I figured out which class I’m going to drop to bring that down to 16 credit hours. That still leaves me with plenty to potentially learn. And remember how I said this semester would be easier because I’m not going to be learning any new software programs? Forecasting FAIL. Here’s my courseload for the Spring semester:

• 3D Modeling and Animation Essentials (where I will tackle the heavyweight Maya software and try not cry in the process. So glad I took Drawing I from the art department over the summer so I have some basic artistic concepts down)
• Flash II (with a different prof than I had for Flash I, and thankfully it will require far less work)
• Web Content Management (learning how to build a website server-side-on-up in Joomla! and then in either WordPress or Drupal)
• Interaction Design (learning how to design sites and devices with more user-friendly structures)
• Advanced Topics in Digital Media Design (learning Adobe Illustrator and its applications for the web)

The topic of that last class with the generic name was a mystery to me until the first class today. I probably could have called and asked, but hellooooo, way too much effort. All information for the Digital Media department should be available online, right? Apparently there was some snafu with the scheduling and the class wasn’t actually supposed to be taught this semester, so I really lucked out by taking a chance and registering for it. I finally get to learn Illustrator! Now I take my skills from “pathetic novice because of that damn pen tool” to the soaring heights of “amateur hack.” At least that’s what I’m hoping for!

The interaction design class worried me initially because we were split into groups that we will work with the entire semester. I’ve been in a few group disaster scenarios, probably like everyone else, and am never excited about group work in a classroom setting. But my group seems good so far. The professor made us play Apples to Apples with our group for the last 25 minutes, which was bizarre at first—but its purpose was more than an ice breaker. After a few minutes of playing, the prof told 3 of my 4 of my group members to play the game as if they were a different age. One 9, one 14, and the other 75. It was interesting how my gameplay changed, considering that the point of the game is to cater to the “judge” of the round. I think I’m going to like that class.

Going back to school has really turned the bummer of being laid off into a kickass thing for me.

I’m registered for 19 credit hours again in all Digtial Media classes at Utah Valley University, but I’m pretty certain that’s going to drop to a more reasonable 16. I just need to attend a couple classes first to decide which one goes. I won’t be learning new languages or intense programs like last semester (Adobe Flash and ActionScript, I’m looking at you) so I think overall my semester will be more conducive to blogging, freelancing, and you know, general sanity.

I haven’t addressed what happened to make me stop blogging a few months ago. Basically it started with a seriously intense Flash class, and two weeks into the semester I’d compounded my initial struggle to learn the program with two failing quiz scores. That’s very unlike me, and I was dramatically distraught (I’m a girl, I’d also like to call hormones on this one). I almost dropped the class, but I really wanted to learn Flash… and dropping it would screw up my graduation plan. The professor was great and encouraged me to stick with it. I came to terms with the possibility of a potential poor (but passing) grade and gave it a go. I’ve never worked harder in a class before, and there’s no doubt that I learned a ton. I managed an A- so I guess it paid off.

My Flash professor has turned into my favorite professor at UVU. I had another fall semester class with him (Advanced Photoshop) that required a ton of work as well, but for me it was mostly dedicating the time to do it. I actually have decent study habits now. Quite the change from College 1.0. Anyway, I had 4 other 3-credit-hour classes and a weekly lecture series that required nine 2-page papers. It was a challenge to keep pace and my blogging and social life suffered.

Oddly, I picked up cross-stitching at the end of the summer and keeping up with that helped me stay sane. I craved the rhythmic needle movement and loved seeing little details reveal themselves as I went along. All of my classes required computer programs, so when I wasn’t doing homework, I didn’t want to be staring at my monitor.

It’s important to note that I’m doing subversive cross-stitching. Fun stuff, not the vomit-inducing crap that might typically come to mind at the mention of cross stitch. I was influenced by my friend Marie, maker of the hot zombie chick embroidery, and also by the awesome Subversive Cross Stitch book by Julie Jackson. Marie prefers freeform embroidery, but so far I’ve been very happy following a set cross-stitch pattern and having predictable results. Like these! It’s good left brain activity that doesn’t make my right brain jealous.

Okay, so I still need to iron and frame them. Baby steps, people. I haven’t scanned my first project from the Subversive book yet, and I have a Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy pattern in the works right now. Hopefully I’ll find a way to keep up with school, cross-stitch, AND blogging this semester.

I better post this. Midnight is fast approaching and I have lots more to do before I can go to bed. Holy crap, I’m over 1% through my blog-every-day challenge! Inconceivable! Yay.