Shiny!

Stonehenge.

2009-12-22T10:22:00.001-05:00

Stonehenge 1
Originally uploaded by chromachord.

Visiting Stonehenge was something that I've wanted to do ever since I was a little girl. Sadly, for me an hour wasn't enough, but it will have to do until I can afford to visit England again. The pound can get to be prohibitively expensive, specially on wallets that are funded by US money.

At least, one more thing off of my life list!

(Old) New Shoes.

2009-12-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

I bought these babies several months ago, but with the hubbub of school and work and then more work and then the jewelry-making (website to be unveiled soon, hopefully!) they got lost on the priority list. I'd been fantasizing about them a bit and when they went on super-sale at Urban Outfitters, I jumped. The one thing I was worried about were the reviews that said they were difficult to walk in because of their height.

They're 5-inch heels with a 1-inch platform.

I'm not afraid of a little height. In fact, I quite love being tall. I figured, if they hurt, I'll just return them. (I've done this before with some Colin Stuart shoes. The angle of the shoe was hell for my ankles and knees. And since I already have damaged knees and don't need any more risk factors, I returned them. But, these puppies? Hah! Walking in them is a dream. Don't know what those reviewers were talking about. I love their bad-ass bondage vibe.

Sweet Life by Dolce Vita heels from Urban Outfitters.

Happy Holidays...

2009-12-15T15:59:00.002-05:00

The holidays are always a tricky time for me. They're very emotionally charged. 17 years ago I lost my grandmother and my family was never the same. Now, my remaining grandmother is ill and in a home. She doesn't recognize anybody anymore and she lives in the past. The last time she saw me, she thought I was my mother as a child. Needless to say, that broke my heart.

Also, three years ago I got seriously ill around the holidays and while with every year the memory fades a bit more, it's still there and I always remember it. Those were trying times and I'm glad I made it out, but again, everything changed. Some things for the better, but others were disappointing.

For the first time in a long time I truly looked forward to the holidays, but now I'm sort of swamped with memories. I keep dreaming about my grandmothers when they were still alive/well and it is wrenching and at the same terrifying. I feel guilty because I haven't visited my grandmother's grave in a while nor have I seen my other grandmother since she was placed in the home. It depresses me that she's there and I don't want to see her because I think I may lose it. I don't want to see her like that. I feel guilty for all those lost opportunities of talking to her and getting to know her better. Now, I very well may never know. I also feel guilty for being a stupid teenager and being too involved in my own crap and not noticing how she would try to get to know me more and teach me things. After all, she's the one that taught me how to play domino. She tried teaching me how to knit too...

My mother and I never talk about it, but I know that it pains her. She used to see grandma, but she stopped going too. I think it's because she couldn't take it either. I've thought of telling her that we should go, but I always stop myself. I don't think I can.

So for all those people who've lost touch with a loved one or have always postponed that chat, get to it. It's better that you swallow your pride or whatever it is that's holding you back because later on you may very well regret your actions. Get over yourself! Be thankful for everything and reach out. Otherwise, it may be too late.

Let's have some fun, this jumper is sick!

2009-12-11T09:14:00.002-05:00

Okay, a lot of you are problably fed up with Lady Gaga, but I can't help it. She goes against the core of my very feminist nature, but her music is just so damn catchy. And I love the fact that she just wears whatever the hell she wants, which just appeals to my fashion loving magpie. While everything that she wears is not necessarily flattering or interesting, I like it that she doesn't care what the critics say. I hope she doesn't cave in and start playing fashion's rules because then Lady Gaga will become very boring.

So, in the spirit of Gaga (well not that much, I'm not going to go around in a bubble dress; not my style), I present to you something that I'm craving. It's a jumpsuit, which is something that my mom put me into when I was little (my mom, wise beyond her years in fashion knowledge, I think)

I love it and I've been stalking it down at the local Forever 21, but to no avail. I want it...

Is she alive or dead? Has she thoughts within her head?

2009-12-09T12:34:00.002-05:00

I assure you, I am alive and there are thoughts within my head. The last couple of months have been hectic: plagued with health, school, and work issues. But I am here! Working hard to keep up with the cyberworld.

I wonder what everyone has been up to...and if you still read this blog! If you do, I'd like to thank you for still checking up occasionally and not giving up! If you did kick me to the curb, I understand. I've been working on some stuff lately that will hopefully be available soon. Right now, I'm swamped at work and living among piles of stuff that has to be put away.

In the meantime, I will leave you with this amazing mask, courtesy of Tom Banwell and his wife, who are sellers on Etsy. You can find them here. Be sure to take a look, there work is spectacular. I am currently craving this mask so bad, but what am I going to do with it? I can't just wear a mask to work! Are there any masque balls happening in my vicinity?

Sigh.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

2009-10-22T12:25:00.003-04:00

I got back on the 30th of September and I haven't said a word. I know; I'm a bad blogger. But I have reasons! Lots of projects! Thesis! Uh, stuff!

I haven't even started editing my trip pictures, in fact, I should do that now. Start, that is. I've been busy doing crafting, setting up some projects, writing up a storm with my thesis (13 pages in one week! For me, huge progress), and working. When I get home, I'm usually too tired to do anything and the significant amounts of rain that have been falling lately do not help at all. But I will remedy this and start talking about the trip. Now.

Damian and I spent 19 days traveling through England and Spain, with stops in London, Oxford, Madrid, and Barcelona, with a Tarragona drive-by. The whole reason for the trip was my presentation at Mansfield College at the University of Oxford. (Squee!) Damian was all, "Oh I will sacrifice myself and accompany you on this trip. Can we make a stop in Spain?" Oh, such a disinterested and noble soul!

We were going to go to Segovia but we overslept. Jet lag is awesome. And I think that was the only day we overslept because the rest of the trip was spent waking up at 6-7-8 AM. In England, we took a Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge tour which was pretty great. We almost got left behind at every single spot (them Brits, so punctual), but we managed to make it back to London safe and sound at the end of the day.

England was pretty beautiful, just cold. Well, the problem wasn't really the temperature; it was the wind. And the exchange rate for the pound. Our wallets wept the whole time we were in the UK, that's how bad the exchange rate was. I mean, did we really have to eat? Can't we just save the money?

I kid!

Spain was also great. My word, was the change in temperature welcome. Barcelona was gorgeous: I liked the fact that I had the sea close (well, right there) and the mountains too. For some reason, I don't like being landlocked. It's one of those finicky OCD things of mine. But back to the city. Great architecture (didn't enjoy the heights though), pretty sights, and, well. Let's face it.

The food.

Oh, dear god, the food.

I think I'm still composed of wine, sugar and carbohydrates. Everything we ate (with only two small exceptions) was amazing. The seafood was insanely fresh, there were so many varieties of fruits, and let's not even talk about the ENTIRE AISLE OF CHOCOLATE.

Shit.

I'm still feeling that one.

This trip meant a lot to me, and it's not only because I spent my birthday over there, which was nice. A birthday to remember. Specially since Damian is an evil plotter and he made me cry. But I digress. I got to do so many things I've dreamed of doing since I was a child, like visiting Stonehenge and seeing Roman ruins. And presenting at Oxford, among others. It also meant a lot because I got to spend it with someone I love and who loves me.

And I'm going to stop the googly eye talk now because I'm going to lose my readers. All four of them!

I don't think there are enough words to describe how great this trip was. I had a great time and now I want to win the lottery so I can go over there and not have to return! Woohoo! I will blog pictures of the trip sporadically because I have around four thousand pictures that I have to slough through. Meanwhile, I'll do my best to blog frequently.

Take care everyone!

Rar!

2009-09-11T10:14:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Damian and I were getting some presents for his relatives in Spain (and also as a thank you for letting us stay over). His dad came along to help us since he knows more about the family's tastes than we do.

So while at Old Navy, they spot this dragon costume for Damian's baby cousin. And for some reason, they were really excited. I would've never thought that they'd flip over this dragon costume, but they did. And now, I'm taking this in my carry on luggage.

Not to say that I don't find the costume unbearably cute. I mean, I'm already plotting to teach the baby to go "rar!"

Costume is available at Old Navy.

98%.

2009-09-11T01:10:00.002-04:00

So I'm almost done packing: only missing my camera, a printed copy of my essay, and some tights. Oh, and some assorted jewelry. But, other than that, I am pretty much done with packing. I did it today because I know that tomorrow I will not have enough time, I have to go to work. And I leave on Saturday, so I'm not going to do everything last minute.

That said, it would've been nice to have some time off and do things a bit more calmly. Oh well. I have to wake up early today to go to work. The waking up early part blows chunks like whoa, but, I HAVE A JOB. That cancels it out.

I was pondering the possibility of making a sign for the plane that says "Wake only for food and emergencies." But, that's not really viable is it? I mean...I'm already going to walk around with a (kid's) dragon costume in my carry-on, don't need to give them additional evidence that I'm a few beans short of a burrito.

The worst part is that I can feel myself getting sick. I've been chugging pills and water like a fiend, but no dice. I will definitely be getting a spot of the flu for the beginning of the trip. Which is disappointing, but I'd rather get sick now and have it just be a cold/flu. I really don't need a repeat of that marvelous digestive pyrotechnia that I experienced in New Orleans. I mean, wow. Talk about making a memory.

Well, bed time. Let's see if I can squeeze another DIY post before I leave. Good night!

The Second H.

2009-09-09T13:39:00.001-04:00

Remember a few months ago when I'd said that two very nice things had happened with the word H? The first was revealed, Harvard, but I never said anything about the second. Here's a peek.

Guessed what it is yet?

Yes?

I'm not a watch person, but after seeing the Hermès Medor on Mimi from Brook & Lyn, I freaked. I'd always said that if I got a watch, it would be something that looked like a bracelet. I'd seen a Timex that I liked and mom was so surprised that I mentioned a watch, she got it for me as a Valentine's Day present.

But I saw the Medor some time later on Mimi on her blog. And it stayed in my mind. I decided to get it for myself as a gift for successfully presenting at several conferences. Also, because I needed to stop being late everywhere.

That last part hasn't stopped. Sorry, I will seemingly never arrive early anywhere.

So far I'm very happy with it. And now I'm sort of addicted...I really like the new Medors with the double straps. But I'm definitely not getting any one now. Perhaps in the future!

Studded.

2009-09-08T11:46:00.002-04:00

I have returned. And I finally have a new camera! I'm still figuring it out, but I mourn for my old E900...oh well. Keep calm and carry on.

I'd promised eons ago to put pictures of my stud DIY and at last I can do that. I guess it's been built up on a lot since I've been unable to post the pictures up. This jacket was inspired by Mimi of Brook & Lyn and Zana of Garbage Dress.

Originally, it was supposed to be covered in studs, but I didn't like that. So I took some out and made a little pattern. Tetris inspired? Maybe.

I got this linen jacket at the Salvation Army for a dollar and ordered some studs from Studs and Spikes (thanks for the recommendation, Mimi!). I studded it entirely, didn't like it, let it sit there while I fired out what to do with it, and then finally figured it out.

So there it is. My stud DIY. I still haven't properly worn it out yet. Can't wait to wear it out thou!

And I'm headless in that last picture because it had been a long day.

Still hanging.

2009-08-10T17:53:00.002-04:00

For a while I thought of completely chucking the blog, but I just don't have the heart. I've been busy with school (meaning thesis), work, some DIY, personal things, and, the all-encompassing paper draft that was due this past Friday.

Also, my camera finally caved and it was shipped off last week to see if it can be fixed. If not, it will be replaced. Sadness! I hope that the fixed (or replaced) camera arrives before I leave for my trip next month. Ah, yes, that's the other thing that's been occupying my time. Frantically planning or trying to because I say to Damian, "we've got to do this!" and he's all, "yes!" And then we fall asleep or forget.

Clearly, we cannot rule the world. Oh well.

I'm hoping to get some paid design work in before November because the situation is serious...barely any jobs out there.

Well, now it's back to work. Have to get some things done today, no dice. For those of you still reading this, thanks for hanging on! And just wait a little longer until I get my camera back for updateds on my DIYs. :)

Style wants.

2009-07-15T13:59:00.000-04:00

A couple of style desires that have been occupying my mind lately.

First, the Ikea Knappa lamp. Hell, the series.
I've been wanting one for ages and apparently nobody lives near enough an Ikea to get me one. I also like the floor lamp, but this one is the one that is calling to me like a siren to a sailor. Seriously. And now, a cafe in my town has them and I am going insane. I need this lamp. Yes.

Another style desire is a sequined long-sleeve mini dress. Not so mini that I breathe and my lady parts are exposed to the world, but short enough so I can prance around in heels and feel absolutely fun.

Next, a lace dress. No, no...none of that Prada stuff. I actually disliked that line immensely. I would like a 50's style shift with a lace overlay...I can dream, I can dream...

Also, white! White, white, white! No, I'm not being elitist, but I've always wanted a white blazer, a white pencil skirt, and white pants. I actually have a white blazer (second hand, thank you Salvation Army), but I have to line it. I have white pants, but they are linen. I'd like something that could pass off as a fabulous suit. And I have not found a white pencil skirt, which makes me sad. One of my (sillier to some) life list wishes is to have clothes tailor made for me in Hong Kong. Guess this will be one of those projects.

Feather print or feather covered shoes. Yes, a bit morbid, but ever since I saw them on Style Bubble I have lusted. Oh and how. Maybe if I tried them on, my cravings would be satisfied. I guess I like weird stuff.

Zippers: I want a solid black (or white; wait, how about both? or gray?) dress with an exposed zipper going down the entire back. My word, one of my classmates wore a style like this and I almost murdered her to take the garment off her body. I need a dress like this, but no one has zippers long enough for me to make this! I'd also like a blazer with zipper trim.

I'd also like a fabulous job in which I could prance around with all my dream outfits. And while we're at it, fairy godparents, how about a nice sewing machine too?

Ah, fantasies...

Why do I want this?

2009-07-14T10:30:00.000-04:00

Please, someone, tell me. I don't know why but I am drawn to this. Perhaps I just have some irrepressible magnet towards the most peculiar things in the store (because lord knows that only one other person checked out the ombre shirts at the Gap outlet yesterday...).

Back to the topic. I want these to wear them under a black dress to work or for nights out. I must obtain these. Part of me thinks I need to learn to make leggings..after all, they should be simple right?

And that's how every dark DIY project starts: it must be simple, right?

If anyone else is as interested in these as I am, they're going for $9.80 at Forever 21. Click here.

The weird dreams continue.

2009-07-13T22:41:00.002-04:00

So I've mentioned before my unfortunate and continuing nightmares featuring terminators. Well, this morning they got even better...

I dreamt that the Kyle Reese character and Michael Jackson were both my fathers. And we were trying to run away from the terminators. My dreams just keep getting randomer and randomer. And Christian Bale isn't there to save me anymore. Shit.

(I don't think Damian likes the Christian Bale part.)

Anyway. Another recent crazy dream featured Clive Owen and Damian. Clive Owen wanted to marry me. So clearly, my subconscious is a little haywire lately.

(I don't think Damian likes the Clive Owen part either. Oh well!)

I'm a bit tired and definitely wondering what rollercoaster ride tonight's sleep will bring, hopefully not nightmares of job interviews. I think today's interview went well and I sincerely hope I did not just shoot (hell, blow my damn foot off) myself on the foot by saying that. At the very least, I thank them very much for their time (and patience with my getting lost).

And now, to sleep. If not sleep, then do some DIY patterns or sowing. I'm so inspired (or at least, driven) lately!

Four more.

2009-07-13T01:31:00.002-04:00

Just got done sending off my resumé to four more companies. Have an interview later on today. Let's hope that goes well...

And now to bed, because my undereye circles are truly quite terrifying. I look like something out of a Japanese horror film.

G'night!

Edit: OH MY GOD JESUS.

The desktop, for some reason, doesn't have a PDF reader. What? Why? I stop using this computer frequently and this is what happens?

Have had to convert resumé into .jpg in order to print...geh.

Seriously, good night.

Trinity ring.

2009-07-09T12:19:00.000-04:00

Is that what they're called?

Either way, I've always wanted one, but I've always felt that that's something you should give or receive, as I've been taught that they represent infinity/eternity and that's something you usually associate with love.

Or what I've been told can be a barrel full of baloney for all I know.

If you're interested, this version is from Forever 21, and only $2.80! I may just give up and get one myself if I find myself in San Juan when they open with three dollars to spare.

And totally justify the purchase by saying that the love one has for oneself must/should exceed the love with invest in other people. But then, isn't that something one says to justify when they're too deep in?

Rage Against.

2009-07-08T00:27:00.003-04:00

Part of me is sure that I'm crossing over to that dark, embittered side that is eerily similar to that of the people I dislike, perhaps even hate. I don't think I utterly hate anyone, but I definitely feel a strong opposite emotion to the affection I once held for them.

Furthermore, I've been just seething. Angry. Angry at people. Angry at what they don't appreciate. Bitching at what they've lost when they don't see what they still have. It's not envy, it's anger. Not envy because I realize that I make of life what I want and I'm doing the best I can to get there. Anger because these people are just wasting away opportunities out of pure pettiness. Anger because they destroy things at will, without thinking of what effect their actions have on whomever.

I fear I've become what I hate: those people who just seethe. But I'm so full of anger. So full of anger. I get angry at people because I wonder if they realize what they do or if they just live in their egocentric bubble and ignore the effects of their actions in other people's lives. This has been bubbling up under my skin for so long it seems, but in reality it was just exacerbated by certain events in the past few months. How can people live with themselves when they just associate with other people who perpetuate falsehoods and hate? How can they tolerate themselves when they mete out prejudiced decisions without hearing every side of the story? Furthermore, how dare they act like there is nothing wrong?

Sadly, I must forcibly interact with some of these people and it makes me feel like it's eating my soul inside. I have to deal with these idiots who live on their high horse and believe they are the center of the universe. Or maybe it's just a lie they tell themselves because they have things they don't want to face.

And stupid me, sometimes I just want to sit down and talk to people. Ask them why. Why do you do this. Why do you treat us this way? But I can't because part of me refuses to believe that there are people like that in this world.

I'm sick of having people talk behind my back and then act as if nothing was wrong. Fuck you and your overblown ideas of yourself. Stop projecting your fears and insecurities onto me. I don't do that to you. Hell, I've supported people through some decisions that are perhaps questionable, but all I've said was that it was that person's choice and whatever they chose I would back them up.

This is what you get for trying to let people live their own lives. I get dramatic ultimatums, unexplained cutoffs, hypocrisy, disappointment, seething comments, and of course, the almighty attitude of self-righteousness. But perhaps they're doing me a favor. I mean, who would want such negative entities in their lives, correct?

But this anger is far too rooted to just let go. I want to know why. What did I ever do to deserve such platitudes. I truly do not think it's jealousy because I have nothing for anyone to be jealous about. I am just a human being trying to make good of herself and trying to help others. I am not perfect, I make mistakes. I have conditions that at times have debilitated my life so much to the point of not eating, not sleeping, just barely existing for days or weeks. But I cannot let this get to me, because then, when I die, what will I have to say for myself? That I quit? It's not like I have not done it, but I have to find a good worthwhile reason to. And then think hard. And then push myself not to. Because then I'll think I'm just another fuck-up that's not worth another get-go.

Maybe this venting will help me close a chapter in my life. Maybe by releasing all that into the universe, it's gone. I feel a bit better, but I'm scared that, deep down, in the bottom, there is still some hurt left. And sadly, I think I will never forgive the hurt. It seems like I can't pardon those who judge without asking questions first. Who act without thinking what the other person feels. Who don't even seemingly consider that that other person might just need their help, not their complaint. I've been sick, so sick to the point where I feared dying and so few stayed the course. Some tried, but quit, and I can accept that. What I cannot accept was the reactions of some. I am truly appreciative of those who have been with me through the years, who helped me through this hellhole that I've had to crawl through and out of. Perhaps you will never know how much you mean to me because I can never really place such things into spoken words. But you where there for me and I hope that something as dark never happens to you. If it does, I will pray that I will be there for you as you where for me. But I sincerely wish it does not.

I hope this is a chapter anew. I hope that these feelings will just rot into the soil and then come back as something different, something positive, after being processed. I'm just through dealing with such people. I simply do not need their stuff. I have enough dark places to sort through of my own, I don't need your petty insecurities, fears, or whatever it is you may feel in regards to me, my life, my decisions, etcetera. I don't need your dark cloud hanging over me. If I am to fail, let it be on my own, of my own volition. If I fail, let it be because I thought I was doing the right thing for myself, not for you or anyone else.

(Of course, this last statement does not apply to self-destructive behavior. In any case, get me out of that, stat. Or, if all fails, let me get through my marinating process and be sure I don't do something utterly stupid.)

Sorry if I have inundated your day with negative thoughts, it was not my intention. But I needed to let out all these dark thoughts that were festering inside. I just needed to let it all out and put it out there, let it go. Dissipate. I feel much lighter now. As if a weight has been lifted off.

Thanks for putting up with this, everyone. Again, hope this was not a downer. Good night!

Thesis denial.

2009-07-08T00:07:00.002-04:00

What have I been up to lately? Literally, nothing much. Tutoring, trying to get back in shape but failing miserably, sowing, and now, trying to find flights to Heathrow but nothing going. Gatwick or Luton. Neither option is entirely appealing due to it's distance from London.

Working on/off on my thesis, having nightmares every night (with Terminator(s) in the starring role, awesome), looking at old pictures and feeling like a loser because I'm not taking care of myself as I should be. I'm also trying to cheer myself up and not think about everything I've lost, but what I've gained. Sometimes that goes well. Sometimes, not so great.

Fashionable ex-con?

2009-06-26T18:26:00.004-04:00

I finally finished the graphic design project: now I'm just waiting to hear if they have any comments or changes to be made. But it is done! Now I can completely focus on my thesis, photography, and DIY projects like this one:

My dog decided to make an appearance...I don't mind, but these are the only decent shots I got! The others consisted of her jumping up and down to get my attention. And I've got my summer clothes on: it's far too hot and humid to contemplate jeans or sleeves at this point.

Anyway, this was the first stage of the cardigan. I'm almost finished adding some extra fabric to the front, so I will update with that. Some might say it's too much strip, but I beg to differ...though I have my own particularly graphic and odd tastes, so it's clear I may think it's normal and others not! ;)

The DIY continues.

2009-06-11T15:33:00.002-04:00

I bought this skirt around two months or more ago, but it was too long. It hit a bit longer than mid-calf. Since I love bright pronounced prints, I couldn't pass it up and at .75 cents I was willing to fix it up myself.

Since it's too hot to do anything but sit in front of the fan and work, that's precisely what I've been doing lately. Catching up on all my DIY and working on my design projects. I had cut the excess fabric, but had yet to hem it. I decided that today was the day et voilá. A summer skirt that can be dressed up or down. I'm wearing it decidedly down because, honestly, it's too hot to put any effort on anything but properly ventilated outfits.

I feel like my face looks utterly silly in the picture, but, oh well. It's summer, it's hot, and I'm not going to wear any make-up right now.

Maybe it's a little too camp or weird, but I like it!

DIY Hairchain.

2009-06-08T22:08:00.002-04:00

Not the best pic ever, but it will do, no?

Some time ago, I started this headband (headchain? hairchain?) after being inspired by the blog Childhood Flames. Originally it had some fabric too, but I didn't like it. I told myself I was going to change it, but I kept putting it in the backburner until yesterday when I found it and decided it was now or never. And I quite like how it looks. I'm also planning on making a single chain headband since I think it will look pretty and interesting, a lone chain adorning one's hair!

Today I was also up to making my friend Jen's birthday present. It isn't much since I'm strapped for cash, but I think it's nice...I edited, printed out and framed some pictures of her and her husband from their wedding and from our trip to New Orleans. The first one is a total surprise since I never showed them the pics I took at their wedding. But I'm not going to put them up here since that's their private life. But they're really cute.

Other than that, nothing much. Just going to continue working on the design project, tutor a teenager (yay additional summer gig!), and DIY a lot. In addition to writing my thesis, oh but of course...Most of the DIY will consist of sowing some thrifted stuff. I really want to finish fixing up a romper I bought months ago, but have had no time to focus on.

Until the next post! Let's see if my schedule let's up. And my sunburn stops hurting. Yum.

X marks the spot...

2009-06-07T13:47:00.003-04:00

This was not done on purpose...

I diligently apply and reapply sunblock when I go to the beach. I usually use 75 SPF, but this time I took 50 SPF because that's what I found in my cabinet. Yesterday, Damian and I went to the beach with my cousin and her husband and we did apply sunblock a couple of times. And this still happened. That's how nasty the sun can be in Puerto Rico.

We ended up snorkeling (for the first time ever together, first time in years separately) and seeing some nice stuff. But I also imagine that perhaps that's what caused this. Right now I'm engaging in an aloe, cocoa butter, and vitamin E cream regimen to calm down the pain. Because it hurts.

Other than that, lots of work on a design project (including working for three days on something that was just a background) and DIY projects that are part of the I'm-so-burnt-I-can't-really-do-anything condition I'm in. Will keep posting later on.

Maybe later?

2009-06-04T00:56:00.002-04:00

I was going to do a post, but right now I'm just too exhausted...I've been working over 11 hours on a design project and I'm burnt out. For now, I distract you with canine cuteness:

Picture taken while doing a photoshoot for another project, which will hopefully be paid more attention to soon...

Busy, busy, busy, & nerd porn.

2009-06-03T00:44:00.003-04:00

I've been meaning to blog for a while here, but life has other plans. I've been getting called literally everyday these past two weeks for appointments and such so I've had very little time to blog. I managed to score a tutoring gig for the summer, so yay for income! So now I have the design gig and tutoring, plus my thesis occupying me. Additionally, my cousin from New York decided to drop by as a surprise, so there's been a lot of catching up. On a sadder note, my grandfather has to move (after hitting 80 and living in the same place for almost 20 years...how cruel) so we're helping him out as best we can. That last bit is very sad and it's hit grandpa very hard, so we're trying to be as supportive and helpful as possible.

When I've had time, I've managed to sneak in a few DIY projects here and there. I finished the stud blazer, so when I can I will put pictures up of that. I also started working on a studded shirt. Both of these projects were inspired by Mimi Jeung of Brook & Lyn and Zana of Garbage Dress. But I will put pictures up when it's not 12:50 AM. Instead, I'll leave you with a picture of some books that arrived a little bit ago. I bought these at the PCA/ACA (Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association) joint conference at New Orleans, Louisiana. I haven't been able to read them yet as my time has been consumed by other unexpected activities. I want to dive into my pile of nerd porn! But I have been denied!

Until the next post, take care everyone!

The good things: one of two Hs.

2009-05-20T12:32:00.000-04:00

So in my previous self-lamenting post I had mentioned that there were some good things that kept me barely hanging on and this is one of them:

One of the conferences I presented at was the ACLA annual meeting held at Harvard University. The funny thing was, when I applied, I didn't know it was at Harvard so when I got accepted it was a bit of a shock, really. And my family and friends dropped their contents, which was hilarious. But it was all thanks to my friend Gerard who suggested the topic! If he hadn't suggested the topic, I wouldn't have had a paper to submit.

Other than that, presenting at Harvard was a pretty amazing experience. Boston was, for me, unexpectedly small...I could walk everywhere without really needing the to use the subway. And, dear clam gods, why did nobody ever tell me about clam chowder before? Delicious! I went to Salem, which was a bit of a let down (or maybe it was just getting utterly lost in the rain and fog). The only thing that bothered me was that a lot of things were closed because of the season. Which was a bummer because there were a lot of things I was interested in doing that were unavailable.

And the other thing: the weather. Nobody told me that it was going to be like this 95.9% of the time:

But still, it was good. I'm developing a tolerance to colder weather. And I had one of the best egg tarts I've eaten ever!