Now where were we! Oh yes, I was about to tell you about AIO (Art Institute Online) and how I came to be a Digital Designer.

After doing research on several online colleges, I found AIO to be a better fit for me. I then applied and went though all the red tape to become one of their students. At first I enlisted in the Graphic Design Program. After about 2 quarters, I decided to transfer to Digital Design Diploma Program. Graphic Design would take me 4 years to complete and more money for books and supplies (my dime-Financial Aid does not pay for books/supplies) ! On top of all this, my boyfriend at the time, decided to dump me (softly). I did not get the message, till he quit calling. Duhh, I finally got it! I then went into a mildly deep depression, but as I was dealing with that, I was also dealing with unemployment and acute burn-out of care-giving. So, studies was my ’savior’ my ‘life jacket’! I LOVED  learning about digital design!! I loved it so much that I was getting excellent grades! I NEVER got as many ‘A’s’ as I got from any scholastic studies!!

Around the winter of 2006, I got a call from my then best friend from across the mountains (I was on the west side of the state). She needed someone to help her out as she was recovering from surgery. That was that I needed to get out of this deepened depression I was going though. I had NO friends her where I was, so I immediately said yes. I proceeded to make the arrangements for the move, packed the U-haul and headed east. All at the same time keeping up with my studies! AND taking my two cats! Along with dealing with the stress of the moving, my studies, the cats, by the time I reached my destination, I was exhausted. But, I was where I was loved and that most of all was what I needed the most!! As well as the need to be needed! THAT, my friends is the MOST life affirming, self affirming feeling that any depressive needs the most…at least this one!!

I graduated in June of ‘07 on the Dean’s List. For me that is a major accomplishment! Yes, I was happy and proud, but deep inside I was still not happy. I know my Mom, in heaven, is proud, my siblings are proud and so was my despondent Father was too! But, I still didn’t feel as proud of my self as I feel I should have been. We had a party at a local park and several people showed up and we all had fun! Now the search for a job as a Digital Designer started. Now it is a whole year and 6 months later and still no job in the field!

Since that happy day, I moved into my own apartment (twice), my best friend and I broke up (over mistrust and lies) and my uncle died. I am on two anti-depressants (Celexa and the generic of Welbrutron). They seem to be helping! But, it is still a battle some days!

Now that I have you all caught up, next time I’ll start talking about my feelings/thoughts as my life continues.

Here’s another quote I found…..                                                                                                                                                          He who angers you controls you!

Here’s a cute picture that I thought you may like!

Till next time!