Monday, Sept. 28, kicks off my second term at Full Sail. I've been eagerly waiting for the compositing class, since that's what I'd like to focus on. I quickly came to the conclusion that modeling is not for me. Oh, I can do the job, but it provides little joy for me -- and I'm done signing up for jobs that make me miserable.

So here is to the next seven months!

The August cycle begins Monday, Aug. 3, with character design and creation, one of the first advanced classes in Full Sail's computer animation program. The prospect of working on Maya is not particularly thrilling for me, but this time we'll be doing people and creatures instead of objects so maybe I'll like that better. I am more looking forward to the compositing class in a couple of months.

More importantly, Tuesday will mark my eighth-year anniversary to the greatest red head on the planet. That is one thing worth celebrating.

Ahhhhh, 10 days off from school and I feel rejuvenated. This month (July), I have Historical Archetypes and Mythology along with Principles of Design, which is another arts class. Looks like a fun month without Maya!

Three months into the computer animation program at Full Sail, I can't say I'm a big fan of extruding polygons in Maya.

So far, classes have focused primarily on modeling. I'm looking forward to moving on to lighting, texturing and eventually compositing. I'm hoping one of those three areas will click with me, because modeling doesn't appeal to me much. Truth be told, I've had a much better time in arts class.

Ah, the joy of learning.

It's amazing how doing what you love changes your entire outlook on life. I highly recommend it. Just three months ago, I was languishing in a newsroom, unsatisfied with my career. Today, I have a renewed sense of purpose. Sure, I also have a huge student loan, but nothing in life is free, least of all complete makeovers.

My first month at Full Sail ended March 26. I had only one class -- ethics and psychology -- since I was able to transfer English composition credits from my previous degree. Monday, a new cycle starts, this time with two core courses: 3D Foundations and Object Perspective. I lucked out on the schedule. No 3 a.m. call, at least for lectures. I have yet to find out when labs will be.

Ethics and psychology was interesting. The teaching team was engaging and easy to talk to. They did a great job showing us how all those theories about behavior and personalities can be used to create better stories and well-rounded characters.

As a matter of fact, for our group project, we each had to create a character and pick theories that justified their actions and outlook on life. I had a great time, especially because the exercise gave me a chance to draw and write short stories -- two of my favorite activities. It's weird; there were times I could feel the right side of my brain literally buzzing.

That's why I don't see the need to take drugs. Creativity makes me trip. On that note, I'll go work on this new piece I plan to post on Deviant Art.