3/7/9 :: Glasgow

Glasgow was good.  I wasn't completely impressed with the city itself, but it may have just been the rain.  We went to Wagamama's for lunch and then did a bit of shopping.  I got a dress for the party and a new scarf from Zara's, but I didn't think the shops were that different from what I get in America.  We got ready at Luke's and had an amazing home-cooked meal courtesy of his momma.  Had drinks and listened to Nick Cave.  So lovely.

Jamie's party was at Ibrox, which was actually kind of incredible.  We had access to a balcony overlooking the field.  Some random rugby player taught me how to take two shots at once?  It was kind of intense.  I spent most of the night with Tom Carlile, and it was actually quite nice to get to know him a bit better.  Fell asleep sandwiched between him and Allan in Luke's bed.  Worst night sleep ever, but it's all gravy.

The train ride home the next day seemed to last for ages.  I slept for two day's straight when I finally got home.

3/6/9 :: Assessment

Derek asked me about my video today, and it's probably because I look better with a mustache.  How unfortunate.

Today was honestly just... strange.  I had my midterm assessment (finally), and it was nothing to write home about.  Basically, it was fine, minus the "one-trick pony" comment--which was irrelevant.  They told me they would like me to try more than one approach to my projects, which is funny because professors back home told me I need to be more focused.  How about I just... make stuff, and it'll be all cool, mmk?

On the whole I'm bummin' a bit.  I'm quite disappointed in ECA as an art college--tutors, curriculum, critique, resources.  A bit of a shamble really.  I'm not progressing as a designer at all here.  Stagnant pond water.

The people, however, are smashing.

It's a bit frustrating sometimes though--being the exchange student.  It's a constant line of wanting to feel at home and not wanting to get too attached.  I'm impatient with relationships, and I'm always pushing.  I get really frustrated when I want things I can't have.  You can't win over everyone, and you certainly can't force people to want to get to know you.  Some people get where I'm coming from, but for others, perhaps I'm a bit too forward for their liking?

Glasgow tomorrow.  Should be good.

 

3/5/9 :: Kelly Loves Philip

umbilical lovers

epileptic awkwardness

togetherness: grope her from the inside.

this is the work of philip.  i've always loved it, but today it is especially good.

i was hung over in the morning, and it lead to a sort of sour mood.  i was feeling really sadistic all day, to be honest.  realizing how insanely creepy that is, i kept my earplugs in and listened to lots of black eyes.

i gotta cool down in my quest for the page of cups. 

i really can't stand myself these past few weeks.

the behavior (or lack of) of others is really affecting me in the most typical way.

3/4/9 :: Unappealing

"Sweet Dreams" from Kirsten Lepore on Vimeo.

I had another good dance class today, but I'm going to be hurting for it tomorrow.

I also had a not-so-good night out. I don't want to say much beyond that.

But this video is nice.

3/3/9 :: Dance Class

Today was slightly eventful.  I started off my morning with the most ridiculous lecture on Adobe Acrobat, lasting two hours.  I took video for your amusement.  See the bottom of the post for a clip from the most boring lecture of all time.

I gave my presentation shortly afterward--went fine I suppose.  Derek informed us that Ecommo (the company I did the branding project for) decided not to use any of our designs, but they want to contact me to do a branding book for them since they liked my work so much.  It's not everything, but at least it's something.

Most importantly::::: I went to my first dance class at Dancebase in Grassmarket today!  I was quite nervous, seeing as I couldn't even figure out how to open the door to the changing room. ha.  I haven't taken a dance class in almost 4 years, and I'm fatter with a smoking habit now.  It turned out to be great though.  There was only one boy in the class, and he was a bit intimidating.  His arms were like machine guns, ha.   

It was "contemporary," so it was a bit of modern-style jazz.  We danced to a live guitar player (very cool), and most of it was stuff I remembered.  I'm a bit stiff with my movements, but it's hard to throw your head around when you're just learning the footwork.  I'm looking forward to making it a regular thing.  It's nice to get sweaty and not feel like you are being tortured as you do when running on a treadmill.  Maybe I'll meet a handsome straight dance boy and finally pull in the UK.

HA.  In my dreams.

Afterward, a girl named Jane told me I should go to the class on Wednesday afternoons.  Supposedly, it's less modern and a bit more stage.  Sounds good to me.  I'll have to see how my legs feel in the morning.  I've already got a blister forming.  

Please try to imagine this lasting for 2 hours.  Feel my pain?

3/2/9 :: Work Placements

Today was a miss in terms of interesting happenings.  I stayed up late putting together my presentation on which companies I'm going to apply to for work placement.  I've decided on Jean Jullien, Peepshow Collective, Nous Vous, Why Not Associates, and The Touch Agency.

You're looking at the title slide of my presentation.  Can you sense my lack of enthusiasm?

3/1/9 :: Travel Plans

the bruges canal

I chatted with Luke today about our travel plans for May.  Looks like he is going to spend two nights in Edinburgh, and then we are going to visit Amsterdam, Bruges, and Paris.  CHA-CHING!  Couldn't be more stoked, but I hope Derek will allow me to skip out on a week in the studio to do it.  >.<

The best part of the conversation with Luke was when he said the most brilliantly true thing:  "I was just thinking about when I met you at the Apparition Cafe years ago-- who knew I'd be traveling Europe with this girl."  

We are the oddest friends.  And yet... it works.  

Can't stop listening to Patrick Wolf.  I'm getting really insanely impatient waiting for the new album to be released.  It's going to change my life, I can tell already.

Also, my tragus is infected.  No pain, but god does it look awful.  I brought some anti-biotics from home, so hopefully it will clear up.  If a mushroom grows out of my ear, I'm going to fry it up and eat it.