West Coast Title Track; Podcast Love

I was in SF this week; working on perfecting my fast traveling techniques no less. Vacation, research.. it's whatever you want to call it. However, with the majority of my industry family out here, I had to come visit before I made any solid decisions on where my career quest line takes me.

This past Sunday was the San Franciscan Gay Pride Parade. I picked a good time to come and hang. You guys really know how to have a good time. Burritos and Persian food? Sign me up. I also got a chance to check out the Google Campus Friday. There are no words. I want to live there for all eternity and stuff and things... and then I want to eat this giant froyo shine.

Within the past month and since graduating college I've had the pleasure of stopping by and chatting with some stellar podcasts. The first of the three I think you'll know holds a special place in my heart. I'm talking, of course, about The Indoor Kids. This is one of the most entertaining gaming shows out there, and it was great to be back and catch up while I was in Los Angeles for E3. This past week, Kumail and Emily welcomed move-maker, and girl shaped guy enthusiast Keith Apicary. Give it a listen and put that in your ears STAT. Much love!

Post E3, I stopped by on The Geek Generation cast with Rob and Mike to gab about the games that graced the LA Convention center. THESE DUDES ARE GREAT. A great reminder that there are people in this industry who manage to keep the passion alive. All the best - Let's play some B-Lands soon kay?

Last but certainly not least comes The Pop Cultivation Podcast. If you're a fan of the up and coming I strongly suggest you give this show a listen. Giancarlo Dittamo is hands down one of the most talented individuals I know. Episode 8 "Goals" catches me off guard, as we talk about the things that motivate us and fuel our creative fires. You won't be disappointed.

So I figure, if you like me and all, you may want to stay up to date on the adventures of ever-talented, fellow red-haired vixen, Rachel Lara. Give her some love, follow her on Twitter and go check out Killer Holiday, her upcoming movie. Don't tell me I didn't warn you, this girl is going places. DON'T BE STUPID.

Though I'd love to stay and chat with you internet, I have some Futurama with my name on it to watch, as well as a trip to plan. Leaving for Austin in a few days. More real life adventures await me at RTX. OH and if you haven't subscribed to my YouTube Channel yet you may want to do that so you don't miss out on my Fast Travel Video Log, Forever Alone Dance Parties and upcoming Google / YouTube / Android Campus Tour. It's all happening pretty fast and I would hate for you to fall behind. ;D

BAM SHAZAM, I love you and n shit. BAKES.

Now the Real Life Questing Begins..

I've waited for this moment my whole life it seems. As of the end of this week I will be completely finished with my collegiate undergraduate program at the University of Hartford.

Now, to say that everything went according to plan would be an outright lie. As you may know, I lost my car in a flash flood at the beginning of my second to last semester. But despite the immediate heartbreak, it was a rewarding experience because it reminded me that the things that matter the most in life are often the those we tend to take for granted. As a result, I gained a better appreciation for the people and hobbies that truly define me as an individual. Here's a picture of my last Spring Fling with co-talent and on-camera personality of STN Channel 2 Ben Wilcox.

Above all, this year has been a bout of tremendous emotional growth for me in terms of channeling my inner most fears through my artwork. Looking back, it had been really difficult for me to reflect on my childhood as well as the affect that video games and the internet have had on my existence. Getting an 'extra life' was the best thing that ever happened to me - I'm glad I stuck around. Hell, I'm not perfect, nor will I ever be, but what spawns my drive is something much more powerful and bigger than myself - it's a message. So if I get a chance at something; at making a difference, speaking out, doing something with my life, I want to be damn sure I'm ready to talk about it.

"Head First" was the series that allowed me to do this. Living the majority of my life on as much medication as I was prescribed was something I used to be ashamed of. It was something I kept secret from my friends, coworkers, even some family members. But everything changed April 28th, at "The Object Strikes Back"Senior BFA Photography exhibition. I came out, so to speak. It was one of the scariest most stressful things I've ever dealt with - but with my parents and friends there to support me, I can say I've never felt so proud. Read my artist statement, or buy a print here.

This past Sunday was also my last day at GameStop. I don't know if I'll ever go back to working retail, but I will always love the constant discussions, and banter that was evoked on a daily basis by my coworkers. I LOVE YOU 206. Perhaps this was why podcasting came off as so natural to me. Ultimately it's something that I would love to get back into.. invite me on your show sometime. We'll talk games.

With my birthday, having just passed May 10th, I think it's pretty safe to say that graduation, along with the booming of my new business, has and will be the greatest gift of all. That, and spending the day with my parents, singing karoake with my friends and ending the event with some Minecraft on XBL. Mission accomplsished. Thanks for the amazing DeadPool themed birthday card Shaun Callahan! You rule with the power of a thousand suns.

So that's that. Who knows where the road leads from here; but I like to think the phrase "when one door closes, another one opens" holds some power. Cheers to all the new opportunities and life achievements I have yet to unlock!

Love and bullets, Bakes