She's alive!!!!

Yes. I'm still kicking. And attempted my first paper orchid, which isn't bad for a first try (and also, if I may add, quite Freudian).

An update:
Still taking my fashion class, Samplemaking I. There are definitely some frustrations I have with the class, but I'm learning a lot and really enjoying myself. The last time I ironed clothes, it was incredible -- being able to look at pieces of clothing and understand so much better how it was constructed. Next semester, I'm planning on taking Samplemaking II and Pattern drafting I, which I'm really really looking forward to. After that semester, I'll have to make a decision of whether to stick with the night program or finangle my way into the day program.

My work hours got reduced, per my request. Of course it means less money -- a good chunk out of what was an already small paycheck -- but I feel less tired and anxious, while still being able to pay the rent.

For better or for worse, this recession has me convinced that I may never get that full-time job with benefits. It also made me realize that maybe I don't want that nine-to-five -- ever. A colleague of mine who's "living the dream" of making money from what she makes with her two hands, freelancing whatever abilities she has (that sounds like a very very sterile way to refer to prostitution, which she most definitely is not doing). She told me a good dose of desperation forces you to expand your abilities and grow to your potential. I am looking at this time as the fire under my ass that'll get me where I want to be.

That being said, the biggest hurdle I'll have to overcome is discipline, which I have very little of. I noticed that I'm at around 700 or so posts on this blog. So a goal: Have a blog with a nice following (100 sounds like a nice number) by the thousandth post. I'll be starting with two posts a week -- maybe more -- but a guaranteed two posts, and we'll move on from there.

I'll leave you with two relevant posts I really enjoyed by Elise: On motivation and on self-employment.