A portrait of ignorance: Puerto Rican DJs.

As I was driving to work this morning amidst the now ever-present rain, something extremely stupid came up on the radio. I was tired of a particular station so I started scanning through the ones available. I fell upon one of the most popular programs in Puerto Rican radio; one I don't listen to usually because the DJs are downright moronic at times with their attitude and commentary. They have that Jay Leno attitude of "I'm better than you!". Normally, I just ignore them and wait for the Boricuazo section, but today, I was rapt with attention. Not because they were saying anything particularly interesting, but because I was downright furious.

It's all over the news that Haiti is suffering the aftermath of a horrible earthquake. People are being sent to help and, honestly, most of us feel bad and have this country in our thoughts. However, the DJs at this station apparently have something "better" to do and decided to share it in the form of a poll.

They asked their audience if they felt that the earthquake was "a punishment from God to Haiti". Excuse me? What did they just say? "Call now or text to 1-xxx-xxx-xxx to cast in your vote! Yes or no, the Haiti earthquake was a punishment from God". Oh, no they didn't.

Did they really just say that? On the air? To an audience of hundreds of thousands?

Look, I'm not religious. Let's not even pretend. I veer from agnostic to atheist to somewhat believer and it depends on the time of the year and the position of the moon. I respect religion and its followers, but I do not follow it. I also generally believe that religion is turned into a device for immense stupidity and error, specially in this case. What did Haiti do to deserve such a catastrophe? If we're on the topic of punishment, then the world wouldn't have any nations because they would've all been wiped out. Spain wouldn't exist due to all the damage it perpetuated across the world thanks to colonization and evangelization. China and Japan wouldn't exist either thanks to the wars and genocide they've committed. And, can we forget Germany? If an entire country must pay for a few individuals' crimes, then bam. Holocaust, anyone?

I consider this station's DJs and their statement to be offensive to all. Atheists and religious people can be offended because a) it's insinuating that every natural event is caused by God and b) God would punish a hapless population for simple capriciousness. It also offends common sense.

So, DJs from El Circo de la Mega. Shame on you for perpetuating ignorance. You should know better. But clearly, you don't.

Zara: The Rage Continues.

If you've known me for at least a little while, you know that I have problems with this store. Stemming from the absolutely craptacular service issued by the attendants at many locations (I'd like to say that the sales representatives in Spain were actually quite nice) to the very poor quality of many garments, I always tell myself that X time will be the last time I go into a Zara store.

Well, I usually end up breaking that promise because I see something pretty from faraway that lures me in, only to have the beauty's dream broken by poor seaming or horrible fabric. Last night, I went to Plaza because I was told that a certain store I needed was located in this mall. It was not. Since it was raining cats and dogs (and snakes and goats and cars and etcetera), I decided to stay for a while to see if the rain let up a bit. It didn't, but I ended up going into Zara. Because, like I said, I saw something pretty from afar.

Once again, the cycle came full circle. I tried it on and it was coarse and poorly sown. Disappointed, I scanned other racks and actually came out with two things. For less than thirty dollars! But that victory isn't what this post is about. No. It is about Zara's ultimate injustice.

Size discrimination.

While browsing their denim, I saw a pair of the most perfect skinny black pants. I knew I was tempting fate, but I got them in my regular size, a size 8, all the while knowing that this brand's sizing ran super small (and very amok: of the articles I have, some are size small and others large). Take that and a couple of extra pounds and the pants were too small for my waist. I asked for the next two sizes up only to be told the following:

"We don't have them in 10 and this line doesn't run up to 12."

Come again?

"The denim line only goes up size 10."

Excuse me? Did you just tell me that if I am more than a certain size, I am not entitled to your denim? Zara, shame on you. Shame on you for your generally bad service, usually poorly sown and low-quality fabric clothes, and, most of all, shame on you for discriminating against the ladies. Fabulosity comes in all sizes and you should recognize that. If only I had the power to cause some sort of change upon this...I guess I'll just have to content myself with venting my rage on the internet.

Zara, shame on you!

Haiti.

Being that I don't have a television set or internet at home, I found out at work about the earthquake long after it happened. Please, take this moment to be thankful about what you have.

And if you can, please help!

An essential part of a Puerto Rican Christmas.

Pig. For some, a glorious animal. For others, something forbidden. For the people in this picture, nothing short of nirvana. In Puerto Rico, pig is an essential part of life. This doesn't apply to me though: I only eat pork in dumplings and think it's a cute pet.

So to illustrate a bit of Puerto Rican joy to you all, I show you this picture. Identities of the parties involved have been obscured. Warning: It may be a graphic for some!

In which I illustrate how to start the New Year properly.

I woke up today with a raging neck muscle spasm (on my right side) and so I had to proceed with treatment: pain relieving cream. My mother rubbed it in and gave me a massage so I thought that my problems were resolved for now, with the exception of not being able to turn my neck. Apparently, at some point I rubbed my cream-covered neck. And you know where this is going.

Some time later, just after a New Year's Pancake Breakfast peppered with discussion on how bad crime is, I rubbed my left eye. And that's when the fun begins. My eye started burning with the fire of a thousand suns and I could not make it to the bathroom soon enough. To top it off, I was hobbling because my flip-flop kept slipping and I had no depth-perception so I had to pause in my hap-hazard run-hobble to the bathroom. I finally made it and then proceeded to undo any effect the cream had done by bending over and dunking my head in the sink.

If that wasn't enough, I think my nightgown got stuck to my underwear when I got up from the chair. Oh, the indignity.

So Happy New Year everybody! May 2010 bring nothing but good things (even when they are bad, something good will come of it!) to you all. Make sure to stay tuned to Shiny! for upcoming adventures, merchandise, fashion, and photography. I hope you didn't bring in the new year in as much style as I just did this morning. Cheers!

Another peek.

I'm aware I'm being a bit secretive about this, I just don't want to open up giving you only crumbs. :) Here's a glimpse at other things I'm working on: another headband, a bracelet, and a necklace.

If anyone's interested, feel free to drop me a line in the comments.

Better pictures (aka pictures in which you can actually see the objects in their entirety!) will be up soon, I promise!

To all who are interested, thank you for your patience! Really truly.

Just some beading.

Here's a little preview of the stuff I'm going to be selling!

This is the last available headband in this colorway though...

If you're interested, drop me a line in the comments.

Stonehenge.

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.

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...

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!

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?

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.

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!

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.