Tainted Sky

AYe, yie yie...

I was supposed to start school this week, but my car is broken and won't run. It was supposed to get fixed sometime this week, but now I am being told it probably won't even be running next week.  Obviously, this is no good. I hate missing class to begin with because then I feel like I am playing catch up the entire semester, but then it comes to the next problem; 3 missed in a row means you are withdrawn from your classes.  I did attempt to email my instructors however, to let them know I am not skipping out, but I can't exactly get there at the moment. Hopefully they can send me some work or something through email so I don't fall completely behind.

I've actually been quite bored lately, not doing a whole lot. My sleep schedule is all screwed up too, which also isn't very good for classes. Oh well though, i guess I will have to work with what I can, and in the middle try to keep my sanity. I would like to get out of the house and do something, so hopefully soon, I'll be able to. We'll see...

I did a little writing and it was nice, though I have not posted anything about it on my official website. Hopefully when I get back to the school it will kick me back into action and I will  be writing like crazy. I guess we will see how things go in the near future.

I am a little tired from not sleeping well, which seems to be common for me lately. Maybe I will go to bed early tonight in attempt to fix my sleeping issues. At least I don't have to go back to work and put up with that nonesense this year. Wooo hoooo! I did really enjoy my job though, I can't lie about that. For the most part it was fun, it just got a little tiring last year.

Anyway, i will write back again soon!

Goodness

I have been a little busy lately trying to get to know a girl... I met her awhile back, and some how we just started talking a lot and getting to know each other better, and it seems that we now both like each other quite a bit. Not sure where it will lead, but hopefully to good things, one way or another. We have already built an excellent friendship, which is the basis for anything that could happen, and a structure to withstand any negative situation that could occur, hopefully.

I quit my job the other day. I had worked there for about a year and decided that the changes they were making were stupid, and I didn't feel that they were still there for the students. Originally, I was there to aid the students with whatever I could, ranging from homework to helping them with questions they might have about getting help for debt, and things like that.  As the last semester went by it seemed that my goal was no longer to constantly help students, but to just track a few to get my weekly contact in. It went from a pleasant working environment to a political hive of nightmarish issues that continually changed by the day. So, I just decided to take myself out of it.

I start school again, which I am looking foreward to, but at the same time, I am not. It will be nice to get out of the house a little though. Over the break my parents came to visit and gave me a computer upgrade, which was great. I was thrilled to get it because my computer was getting a little out of date.

I have done a little writing, but nothing to really take note of. I tried to do pretty much as much of nothing as I could over the break. My brain seemed fried, so it was nice to let it rest for awhile. Interestingly enough, it seems like I can remember stuff a lot better thanI could before the break, so I think it really was fried.

Sometime in June I have to fly up to Michigan for one of my great friends Weddings. I am pretty excited, it should be great. They have been together for as long as I have known them, so it is no surprise they are getting married.

Today I did some work on my website, www.kevinnumerick.com, by adding a few things to it.  Some people have actually been using my forums for questions, and to share their work, and leaving comments. I am ecstatic about that! I only wish more people would get involved. I think it will help build their belief in themselves, so that they can create what they want. I can only hope more people decide to sign up once they see that others already have. Hope...hope...hope...

More Than...

I got a computer upgrade from my parents, which is absolutly awesome! I am extremly happy about it. I had to install it myself though, which was not the most pleasant task I have had to do recently. I ended up doing more than I ever wanted to do with a computer, but I think I could actually do it again.

I had previously had a little knowledge on how to build a computer from scratch, and I can do the really easy stuff like install a video card, ram, etc, but this time I got to put on a new processor (blah), heat sink (even more blah), and a video card(so-so).

Some how,after 4.5 hours,  it works, and I am happy. That's all I can say about that.

I haven't been able to sleep very well lately, and I am not sure why. I am just restless. I fall asleep for a few hours and just move around a lot. Even when I am completely exhausted, I only sleep for a few hours before waking up. I try to fall asleep again, but it doesn't seem to work. Then, when I "wake up", I just don't feel rested at all. It is really rather annoying. I hate feeling tired all day for no reason. I feel like my mind is just puddy sometimes and I can't think straight.

I think I will try to do some meditation and see if I can figure out why I am having trouble sleeping through the whole night. Hopefully I can figure it out, and move on.

Still working on my website too, maybe that's it. Maybe it's that I want to write, but haven't done so in like...a month. Who knows, I suppose it could be a number of things...I guess I will just have to do my "research."

Dun Dun Dun...

Whew, got one holiday over with, and now it is time to prepare for the new year. :)  I have had a headache all day long. I think I slept odd and put a crink in my neck. Oh well, hopefully it will be gone tomorrow. Santa didn't deliver me anything, but I got a note saying "he would be coming by in a couple of days," hehe.

At least I got to  talk with my family today, which I actually enjoyed. I don't talk to them all that often, so it was nice.

Finally got my website up and the forums are running, Sooooo if you like to write, paint, or do anything that is considered artistic, please stop on by and leave a message. The forum is set up for people to share their own work, I think I mentioned it before, so I won't run on about it. But yeah, I am happy that I got it functioning. It took me awhile to figure it out.

Lately my creative juices have started to flow and I have had the craving to start working on my third (Second book of my Mythaleg series) novel.  A lot of ideas that I hadnt planned before have been coming to me, so I am going to start pushing that again too. I've also had the desire to paint, and I have this big 3 foot by 2 foot canvas just waiting to be used. Unfortunatly, I just haven't had the time to do it yet. We'll see if I can pull it off in the near future. Who knows.

I've been reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan for quite some time now, but I am yet to finish the series. (What's out so far.) I love the books though. I have been hooked ever since I opened the first book. I guess I am what you would call a slow reader though because that was well over a year ago, and I am only on book seven, hehe. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy adventure books.

Anyway, i think I am getting a migraine because my eyes are very sensitive to the light right now. I will write again later.

A Question, and an Answer

Earlier today I had someone ask me if I had any tips about painting, and more specifically, watercolors. They asked because they have "Painter's Block," as they called it.

I do have a few tips that will hopefully put them out of the "Blocked" mind set.

Usually, when I am out of the mood to paint, or just feel like I have nothing, I make something more abstract, or more so - - Non-objective.

The easiest way to start getting into the "Right" mind set, in my opinion, is to just start putting colors down on paper. Creating something itself will take you from the left brain and help put you back into the mood for painting. I also think starting something without any specific form helps because it takes away the "logical" thinking of what something is supposed to be.

Painting has so many options of what a person can do it is difficult to say where exactly to start. Watercolor is interesting because it has unique properties. One thing I like to do when I use watercolors is use different types of brushes, to create different thickness' of lines and shapes. You can also experiment with different amounts of actual water that you use.

If Non-objective, or abstract work is not your thing then I suggest you take a walk outside, or look around your house for something that catches your eye. However, don't look for the object, but look for shapes that you think would make an interesting design. I.e. A plant with leaves overlapping the faucet in the kitchen, or something of the like. In that case, take a look at the shapes that the curves, and shadows create. You could also use non-realistic colors to give it an additional touch, which also can help make it more unique. (and abstract.)

There's a lot more someone can do, but I hope this helps.

I am sure many people out there have additional tips, and probably a lot I do not know about. If you would like to leave a tip for this person, you can do so here.

I would also like to mention that my website will have a forum for questions like this. It will be open to the public, and will allow writers, and artists of all kinds to be able to communicate so that they can ask questions, present their own work for critique, or just show off their personal masterpieces.

The site address is www.kevinnumerick.com. The site is currently under revision, so in a couple of days (or hours) the new forum, along with some more new stuff should be up and running for everyone to use. I can't wait to hear from you, and learn your tips, and tricks! I hope to see you there! Thanks!

Building the world wide web...

Wow, how fun. I've been rebuilding my personal website all day long, and it gave me a major headache. I am not even half way done, but I guess that's what I get for putting a bunch of poetry and the like on it. Oh well, I am very happy with the new design, and I think anyone who visists it will enjoy it more as well.

I haven't done much since I have been out of school, and that is just what I wanted to do. I needed a break, and my brain seems to be functioning much better now that it's getting one. My normal everyday chores are actually at the forefront of my mind...who would have guessed?

I can feel my drive to start writing again coming up, so I am sure in the next few weeks I will be spewing loads of rambled thoughts onto paper and hope that they form an image in someone else's mind, other than my own. We'll see I guess.

I am pretty tired so I think I will head to bed. I'll write more later.

What's going down? - Building a website is fun...and tiring. Letting a brain relax for a bit seems to re-energize the memory...or maybe it's just because I have nothing else to focus on...

Whew..I passed...

So I got a 96% on my video production exam, but the problem was I did not turn in a major assignment. So, luckily for me, the instructor told me that I had until noon today (12/10/2004) to make a music video...which I had not even started for a number of reasons, and then edit it...and email it to him. When I started the music video I had a D for my grade. So, obviously, I had to do it because I just couldn't allow a D average smolder my GPA.

I got home around 8pm and I worked on a video for a few hours, and some how I managed to come up with a theme and story. I found my idea kind of humorous, but it was the best I could come up with at the time. It's a mix of pictures of me, and some friends, and screen shots from an online video game I play. The song was Robert Miles' "Fable," from the Dreamland CD. To my surprise, it actually came out kinda cool.

To view the video follow this link.

So, the video was too large to send through any of my email accounts, and I didn't know what to do. Then my beautiful friend mentioned I could just upload it to the server for my website, and he could download it from there, DUH! ?  Amazingly it worked, and my teacher downloaded. My grade went from a D to a B!!!!!!!!  Just by doing one assignment. I wanted to dance!

Lately I have been getting a headache like everyday. I am not sure why, but my friend says it is because I don't use my brain enough. Maybe she's right...hehe

AND? - Seems that if you don't work very hard you don't get very high grades in college...and it also results in not using your brain much, which leads to frequent headaches!? Hmmmmm.........

Almost there...

Whew, almost ready for my final two exams for the semester. It should be...pretty boring. Video production and design, woo hoo. I can't wait for this semester to be over with. Next semester should be interesting as well.

Oh! One good thing about today is that I get to see my script in live action! Yes, I wrote a script for our group final project in our video production class. Go figure, I was the only person who doesn't mind writing. Anyway, as it turns out, they all loved my script, and only a very few minor things were even changed from draft one. I figured I must have done pretty well when people were laughing just by reading it. Sooo, I'm pretty excited to see it play out. It's the first time I have written a script that  I will actually be used.

I wrote a new poem today. It's called Without Reason, and it's about people on drugs. I dunno, it's kind of weird for me to write about it, but for some odd reason...it just came out. No explanation...hence, the title - Without Reason. Course, it has something to do with the actual poem as well, but hey, whatever works, right?

I suppose I should go and study a little...so I will check back later!

Meaning? - Studying and writing are not always a good combination.

Zap one down...

Well, school has been a little hectic lately, but thankfully I am in the last week. I did one final yesterday and nailed it with a 100%! I expected to do well, but I was astounded that I got all the points possible. I didn't get much sleep last night because I was finishing up a final project for my class tonight, so I am a little tired today. Oh well.  I should do pretty well tonight as well...I hope.

I'm just trying to get through this week and then I will just be overjoyed! No more school....well, for about a month anyway. I get to sit around and do nothing and it is going to be great.

Oh yeah! someone signed up for my mailing list on the website for my book, (Not the nanowrimo one, but part of my series) which is also very great news! They also left a remark saying that they liked it! Speaking of my book, I still need to figure out how exactly I plan on letting people read my nanowrimo one. I guess I can do that on my break. Things are going well!

Overall? - A little stress with school, but a lot of good things happening with my writing.

Whew...now what?

So, I actually managed to write a novel... over 50,000 words in seven days...yes, 7 days, and I am completely exhausted from it. My thumb started to get a sore spot on it because I hit the space bar so many times. I am, however, sooooooooo proud of myself and the accomplishment. The title of the story is called Molecular Splendor, and there is more good news! I was a winner for the nanowrimo contest. Hurray

BEWARE: RANT:

I work for a local college as a peer mentor for other students. Most of the time, I love my job. I love helping students with their homework, and seeing them learn and grow before my eyes. Of course, every so often you get people who don't appreciate the help I give. Mostly, in this case, my boss. Since she got hired in the last three months or so, I have not really liked her. It feels like negative energy just pours off of her. I know at least a few students have felt it too.  I can tell you though, she is not very professional. I have been in several management posistions, and from my experience, this girl needs to learn how to talk to people, employees, and customers alike. Her dimeaner is just...well...pretty rude.

So the other day, I got an email from her about celebrating everyone's birthdays this month because there is like...four people in the office with December birthdays. So I thought to myself, wow, and she didn't even acknowledge mine, in October. So oddly enough,  later on in the day, she sent me an apology stating she is sorry she did not do anything for mine, she didn't even see that it was in October...basically saying that she overlooked it. (How convenient) That just added onto the negative list for me, but hey, it was no big deal. I don't really care for her anyway, so why should I care if she says happy birthday or not? And, quite honestly, I don't care. So, moving on to why I am really writing about my "boss."

A week or so ago she pulled all the mentors into a meeting, and immediatly just started attacking us, and threatening us for things that most of us had no idea what she was even talking about. She was extremly unprofessional, and degrading to those of us who work hard to help the students. She accused us of doing things that were directed to one person only, though I don't know who it was, but it was not something everyone needed to hear. It was almost like watching a person who thinks they know something rant and rave at people who knew the truth. In fact, that is exactly what it was. I can say for sure that everyone who left the meeting was like, "what the hell was that all about?" (other than the "Boss", of course.)

Then I recieved another email from my "boss", and it stated that a bunch of garble of what we can and cannot do, which differs from our job description from when we got hired by the way, before my boss was hired. So now I am like, well what the hell, so now i can't do what benefited most of us. Now the funny thing here is, nothing really changed according to policy. These were all things implemented by the boss lady. So, I don't quite understand why she decided to push more work on herself, other than...I guess if she didn't her job would be pretty pointless.

I guess... what should I have expected from a boss who is literally paid to ride our asses about every little thing we do. Yep, that's pretty much all she is supposed to do. Maybe I wouldn't have minded so much if I hadn't worked there over twice as long as her...So much more to say, but no point. I feel better now that I got that out.

On a lighter note...it's almost the end of the semester so I get a month off! I can't wait. I am just tired of school for the moment. I thought I would be taking a light semester this round with classes, but it turns out, almost all of my classes were full of research papers. Just my luck. I had decided to take a "light" load because I had taken 19 credit hours the previous semester. As it turns out, I am doing pretty well in most of my classes at least, but geez am I feeling drained. I have one class I think I am going to fail, which isn't good. I have never failed a class before, but I just can't seem to beat my bad luck for in it. It seems everytime I try to do a project (it's video production) something happens where I can't do it. I have talked to the instructor, but obviously he can't pass me if I am missing some big projects. Ugh! 

The joys of going to school I suppose...at least I get to take creative writing next semester. I am sure that will be a lot more work than anticipated too, but that's okay.

Run Down? - Too much school, an intolerable boss, and lot's of writing!

Ahhhhhh The JOYS of Life!!! Gotta love it, huh??