UPDATE:

Well, last night, I walked to the Novel for a couple only to discover that it was packed solid with no chance of me getting a beer, so I decided to try and find somewhere else. Whilst walking back the scenic route, I saw a huge sign which said 'Beer Belly'… it was as if by magic it appeared. It's a bar that focusses on selling home-brews, mainly ales. You even get to try them before you order them. I got chatting to the bar staff, who suggested I come back Friday night. They're having a Big Lebowski night with specialty drinks, and seeing as I'm now ordained as a 'Dudeist Priest' from the Church of the Latter Day Dude, they want me to go back. I'd kind of mentioned earlier in the night that it was my birthday the next day, and an hour or two later, Jimmy (the manager) had a birthday cake bought out to me. Sorry mum but it was by far the best birthday cake ever. A deep fried Twinky with a side of ice-cream. It was f***ing lovely!!

On with today. I woke up early, mainly to make sure I had everything set and was mentally prepared for today's exam, but also to open the cards I'd been sent over. Thanks! I was actually feeling a bit rough this morning. Maybe it was last night's Twinky…

I got to school to find out that some of the models hadn't turned up, and the school had to call in a few extras, so there were a few of us hanging around for an hour or so waiting for them to arrive. Taylor was my model, who is actually an intern at the school and had previously attended the high fashion course. This would prove to be invaluable, as I now had some assistance for the day. She'd also bought in a load of different outfits to wear for the shoots, which was great as I had nothing to offer her at all.

The first look was the beauty make-up which I think went ok. Taylor's got a ton of long curly hair, meaning that in order to do something with the hair, it needed to be straightened. This was something I have never done before at all. I didn't even bother taking my straighteners in, hoping I'd not need them. I had to borrow someone else's. I sort of half did it, but then panicked I'd run out of time, so This was checked by Mireille, and we were put on the list to go and shoot photos on the roof of the building. This meant more waiting whilst the photographer did everyone who'd already finished.

As soon as we'd finished the shoot, we had to crack on with our avant-garde looks. I would've started from scratch, but made more sense to save time and just apply the new look over the previous one. It was pretty easy to do as well. There was another long wait followed by a photo shoot. Taylor was incredibly patient with me, as I tried to remember to do everything, and this made it much easier for me. It can't have been easy for her to sit for a total of about 4-5 hours, having make-up applied to her face. I know I couldn't stand it.

We were finally done shooting by half five, and decided that it was definitely time for a birthday beer. A few of us went to the Novel and had a few shots of Jamesons. This wasn't a great idea. It was good to get everyone out together away from school and make-up though. I've now spoken to a few more people I didn't know before.

I said I'd pop back to Beer Belly to say hello and check out the 'Big Lebrewski' night they were having, so I headed there, got a free beer, watched a bit of Big Lebowski, and headed to a house-warming party at the Gaylord that Christine (one of the intern's) was having.

I don't think I was back too late, but I'd had a few Jamesons and vaguely remember stumbling around the house. It's certainly an unforgettable birthday. I''ll always remember I spent the entirety of my 28th birthday applying beauty makeup. I don't think it's something I'm likely to do ever again.

California Discord festival tomorrow, which should be good fun!