SJSU Graduation

So Cara and I finally did it. We're done- well... almost. I still have to take a summer internship and she has to turn in a couple of papers to a friendly professor who will let her turn them in a wee bit late. We just said goodbye to the folks, my Mom Becky and Cara's Mom Beth, and my brother-in-law Darren and her Dad Noel. We spent our last day at Santa Cruz, it was a lot of fun just to get out and walk around, hang out with the folks, and the beach was nice.

I've kind of been letting it soak in that I don't have to write anymore lame papers about the effects of globalization or the male gaze or even think about America's global meliorism. 

Cara and I slept in today after driving our folks to the airport and then we went to go get the new Pride and Prejudice movie from Barnes & Noble. I then realized that in the matter of a couple of days I've given myself about five books to read: CS Lewis' Mere Christianity, Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis, TH White's The Once and Future King, Doyle's Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of The Baskervilles, and for a daily dose of the good Book, Eugene Peterson's The Message//Remix: Solo Devotional. I don't know if I'll get through all of them as quickly as I want to, but I was reminded lately that not only do I enjoy watching movies, but man, I do love reading good books. And now that I've finally got some free time I'm going to fully enjoy it- by reading. I remember walking around the Tacoma Public Library as a senior in high school considering myself lucky because I hadn't even scratched the surface- all of these great stories were waiting to be read. But since then I've only crossed off about five or six books from my "classics" list: The Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, Tolkien and Lewis- I don't know if the last two count. And I've read all of the Harry Potter books and a few other fantasy books like Eragon and Bridge to Terabithia, those I know don't count at all, but then again I think the Harry Potter books are the next Lord of the Rings or Alice in Wonderland. But I simply haven't read as much as  I'd like to. Didn't know that I'd ever say this, but all things considered, I've seen way too many movies. 

Anyway, tangent over. Cara and I are getting ready to move to San Diego and we look forward to the opportunities that await us there. I'm trying to get my internship out of the way here so that it doesn't take up too much of our time. August 25th is the first day of classes for Fall Semester- so it's going to be tight in terms of settling into a new place, finding jobs, and starting school etc. But God always provides. 

Love you all, 

Phil

SDSU news

So I got into San Diego State's Masters in Television, Film, and New Media Program. I got the email today. Cara and I went out to celebrate. I'm encouraged and excited about the prospect- but I'm still a little unsure about what the right move is. I was just thinking a moment ago about sticking around San Jose and building up my reel, showing at a few festivals and then applying to the big schools. In terms of the big schools I only really applied to UCLA. But then again, how much directing will I actually do when I get there vs. being a somewhat big fish in another small pond? And do I, we, really have the money? Wouldn't I be better off just focusing on the art and not worrying so much about money... and the conversation continues, and continues. I'm still meeting with my buddy Pete to talk some business and just get our individual ideas and visions out there- I'm still excited about working with him, he's a great guy with an extensive photo and color background. And he can be funny sometimes too, which helps.

Post Script
Here's what happens when you google your name, I think it's brilliant: