All this reminded me of the book I wrote and illustrated last year for my graphics class. Hope you enjoy my little story of life as a senior at a highschool for designers.
Monthly Archive for September, 2003
After I get out of class, there is a sigh of relief that seems to naturally leave my mouth. I grab my things and begin the Walk to the Metro: where I hold onto my drawing board, lunchbox, bookbag, and anything else which might be too big to put in my pockets, walk a few blocks with a friend or two, discuss class and the weekend, and finally arrive at the platform (3 flights up) to catch the train. The northbound train comes and I throw my stuff on the nearest seat to the doors. Depending on the time, I’ll put my things on the seat next to me and stretch my legs on the seat perpendicular to mine. I pull out my trusty sketchbook and begin to write and draw what comes to mind. Whenever the mind is blank, I pull out a pen and begin drawing the other passengers on the train. It helps if I have my shades on so they don’t know who I’m drawing. Most people don’t even know I’m sketching. Sometimes a nearby person will say a comment or two on the drawing, which leads into a discussion about many different things. Just this week some old guy told me if I keep practicing, I’ll be good enough to make counterfeit bills. Told him that wasn’t my goal and he got offended at the fact I wouldn’t join his evil plot to cause more inflation. Before he got off the train he said “There’s a saying that goes ‘he who draws inanimate objects has mental problems’ “. Riiight.
One time I had a pleasant conversation with some highschool freshmen about Christianity and school. I hope to bump into them again. So you can see how the metro ride varies from time to time. You never know what kind of person you’ll run into on the train.
Once I get off the train, I walk to my car and begin the drive home: which starts off by running the air conditioner a while before actually driving. The humidity down here kills me. I start the car up, struggle to stay awake (have you noticed the pattern yet?), put on a cd, and get frustrated as I drive through traffic-ridden streets and pass by 15mph school districts. Half an hour later I arrive at home: where I dump my equipment on the southeast corner of my room and jump on my bed for my much needed nap. There’s ONE more part of the day that requires a new post. So this too shall be continued…
And yes, naps rule.
It’s amazing how complex life is. Each day I go through a set of different modes, which all entail an amazing amount of particulars. Rise time: blinking, waking, dressing, preparing lunch, grabbing portfolio, heading to car. Then there’s the drive: staying awake, watching speed limit, patience with slow/crazy drivers, deciding to listen to news/secular/christian radio or just popping in a cd, and finding a good parking space. Then it’s Metrorail time: frustration of carrying school and art equipment, shuffling for metro pass, racing to catch the incoming train, praying with requests and praise, struggling to sleep comfortably or stay awake while on train, worrying for my belongings. Next is the walk to school: carrying supplies again, searching for sunglasses in bookbag to avoid the blinding morning glare, deciding what to eat for breakfast, and then finally getting to the classroom at least 20 minutes early. Once in school: listening to lectures, drawing, discussing with classmates, struggling to stay awake, and deciding what to snack on. Next is the trip home, which is to be continued…
I’ve been a little hesitant and lazy when it comes to pictures lately. I love taking pictures, but the thought of managing them and uploading and renaming and describing them sometimes just shivers me timbers. Well those days are soon to be over. Today I picked up my digital cam from it’s dust infested shelf and began clicking away as the day went on. It’s good to be in the groove again. Unfortunately I’m going to be doing stuff today, so I won’t be uploading them and whatnot til later tonight or tomorrow.
Which reminds me, tomorrow I’m expected to do another comedy act. I don’t have a solid set yet. Maybe I’ll read a poem or something. I’ve just been so busy this week it’s been tough to think of good material, and I haven’t found a good resource for other stand-up jokes. ::sigh:: At least I took my nap today.
It’s been a while since I’ve had an enjoyable Saturday. Today I began by waking up at 9 something and having a hearty breakfast of 2 eggs, sunny-side up, 2 slices of potato bread (sweet and delicious), and a glass of freshly poured orange juice. I wish it was freshly squeezed. Relaxed while listening to PC3 and started getting my sparring gear ready for my boxing class. The dojo was officially closed today but there was 1 guy inside just training. He let 3 of us in and we did some basic boxing drills. After an hour it was only me and Lou, this professional boxing guy who taught me some killer punches. It was great. I can feel and see my improvement, especially after I landed some serious uppercuts on the dude. We left after an hour and forty minutes of sparring back and forth and I drove home while listening to Deathcab for Cutie. Walked into the air-conditioned paradise and ordered some chinese food. Now that I’ve trained, rested, and eaten, I have to dedicate the rest of the day to finishing my project for the WARP class. Maybe I’ll post pictures of the final products.
Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful Saturday!
Oh yeah, now I’m jamming to Switchfoot. Great stuff.
I wonder how businesses view the idea of naptime. I fear that in the future when I have a full time job I shall require at least a 45 minute nap at the workplace. My body seems to require it. Right when 3:00pm hits I find myself getting a little woozy and the eyelids getting a little heavy. I’ve been taking 1 to 2 hour naps recently and it just seems like a good thing. I just woke up from mine, which means I now have to get started on some tasks.
About 4 times a year, I get home from school or work ready to jump on my bed for a nice comfy nap. Sluggishly I walk into my room, put my book bag in a far corner, and find myself blinking rapidly only to find my room has changed. The bed is no longer near the window, the computer is now at the northeast corner, my cabinet is nowhere to be found, and my stuffed Homer is sitting on the television, which might be in the closet. Mom just loves doing her little rearrangement of my stuff. Today is one of these days.
I have to admit, she did a good job this time. Everything seems to work out, especially the stacked plastic cabinets near the tv, which will soon store office supplies, old photos, and probably cds. It’s been a goal of mine to reorganize all my files and make my room as effecient as possible. After that, I’d work on the garage (aka my art studio). Well…. Mom cleaned up the garage too. I haven’t taken a good look at it yet, as I was too tired and simply plopped onto my bed and soaked in a nice pair of hours of comfort. Unfortunately I have homework to do and I shall have to use some of the materials Mom has rearranged. Let’s see…. where are my sketchbooks?
