Foto Friday

Just a pic from my ORU days.  Walking by the hall of mirrors and thought I'd snap a pic.

No Name

This post is going to be a lot about nothing.  Just stuff going through my head.  Nothing specific.

It wasn't too long ago that I lived in Tulsa.  Lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma!?  Yeah!  And you know what?  I miss it.  Well, I miss my old job, my friends, our old apartment our old church... but its better here (?).  It really is.

I've don't a lot.  I guess I mean in my life but I'm just thinking over the past year.  Random stuff too.  One thing that I think is pretty cool is that I helped make a movie in 24 hours.  Remember?  

The Terror Within from Mike Petrucci on Vimeo.

TJ, Erin, Doug, that was a lot of fun.  Thanks for making me do it!

I want this flashlight, Duracell makes it, freaking awesome! [gizmodo]

From my days of directing (Sophomore year at ORU in Telenews!)

My senior schedule at ORU.  Josh and Cassidy are very familiar with these.

I don't care what you say but this is the definition of cozy.  After a Michelina's microwave dinner and half of a keylime pie... oh, don't forget an episode of That 70's Show and maybe some bootleg movies... oh and Second Life and Halo... Josh knows what I'm talking about.

Speaking of Josh, why am I holding his hand!?  Or is HE holding MY hand?!

Looking for a clean public restroom in NYC?  Use Diaroogle!

The tallest skyscraper in the world (almost). [gizmodo]

Right now I'm sitting in bed.  Jenni is asleep although it's not really bed time but she fell asleep while we were watching TV.  I'm listening to Pandora and using only semi soft stuff.  Templeton is asleep too and guess what?!  He started barking and growling in his sleep!  It's sad actually.  We thought he was having a bad dream because he sounded scared but is that possible?  Oh well, he's cute.

I don't know what I want to do when I grow up.  Yeah, I know that sounds weird but I don't.  I used to just want to be a video editor and photographer (video).  Then that evolved into web/online stuff.  Now it's evolving again but I don't know where I want to end up.

You know what?  Maybe be a consultant!  Those guys don't have to do anything except offer their opinion right?  I have opinions!  Ask my friend Matt.  We share (used to a lot more though) projects and ask for input.  He very bluntly tells me that I used a jump cut and I very bluntly tell him his font choice makes my eyes bleed.  But there are no hard feelings and I love that.

I want to save that topic for another post though.  This is too short for that.  I have to walk Templeton so I'll see you later!

I almost died! If I was closer to the almost explosion...

There was a high pressure gas line that broke and had a ton of natural gas shooting out of the ground.  A bunch of us at work went out to lunch as we were walking back, we saw it down the street.

Someone said it smelled like gas but I couldn't smell anything.  Just as we were watching it and about out of view we heard the fire engines coming.

Then I just saw it on the news a few minutes ago.  

A few buildings were evacuated and all.

Crazy.

Updates at ORU

- Gag order

- Swails back to work

They also interviewed some students (man on street style) and I knew one of them.  He had a goatee.  I have nothing against goatees or even that guy, but that was my number one problem with ORU.

Enforcement.  They never enforce the rules, the no t-shirt, facial hair below the lip... that kind of stuff.  Then they tell the Resident Advisors (RA's) that they need to enforce, but I had an RA that was younger than me and it can be kinda hard to really listen to them...

Mike, you need to shave.  

Sure thing Donnie.

Nick, you need to shave.

No problem Donnie.

Next day...

Mike, Nick, shave!

Yeah, right away....

-

But they need to have the faculty push that.  Don't let students into class if they aren't in dress code or whatever.

I know it's a small thing and I've been guilty of some facial hair but if you are going to have rules, enforce them.  

Well, I'm going to have some ice cream.  

Therefore I'm done blogging.

Have a great weekend!

ORU

I don't know if you heard about it or not, but ORU is being sued by 3 former professors. These just recently terminated professors are bringing some interesting things to the table. I've met two of them before and these guys seem to be firm in what the believe.

I hate to say anything because I really love ORU, but like many other students at ORU, I have heard rumors in the past and with people in high places, sometimes they stray.

But here is what I have to say. Richard Roberts has been an ok guy. I've never met him personally though. I'm personally not attached to him in any way and if he is guilty, then I can't say I didn't see it coming.

BUT!

I am very thankful and appreciative of the education I received at ORU. Just because Richard and some VP's or whoever have been lying, stealing, cheating... doesn't mean that my professors have been doing the same.

I can vouch for my major course professors that they are much better people who are honest and have a high level of integrity. They taught me some amazing things from video editing to Christianity.

I'm not going to let Richard "steal my joy." (hah! but really)

So, do a Google search and you can even download a PDF of the legal file of the lawsuit or whatever it's called. If you have any comments, feel free to shoot em my way.

But to recap...
- I love ORU because of the friendships I made
- I spent some long nights with guys on my floor talking about religion and what not
- Playing Halo all night or watching movies!
- I am very thankful for the time and effort that my professors gave for me to get such a great education.

Well, I guess we just sit and wait...

The Womble is coming! The Womble is coming!

What is a Womble? I don't know. I also don't really care, as long as I get to ride it! Every semester, the ORU Mountain Biking class heads off to Mt. Ida, Arkansas to ride the Womble trail. We split it up over 3 days. We leave campus at 11 am Friday and return Sunday evening.

Friday
- Leave 11am
- Set up camp around 2 or 3
- Bike 9 miles

Saturday
- Bike 19 miles

Sunday
- Pack up, drive to trailhead
- Bike 8 miles
- Get home by 4, 5, 6 depending on riders.

It's the highlight of my year! I have gone four times. Those times were as a student, now, this next time will be as an alumni.
This year will also be special because it will be Jenni's first time going! She is going to have a blast! She's a little discouraged though, because I talk about the distance. But all she knows is Turkey Mountain (rocky, technical...). The Womble is just gorgeous single track with just a good amount of technical stuff. It's mostly just long.

Anyway, I'm starting to ride with the ORU kids. The instructor, a friend of mine, Tony Domeck, asked me to lead one of the groups on the Saturday rides. It's not the biggest deal, but it made my day! I remember when I was in college... 3 months ago!

Anyway, enjoy some of these pics from my past Wombles...

Can't sleep.

It's not that I can't sleep... it's that I can't sleep. What I mean to say is that I guess I can't have a chai train after 7pm.

Jenni and I had a little night on the town. We also decided to swing by ORU because we were feeling a little nostalgic.

It was cool because there was no one on campus! We went to the CPO, the Internet Cafe, and we even used the bathrooms by the nurses office! Just like old times...

I really am/already miss ORU. I miss the college life. I mean, I love where I am right now, but I have so many good memories from college.

Anyway, I'm going to try and sleep now. I'll post some pictures from today soon.

Real life!

Well, I graduated from college! I can't believe it! I don't know how I got away with it! Oh well, great! I'm also back at home after a long 2 days of driving. Nick and I switched off a lot so we could both rest so it wasn't too bad.

So I thought I would post some pics from graduation. I'm sure you would all like to see a few of them. And here they are!

I'll probably say more later, but I wanted to throw these pictures on here first.

Busy!

Hey everyone. So close to being done. But the next two days are going to be so packed! Actually commencement day should be a breeze though. Here is my schedule for tomorrow.


- Mom & Dad pick up Nick & Mike at 9am.
- Everyone and Jenni goes to the storage unit and be done by 9:30.
- Drop off some of Ana's stuff at 9:45.
- Family checks out apartment at 10.
- Family checks out my work at 10:30.
- Commencement rehearsal at 12.
- Jenni's Hooding 3-4.
- Jenni's Senior Art Show 4-6.
- My Hooding 7:30
- Sleep!

Yeah, it's a lot. Also, I'm really tired from today. Jenni and I had to do so much to get ready for her senior show. And it's been raining for the past few days. It's been very uncomfortable, but luckily today it was a little nicer. Just humid, but the sun came out at the end of the day.

Well, I better get going. I have some stuff to do before bed. See ya!

3D Project Update

Another small update...

Hey my people! As you saw from the post right below this one, I have been working on a project in my 3D class. I also posted a screen capture of the project I am working on. Well, I just finished rendering a frame from that and here it is:

















I still need to work on lighting and texturing but it's coming along pretty well!

Just two more days of classes left. In my whole college career! Wow! I can't believe it!

Also, I don't have classes on Friday's so I guess its only 1 day of classes left.

I am going to miss dorm life, but I am excited (which is an understatement) about making the transition into married life.

We are just about to finalize the apartment deal so that's something else I'm crossing off the list. Actually, I have a picture of it. Here you go!

It's the upstairs one. It is a 2 bedroom, one bath, 1,095 sq. feet, wood burning fireplace, the complex has two pools, and one of them is right behind us and the mail and laundry facility is right behind us as well. We have washer and dryer connections, so we'll probably get some used ones so we can do laundry in the apartment.






























We are just so excited! I have a job, an apartment, and I'll soon have a wife!

Well, thats about it for now, I better get going. I have some stuff to do before the year ends! Take care!

What I'm working on right now...

It's getting really close to the end of the year. I have been wrapping things up in my classes, and feeling really good about everything. I just thought I'd share the project I'm working on in my 3D class. I'm modeling an apartment. It's still pretty rough, but it's coming along nicely. I've downloaded a Lightwave trial so I can work in my room because it's been a lot easier that way. Anyway, enjoy!

What I'm working on right now.

Right now, I'm editing some video for a project. Here is a screen capture of my progress so far.

Not too much in there.

No pics for me.

ORU's web proxy is blocking my pictures on here again. This has happened in the beginning of the year. I know it's nothing personal, I guess they just don't allow my pictures because their program think their bad or something. I don't know. I've emailed them so I'm sure it will be fixed in a few days. So if the pictures I post (I may keep posting them even though I can't see them) are off center or text is over them or whatever, forgive me.

It's a really nice day here at ORU. The sun is shining and the birds are chirping. Spring is in the air. I just need to graduate so I can enjoy it!

Anyway, I'm about to go to QuikTrip to get something to drink. I think I'll mix my own vanilla coke. No one sells that anymore, but I have always loved it.

You know what else I love? The smell of my new hair wax/gel. It's utterly divine...

Anyway, I better get going. You all have a great day. I'm going to get outside for a little bit to enjoy this cloudless, 77%, perfect day. Take care!

My new room look!

I got a little stir crazy in my dorm. I know! And with only a month left! Anyway, I decided to switch things up. I also documented the change.

This is the old look. It was space saving and efficient. But I still wanted something different.











This is the change. It doesn't look that good from this angle, but as soon as you "cross over" (that's what I call when you step over the bed to sit on the ball/chair)...











...it is a whole new world. Very pleasant and comfortable. I really like it! I'll probably take some more pics in the day time.



















Thats it for now. Take care!

Small Update

This is just a tiny update. Nothing big.

It was such a nice day in Tulsa yesterday. After I got back on campus, unpacked everything, got a shower, the weather was perfect. Everything was nice and green. It was just great! Then I got hungry.

Oh, I just remembered that I had a QuickTrip survey online for a free sandwich. So I looked it up and yup, I had a certificate for a free sandwich and another coupon for a free hotdog and 32 oz soft drink.

So I went to "cash them in." It was a nice meal. Very tasty. In fact, here is a pic.















And here are some pics from yesterday as well. It was just a really nice comfortable day in Tulsa. Oh, and the last one is a pic from this morning. See ya!

It's green in Tulsa!

I just got back to school a little bit ago and I noticed that it's all green! Ahh, it feels so good to have some color. The brown can get a little depressing. Feels very comfortable outside too.

Well, I just wanted to post a picture so you can see. I'll try and take more as I see it. There were some flowers downstairs too.

It's that time again... job fair!

Yesterday at ORU was their annual (?) job fair. I love the job fair for one reason, and one reason alone... S.W.A.G. (Stuff We All Get). Booya!

At the past few job fairs, I have done quite well for myself. I just walk up to a booth and this is what the conversation is usually like...

Me: Hi, I'm a junior multi media production major. What jobs do you have regarding multi media?

Booth Attendant: Nothing.

Me: Ok, can I have a hat?

Booth Attendant: Um... sure.

And bam! I'm gone!

But I think that the job fair people can smell seniors. This year was a little more dangerous. They just stand there. Staring. The ones that are by themselves are the most dangerous. If you look them in the eyes any longer than 2 seconds, they pounce on you and devour you. You stare too long and you are pulled in like the sirens call to a lost and weary sailor.

Well, I made my rounds... stopping at one booth, chatting it up... No good stuff, so I moved on.

Wait!? What do my eyes see now?! An Armed Forces booth (branch withheld)! They always have the best swag! I wonder why...

Anyway, they had a dog tag making machine. I'm hooked! I've been known to sign my life over for less... Anyway, I ran to them like a duck on a june bug! So I chit chat for a minute, then bam! I get myself some real dog tags!

Although the fine print said something about 10 years...

Till next time! Hoorah!

New ORU stuff?!

Wow, what a chapel today.

President Roberts is cleaning house. Good. I like him more for that.

On subjects more interesting to me...
He said he wants to revamp the Communication Arts Department, start a film major, and bring back the medical school. Awesome!

I obviously really like the comm arts stuff, especially the film major, but I don't know if I would do film if it was offered. But it certainly intrigues me.

Anyway, just a quick post.

Oh, this was created at 1:07 pm on the 28th but won't be posted till later because for some reason, Blogger thinks this blog is spam. But rest assured, I am real. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

Thanks!

Misc.

Just today, I really started to miss this past summer. I had a really nice summer, probably the best ever I think. What I just started missing the most about it was working with the ORU Math & Science Academy. The people I worked for this summer were putting together a video highlight reel for the kids to purchase and I was shooting video for it. I pretty much just followed the kids everywhere with a camera and shot all the stuff they did. From building rockets, to eating at Sonic, to everything!

I also acted more like one of the counselors because I would take the kids back to their rooms (the dorms) make sure they get ready for dinner, and then bring them back downstairs. Then I got recruited to drive one of the ORU vans to take the kids to the Tulsa Air & Space Museum. Little did the people in charge know that I actually wanted to come, and I got in free! Since I followed them everywhere, and helped, they paid my way for dinner, the museum... everything! I also drove them to an observatory in Mounds, OK. It was so much fun! I miss those kids!

Ok, onto a new topic. After mountain biking class this past Saturday, as Cassidy and I were leaving, I saw this sweet Volvo! If the owner is reading this, please don't be mad I posted pictures, you just have an awesome car and I wanted to show it off. It gave me some ideas for the van... what giant sticker can I put on the hood...











































Moving on again...

Some people have already made the transition. I was looking for a phone number on my friends phone and found this. It made me smile.















This is my view on my way to work. I think I mentioned this before, but I'll say it again just in case... downtown Tulsa is like a beginners New York City. It gives you a little taste of the city life, but it's not packed or busy at all like NYC.