It's been a while. Also known as a year. I've been checking my messages regularly, but beyond that I haven't particularly made time for art of my own doing beyond classes and assignments and whatnot.

I'm in Chicago now. Applied only to one school, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and was accepted. So I'm attending as an architecture student.

My greatest accomplishment, however, is that I met someone last September. We officially became a couple after about a month, so our one year anniversary is in November. Long story short, I love him and we'll be spending the rest of our lives together. <3

I'm procrastinating like a pro at this point, but I don't plan on taking much longer on here. Assignments to do... Sleep to enjoy...

I have a new camera now... My own, technically, even if it was parent-paid. There will be photography to show for it when I find myself downtown with time on my hands instead of shit tons of work. But work is good. School work means I'm in college. Finally... Out of the house, in a dorm room with a thankfully good roommate (lucked out on that one I did!) experiencing the ups, downs, and turn-arounds of life 800 miles from "home"... But if home is where the heart is, then it's only 700 miles... because my love lives outside Atlanta, not Opelika... As much as I've.. we've been through recently, I don't think I could be happier. ^^

Is anyone actually reading this?

Among other news and such, there's a chance I'll be heading that way (Portland, Oregon) this time next year for a few days of much deserved vacation and possibly a visit to a certain deviant--I don't even know if he watches me...

In any case, there's more going on in my life than a non-definite trip across the country in a year.

For instance!
-New car
-New cell phone
-Quit job
-New printer/scanner/copier (it's very pretty)
-New desk
-Brother moved out
-New kitchen counter tops
-New front porch (pending)
-New school year

That's the bulk of it. I'll give details. Ask if you want to know more about anything. In the same order as above:

-2000 Honda CR-V. Very nice. My choice. I <3 it and have thanked the 'rents for it many, many times.
-My purchase. It's nice. Twas cheap, and kind of shows. I'm paying for it entirely--the plan and all. I don't care at this point. It works.
-Had to quit because of band/school. I still go back and visit them at the pharmacy. ..Mostly just Beth.
-HP PSC 1510. Refurbished, great price. Had an issue with the provided color ink cartridge. Replaced. Works great. Will take off to college and charge people for copies/scanning/etc.
-Gave brother the old one when he moved out. Display model, discounted price. Too big for room. Can make modifications to make better.
-Nik's in an apartment with his best friend and said friend's girlfriend. And said friend's girlfriend's daughter. (Side note: Said brother is now engaged to his girlfriend. Wedding is far off. Years, at least.)
-Laminate. Light brown is the primary color. Stone-type pattern with hints of blue. Will eventually get back splash with blue tile to compliment--my choice. ^^
-Porch has not been started yet. Pictures will arrive when it has. Waiting on contractor to finish a job or two first. Good price. Adds massive value to the house. Said house is looking better and better.
-Senior year. Finally. Will apply to colleges in next month or two.

ACT score, first try, no preparation: 30.

SAT score, same circumstances: 1810 (I think.)
Math score: 590. Needs to go up 110 points or more to get into college I want to get into: Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.

It has been ranked number one and I don't want to think too much about it. My heart isn't completely set on it. There are other options. I have backups. Cooper pays for itself, though. Literally. There are no tuition costs--it's that good of a school.

But Pratt has been ranked highly. That's the first backup. There are others, but I don't know their credentials. I'll check before applying.

Upcoming plans:
-Retake SAT up to three times to increase math score.
-Attend wedding of cousin in Chicago; Nov. 8th.
-Finish reorganizing room/life.
-Stop staying up quite so late.

On that note, I say bonne nuit! (That's "Good night." ..I think..)

PS: Yes. I'm happy. Very much so. It's an odd feeling, to be really happy with just about everything after so long. It's a tad scary, but worth it. I hope this is good karma from all the bad I've been through over the past however-long, rather than good karma that will even out with uber-uber bad stuff that is soon to come.

Must be optimistic!

That's where my mind is, anyway. Somewhere.

The rest of me, however, is ready for school to be out for the summer. (Last day is Thursday.)

Half of the drum major tryouts were Friday. (Other half Tuesday, results that afternoon.)

I WANT TO DO ART. GRR.

I will. Soon. Honest.

Otherwise... Um... got a job. (Deliveries, Adams Pharmacy)

..Don't ask where the random parenthetical format came from. I'm weird like that. (You knew that already.)

Welp. I need sleep. So I shall be sleeping.

Been busy with a buncha stuff, really. Mostly school. No time for art at the moment, but I'll make time next week (spring break).

My hair. She is cut. For Locks of Love, of course. I'm not the biggest fan of the cut as it is now, but ..it'll grow. It's not SHORT, it's.. all chin-length or so, but it curls at the end--and not in a good way. But again, I'm getting used to it.

Also, I got my braces off. Woo.

So yes. Art coming soon.

If You comment on this journal, I'll answer these about you!

1- I'll say something random about you.
2- I'll dare you to try something new.
3- I'll tell you a color I relate to you.
4- I'll say what I like about you.
5- I'll tell you something I remember about you.
6- I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7- I'll ask something I always wanted to ask.
8- You have to do this in your journal too if you comment

Answers from

1- Wearing wet sneakers on linoleum floors squeak.
2- Draw an uber muscular dude hand in hand with a little girl.
3- SILVER - like a bullet - cause you ZOOOOOOOOOM!
4- I like how you don't give up - you just keep going for it, no matter what tries to get in your way.
5- Band Geek - and I say what with the highest regards 'cause I was a band geek.
6- A grizzley bear - don't get in the way or you get chased out of the way.
7- What do you want to do with the rest of your life?



And P.S., we got a new camera... and a new dog.