Because

Chapter 2: What to do

          Last night, I had stayed up until 12:30 am, just to work on my new animation.  This is the hardest I've worked in four four months.  Usually I don't put so much effort into the details.  My goal for today: Work on finishing touches and edit the scenes together.

          On days like this, all I need is a microwaveable meal to get me through the morning.  Yes, I know.  This isn't the healthiest lifestyle, but I make do with what I have.  I open the freezer to find Chicken Alfredo drop right at my feet.  "There we go," I think to myself.

          The only problem with some microwaveable meals is how long they take to warm up.  This specific one takes about a total of 6 minutes.  The wait can be worth it though.  Sometimes, food that takes so long to make, can be consumed in less time.  Once my breakfast is ready, I go to my room right away.  I need all the time I can get.

          Finishing touches can be one of the most challenging parts in making an animation, in my experience.  After about an hour of work, I start to feel all my ideas stop flowing.  Blocks.  I do not appreciate them at all.  Sometimes, I feel like way too much time is wasted when I have blocks.  I feel so disappointed in myself.  First video in 3 weeks and I finally have ideas, but they all disappear in a single instant.  Maybe I am not meant to be an animator.  But this is how I make a living.  I have no idea where I would be right now if I didn't animate.  What I do know is why I started animating.  The reason always beaks my heart, but because of that, I know I am the person I am today.

          At this point of my newest animation, I am pretty stressed.  I get up from my chair and plop my little tired self onto my bed.  All I can do now is to not stress myself even more.  I've probably only rested for about 5 minutes when I get a phone call.  In a way, I feel to afraid to look at who is calling me, but I do it anyway.  It's Sadie.  Again?  This isn't normal of her.  I answer the phone and say "Ollo!"

           "Um, hi Danielle," I hear Sadie reply.  "How are you today?"

           "Well, I'm kind of feeling stressed right now.  Experiencing a block right now."

           "Aw!  My poor baby!"  I really don't like hearing her talk like this to me.

          "Sadie, you know I don't like hearing you call me baby.  If you remember, I'm older than you."

          "Only by 7 months, honey," she shoots at me.  "Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out today.  You know, go to the mall or something?"

          That does sound like a good idea right now.  "Sure," I tell her.  "I could really use a break right now, too."

          For about 3 seconds, there is an awkward silence.  Then she says, "Awesome! I'm already on on my way.  Be there in about 2 minutes tops."

          "Uh... Um... okay.  See you then, I guess," I say, semi-hesitantly.  "Bye."

          "See ya."  I feel Sadie smiling right now.  We finally have a chance to spend time together again.  And not just 2 hours.  Maybe even a whole day.  One whole day with Sadie would mean I'd have to put off my work again, but it's worth it if I'm with Sadie.

          Like she promised, she was here in 2 minutes.  I am barely heading out of the apartment when Sadie calls to tell me she has arrived.  When I get into her car she states, "Got you some coffee."

          "Iced Mocha with whipped cream, butterscotch syrup, and dark chocolate shavings," we both say in unison.

          "Would I be your best friend if I didn't know your favorite kind of coffee?"

          "Would I be your best friend if I didn't know how to make you laugh?" I ask Sadie in reply.

          "Don't you just make me laugh.  That's what friends do."  I smile at her.  "Now where to?  The mall?"

          "Let's go!" I say.