yay for friends and church

My first trip downtown took about 15 minutes! It was Saturday morning though, so unfortunately I cannot count on that quick a trip every time. Registration was crazy, it's frusterating being a "special situation" all the time. Most of the people at FIDM haven't heard of the SPU/FIDM exchange and can only assume that since I'm in the professional designation program, that I already have a degree. I met one girl, in line, who I don't know if I will see again because she's in a completely different program than I am. I saw the other two girls from SPU there as well, we probably will end up having some classes together. I've been to campus a handful of times, and I actually really like how it's layed out. Basically, the school takes up one half a block, so it's basically a high rise of classrooms. Then there's an annex and a few outlying classrooms and workrooms that certain programs use. Housing is not directly supplied by FIDM, but they have a deal with a few apartment buildings that they will set aside a number of rooms. There is a building across the street that has a big 'study lab' in it open to all students. There are computers available and lounge chairs. It's brightly decorated with wall paper and shag rug covered stools.

Afterwards, I took a long nap. Then, I met up with my friend Caleb's sister, Sarah, and we went to some shopping center in westwood with a crazy nice food court. We had frozen yogurt and then checked out some of the shops. I'm so glad she's here because I feel like we've been friends for years, probably because i'm such good friends with her brother. It's nice to feel yourself around someone so quickly, and free to go out and have fun, or just stay in and relax. Later, we hung out towards Third Street Promenade and stopped in at her store. At the goodwill nearby i found a shirt that says "I am a real people watcher", I thought it was cute. Then we hung out at her aunt's apartment and ate annie's organic macaronni & cheese while watching little miss sunshine.

Today was kind of a lazy day. I talked to my parents and heard that the weather is going crazy up north. Grandpa and Nana said the same. I can't wait for the holidays, nothing makes you miss your family like moving! After phone calls I sort of just hung out on my own for the afternoon.

Tonight I decided to trek downtown and try out this new church i had a few people recommend I try out. It's called Mosaic and this downtown service seems to attract a lot of college and just out of college ages. It's held at the Mayan Theater, it's a crazy wood carved facade and the inside matches, both are lit up with these neon purple colored lights. I walked in and for a second wondered if I was in the right place. I was a little late, but when I walked in everyone was seated, but there was a band that was playing what i assumed was a worship song. When they ended, everyone clapped and the service moved on. If that really was worship time, as in songs to praise the lord, it was a very spectator-like worship session very different from what I'm accustomed to.

After that their 'dance team' came out and gave a really cute and fun performance. The music began with this one guy walking around onstage and then he was joined by others, they loved jesus and were dressed funky and in colors. Then came on the suits and they were 'brainwashed' and unoriginal. Then they began to battle, and the suits threw these giant 'x' cutouts at the jesus lovers while the jesus lovers threw rainbows and smiley faces. The x's always split and when the rainbow or star hit the suits hearts exploded and danced above their heads and they were stripped of the suits and came alive. It was a cute concept, but beyond that some of the dancers were reallllly good. I think the church really embraces the arts. I even had people suggest helping out with set design since I'm in interior design. I asked if I could use powertools and they said yes. It was fun meeting a few people, and somehow standing around didn't feel at all awkward. I don't know why I've suddenly become okay with it, but i guess it's because I know why I'm here and I am confident enough in who I am and where I'm at, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or assumes about me. Anyways, it's nice to check out some new communities and groups.

Now, I'm home and should be in bed. I have orientation tomorrow morning. I'm going to get up early and try and leave by 7am. ick ick ick. Hopefully I'll also get some time to post pictures on here too. loves.