It's been almost 4 months since I posted the latest brain waste of an article. It seems to me that every time I post something on this blog, it is less about keeping friends updated on my current state of mind, and more about me feeling guilty for something that no one probably cares about in the first place. Which is fine, you know. There's nothing really to check on anyway, so what are you (the lost, confused reader) missing out on? Mmhmm...not a whole lot. But I digress...
Today is December 27, 2009 and I am sitting in the basement on my parent's futon in a royal blue Snuggie. It sounds like that would be a very comfortable position to find myself in, and it's true I am quite satisfied with this level of comfort. These past several weeks at school have been brutal. Classes from 5 am to 1 pm every day for 3 and a half weeks has shredded my sleeping schedule and internal clock. The previous three months included more convenient class times but much more difficult class content. In other words, the past four months at Full Sail have been the most difficult and demanding months of my education there so far. So...why is it that I feel much more optimistic and equipped after such a grueling set of classes? It makes perfect sense, really. I feel a little like...like we Full Sail students have been given our first glimpse of how demanding industry life can potentially be. It feels sort of like these classes are an anvil, and we have felt the first few hammer blows. I think for some people, these difficult times break them down entirely (which is not necessarily a bad thing). For those simply dabbling in CG work, these classes will show them they are in far over their head. But for other people, the difficult times make them stand taller, stronger, shine brighter and more confident. After all, if you can weather the most violent part of the storm, you can certainly survive the easier parts. I feel a little like the past four months are a kind of gateway. A threshold on the doorstep to the end of the Full Sail education, if you will. The picture playing in my head, (oddly enough) is from the trailer for "Return of the King" where the Nazgul Black Riders nose dive on the city of Minas Tirith and Hugo Weaving's voice rings clear saying "The end has come." It is here that myself and my fellow students find out what we are really made of, as artists and entertainers. I don't expect things to get easier. Far from it, as a matter of fact. Even after making it through the whole program, I expect the industry will be far less forgiving when it comes to mistakes and learning to adapt. Because, as difficult and demanding as school is, it is our "safe zone." It's okay to make mistakes in school, because we have teachers to guide us to the right way. In the industry, I'm assuming we're expected to already know the right way. And to be quick about it.
I just listened to the Glee cast cover of "Don't Stop Believing," and it is fantastic. I've never been much of a Journey fan, but that song seems to embody the very essence of the phrase "power ballad." Outstanding. If you haven't heard it (shame on you!) go and listen to it now. If you're into it, check out some of their other covers. They did a Queen song that was quite respectable also.
Thanks to my 24-hour layover in Wilmington, NC, I have rediscovered an appreciation for C.S. Lewis' writings. Mere Christianity is a fantastic read, whether you believe it or not. Lewis is an astounding thinker and presents his complicated concepts through the most crystal clear metaphors you can imagine. It has helped to reaffirm my faith and has worked in a way to refresh my spiritual health.
Also, Lost is my favorite drama/adventure/science fiction show ever. However, the episodes are most enjoyed when watched back to back. Waiting week to week for a new episode is a grueling experience, often resulting in me losing interest and forgetting vitally important story elements. But, if you haven't seen the show I urge you to get ahold of the dvds and make an afternoon of it. It's not for everyone, I've found out, but almost everyone.
Well, friend, I'm glad if you've made it this far into my brain waste and I appreciate your never ending patience with my ramblings. I apologize for the disorientation you are doubtless experiencing thanks to my jumping from topic to topic, but...I'm not sorry enough to go back and make it more cohesive. Good day, and God speed.
