I miss art class!

Back in July, Zach and I attended a craft fair at the Seattle Center and I purchased a sketchbook. It wasn't an ordinary sketchbook, as it is made partially out of an old book. The woman who creates these sketchbooks gets old books, from libraries and antique stores, and makes them into sketchbooks and notebooks. She uses the book cover as the sketchbook cover, and re-binds them with fresh, blank pages. She also keeps a few pages of the books and binds them in with the pages. I chose one that was formerly a sewing, knitting, and needlecraft instruction book.

This is what the front looks like.

See? The instruction section is still in my notebook, to the right is a page I wrote on.

Anyway, I've been carrying this book around with me a lot. I use it to write down ideas, prose, poetry, and sketches. I haven't done anything like this before, and honestly it is so refreshing. It's like art and creativity is back in my life again. I even set aside time to work in my book; drawing, writing, or whatever comes to mind. 

Here are a few things I've doodled over the past few weeks.

I told y'all I'm studying japanese, right? The kanji and hiragana numbers are on the upper left.

Cubone is sad.

Inspired by the fact that Zach and I have played A LOT of Mario games lately.

Studying japanese inspired this one.

Japanese will be a challenge for me. I might take a class next year.

I used to be so good at Calligraphy when I learned it in middle school art!

Emotions inspire art. What can I say.

Working on my thigh tattoo design.

I get really frustrated that my work isn't good and incomplete, and honestly my sketchbook has many more doodles, but they're just plain bad. But that's why I'm practicing, right?

I miss the days of middle school and high school art class! They were always my favorite classes. I was in Art Club too. I loved having access to unlimited mediums and art supplies. When I get some extra cash I want to buy some watercolor pencils to add color to some of my doodles. I recently bought some oil pastels, but I can't seem to really make anything great with them, yet.

It's unfortunate that as soon as classes start up, there is a good chance I'll be ignoring my sketchbook until next summer. Maybe I'll schedule some creative time to my Sundays and force myself to sit down with some paper and let the creativity flow. Regardless, I've been enjoying my freedom from the undergrad-ball-and-chain and using free time to draw, explore Seattle, and get in some quality Zach time. As soon as classes start though, I'll have to say "adiós, life!"

Yesterday I had such a fantastic time hiking in Discovery Park with some international students from SSCC. We spent almost 4 hours hiking around the park; we got to see the lighthouse at the point, picnic on the beach, and explore some gorgeous viewpoints. As soon as I returned home I told Zach I HAVE to take him there sometime. What a wonderful, outdoorsy getaway so close to the city!

Today wrapped up the end of my second week at the ISC. Boy, I am going to miss these Fukuoka University students when they leave! One of them added me on Facebook yesterday, and I'm delighted that they want to stay in touch. My goal is to also stay in touch with their Director and see if they'll need an intern someday. Who knows, maybe I'll have an internship in Japan within the next two years! In other ISC news, I'm helping plan and run their ambassador training next week. The ambassadors will be the ones who will help us out at New Student Orientation in September. Things are picking up and I'm getting more work; which is a good thing!

Which reminds me; TGIF! I can finally appreciate weekends again, now that I'm busier. Tomorrow I'm going to the Washington Department of Licensure to get my WA license. I wish I didn't have to forfeit my MN one, but apparently I have no choice. For the rest of the weekend I'll be catching up with Zach, catching up on sleep, and spending the last of my precious free time relaxed.

じゃまた。- Ja mata! - See you later!

Whirlwind

The past week has been crazy. Not as crazy as my last two semesters in undergrad (we all know THAT was crazy) but crazy in comparison to how sedentary life has been in the past two months. I know we've been exploring Seattle, volunteering, and partaking in some events, but nothing had real purpose for me. Not until I had a job in my field, I began working towards something, and time started to fly.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday I spent at my GAship. Most of my tasks were being a helper/organizer when they went out on outings. A few times I briefly met my supervisor Ryan and he got me up to speed about the basics of the SU International Student Center. Other than that, I was out on the town with the Fukuoka group. I learned a lot and had great fun; I'm delighted to have an opportunity to improve my Japanese. Monday I showed them around Capitol Hill and ate dinner with them. I also got to know two undergraduate students who also work in the ISC On Wednesday I got to go to Bainbridge Island with them, to visit the Bainbridge Japanese History Museum; Friday I went to the Courthouse and Mayor's Office for Senior Services while they interviewed personnel for their research; today I went to a Mariner's game with them. How lucky am I!

Me, Nguyen, and Dom at the history museum

Tuesday and Thursday at SSCC I put in some hours planning for the upcoming events and working on Orientation stuff. Thursday the Level II IEP students threw a graduation party for the IEP Level V group; the students did an amazing job planning the event and impressed everyone there. I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know some of the international students better.

Saturday I took SSCC IP students to the Seattle Sounders VS the Vancouver Whitecaps game. At 11:30 we made our way down to Occidental park where before every game they host a rally for Sounders fans. People were chanting, singing along with Sound Wave, their pep band, and yelling fight songs as we marched to the stadium. The students loved it, I loved it, and I'm already so hooked on the Sounders that I've been looking up what Google claims are the best bars to go to to watch Sounders games. Also I've been trying to find jerseys online, though I definitely can't afford one right now (or for a while). My favorite chant was "Nobody likes us, and WE DON'T CARE!" Oh you pretentious Seattle hipsters :P You are something.

I haven't come home exhausted every day since May. Honestly, it's a nice change to be back in a busy schedule. I feel so great about getting a job and working toward something greater, but I can't help but feel awful for Zach. I mean, he's fine and happy for the most part, but I just want him to find whatever makes him happy. Be it going back to school, finding a specific job, or whatever. We're going to be fine with money, I just want both of us to settle in and get comfortable, mostly since I've dedicated the next two years of my life here. Another sad fact is that come September 19 when classes start up, I don't know when I'll ever see Zach. There are two days per week that I'll probably be gone for 14 hours minimum, and I know that any spare time will need to be spent studying.

I do have faith though. Things will work out. We're doing amazing so far. For two relatively independent young people across the country, we have a roof over our heads, a bed to sleep on, and food in the fridge. We must still be doing pretty damn well.

Last night I volunteered at Hempfest in Myrtle Edwards Park. I helped sell merch and gave directions to attendees. I was going to go back tonight and help again but I'm not feeling the greatest. I'm starting to think it's due to the whirlwind week I just endured. And I didn't even mention the emotional turmoil it took on me. Time to rest up.

With that, I bid you adieu; ja ma ta ne (see you later!)

Before I wrap this up, I must point out that Ratatat is an amazing band to listen to while I'm blogging. Maybe their beats coincide with the rhythm I type at... regardless, check them out. Very chill and enjoyable.