I have not been doing a very good job of keeping my blog updated. Part of the reason is because most of what I’ve been doing the last couple weeks has been simply school. I go to class, come home and work on midterms. I haven’t had money to go traveling. So I just keep exploring Brisbane a little bit at a time. I go out with friends, hang out at the apartment. Talk on skype, play guitar, sleep, workout, read. It may not seem that exciting, but it’s a very nice change of pace from how school has felt the last several years. I feel like I’m winding down and I don’t need to constantly be on the go to enjoy my time here. Other students give me a hard time saying I need to get out there and do something everyday. And I disagree. If that works for them, awesome. But I like to just stop and walk around. See the sights. There’s so much to see right here in Brisbane… why run myself ragged so early on in the trip?
Wow early on… haha that seems weird to say. I’m going into week 7 of my classes, which means I’ve been here for 8 weeks, or nearly two months. I still have two and a half months to go. It’s weird because I look back at the time I’ve spent so far and it’s a blur. I was walking through a part of the Kelvin grove campus that I was at the first week I was here and I remember thinking how I’d probably never set foot in that part of the campus again. Sure enough… I’m there once a week. And for just a moment, it didn’t feel strange to be here. I felt like I belonged.
I’ve been looking for work. Something to supplement my finaid. So far… unsuccessful. A lot of people don’t want an employee with a very near expiration date. And they don’t seem to want an exchange student. Haha one thing I’ve noticed about Australia is how they treat customers and guests… in America as a sales person (food, store, service of… well any kind) you approach with a smile and be friendly. This isn’t the case here. I’ve found a few people who are nice and chipper (beastie burgers is really good about this) and they want to help the customer. Other companies (subway, kebab places, grocery stores) have no problem letting you know you’re an inconvenience and they can’t wait to get rid of you. It’s not an exaggeration. Haha it’s a completely different mindset. The guy who made my food at subway yesterday told me (not kidding… he was dead serious) that what I ordered was very American, and he was sorry that he didn’t have the cheese I want because Australia isn’t as rich as THE America. Haha I just laughed it off and thought to myself “that’s right… now bow to me.”
this uptight attitude some people have had towards me for being American has really soured both my patience and tolerance. I’ve been mocked for not knowing the geography of countries here. Certain things about local cultures (meaning… countries near Australia, or things about Australian culture.). I’ve been talked down to because slang from America doesn’t translate. And I’ve been accused of believing and doing things that either my country has done (without any say from me. ha) or things that people think my country have done. It’s ironic how hypocritical these people are. By attacking me, accusing me, and talking down to me, they become the exact person they accuse me of being. And often times these people don’t realize that I’m here to learn. I want to know about other countries and subjects and topics we didn’t learn in school. I want to see how other people see the world. But when I’m talked down to in such a way, I feel like “why bother?” if this is who these other people are… why subject myself to this. And I shut the door. And the whole point of coming here is lost.
I have expressed some dissapointment in a couple of my classes. I’m not challenged. My music and sound production course is the only interesting thing I’m studying. I really do enjoy that class. And it’s not something I’m good at, but instead have to try really hard at to improve. That class makes up for the lack of focus and attention necessary in my other two classes.
Sorry wow. I guess I needed to vent. Haha I am having a good time. Please don’t think that everyone here is pissing me off. I’ve met some amazing people and made some awesome friends. I’ve seen and done some things that I just get really excited about. This has been a phenomenal experience so far. And I’m sure the second half of my trip will be awesome.
Thank you again for all the love and support I keep receiving from everyone back home. I love you guys, miss you, and I’m looking forward to when I finally step off the plane back in Vancouver.
James
Intense Entertainment is a small production company from the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area that strives to bring you high quality productions and professional level service.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Aug 14th, 2010
I’m not entirely sure how long I’ve been here. My concept of time is slipping haha. I think it’s been what? At least a full month. We’re heading into week 5 of classes which means that I’ve been here at least 5 weeks. And I’m starting to slip up on these blog posts.
Umm… I had taken some notes of things I wanted to share with everyone, but it wasn’t really meaty enough for me to bust out a full blog. And the last two weeks have been more stay in and save money. Lol I spend money every time I leave the apartment. Either because I’m hungry and home is a 45-minute walk away… or I see a souvenir that I want to get for someone.
Umm… let us see. An Australian guy found out I was American and came up to, shook my hand and said “howdy.” Wow… haha yep. We all wear cowboy boots ride horses and say yee-haw on Sundays. Haha
I went to an AFL game (Australian rules football, Australia football league) and I have no idea what was happening. I shot some footage but they had a rule about not letting people use professional cameras. That was depressing. So we made an agreement… prime lenses only. Meaning no zoom. Lame. The pictures and everything were ok but it really made me crave a medium length lens. Late birthday present anyone? I have one picked out. :D
Which reminds me. I turned 24 this week. It was an awesome party. Friends came over. Some people I didn’t know came over. Joel and I taught some Norwegians the finer points of beer pong. And then some guitaring and singing really loudly… haha good night.
I also saw Scott Pilgrim vs. the world. I really enjoyed that film and recommend that if you’re someone who enjoys laughing that you see this film.
We have two new roommates. They don’t seem very social and I’m not entirely sure their English is that great. They haven’t really even introduced themselves. Lol oh well.
I’m at that point where midterms are due. That’s actually what I’m supposed to be working on at this moment. Haha I have one due Monday. I haven’t started. My friend said it’s taken here several days… well. I’ll be fine.
Motivation is still lacking. I’m having super senioritis. Knowing that I can knock out my entire semesters homework in a week and I’ll be done forever is really… hard. Knowing I’m here where the sun is always shining and beautiful is… harder. Or at least makes things more difficult. Knowing that regardless of how hard I work, my grades transfer as pass/fail? Hardest. These classes are awesome but the only one that really specifically helps me in my career is music and sound production. The other two (I dropped one lol) are all right. Documentary theory and practice won’t let me actually do a documentary because their program requires it to be done over the course of a year… don’t they know who I am? I’m superman. So really now it’s about just doing the work, going to class (which isn’t even mandatory… they’re killing me.) and yep. Focusing on music and sound is the only real “work” I think I’ll be doing while I’m here.
I’ve also been working out. Shock to hear, I’m sure. My goal is to NOT bulk up… meaning my weights are lower and I’m just doing much higher reps and more sets. It’s not too bad. My body seems to be adjusting pretty well. Recovery time is increasing and I feel lighter, less bulky, and actually… I’ve spent some time running. That should actually shock you. There are two reasons for this. 1. I’ve been running in my new Velocy running shoes (velocy.com) which is probably the most “natural” feeling I can find in a shoe without being barefoot. And I’ve also been reading “born to run” by Christopher McDougall, which is a really interesting book about a society of runners in Mexico, and the ultra-marathoners in the US who are accustomed to running 100 or more miles in a single race. Anyways a lot of what the book talks about is running barefoot and how that’s the better way to run and train and how that improves form naturally as the body corrects itself.
Umm. Sorry I got hungry and then I came back to finish this. Apparently I’m going to the sunshine coast tomorrow morning. I’m very excited about this. I was bummed about giving up my chance to go while I did homework, and because I have been feeling a little under the weather. So thanks to Claire for the last minute invite. I’m looking forward to it.
Umm… it rained on my birthday. Which was pretty awesome. It reminded me of home. I am starting to miss being somewhere familiar. Knowing what’s going on when and where and having all of my gear so that I can work on whatever I want instead of “making do” with I have at this moment. It’s good practice. But I miss my computer. And mics. And… friends and family of course.
I’m about to wrap this up. Most of you probably already have heard that my good friend Kris is coming to visit for the last two weeks of my stay here in Australia. I’m very excited that ill get to share this experience with someone back home and be able to say “remember when” to someone instead of “I wish you could have been there.”
My hair is out of control. It’s killing me. Lol it’s going to drive me insane before I get home. It’s too hot to wear hats to maintain it or give me some control. I don’t have any product that even stands a chance haha basically I just let it run rampant. And yep.
Ok. It’s time to bust out this homework. I love you. Thanks for reading and supporting me on this trip. And I’ll see you in a few short months.
James
p.s. I could kill for a legit American pizza.
Umm… I had taken some notes of things I wanted to share with everyone, but it wasn’t really meaty enough for me to bust out a full blog. And the last two weeks have been more stay in and save money. Lol I spend money every time I leave the apartment. Either because I’m hungry and home is a 45-minute walk away… or I see a souvenir that I want to get for someone.
Umm… let us see. An Australian guy found out I was American and came up to, shook my hand and said “howdy.” Wow… haha yep. We all wear cowboy boots ride horses and say yee-haw on Sundays. Haha
I went to an AFL game (Australian rules football, Australia football league) and I have no idea what was happening. I shot some footage but they had a rule about not letting people use professional cameras. That was depressing. So we made an agreement… prime lenses only. Meaning no zoom. Lame. The pictures and everything were ok but it really made me crave a medium length lens. Late birthday present anyone? I have one picked out. :D
Which reminds me. I turned 24 this week. It was an awesome party. Friends came over. Some people I didn’t know came over. Joel and I taught some Norwegians the finer points of beer pong. And then some guitaring and singing really loudly… haha good night.
I also saw Scott Pilgrim vs. the world. I really enjoyed that film and recommend that if you’re someone who enjoys laughing that you see this film.
We have two new roommates. They don’t seem very social and I’m not entirely sure their English is that great. They haven’t really even introduced themselves. Lol oh well.
I’m at that point where midterms are due. That’s actually what I’m supposed to be working on at this moment. Haha I have one due Monday. I haven’t started. My friend said it’s taken here several days… well. I’ll be fine.
Motivation is still lacking. I’m having super senioritis. Knowing that I can knock out my entire semesters homework in a week and I’ll be done forever is really… hard. Knowing I’m here where the sun is always shining and beautiful is… harder. Or at least makes things more difficult. Knowing that regardless of how hard I work, my grades transfer as pass/fail? Hardest. These classes are awesome but the only one that really specifically helps me in my career is music and sound production. The other two (I dropped one lol) are all right. Documentary theory and practice won’t let me actually do a documentary because their program requires it to be done over the course of a year… don’t they know who I am? I’m superman. So really now it’s about just doing the work, going to class (which isn’t even mandatory… they’re killing me.) and yep. Focusing on music and sound is the only real “work” I think I’ll be doing while I’m here.
I’ve also been working out. Shock to hear, I’m sure. My goal is to NOT bulk up… meaning my weights are lower and I’m just doing much higher reps and more sets. It’s not too bad. My body seems to be adjusting pretty well. Recovery time is increasing and I feel lighter, less bulky, and actually… I’ve spent some time running. That should actually shock you. There are two reasons for this. 1. I’ve been running in my new Velocy running shoes (velocy.com) which is probably the most “natural” feeling I can find in a shoe without being barefoot. And I’ve also been reading “born to run” by Christopher McDougall, which is a really interesting book about a society of runners in Mexico, and the ultra-marathoners in the US who are accustomed to running 100 or more miles in a single race. Anyways a lot of what the book talks about is running barefoot and how that’s the better way to run and train and how that improves form naturally as the body corrects itself.
Umm. Sorry I got hungry and then I came back to finish this. Apparently I’m going to the sunshine coast tomorrow morning. I’m very excited about this. I was bummed about giving up my chance to go while I did homework, and because I have been feeling a little under the weather. So thanks to Claire for the last minute invite. I’m looking forward to it.
Umm… it rained on my birthday. Which was pretty awesome. It reminded me of home. I am starting to miss being somewhere familiar. Knowing what’s going on when and where and having all of my gear so that I can work on whatever I want instead of “making do” with I have at this moment. It’s good practice. But I miss my computer. And mics. And… friends and family of course.
I’m about to wrap this up. Most of you probably already have heard that my good friend Kris is coming to visit for the last two weeks of my stay here in Australia. I’m very excited that ill get to share this experience with someone back home and be able to say “remember when” to someone instead of “I wish you could have been there.”
My hair is out of control. It’s killing me. Lol it’s going to drive me insane before I get home. It’s too hot to wear hats to maintain it or give me some control. I don’t have any product that even stands a chance haha basically I just let it run rampant. And yep.
Ok. It’s time to bust out this homework. I love you. Thanks for reading and supporting me on this trip. And I’ll see you in a few short months.
James
p.s. I could kill for a legit American pizza.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
8th overseas blog on the 8th day of the 8th month.
I miss some things from home. Comfortable couches. A reason to wear pants instead of shorts all the time. Rain. Real legitimate rain… not this weak drizzle crap that sends people running. I think it’s funny how Washington is one of those places that gets tons of rain. And yet most people don’t own an umbrella.
I miss my parents. My friends. Grandparents. Cousins. My cat. Television. Real pizza. My bed. Snow. Air that burns in your lungs when you’re running (and not because I’m out of shape). I miss the smell of rain.
But here I love the wild life. The jumanji trees and bushes and critters. I love that I don’t need to take a jacket with me. I love the friends I’ve made. The random opportunities that I can take advantage of because shoot… I have time. I love having time. I love no worries. What happens will happen. What will be, will be. I love the new types of food. And the people. 90% of the people I meet are awesome and friendly and love life. I love the queen street mall because of all the random shops and stuff that’s going on there. Like pioneer square, only more rectangular.
I love southbank. The man made beach. The giant ferris wheel that cracks me up because it’s huge. I love the atmosphere. That I’m tan. That my life isn’t flooded with drama and things that get me down. I can just be. I love that I have this time and opportunity to learn and grow without worry or fear about whether I’m doing the right things. At this age, if I don’t know right from wrong… I’m probably not going to put it together.
I love this place. It’s not my home. But it’s beautiful and it’s shiny and it’s new. It’s making me realize just how much I love my home. How important the people are that I miss. How although I’m excited to be here and explore, I look forward to the day when I get off the plane and hug my friends and family again. I’m excited about thanksgiving and not having the stress of running back and forth between school and home for the holidays. I’m excited for black Friday. I’ve never done that before. I’m excited about getting excited for Christmas for the first time in a long time.
My mom doesn’t let the kids help decorate. But I can help a little more around the house with moving furniture and such. Maybe I’ll apply for a seasonal job at blockbuster again to make some money for Christmas and can buy gifts for people. I shutter at that thought. But it would be money that I could use to buy gifts. And not come home and be an instant financial burden on my parents. And I also know that I’ll be needing to take a trip around Washington in early January to settle some things in different parts of the state. Being able to pay for the trip (probably a week long trip) would be nice.
I’m excited to potentially start coaching when I get home. I feel that I’m content and ready to be done with my time as an athlete, but some money for coaching wouldn’t be a terrible thing. If there’s a place that would like me to work for them. If not, that’s fine as well. I’d much rather be putting that kind of time and energy into my career. I’d like to put time into FVTV. My dad has done some amazing things there and I really see it as a respectable place now. Not that it wasn’t before. But I felt the professionalism shown by the people I’ve met through there is a lot higher than before and the quality of the programming is far beyond what they were capable of a few years ago. And it continues to grow as time goes on. I see this as an invaluable source of talent and opportunity for improving my own skills.
I’m contemplating where I might like to work. Most people, upon hearing my major instantly thing that I want to work in LA. No. please. I’d originally set out to work in Portland, OR. This would leave me close to home and family and friends. There’s a lot of work and I have friends there who might be able to help me out. However I’m starting to think that adding Seattle, WA to my options is a good idea. Cost of living would be high, but so would my income. Hopefully.
I made a plan not to plan too far ahead. And I think this still counts. Nothing is set in stone. It’s fluid and open (except maybe thanksgiving and black Friday and Christmas lol those are kind of going to happen at a certain time.). We’ll see what happens. But I feel exciting things on the horizon.
I miss my parents. My friends. Grandparents. Cousins. My cat. Television. Real pizza. My bed. Snow. Air that burns in your lungs when you’re running (and not because I’m out of shape). I miss the smell of rain.
But here I love the wild life. The jumanji trees and bushes and critters. I love that I don’t need to take a jacket with me. I love the friends I’ve made. The random opportunities that I can take advantage of because shoot… I have time. I love having time. I love no worries. What happens will happen. What will be, will be. I love the new types of food. And the people. 90% of the people I meet are awesome and friendly and love life. I love the queen street mall because of all the random shops and stuff that’s going on there. Like pioneer square, only more rectangular.
I love southbank. The man made beach. The giant ferris wheel that cracks me up because it’s huge. I love the atmosphere. That I’m tan. That my life isn’t flooded with drama and things that get me down. I can just be. I love that I have this time and opportunity to learn and grow without worry or fear about whether I’m doing the right things. At this age, if I don’t know right from wrong… I’m probably not going to put it together.
I love this place. It’s not my home. But it’s beautiful and it’s shiny and it’s new. It’s making me realize just how much I love my home. How important the people are that I miss. How although I’m excited to be here and explore, I look forward to the day when I get off the plane and hug my friends and family again. I’m excited about thanksgiving and not having the stress of running back and forth between school and home for the holidays. I’m excited for black Friday. I’ve never done that before. I’m excited about getting excited for Christmas for the first time in a long time.
My mom doesn’t let the kids help decorate. But I can help a little more around the house with moving furniture and such. Maybe I’ll apply for a seasonal job at blockbuster again to make some money for Christmas and can buy gifts for people. I shutter at that thought. But it would be money that I could use to buy gifts. And not come home and be an instant financial burden on my parents. And I also know that I’ll be needing to take a trip around Washington in early January to settle some things in different parts of the state. Being able to pay for the trip (probably a week long trip) would be nice.
I’m excited to potentially start coaching when I get home. I feel that I’m content and ready to be done with my time as an athlete, but some money for coaching wouldn’t be a terrible thing. If there’s a place that would like me to work for them. If not, that’s fine as well. I’d much rather be putting that kind of time and energy into my career. I’d like to put time into FVTV. My dad has done some amazing things there and I really see it as a respectable place now. Not that it wasn’t before. But I felt the professionalism shown by the people I’ve met through there is a lot higher than before and the quality of the programming is far beyond what they were capable of a few years ago. And it continues to grow as time goes on. I see this as an invaluable source of talent and opportunity for improving my own skills.
I’m contemplating where I might like to work. Most people, upon hearing my major instantly thing that I want to work in LA. No. please. I’d originally set out to work in Portland, OR. This would leave me close to home and family and friends. There’s a lot of work and I have friends there who might be able to help me out. However I’m starting to think that adding Seattle, WA to my options is a good idea. Cost of living would be high, but so would my income. Hopefully.
I made a plan not to plan too far ahead. And I think this still counts. Nothing is set in stone. It’s fluid and open (except maybe thanksgiving and black Friday and Christmas lol those are kind of going to happen at a certain time.). We’ll see what happens. But I feel exciting things on the horizon.
Monday, August 2, 2010
For no Rhyme or Reason, I Feel I Reason to Rhyme.
It’s at this moment I see the end of my formal education and status as a student. Momentarily (with this word being relative), I will be thrust into the churning wheels of business and economy to become an employee to someone else wishes and desires. I accept this. One must pay their dues before being able to stake a claim in this world. I must accept that though my education draws to a close I never stop learning.
God has graced me with much fortune and opportunity in the way of talents, skills and teachers to shape and mold me. Does this mean good fortune and smooth sailings are in my immediate future? Hardly. The calm I experience now is merely the calm of the storm, the eye, which I find myself within. Coming are the trials that will determine my merit and whether I am more than a boy who’s good fortune and witty comebacks have carried him. Or, that I might be more than that. Someone deserving of seeing my efforts come to fruition.
This day is fast approaching.
But no longer do I fear for my inadequacies and weaknesses. Do I succumb to my insecurities? Do I answer to another man for the man I’m becoming? I am, what may be for the first time in my life, which I would like to be. Still flawed and ever so far from perfect. But standing on my own none the less.
Much has happened in the matter of a week. Whether you find yourself on the southern or northern hemisphere, time is time and it passes all the same. Thought it may pass at a snails pace or faster than you can comprehend. It passes as it has since before time was measured. And what a week I have seen.
It’s hard to imagine a life changing in an instant. And to realize how many instances can be found in a week. 7 days. 168 hours. 10,080 minutes. I’m still trying to figure out what really has happened and where all this leaves me standing. The only thing I can be assured of though is that I am indeed still standing.
Three months is an eternity to dream and wish upon unfamiliar stars. Stars I’m tempted to place upon my own body. Three months is a lifetime waiting for reality to find me and bring me home. To wake me up and either bond me to a life of servitude or set me free forever.
But for now I’ll lovingly count the days. As I have. And as I always will.
Goodnight. :*
God has graced me with much fortune and opportunity in the way of talents, skills and teachers to shape and mold me. Does this mean good fortune and smooth sailings are in my immediate future? Hardly. The calm I experience now is merely the calm of the storm, the eye, which I find myself within. Coming are the trials that will determine my merit and whether I am more than a boy who’s good fortune and witty comebacks have carried him. Or, that I might be more than that. Someone deserving of seeing my efforts come to fruition.
This day is fast approaching.
But no longer do I fear for my inadequacies and weaknesses. Do I succumb to my insecurities? Do I answer to another man for the man I’m becoming? I am, what may be for the first time in my life, which I would like to be. Still flawed and ever so far from perfect. But standing on my own none the less.
Much has happened in the matter of a week. Whether you find yourself on the southern or northern hemisphere, time is time and it passes all the same. Thought it may pass at a snails pace or faster than you can comprehend. It passes as it has since before time was measured. And what a week I have seen.
It’s hard to imagine a life changing in an instant. And to realize how many instances can be found in a week. 7 days. 168 hours. 10,080 minutes. I’m still trying to figure out what really has happened and where all this leaves me standing. The only thing I can be assured of though is that I am indeed still standing.
Three months is an eternity to dream and wish upon unfamiliar stars. Stars I’m tempted to place upon my own body. Three months is a lifetime waiting for reality to find me and bring me home. To wake me up and either bond me to a life of servitude or set me free forever.
But for now I’ll lovingly count the days. As I have. And as I always will.
Goodnight. :*
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