The New Academic Adventure

It’s been a hectic week, as classes begun, and I was busy, busy, busy! Kids from all over needed help, and I was there to lend a hand. It’s what I do. It’s who I am! I was worried about my stress levels going up, and they did, but I’ve been in tougher situations before. I’ve dealt with them in a professional manner. I know I can do the same here.

I’ve taken my days off with the proper attitude of relaxing. Stress reduces itself so well. Things fall into place. I am so feeling good. Had Chinese last night. Now way I was cooking. LOL.

Watched a few movies. Kill Bill Vol 1 & 2, Lord of the Rings The Two Towers, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and a few episodes of Teen Titans.

Classes for me also began. It’s not hectic yet, but I’ve got two 15-page papers to deliver. I know I’m gonna be burning the midnight oil on several days. I have to get myself organized or I face the stress of class and work taking over. It’s all about self-control.

Outside right now enjoying some fresh air. Gotta go open the windows and let some air inside.

Should have wrote more of a blog entry. I have been most lazy. I shall endeavor to write something worth posting. Today I'm loafing on my couch.

I drank water this morning. Not the usual sugar based goodness I crave. Need to write more blog posts. Hope day stays ok.

Stomach growls. Eyes feel heavy. Want to sleep. Need to stay up. Options most annoying.

Does one write to be liked and popular, or does one feel express ideas through words that may not fit the norm.

I have 15 mins before I pick up my new glasses. Very excited. Still waiting for my contacts to arrive.

Gone to the eye doctor for a new pair of glasses. Hadn't worn glasses since mid 2005. I intended to keep it that way but eye allergies make contacts a pain.

Getting my screenplay rewrites on!

Charleston looks nice. We are supposed to ha e a cookout today. I marinated steaks and chicken. We'll see how that goes.

Wrote and did research yesterday. Started a review for the CINEs blog but kept having to stop to help others. Decided on Thai food for lunch.

Having lunch. Wanted to take something from home but I wake up too late to get things done. Last minute cramps my style. Gotta improve my productive time.

Odd. In spite of doing exhaustive papers for finals, I have a need to write more.

Visiting my Grandmom. She's in good spirits. Everyone in Charleston seems busy but I managed to see the right people. I want steak as a reward!

Savannah's traffic gets congested. Felt most irritated took nearly an hour to get from point A to B. Want to go see Inglorious Basterds with my HG.

Clothes drying. Ready to write. Maybe I needed days away from it to form a vision.

It's laundry time and I feel inspired to write today. After doing laundry I will do at least three pages today for my paper. Will do more later in the night.

Stuck In the Throat

Like a fish out of water, I seem to be out of place as we head into my weekend. Finals are here, and I have yet to put together cogent projects. In fact my mind cannot wrap itself around the concept of working these pages out. I am so mad at this. I need to be prepped and completing projects. I made myself sit down and write, but I feel so limited. So used. So bland. I haven’t even gotten the words on the page yet. How can defeat come before trying?

Its been raining all week, mixing the heat with water to make things all muggy. Not pleased with the outcome. Hungry as can be today. Gonna wolf down a burger!

Yaaaaay! Abstract/paper topic approved! Gonna go some wicked writing this weekend! Gonna be my best paper!

I have a paper topic now and an abstract. Hoping my prof will not gonna reject it (fingers crossed). That way I can get this thing done.

OMG! The car is so hot today! Opening it made me feel like I was baking some clay. Not the best of sensations I'd like to share, but a sensation nonetheless.

Convinced that I need a nap, BUT may not get one as I am busy. Picking up some salad for a meal before working. I feel it will help in the long run.

Several Deadly CINEs

I have a new blog, as the title suggests, called Several Deadly CINEs: My Life in Cinema Studies and Screenwriting. I will keep both blogs going with fresh material.

I want you all to know that the blog you're reading is my personal blog, and CINEs focuses more on my Cinema Studies experiences. Personal can be random, but it remains at its core, a blog about my life.

I'm very excited about the new blog. I hope you will follow it as well.

Edited some of my screenplay while I waited on car repairs. It was a mixed bag of news as the compressor for the AC needs replacing. Big boooo to this.

Car Repairs

For the summer the AC in my car wasn’t working. I didn’t have the money at first to repair it, so I endured many hot days to work and classes. For the record I need circulating air on me. Especially when it rains, and I have to wind the windows up.

Needless to say last week I decided that I would take my car in for an oil change and have the AC looked at. Well that extended to today, and I found out that I need to replace my car’s battery, the belts, and the coolant needs cleaning.

So today this gets done while I type this out. I keep hoping all the AC needs Freon only! PLEASE need freon only. Don’t know how high I can go with the repair bill.

I still need to buy some grocery. I should have made a list which I may do while I wait.

Love August

I need to post, and not the usual five sentences post, but something more significant post.   Needless to say we’re gonna start with the five sentence post as a warm up to life.  It’s the new month, and I want to put some good entries on the map.  Let’s hope between classes and work that I have something to talk about.  You know, that thing called life should be worth discussing.  

Tired...

I needed an online break. Eyes are tired. It bothers me not to read so I will rest.

Really, I think I'm overworking myself, which can be embarrasing.  Still its nice NOT to do anything other than relax.  I feel better now and I'm willing to work on my projects as well.  I have a cover letter to complete. 

Let's hope this new month brings on good vibes. 

Feeling ok. House sprayed for bugs. I am falling back on being tired.

Watches clips from "Strangers in Paradise."

Power's out. Darn it! Hope it will be on by morning.

Top Ten Reasons I Know I Need AC in My Car During This Hot-Ass Summer:

Top Ten Reasons I Know I Need AC in My Car During This Hot-Ass Summer:

1.    The Human Torch died of heat exhaustion while riding shotgun with me.

2.    Iceman melted, prompting a “very special X-Men” comic in which Wolverine & the X-Men trash my ride. 

3.    The devil tapped on my door and told me,  “Why you torturing yourself? Not even Hell’s that hot!”

4.    Dr. Manhattan said he’d rather make out with Laurie’s Mom than sit his blue ass on those hot seats.

5.    My skin tone was like Casper’s before I got into the car.

6.    Went to the pick up some bread and cheese.  Came back home with toast and soup. 

7.    My latest mixed CD straightened itself out.

8.    When I closed my eyes, it was like a day in Baghdad.

9.    I have the worlds most expensive EZ-Bake Oven! 

10.    When I open the windows I can hear the car say “hallelujah!” 

My tummy growls in class. Its got a mind of its own. Damn I'm sleepy too.

Watches "Cloverfield."

Summer Screeenplay Updates!

Still working on my screenplay.   I was happy with getting to page 80 a while back, BUT it’s not finished.  Since I felt like I didn’t have any ideas to finish it, I decided to edit the screenplay for clarity, grammar, and dialogue.  So far I found a couple of characters’ voices.   I’m more than pleased for that.   Learned to C-U-T!   It’s hard but there are lines and scenes I could see that had to go.  Some of the scenes were too long, and went nowhere. 

I can say with these edits I now have ideas about the ending.  I got a lot of work before I get there, however, I know that I can reach the end.   I’m dedicating my weekends to getting at least ten pages done.  So far I got twelve!  I will get at least four more done tomorrow.  If I go over that mark, I am more than happy.  So nervous, excited and petrified about the progress!

Making dinner and then loafing. May finish off this red wine bottle while I wait.

Working on getting organized better. Will make a stronger effort to write more stories. Will post full entries at least twice week. I feel good about this.

Reaches the "don't give a damn" zone! It feels fantastic!

I Was Thinking

I was thinking what are my short and long-term goals?  I do have them, but I never think about them.  I ignore the progress of the goals, and every now and then, I have to remind myself of the things I want to do. 

I need my goals defined so that I can get things done in an efficient manner, as opposed to the carefree, it will fall into place manner I am used to doing.   I need to be able to revise and update all plans as needed. 

So what do I want to do? 

• I want to have my MA before I turn 40.
• Do I want a PhD?
• I need four scripts ready for potential agents.
• I need FYZ finished
• I want the beat outline for TG completed.
• Loose weight/eat healthier
• Get Machismo completed/published
• Create several comics (independent), including expanding the Machismo universe, and all-ages title, and whatever else comes to mind.
• More spirituality in my life.  Update my resume.

I need a meal and to keep my place clean. I'm rather chaotic right now but a little structure won't kill me. Also I I should lay off the fraps.

Feel a little tired today. Would like to veg out with sleep but that won't happen. Need a new pair of pants for work too. My feet hurt.

I am happy that I got some editing in today. Will work on it some more.

Very soon I'm a need a latte or frap. Either one will do.

Got out of bed. Went to class. The day is good so far. Craves a snack and a nap.

Must learn to replace fear with control.

Watching "Play Misty for Me" damn that chick was serious about having that Coke.

Ok its hawt outside and I need to cool down . Forgot to send "Midnight Cowboy" back to Netflix. Will do that on Monday. I need to relax.

Realizes that the DIY method goes hand in hand with making things happen.

Feeling a bit hungry. Decided on salad today. No its not for eating healthy. I simply want to eat my greens.

I am hungry. Getting a meetball sub. Hunger will fade away like a dream.

I don't know what to do with myself. I will have to remedy this ASAP!

I am tired already. Got some homework projects to complete. Its. Ot an all nighter, so it can be done today with no stress. Beside I thought it out ready.

Empire Strikes Back is uncommonly clear on Spike tv today. I'm rather fascinated but will move on.

Don't have much to say. It was hot as I ran errands. Glad I came back home and chilled. Literally. Ate leftovers. RSI NY is on. Drifting into sleep.

Must learn to keep the writing simple & clear from now on.

Break time. Will have a cheesesteak for dinner. Left off the soda as I had a lot of soft drinks today and I need to top off the bottle of water I bought.

Anne Rice II

Let me elaborate outside of a post from my BB.  I loved reading Anne Rice novels.  Then the quality kinda failed.   It got boring to me.  it was time to go as a reader.  At the time I took her books up My family was going through a lot of changes:  My parents separated, and my Mom had cancer.  I needed something to fill my mind.  Rice fit the bill.  The crisis passed, and I still read her books.   All was good.    Then the well dried up.  Nothing of hers enchanted me anymore.   Its not to say she could not write.  i was not feeling the material.  I suppose it happens to all of us.   I don't think I ever found a writer I was willing to read several of their books like I did with Rice Let's see what I read:

• Queen of the Damned
• Tale of the Body Thief
• The Mummy
• Memnoch the Devil
• Pandora
• Belinda
• Violin
  

I tried Armand, Taltos, and Violin, but the magic was gone by then.

Having an Anne Rice moment. I miss reading her books. I used to love them. Drama and supernatural hijinks.

Almost tine to sleep. Thinking of a worthy dvd to fall asleep to. As it stands watching "Turu the Terrible" makes me want to sleep.

Saw Transformers 2 today. Not sure how to digest this film. On one hand its got action, however the plot gets weaker. I'm a bit tired of mindless stories.

Did some editing to one of my scripts. A lot of thought went into eliminating passive verbs and how some scenes played out. Cut out some scenes. Felt good too.

Must not be scared to cut scenes from my scripts.

Just got outta class and I am tired. I will pick up a meal and run on home for a power nap. Its what I need. Will wake up and go to wk. Love a routine.

Wrote a little bit more during my break today. Tried to clear up some scenes. Felt like I am making slow and steady progress. Slowly getting sleepy.

Honesty

Is writing about being honest?  At least to yourself what the story is and about should be honest.  Should there be a claim of innocence or ignorance in the mix. 

Been thinking of a new blog idea. Hope to male it real and seen soon. I'm a dervish of ideas I am.

Its lunch time. Will have a burger and fries. Then chill for a bit before work. Class went well. Hope this quarter will be as smooth.

Day two of classes begins. I am very sleepy. Will take. Power nap later. Today os talk of the new Hollywood cinema. Should be fun.

I am gonna try and get mt power nap on. First day of class is smooth. Ready for next class. For now I must sleep. Almost time for work.

I don't feel like sleeping. Will be working tomorrow so I want a good night's sleep. Will break out the sleepytime tea to push m in the right direction.

Satur-Dazed

It was too hot outside.   I had to do a second errand run for some things to make a dinner today.  I also needed paper goods.  I waited too late to drink something cool.  It seems that when I got home at last, I  was fine up until I felt so sleepy.  I know I wasn't really tired, BUT I felt the touch of sleep all over me.  I fell asleep woke up to make dinner, but I should have bought some water with me.   Made sure to buy some bottled water from the store.   

For dinner I'm having steak, mixed veggies, and sauteed onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers.   I let the steaks marinade last night in a sesame ginger sauce.   When its doen it should be fantastic.   Certainly smells good.   Tried the sesame ginger sause before, so I know that it will be ok.  The one aspect of cooking the steak i refined is not putting too much sause on the mean, and watching the hear carmelize and brun the sause to the pan.   

The line at the bank was tedious. It was hot and tiring. I got what I needed done.

Decided the beard had to go. Shaved it off with no hesitation. It was too unmanageable. It was also getting itchy. I'm glad its off my face.

Blah

I need to relax a bit more.   Time to chill and watch a few movies.  Misplaced a few of my DVD's.  Can't find vol 1 of my Utena DVD.  I'm rather irritated.  Want to see it and now I can't.  At least for the moment.   Feeling a tab bit creative.  Better go grab my notebook.   Currently watching Blade II. 

Storm came through last night. Woke up to thunder and lightning. Made myself get up and unplug the electronics. Replugged this morning.

Should have made a post sooner. Went to work feeling positive. Hot outside. A tour horse pooped on the block. Muggy air carried the smell. Yuck.

I have an appointment today. Don't know how long ut will be, but I'm not worried. Its really hot outside. Its a humid heat I can di without.

I feel like I don't know what to write about today. Its rather sad. Perhaps I need some sleep. Playing music hoping for inspiration.

Camp

Was looking for a definition for this term.  Heard it used a few times, and found it to be a little confusing when some peeps used it.   Got the definition from  Mirriam-Webster online.   BTW the use camp has been used to describe writings and films.  Some of the stories were mine that were being described,  hence my curiosity. 

CAMP:  a style or mode of personal or creative expression that is absurdly exaggerated and often fuses elements of high and popular culture.

So just looking at this, we see one aspect of my writing.  We know that I have a vivid imagination, and I know how to think outside the box.  Let us see if I can put it all onto the paper.     

Late in the morning a thunderstorm raged outside. There was plenty of thunder, lightning, and hail. Got up and unplugged all the electronics. Went back to bed.

Will try to chill for the rest of the night. It feels good to lay down and relax.

I told someone I wanted to chang my style of dress. She asked me if I had a girlfriend. I don't but the need for change is strong. What has come over me?

A Brother Has A Plan

Been thinking of revising my final papers for cinema studies to make the publishable.  Something tells me that a hard worked paper should not lay in a box while no one sees them.  If I can turn the Blade Runner/Metropolis paper into gold I can get the FSM paper and BSD papers in top shape.   My paper writing skills are growing, and I'd like to see myself becomming more proactive with paper writing.   I have a lot more to get done.  At least five more classes (not including the screenwriting and professional writing classes I took or will take.  

Neglect

How I have failed to keep up with demands of updating this blog, when I was once faithful to it.  Let's do a recap worthy of my time.   I've been doing a lot of writing for classes.  Spec scripts, final papers (which ALL need revisions), scripts for comics, movies, and even looking to work my way back to prose.   So yes, I've been a writing fool.  Don't want to give up on something that has brought me so much pleasure in the past.   Updates should be in order soon.  

I hate waking up early. My internal clock is so off. I hope it restores itself.

The Quarter is Over

Thank goodness, another quarter has passed.  I worked hard on my papers, and I feel the time was well spent.  What is new for me is even though I turned my paper in, I have a strong desire to revise it.  Not in an "its not good enough" way, but rather I have a LOT more to say about this paper.  I want more time.  I met the requirements, BUT I do have a voice that needs to be heard.  Who knew Bram Stoker's Dracula could be so ripe with ideas for me to discuss? 

I Didn't Make the Gumbo, But I Tore It Down

It was in the frozen seafood section.  I was like, what the hell, give it a shot.  What's to loose?  It was a one serving size container.  Needless to say I left it in the freezer for a while, until I decided that I would cook what's in my home before running to the grocery store again.   The heating instructions was simple, which was to heat the bag in a pot of boiling water.  I knew I could handle it?  It was mild with the spice without making me wince in spicy pain.  I'm having a slice of lemon loaf for desert.  So spice then sweet rocks! 

The Sandman

Fell asleep a lot this weekend.  The Sandman came to my house like he was Mike Tyson in the ring, and punched the heck outta me.  All I can say is I thought I was going to take a quick nap, and that was NOT the case.     Work's ahaeadm, and I'd like to NOT be sleepy then.  LOL   let's hope it gets out of my system.   I need to go nap while I can.   Save myself a sleep spell. 

Beat Sheets: The Untold Story

Still working on my spec script for my writing for TV class (comedy).  Our Prof has us on a strict formatting regiment.  He wants us to understand the beat sheet first, and then we can go onto scripting.  He was not pleased with the length of some of our beat sheets.  Mine was two pages.   I admit, if I used courier new it would have been 2 ½, but I thought times was good.  Also I didn’t know how much info I was supposed to add.  The notes I took in class were not that heavy.  We shall see on Thursday when he gives them back and we have a grade of "A."  

As a class, we are coming up with a LOT of funny ideas.  I’ve noticed that everyone is at a different level in the class, as evidenced by our beat sheets completion.  Someone used like gray color on the page, or his or her printer is weaker than Superman on a green Kryptonite diet.   Some of us didn’t use anything like the template in Crafty TV Writing.  One person was pitch perfect, if I may use the pun.  The Prof loved her work.   I have a lot to catch up with if he pans my beat sheet. 

I suppose the real question is if my script is really funny.    

On A Regular Basis

I miss blogging on the regular, so I’ve got to get off my duff and get it together.  If it’s just five sentences, well then, that’s what I need to do.  I can do twenty posts a month, can’t I?   It’s all about making myself work a little harder, and pushing myself to keep up the pace.   ‘Sides, I need to write more so that I can get the juices flowing. 

Busy, Busy, Busy

Classes have kept me busy.  I like busy.  Sometimes I feel I can’t manage it all, but I pull through.   A lot of it has to do with determination and knowing I must get things done.   My goal for the rest of my graduate career is to make sure I keep up with my deadlines, so that I don’t fall flat on my face.  It’s one thing to come close to the line, it’s a completely different act to crash and burn.   Thank God I did have the time and energy to keep up my resolve. 

Weekend Meals

It's surf and turf time, cause I want some steak and shrimp.  I will make some mixed veggies on the side, and I want a baked potato with all the fixings (sauteed onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers).  May use rum to sautee the veggies.  I love it like that.   Maybe I should have desert with that too.  A slice of cake or pie is the question. 

The Contemporary Mixed CD

Trying to put together a hot mix of songs.   Roughly 10-16 tracks for traveling.  I’ve fallen in love with “Yesterday” from Leona Lewis.   One down.   LOL   I have to admit I would have never have given the song a chance if I didn’t use Pandora radio.  I’ve heard so many songs and artists that are the bomb.   Let’s see, I discovered Utada, Ayumi Hamasaki, Fergie, Katy Perry, etc.  I found them all on iTunes also.  Some of the Ayumi CD’s I may have to purchase as imports (expensive), since the single I want (“Teddy Bear”) is not on the site.  Darn it. 

My Drink and Reads of Choice

I went to work, tried the caramel frap from Starbucks, and it was a blast!   I want more.   Yes Starbucks is like crack sometimes, and I need to practice moderation.   That shit was so good though.   ;)   I won't have to wait long.  Tomorrow I have a busy day and will crave my boost soon!   What?  there are worse things to be hung up on.   I can quit at any time.  

Reading a lot of Alan Moore comics of late.  Re-read Watchmen, and love it.  I think I'm in a different place than I was when it first came out.  I loved some Silver age goodness with a passion, and refused to let go.   I'm over that now.  LMAO!  Mind you, I want my variety.  

Reading Moore's Wildcats, and the collection of DC stories Moore wrote.   I want to read Tom Strong next.  For the sake of discussion Top 10 is my favorite Alan Morre series.

Adventures in Cinema Studies

In effort to keep prgress going in my Cinema Studies classes, I searched for classes, as registration is soon.   Lo' there are no classes for me.  I email my advisor and the dept head.  There's a wait and see action as the classes have the wrong times.   I've been assured that the the times for the classes will be to my liking soon, so I hope to have some classes I can get.   Yaay for small victories.    

In Perfect Pitch

Today was the day I had to present my three pitches in class for comedy shows.  I had my choice of three shows, AND I was allowed to either write for all three or two of one show with one of the other two.  You always start with your strongest pitch.  You NEVER apologize for your writing.  Why start with failure when you know you have a winner in your hands.    Needless to say I wrote a story, loved it, and had a couple of days to think it over AND found another element to add, revised it last night.  Presented it today.  My Prof was feeling the pitch.  I was GREAT!   Yeah, I'm ambitious.  We all knew that. 

Reaction was strong to the first pitch.  The second was meh, and the third got a mixed reaction for its quirky, esoteric aspects, but still acceptable.  The first got the best reaction, so I WILL be developing it.  I would love to develop this pitch to a full script.    I feel positive about this adventure.     

I hate post nasal drip.

Allergies

Allergies have a way of becoming an enemy.  What was simple eye irritation turned into congestion, which in turn made me feel like crap all weekend long.   I am so tired, and upset hoping I have what it takes to get things done tomorrow.   Otherwise I'm really gonna lay back down and pray I get my strenght back.  

Testing

Finding new ways to blog.  Email seems like the next evolution, no?

Texture

Having a thought on texture(content/subjects).  How do they apply to wrting?  For example dark and humorus.  Do they even pair well together?   How will they feel when I write them?