Ok Birdie, work with me!

Today began at 8:30, early considering I didn't have to be any where till noon. I got up anyway when I remembered what was for breakfast and pulling on my uggs, headed downstairs for my hot spongy cinomon roll, fresh OJ and fruit...mmmm...wishing I hadn't finished so soon and flicking channels insesantly I came across "Pay it Forward" so decided to hang on the couch to watch it.

After a while Reiko joined me and we enjoyed the movie whilst making snowflakes from left over paper and string. Tearing up at the end and not wanting to ball my eyes out downstairs I mumbled that I needed to get dressed and headed upstairs with tears rolling down my cheeks, I hate sad movies!

once dressed and ready I headed to the ARC to meet Brisa for a game of Badminton. I thoroughly sucked, so luckily Brisa was pretty patient and able to save the birdie everytime I sent it careening over into the other courts. We eventually gave up and after handing in our equipment spent some time on the elliptical machines (they are so hard to use without looking stupid) and doing weights (her step dads a personal trainer so she knew her stuff). Of course we spent most of the time chatting and laughing, catching up on the weeks events as well as finding out more about each others backgrounds.

At 2:30 she had to shower and get to work so I left for a shower back in the dorm, and once I too was dressed and sweet smelling walked over to the uni centre for yogurt and a Tea. Sitting in Cha was also my Visual Media tutor Daynah and after saying hi, finding out my exam mark and getting my essay back I sat down for a major drawing session, including Brisa's new name tag (I drew baby polar bears all over it : )

It quickly got cold and dark outside, so leaving at 20 to 6 I hurried home for dinner. It was chicken and crab salad, drenched in Cha's thick tangy dressing whilst watching Brain Training - a series about the development of the brain...interesting stuff!

After a dessert of Jelly and yogurt I headed to my room to send some emails, do some drawing and of course write in me blog!
until tomorrow

sorry for the delay

Ok, its been a busy few days so I'll try my best to remember, friday started unusually late, getting up at 9: 30 when I had planed to be ready with errands done at 10. Fortunately the rest of the girls were also a little weary (or still sleeping) and were happy to postpone our ARC trip to midday.

I hurried then to get ready and busied myself for the next couple of hours by handing in assignments, giving out christmas cards, saying goodbye to a few people and grabbing tea and yoghurt from the University centre. I also had an awkward goodbye with Marian from Trader Joes, when I gave her the card I mistook her "is this it?" for "is this all your giving me" and nodding was given a huge hug and fairwell, now I don't know whether I can go back in there, and I just ran out of dried mango...

I arrived back at the dorm right on time, and was surprised to see everyone totally not ready, after another hour of waiting and wishing I hadn't rushed my tea, we were finally on our way at 1. Anna, Rieko, Mariko, Lauren and I headed to the ARC for the ULTIMATE sports day, I was determined to try EVERY single sport you could do.

After a few stretches we started with Squash, I explained the rules and after a while practicing we had a few matches, Lauren won (she does rowing and is one of those sporty people that just picks things up naturally) Laughing at our patheticness and how we almost killed each other a few times we exchanged out rackets for Badminton equipment and a volleyball. It was 1 on 1 and 1 on 2 in Badminton with Rieko and I against Lauren, we spent most of the time dancing and making sounds as we hit the ball (which sent me into a fit of hysterics) then it was loser volleyball, as we couldn't play properly and made the rules that you could catch the ball but only for a second.

This of course meant that ball catching involved a scream, chucking it in the air then laughing madly. Saying goodbye to Anna as she had to go to the post office we headed out to the basketball courts were Mariko and I won against lauren and Reiko, I'm sure it was because of the game plan I had devised before we began

"Ok Mariko, we're small so they have the advantage"
"Yes"
"So we have to be sneaky"
'Oh yes, yes"
"get low and grab the ball when you can"

We won 4 to 5 and surprisingly I shot all of our goals, lucky shots... I ran back to exchange our equipment then met the others on the tennis courts for the worst game of tennis EVER (was spent half the time staring into the sun and the rest of the time chasing after the ball! giving up I proposed we played handball, which lasted for about 1/2 an hour, the highlight when Mariko explained to Reiko the rules in Japanese : )

Last on the list was Ping Pong, then sliding around on the slippery floor in the Athletics room we called it a day. Later that night after dinner and a shower I helped Evelyn ice cookies for Meredeth and helped Meredeth deliver them to the staff in the AV office. Once back Anna and I borrowed a video from Blockbuster and after chugging down half a tub of yogurt and my left over Pasta we settled down to watch Moulin Rouge.

It was so great, seeing it on the tv instead of broken up on my computer, I fell asleep to the road to El Darado that night, dreaming of yogurtland the next day.

Because I went to bed at 11:30 I woke up @ 7:30, glad to get up and go the markets. It was the same as usual, grabbing a zinabon, OJ, dates and tasters whilst listening happily to the Jamacan singer playing his drums and singing about the people in the market

"Look at the girl in the grey sweater, she's dancin in the street cos it makes her heart sing, she'll be dancin to the car..."

Grabbing my bounty and heading to Cha I spent the rest of the morning drinking and drawing (the same guy I drew last time sat next to me) I was also joined for a while by Reiko who spent the whole time watching me draw (she's got patience, I felt so bad, like I was ignoring her, but she was happy to look over my shoulder...for an hour)

Saying goodbye to the girls and handing Brisa her drawing I grabbed some groceries from TJ (Marian wasn't there) and headed back for lunch with Jen, what started out as lunch at Japanese with Jen, her boyfriend and his friend, turned into Lunch and shopping at South Coast Plaza with Jen, Jan, Elodie and Nami. It was really fun (except for my lunch...$12 for a soggy omelet, cold toast and old fruit) the highlight was actually finding a park!

On our way back home we stopped by yogurtland then walking back from Albertsons (I had to meet Sarah at the dorm) I arrived, had dinner and waited on the couch for her to show. It was a long drive to her church but filled with discussing movies and other fun topics. We waited in the line after meeting a few people, trailing in at 7 for a 7:30 start. It was Sarah, me, Peter and James (her brothers) and her Dad. It was a great show, the highlight was the bell choirs - they play songs just using bells - and singing christmas carols.

When the show was over and I had filled up every space on my program with drawings (I couldn't help it they put a pencil right in front of me) I was taken around to meet a few very excited people "Oh my god, are you really from Australia, wait say something, agghh I love you, you have to hang out with us!" then it was home, discussing favorite cartoons, B grade movies and cult/trash flicks the whole way.

I left after playing her a Cheetah girls song, arriving in the dorm to watch the end of Kung Paw (I had to go upstairs as I was laughing so much I couldn't breath) now I'm listening to the commentary on Moulin Rouge and typing for you guys, call me for further details as I've left out a few things

send me updates to what your up to : )

Do you speak english

Hey there all those circling cyber space that have happened upon this page (and of course my regular readers..all 5 of you : )
Its been another great day in the ever increasingly colder State of South California. A day that began at 6:30 for breakfast and a baking session (I made cookies to take to James). Once dressed, with cookies in one hand and my sketch book in the other I grabbed Meredith and together we made our way to the station (stopping for directions along the way).

Unfortunately we arrived late, so I missed my train but to my happiness the metro came shortly after and I was on my way to LA. It was over an hour before I arrived and it was straight to the gold line to continue to Pasadena. It was on the next leg of the journey that things began to get weird. I was first engaged in conversation with a random Latino looking for someone to talk to, after complementing me on my glasses, my looks, my socks and personality (I was sure he wanted money) he gave me his number and accompanying me down the street once I was of the train showed me were he worked and hoped to see me again later that day.

A little weirded out but holding his number in my hand never the less I kept down the street towards the studio, it was whilst crossing the road that further weirdness occurred, as I got the middle I turned when a car horn broke the silence, not seeing anything suspicious I continued, but when I got to the other side I was pulled over by a cop car!

Opening the door and stradling the side walk hitching up his belt and gun he starred at me angrily,
"what do you think your doing?"
"sorry?"
"You saw me tell you not to do it!"
"I'm sorry, do what?"
"Cross the road! three cars had to stop for you, you were almost run over! I'm not here to clean up your mess you know!"
- the light was red so the cars had to slow down anyway, and only one car slowed prematurely for me with no cars behind it!
Me:"I'm sorry"
"Can I see your drivers license"
"Sure"
"Were are you from? do you not know how to cross a road?"
"Australia"
"Right do you just cross the road willy nily there, huh, do you understand me..do you speak english?!"
"Yes, I'm sorry"
"Well do you not have road rules there, do you just cross the road whenever"
"sometimes"
"Well when your in OUR country RESPECT our road rules ok! I don't want to have to write you a ticket"
"Ok sorry, wont happen again" -

Another hitch of his belt, then he jumped back in the car and was of, probably to harrass an old granny crossing the road too slowly. A little shaken, but still determined I made my way to the building and upstairs to the studio. James wasn't there yet so I chatted to the producer and sipped a mug of water while I waited. When James arrived we spent the morning catching up, showing him my drawings and getting some feedback on my improvement and what I need to do next. They also shared around the cookies which were big hit (phew - thought I'd burnt them!)

After midday I got the feeling they were getting busy and needed to buckle down to work, so saying goodbye and promising to keep him posted I headed back out for a Jamba juice at the most lively store I've seen yet (they were all dancing and yelling out drink orders) and the two and a half hour train trips home.

The train wasn't too bad, watching an office hold a scavenger hunt party (for some it was their first time on a train), meeting a man that wanted me to mind his stuff while he paroosed the train (weird guy that kept abusing the Amtrak system) and being over charged for purchasing a train ticket on the train ("did an Amtrak employee tell you you could do that? cos they wont tell you its extra" - figures!)

Waiting at the station for half an hour Meredith picked me up and took me back to the uni centre were I grabbed yogurt and tea, then it was back to the dorm to meet Sam for a riddle and a trip back the UC for dinner (we met up with Mariko, Nami and Anna)

After spending a few hours there chatting, eating and laughing (discussing waxing, bra shopping and constipation..poor Sam) we headed back home for a spell in Jens and Namis room watching You tube videos then it was blog and eventually bed time
Until tomorrow : )

I'm walkin on Sunshine

Hey friends

Today turned out to be awesome, beginning with a jog and breakfast (not at the same time) I finished watching the princess of thieves, whilst getting ready for the days activities. Having showered and got dressed I headed into the Uni center struggling with my artwork in the wind to arrive 15 minutes later, finding a good seat in Cha to relax and draw (after some yogurt and lunch).

Watching the time closely I left just past 12 promising Brisa I'd draw her some baby polar bears and aiming get to class by one. I arrived early, and used the time to write in a card for the live nudes. As people started drearily filing in we set up our feast of cakes, biscuits and pizza and began critiquing, discussing and commending the work on display. I was really happy that everyone liked mine, especially considering how much time I had put into it, however all too soon it was time to get to Video and saying goodbye, good luck and thank you to everyone I was given a chorused "goodbye lesley" as I walked wistfully through the door. laughing as I heard a huge chorus again as I left the building, "Goodbye" I called back smiling, then I turned and headed down the steps of 160 for the last time.

Waiting for video to start in the labs I met those who had turned up in the classroom and we began showing our films. Brett was first with "the Dream Machine" it was really well edited with a nice use of green screen to give a vertigo effect as he spun from room to room (at one point I got really dizzy though) unfortunately after the class had finished congratulating him Ulysis tore him to shreds! (It had no story, vacant, didn't consult with anyone etc...) Watching him closely to see whether he'd tear up, I sank further into the chair waiting for my time to come.

After Hannan had been equally critisised it was my turn, I hesitated not wanted harsh feedback after all my hard work, but it was no use delaying ("shouldn't we wait for Hannan to get back from making popcorn?") and after giving a short explanation about my efforts, idea and process it was time for the film to speak for itself.

Surprisingly it went pretty well, with his biggest criticism being I could have pushed the music further (no music to make it a little more edgy). relieved I sunk back into my chair and waited for class to end. At 6 we gave up waiting for Chris to show up and after giving another farewell speech we began to trickle out into the cold night air (or freezing night air really). Chris suddenly showed screeching in on his bike and pulled us back inside to watch the show, unfortunately I couldn't stay so wishing him luck I headed to Pippins to meet Nami and Jen for dinner.

It was buffet style and by the end of the hour I had gotten my 8.50's worth (two types of pasta with meatballs, Pork stirfry, salad, eggs, 2 beef tortillas, a taste of a peanut butter and Jelly sandwich (when in America) bread roll, bran muffin, jelly, yogurt, milk, OJ, two BBQ chicken breasts with veggies, and on the way out I stashed two eggs, a bagel, an apple and some cookies in my bag!) my tray was almost toppling over with plates when I carried it to the kitchen : )

I left the others at the carpark and headed to Trader Joes to buy chocolates for the live Nudes then slipping in the chrissy card walked over to Little Theatre to watch the practice run and help set up. When I arrived I was given a big hello after a few had allready said hi ("ok everyone say their hellos to Lesley.."HI LESLEY") smiling and waving like an idiot I took a seat up the back and began drawing. Just before they headed outside to the begin the pre-show I offered to tape it (Natasha was trying to sticky tape her camera to the tripod).

The show was great, except for the fact I couldn't find the tripod when I came back and had to hold the camera steady for an hour (OUCH!) After the show I infiltrated the crowd with the camera catching the tears, hugging and laughter as they celebrated their final show. Then when everyone had left and the camera ran out of film I watched them swap secret Santa presents and cleaned up the hall (collecting lost property - I found 5 pacers!! score).

Just before I left, Natasha called out that they open my present and going bright red I tried to sneak away, taking too long to find my stuff they read the card aloud in front of me then rushed up to hug me "I touched her first!!" It was so nice, I think I split my lip I was smilling so much! promising to keep in touch I left quietly skipping away into the night so high I don't even remember the walk home ; p

Once home I had a long chat with Jessie then at 1am headed upstairs to bed, falling asleep to the pagemaster as Sanda promised she'd turn it of.

The next morning began at 10 and happened fairly leasurly, breakfast was cereal and fuit then after writing a list of errands I headed into Uni to sit in Cha for 5 hours drawing and talking with friends.

as it got dark I finished the last dregs of my second Taro tea (on the house courtesy of Brisa) then strolled home stopping by Alberstsons for a few groceries.

feeling as though my bum was flat from all the sitting I then headed back outside for a walk and a spell at the gym, bumping into Clayton and Benny from drama. comming back it took me 40 minutes to get through the house to my room as I was stopped on each landing for a chat and week synopsis breakdown.

Now after getting Meredith to take me to the Train station tomorrow (phew! it would have taken me two hours by bus - opposed to 10 minutes) I'm in my room writing to all you lovely people and thinking excitedly of tomorrow.

Until then : )

For your viewing pleasure

Hey everyone, man am I in a good mood, today was my final session with Chris after a run around the campus (almost froze my arms of) saying goodbye and giving her a chrissy card I left for the uni centre were after an eggplant and chicken sandwhich for lunch and yogurt for dessert I nestled myself in Cha for a few hours of study.

Finishing my taro tea and reading till the internet went funny on my computer, I left for EAP to continue my dedication. 1/2 an hour before the exam was scheduled to begin I sold my text book at the bookstore (wont be needing that any more : ) and purchasing a 27cent blue book (exam booklet) I struggled to keep all the knowledge I had just retained from dribbling out my ears.

Getting a good seat in the back and waiting for them to check our books I yelled goodluck to everyone and we were of. It wasn't as scary or hard as I thought and after about 40 minutes of completing checking and re-checking! I handed it in, took a photo with Daynah (my TA) and headed out with Sarah, discussing our alternate papers (she got paper B were as I got A, I suppose its to stop us copying of each other in the close space..makes sense)

Saying goodbye to her at the bookstore I continued to the university centre to CELEBRATE!! This involved buying two books from the comic store (there goes my cash back from the text book), beef stew for dinner at Cha along with another Taro tea with EXTRA pearls (again) whilst I enjoyed reading my books. Picking up some dried mango on the way home I spoke to Yvette before popping into the video store to splurge on a few DVD's (El dorado, The page master and The princess of thieves).

As soon as I was back I got changed and settled down on my bed to watch the page Master. Just as I began to delve into the special features Sanda mentioned she and Scott were heading to Yogurtland, wondering if I wanted to come along "Heck yeah!" man (best day eva!!) so trying 6 flavours (cookies n cream, mango, cheescake, strawberry, taro and another) then heaping all sorts of fruit on top I paid my $3.22 and sat down with them to enjoy.

It was a short drive back, discussing the brave little toaster and other childhood favourites. Then saying goodbye and goodluck to Scott I began El Dorado

Now for your viewing pleasure a peek at how deliriously happy I am today
Please laugh your pants of (I did!)

What time is it? Summer time!

Ok I'm back, still pretty buggered, but just able to give the rundown on the last two days, after all I have to do something while I'm waiting for Moulin Rouge to download (I know, naughty but I did finish my artwork, I gotta celebrate somehow)

Yesterday was pretty easy going, I got to the markets early, determined not to miss out on a zinnabon, and thanks to my punctuality I grabbed a nice big one before they were all gone. I continued to do my usual browse, grab some dates, mossy, buy some OJ, more mossy, saying thank you to the people that commented on my socks...and just a touch more moseying.
Moseyed out I went back into the centre, stopping by Trader Joes for bread and mangoes, then settling down on a bench to do some study and wait for Golden spoon to open, I rugged up in the wind smiling, listening and watching all the families having fun walking about.

Getting through a large portion of my book, I rewarded myself with cookies and cream and strawberry cheesecake flavoured yogurt, then headed into Cha for beef stew and salad for lunch. Promising myself I wouldn't leave before I had finished filling in all my study guide I also ordered a large Taro with extra pearls for brain strength. After a few hours I was satisfied and packing my computer (that was almost dead) headed back to the dorm, stopping by Albertsons to buy ingredients for Chai tea.

Arriving back home just as the rain started to sprinkle down I grabbed some snacks and headed to my room to put my things away and get comfy. I then spent THE REST OF THE NIGHT (till 1am) drawing for my art assignment, having a break for dinner, lollies and a ping pong match with Sam and his friend.

I gave up as it hit one, unable to feel my hands and having shown them all the Australian music I had so saying good night I had a shower and went to bed : )

Today I got up much later heading downstairs at around 9:30 for my extra large zinnabon and fresh OJ. Then doing some final touches on the movie I grabbed my visual media books and headed to Cha for a lunch and another study session. After chicken salad, tea and a good few hours revising film techniques, styles and theories I hugged Brisa goodbye and quickly explaining to some of the guys why I chose UCI headed to Alakazam for a browse and a chat.

On the way home I stopped by Albertsons for some blank DVD's bumping into another Cha worker and catching up on study efforts. (Funnily it was at that exact self serve register that I bumped in Julian yesterday (live nude member) seems to be the hot spot for meeting acquaintances : ) Back home it was straight back to work after getting into tracky dacks and burning my movie on DVD. I spent the rest of the night working on art, watching movies (High School Musical 2 yeah!) and trying to apply for courses next year.

Now its of to bed for a good sleep
Wish me luck for my exam tomorrow : )

OUch!

hey friends, I'm way too nakered to write about today, may have something to do with the 10 hours of drawing I just did..NO JOKE, my hands are all red and swallon, (pain) hopefully its worth it - I'll fix this entry tomorrow, in the meantime enjoy some cloud animation I did in flash