Well as most of you have guessed I've been absent from dA for quite some time.

We just got internet at our apartment today. We also found out that our room mate is moving out by the first of September.

Far too much has gone on in the past four months to put down in just one entry so I'll try and leave it simple.

I'm currently working at a Jail... I don't really like it and it is a complete and total waste of my talents and degree. I'm working on finding something better but until then I'm stuck being a dietitian for inmates.

This week I'm getting kilted! I shall have to post photos... though I'm sure they will be embarrassing as hell. For those that don't know what being kilted means I'm a part of a Bagpipe Band, no I don't play the pipes I play a tenor drum, anyway I'm about to get my uniform hence the kilting.

There is so much more to tell but I'm not sure in what order to write it. I'll mull it over and get back to you all later.

Blessed Be,
IVY

Yes I'm still alive... I'm just really busy lately!

I moved into my apartment with my fiance a few weeks ago and between my job at Macy's, my brand new second job, moving, unpacking, and planning various things for my friend 's wedding I've just now gotten around to updating some things on the interweb (dork alert!).

New stuff should be coming soon... I'm not sure though it all depends on how the next week goes really. I'll try and keep my journals updated though... just so everyone knows I'm not dead yet.

Well its getting close to my moving date and I'm really upset that I haven't finished that drawing but I have to put everything on hold for a little while... not sure how long really. As soon as I get back I have to find a new job and start getting everything set up. Maybe on my down time waiting for interviews or something I can work more on my art but as of now its going to have to wait a few weeks.

On Friday Ian will be here to pick me up. We're leaving early Sunday morning for the grueling 12 hour drive back to VA. I'm so happy that I'm coming home! At the same time I'm really sad to be leaving. I was starting to really like Chicago. I know I'm going to miss Jack, Adam, and Kadie horribly but change is just a part of life. Now I get to strike it out in the big wide world without help from my family. I'm ready for this!

I never really know whats going to happen next. I try to make plans but honestly I haven't set very many long term goals. It just seems like every time I try something happens that completely changes them... I do know this... I will get my degree in Photography, I will start a family some day, and I will be happy. Those are my goals. Thats it... no other specifics because then I'll have to just change them.

I really can't wait to be back! I miss everyone so much... my creativity has been down while I've been away I think that its mostly in part to not knowing anyone out here and not having anyone to go scout out amazing photo ops with.

Anyway, guess thats all for the update today!

Blessed Be,
~Ivy

In 10 days I will be moving back home, well sort of, I'll be moving about an hour away from my hometown. I'm really excited to come back and can't wait to see all my friends again and be able to relax a little and have some fun!! I've been stuck in an apartment for far too long, no friends, no one to go hang out with, and no one to go explore Chicago with.... sad and depressing.

I'm working on my admissions essay for Radford University atm. I'm choosing to write about my passion for photography and why I think Radford is a good place to start. I'm sure when my ex hears about me going there he's going to hate me even more than he does now but hell I really don't care anymore... I am actually enjoying the convos with friends when they tell me the things he's been saying. It's good for a laugh anyway!

I'll hopefully be working on some more/new projects soon. I really miss having my drawing tablets.... I've been stuck without my drawing materials for four months!!! I have my pencils with me but am in serious need of some medium weight paper.... all we have here is some watercolor paper and well that just won't do.

I am planning on getting my tree of life design as a tattoo, in fact if I can arrange it I'll be getting it on the 28th. By that I mean if I can find a way to switch shifts with a co-worker and not have to work my last day.... I hope I can switch for more reasons than the tattoo, I'll need that day to pack and load all my stuff!!

OMG St. Patty's Day is coming up!!! Woooo!! I'm going to get drunk while following Ian around... ::drools over the thought of kilts::

I was reading a friends journal today and realized, as she had, that I haven't done anymore of the 100 themes challenge.... I may try working on it again... though I really don't like my intro so I may just start the whole thing over!!! Who knows what I might do with it!

Well thats all for now I guess, have fun and be Devious!

I'll be moving half way across the country again in 23 days. Thats right Virginia I'm coming back to the mountains!!

Urban Chicago life isn't bad, I actually really like the places and things there are to do here but with no friends and no money because my job didn't give the hours I needed I'm going back to small town living... or smaller city living anyway. Not sure where I'll be living just yet... I haven't found an apartment but I know it will be in the Roanoke/Christiansburg/Blacksburg/Radford and surround areas.

I really hate that I have to give up my opportunity for Columbia College this way but right now there is just no way I can pay for it. So... I'm moving home and attending Radford (if I get in). My plan is to get my BA in Studio Art (still working on Photography of course) and then if everything works out right I'll come back to Chicago to work on my Masters at Columbia.

I really think I would have liked Chicago more if I'd had at least one friend to go out and do things with. I meet a few people but we only went out once and then there was never any mention of doing anything again. I guess I didn't realize how much of a social person I really was until now.

Alright, down to another issue all together. I'm entering the Photographers Forum Magazine Photography contest this year!!! Finally I'm going to enter. Here's the thing.... I have no idea what I should enter!!!! I've thought about entering Trash The Dress IX (the main image on my page) but I want to enter at least two more photos!

I would love some feedback on what I should submit. All feedback is welcome!

<3<3<3<3<3
Ivy