<sup>It's the beginning of November. I've been in Orlando for a little over three months now, and those months have been some of the craziest, most exciting, best times of my life.

I've forced myself to be more social and outgoing during the past three months than I probably have in all of my life, and I'm having an absolute blast. (Okay, I'm probably still comparatively lifeless but it's a milestone for me anyway.) I've met a ton of great friends and we've done some really fun things together. Our little subcultural family can be a bit dysfunctional at times but it's easy to overlook the quirks and appreciate it as a whole. At least that's how I find it. (Ironically it feels like an anime.) It's actually been a really pleasant surprise for me because I did not expect at all to find many friends let alone be welcomed into a group when I moved here. I didn't used to be the social type. Quite the opposite actually. I've never been one to be considered 'one of the gang'. I've always been rather peripheral when it comes to friend circles. (I attribute this to my being so quiet and shy, which I'm gradually overcoming, and also the fact that I'm generally a third wheel.) Now it seems I've somehow managed to emerge inside the circle, not just the quiet antisocial artist in the corner who makes everyone feel awkward. I would have denied the possibility of it ever happening adamantly a half a year ago, but it's fun being inside the circle. I think I'm opening up my eyes a little bit more. It feels good to be a part of the gang.

That aside, my studies are going well. I'm learning 3DStudio Max, which is a great deal easier than I had expected it to be. Unfortunately it also further confirms the cynicism I've always had toward most CGI art/ animation, but as if the world knew I would be dispirited at this it also provided a counter to renew my faith in the ability of CGI to be molded into a fine art medium despite its obvious cheapness: Legend of the Guardians was released about two months ago, and it left me completely speechless. I never get teary-eyed for any reason. Ever. Period. But all three times I've seen this movie now I've found myself tearing up numerous times during the feature. The art....everything about it was breathtaking. Amazing. The attention to detail and realism the modelers and animators had. Just wow. I don't think there's a more beautifully animated movie in existence. This movie is now solely my most revered animated feature ever. Even more so than Don Bluth's works, and that's saying a lot as he is one of my heroes.

On a similar note watching LoTG and studying it for just what made it such a masterpiece has given me more insight into where I personally want to take my art and what it is I strive to achieve in my art. It's also given me a strong nudge in the direction of thinking about a specialization in character modeling.

(It's funny, when I was growing up it was:"What do you want to be when you grow up, Sarah?" "An artist." Then it became: "What kind of an artist do you want to be?" "An animator." Now it is: "What kind of an animator do you want to be?" )

On a last note, I just got hired on by a huge government contractor as a Graphic Artist. (ﾟДﾟ|||) This is a huge step forward in my career. I told myself going into the interview that I would be extremely honored to even be considered for the position even if I didn't get it. It really makes me feel good about what I do. Being chosen for the position, I'm completely enthralled and I know that God is giving me a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's still sinking in.</sup>