Hello, hello! A quick update- whoa, this has been a busy month. And there's still a Samhain party tonight, a Halloween party the day after Halloween, and a few different things between the two.



First of all, this is my first attempt at making a wreath. I'm strapped for cash, so it's used with a bunch of things found right outside. It's not the prettiest thing, but it's not bad for my first time.


Mreeeow! Lookit at my kitty jack-o-lantern.


Myself and a group of friends at the Witches' Ball last Saturday. I'm the dragonfly faery. I even won first place in the costume contest! It was good fun.


A close-up...



The pics don't do justice to all of the details that I had put into it. The nails, for instance, as well as a green rope around my waist to hang my pouches (two black and one green with blue stenciled swirls), and the wrap on my hair hangs all the way down to my waist along the back. Naturally, I had fairy dust as well. XD

Ugh. I've been wanting to write and read fanfic, dammit!

Anywho, here's what I've been up tp lately. Some pics.

( Read more... )

I haven't been online a whole lot lately, so I thought that I'd touch on the things that are keeping me in the dreaded 'real life.' 

Okay, so real life isn't quite so dreaded. It is, however, going by faster than it used to. It's no longer "I haven't talked to this online person in a few days." But rather, "I haven't talked to this online person in a month."   0_0;

Health

I've had some kind of infection in my left lung for over a month now. It caused  severe pain in my left ribs/chest, not to mention other less than pleasant things. Today is the last of my antibiotics, and the pain is nearly gone. Hopefully I'll be back to 100% soon and be able to return to the gym.

Career

Oh my, I'm so nervous! I've got an interview at the end of the month for the Disney Electrical Apprenticeship Program. I'm a sharp girl with great math scores and a propensity to professionalism when it comes to work ethic, safety procedures, and team efforts. But I have NO experience with electrical and mechanical work aside from the work that I do on my motorcycle. The whole thing with apprenticing is that you're not expected to know a whole lot off the bat; you learn on the job in conjunction with the two days a week of class. But out of fifty-something candidates, they're only accepting thirty. I keep worrying about the thirty people who already know more about the trade than I do. @_@

Writing

Thank you, reijiro75  for betaing the short story. I've got a couple of ideas for other fics, but I'm spending my idle time thinking about interview question answers and ways to keep my nerves from botching my chance.

Activities

I've been getting out and doing some things that interest me. I've recently been to a workshop on Chakras, Elemental Energies, an event with a medium (much like John Edwards), an adult toy party, more rock climbing, a day at Disney's Epcot, and yesterday I learned to kayak!

( Have some pictures )

Cooking

I tried an 'Asian' night the other night. I made fried beef dumplings, steamed tofu dumplings, miso soup, steamed sweet plum dim sum, plum dipping sauce, a dark dipping sauce, and white rice.

The rice came out well.

Ha, the rest came out pretty well too. Except for the miso soup- I had the wrong kind of miso for that. The sweet plum dim sum was a favorite at the table, and even Jess (AKA hater of all that is tofu) liked the tofu dumplings.

Movie

Jess and I saw Julie and Julia yesterday. I really enjoyed it; it made me laugh, and it made me sad at times. When we first walked into the theater, I was a little taken aback by the fact that the room was filled with older women. When I think about it, Julia Child really was before my time. Her influence is just so spanning that you can forget that.

Hiking (with pics!)

Last Sunday I went hiking at Kelly Park/Rock Springs. And let me tell you- there's a reason they call them rock springs! Ouch! When you first jump in by the mouth of the cave, it's over ten feet deep and has got a decent current. Don't worry though, you can't go far without a rock stopping you. It was great fun dog paddling, crab walking, and belly sliding across and around the rocks in the 63 degree spring. It was an excellent end to a hot hike where we saw wild turkeys, deer, butterflies, skinks, and other less than exotic wildlife.


This was at a smoother part of the spring.


By here, the rushing spring evens out into more of a lapping little lake.


Here's a skink. I was walking along the trail when a black racer snake slide across in front of me, and into a bush at the base of a tree. As soon as it did, there was a little frenzy of smaller animals scittering away: crickets, lizards, and skinks are just the ones I saw.

There are a few fanfictions clanking around in my head that I just need to sit down and write. I'm going to make an effort to do that. Really. I am. >_>

San Diego ComiCon was awesome. I'll go into more detail and photos later on; after brushing off my travel journal (destinationself ) and writing an entry, I'm a little posted out. XD

Uhm. Have some random pics!

( Clickety click click )

Costume completion! Now that Renet's outfit is finished, I'm stuck wracking my brain for Renet poses. I can talk sort of like her if I try, but how the hell does she strike a pose? 0.0

San Diego is freakin' huge. I know that there's a lot to see and do in the downtown area, but I'm not used to traveling somewhere without transportation. I want to see the West Coast. I want to see other parts of the city.

What I'm thinking about doing, is picking a day where there isn't that much I want to see/do at the Con, and renting a motorcycle. Take a ride along the west coast. Maybe duck into a musuem or aquarium. Have lunch at one of the many veggie places recommended to me by the locals. Maybe even attend a Couchsurfing community meet-up. One of the CSers I met at a blues festival in Dallas is actually in San Diego now.

I really have to look over the COmicon schedule and TMNT25 again before making a motorcycle reservation.

The condom broke when I was with my girlfriend! Oh noes!

...

What? Surely we're not the only ones who play condom toss, codom roll, and condom crash.

Mike's bright idea about what to stuff Renet's DDs with, was water-filled condoms. They're stronger and more jiggly than water balloons. And you know what? He's right. I tested it out this afternoon, and they make for good Renet boobs. But, uh, they don't do well against bookshelf ends. >_>

I also did a test-pack today to find out what I can do without and what I should put in my carry-on. I'm only taking a few shirts, and they're ALL going to be TMNT shirts. Even my nightshirts. I thought about packing something nicer instead, but if I can travel two months with just a thermal long sleeve and two short sleeves, I think I can make it a week with a few of my favorite t-shirts.

I'm definitely saving space by getting my toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) once I'm in SD. stalker_of_doom  and I are going in together on some of these things since just one of us won't go through an entire container of any of them. Plus, they can be a hassle to get onto the plane.

I need to get in touch with a few people to exchange phone numbers.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Well, Mike had gotten me into Avatar. He owned the first two books and recently purchased the third and final of the series. The last three weeks have been filled with Avatar nights and afternoon-long marathons. We watched the final episode yesterday.

Oh good lord. That was awesome! The characters were strong, three-dimensional people with character-specific humor and faults. The one-liners and reappearing jokes had me rolling; I haven't enjoyed a series this thoroughly since I had finished the first four seasons of TMNT. And Yu Yu Hakusho before that.

The various martial arts styles continued to impress me. It wasn't just showboating- there was an actual defined style for each nation's techniques. So much of the series was interconnected- little hints here and there became something more later on. And the respect and dignity given to the female characters was beyond refreshing. There were no cookie-cutter females that "behave that way because they're girls." Each of the female characters had just as distinct personalities as the males. Strengths, weaknesses (combative and psychological) all differed between the characters.

I loved how it wasn't just a story about a boy, or a boy and his closest friends. It was a story about people, the human experience. It had incredible depth, yet still managed not to take itself too seriously. I mean, really. There was a lot of comedic gold that we're still quoting randomly.

*Covers left eye* I must restore my honor.

Sparky sparky boom man.

We sound like crazies when we're in public, make an off-the-wall reference, then all three of us burst into laughter. Even better, it stimulates conversation between us on Chinese culture, mythology, and modern application of many aspects of Avatar. Brainstorming what-ifs and hows of the Avatar universe. Theories of undiscovered techniques and the political future after the end of the series. I really wish that Mike and Jess could get into TMNT this way, but hey. I can't have everything. There's going to be a mini-mega-con in Orlando in August. Maybe the three of us can put together some Avatar cosplay. It may not be enough advance notice, though.

SDCC

It's just barely over two weeks before SDCC! I'm already checking the site daily for the programming schedule to be posted. It's supposed to be up two weeks to ten days before the convention, and I'm itching to put together a plan of action. Especially since there are some non-con things that I want to do while in SD. (That's non-convention, for all you non-con fans out there. o_O )

My costume hasn't really made any progress since Mike's kids had been here for the last month. I was busy doing the step-mom stuff of making sure they're taken care of and having fun. I put together a few crafts projects, took them to the pool several times, stayed up and talked with when they were feeling home-sick. It's amazing how a nine year old and an eleven year old can find endless amusing playing hide-and-seek in a two bedroom home with limited hiding spots. When the scanner's working again, I'm going to post the ninja turtle picture that Nickole drew for me.

Anywho, yeah. Too busy to really work on the costume. But soon, I'm going to crack open this sewing machine that I've never used before, and see if I can figure it out. I need to hem the material for the cape, but the watches, I'll sew on by hand. I'm still working on the boots. I have an idea involving fabric, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. At least the material for the boots and an extra pair of panty-hose (in case of tearing) is all that I have left to buy. I think.

stalker_of_doom  and I are staying in the same room, which is awesome. I'm looking forward to staying within such close proximity to so many online friends and acquaintances. I'll try not to play pranks on anyone *coughReicough* out of consideration. XD

visited 14 states (28%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or website vertaling duits?

Soon, I'll be able to add California. ^^

I've been sick the past four days. I'm not sure what it is, but it sucks.

In other news, Mike and his kids are getting me into Avatar. It's a pretty neat series. Also, the kids seem to love my cooking, when it's a meal that I plan with them in mind. AKA, nothing with too many veggies. -_-;

I'm very excited about ComiCon. I'm going to be pulling my itenerary together soon; I just need to leave lots of 'mix and match' open spaces where unexpected plans (dinner with friends, etc) can fit.

As soon as I'm back to 100%, I'm getting that gym like something serious. Booyah.

ZOMG! The Publix right down the street from me has Turkish Delights! Granted, they're itty bitty pieces for a dollar, but they're Turkish Delights nonetheless! Yayness! I looked for TimTams and Cherry Ripes, but alas, they were not there.

Tonight is the Shades of Red Dance Party, in correspondence to Gay Days. More specifically, 'Ladies at Gay Days'.  I already have the tickets. I bought myself a red dress and black shoes for the event, as well as Jess's dress.

I can't dance, but I'm still excited. Jess and I were trying on our dresses this morning, making last minute notes as to what bra needs to be worn, etc. And I made an observation. We're both the same age, but our styles speak of different generations. She's got the whole dance club little dress that could be worm just about anywhere, with strappy youthful little shoes. I've got a more sophisticated looking dress with conservative black velvet shoes.

There will be pictures. I just need to fix my computer so that it will upload the software. The poor laptop still isn't at 100% after being viciously ravaged by the virus.

And tomorrow is Gay Days at Disney's The Magic Kingdom. A part of me is cringing at the idea of crowds, but a larger part of me is looking forward to spending time with Jess and talking to people who have something in common. My experience is that when people get together in a common interest (furries, trekkies, anime junkies, etc), people are more open and friendly, engaging in fun conversation.  Everyone was super-friendly at the plaza where I picked up the advance tickets yesterday.

But for now, I have to go to the gym then work. Bah, humbug. But you know what? Each day that I work, that's more money to save for SDCC, dates, movies with mom, etc. So really, any day that I work is a good day. And any day that I'm off is a good day. XD

How corny.

*Censored cursing* boots! I make the ignorant first choice in paints, thereby getting a crappy end result when it comes to painting my 'Renet' boots. But THEN, after stripping the damn thing of the last paint job, I SPECIFICALLY got a pain that adheres to rubber. Says so right on the can. But it doesn't! It slides right down the material, making it look aweful. All I want are blue boots. ;_;

Me: I'm going to need June 6th off. I have the tickets already purchased and everything.
C: Oh yeah? What are you doing?
Me: Going to Disney's GayDays with the girlfriend.
C: Oh, that sounds like fun! Too bad I have kids.

...

I spent a little bit of time afterwards wondering exactly what kids had to do with anything. I mean, it's still Disney. The same rules of conduct apply. It doesn't suddenly transform into the happiest place on Earth for gay orgies.