face?
Dunno.

Do you have a crush on someone?
I most definitely do...

When is your birthday?
October 4th.

What are you doing tonight?
I'm about to go to sleep, dreaming about the awesome day I had.

What happened at 10:00 am today?
I woke up!

Stolen from Bri's Facebook... yeah, I work cross-platform like that. :P


How old was the last person you kissed?
19.

Who woke you up this morning?
I woke myself up, actually.

What is your current mood?
Irritated.

What color shirt are you wearing?
Purple.

Are you crazy?
Maybe!

What are you listening to?
Nothing, though Sting's "Fields of Gold" is still resounding in my head from my drive home.

How long is your hair?
A little past shoulder length, and growing!

Are you wearing make-up?
It's worn off by now.

What were you doing at 11:00 last night/with who?
Don't remember.

Do you ever keep arguing even when you know you’re wrong?
With Nate I do, in hopes of being right about SOMETHING, since he ALWAYS has to be right.

Last thing you bought?
Stretcher bars and paint.

How much money do you have on you?
More than $10 in dimes and nickels... seriously. And that's all the money I've got, too.

Are you afraid of shots?
Vaccines aren't that scary, gunshots startle me, and alcohol shots usually involve dumbasses that are hate-worthy but fear is uninvolved.

How long does it take for you to take a shower?
About fifteen minutes.

Do you care what others think about you?
I don't at the time, but I end up reviewing all my social interactions for the day before I go to sleep, often heavily critiquing the stupid things I may have said. It's terrible, actually.

Do think you'll be married in 10 years?
Probably, though I could imagine being single, too.

Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you?
Yeah. Not sure how sincere they were, though!

Whats your favorite card game?
Alaska (Spite and Malice). Or maybe even... Canasta!

Are you open about your feelings or closed off?
I'm closed off until someone asks.

Who would you say you're best friends with right now?
Maybe Nate, maybe Steph or Josh... I dunno. Nobody really fills that spot appropriately.

Ever cried because of happiness?
I think so, though I can't remember a specific time!

What's some things people hate about you?
I'm lazy, I'm picky, and that I'm an artist who wants to move back to Columbus.

Favorite way of styling your hair?
Just leaving it as is... it's easy and pretty!

Someone you miss?
My dear Elena.

Do you like getting balloons on birthdays?
Balloons should be for anytime! When I was little, I would play with mylar balloons so much that I'd get silver all over me. Oh em gee, I love balloons! Once I made a huge balloon bouquet at work for some girl's sweet sixteen, and I was seriously jealous! They are the happiest things on Earth; it's so sad when people pop them.

A fruit that starts with the first letter of your name?
Kiwi!

I'm returning to Columbus early to regain my focus. Once some stuff gets cleared up around here, I'll be all set to go. I can't wait!

I did get to visit Steph and Josh almost two weeks ago. It was quite a drive, but worth the trip. :) Good to see both of them again. Ooo, and they're gonna be getting a kitty soon! *squee*

One of my pet peeves: being led on. Honesty can hurt, but I'd rather be pushed down right away than follow upstairs only to fall harder. I am very disappointed with how the whole Kmart thing turned out. If I was so unqualified to work there, I would've appreciated being told right out that I couldn't be hired. Instead, I went in on numerous occasions for interviews and filling out paperwork. I made calls that never got returned. My God, do I suck THAT bad?

Art stuff's going well though. I'm trying to get some work into galleries and shows. *crosses fingers*

Stuff I very much want to accomplish:

- Get a job! (An internship would be even better!)
- Get into that gallery!
- Finish "The Sock Monster"!
- Publish both books!
- PAINT LIKE MAD!
- Get movin' and exercise! (I recently realized I gained 30 pounds in the last four years... :X)

Tabitha is SO snuggly! She's much different now that she's gotten her bad teeth pulled. She "knocks" on my door every night wanting to be pet and cuddled. Then when she's had her fill, she runs down the hall to Madre's room to get even more attention.

Headache. Bleh.

Work is coming! As long as this wait didn't turn out to be another elaborate plan to screw me over, I should be working as a cashier sometime next week for a lovely Kmart establishment. I'm actually excited because that's going to give me something to do, rather than just mope around at home under the rule of Madre.

As time passes, "home" becomes less inspiring to me. I used to be able to take a walk in a beautiful park or at an art fair, come home, and whip out some amazing paintings. I don't have that drive to create right now... and I don't know how to get it back. My daydreams depict my inspiration flooding in once I'm living independently, when I will at least have my art desk and computer desk separate. I'm serious... having the computer in my workspace (unless I have to do something digitally) is very distracting, plus it's very boring (and somewhat physically straining) to sit in the same chair for work and play. Hopefully working in the 'Boro for hours at a time will be enough of a scenery change for me to be able to come home and work on paintings this summer.

Nate's keeping my spirits relatively high. As usual, we have our ups and downs, but we decided that this summer must definitely be an UP! The biggest update: his new turtle aquarium is AWESOME! He's always had his red-eared slider (Greenie) and river cooter (Jasper) in a translucent Rubbermaid tub. We found a 55-gallon aquarium with a wood stand for only $80 on Craigslist, plus the owners lived only a quarter mile from Nate's house! He bought that and whole lot of accessories from Petsmart, including SNAILS!!! :) His turtles have so much more room to swim and bask now; they look prettier in their new tank, too. I wonder if my betta Aurora would mind a little snail friend?

My third year of college was finally behind me, eighteen miles west. Everything fit like Tetris blocks in my tiny round Beetle. May 10th, 2008.

I felt so full of life: my spirit was truly alive. The air was cool and refreshing as I buzzed along the country roads that playfully followed the State's curves. The wind was scented with late blooming trees and cow pastures. My stereo soothingly crooned Sun Kil Moon's "Ghosts of the Great Highway" as I watched shadows of hills run alongside the sunlit grass. I rolled through tiny towns encapsulated in time, their slower speed limits begging for a moment or two of reflection. But these rural delights found their way into my mirrors too soon; the straight gray fast lane of the freeway lay ahead.

For an hour and a half or so, I belonged to no one. I was not a Pataskalan; I was not an Auroran. My heart was strong, unharmed by distant friends and apathetic family. My pride had yet to be crushed from unemployment. I wasn't torn between the stubborn comforts of old lovers and the uncertainty of new ones. I felt no desire to need anyone or want anything. For that hour, I was free.

I had the spring student art sale today... and four of my paintings went home with happy patrons! *squee*

1, 2, 3, and 4!

I also sold a handful of stickers. They seemed to be very popular when people noticed them. My table ended up being on a ledge, so people didn't really get a chance to look down at what was on the table, just straight ahead at the paintings. The tabletop was often at or above the height of small children, so they weren't able to even see the stickers. Better luck next time, I guess! :)