Overtimin' It

It's been two weeks at my new job at the school district and I've been putting in overtime. Fifty-three hours last week. And I get paid for it! Unlike the last place, where I was salaried. Overtime is rare, however, when you're working for the government. It's allowed around this time, since school is starting up and it's hectic.

I'm having fun. I'll be supporting the computers and network for four elementary schools. I like the "getting out and not being in one place all day" thing. Knowing you're helping out the kids, makes it more rewarding as well.

This week is the last for overtime. It is already starting to calm down. Hopefully this will give me more time for blogging. I also have an idea for a short film that Brock and I may tackle. I have to start writing it.

Going back

Well, school is going to be starting soon. Am I ready to go back? I think so; at least I hope so. I’ve really put this summer to good use though. We shot a plethora of films and attended a slew of mixer events in support of those films. And each time around, I enjoyed the ride immensely. I should note that it’s not over yet…Monday night Gabe and I still need to go to the drama mixer and find out if we won any awards. Gabe and Josh have a very positive outlook in this regard, but I just can’t muster up any hope. I’m really just going for the people behind the event. Moreover, because Josh is out of town Gabe and I need to fill in the MOC presence (even though it won’t be the same), and of course, I’m going for Marco.

It’s about 12 o’clock as I write this, but I’m not tired. I think I’ve gradually begun switching my days for nights. Agent 1988 (my brother Parker) commented on this rather acutely: “You’ve become a vampire”. This is because of a couple of reasons; (1) it is far easier to write when everyone else is in bed. And (2) I don’t want to miss Cowboy Bebop. Things are quiet tonight however. Cowboy Bebop isn’t on Thursdays, and I’m giving myself a break before I delve into anything new.
It’s not a long break mind you. I have to begin soon anyway. Why, you might ask? There are a few ideas that could possibly take place in the Boston locale, and I must construct them while Josh is still over there for some minor location scouting/suggestions. I know one thing for sure; I want the setting for one story to be an underground subway or a city transportation of some sort.

And suddenly, I have a hankering for fireworks. I remember when they were quite abundant among my brothers and Alex. Now? I have to settle for posting this festering pentameter.

Things I’m Digging Right Now – August 7th

AGTC, Final Cut:I love the new overhead announcements. Obviously, Josh is the voice behind AGTC (although they sound like he sucked in a balloon full of helium before recording). They really add to the corporate feel of the piece, which is what Josh’s original intention was for the film I believe. Anyway, it’s good stuff. My favorite Joshua J. Provost film, by far.

Leonardo: Leonardo didn’t perform too well in Screen Wars, but that doesn’t mean that I love the film any less. It’s still one of my favorite Matter of Chance shorts. I hope it does well elsewhere.

1984:While I was on my trip I read George Orwell’s masterpiece, 1984…for the first time. I must say that it was brilliant. I can’t believe I went so long without picking the book up – especially since so many of my favorite authors, filmmakers and artists draw inspiration from it. I found it interesting that the story was actually quite sooty and gritty. That atmosphere is far different from the alleged “Orwellian” future depicted in so many mediums, which is often cool, sleek and futuristic. As for the book itself, it artfully illustrates that nothing is sleek about the future. Everything is decomposing. I also like how bleak it is. So many films create stories of revolution, but this really doesn’t end on a happy note. He loved Big Brother.

The Emo Diaries, Chapters 1 and 2: Josh kindly gave me some CD’s before his departure: his extra copies of the Emo Diaries. I’ve only listened to Chapters 1 and 2, but they are fantastic. There are plenty of great bands that I never knew of in these CD’s, and a plethora of familiar faces. Jimmy Eat World’s cathartic “Opener” and The Appleseed Cast’s “Max” are defining. Other great tracks from Pop Unknown, Camber, Samiam, etc, make for a fantastic collection. Even though this genre is pretty much dead, it was still a nostalgia rush.

Catching up with Gabe: Parker and I had lunch with Gabe and his family today, which was nice. It’s been a while, especially since the trip. I think we need to all watch “Once Upon a Time in the West”.

CineCast: I have to admit that I was a little hesitant to try Apple’s new Podcast feature; I don’t normally listen to radio programs of any kind. But I took a chance and downloaded the CineCast show a few weeks ago. I’ve been hooked since.

Agent 1988: Read this blog.