HAPPY HALLOWEEN

So I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween! I know I did!

For me, mine started yesterday. That's right, I started a day early by heading up to Fort Ticonderoga for day one of two of their haunted fort. Ticonderoga looks SO DIFFERENT at night. o_o And like, it's really cold. xD But it was fun. You start off around a bonfire in line to keep warm, and are brought in with a small group, learning the story of Duncan Cambell along the way.

I knew it was going to be good too when a guy stood on the road with a black ski mask on and was bowing and waving his hat like a headless soldier. <3

Well... half the entertainment was my sister SCREAMING at like... everything. xD

When you first started out, there was this guy dressed to be dead and bleeding, or dying, or whatever. And he was asking for a doctor. Well, it was pretty comical to me, but Mia really doesn't want anything to do with that sort of stuff. As we were listening to the story, I felt something poking me in the back. And when I turned around there he was, asking for a doctor. I just shrugged, so he moved on to my sister. She didn't get poked, but she did instinctively turn around... AND FREAKED OUT. So the guy FOLLOWED HER AROUND as she tried to hide between Sarah and me. LMFAO

So the tour continues, and you get inside the fort. And it's amazing because they're firing the cannon off at the same time, and the sound is just... incredible. There is no true way to describe this. And you go in through the main entrance too, where a guy comes FLYING OUT IN A DEAD RUN screaming to save yourselves. xD You went from here into this side room that isn't normally open, down a metal catwalk. I didn't like this part much because I don't care for those catwalks, no matter how close to the ground they are. They bother me and I feel like I'm going to fall. That, and there were cobwebs hanging everywhere and it was just an odd feeling. But Mia got the worst scare because people under the catwalk grabbed her legs. xD

After this we sat to watch part of a really bad zombie movie from back when films were b+w and really badly lip synced. It was AWFUL. Mia didn't catch on as fast that it was a zombie film though because unlike Sarah and I, she wasn't quick enough to pick up on what "eating the flesh of their victims" meant.

While we were sitting, this one zombie lady came over and started playing with my hair. I'm sure she meant to freak me out, but I'm so used to that it was just natural. That, and I had a good enough sixth sense to know she was there. I had half a mind to direct her to my sister, but I didn't. I have to admit though, whatever fake finger things she was wearing felt odd against my neck. I was more irritated than anything though, because she pulled my hair out of my hoodie and when that happens I get some nasty snarls. Yuck. xP

So we stayed there, warmed up a bit (I started to get heat sick >.o) and then we were off again.

From here it was down a narrow corridor that I'm sure was meant for safety so that you couldn't be totally ambushed. Line the enemy up and pick them off one-by-one. And we ended up in this... bunker basically. I don't know what it was used for, but I mean to ask as soon as I get a chance to send an email their way. Curious little spot it was. I missed a step though and almost fell flat on my face. x'D Didn't scream though, just was like "Wa--oh." LOL

After this where we heard more of the story, we were lead back outside where more dead soldiers started to amass. We went up the ramp to the parapets and across the wooden bridge, and now we were REALLY being followed. And like, the cannon are still being fired and the WHOLE FORT SHOOK with them. You could see the spout of flame, and hear the whoosh sounds as the air was displaced just by the force. It wouldn't shock me if they said it was live fire, that's just what it sounded like. AMAZING.

Oh, but while we were crossing the courtyard, this guy made a scary scream and scared the pants off my sister. And before that the Scotsman that was telling the story said there was nothing to be afraid of to her, that she had him. x3 They're so cool at Fort Ti. <3

So the story concluded there, and we were lead down steps, and Mia is screaming again because these guys are following us asking us to stay and help. At one point I turned around and asked for a gun. xD Said I would if they could supply me. LMAO

It was a good night though. We didn't get to have dinner since the log cabin restaurant was closed, but it was fun. Even Mia had fun, because she enjoys being scared. We decided we were going again next year. With more people.

And... we definitely have to leave earlier than 4:15. We need to be there before 6pm so we don't have to budge in line (granted, it was a pure accident we didn't realize it was a line) to make it in early. Because it's a long drive, and it was a school night. But definitely worth it.

Well, until we went to find the car again. They don't have any lights in the "parking lot" (it was a big grass area with rocks), so I was using the flash on my camera light a flash light (you can do this by half-pressing down the shutter release button) to find the car. Well, we missed a boulder, and I stepped wrong off it and totally twisted my left ankle. Oi.

Still drove home though. And Mia and Sarah slept the whole way.

I think the best part though was knowing Fort Ticonderoga's history, and knowing that while we played with the fake ghosts, real ones definitely lingered. *w*

But that brings us to today!

Today I had work. xP But it was fun because I was in kimono, and Caitlin came in wearing kimono, and Bonnie was a pirate, and Cait was a fairy... Gotta love Halloween. I wish I'd had a chance to take photos, but I didn't.

It was a long day, anticipating tonight, but it worked out. Sold calendars and had snotty customers. Like, seriously, for the first time I had snotty customers. Assholes. Oh well, I still get paid.

Then I went home, changed into my Athena costume because it's more replaceable than a kimono and went off to trick-or-treat with rowdy boys. Which was tons of fun until my hands froze so bad that now, three hours later, they are only JUST totally unfrozen. oxo;;; My ankle also hurts pretty bad again, but it was worth it for the fun and the candy. I'm on call for work tomorrow in case Glen doesn't show to cover Betsy, but other than that I plan on babying my ankle so I can be ready for Sunday.

Sunday, my friends, I am going to see Miss Kurama and Luna-kun for the first time in nearly a year! :O I can't believe it's been so long. >.<;; But it will be fun. They're an hour 45min from me, just inside Massachusetts. So I'll be out of state even! Kind of a mini road trip. LMAO I'm so excited. :3

And, today, I found out my pay rate won't be $9.50 at the kiosk in Clifton Park anymore. Nope, it's going to be $9.75 instead. That's not too hard to take. A nearly 40hr week at $9.75 an hour? HELLS YEAH.

Today has been a good day. Now I'm back to go rewatch Ghost Hunt, see the next Earl and Fairy, and ignore the stomach rumblings as it churns over the come-down off of excitement and feels semi-sick. xD LATER!






PS: The new cord came and it works. \OwO/

Gateway, how I LOATHE thee. >[

Right now, I am still INCREDIBLY PISSED at Gateway. They have to have the WORST customer service EVER. IF YOU CAN EVEN CALL IT THAT.

I got my cord today. Oh, and was I pleased. So the first thing I did was open it up, and went to plug it in... only to find that it DID NOT FIT INTO MY PORT.

WHAT IN THE HELL!?

So after shaking with rage for five minutes, I was finally calm enough to call product support. Which I did. And that poor guy must be talking a storm about me, because I LET HIM HAVE IT. I told him that whatever asshole sent me that cord sent the wrong one, and when he told me that they couldn't give me another 65watt cord for my laptop I asked him if I was shit out of luck then. Nope, instead he gave me...

ANOTHER PHONE NUMBER.

So I called Product Services. So I told this lady my issue, and she asked for my model number. WELL! She can't help me because I bought my laptop directly from Gateway, and they don't handle such products.

GAVE ME ANOTHER FUCKING NUMBER.

So now I'm onto Direct Service, which requires your serial number to do anything. And after finding out that Gateway did not put my serial number on the bottom of my fucking laptop, Mom and I went digging through old paperwork to find it because it was easier than attempting to find the box. Luckily, we had it, so I was able to get through.

ONLY TO FIND OUT, THAT SINCE MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, I CANNOT SPEAK TO ANYONE UNLESS I WANT TO PAY.

By now, I am raging so hard, and so pissed off, I'm not only shaking, but it's all I can do not to cry. So MOM calls them up, and is told the same damn thing. She needs to pay.

WELL.

So I went on to their technical support chat. Fuck them, I'll use whatever free method there is. And lo and behold, a seven minute chat produced me with a DIFFERENT WEBSITE THAN TIGER DIRECT that had MY PROPER CORD.

WHY WASN'T THIS THE FIRST GOD DAMN THING I WAS SENT!?

I... am so infuriated. There is no describing this. And this is not the end of it. I will find either a corporate email for the sonsofbitches at Gateway, or I will use the address they so lovingly provided on their website, and they are going to hear just how BAD their customer service department is. Not just the cute little feedback thing I got to fill out after my online chat.

This is ridiculous. I should not have to go through so much headache, bullshit, and utter NONSENSE for a $49 part!

So all told it's going to come to $61. NO EXTRA SOFTWARE INCLUDED. And this time it's getting ground shipped, because I don't give a rats ass right now.

If it weren't for the fact that I can't find another computer brand I trust, Gateway would not be getting my business when I go to purchase my business PC. So by all means, throw some names out there if you know any. Provided they are NOT: Dell, HP, Toshiba, Mac, or Compaq. I can't afford a Mac, and you can buy the other three at Walmart which just REAKS shitty quality.

I am going to ream Gateway a bunch of new assholes. I. AM. LIVID.

On the plus side, Tiger Direct is refunding the whole cost of what they sent me, shipping included, no hassle. Out of my hour and a half stuggle, that is the only good thing that came of it.

My night is effectively RUINED.

Long day at work, don't feel well, PROBABLY PMSING, and I came home to this BULLSHIT.

Talk about a shitty deal. >[

The Final Senior Portrait

So poor Angela is a bit of a procrastinator. x'D She came to me a week ago yesterday for her Senior Portraits, which were due yesterday. She didn't want any prints, just the one for the yearbook, so it was a bit of a cheaper session but that works. She and I actually met up on Sunday to finalize everything. xD But it did work out and she loved the portrait, so here it is. ^^

(That, and I'm sure you're all starved for imagery. LMAO)


Senior Portrait: 05 Her Choice by *Saknika on deviantART

Tiger Direct

So, it took me about four different numbers to get through with one that didn't want my god damn serial number, but I did it.

And it connected me right to Tiger Direct where Gateway orders from.

The guy actually spoke English! I WAS SHOCKED. But, in other stuff, he also couldn't believe that the bastard didn't tell me I was getting a CD as well. So he gave me the return number, and I can also refuse shipment if I want to. And the cord should be here on Wednesday.

So... I'm getting $30 back off my purchase. GOOD. The cord is actually only $43, and the S+H was $19 to get it here by Wednesday, so it's actually not that bad.

Still, Gateway is going to be getting an email. I don't appreciate being deceived. Not one bit. I am still pissed about the whole thing.

Gateway is damn lucky that Dell sucks so hard, or I would not be buying my business PC from them.

And no, I do not trust HP, Toshiba, nor Compaq or whatever it is. Simply because you can buy them at WALMART. Shitty products are shitty, and you usually get what you pay for, kthnx.

R.A.G.E.

I think I'm going to be making a phone call.

Checked my bank account this morning to see if I'd been charged the $92.00 yet for my replacement cord, and saw an order from Tiger Direct for $29. So naturally I was curious, and searched my confirmation number on there since the dumb asshole from Gateway never sent me a damn email nor bothered to get my friggin' email address.

WELL! It seems that it was ordered through there.

BUT! GET THIS! I WAS NOT JUST SOLD THE CORD.

YOU FUCKING BASTARDS.

There is this PC Pitstop Optimise program for $29 that the bastard Indian who can't speak damn English added on. I DID NOT ORDER THIS YOU ASSHOLE!

I ordered a cord. ONE CORD. THAT HAS NOT SHIPPED YET BUT THE PROGRAM HAS.

THE CORD IS ONLY $42. I was lead to believe it was $78!!!

I AM SO PISSED OFF RIGHT NOW. I don't NEED a PC Optimizer right now nor quickly. I NEED MY FUCKING CORD. MY GOD DAMN CHARGER!!!!!!!

Someone is getting ear raped, and Gateway WILL hear about this. I AM FUCKING RAGING.

PROMOTION!?

HOLY SHIT I WAS OFFERED A PROMOTION TODAY! O_O

Alix offered me the lead position down at the Clifton Park kiosk for when it opens in November. Basically, I'd be the person managing the money and stuff and all the other workers. YES. MANAGER POSITION. And I'd get more hours, AND earn another $2/hr!!! *w* HOW THE HELL DO YOU SAY NO TO THAT!?

She told me that she needed someone strong down there, and that I was the first person that came to mind. I AM OOZING HAPPINESS AND EXCITEMENT RIGHT NOW.

It's not even that much further than Saratoga, meaning that it wouldn't cost me that much more in gas. And since prices for gas have (finally) been dropping lately... NO MORE STUDENT LOAN STRESSING FOR A WHILE. It's like... bliss.

I'd be working Mon-Fri probably, but hell, for that kind of money and position, WHO CAN PASS THAT UP!? Like, I've been working my ass off (as best as you can in a slow mall lol) so that I'd be noticed and kept on after the seasonal business is done. I WAS NOT EXPECTING TO REAP REWARDS LIKE THIS. Girls and boys, remember, HARD WORK PAYS OFF. TTwTT

God... I'm so excited. I have a few questions I'll need to ask her, like if I'll be doing payroll and if I can still call if something arises that I'm not familiar with, but hell... THIS IS AMAZING.

I can't wait to tell Miss. M tomorrow when I go see her. She's going to be so proud. ^^

Speaking of Miss. M! Today I saw my old art teacher, Mrs. Delucia! It was a random chance meeting, and I got to chat with her for a while. She's having a wonderful retirement, I think. She was definitely a fun teacher, and she's lost weight since she's left! Probably the lack of stress from kids. x'D

Then, there was one customer in a scooter, so I just went and got the products for her since she really couldn't reach them or find them easily. I felt like such a good person.

Aaaaaand... we have the verifone down there now. D: The head office finally caught on... x'D So I was learning it all by my lonesome down there with my cheat sheet. LOL I screwed up the first one, but thanks to a call to Alix it was all fixed! And it seems that you can do some things backwards and everything still comes out okay. YAY!

So life is good right now. Minus the power cord to my computer. The new one will be here by Wednesday at the latest.

And by the way, you have just lost the game. :D

Crazy Aunt Ruth

So today I went to see my Great Aunt Katherine at my Great Aunt Ruth's house, and it was a riot. Hadn't seen Aunt Katherine in 10 years, and even though Aunt Ruth was at my graduation party a year and a half ago, I didn't see much of her then either. But it was good to see them, and they're funny people.

Especially Aunt Ruth.

Let me give you an idea. This woman was going to town to get groceries. And everyone knows Aunt Ruth because she is the lead volunteer who organizes EVERYTHING, so much so she made the papers a few years back. She has all the dirt, knows everyone, and everyone knows her. Anyways, so she was going to get groceries, and was at a traffic light. And you know how sometimes you don't notice the light turned green right away, and feel ashamed a bit. Well, that happened to her minus the shame, and she was about to start going when the guy behind her lays on the horn. And most of us would just ignore them, but not Aunt Ruth! She PARKED THE CAR in the middle of the intersection, GOT OUT OF THE CAR, and went back asking "Do you need me for something?" She then waited for an answer, and upon receiving none got back in the car and went her merry way.

She's also told her local politicians to shove off and that she wasn't giving them any special treatment in the 250th town birthday parade. Like... she put them near the end of the line. And when they sent people over to bitch and complain, Aunt Ruth told them to cut the shit, she didn't give a damn, and they could wait since they were here just to serve their own selfish desires and not for a love of the town. And then she sent word over later to their secretaries and told them that they had lost Johnstown's vote since they didn't have the decency to stick around and at least make an appearance after the parade, when it was well known they had at least five minutes time! Ohhh, she's a mean one. She will give it to you straight, she takes no shit, and you definitely would rather die than be taken prisoner by that woman.

But everyone wanted to spend the night at her house. lol I love this woman. And she's so old that she has those elderly concepts. Like, she is fairly racist, and considers pot to be a MAJOR drug, and all sorts of funny stuff. But I love her, she's cool.

She gave us tons of black walnuts too, to plant. And said if we could crack one open (and not accidentally explode it in the microwave like she did LMAO) you can sell the meat for a lot of money. Apparently these fuckers are hard as a coconut to crack! So we shall see!

Aunt Katherine got KFC for dinner, but I declined since I don't like it and it mutually doesn't like me. And instead I came home and made taco salad, had two bowls of it, and am paying the price. It is no longer worth the second bowl. LMAO

I actually ended up in this state that I was so in limbo between feeling sick and feeling better I WANTED to feel sick again because it'd be better than the limbo! I really thought I was going to die or go crazy in the limbo. There's no way to describe this horrid, horrid feeling. It was bad though. oo;;;

But yes, that was my fun day at Aunt Ruth's. Aunt Katherine leaves for Texas again tomorrow, to go back home. I hope she visits again soon. She really is missed.

And I can't wait to see Aunt Ruth again. What a riot. LMAO

Uh oh... Broken Power Supply D:

So... I have a slight dilemma...

Last night I snagged my power cord for my laptop on my camera, it had a little tug... and it now will not stay connected to charge my laptop without being taped in place to hold pressure on the cord. D:

I am so glad I'm a tape goddess. Or this never would have worked.

I'm pretty sure it's the power cord itself, since it's when you push the cord in on itself and not into the port that it connects/disconnects. Not positive though, so Brendan and I are going to test it with his universal adapter. I really hope it is so I can just replace the damn thing.

In the mean time though, my laptop is not gonna be able to travel. Too risky at dislodging the tape. D: And if it's NOT the power cord... well, I'm just not even thinking about that possibility right now. Because that means I'll have to send my laptop in for repairs... >.o

SO! Let's all hope and pray and do whatever it is you do that this is a simple fix and nothing major! Just broken wires in the cord that can be fixed by buying a new cord! *crosses fingers*

In the mean time, should I disappear, it's because the tape no longer holds/works or something, and my battery died.

So sick...

I was gonna give you all a proper update but alas, I'm way too sick. I don't even know if you'll get much from this, it's hell to type. Basically, got a stomach bug. Wanted to hurl at work today, somehow stuck it out. Wanna hurl now, badly. Feel like I am, but know that I probably won't. Just wanna feel better. And like... it makes me wish I were bulimic. At the same time, I don't wanna vomit because I hate vomiting. A lot. But damn... it's like living death. I hate it. An invisible pain, almost. I'm gonna try to sleep. My thoughts are rambling, hands are shaking, eyes are watering, and stomach is groaning.

And I have work tomorrow. Shit.

Braaaaaains.... >.>; I mean Zombies.

So this past Sunday was the zombie day I had planed, and it was AMAZINGLY FUN. I seriously did not think I was going to have this much fun, because most of the people who were going to attend were friends of my sister from Amsterdam, and her record for friends of that nature has been... poor... to say the least. But these guys were really chill, and we had a most excellent time!

Makeup was fun. So many people were here, and we talked half (six) into being zombies. Poor Martel though... terrified of graveyards and that's exactly where we went!!! x'''D He would have been a victim, except due to a mishap with directions since my sister doesn't know our back-country roads for shit, we didn't get to do that part of the shoot. Oh well, we didn't need it anyways with what I got.

I did run over my reflector though... totally didn't see it on the back of my car and then it fell off... x'D I think you get the idea. But it's a small, durable thing so it's fine, save some tread marks. :D

We visited two graveyards in all. They were cool.

And then there was the after party! We managed to have this wonderfully full-of-laughs time with NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. Yes, that's right everyone, you can have an amazing party with neither of those things!

The quote of the day was "I had a booger like this once!" when Brendan made himself a zombie with a bloody nose, while the phrase of the evening was "Balls aren't touching, it's not gay!" These guys are really good people, I swear. And so very open! It has to be because they're backyard wrestlers. xD

But there were plenty of jokes and good times to be had as all twelve of us crammed into our tiny living room. So we hung out from about 1:30pm until 11:30pm, though I think Froggy was here until 2am... Yeah, he was, because I was unable to sleep. ^^;

All in all our guest list looked like this:
Myself
My Sister
Sarah
Cristina (joined us for the party)
Brendan
Mason
Alex
Katelyn
Manic
Martel
Froggy
Cory

If you want to view all the photos, from both the party and the shoot, you'll have to check this MySpace album.

I think the one that makes me laugh the hardest is the chain sex. THESE BOYS WERE FUNNY SHIT!!! Seriously, we were rolling around laughing while making fools of ourselves on Rockband 2 and Karaoke Revolution.

And no one complained about chipping in $5 for pizza and soda. EXCELLENT.

All the guys have decided that we have to do it again. I agree.

I think the most amazing thing of the night was that NO ONE fought. Notta one! Everyone got along! This is like... unheard of! o_o

Of course... I think this was partially due to the fact that Drama Queen... I mean Carly wasn't there. That probably would have caused tensions, because this did not seem like her group of people. A bit too rowdy and no one person was ever the center of attention. Not even Mia, as she likes to be. It was fun.

I would do it again. Hell, I might even go and watch them wrestle. And we might be doing it again real soon to throw a going away party for one of them. OH YEAH BABY.

I think the only person a bit uncomfortable was Mason, because he's not too keen on large groups. But even he admits to having fun. So it's all good.

AND NOW! PHOTOS!


Crawling Over the Fence by *Saknika on deviantART


A"luring" Their Food by *Saknika on deviantART


Ready For Brain Food by *Saknika on deviantART


Uhhhnnnn.... Braaaaains.... by *Saknika on deviantART


Dead or Sleeping... You Decide by *Saknika on deviantART


These Zombies are on the Hunt by *Saknika on deviantART


Dead Zombie Pile by *Saknika on deviantART

At Worlds End

So tonight I finally, FINALLY watched the 3rd Pirates of the Caribbean movie: At Worlds End. It was AMAZING. I want a wedding that epic, seriously. Those of you who have seen it will know what I am talking about. Those of you who haven't seen it, get your ass out from in front of the computer, and go rent the damn thing. Or, as would be in nature with the movies, stay in front of the computer, get Limewire open or something of equivalence, and download it to watch immediately. Wonderful movie, save for the overbearing nature of the character of Elizabeth Swan. HATE HATE HATE how she was portrayed. Seriously! I did not like her character at all. I did not like the power it was given, nor the way she played the role. It just... blech. Do not want.

My godmother was over to watch with us. We watched all three movies in succession tonight. It was fun. We had chips and shrimp dip, and mini hotdogs, and mozzarella sticks, and poppers... delicious. Minus the poppers. Unfortunately, due to no one listening to me about them all being at least two hours long, and the fact that the first two had skips in them that we had to deal with, we were up until a little after 2am watching them. We started around 6:30pm. Yeah... so not cool. I have stuff to do tomorrow.

So, you may ask, why the hell am I posting in here rather than going to bed? I was a bad girl and ate too much junk food, and am now incredibly sick. My sister picked right up on it too, she knows the signs. Sad. That means she's around me too much. LOL

Anywho, regarding the movies, I think Callipso was my favourite character. She had such a fantastic wardrobe, and she played it well. I just wish things were a little more conclusive in the end about what she wanted though. It was odd... Oh well. And I came to like Norington... *sigh* Shame what became of him. The end was oddly predictable though. And now I await the 4th one!

Don't give me any of the trilogy bullshit. There is going to be a fourth one. They lead into it at the end with the map, and the fact that Elizabeth will die while Will won't. They're going to make a fourth one, on that you can be sure of. And thankfully, Pirates of the Caribbean actually has upheld its quality through a series, so I look forward to it. I look forward to it a good deal, in fact.

But alas, I am going to try and get some sleep now. I have zombies to shoot tomorrow. In an old abandoned graveyard.

And yes, if you hadn't noticed, I tend to pick up on speech patterns and accents if I hear them long enough. So after those movies... LMAO I think you get what I'm saying.

Long days...

Today was, I swear, the LONGEST day in the history of the human race. I don't care if they are all 24hours, today was 24 hours and one minute the SECOND I woke up. Ugh... I am EXHAUSTED.

I didn't sleep well last night, to start. Hell, had trouble getting to sleep. I'm going to blame the dye chemicals. Stupid fumes. :P Speaking of the dye, his hair is already sea green and my arm devoid of colour. So don't buy dye at HotTopic I guess. It just... doesn't hold. I don't know, but it sucked ass for Brendan. We're going to hit a professional salon up for some good colouring to take home.

Today though... man. Just not a fun day.

Had to post-void a transaction since I was thinking faster than typing and ended up hitting the buttons in the wrong sequence and fucking up the transaction. The lady decided she wanted to come buy it later anyways so she didn't have to carry it while she was shopping. Right then... strange lady. Oh well. She did come back later though, as promised. So it wasn't a sale lost.

My relief while I was on lunch got bitched at for following store policy and not accepting a traveler's check from this one irate lady. I am soooo glad I did not have to deal with her. So glad.

Also watched this mom tell her kid, who was like FIVE, that he could just stand outside of Spencers if he was too scared to go in. I felt SO BAD. Talk about BAD parenting. If your kid, who is still too young to totally understand that it's just a movie, is afraid to go in, then come back another time. AND WHAT THE HELL WAS HE DOING WATCHING CHUCKY ANYWAYS!? That's what he was afraid of, from seeing the doll there last year. PARENT BETTER KTHNX.

I actually had a small line at one point too. That did my heart good. And got me to my $150 point. So we just might make the sales goal for this week so that Mark doesn't have to be upset. Poor man is going to give himself an ulcer. His latest is that we push the Twilight calendars, and there is a contest with free movie tickets as the prize to whoever sells the most Giants team calendars. I did not sell a single one today. Oh well. There aren't any good movies out anyways.

Inventory was a pain in my ass today though, because so much of what we got couldn't be put out. It was repeat calendars of things that hadn't sold yet. So... no place for them. And since the overstock bins are full... I think you get where I'm going. So there was a lot of lugging of boxes. But it was better than just sitting there reading, that's for sure.

I did reorganize a couple of shelves, too, so that all the baseball was together, or golf. And then some of the displays I made work better using colour theory to try and boost sales of calendars that had otherwise been hidden. I think that's what I'm going to do from now on. Move stuff around a bit without screwing up the planogram so that it is in a better position to catch the eye, lead the eye, and sell. Not like it matters much if I move things anyways, since the displays are always moving to try and maximize sales as it is. Figure what I'm doing can't hurt.

Bonnie also had me update the books this morning, since while we'd been recording the total sales each day, they hadn't been filled into their proper little squares. So that occupied five minutes of my life this morning.

And then I got an extra fifteen minutes today because Bonnie thought I worked until 5:30... and I only was on until 5. x'D Oh well, extra time and money for me! :D

Speaking of that, today was payday. I netted $307 after taxes. WHOO! I feel semi-rich. xD It's definitely a lot more than I made at the office. LOL Buuuut... not as much as I got on my student loan. Oh well, not like that money was mine anyways. And now it's accruing interest. I hate economics.

Then, I came home to two emails expressing interest in my photography.

One was a mother wondering if I'd do a TFP (Time for Print) shoot with her daughter, and another asking if she could use the Tarot photo I took (see image at the end of this entry) for her background on her website. I have not responded to either yet, because I'm not sure if I want to just give either thing away for free. Especially not to the latter of the two since she didn't even contact me at the proper email address. I'm going to bounce them off a fellow photographer and see what she thinks.

That's about all the interest of my life though. I think I'm going to crash soon. I am DEAD. x_x


Care to see your future? by *Saknika on deviantART

A Hint of Blue

So tonight after I cleaned my room up in preparation for Sunday, I went over to Brendan's and dyed his hair. Well, not all of it, but most of it. And I layered it too after trimming it. He's so cool, letting me play with his hair. ^w^

It was a long dye though, since we had to bleach and tone it first. So it took 2.5hours total between applying the dye, waiting the proper amount of time, and then rinsing. Definitely a long process. At one point while the toner was setting, his mom threw us out so she could do her night routine. xD Good thing it was in the setting process.

His hair is definitely blue now though. The bottom half and bangs at least. And so are my hands, some of my stomach, and one wrist. Well... more like tinted. But hey, I was wearing gloves so it wasn't too bad. xD My wrist is the only thing that really is dyed. Oh well.

Afterwards, I got to play a Wii for the first time. And not just the Wii, but Super Smash Bros Brawl. :O My beginners luck held, too, and I had a draw the first match and kicked his ass twice. Not Brendan's, mind you, but Justin's. Justin is his older brother. He's cool, but he can get on your nerves after a bit. lol Still, I had fun.

And my hands still smell like rotten candy from the dye. LMAO

Day of Revelations

Today felt odd from the minute I woke up. Has that ever happened to you? You wake feeling off, and just knowing something is going to happen that will impact you in one way or another. Be it large or small, something will happen? Today was one of those days for me. Being that I've had them before and the events were fairly minor, I didn't really pay attention to it as I went to work. The feeling usually fades as I go about my business during the day, too, but it didn't today. I felt at odds all day at work until about lunch.

Before I go into it though, let me give a brief summary of today. I sat and had three sales, and 15 phone calls from no one. You picked up the phone and they hung up. Alix had me *69 it finally and it was always the same number. She called them three times asking that they please stop, guess it finally worked when Erika got there. Alix also visited the kiosk so we were able to chat, and I did some excess chatting with Cait that did get me a small slap on the wrist in the form of Alix kindly telling me to not let it happen again. No biggie, she wasn't mad, I wasn't embarrassed, it was good.

But, as I said, today was odd. That feeling never left and at lunch the impact hit. It was honestly the most calming experience I've ever had, which is odd because I didn't really notice just how large a storm raged inside me until this happened.

You might want to clear some time, this is going to be quite the personal journey. I don't claim to have it worse than anyone out there, in fact, I know I have it quite good. But the things I'm about to speak of all effected me greatly, for every life is different. Please read with patience and an open mind, that's all I ask. And try not to judge, because I do that to myself enough.

Today at lunch I saw Stephen, who practiced with me when I studied the Nemaru style karate under Munchback-sensei for a while. I'd thought about him over the past couple of months since I was back, missed him as well because he's an interesting fellow and a good friend. Which is odd to say, because we know so little of each other. Nonetheless, he spotted me on my way to Subway today and we sat down to chat. I also met his girlfriend, Sandrah, and Ginny, another friend. Both very nice girls that I do get along with. Ginny was interesting in that she rolled her own cigarette. I had never seen that before, so it was intriguing. This is not explaining why this moment was important though. Let me continue then...

While I did not know Stephen for long, he is still someone I consider a close friend because there was an instant connection, spiritually you could say. He has this calm nature about him that draws you to him. Not in a love attraction sort of way, but more that you long to share the kind of stability he seems to have found in his life. I'm going to say it's because he is a well disciplined martial artist.

Martial arts has been, and always will be, something I have sought. But I gave up on it because the Nemaru style and I just did not click. Nemaru is beautiful to watch, because you learn so many complex blocks. But I simply lack the proper coordination to do it properly.

Steve offered me a way around it. He knows the Nemaru style, and has adapted it with his other teachings into his own style. In the year that I was away, he moved from pupil of one ryu (school) to master of his own. The Inpakuto Ryu. And he asked me if I might like to drop by.

That was about when everything calmed. At that moment, I knew that I didn't just want to go back to my karate, but that I need to. And since Nemaru seems outside my grasp right now, Inpakuto just might not be. Steve said that it was much less about coordination and more technique. And since he is the master and has studied Nemaru, I am inclined to believe him.

There is no bad blood between him and Munchback-sensei either, and so if I choose to study both it will be okay.

The karate, however, was not all that was a revelation today. It was Steve's switch from pupil to master that was the true one. Because I realized that for the past year I had suspended my life. After everything that happened with Tabby, and then Megan, I had to.

Let me try to explain a bit, since most of this is in my entries from when I was attending Hallmark, in a separate blog.

I was very torn about attending Hallmark at first. I had never been so far away from my family before, never for so long a period of time. And I had never been on my own, to manage a home, my life, and my studies. In a way, I was about to cut the umbilical cord I was living off of known as my parents. They wouldn't be within quick driving distance, so while I could still call them at any time, I was fairly on my own at 18. It was unnerving because this had never been in my plans before, and unlike regular college dorms, I was very much alone.

Originally, Tabby was going to move to Massachusetts with me. She was going to be my support to help me make the transition. But Tabby never made it to Massachusetts. Instead, September 24th I found out she was moving to Alabama for another girl. She had lied to me as to why she couldn't move with me, saying she needed to care for her parents, and then turned around and pulled such a stunt. It was the second harsh blow in less than a month, since I had hardly been in Massachusetts a month when this happened.

As I'm sure you can imagine, I was torn up inside. I cried most nights not just from homesickness now, but from heartache. I was fairly dependent on Tabby, as were many of her close friends. I should have known better than to get attached because I watched her destroy one of my other close friends, who thankfully came back to us. You don't have to date her to be destroyed though. If you get too close to her, get sucked in, there is no turning back. Even after everything I went through for her, with her, and because of her; I still can't bring myself to hate her. I should despise her guts but I don't. And I can feel the tuggings towards the emotional turmoil she can put you through happening again, still, even when she is not speaking to me. Now we are limited to AIM, but still, it's enough. It takes more will than I thought I had to keep one step ahead of it, and to not be overrun. It's for these reasons that I never introduce anyone new to Tabby. I am well aware of how quickly they can and will lose control of the situation, and I know that they will only end up hurt in the end. I don't know if it's Tabby's purposeful doing, or a subconscious one, but either way it is not healthy. Being as bad as her home life was though, I can honestly say Tabby is probably a victim of her environment, and that she doesn't truly realize what she does.

The third blow in that month though came a week later, when Megan lost her mind on drugs. Megan, the girl who had attended Hallmark before me. Megan who gave me tips and insights, and who was a model for me to look up to. I can tell you my brain and life shattered at this point, looking back on things. I got my first speeding ticket that Friday as I drove in because she had called and said she needed me before she lost it. She wasn't there. She was no where to be found on Saturday, either, though she gave me odd calls and asked weird questions. She worried myself, Rick (her boyfriend at the time) and Renee so much that we went out looking for her. I met Megan's mother that night for the first time. It was 11pm at night, and Renee and I went knocking on her door because Megan had lost it on drugs. She was taking some over-the-counter stuff that was making her dehydrated and delirious. And from everything Renee and I had been able to gather from people who had briefly seen and heard from her, there was a good chance she was whoring herself out to men at the racetrack, and even a suspicion that she was making crystal meth. Her mother called the cops, an ambulance, and Rick--in that order. And then a psych doctor who was willing to treat Megan for free if she'd only let him. But she would not. And then while we waited, Renee and I helped clear away anything Megan could use as a weapon because her mother was quite certain Megan wouldn't hesitate to kill her. From the way Megan was acting I can't say she was being overly-cautious. We never would have gotten Rick to bring her down, except that he was in the military and Megan's mother warned him that she could ruin his entire career.

The night became a blur after that. Megan was screaming, threatening. Everyone but me. With me she pleaded--pleaded that I take her back to Massachusetts with me, that things would be okay if she could just get out. That she just needed to get away, that we would do amazing things together. That she needed me. And I had to turn her away. I remember Rick vomiting at one point, and the cops showing up. I remember talking to them a bit, but not about what. Probably the suspicions about Megan. And I remember them telling us they couldn't force her into a psychiatric hospital since she was over 18, and them telling her mom she had already solicited them her body. That the best they could do was find her a homeless shelter, but that legally the mother had to get eviction papers to throw her out. I remember her taking a tote of stuff, and leaving in the back of a patrol car, not with remorse, but with anger. A pure hatred so vile that the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.

We stood there talking for a while, Renee, Rick, her mother, and I. It was about 1:30 when we left, her mother offering to treat us to coffee or something but we declined. We all needed to get home. We did stop at a small pull off from the road, some scenic area, for one last chat. To fully calm our nerves. We stood there until we were frozen from the night air.

I got home around 2am. And I was sick to my stomach at what had happened. The next day I saw Megan, and I'm fairly sure she stole $50 from me, along with whatever sanity I had left after Tabby. I couldn't find any place for her to stay, and so I had to leave her at Congress Park to fend for herself. She was talking crazy and making no sense, and at one point she kissed me. Which, out of everything, was the most awkward and hurtful feeling of all because of what had happened a week ago.

I do not remember driving to Miss Kurama's house. I just remember ending up there, looking for her. Because out of everyone, she was the one person who I knew had insight into stuff like this. She wasn't home, but I broke down in tears that hadn't come in the past 36 hours while I was on her doorstep, and her parents made me come in, sit down, and they talked to me. I have never felt closer to any human being in my life since then. It was this act of kindness that probably saved me from doing something horribly rash, and helped set me back on the tracks I had tipped off of, though I was still in disrepair and unable to move forward. I will never forget what they did for me that night though, and it meant the world to me right then.

My life remained frozen there, though. Life was different in Massachusetts, and the first thing I did was purposefully overdose on my antidepressants for a while. I was taking two pills every day instead of one, and on an emotional high like you wouldn't believe. I was happy, and it numbed me to all the pain my life had just issued me. All of it. I don't remember when I came down, but I do remember seeking Tammy's help and contemplating attending AA meetings, since they were for all sorts of drug abuse, for the victims and for the effected family and friends. I never went though, and I probably should.

Hallmark became my life. I threw myself at my school work with such force, that I lost sight of anything artistic within me. I was more interested in the technical aspects than the creative, and I put myself into an artistic block that I didn't even notice. And I didn't care.

I soon found the Yamete forums. And I made friends on there. Friends that I was so desperate to have, I scared away. Only Mouse really wanted to chat with me, until I joined the massive roleplay, Rival Schools, and met Rachael.

Rachael, unlike everyone else (it seemed) didn't live in California, but instead five minutes from me in Greenfield. It was a break in the storm, that one ray of sunlight that I ran to so that I could bask in it. I didn't care what was going on around me, because Rachael was my friend, and I felt human again. But I wasn't me.

I didn't make many close friends at Hallmark. In fact, as much as I want to I'm too timid to keep up any close contacts with anyone. And those who I was close with, were not even close to my age. So Rachael was like the one person I could cling to, and she was content to cling back.

My life in Hallmark was vastly different from my life in Galway. Sure, there were the obvious reasons, but the emotional ones were greater. And with everything that happened in September, I just sort of shut down. I'm sure my friends and family noticed it, but I didn't. Not until now, now that I am back. I didn't want to hang out with people. I wasn't good about not procrastinating. But most importantly, nothing bothered me. I was emotionless, and foolish. It was like I had gone back three years to when I was dating Nichie. It was insanity, and I was acting stupidly. I didn't hold to my own values, and I got way in over my head with Rachael. I suppose that's why I became so confused when I came back, and why she no longer understands me. She told me I changed a lot after I got back here, and so she never saw the real me. And I'm ashamed about that, because I lead her on while I knew her without realizing it, and now I've probably hurt her fairly badly. But there is nothing I can do to help that now, the past is the past.

When I was away at Hallmark, I didn't get to see any of my friends from home. As such I missed out on a year with them, and it feels like many of them have moved on. Friends that I was unable to keep in contact with have left. And Luna-kun and Miss Kurama moved to Massachusetts, thus lengthening our time apart. Thankfully, they are under two hours away, and so I can go see them soon. It's been well over a year since I last saw either of them, and I miss them dearly.

Today though, today is when I realized that I had been living suspended from life all those months. It was today that I realized that when I had failed Hallmark my whole life had crashed around me once more, and that every careful barrier I had put up to protect myself that had never healed from the harm done in September came crashing down. In short, I was beyond myself. The issues, the depression, and then failing--it was too much and I didn't know any other way to deal but to push it aside and keep going forward.

As much as I love random ideas and outings, and as much as I hate to plan, I needed that in my life. And I didn't get it until I finally found a job, a job I didn't truly want because I was resisting growing up all over again. I wanted to go back to having my parents care for me and just not doing anything, but I knew that wasn't going to happen. Staring work at Walden Books was wonderful because it forced me to learn a schedule, and to perform basic tasks. It forced me to become a gainfully employed member of society, and it forced me to function as an adult, and to come out of my slump.

Today though... today showed me that it's time to heal. Today the storms calmed inside me and I'm able to think. I am able to cry the tears that never were shed that should have been, and I finally feel that I'm actually starting to move forward and pick up the pieces of my life that shattered around me one year ago and were left there to cut me over and over again. A task they have seen to well.

It's a strange concept, I admit, but I can feel the change. I can see more clearly now than I have in a long time, and I finally feel like I might be able to start sorting stuff out. And this is why I have to pick karate back up, because it's something I left behind, and it was something that gave me the physical power to defend myself, while at the same time it trained my mind to discipline so that I felt sure of my place in the world. It makes me feel healthy, whole, and more alive.

In that way, I'm very much Eastern. For me, karate is not just a way to fight. It's spiritual, and it helps me to think. And to learn control of myself. It's something that I know, instinctively, that will help me. And I plan on pursuing it.

Who knew today was going to be so productive in such an odd way? At least now I can come away from being defensive, protecting myself, and actually start to live again. It's time to live again. I've lived with those ghosts of my past far too long.

And maybe, once I heal the past, I can finally see what the future is actually going to hold for me. Because right now I don't know.

Change in Plans

So I have to work tomorrow after all, Glen called yesterday and told Alix he couldn't work either days. And she told him rather bluntly that his attendance was becoming an issue, since he'd missed more days than he'd worked.

Glen's mother then showed up down at the kiosk, and told me Glen had been in the hospital from burst hemorrhoids. And that they were still bleeding apparently when I mentioned him screwing me over.

I called Bonnie right after, and I mentioned this to Alix, and she said that his mom never showed up at the bookstore, and so she was going to treat it as if she had heard nothing. So, looks like Glen had better be responsible or his ass is fired. Not that I care. I've got a really bitter taste in my mouth for him right now.

Like, I totally understand he's in rough shape, but the least he could have done was looked up what number I called him from in his cell phone, since that's what I called, and called me back to tell me. Instead I found out from Alix.

Irresponsible bastard. >[

So, now my schedule looks like this:

Wed: Work
Thurs: Clean and dye Brendan's hair
Fri: Work and Bank
Sat: PotC Movie Fest
Sun: Zombie Photoshoot

Today I went to Saratoga and made my friend Miss Kurama a necklace for her birthday, and then mailed out gifts for Luna-kun, Miss Kurama, Mouse, and Rachael. Whoo!!! I'm proud of myself. Sadly, I missed getting to see Miss M due to traffic and busses. :< That I am not proud of. Oh well, maybe next week, since she'll be on a trip Thursday.

SPEAKING OF THAT TRIP!

So Galway is doing that fire safety thing that I was going to photograph, right? WELL! They're doing the middle school presentation on Wednesday, and then the high school one on Thursday, WHEN THE WHOLE JUNIOR CLASS AND A FEW OTHERS IN ART CLASSES WILL BE GONE IN SALEM.

Galway... makes no sense and can't plan to save their lives. Idiots.

I was proud on Monday though, because A) I made it through even though I was sick, and B) I figured out how to do a function on the register by myself when a lady wrote the wrong amount on her check. ^^ So she paid the remainder in cash and it was all done properly. I was proud!

And now, it's time to go to bed, since I have to work tomorrow. Bleh. The kiosk can be so boring. :<


Miss Kurama's Bday Necklace by *Saknika on deviantART

Workity work work work

So my week is looking pretty full. But! Glen traded his Tuesday shift with my Wednesday one, so I get to go do photos! YAY!

So here's my week:

Mon: Work from 9:30-5, do a little shopping afterwards.
Tues: Work from 9:30-5
Wed: Photos from 8-3, then gotta start the editing process.
Thurs: Retouch retouch retouch
Fri: Work 9:30-5, payday! Hit the bank! :D
Sat: Pirates day, we're watching all three Pirates of the Caribbean movies (since we haven't seen the 3rd yet) with friends.
Sun: ZOMBIE PHOTOSHOOT

Yup... definitely going to be busy. ^^; But I am SUPER excited for Wednesday! It's going to be a ton of fun and it's a way I can help out the local ambulance core and stuff. So that they can promote what they're doing. ^^ And, I get to play at school. And maybe see teachers! *ulterior motive* YAY!

In the mean time though, I better get some sleep. Work will come mighty early tomorrow.

Oh, and also, Ghost Stories is WAY DIFFERENT in Japanese. o_o;

Later!

We Deserve It Dividend

This is another one of those things I got in my email. Now if only the government thought this way.

-------------------------------

I’m against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a "We Deserve It Dividend".

To make the math simple, let’s assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a "We Deserve It Dividend".

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let’s assume a tax rate of 30%.

Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.

That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.

But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.

A husband and wife have $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.

Repay college loans – what a great boost to new grads

Put away money for college – it’ll be there

Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.

Buy a new car – create jobs

Invest in the market – capital drives growth

Pay for your parent’s medical insurance – health care improves

Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean – or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehmann Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( “vote buy” ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG – liquidate it.

Sell off its parts.

Let American General go back to being American General.

Sell off the real estate.

Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here’s my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it’s a crazy idea that can “never work.”

But can you imagine the coast-to-coast block party! How do you spell Economic Boom?!

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 billion We Deserve It Dividend more than the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC.

And remember, The Bill plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Kindest personal regards,

PS: Feel free to pass this along to your pals as it’s either good for a laugh or a tear or a very sobering thought on how to best use $85 Billion!!

Fall Foliage

Well, the leaves are changing! And because of that, Mia and I went out and took some photos today. We're going to wait about a week and go again though, since the change is going slower than usual. But the colours so far are still really pretty!

In other news, my short day at work was boring. Had a good clip of customers for about half an hour and then nothing. Nada. Zip.

Glen called out sick, so I had to get his phone number to ask about Wednesday. It turns out he was actually in the hospital for whatever it was. Poor guy. However, he did switch with me, so now he's going to work Wednesday, and I'm working Tuesday. YAY! Looks like I can do the charity shoot after all. ^^ I was happy about it. I think Glen just is grateful to have another day to recuperate. Works for me. :D

Tomorrow I'm thinking about going to the school to drop in on the Youth Theatre rehearsal and offer my photography skills again. It's fairly good exposure. *nodnod*

And then... work on Monday. Man... busy busy.

But! I'm off to go kick my sister's ass at karaoke! WHOO!!!


Changing of the Seasons by *Saknika on deviantART


Glow of the Autumn Flowers by *Saknika on deviantART


America's Fall by *Saknika on deviantART


Divine Light by *Saknika on deviantART

Fangirls and a Fanboy

So I did the senior portraits for my cousin a week ago, and got everything but the bill squared away this week. And I'm actually pretty happy with them. It was hard to get him to smile, but hey, picking on him and dirty jokes did get him to laugh... :D I am such an uncouth photographer. LMAO

But yeah, it was fun, and he now has a haggle of fangirls, and one fanboy. I just like his skin, personally. x'D


Senior Portrait: 04 His Choice by *Saknika on deviantART


Senior Portrait: 04 Outtake 1 by *Saknika on deviantART


Senior Portrait: 04 Outtake 2 by *Saknika on deviantART


Senior Portrait: 04 Outtake 3 by *Saknika on deviantART

What a Charmer /sarcasm

Right, so today at work was loooooooooooooong. Mostly because I went in after a whole 3.5hours of sleep. Wheee... not really. I almost fell asleep earlier, even put up my away messages... and ended up vegging out in front of the TV watching actual shows, not DVDs, for the first time in close to a year. No wait... I might have watched a CSI episode recently... I can't remember. Shows how much TV I watch. LMAO ANYWAYS! So I figure, since I'm still kind of awake, I'll fill you in on today's big topics.

Topic number one, the guy.

So I'm sitting having my little chocolate snack during my lunch break, and I hear this noise behind me, and off to the side. So I look over, naturally curious, and here comes this guy who had some birth defect to his one leg that it bent outward very unnaturally, and the sound I was hearing was his cane as he shuffled along. Well he must have spotted me, and not wanting to be rude I looked away. It's not polite to stare after all, no matter how curious I was.

Well, didn't he stop at my table. Here is our conversation, pretty much verbatim.

Him: It's turned out to be a really nice day out today, huh.
Me: Yeah, it has. Was awful this morning.
Him: Man... well I'm glad it's nice out.
Me: Me too, sun must've burned it off.

At this point he turned and started to walk away. And I was relieved, and figured he must just be lonely or mentally retarded or something. But... I couldn't be so lucky. He turned around, and the next words out of his mouth... well, I must have had a look between wanting to laugh and murder.

Him: I think you're cute. You wanna go out on a date tomorrow?
Me: speechless
Him: You have a boyfriend?
Me: No, I have a girlfriend.
Him: Oh, well, shall the three of us go out on a date tomorrow?
Me: small pause No, I'm pretty exclusively for women.
Him: confused look What...?
Me: I'm a lesbian.
Him: pauses Oh...

That's about where he left. I swear, he was in his mid twenties, maybe early thirties. Had on a green and white baseball cap, skinny, close shaven hair from what I could see, short--maybe 5'2", wearing a green windbreaker jacket, a white shirt, and baggy denim jeans with white sneakers.

And I can picture him clearly standing there having that conversation with me, and Alix and I just laughed. Seriously, some people are just stupid!

Then, there was item number two.

I talked to the Santa people, and he's going to put me in contact with the district guy, since he's not doing the hiring for Wilton. Works for me. He asked if photographer was definitely the position I wanted, too. And it was like, yeah, that's what I'm trained in. Or did he not look at my resume? Oh well, we'll see where that goes.

And third on my agenda...

Dad sprung charity work on me at the school doing photos of the new fire prevention and health safety week. They do a presentation on Wednesday that is going to be HUGE and I would love to do photos for them for charity. I love my community enough. So I'm going to call Alix in the morning and see if I can't switch a day with Glen. We'd have the same hours, just work different days. Although... from what I hear he hates to work Wednesdays... so maybe I should ask him myself. :\ This is gonna be interesting. But I really want to do the charity work. Ugh. Cross your fingers for me.

That's about it, time to get ready for bed since I take Shiz, one of our kitties, to the vet in the morning.

Filler Catcher Upper

Maaaaaaaan... I gotta remember to update more often. x'D

Anyways, had a few interesting things happen since Wednesday.

I think the big one was running out of register tape in the middle of a transaction via credit card. :D;;; I had to call Jay down at Waldens to come help me because
A) Didn't know if we had tape up at the kiosk (turned out we did)
B) Didn't know what to do about her signature. Turned out since she was fine with not signing and what not, that it was okay to just let her go. We couldn't print another one for her anyways. ^^;

Then he kindly told me that he didn't want to mention it while she was there, but that there were instructions under the cover should it happen again. And left me with two more rolls of tape. And later returned with stuff to stock. Jay's a good guy.

And, he was very happy with my ways of consolidating and stocking merchandise! YAY!

Glen on the other hand, just keeps going downhill in my eyes. Came in Thursday begging for hours, which no one would give up for him. And then Friday he came in bitching that he didn't have a paycheck.

Well, the first thing he told me was that he had just given Alix his information a few days ago for the taxes and what not. Then five minutes later it was a few months ago. Well, which is it Glen? And later another coworker who'd been there for two years straight said that Glen hadn't been there for a few months, he'd just kind of shown up again, so he couldn't have given it to her a few months ago.

Glen... man. I don't know. He's definitely not my kind of friend though. I'll be civil to him... that's about where it will end. And he REALLY needs to stop showing up to bother me at work. -_-;

Anyways...

So Caitlin and I on the other hand, are bonding more and more. I actually have stayed until about an hour is left of her shift just chatting and stuff. We have a lot of common interests and ideas, so it works out nicely. And we keep each other company, which is a big plus right now while the mall is dead.

I also found out that another of my coworkers counts money very, very slowly. Poor girl. She's a great person, I know this, but man... that's not gonna be helpful to the job and to whoever has to close with her. I feel bad. And that's why I'm not mentioning names, because no one needs to know who and stuff.

I did get my first paycheck though!!! $283 after taxes! I was sooooo happy to stick that in the bank. Though... then I went and bought more manga. :D; I have 109 manga in total I found out today, and will be doing general inventory and seeing just how much it's all worth soon enough. Along with my anime as well, which I plan on getting more of soon enough.

BUT. THE BIG ITEM ON MY LIST.

IS

THIS:

http://www.ichiroya.com/item/list2/149346/

I WANT IT SOOOOOOO BAD.

So, together my friend Brendan and I are going to realize this dream of mine. And I will probably scream with joy, cling to him and hug him and give him surprise kisses all over his face in happiness while having multiple joygasms all at once. Seriously. IT MEANS THAT MUCH TO ME.

So um... if you want to visit my etsy and help me out as well, that'd be awesome. :D Or just donate to my paypal? *wishful thinking*

I did more senior portraits this past weekend too. They were for my cousin, but hey, money is money. So I've been retouching those as I've had time so that I can get them their proofs ASAP. The portraits are due to the school by October 20th, so I must go faaaaaast!

Speaking of the school!

I had to go pick my sister up today since her car broke down (what is it with this phenomenon...*) and she asked nicely, and I saw Miss M! We had a wondeful chat, got caught up a bit more, and then she asked when I could come in and visit next. ^^ Sure, it's still in the school, but hey, it means a lot to me. Our relationship is finally starting to get beyond that of student and teacher. YAY!

Then Mom needed me to run to Galway Market to grab some meat and stuff for dinner, so I saw Brendan there, and I saw Jason for the first time in a long time. It was odd not seeing Jill and Nikki though, since Jill is away at Pratt now and Nikki moved to Amsterdam. But hey, new faces are welcome! Too bad Tabby's mom wasn't there though, it's been a while since I've seen her as well.

Oh, and also, this weekend I had my laptop at my grandmother's for birthdays, and was retouching to an audience. x'D You can see the photo I did at the bottom of this entry. Needless to say, they were fairly shocked. :D

*So my friends' cars all seem to have shit the bed. Mouse's won't drive in forward and had to be reversed down a couple of blocks back home. Luna-kun's totally shit the bed and she is now carless. And now my sister's is in the garage needing repairs. CRAZY! Hope mine isn't next! D:

RIGHT BEFORE I POST THIS, THIS JUST IN! FROM BRENDAN!

Trap says (1:09 AM):
Oh, and you're getting the money for the kimono whether it's still there or not. >.>
Trap says (1:10 AM):
So if all of the ones you'd like are sold, you can blow the $500 on manga or whatever. XD
Saknika says (1:11 AM):
o_o
Saknika says (1:11 AM):
Nowai
Trap says (1:11 AM):
yawai
Saknika says (1:11 AM):
o_o
Saknika says (1:11 AM):
*in shock*
Trap says (1:11 AM):
What? You *passed* Hallmark in my opinion. you deserve a grad gift regardless.
Trap says (1:12 AM):
And also, why let you miss out on the cash just 'cause what you'd be getting, a gift, is no longer available?

I have some really great friends. <333333333333 Brendan is now entitled to have my babies. All of them.




The Power of a Victorian Lady by *Saknika on deviantART