The Good and The Bad

Today has been both a good and a bad day. I woke up to excellent news. Not only did I secure a job photographing a doggy-get-together event, but the same people emailed me back and are wondering if I'd be available to photograph their daughter's sweet sixteen party. Um... yes? Not a difficult question to answer. It'll be a bit of a trip though, since it is in Grafton at the state park, but hey, for the right price I am willing to work with you. I will have to find an assistant though. Shouldn't be too hard, since it's on a Saturday.

I also received a message from my cousin, since he is engaged, and he would like engagement photos. Well, to be more accurate his fiance contacted me, but close enough. So I will be doing those as well, which should be nice.

Later today I went with Steve to meet his grandparents, since they did want to meet me, and so he could help them out a bit. They are wonderful people, and his grandmother is an excellent cook. We were treated to lunch upon arriving, and I think the most awkward part of the entire day was saying grace. I have nothing against it, it's just not something my family has ever practiced at every meal. I'm only accustomed to it on holidays. So it did throw me a bit, but I don't think anyone noticed nor minded.

I helped Steve out with what needed to be done, and his grandmother ran a few errands. Actually, she asked if I wanted to accompany her instead of working, but I declined since I figured Steve could use a helping hand. And he did, since he can't bend down well to use a dust pan. xD

After that the four of us sat and watched the birds and chatted on an enclosed porch. Their house is really cute, reminded me a lot of my late grandmother's house, on my mother's side.

I'm pretty sure I left a good impression too, because I got hugs when I left. :)

It wasn't until after we got home that things started going downhill.

I didn't get much sleep last night, unfortunately, and then I had a long day today. So that started the whole mess. The next big thing was the Def Leppard, Poison, and Cheap Trick concert tonight--I really wanted to go, but because I work tomorrow from 6am-noon, I couldn't. The fact that my mother and brother still aren't back yet from it (my sister left early since she didn't care for Def Leppard so much) is evidence that I made the more responsible decision.

However, I LOVE Poison. They were my first real concert, and I really wanted to go again. I'm also a good fan of the other two bands, too. I've wanted to go to this concert since I found out about it four months ago. But we never made any commitments, so I couldn't get the time off; and even if I had asked for it, it would have been denied since we're all supposed to work every holiday. I was honestly hoping that they didn't go, since Mom bought the tickets today, because I am very envious. I can admit to that. The fact that they did go though depresses me, because I know I'm missing out on something really awesome due to work.

The other concert I wanted to see was REO Speedwagon. But guess when they're coming to SPAC. The correct answer is tomorrow, and I already have plans. Seriously, what band performs on a holiday? It sucks all around. And the Billy Joel and Elton John concert sold out on me. :< I really wanted to see Billy Joel in concert too, have since I first started listening to him when I was in elementary school.

So my summer concert schedule is pretty much bust this year, which blows. And I blame my job at Stewart's, because they demand so much and pay so little.

I'm also upset because I have a six hour shift tomorrow. I know I volunteered for it, but I was kind of hoping she'd cut me a break anyways. But that's not the case, because I'm working the morning and therefore we don't get the holiday rush the afternoon will get. Yeah. Right. Most people will be leaving for the lake bright and early, meaning between 8 and 10am, I bet we'll be swamped.

Definitely not looking forward to it.

And because I was already starting to get depressed over these two things, I didn't want to let go of Steve. I'm a little clingy when I'm depressed, but mostly because I just want company I can trust. Steve does have to go home at night though to take care of his kitties, at least if we don't plan ahead, and so he did have to leave. And that was pretty much the icing on the cake for really dropping my mood tonight.

So it's been a lot of ups and downs today. I'm hoping tomorrow goes smoothly enough, since I work, then I have a picnic to attend, and then I'm doing fireworks. I'm really looking forward to the fireworks though. <3

A Forum for Photographers

It's complete! I have finally completed my pet project! What is it you ask? Well, if you read the title, you've probably already figured it out, but I'll tell you anyways!

Over the past week I've been working with a couple of friends on a forum specifically for photographers to share their work, get feedback, and discuss the industry. I know, there are places like DA to do such things, but it's still not a really localized community. We're still spread out, and making connections is still tough. That, and keeping up with specific topics on the DA forums aren't easy.

So that's why I decided to build a forum just for photography. If you're wondering why I was so specific, it's because I had one geared towards all art, and it bombed miserably. So just photography folks, and nothing more. I'm thinking about expanding it to photomanipulations and digital darkroom type stuff eventually, but we shall see how it goes for now.

Still with me and interested in taking a peek? Well, then head on over to this [link] and see what I'm so excited about! And if you're a photographer, I hope to see you there. :3

I have my Fireworks Schedule!

It's that time of the year again! I LOVE fireworks, like, a crazy insane amount. And as such, I attend as many displays as I can possibly fit in to my summer. This year, the only hindrance will probably be all the rain we've been getting, but I've found four I could attend so I should make at least one!

July third, this coming Friday, Lanzi's on the Lake is having their display. However, there is a 50% chance of rain and storms so I'll have to play it by ear. That, and I might still be in Glens Falls with Steve, because his grandparents would like to meet me, and they have some things they need help with from Steve. However, it is a possibility.

This Saturday, right on the fourth, I will be very busy. First, I will be working from 6am until noon, and everyone should come visit me and get a waffle cone to celebrate! They're on sale, and we have the best ice cream. After work, I will be coming home to change, and then I am heading to Steve's parents' house for a picnic. Once the sun starts getting low, Steve and I are then heading out to go to Congress Park, where there will be a FANTASTIC display of fireworks. If any of you remember the shots I got last year, it was at this display. You just have to hand it to Saratoga. Saturday's forecast, at least right now, is calling for isolated thunderstorms, but only at a 30% chance. So it should be excellent weather for the weekend.

Since it will definitely be excellent weather on Sunday, the fifth, I will probably be able to make the display at the Sport Island Pub. I've been to that one as well, and it's always well done. Better than Lanzi's, and the two places are owned by the same person. xD

The last stop will be the I Go Inn on the eleventh. That's too far in the future to determine how the weather will be, but I'm crossing my fingers for it to be a wonderful day. These will be the only fireworks I haven't seen before, which is very exciting!

So it looks like this:
July 3rd: Lanzi's on the Lake at Dusk, meaning about 9pm I would think.
July 4th: Congress Park at Dark, meaning about 9:30pm usually.
July 5th: Sport Island Pub at Dusk.
July 11th: I Go Inn at Dusk.

The cool thing about Lanzi's, the Pub, and the Inn; is that you can actually watch the fireworks on the Sacandaga Lake from your boat. That's how we always did it when we could afford a marina slip, and it was so much fun.

And hey, if you plan on attending any of these and want to tag along, and I actually know you, drop me a line. We can meet up or something.

It's sure to be a blast!

I am so Inconsistent

Wow, am I inconsistent. I used to update this blog 50x a day it seemed, and now I'm lucky if I update once a month. *headwall* What happened to my drive!?

Oh wait, I know what happened.

I started working again, and have been sicker than hell.

So the pink eye cleared up relatively fast, which was good, and I was able to continue working with no issues. In fact, I was finally starting to adjust to and kind of enjoy my job at Stewart's. Miranda and I ended up blowing everyone away at the milkshake sale, and I've been earning incentive for being good at upselling and a good worker.

Sadly, the dojo did have to close near the end of May. Steve just wasn't able to pay the rent when we lost another five students to the economy, and he still had himself to think of because he was unemployed still, despite every effort made to change this fact. So the dojo is gone, but private lessons are going to continue out of his home. It just has to be cleaned, and a couple of unruly tenants need to either do some serious shaping up (haha... this isn't the first time they've been asked to do as much) or leave.

On my end, I finally got a 26 hour week at Stewart's, and I worked 28 hours that week because they needed me. What was terrible was that I was so sick I pretty much lost my entire voice. Everyone said I sounded A) Like Rachel Ray, B) Like a Man, or C) Like a Dead Horse. I coughed like crazy, sometimes uncontrollably, and I barely slept at night because of it. I have no idea how I managed 28 hours, but I did.

I finally started to recover from that illness, when I caught another. I worked with it for about a week and a half, and then I finally had to go see the doctor. Why? Well, because my glands were so swollen they were touching each other and you couldn't see the back of my throat too well--but on what you could see were ginormous white spots. I called out of work last Monday because of it, and the doctor prescribed me penicillin and forbid me from working Tuesday as well. She gave me a doctor's note and I was on my way. So last week I got only eight hours, which really sucks because it means I'll have about enough for a little gas and a little food money. Thank goodness I already have this month's car payment. But it's not helping me for next month with student loans and my next car payment. However, I told myself not to worry, because this week was coming and it'd make up for it.

Wrong.

I was given ten hours this week, six of which I'm working on Independence Day. And upon looking closer at the schedule, I am the only one with under 20 hours this week aside from the one person going on vacation. Even the new hires have at least 21 hours.

What?

I don't get it either, but it feels like I'm being punished for calling out. My manager despises call outs, and in fact anyone you talk to that knows Stewart's will tell you that the whole company is a bitch about being sick and calling out. I would not be shocked if someone got fired for being sick too much.

Mom said to wait and see what the do next week, so I'm not saying anything just yet. We'll see if my hours are shit again next week, and if they are then I might have to start asking why. Possibly raising a stink as well.

In the mean time I'm looking for either a second job, or a definite full time position. I'd honestly prefer the full time job though, and just walk away from Stewart's at this point. I love my coworkers, and the work isn't difficult, it's just not the kind of place where I feel I'm a good fit. I can do it, and I do it as well as I can, but when it gets super busy I feel I'm more a burden than asset which can't be good. It's probably because I'm also trying not to pick up some of the bad habits other employees have. >_>;

But anyways, enough about my crappy job.

On the flip side of things, for those who aren't aware of it yet, I did start dating Steve. This caused quite an upset with my one ex who decided I had lied yet again, and that it was shit I didn't tell her but she instead found out through a mutual friend. She actually IMed me to find out what was running through my head, and when I tried to explain to her civilly, she just exploded and swore at me a lot in anger. All I could do was laugh, really, at how immature she sounded. I think what I laughed the hardest at, was that she said if I had told her from the start she wouldn't have been angry. Which is a load of crap because she would have bitched then too. There was no way to win, honestly.

But yes, I have been in a relationship with Steve for a little over two months now, but it feels like a lot longer. Every moment I spend with him is enjoyed, and every minute apart I can't wait for the next moment I see him again. I know it sounds clingy, but honestly it's not because we both feel the same way, but understand that we do need our time apart, and that we both have to work and such. So it's actually a healthy relationship, which I am incredibly thankful for.

On the photography side, I got some of my work hung in the Hair Art Salon and Spa in Saratoga, and it's for sale. I'm not sure if any sold, but I have to go pick them up sometime this week. I suppose I will know then. We also had this place called Jax Kitchen open that is a delivery place and restaurant, and they're looking for art so I'll be in contact with them as well. He's already interested, so that's a plus. I was supposed to contact him either Sunday or yesterday, but things just got way too hectic and I wasn't able to.

I'm also planning on doing a pinup shoot sometime soon, which will be fun. I'm just waiting for when my little studio in the basement can be created so that I have the space. Just have to help get the upstairs finished so that we can move my brother's furniture back into his room.

Once that studio is created, I'll also have the ability to really work the senior portraits and stuff. So I will be advertising like crazy, and I hope it works out well. I know I have at least one person that's very interested in having me do her's. Score!

Speaking of seniors, my sister graduated this past Saturday, and we had her party. It was pretty fun. Congrats class of 2009!

I think that's pretty much if to playing catch-up. So here is my latest photography, enjoy!


Hello Kitty Cat by =Saknika on deviantART


Dreaming of Fish... Maybe... by =Saknika on deviantART


A Little Unbalanced by =Saknika on deviantART


Perky and Pink by =Saknika on deviantART


Feeling a Little Blue by =Saknika on deviantART


Entering for Souls by =Saknika on deviantART


Bridge of Sanzu by =Saknika on deviantART


Prom09 CLassic Togetherness by =Saknika on deviantART


Elegant Couple: Prom 09 by =Saknika on deviantART


The First Infrared by =Saknika on deviantART


Surreal Blue River by =Saknika on deviantART


Cryptic Stones by =Saknika on deviantART


Painted Infrared Lake by =Saknika on deviantART


Lake Sunset 2009 by =Saknika on deviantART


Elegant Walkway from the Past by =Saknika on deviantART


Delicately Pink by =Saknika on deviantART


Optimistically Orange by =Saknika on deviantART


The Heart of the Plant by =Saknika on deviantART


As Time Passes By by =Saknika on deviantART


Hidden Falls by =Saknika on deviantART


Rushing Falls by =Saknika on deviantART

Pink Eye... Epidemic?

Okay, seriously, I don't know what the hell is up, but it's annoying. About a month ago, not quite, Steve got severe pink eye. It was near the very end of April. It was bad enough that the doctor was kind of worried about it, and told him to return if it didn't clear up in ten days. Gave him drops and sent him on his way. And the drops did get rid of it. Too bad it didn't clear as fast as it came on, because this shit came out of NO WHERE.

So about five days after Steve's pink eye cleared up, I got it. Even though after every time I did his drops for him I washed my hands, and we bleached the dojo and stuff. Somehow I still got it. We were super freaking careful! Mine was no where near as severe though, and in fact I would have only had it in one eye except for the fact that I transferred it when I removed my contacts that night, since I thought it was just contact irritation. Wouldn't have been so naive, except I was determined not to get pink eye. But I did, and I didn't suffer--aside from my drops o' death that burned a bit. Same shit I had for the ulceration, only I don't remember them burning then--just tasting real bad. And they still do. xP

So mine cleared up, and has been gone for well over two weeks now.

Tonight Steve and I were watching Family Guy, and then headed into my bedroom to just sit and chat. His eyes were FINE during Family guy, and an hour later I looked at him and was like "Holy shit Steve, your eye is BEAT RED." Upon closer look we discovered the nasty green discharge and it was an "ALKDGLJG;LA" moment. Seriously, where the hell did it come from?! So I threw my drops o' death in his eyes since we lacked his at my house, and he's going to call the doctor tomorrow. This is nuts. But just like last time, he's sick as hell just before he got it. So I wonder if it's not the cold that's doing it or something.

But in lieu of this, I washed my hands, took out my contacts and threw them into solution to disinfect, and then threw the drops o' death in my eyes just to be on the safe side since it looks like a little bit of pink was forming around the iris. I'll be damned if I get this shit again. Hell, I'll probably just bust out new contacts tomorrow or something to be on the safe side. This is crazy!

I doubt I'll get it again though, since we caught everything so fast this time. Cross your fingers for me just in case though!

It's been a while...

So it's taken me about a month to update this thing, but a lot has happened. Like, I have been so busy over the last month that I don't know where time went. It was just gone. It's disturbing, in a way. But I wouldn't change it for the world, since there was a lot of good mixed in with the bad. And, it was a ton of fun.

The biggest laugh and crisis over the month was the VA trips. Steve and I ended up visiting the ER three times in eleven days. Apparently, his doctor cannot take care of cauliflower ear, so we had no choice but to visit the VA. He's supposed to go see a plastic surgeon, but never made the consultation appointment because of illness.

You see, Steve later got pink eye... in both eyes very severely. To the point of severe light sensitivity and pain. So I was helping him with the drops as well (and washing my hands like it was going out of style), and just trying to keep him optimistic about his health, since he was getting sick.

Well.. I got a call at about 10:30am on the Friday that he was supposed to go to the plastic surgeon to fix his ear properly. It was from his brother Dan, and apparently Steve was unable to take himself to see the surgeon.

Not good.

So I made it to his parents' house, where he had made it to, in about twenty minutes. Which means I was speeding a bit, but I was severely worried. What I saw when I got there was Steve lying on a couch fairly unresponsive and not acknowledging me when I spoke to him at all, and unable to open his eyes. So I told him he wasn't making the consult because he was in no condition to, and took him home. We both napped for a few hours before making the dojo.

Everyone knows I don't particularly enjoy my job at Stewarts. In fact, there are some days that I totally despise it, but I think that's pretty normal. But I was hecka angry at them on the Friday I had to work and couldn't because...

I got pink eye. >_<

Michelle had told me the night before that my left eye looked red and stuff, but I ignored it and just pulled the contact out, figuring it was irritation. It wasn't bothering me at all. So I pulled the other contact out when it was time for bed, and just went to sleep figuring it would be gone come morning.

Oh hell no, I woke up with pink eye in both of my eyes. The doctor figures it was from when I took out my other contact, that I transferred it. Thankfully, it was no where near as bad as Steve's, and it never caused me any real discomfort except for getting really dry.

But when I called Stewarts that morning, pretty much as soon as I woke up at 10am (I worked at noon), they flipped. Said I needed to give a sooner notice, and that this really screwed them up, and that I'd better have a doctor's note, yadda yadda yadda. Personally, I think that they were very rude considering the situation, since if I had just come in with Pink Eye, they would have had to sanitize the entire place and could have been fined since it's illegal to work during the first 24 contagious hours of the illness. So that really irked me bad.

But enough about the bad... onto the good!

Saturday the 2nd of May, we had a demo in Latham for the Martial Arts section of ABC Sport and Fitness we're opening up. Yup, we're doing a gym merger to give us a second location, all thanks to Tom Cronin. And yes folks, this means I have met him. If you don't know who he is, he is the founder and publisher of Success Magazine in the capital district, and he's also written at least one book on running a business and such. The man is brilliant. But anyways, so we had a demo.

The demo went well, but the expo was a flop. Not a good turnout because so many people didn't hold up their end of the bargain, which sucked. But, we did well and that's all that matters.

That, and the fact that I got to beat up both Steve and Tom. 8D It was so funny too, because it was for self defense, and Tom came over and was like "So if I were to attack Sam like this..." and grabbed me--to which I torqued his wrist and popped it up and then came within two centimeters of kicking him right in the groin and he was all "OOOOOOOKAAAY..."

Steve and I were rolling with laughter. Self defense is amazingly fun. :D

In fact, speaking of self defense, I am actually going to be teaching both that and weapons for Steve. And getting paid as soon as the money is there. *0*

But... I must learn all eight weapons for him as well. Which is gonna be CRAZY!

I already have the bokken down. But I still have to learn the sais, nunjaku, escrima/kali sticks, bo staff, military combat knife, tonfa, and twin swords. Someone seriously ought to record some of this, because it's going to be hilarious and could probably take the grand prize on America's Funniest Home Videos. xD

Also concerning the dojo, I finally finished the website, and we just have minor content left to be placed in it. You can see it here: http://www.inpakuto-ryu.com

I also have been doing some photography, which I will list at the bottom of this journal. Nothing too exciting, but better than not doing any at all. Waiting for the snow to be gone so I could really get outside was a bitch.

This past weekend I met Steve's parents, and it went really well. We figured that since he knew most of my family, I ought to meet more of his as well. It was fun, and we had a good time. Plus there was this really delicious Angel Food cake... >w> <3

Then yesterday it was yard work Sunday. So we helped Mom with yard work all day, and I got a sunburn. xP

The next big thing is Memorial Day, which I'm going to try to get the time off to be able to go with Steve up to Fort Ticonderoga for a wreath laying ceremony at 11am, and then after that we're going to explore the fort since he's never been before. Definitely a good way to spend Memorial Day in my book.

Oh, and this Friday is my birthday. I'm going to be 20. O___O;

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd, that'd be it! :O PHOTO TIME! 8D

My Daily Deviation from April 16th:

Firework Waterfall by =Saknika on deviantART
That actually got me 234 pageviews the first day, and 174 the next. *0*


Wondering Breeze by =Saknika on deviantART


Curious Return by =Saknika on deviantART


Depths of Emotions by =Saknika on deviantART


Try Me Sweetheart by =Saknika on deviantART


Somewhere Far Away by =Saknika on deviantART

To the VA Emergency Room

Last night was... pretty interesting. I'll backlog later, since I have work in about two hours, but this is one of those stories you just really have to tell.

I wanted to write it up last night, but Steve and I didn't get home until about 3:30am and I really needed sleep. So, now that I'm awake and have some time, I shall tell the story. I'm sure anyone that follows me on Twitter will be happy since I'm sure their curiosity has been sparked since I left a brief post on there last night about my activities.

I arrived at the dojo around the same time as Steve yesterday, after having a spare key made and picking up my paycheck. The first thing we did was pay off Paul for the back rent and taxes. WE DID IT! THE DOJO WILL SURVIVE! C:

After that though, Steve showed me his ear, and we both decided that since it was purple, we had to do something about it that night.

Before I go any further, let me explain what I'm talking about.

Steve ended up with cauliflower ear, which is common among instructors and pro-fighters of Jujitsu. It's actually a wonder that in the 20 years he's been doing this, that this is the first time he's ever gotten it. But what cauliflower ear is; is when the ear becomes hurt and inflamed, and then not left alone to calm down, it starts to fill with fluid. So it gets like this huge lump, and it's incredibly uncomfortable and painful. All it fills with is blood and pus, and if it explodes all over the place (which can happen), as relieving as it is to the person who has it, it's still really gross in that it makes a pretty big mess and smells like rotting flesh.

So, Steve had had that for about a week and a half as of yesterday, and it was to the point that he was having some issues hearing, his glasses were constantly irritating it, and it was starting to bulge at the back too and press the ear out away from his head. We couldn't wait until today or tomorrow as planned to get it drained, we HAD to go last night. It was to the point that he was having issues sleeping because every time he rolled over onto it, he woke up. Waiting time was over.

Classes ended around 9:45pm, and then Carrington stopped in and chatted until about 10:15pm, since he's been dealing with MEPS of the Army since he enlisted and stuff. I don't know what MEPS stands for off the top of my head, so please don't ask.

Anyways, Steve has a severe phobia of needles. Like... he's to a needle the way an arachnophobic is to a spider. So I told him I would go with him, and use meditation so that hopefully he wouldn't have to be strapped down to a backboard this time.

Yes, that has happened before. Poor guy.

So, after I got him to stop procrastinating around 11:15pm, we loaded into his little standard Ford, and headed off to the VA in Albany. This is like an hour drive, since you shoot the highway and then have to go downtown to find this place.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am no good with cities. As soon as we started getting in to Albany, I started to have issues. It definitely overstepped my comfort level, but I try to be there for my friends when they need me, so I went with it.

It was an uneventful drive, and when we got there we were welcomed in by intercom and a guy in control of the door. It was interesting.

At a VA hospital, you apparently have to sign in when you arrive after 7pm, so that was our first stop. Then we headed down to the ER section, since 12:15am is DEFINITELY after hours. ^^;

Once there a woman signed him in, and then a man took his blood pressure and what not. No one really spoke to me, but you could tell just by the way they were that everyone was military. Other than that, and the fact that this hospital was WAY nicer than a civilian one, you wouldn't have known the difference.

We were shown to a room not long after the BP stuff, and we ended up there for an hour before a woman came in at 1:20am. I know that was the time because Steve said it was probably 2am and she corrected him.

Lemme tell you something, that hospital was HOT. Like... I wanted to strip it was so deadly. And it was driving my stomach nuts. But somehow we managed.

Now, when the lady finished her initial talk with Steve about the ear, and going over the options (draining by needle or lancing it), she and the other doctor guy came back. I was sitting next to Steve at about his knees on the edge of the bed while he iced my ear, and the male doctor asked me to have a seat in the chair.

For any of you who understand meditation where you listen to someone's voice as they take you on a journey, I'm sure you realize that me sitting on the other side of the room with a doctor between him and me is not going to work. But for the moment while they got their little cart and stuff in I obeyed and went to the chair.

Thankfully, the male left and the woman was going to do the procedure. So I asked her if it wouldn't be okay for me to sit next to Steve where I was because I would be in the way. Turns out they were just worried I'd get queasy like most others and either vomit or pass out--which would be an even bigger issue in my case because I am a civilian and already out-of-place in there as it was. But I assured her I'd be okay, and promised that if I felt queasy or light headed at all that I would look away and close my eyes. So she said that'd be fine and let me sit at Steve's knees.

Awesome. I liked her. She was cool.

So I positioned myself there, and held one of Steve's hands with a piece of quartz between us to really strengthen the bond and effect, and brought him into that meditative state and began our walk in the park.

All went well up until the lady had to speak to him about the first needle of anesthetic to numb the ear a bit. Apparently it burns, and she had to let him know. He did look like he was in some pain, but after she was done with the initial speaking I just started talking about the park again, and he calmed.

It was the second needle (like the ones they draw blood with) that was the problem. She broke the trance again by telling him, and then informing him that it was a bigger needle, and he almost hit her. Almost. The minute she saw his free hand come up she was like "And we're going to keep that hand away from your head and me..." so I took that as my cue to hold it. No big. He definitely gripped my hands hard, but not anywhere near enough to hurt me because I let my fingers and stuff relax so that he couldn't--not at that angle. I kept talking to him, but then I broke the trance at the very end when she sucked the crap out with a "That is SO COOL" because hell, IT WAS. His ear deflated like a balloon! LMFAO She pulled out a little over 2mL of blood and shit from it though, which for an ear is A LOT. But Steve said it was like instant relief which is all that mattered.

After that we wrapped his head in gauze so we could pack the ear with it and still hold it in place, and yes I helped her with this since she only had two hands, needed a third, and Steve was still a little out of it from the needle and meditation. She actually told me I was hired. xD I don't think she was expecting the response I gave to the blood and stuff--at least her face definitely said she wasn't. Haha.

And that was it, we were on our way.

I chatted Steve's ear off the entire way home, because unfortunately not only was he running on about four hours of sleep and a twenty hour day, but they also gave him Motrin as an anti-inflammatory even after we told them he had over an hour drive home.

Grand. Especially since we didn't get out of there until 2:15am.

So I just chatted his ear off and used pressure points to keep him awake back down the highway and to the dojo. If worst came to worse, I could have driven his car since he did give me a driving lesson in stick one Sunday a few weeks ago, but we didn't want to go there since I have issues starting still.

However, since he was really having staying-awake issues, we left his car at the dojo, and I drove him home. He was nodding off pretty good in my car, and told me when we got to the dojo that he doesn't remember driving the hour back from Albany, so it was probably a really smart choice.

And man, we lit out of Albany like no tomorrow. Not only were we both REALLY tired, but I was starting to have a serious panic attack at being in the city.

But we made it. And no one got sick, hurt, or killed. So looking back on it, it was kind of exciting.

So I made it home at about 3:30am, and naturally no one was awake. It took at least fourty-five minutes for me to fall asleep because I just couldn't calm myself down from all the adrenaline and stuff that I had used to keep myself going and push my comfort levels. It was brutal. And then I was woken up at about 9:30am, so I just didn't get much sleep.

Oh well.

I only work a four hour shift today at Stewarts, from noon until 4:00pm, and then I take Steve back to the dojo where I will probably take a nap. I feel like I'm going to need it. ROFL But we have a couple of couches, so I can. C:

The lesson we learned from all this? Make sure the next time Steve ends up with cauliflower ear, we call his doctor ASAP and make an appointment to drain it so we don't have to do the long ER visit again.

Still, definitely an out-of-the-ordinary kind of exciting night. Oh the story I get to tell to my coworkers today. xD

And speaking of that, I'm off to go get ready and head out. :D

Terrifyingly Accurate

So I did this quiz thing here: http://www.goldinuniverse.com/default.asp And it's like... 100% correct. o_o I'm used to these sorts of things, but this wasn't quite what I was expecting for a result. So it totally took me by surprise.

Here's what I got:

You are longing for some love and affection at this time - not that you have been deprived of tender loving care - but there are times when everyone needs to try something new or to go 'somewhere' else to perhaps experience that little extra 'understanding'.

You are a true extrovert, frivolous and outgoing. You need to feel in control of any situation. If matters are not proceeding according to plan you tend to get extremely irritable and perhaps become difficult to live with.

Everyone has to compromise at times and circumstances are such that at this time you are feeling the need to do just that. Put all of your hopes on the back burner and let matters flow for a time - forgo some of the things you want. The good times are just around the corner.

As of late, you have been experiencing untold stress and this is a result of continuous frustration. You haven't been taking care of all your physical needs and it's beginning to show. It would seem that you have a need to find someone to whom you can really relate - someone perhaps whose standards are as high as your own. You want to be different - to be individualistic - to stand out from the common herd. Your inherent control of your sensual instincts is restricting your ability to give yourself to open up freely but this being on your own, being lonely, often makes you feel the need to give up some of your strict standards to surrender to the general flow - to be like everyone else; a part of the herd. Deep down you regard such instincts as weaknesses to be overcome. You would like to be loved or admired for yourself alone. You demand recognition and tender loving care.

You are putting on a show - a facade. You are a master of demonstrating considerable charm in the hope that this can or will lead to better things. Deep down you are fearful that this may not work and that you may have to employ other strategies in order to realise all your ambitions.

Here we go again~

So I had my second interview today and I nailed it. NAILED IT. I officially have a job with Stewarts as far as I know (we saw what happened with 5guys after all... >_>;), and all I have left to do aside from paperwork is to attend this one orientation either this Saturday or next Saturday. I won't know for sure until my new manager, Hope, calls me and lets me know. But ugh, just thinking about that makes me tired. I'm no good with these orientation things, but I'll do what I have to.

The interview was funny though, because he seemed fairly impressed with my working knowledge of things for only ever having worked two jobs. That, and when my karate background came up he was like "So you could probably kick my ass then, huh?" which was REALLY FUNNY. He was a great guy for the second interview, and it made the Stewarts thing look a bit better for employment. Not my ideal job at all, but it'll be income.

Getting to this Stewarts though was interesting, since I can't see too well. I was nearly on top of this HUGE sign before I could read it. It took recognizing the specific colour of maroon and general shape of the letters to realize that it was what I was looking for. LMAO OTL;;;

Still, the important part is that soon, very soon, I will have income again. And I am in DESPERATE need of it. So that makes me happy. :3 I'm going to keep looking though, since either something far better will come along, or I'll be able to get another part time job to bring in extra money. Or, who knows, Stewarts might not be so bad and I'll have a good time working there and just not leave until I'm ready to fully branch out with my photography. That'd be the coolest thing.

In other news...

And this is really retarded folks, so take a seat...

A Harvard, HARVARD, economist blames TWITTER of all things for our economic crisis. TWITTER?! Are you KIDDING me!? It's so ridiculous, seriously.

Take a look for yourself. http://www.gaebler.com/Economist-Blames-Twitter-for-Down-Economy.htm

I'm going to go smash my head against a wall, personally. Especially because the ironic thing is that I found that through Twitter.

What a laugh.

INPAKUTO-RYU.COM

OH YEAH, AND IN EVEN COOLER NEWS, I FINALLY LAUNCHED MY DOJO'S WEBSITE. SO I'M TYPING THIS ALL IN CAPS BECAUSE CAPSLOCK IS CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL. 8D

CHECK IT OUT! FEEDBACK IS AMAZING <3

www.inpakuto-ryu.com