Now that we’re in the half-term break and lessons have stopped, for the time being, it feels like I can take a little bit of a breather. Without having to keep up with skills & production and professional development blogs, I have more time to focus on the project, university and also making some time for myself and things that I enjoy doing. I’m very grateful for this since we are in the home stretch of the CP and my production is now underway. It feels like the most crucial time and it’s usually when my stress levels peak, so having some free time during the day to do something relaxing helps massively. I find that when I have more flexibility and can schedule activities that give me a break from work, I can be more productive. Of course, this also increases the risk of procrastination so it’s a double-edged sword, and should be handled with care.
I decided to make a reflection post to give an update on how I’m feeling about things (without the need for SMART targets). I’m really enjoying the project, despite the copious amounts of work that I have given myself. I’m currently making assets for the animation and it’s so much fun to be able to put on some music or a show that I like in the background and just create. I find myself face to face with obstacles more often than I expected, but so far there has been nothing so major as to sway the overall plan for the animation. Whenever I don’t know how to do something, I go to Youtube or try and figure out an alternate solution for myself and somehow, I pull through and move on to the next item on my list. On that topic, I’m still using Notion and it’s truly amazing. I feel like I can do everything on there – the tracking and organisational functions are almost limitless! I’m so glad that I decided to switch over to a digital planner 😄
The main thing that is worrying me at the moment is the fact that soon, I’m going to be flying over to Bulgaria. I really want to finish my animation fully before then and even some blogs, because I have no idea how much free time I’m actually going to have once I’m over there. At the current rate, I believe I can do it but the fear of creating something that isn’t up to standard because of rushing (just like the culture brief) is looming over me now more than ever. I hope I’ll have some time to concentrate when I’m with my family in Bulgaria – it’s a lot more lively over there and I know that I’ll need to miss out on a few things to do blog work. It’ll also be the first time I’m bringing my laptop over with me, which is exciting but also means that I need to think about internet access. I have to use those three hours on the plane to my full advantage and being online for that is absolutely essential. I’m thinking of buying a portable router of some sort…
It’s quite funny, everything that’s happening right now is scary and exciting at the same time. University is one example – I have to apply for student finance and accommodation and actually make a choice from the four unis that have given me offers. It’s a lot of responsibility deciding where I’ll study for the next three years but every time that I think about the facilities, animation festivals and student life, I get this thrill that makes me think I can tackle anything head-on. Seeing all of the showreels and student anecdotes is super inspiring too (I seriously can’t wait!). Another major thing that has happened recently is re-homing the birds 😢 There are strictly no pets allowed in university and even if there were, I wouldn’t have the time to properly take care of my parrot. There isn’t anyone at home who I feel would give them adequate care and attention either and I just know that if we decided to keep them they would eventually be miserable. Giving them away was honestly the best decision for everyone, although we all miss the little guys quite a lot. I’ve found that I have more free time though, which is another positive from them now living with other birds and not us. I’ve also been struggling to find a driving instructor and now I have to wait until after we come back but I think that’s for the best since I just don’t have the time at the moment – I’ve even stopped going to the gym, for the time being, all for the project. I suppose that shows bad time management but my idea is quite ambitious and I’m too stubborn to change it (no turning back now, I’m going to finish this the way I intended!!)
Despite everything that is happening, I am so so glad that we have this break. It is sorely needed and I am already finding my balance again by doing my routines and having more time to read or journal – this truly helps with working more efficiently.
On that note, thank you to anyone who actually read this and I hope you enjoy whatever break you have/is coming up! 🌷⛅🍓