Friday, December 31, 2010

Hello. Goodbye.

All I have to say about 2010 is that it has been the best year of my life, and I am truly blessed with amazing friends and family that have dealt with me day in and day out. I love all of you guys unconditionally.

Most of all, I am beyond thankful for the amazing God that is so good to me despite me being horrible at times.

2010 is filled with so many memories, new friends, old friends, trips, and firsts that I can't even begin to write them down, but all of it has been absolutely amazing.

I can't think of any way better to bring in 2011 than with my cousin and all her friends here in NYC. I am so stoked for 2011 and all the major changes in store.

Thanks for everything all of you guys have done, and you know how much you mean to me.

Deuces 2010.

-AustinCHB

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Living the city life.

I love being in NYC! So stoked to finally be back here.

Yesterday my cousin and I went to Brooklyn Bagles and I got the best cinnamon raisin bagel with strawberry creme cheese. Then we went to Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue (I got new Sperrys), Magnolia Bakery (had the best cupcake in the world), Central Park (it’s even more amazing in the snow, and I finally got to see the Alice in Wonderland statue), had dinner in an authentic Italian restaurant, and some other things that I can’t think of.

Today we’re going downtown so I can look at SVA and NYU, and we’re going to go to Union Square, SoHo, St Marks Place, and all those places down there. I think we’re gonna go to Chinatown for dinner and go to the New Museum afterwards.

Tomorrow we're going to the Modern Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, Central Park zoo and whatever else we plan.

I know Friday we are going to Grand Central Station before I leave around 2 to come back to RVA.

I love the city. Being here more and more makes me wanna live here. Fall 2011, let's hope so.

-AustinCHB

Sunday, December 19, 2010

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas break is gonna zoom by too fast (even with the 2 additional snow days).
Monday and Tuesday - work
Wensday- Hair Cut
Thursday-Aunt and cousins are coming over for dinner and to exchange gifts
Friday- CHRISTMAS EVE! Work then going to my aunt's for dinner and to exchange gifts with more family.
Saturday- CHRISTMAS! Gifts then dinner with the family.
Sunday- Work and getting packed for my trip.
Monday- LEAVE FOR NYC.
Tuesday-Friday- NYC! (TOO STOKED!)
Friday- NEW YEARS EVE! Get home at night, unpack and PARTY (I have no idea what I'm doing yet)
Saturday- NEW YEARS DAY! WADDUP 2011!? Work.
Sunday- Work and get ready for the last half of senior year.

On top of all that, I have to write a 200 point paper for AP Lit, get as many decent sketches complete for my portfolio, and hang out with my friends as much as possible.

I love my life, but time is just passing way too fast these days.

-AustinCHB

Sunday, December 12, 2010

2 weeks.

Til I get to get out of RVA and away from all the people in it!
Too stoked for NYC again! RVA is dead anyway.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

"I hate this town, it's so washed up And all my friends don't give a fuck they'll tell me that it's just bad luck when will I find where I fit in?"

Don't get me wrong, I don't have RVA nor do I hate the people that are a part of my life here. But I just really wanna live in NYC. And it might sound just like a dream, because a lot of kids my age wanna move to a different city, NYC being one of the most popular. But I felt so much more at home when I was there in August than I have ever felt here for the past 17 years. I really hope I get accepted into SVA, or another school in the most amazing city known to mankind. If not, I think I might just transfer to another Starbucks in NYC and live in my cousin's apartment til I get accepted to a school up there or get my own place (which would take forever because the cost of living there is outrageous, but beyond worth it). Hopefully this is one dream that I will actually get to live.

Until then, I will just keep dreaming, and working as hard as I am able to so I get accepted into SVA.

-AustinCHB

Saturday, November 13, 2010

So I've decided exactly what I want to go down.

I've known what school I want to go to, SVA, and what I wanted to major in, Critical and Visual Studies for a while now. However, I wasn't really sure what I was gonna do with that degree after college was over. I know I've got 4 1/2 years to officially decide, but I really think I want to be an art curator for an art museum. How amazing would that be? I talked to one of my art teachers about it and she said it would be perfect for me because it covers all the mediums of art and they also make really good money.

Well as long as I get into SVA.

-AustinCHB
Why do I like rap music so much these days? That's pretty much all I listen to most of the time. I always knew I was black.

Friday, October 29, 2010

SVA

SVA is still my dream school and I would literally do anything to get into there. If I don't get accepted, who knows what I'll end up doing.

My boredom led me to searching "SVA" on Tumblr and browsing through the blogs that came up. I discovered blogs of current SVA students along with people who are like me, desiring to become a SVA student.

I went from looking through their posts, trying to catch a glimpse of what the life of a SVA student is, to comparing my artistic abilities to their artistic abilities. One in particular inspired me to sketch random people. People are what I always ending up sketching anyway. After I was complete, I felt as if mine was just as good as the ones I saw on the blogs. But once I started digging deeper, I started feeling like it had no comparison.

It really gets me how hard I am on myself about my art. I have no confidence whatsoever. I really hope I create the ultimate portfolio to shine a light on my artistic abilities. If not, my hopes and dreams of being a SVA student are crushed.

Bummer.

I feel like almost all of my friends have found new friends this year and are living life with them and here I am stuck with just school and Starbucks.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Starbucks.

I worked a 6 hour shift tonight. Which isn't bad, it's what I am used to working but I haven't worked more than 5 hours shifts in a couple weeks. Tomorrow I have to take my training class for Starbucks from 10 to 2 then I was supposed to be over but me being the reliable good person that I am is covering a shift for someone so after my class, I have to work a 7 hour shift from 3 to 1030, which will be the longest shift I've worked. Sunday, I work at 9 am which is the earliest I've ever worked and from what I hear, Starbucks is a totally different place to work at in the am than in the pm. 11 am is the earliest I've ever worked and it was pretty insane, so I can't imagine 9 am on a Sunday with everyone on their way to church, but I'll be finding out soon enough.

My weekend is pretty insane, but of course totally consumed by Starbucks. Honestly, I don't mind. I had no plans this weekend and I always get off on the days that I request off so it's all good, plus I enjoy having money in the bank.

Hopefully this headache that forced me to leave school early goes away. It went away after some extra strength Tylenol and a 4 hour nap before work, but now it's coming back. Ugh.

I got my post card in the mail telling me that I get my hard copy of my license on November 15th. It would be more exciting if I actually ever got to use my license, but I guess it's all just more motivation to save up for a car so I can actually drive.

Oh, I got a post card from Lynchburg College, and I'm officially applied. I just have to send my transcripts and SAT scores. I don't really wanna go to Lynchburg though, at all. I just applied because I got an email and it was free, and I was bored.

I think I should go catch some zs now since that's limited this weekend, like all the time.

Deuces.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

After about 2 months, my laptop has decided to work. I read online how to reboot it and that it should fix the problem I was having and it never worked for me until tonight.

I am super stressed about everything. Between working 20 to 30 hours weekly, going to school, having 2 AP classes, being Editor in Chief of my school newspaper, and Vice President of National Art Honors Society, alongside applying to colleges, and trying to work on a portfolio, the stress level is currently reaching its maximum occupancy.

Family is pretty stressful too. My grandpa who was really sick for about 2 years, died 2 weeks ago and although all the emotions have dwindled down and my parents are back at work, there's still a lot to be done. Between his money, whether or not to spread his ashes, or have a military funeral, and a million other things. It just adds to the stress.

I have to say I am the most busy I have ever been in my life. Don't get my wrong, I like it. Despite being so stressed, I enjoy constantly having something to do.

Although I am so busy, I really do feel disconnected from all my friends and family. And most importantly, God. I haven't been to church in a while and there's no way I'm going to be able to do GCN this year with school and work.

It bums me out because this is my last year of adolescence, and I should be enjoying my family and friends because once college starts, it will never be the same. However, I'm just too bust for any extravagant social life.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Wow.

I haven't posted anything on here in forever. It's just evidence of how insanely busy my life is since school started. And how much I hate getting on this desktop since my laptop has broke.

The latest and greatest news of my life is that I'm not a Starbucks employee! It kinda has made my life. I've tried working at Starbucks for literally the past 3 years, and finally after applying, making several Starbucks accounts so I could apply more often, and even sitting down and calling every location in RVA seeking a job, I finally got one! Everyone has told me that I look like someone that would work at Starbucks. Some people have even mistaken me for some guy that works at one in the west end.

Today will be my 4th day working. I'm still in training but I've started to get some things down. I know how to order people's drinks, even though it's still quite confusing. I even learned how to make some hot drinks. Lattes, mochas, and then just black coffee and teas. I've learned a lot about cleaning and stocking. There's still a lot more to know, but I love working at Starbucks already. I'll just be glad when my training is over and I get the hang of everything. And when I get to know all my fellows baristas. Everyone I've met so far is really nice and I'm gonna be able to get along with all of them. I'm just ready to get to know them so I don't feel like an outsider because they are all really close.

It's insane all of the places I've applied to, and my first job is at Starbucks. The place where I've always wanted to work.

Life is changing so much. I have a job, I'm a senior in high school, I'm seriously picking my colleges and writing my essays, and it's insane that the first two weeks of school are already dunzo.

I feel like my life is finally getting to place where I will be content with it, for once.

-AustinCHB

Sunday, September 5, 2010

The Ending of Something That Will Never Happen Again.

Today is the last day of my last summer of being a high schooler. I know I blog about this kinda stuff all the time, but when I'm up late with nothing to do, my mind always wonders to this subject.

I spent the day at Busch Gardens with some good friends, and it's insane to me that in less than a year, we will be apart, in college, going our seperate ways. My friends will always remain my friends, and I'm sure I'll make new friends throughout my senior year, but once we all leave and do our own thing, nothing will ever go back to being the same. Winter and Summer breaks will never start and end at the same exact time, we will have new friends and new relationships, and be busy with our families. Sure, we will see eachother, but I just know that it won't ever be the same.

I really do cherish my friends, my friends are like family, my friends are my family. And a lot of my friends probably mean a lot to me than they realize. I'm stoked for this last year, to enjoy the friendships I already have, and to being new ones.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Ready.

I'm ready for this year to be over. I'm ready to graduate. I'm ready to be 18. I'm ready to go to college. I'm ready to get out of this house and away from this family. I'm ready to be done with high school drama, and family drama. I'm ready to stop being looked at as a kid. I'm ready to be able to rely on myself and not my parents for everything. I'm ready to fully live my life, and do what I want, when I want and not need any permission. I'm ready.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

All I want is for my friends to be happy. I give out advice like no other. I get excited when my friends are excited. I get bummed when my friends are bummed. I get confused when my friends are confused. I do anything and everything I can for my friends. I even go out of the way for acquaintances if the chance arises.

I know I’ve done a lot of unnecessary, rude, and mean things in my life, but I still try to do my best in helping out others.

If my friends are happy, I’m happy.

Maybe one day, I can be happy for myself, but as of now, I’m good with being happy for my friends, which makes me just as happy.

New friends. Old friends. Friends are what’s up.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Lovin Life.


I know I do some insane things and I continue to take part in things that I would be better off without, but it's just me living and learning, and making the best out of this life I have been blessed with. I know I can be a lot to handle, but I'm blessed with amazing friends that are there for me no matter what, and despite what they have to put up with at times, they're still there for me the next morning. My friends rock.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Stay Positive.

Last night I spent some much needed time with the man upstairs. I prayed and meditated on some thoughts, and situations going on in my life currently. After all that time, one universal thought came to mind: Stay Positive.

I tend to be a pretty pessimistic person. But God helped me realize that I need to be more of an optimist. To stay positive, even in negative situations.

I have a craving for new friendships, and for those friendships to be of positive content. I've decided that since I only have one year left before lots of changes come my way, it needs to be a year full of positivity.

Being negative in a negative situation doesn't make the situation any better. But overcoming that negativity with positivity will help things tremendously. Life is a blessing, and contaminating it with negativity is taking advantage of the most valuable gift that we will ever recieve.

I am a firm believer that every positive person and thought can overcome any negative people and thoughts in life. Positivity out rules negativity.

Stay Positive.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Moving forward.

Time is changing. I feel like that's all I think or write about, but it's what is constantly running through my mind.

Today I went to my appointment with my mom and sister to look at all my senior pictures and choose which shots we wanted to order. When we got there, they had a slide show of all the pictures and they had You and Me by Lifehouse playing in the background. I honestly thought my mom was gonna cry, and she said she was about to but she held it back because she knew it was gonna embarrass me (crying kinda freaks me out). As I was watching my pictures go across the screen, it symbolized so much more than just pictures to be in the yearbook and handed out to my friends and family. It symbolized my life, and how much it's going to change over the next year. This year is my last year of high school. The last year of my adolescence. It really got me thinking about how I'm really growing up. Family always tells me how old I'm getting, or how much I'm growing, and I never even give those comments a second thought. Until now, I've realized that I really am growing up. It's kinda scary how fast these past 3 years of high school have gone by. It's just evidence that this final year is gonna go by even faster.

All the seniors also started leaving for college this week. I'm mostly talking about the seniors from SEEK, because the majority of my friends are from SEEK and not school. The senior class at SEEK really was a group of amazing kids for all of us to look up to. Honestly, when I first came to SEEK, I didn't think anybody, especially that group, would even ever know my name, but that senior class became some important people in my life. Some of them became my closest friends, others just friends, and some just acquaintances but overall, they all were amazing role models. I don't think most of them realize how much they mean to me and how much I looked up to them, but I don't know what I would've done without some of them this past year. I really wish the 2011 SEEK class was as united and close as they are.

I've always said that I want to grow up and graduate and get out of RVA, and while that remains somewhat true, as the day when I walk across the stage at the Siegel Center approaches, I'm not too confident on totally growing up.

I know God has amazing things in store with me, and I know time changes, and we all have to be prepared to change with it.

Sunday, August 15, 2010




I think the best part about NYC is that even though it's the biggest city in the country, 19% of the city is devoted to parks and there are 1,700 of them that cover 28,00 acres. If I get to go to college in NYC, I'll be studying in Central Park daily.

The Future Awaits.

I tend to over think and worry about things that most people don't even give a second thought.

I've realized how much things are changing and how it is time to finally start growing up. In less than a year, I will be graduating high school and turning 18. No more parents handing you money when you need it. No more youth group. No more just having to worry about school. It's the big time rapidly approaching. As my years of adolescence start to slow down, my mind has been going 100 MPH trying to figure out what I want to do with my life after I graduate high school.

College is what pretty much everyone does after high school. What colleges have you applied to? What's your dream college? What do you wanna major in? All of us are starting to get asked those questions.

As for college, I want to go to NYU. My recent trip to NYC has made me realize that NYC might be where God wants me to be. I've always loved the idea of the city, and when I finally visited it, I could've walked around those streets non stop and just be content with it's presence. I honestly feel like RVA is not where God wants me to be. SVA or NYU, I pray that I get accepted.

But what if I don't get accepted into a NYC college? Does that mean that God doesn't want me there?

The thoughts of taking a year off between high school and college has also crossed my mind. I would love to join the Peace Corps and volunteer in Ethiopia. However, it's a lot harder to get accepted when you have nothing but a high school diploma. The thought of doing a short term internship with TWLOHA or Invisible Children has also crossed my mind. Just a break to clear my mind and focus on real people, God, and what He wants me to do in my life.

I'm pretty sure I'll end up going to college. NYU for journalism or SVA for Visual and Critical studies. I have less than a year to get this all figured out, and my decisions are life changing.

I still can't fathom the idea that in less than a year, everything I've known will be turned upside down. But I'm ready.

Followers