This is the end.

I recognize that it has been many months since my last entry.  I’ve decided to create a new blog at the start of the new year.   I loved writing this blog when it was a priority for me.  Upon returning to school, I just couldn’t do it anymore.  I don’t want to delete this blog; it was a part of my life, even if it was for a brief time.  So until next time, this is the end.

Screen-Played

Last Tues, I wrote the horror screenplay for my cinema class.  I had waited over the weekend to see if any of the group had developed any solid ideas.  The pool of creativity was lacking, so I decided to give it a shot.  I’ve watched several horror films, and had fallen asleep while watching The Silence of the Lambs the night before.  With a change in my schedule, I managed to write a seven page screenplay in three hours.  The words were flowing out of my fingertips, and I could vividly imagine how each scene would unfold.  I’m proud of the result and am looking forward to putting it on screen.

Horror of Horrors!

As you know, I am in a cinema class.  Just last week, I was advised to try writing a script/screenplay for a movie.  I did the assignment, along with only two other students out of a class of 120.  Figuring those odds, I was deeply concerned with our final project: a short film made by a group.  I’ve known about the assignment since class started back in January, but I had not truly contemplated it.  Being new to CSUSM, it’s safe to say that I hardly know anyone, and only know a few people by name/face. 

For the past week, I have been posting for a forum on the class project.  I was hoping to find creative individuals, but most importantly, those who would pull their own weight, and work hard for the best grade possible.  I would have no room for slackers and people coming along for the ride.  It took a week, but I finally managed to find get seven people into my group.

Today, we all met for the first time.  I have never met any of them before, and we have no prior knowledge of each other.  I was pleased that all members of my group were there.  After a brief talk, the genre of horror was chosen for our film.  As an avid movie watcher, I tend to stay away from horror films.  I hate all that blood and gore, and senseless killing or corny predictable storylines.  However, if we could infuse perhaps some psychological terror and suspenseful cinematography, we could actually make something special indeed.  I advised that everyone research their favorite horror films, in order for the screenplay to be written.

We shall see what the others will bring to the table.  As for me, I shall do the same.  Right now, I am watching Beauty and the Beast.  I know that it doesn’t even come close to the genre, but it epitomizes what I love to find in truly great films: character, plot, tone, POV, and setting.  It is a beautifully crafted animated film, and shall always have a place in my heart.

Potential to Study Abroad?

Ever since I returned to college, I have been gradually envisioning all the possibilities available to me.  I am curious to discover more about the study abroad program at CSUSM.  My spontaneous whirlwind vacation to New York created this newfound urge to travel.  Working at the hotel, I meet people from all over the world.  One couple from England have been staying with us for seven weeks, and up to four times a week, I talk to them during the social hour.  Since the United Kingdom has always been at the top of my list of places to visit, I asked this couple for some advice.

At CSUSM, the CSU International Program does include the United Kingdom as a possible destination.  However, there are five colleges listed: Bradford, Bristol, Hull, Kingston, Sheffield, and Swansea.  Based on my initial research, I found that I didn’t know much about each place.  So upon asking the couple for help, the husband gave me some valuable insight.  He recommended that I look into attending Bristol as my #1 choice and Kingston as my #2 choice.

Since I am only a Pre-Comm major, my chances for entering an international program are very slim.  I have a lot of work to do, and the program can only be accomplished while I am a junior.  According to my mentor, I have a lot of potential and have the passion to achieve my dreams.  I know this to be true, in the deepest part of my heart.  Time will tell if this dream will become a reality.

The Vagina Monologues

Last Saturday, I went to the last showing of The Vagina Monologues in the Arts Building at CSUSM.  Ironically, I bought my ticket on National Condom Day.  I had heard about the play and remembered that my mother had seen The Vagina Monologues within the past few years or so.  And since I am free on the weekends, I figured that it would be as good a time as any to enjoy the spoils of the college experience. 

The Girl from Craigslist joined me at the last minute.  So we had a girl’s night out.  Despite the rainy weather, we ate pizza in San Elijo and then went to the campus.  There was a “vagina festival” taking place outside the theater, and the Girl from Craigslist grabbed as many freebies as possible: condoms, lubricant, and of course in a variety of packages and flavors. 

The show started late, but the students were trying to accomodate a sold out show.  To my surprise, I bumped into an aquantaince from many years ago and we chatted for a little bit.  In regards to the show, it was everything I thought it would be.  The women giving the monologues did a tremendous job undertaking such a passionate yet controversial show.

 The play is given through monologues by women. Every monologue somehow relates to the vagina, be it through sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, the variety of names for the vagina, or simply as a physical aspect of the body. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. 

 You have humorous rants, testimonies, memory recall, and very serious matters shared. Some are positive and some are negative. This show helped create V-Day, which is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. The profits from the show went to it.

Triumphant Return!

It has almost been one month since I successfully returned to college after being temporarily deferred for over a year.  And I couldn’t be happier.  Honestly, I have so missed being a part of academia.  Returning college has placed me back on the road to a better future. 

Prior to what I had stated in a previously posted blog, I have changed a few of my courses.  According to the college, I am a Pre-Communication major.  So that means that I have to take several prerequisite classes prior to engaging in my major.  So these are the classes I am taking:

• COMM 100:  Introduction to Communication (just took my first test)
• COMM 200:  Argumentation and Dialogue  (conducting research for topic project)
• FMST 300:  Elements of Cinema (writing a movie script even though the professor doubts anyone will)
• CHEM 315:  Science in Film and TV (working in the workbook)
• PYSC 330:  Developmental Psychology of Infants and Children (conducting research for project)

I’ve finally been able to have vivid college experience.  This Saturday, I shall be attending a show on campus, and I have already bought my ticket.  I have been accepted into the Faculty Mentoring Program, and have had two meetings with my mentor thus far.  I’m so hopeful for my future, and look forward to all the new experiences that shall come my way.  I am a pillar of confidence.  I AM TRIUMPHANT!

Homeless: The Craigslist Search

Finding a place to live is never easy.  Between finding what you want in a home and the rapidly approaching deadline of eviction, the process can seem inconceivable.  The task before you seems to take on a life of its own.  Despite being evicted, I stayed as the strong individual and found myself experiencing a very familiar wave of feelings.  When I was first rejected from CSUSM in 2009, I cried the entire day.  However, a day later, I vowed that I would not cry, that I would not let the world get me down.  And I didn’t cry again.

Having received my notice on Jan. 20th, I had 11 days before a new month began.  I have lived in this city for a year and a half.  I’ve never gone farther than San Diego, and never traveled beyond the Solana Beach coastline.  Living out of the city was completely out of the question.

Ideally, I wanted to find a place with the following:

• close to my work and school
• a private room with bath (shared is ok)
• access to kitchen and laundry
• preferably rent w/ utilities included, i.e. cable and internet
• close to public transportation
• a fenced backyard for my Jack Russell Terrier

On Day 2 of my eviction, I had packed 2/3 of all my belongings into various SYSCO boxes from the kitchen deliveries at the hotel.  I also had spent most of my free time checking out Craigslist, and several other roommate search engines.  In order to maintain a level of secrecy, I went to my favorite spots, such as the D Street view of Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas.  Once there, I would make contact with promising matches.

Almost immediately, I found a match that sounded perfect.  It met all my standards, and I would be able to keep my dog with me.  On Day 3, the girl from Craiglist did me a huge favor and helped me check out several room matches.  She was a great asset, and I promised her that we would take in a tour at Stone Brewery afterward.  We immediately fell in love with the perfect match.  And now, it is my current residence.

Homeless: You’ve Been Evicted!

It usually comes in the form of a notice. Yet, no matter how you are told, being evicted is terrifying.  And it happened to me.

via Homeless: You’ve Been Evicted!.

Homeless: You’ve Been Evicted!

It usually comes in the form of a notice.  Yet, no matter how you are told, being evicted is terrifying.  Without a roof over your head and a shelter for protection, you are categorized as being homeless.  About three weeks, I was given my eviction notice. 

It came in the form of a short email from my landlord, the father of my two roommates.  Instead of talking about my questions and concerns regarding my roommates, he simply stated that “obviously it wasn’t working with having (me) at the condo.”  I paid my rent and utiltities on time, never brought home alcohol or threw a party, and I maintained a full-time job in addition to my acceptance to a four year college.  I was the steady roommate, having spent the past year and a half with this family. 

 Of course it wasn’t all sunshine and lollipops; every living arrangement has its ups and downs, along with an argument or two.  Blood was thicker than water, and I was asked to find a new place “ASAP.”   I was at work, preparing a light meal for the hotel’s guests, and with that notice, I was reduced to a sniveling, crying, make-up smeared wretch of a girl.  It felt as though the ground had crumpled beneath my feet and I couldn’t crawl out of the widening chasm.  All of a sudden you realize that the place you once called home is no longer a safe haven for you. 

My duties as a warm and welcoming hostess were suspended.  I was distraught for the first hour of my shift, and luckily, there were few guests in attendance at the social hour.  I hated feeling so vulnerable, so weak, and so uncertain about my future.  How could I focus when all I could ask myself was “What am I going to do?”

School was to start in four days.  My sole focus for the past year and a half was my long anticipated return to college, and now, I had to accept the reality of having “homeless” attached to my identity and address.  I was going to be homeless if I didn’t find a new place to live.  The first of the month was little more than a week away, and I couldn’t stomach the idea that I would end up paying rent twice.  Life was hard hitting and I couldn’t waste a single moment.  The search for a new place began.

Pre-Communication Studies

Last week, I went to my Orientation.  While I had chosen some classes prior to Orientation, I knew that there might be some necessary changes depending on course requirements.  And of course, I definitely needed to change my classes. 

This is a list of my most current class schedule:

• Introduction to Communication
• Argumentation and Dialogue
• Elements of Cinema
• Science in Film and Television
• Developmental Psychology of Infants and Children

Right now, all of these courses are prerequisites for the Communication major.  So no matter what, I would have to take these courses before I could get into the depths of my major.  I’m excited to finally be returning to school.  I’ll be taking 15/19  units.  I intend to keep working at the hotel, except I will be part-time instead of full-time.  Finally after a year and a half, I will back on the academic road and one step closer to getting a BA.