Drawing request

There was just like 8 of us in class today. I’m not surprised; we were always less than half the class during Saturday, The class went on anyways. We had Italian class, which we took the time to make the school newspaper. I was given an editorial position I guess, since we weren’t really following the standard template of a real newspaper. We could write what we want as long as there’s still some articles about the school.

So we were talking about it when one classmate of mine approached me and asked for a favor. He was one of the noisy people in class, and I helped him once during printing class when he couldn’t get the colors right before printing. We never really talk but today he asked if I could draw something for him. Then he showed me a picture of a guy (face not shown) showing some arm tattoos of the illuminati. LOL. He asked me to draw the tattoo. It was the all-seeing eye.

I asked him if he wants me to draw it now, but he just said that if I can do the drawing for him, it doesn’t matter when I want to draw it. I couldn’t refuse. It was like the first time that a classmate of mine had asked me to do something for them. Maybe they’re afraid that I might not understand, idk, that’s why they don’t really talk to me. But I really think it was nice. Maybe he wants that tattooed on him too.

Also it’s a good chance for me to use my micron.

New year, new class schedule

I’m really loving it. There’s less time for unrelated-to-graphic-design subjects and a little more focus to what we should be working on. So now we have a total of 6 hours for Illustrator and 6 for Photoshop. 3 for printing like usual, but I don’t really like it but its necessary so okay. I’m really glad there’s less history subject now. It’s nice but it gets complicated because of my lack of Italian.

I’ve had a really fun day today even though we had history for the first two class hours. I think I’m able to talk to the teachers a little clearer now and they’re helping me improve my language (meaning more grammatical book photocopies for me, but okay). Time really went by fast during that class.

Over Illustrator class we worked on making a unique looking outline to be printed as a folder. The professor had these really cool books with him all the time; just looking at the cover is really interesting. He let me have a look at it because I was the first one to finish the basic folder so I can have the inspiration to make a more complicated one.

So I made a puzzle piece-inspired folder. It took a while to sketch out how it would work out because I wanted the “piece” to stay together so it won’t open when not used. Doing it on Illustrator was a little easier though and I was able to finish and print it on A3. The professor then asked me to cut out my little paper folder to see how it would turn out. I felt really accomplished when I closed it and it “locked”. Too bad I wasn’t able to take a picture.

I also finally finished the drawing I’ve been working on. Check out “Vanity” on my art blog :3

Me and the Cleaning Lady

I temporarily stopped sketching in school just so I could concentrate on writing my story. But even then, some people couldn’t help but get curious of whatever I’m doing. They see me writing in a notebook at the corner, ask me what I’m writing about, etc. etc. I write in English and nobody can understand my handwriting but me but still, I’m kinda flattered that they try to understand why I do what I do. I’m not writing or drawing in school to get attention, I do it there because I barely have time left in my hands. And, during class breaks, I really do manage to do a lot of it.

This morning, the cleaning lady saw me sitting in my tiny corner writing. I am almost always the first to arrive and she got curious about what I’m doing and decided to sit beside me.

She said something with the word “brava” meaning brilliant or bravo or something. She asked what I’m writing about and I told her I’m writing a book. And then we started chatting. I kinda like her because she doesn’t talk about just what I do, she tells me about herself and she tries to speak English when I can’t understand. There wasn’t an awkward silence. We both like tea.

Today has been pretty nice :)

Suddenly, I’m visible…

One day, I was just sitting at my place at the corner, continuing my elephant drawing because I didn’t have much time to do it at home. Then there were these first three people who noticed, asking me things — how I did this, how I did that, etc., Finally, they left me alone, not wanting to disturb me in my work.

The next day, I was still in my usual spot. I didn’t expect anyone to come up to me and watch me draw, but there were more people today who unexpectedly noticed. By now, the elephant was complete; with only the head accessory missing. By class break and I went to my next class, there was no teacher — more time to waste for me to draw. And I did. And a few seconds later, the three people came in and saw me and my sketchbook. And then asked if they could take a look.

They loved Thor so much. Seconds passed, they called in more people to look. And another. And another. When they left, more people came in to peek, probably hearing from the others about the “not-speaking-Italian-girl’s drawings”. I’ve never had so much attention from my drawings. I was happy. But I had to leave someplace where I could actually draw.

By now probably half of the school’s students knew…

School bell

Just a quick catching up —

I am now attending school. Learning graphic design with Italian students and teachers who know little to no English.

It’s difficult, obviously, but I’m hangin’ on. Yesterday was my first day.

I was accompanied by my mother because she still needs to talk with the director. We waited some time because we arrived a little early (despite the 8 am morning bell) but at that time, I was feeling fine. Students came, drinking coffee that came from the vending machine that’s probably very dirty by now. I could only watch them; I can’t understand what they’re saying. Students are very different from each other, and entirely different from the kind of students I have encountered during my school years in the Philippines. No uniforms, crazy hairs, make-ups, piercings and tattoos, and the majority of them smoke. I guess I’m judging people now, but how can I not when we’re pretty much at the same age but already acting about 10 years older? I’m only really judging about the smoking part though. I don’t really care if they want to show off their tattoos and piercings and make ups.

Back to me. The director brought my to my very first classroom. They already started the class. I was the new girl; shy and doesn’t know anyone. And by the way, the school doesn’t look like one. It’s more of a big old office/warehouse with a lot of corridors. My teacher was a pregnant woman who’s probably around in her late 20s or early 30s. My first impression of her was that she’s probably a patient teacher. If I understand their language, I would have regarded her as my favorite teacher.

The class started and went on for hours with me not understanding anything. Just little words that catch my ear. I was on the verge of crying and excusing myself to skip school and never come back again. What’s the point of going to school when I can’t understand anything? I’m the only one who cannot communicate; the teachers had to talk to me separately. There’s only five girls in the class including me, and my first impression of them were some who I prefer not to get too close to, even if I could speak. They’re different. I’m not shocked. I knew from the start I’ll be by myself in this school.

I prefer not to tell what happened during the short lunch break. And ever since that event, I felt like I’m going to have a panic attack every hour the school bell rings.

After the break we went to the computer laboratory for the next class. I didn’t know where to go, of course; I don’t know how to ask anyone so I had to sit again somewhere where I could see small groups of my classmates and where they’re headed. It was cool that despite the classes being free, the equipments were modern. There were probably about 20 flat screen desktop in one room, and another 20 Apple desktop where we held the class. No sharing.

All in all, my feelings about going to school is meh. I just wish I could understand. It’s graphic design — lots of messing around in the painting and illustrator softwares, but I can’t even follow when they speak so fast. I’m happy that I got praised today because of the photoshop activity though. Yay.

I am so…. nervous.

My mom arrived from her doctor appointment today when she told me, “You’ll start tomorrow” with a smug.

What?

Little did I know that she already registered me for this graphic design class. I’m nervous because I assume they will teach Italian and I assume I cannot understand a single thing. I’m also nervous because of this whole going-back-to-school thing. I haven’t set foot to school grounds for a year. This is going to be so awkward…

I saw this week’s schedule (I didn’t understand anything until I used Google translate) and I still think the history of the country has something to do with graphics design… I think there’s math <.< There’s vector, which I have some knowledge in. I wish I could bring my laptop…

I’m crossing my fingers. I hope at least one instructor speaks English…

Febbraio undici (oon-dee-chi)

There’s really nothing much that happened today. Sometimes, I think about whether it’s still worth it to make a post about every single day knowing that my life is really boring and repetitive. The only thing that makes each post longer are these random things and thoughts.

Anyway, I had a dream about my grade school classmates climbing a house’s roof. They were wearing a graduation gown; I wasn’t. Boo. What a disappointing dream. Them, graduating, having a career they’re pursuing. Me, nothing. Nadda. I myself am disappointed in me. But a part of it is my fault. Though I’m trying to get myself to where I should be. I don’t want to be like this. Not in this state. I need to get myself out of this. But I always feel sad that I’m not a graduate of anything course. You don’t get a diploma making coffee.

Around midday I decided to sign up on a website where I’ll be free to write an article about any subject. I can get paid. That is, if I can get more than a thousand views on my article per day.
Speaking of articles, it makes me remember that time when I was in grade school, trying out for the school paper. There was a test and the result will determine our position. I was supposed to be the editor-in-chief (true story; ask my sister). The teacher said I got the highest score. I was grade 4. Though even if they appoint me, I’ll request to lower down my position. Really, academic subjects + non-curricular activities + division competitions + that school paper = insanity; too much for my grade 4 brain. So yes, my position was lowered but I don’t remember exactly what it is.

The rest of the afternoon was spent resting and staying away from any gadgets and feeling so sad. I thought I was losing inspiration again. Can’t afford to go through that. I’ll feel more useless. I also think I want to cry. I used to cry regularly by watching really dramatic shows. Curled up on the couch, hugging my stuff toy while I cry my eyeballs out. Great excuse to cry. Crying makes me feel better, even though I don’t know the reason why I want to cry.

(Too much self-pity in this post. Wow.)

(Source: cloudbearer)

My friends’ hell-ish exam week, while I’m here, chilling like a boss

Sometimes I just miss going to school. There are times when I look forward to finishing assignments and projects that I just want to shove it up to my teacher’s ass and say, “Take that!” LOL. The very early morning showers, and dressing up to look good that takes forever. Wanting to go to uni even when its storming just to see the cute classmate. Lunch with friends. Cheating with each other’s works. Going someplace after school. Oh and BUYING SCHOOL SUPPLIES. Shit, that’s the best part. It takes me forever choosing a ballpen and a fucking notebook. And when I was in highschool before I got homeschooled, I love to walk my way home because my house is near the school. But before I go home, I used to play volleyball with the higher year students until the sun almost sets. Most are guys, but they take it easy on me, they let me win. Haha.

Ah, highschool, I didn’t get to enjoy it that much. Haven’t entered *true* college yet either. But I guess I’m enjoying where I’m at now. Even though I have less friends/classmates/schoolmates >.>

I can’t sleep again last night.

Added to that was the feeling of being completely alone. The silence last night was deafening. Thanks to the presence of the dogs that I still felt safe.

I went to the shop again yesterday, just for the heck of it. I was bored inside the house so I dropped by there. A lot has changed, even though the last time I went there was the other day, when I requested to be evaluated.

The shop was branching out.

There’s two new branches, but it’s all connected to the main, which was the store. I mean, the supplies, food, even the staff came from the store. And it was the manager who was, well… managing… all three branches. Damn, he was taking straight shifts for three consecutive days now. I feel tired for him. I feel tired for the staff as well.

Remember the old crush? Haven’t really talked about him in a while. I arrived there yesterday, and he was on the opening shift. Guests came one after another, then there’s also the group of ten nurses. Hours passed, there’s just the two of them there because at that time, the manager was at the new branch which was at the school. It’s just him and dude. Remember dude? I guess not. So yeah, hours passed and the two of them worked their butts out. Manager came, but he has to leave to get supplies. It was old crush’s break time when the manager came. But the manager was too busy packing all the needed supplies that he can’t pay attention to the guests at all. So the old crush didn’t eat lunch anymore. Dude didn’t took his lunch not until it was dinner time already. Poor guys. I would’ve been happy helping them out.

I tagged along with the manager, together with the other ex-ojt barista, and a new male ojt. We went to the headquarters, which was where the departments were located, including the HR, office staff, etc. to get some sticker. It was dead traffic on the way there, we were like sitting in a cramped up taxi cab with the supplies sitting on our laps for two long hours before we got there. Then we headed straight to the school, and dropped the supplies. The other barista was there, it was his last duty day that day.

Then we went to the other branch and there we saw the other female ojt. She looked tired. Yeah, she was wearing her uniform and all, but I could see behind all the make-up that she lacked sleep, taking in consideration the  bags under her eyes. We bought her dinner. And we waited for her to log out. But we didn’t get to ride the same taxi cab on the way back to the shop, because the driver won’t allow five people in one car.

Everyone was quiet on the way back. Everyone was tired.

Tired.

I went out to get the results of my medical examination. Thankfully, I don’t have any disease whatsoever. I also got an x-ray of my ribs. Lol, kinda looks funny, but they said it was normal. I was feeling anxious the other day about it, ‘cause maybe I actually have a disease and didn’t know about it, and I would end up not taking the training.

Anyway, so after I got out of that gloomy place, I went directly to my school and handed over a copy of those shit. Of course, I don’t want to give them the original copies. They’re mine. MINE. There was an event going on in the school that time, and there were lots of lightings and cameras and shit, but I don’t really know what’s going on. Maybe like a photoshoot or some sort. My mates there said there were actually two actors/actress there before, but I’ve never seen them. I should’ve come earlier or something >.>

I left school shortly to go to the company where I’ll be taking on my training. I waited there for a few, then the woman asked me to sign the contract of 300 hours of training and shit, that I cannot get involve in crimes or something, and that I will have a free meal. THAT’S THE BEST PART OF IT. THE FREE STUFF. I still have to get that contract back, as well as the waiver thing that they were talking about, but at least I got my time card. That’s my coffee blog, by the way. Follow if you wish.

After that, I went straight home and now I’m chilling here at the sofa, with an untouched chocolate cupcake beside me. I’m gonna have to reply to my penpals shortly, and edit for as much as I can. I’ll be required to work for at least 9 hours a day, including the 1 hour break there. But I dunno, I might do some overtime if I can, to get it done as soon as possible. I still have to get that novel published. I’m still dead serious about it, okay? :)

Day 6,003

Just another day in Barista school. We practiced carrying trays with heavy bottles on them, and brought them from one room to the other, breaking a total of four highball glasses. Lol. We also practiced table napkin folding, one by one. I did good, I guess.

And for the first time, as a treat for our good grades from his very first exam, our instructor, believe it or not, bought a double chocolate cake. FOR US. Obviously, he’s one of those who doesn’t care about spending a little bit for his students. Not to mention he always sets up games for us. Games that are related to our F & B subject.

Another thing that makes him great is that, he’s planning on taking us on a FIELD TRIP!!!! This Friday! And if it gets approved by the school director, we’ll be using one of my classmates’ car to get there and back. Since they’re old enough and rich enough that they have their own car >.> I hope it gets settled.

The rest of the morning was wasted by a seatmate of mine who kept on making me laugh that I didn’t understand the lesson properly. We have just finished playing that time, which was after a short break, and that seatmate of mine continued playing with that small condiment thing (It’s calamansi in my language, dunno what its called in English) and ends up flying its way to me. Lol. Whenever I just hear him talk or laugh, I automatically laugh as well. Kinda weird, but I enjoy his presence. He’s the class clown.

Eh, so that’s pretty much what happened. Lots of laughter with the tray carrying, the CAKE, the teasings continued as usual, the field trip announcement, oh and on Monday, which would be our final exam, we’ll be going to another small field trip and we’ll take an actual exam right into the school restaurant! Dunno how that’ll work or if we’ll seriously serve real guests, but still, I’m gonna see my Barista instructor! I bet last day would be so much fun, and I must not forget to ask my mates for their contact numbers and stuff… >.>

Now I’m hungry.