Signing Off

(For the first time, an actual photo of myself on my blog.)

I honestly believe that these past four months have been some of the most busiest months on record for me. Not only did I decide to take on 18 units, I also have pushed my involvement to a new level - working with multiple non-profits and the Foghorn Online, in addition to my steady and always awesome job with ITS. But now, in hindsight, I feel content with my input. Yes, there were times when I felt so overwhelmed but stay home a couple of weekends and sure enough everything was back on track. Thankfully, I’ve had friends and family help me along the way, and now as I sit here today I can happily say that I’ve successfully finished every project that I began at the beginning of this semester. This also transcends into the arena of schooling, as I will be wrapping up my tenure as an undergraduate at USF come next Friday. Yes, yes I have one friggin class next semester but I think its safe to say that I’ve “done it”//as in I’ve gotten to this end point (almost). But in preparation for next week’s festivities, I’ve begun to “sign off” on everything currently on my plate. 

Signing off means to put all projects on hold until the second week of January. Yes, this sounds like a lot of time, but considering the way my brain feels - I doubt it will suffice. So as of this Friday, my hands will be washed from all projects that are currently open - only to resume early next year. I am really looking forward to that moment. 

Updates, yes updates:

The Foghorn Online: Launched exactly a month ahead of schedule, the Foghorn Online has already made huge gains in areas that we once thought were unreachable. With a steadily dropping bounce rate, increased time spent on the site, Facebook Connect integration, Community-Generated content, author databases, comments, woo, yeah I rest and say that it all came together - and at the right time, may I add. But yes, I am ready to put the site on the shelf until next year as most of my issues with it currently are either a) too big to face right now (such as image captions) b) nit-picky things that I am making issues just because I’m a friggin’ perfectionist. Check it all out at : www.thefoghornonline.com

The Forgotten International: Set to launch by mid-January, this site will blend a professional and serious attitude with beautiful spaces dedicated to photos of the children this non-profit serves. I will have some mock ups running by the end of this week, maybe- just maybe I’ll post them here.

Grad School Applications: I’ve taken the GRE (90th percentile in writing baby!!), Filled out the Apps, and am about a day away from sending out my envelopes to those who I’ve asked to write my letters of rec, so I think things are right on track and will be done a day or so ahead of schedule - yippie

Personal Portfolio Site: I’ve put together a quick site over at pacotechiemike.com . I was feeling lazy so I adopted a wordpress theme and started to slap together images and text. Check it out, simple and to the point.

As for next semester, things are looking pretty bright. I’ve applied for a possible web intern position with a magazine that is located in downtown SF, will be developing some small web projects for the ACPA, possibly helping the McCarthy Center with some projects, and of course spending a grip of time working with ITS and the Foghorn. So there’s no slowdown for Spring, and this makes me excited. I love to tackle new projects and Spring is looking to be the best season yet. 

But as I sign off, I have begun to think about these past five years more. The changes I’ve gone through, the changes in friends, and the continued drive that has kept me alive and thinking. My reply to all of these thoughts and memories? A simple “thank you”. 

Please keep Snarfff in your prayers for her quick and good recovery. IF YOU’RE READING THIS SNAFFF, I MISS YOU!

// As for personal things:

T comes into town this Wednesday and I couldn’t be more excited! I simply cannot wait expect tons of pictures of us traversing the city. <3 you chin. 

Similarly, I can’t wait until the following Wednesday when my grandparents and aunt show up, beginning the flood of family that will follow shortly thereafter. Current count = 30 

Take care everyone.

Signing off,

Michael Anthony Villasenor