Samantha's Life After Hallmark

Anime Type Meme- Apparently I'm Meganekko

2010-02-01T01:50:00.000-05:00

Tsundere (Harsh Outside-Gentle Inside)
[x] You come off as sort of aloof to other people.
[x] In public, you intentionally refrain from showing much weakness.
[ ] You have a secret obsession with something cute.
[ ] You pretend that you hate your crush even though you really love him/her.
[x] You blush when people point out your sensitivities.
[ ] You blush when people tell sexual jokes.
Total: 3

Yandere (Gentle Outside-Harsh Inside)
[x] You’re very sweet and kind in public.
[ ] When romance becomes a topic of discussion, people say your personality changes drastically.
[x] You know some sort of martial art, swordplay, or otherwise.
[ ] You have a crush who you’d literally kill for.
[x] You have a pet peeve that makes you snap. (ONE? One isn't enough!)
[ ] Schizophrenic?
Total: 3

Meganekko (Girl/Guy-with-Glasses Character)
[x] You have glasses.
[x] You can sometimes/always be clumsy, ditzy, or absent-minded.
[ ] You are always very polite in your speech.
[x] You are fairly intelligent in some field.
[x] You take discipline seriously.
[x] You have some sort of fetish for something.
Total: 5

Tsukkomi (Angry Guy)
[x] You have a friend/s who often make dumb or embarrassing remarks.
[x] You smack/beat up this friend in some way.
[ ] You do your best to maintain a calm facade, only to be thwarted by this friend.
[ ] If you & your friend were a yin-yang, you’d be the “yin”
[ ] You swear a lot.
[ ] You try to bring out the more serious side of your ridiculous friend.
Total: 2

Boke (Dumb Guy)
[x] You often make silly or embarrassing comments.
[ ] You like annoying the heck out of your best friend/close friend.
[ ] You often get beaten up by your friend in some way, but you take it in good stride.
[ ] If you & your friend were a yin-yang, you’d be the “yang”.
[ ] You are normally very laid back and carefree.
[x] You try to bring out the happier side of your angry friend.
Total: 2

Nadeshiko (Perfect Wife)
[ ] You are always, almost overly, polite.
[x] You love traditional Japanese culture.
[ ] You often wear either a kimono, yukata (summer cotton kimono), or apron.
[ ] You’re an excellent cook.
[ ] You are hardly ever angry.
[x] You have really long hair.
Total: 2

Sexy Character
[x] Your bust/package is...formidable.
[x] You like making sexual innuendos.
[ ] You encourage trips to the beach, pool, or onsen (hot springs)
[x] There are some sexual things that you are ignorant to or need explained to you.
[ ] You’re an expert cosplayer.
[ ] You like the taste of alcohol.
Total: 3

Loli/Shota Character
[x] You like sweets or chocolate.
[x] You adore cute things and/or the word “kawaii”.
[ ] You use Japanese suffixes like “-chan,” “-tan,” “-sempai,” etc.
[ ] You add unnecessary suffixes to the ends of your sentences, like “nyo,” “nyu,” “un,” etc. (I've been told I used to do that D:)
[ ] You are considered gullible or naive.
[x] You have a tall/powerful friend who protects you.
Total: 3

Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

2009-10-15T14:40:00.003-04:00

One of the biggest issues plaguing the political forefront right now is the matter of how our actions have and are effecting the climate. When we first began to mine coal and oil to run engines and create the electricity we now require, no one knew what the consequences would be fifty years down the road. Unfortunately, they weren't good and now the globe is in a bit of a crisis.

While I don't think it's as serious as some people claim, due to the trends of El Nino and La Nina, I do believe that there is a problem, and that we all need to do our little bit to make some changes happen. Some will have to be done at a government level, and others have to be done on a personal level.

The biggest one though is our dependency, in the United States, on oil. More specifically, the fact that our cars run on gasoline that is refined from oil. Right now we are entirely dependent on this product in order to gain transportation anywhere, be it by car or bus, and we are wasting it. The technology and ability to create a more-efficient carburetor and engine is out there, but the US does not use it. I fully believe this is due to the greed of the oil companies, look at how high gas prices went after all! And unfortunately for we, the people, the government has their fingers dipped into oil stocks and would hate to loose money because the profits dropped. And as such, we don't have gas-efficient cars.

The electric car is a novel idea, but for people like myself who live out in the mountains, they're not as wonderful as everyone thinks. It takes a lot more for cars to get up our hills, and we don't have cute little short distances to drive. Everything is generally thirty or more minutes from where we live, and there isn't any public transportation to take you there. So until an electric car is efficient enough to go 300-500 miles a day on one charge, they probably won't be a viable option for some of us.

Another issue with the electric car is the safety of our rescue squads who may have to cut us out of the vehicle in the event of an accident. There needs to be some sort of way to wire it so that those fine young men and women won't get electrocuted trying to save our lives.

Second largest issue with the US, is the fact that we have not signed the Kyoto Agreement. Doing so would put us under the same standards that many other countries have accepted, and would help us to do our part in cleaning up the environment.

On a more individual level, there are many small things that can be done that will contribute best when many are doing it.

If everyone used energy-efficient products it would help cut down on the consumption of electricity, and thus less coal would be burned. It'll also help if people learn how to most efficiently place lights and windows in their homes, so that it takes less energy to light a room. Similarly, turning lights off in rooms you aren't using will save on energy consumption as well.

Recycling what we can will cut back on the removal of trees and other natural resources to make more. Trees are vital to our environment since they scrub the carbon dioxide out of the air we breathe.

Carpooling when possible will cut down on our emissions output, and it will save us all a lot of money!

Businesses that are able to go paperless should, and save on the amount of paper products used each year.

Participation in Earth Hour, where you use no electricity for just one hour, is another really great way to help the environment. It's amazing just how much you can do by going without electricity for one hour of the year!

I think the biggest reason why people don't do things like this though, is because they're always asking "why?", and because they don't think that there is anything wrong with the environment.

What everyone has to realize is that the effects are slow to appear. However, the Earth's attempts to remedy itself aren't hard to see. Sars, Katrina, tsunamis, earth quakes, bird flu, swine flu--you name a pandemic or national disaster, and I'll bet you anything it was created by the earth to try and get rid of the problem it's having.

If we don't learn to take care of what we have, there won't be anything left to take care of tomorrow.

We already have a hole in the ozone layer, shrinking polar caps, and screwed up seasons. What more do we have to see before we start to realize that there is a problem?

Something that fascinates me though, is the fact that our polar caps are shrinking, and sea levels are rising. Looking at that, and then looking at mythology from around the world, it makes me wonder if all the end of the world myths were right--we're going to loose everything to a great flood.

I certainly hope not, and that's why I'm trying to do my part to help keep my Earth clean. Are you?

Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

This is why you should be an informed voter!

2009-10-07T10:37:00.001-04:00

Let me start this off by saying that this is not meant to be a rant, but it may sound like it in parts. I also want to say that I live in a VERY small town of less than 2,000 people spread out over a lot of land (aka the middle of nowhere in the backwoods), so if anything you have to say in a comment concerns population size, please keep that in mind.

So, with those key points out of the way, let me get into my story.

In my town we have two fire stations, so that everyone is within a five-mile range of a station should their house catch on fire. We're an entirely volunteer system, and have seen a lot of changes over the past few years as management has changed. Ten years ago when my father and a friend of the family were in the department, there were always fundraisers going on, and events organized. Mostly because those two could motivate people and get stuff done. However, my father had to go out on social (means he's a part of the department but cannot respond to calls) because of his knee surgeries, and the friend of the family left because he had put in at least twenty years, and decided it was time to get more new people in. After this however, as more and more of the former generation left, everything went downhill. No one organizes fundraisers anymore, politics get in the way of everything, and certain people keep trying to stay in the upper ranks to control the show and have a power trip, not for the good of the town nor the stations. What's sad is that when the board of commissioners tries to rectify this situation, politics get in again, and nothing really gets fixed.

Over the years our fire stations have gone to waste. Maintenance and repairs haven't been done to keep them up to code, and now we're facing the fact that we can't have trucks that are up to code because they don't fit through the station doors. Someday I will snag some photos of how old these stations are, but the one is looking to be condemned soon it's so bad. No one in town is joking when they say that if you kick it, it might fall over.

Because of the disrepair that these stations are in, over the last five years the commissioners have been working on plans to not only build a new station on the land that the soon-to-be-condemned one is on, but to repair the other one since its not in as bad of shape, but it does need to be brought up to code and made to handle the newer trucks that are coming out. Yesterday evening, as everything is coming to a head, the station went up to vote. Do the townspeople want the new station, or not.

I'm sure many of you remember the Scott Murphey update, when he came and spoke at our station. He spoke there so that he could see the station that the grant was being put in for, and so he could better lobby for us to get state money to fix what we need. We're actually in the running to have the entire station built on state money, and have enough to cover the repairs to the other building as well. Meaning that no taxpayer money would be used on these buildings.

However, politics interfered, and one woman (whose name will not be mentioned, but was a part of the planning party for the new station) made it known to the people that she did not want this station anymore, and told everyone she could that it was going to raise their taxes more than was necessary, and basically just slung mud about the entire thing. It is speculated that the unsigned letter that went out slamming everything that our fire commissioners were trying to do was sent by her, based on the writing style and her animosity, but we are not sure. Either way, because of this, things went downhill. And the whole reason she did this, as far as we are aware, is because she didn't want one of the fire-fighters whom she doesn't care for to get something he wanted--the new station.

What's sad is that the new station got shot down last night, because enough voters didn't go to the informational meetings, of which two were held, to learn about everything that the commissioners were doing, and to learn of the grant. The meetings were well-publicized, but because of the mud-slinging barely anyone showed up for the meetings, and no one could be bothered to become an informed voter.

This is their safety that went up for vote, and because they shot down the new station, if and when the grant is offered, the commissioners now have to turn it down because the people said they don't want the new station. Tax payer money will now have to pay for the repairs to the old station, because it has to be brought up to code, and the second station is going to have to be condemned. However, because it's still property of the fire department, it still has to be maintained, and so it's just a money-hole. The station that is staying is over five miles from my house, and I live on the outskirts of town. It's going to probably be faster for the fire department from the next town over to get to my house than my own town, and so I will hope that my home never catches fire now because there'd be no saving it unless we did it ourselves. And this means that a good portion of people are outside that range, and for some insurance companies, that means their coverage can be dropped.

So all their worrying over taxes being raised is going to come right around to bite them, because by shooting down the new station, the grant must now be denied. The town can't accept the grant for a station that's not going to be built. And this all came about because political games won out instead of information.

It was really sad, too, because I heard that after the votes were counted, one woman who is a part of the town council went up to the president of the commissioners and said "I'm sorry, I voted no." And I'm proud to say our commissioner told her "Don't worry, I have a long memory."

How do I know some of this? My mother has been a commissioner for quite a few years. And I know exactly what was put out at those informational meetings, and I know more things that are going on but can't be said publicly. But on behalf of the townspeople, they are going to try to rectify things, but legally they may not be able to.

If you take this scenario of one small town, and then apply it to the country as a whole, is it any wonder our voting system no longer works properly? People are forced to vote based on political games because that's all our politicians play, and it's difficult to get the information they need to properly vote. Or they vote based entirely on what party they are, and don't even try to look at the information given. The majority of this country doesn't make an informed vote anymore, and that's why things are getting as bad as they are!

Politicians, while corrupt, are only as corrupt as we the people allow them to be!

So the next time you're getting ready to vote, and to exercise your right to do so, remember this one small town who may no longer have proper fire coverage because the people were not informed. And instead of just listening to one side, and to the political games, get out there, get yourself informed, and make a good decision based on the information you learn!

I have no issues with the people who were informed and voted no, they didn't want the station. But I don't think they were the majority, based on the fact that maybe ten people showed up for the informational meetings.

So now I can only hope that things can be rectified in the end, and that karma makes sure all of these people are made aware of the decision that they made.

And I truly hope that each and every one of you who lives in the United States, and who is old enough to vote, takes note of this story and never makes an uninformed vote again.

The Damages: Update 1

2009-09-27T23:24:00.001-04:00

We have the damage totals back from the contractor!

For the wall damage and painting: $2,850
For carpeting beyond cleaning: $1,484
Damaged drop ceiling panels: $80
Misc Repairs (doors, woodwork, ect): $750

Total: $5,164

Soooo...

The new grand total is about $7,464. That is a lot of money. Something tells me Bob isn't going to get off as easy anymore.

He did at least $7,464 in damages, plus stole a deadly weapon, and desecrated the American flag. Looks like he crossed a line and there's no turning back for him. :P

The Damages

2009-09-24T09:39:00.001-04:00

This is a follow up to Cleaning the Aftermath, so if you haven't read what comes before, you probably won't understand what I'm talking about here. I shall summarize though.

Steve had a tenant-gone-bad (Bob, for all intent and purposes), who after being told by a judge that he was going to be evicted, totally trashed Steve's house. The cops had to be called, and Bob was taken in, but released. That aside, we then had to start cleaning the house, and get estimates for the damages. Well, the cleaning is doing pretty good, so now it's coming down to money.

/end summary

So, now you have a basic idea should you not want to read the novellas. >_>;

Anyways... on the better half of society...

This morning (about 8am to be exact), I met up with my father and a contractor at Steve's house. Steve had to work, so unfortunately he couldn't be there as well. The guy is someone my father knows through the fire service or something, so he did the consultation for free, which is nice.

He couldn't give us any exacts, but after seeing the ceilings, walls, carpets, and other damages; he said we're probably looking at over $3,000 in damages. He'll have a better idea by this weekend though, after he makes the phone calls to the guys he knows that do painting and carpeting. He just took measurements and recorded what needed to be done to let them know. And the walls are going to be a nightmare because there's crayon and spray paint on them. >_<;

All total though, we're getting close to $5,000 in damages. We have:
-Two TVs at $1,100 total
-Two Mattresses, one full and one twin, approximately $800
-One Boxspring, approximately $400
-Damages estimated by the contractor, approximately $3,000+
-Damaged foosball table, unknown (not sure if it's claimable)

This alone totals at $5,300 or more.

Plus, we require the following items:
-Slipcovers for the furniture with paint on it (un-claimable, happened before this incident)
-New dining room table
-New coffee table
-New silverware
-New bath towels (tenants were using them like toilet paper because they're gross *gag*)
-Lightbulbs (minor, but it adds up)
-New Curtains/Drapes (Bob threw Steve's out because he didn't like them.)

Of those items, I have some pots, pans, and silverware from when I was in Massachusetts that I can give Steve, but we don't know yet if it'll be enough.

Dad says we probably won't actually see any restitution from Bob, since the county will put a judgment against him, but that doesn't mean he can/will pay it. However, with all this we will be able to file a claim with Steve's home owners insurance, and he'll get the money that way. Then if Bob does make any restitution payments, Steve will see money from him. Totally messed up, but at the very least it's better than nothing at all.

So there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's just difficult to see through all the fog.

Cleaning the Aftermath: Update 2

2009-09-23T01:52:00.000-04:00

So, we've gotten a lot more cleaning done since I last updated! :O

My mom and brother came over to wash the dishes, and before they could they cleaned up the counters and the stove. The stove does need to be hit again because it was so gross, but at least the majority of the nasty is gone.

They both agree with my friend though, those dishes were a life changing experience. As it is, we're going to have to throw a lot out because even after being brillowed and bleached, they didn't come fully clean. So Steve and I are going through everything, and any that have black spots on them where mold must have eaten away at the coating or something are getting tossed. Thankfully I have some silverware from when I went to college that he can have, but we'll have to buy more eventually. Add that to our list of expenses.

I guess while we were off picking up Subway for everyone though, Mom and Ethan went to start the pots, and opened a lid... and had to vacate the house because it smelled so bad. >_>; And this is after Brendan dumped out most of the contents. >_<; So gross! So they left the pots to us, and we're going to do them soon. Along with bleaching the island and small eating area. After that all we have to do is sweep up the floor and mop it with some Lysol, and the kitchen is done, aside from changing one of the florescent bulbs, but that's neither here nor there. Steve cleaned up the fridge after Mark cleaned it out, and I don't think Mark wanted to have lunch after that. >_>; So we really are close in the kitchen!

Meanwhile, Mark and Dan got all the mats in the workout room scrubbed down with Lysol, and then Steve and I swept and tidied in there. It was probably the easiest room in the house, and now we can practice martial arts there! :D Plus, Steve is going to offer private lessons out of his home to help pay the bills. Seems like a great idea to me!

We also got the living room and dining room back in order, so all the furniture is arranged. As crappy as it is to have the graffiti on the walls, it's nice to walk in and see furnished and tidy(ish) rooms. We'll be moving the furniture when it comes time to have the carpets cleaned and to paint the walls. We're actually thinking of tearing the carpet out of the dining room though, since there's hardwood below. But that's a distant project right now.

The dining room table cannot be saved though. My mom was kind enough to point out that it's laminate, and so we can't sand it down and putty it up. So we'll be taking the advice offered to us by you wonderful people, and looking into places where we can get furniture cheap!

Oh! We also have hot water now. A friend of Steve's came over and hooked up the hot water heater, and so Steve can use all his home functions again. His Dad fixed the thermostat for him, which turns out that a wire had been deliberately cut it in.

We got in contact with the cops last Saturday as well, and upon informing him of the fact that Steve's katana was missing, among a few other things, an APB was put out on Bob for him to be arrested on sight for theft of a deadly weapon. Considering Bob was the only other one living there at the time the katana went missing, and we've searched everywhere, it's safe to say he stole it. He's also getting charges for peeing on his boxspring, mattress, and floor; and because he desecrated an American flag. But the noose thing nothing will come of, because it was so poorly done the cop said they'd claim we were drawing conclusions. At least he's honest. Still, there's so much more that can be claimed. So this guy... I'll honestly loose all faith in the judicial system of this country if he doesn't do some serious time.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel though! We get the estimates on the walls this Thursday, and possibly the flooring as well where it was peed on. Then it's just some minor cleaning from there, and purchasing items to replace what's ruined.

All total, here's what we need:
-Slipcovers for the furniture with paint on it (un-claimable, happened before this incident)
-Either new TVs or possibly replacement plugs, if possible
-New dining room table
-New coffee table
-New silverware
-New bath towels (tenants were using them like toilet paper because they're gross *gag*)
-Walls painted in three rooms(and it's an old house, so the ceilings are really high)
-New carpeting in one room (possibly, we think the urine might have soaked into the sub-flooring >_<;; )
-Carpets cleaned in the living and dining room
-Minor porch repairs (done before this incident)
-Reimbursement for the damaged foosball table (if we can get it)
-Lightbulbs
-New Curtains/Drapes (Bob threw Steve's out because he didn't like them.)

There's probably other stuff as well, but that's all I can remember off the top of my head.

So... we aren't quite out of the woods yet. :P

Cleaning the Aftermath: Update 1

2009-09-16T02:48:00.000-04:00

Today we had what I guess you could call a cleaning party. There were supposed to be four of us, but one guy couldn't make it due to vehicle issues. So it was just myself, Steve, and Brendan--a friend of mine from high school who knows Steve from karate.

Brendan is a great guy, and we were so thankful to have his help. Especially since he gave us plenty of giggles and memorable quotes.

We managed to get another bedroom under control, though not perfected, today; by working all together. It was soooooo gross too because there were used condoms on the floor. I don't think I've ever been so disgusted. And I can never look at the person who left them the same way again. In fact, if I see said person I may have to slap them... because that is just plain raunchy. Thank god for latex gloves, and no latex allergy.

After we got that room under control, we split up. Steve started scrubbing the showers, I cleaned up all the hallways (with a little help here and there from Brendan or Steve to tackle the garbage), and Brendan was a brave soul who rather than help myself or Steve exclusively, volunteered to do the kitchen.

I think he might regret it. >_>;

Aside from the bathrooms, the kitchen is by far the WORST room in the house. I don't know how many different types of mold are growing in there, but the dishes have been sitting in that sink for at least five months now. Steve's tenants didn't believe in doing the dishes until they had none left... which is gross. Really, really gross. How do I know Steve didn't dirty them? Because he was at my house or the dojo almost all the time. He wasn't home long enough to dirty anything. So... Brendan was the brave soul.

There wasn't much he could do though, since the hot water heater won't be hooked up until tomorrow. The tenants who had the hot water heater they bought to replace the one that broke knocked off their back rent payments went ahead and sold it in anger and split the money. So, my parents had an old one in our basement that we took out when we renovated, and they gave it to Steve. Just has to be hooked up.

In the mean time though, Brendan organized all the dirty dishes and threw out the trash. So that did a lot, and it doesn't smell as much.

Steve and I also walked around looking to see if we could find the missing bed frames, and instead discovered a desecrated American flag, a huge mess upstairs, realized that Bob peed all over his bed before vacating the room, and that Steve's father's antique and practically priceless 60s Sears motorcycle is gone from the back shed. In fact, most of that shed has been cleaned out. You couldn't even really walk into it before, and now it's empty. So when we're able to get in touch with the officer who is handling this report tomorrow, he's going to be getting quite the earful.

In the mean time, we have to go to the town hall and see about a dump permit, because not much more cleaning can happen until we can get rid of the accumulated trash. We're running out of places to store it, and the shed's not an option because it's all the way across the yard. For you who live in the city, it's not a small square. We're talking a good 100 yards away, and in the back yard nonetheless. It's just not worth the effort to haul them all out back there, only to have to haul them back to toss them. So, gotta dispose of the trash we have before we can throw out more.

Like I said previously though, Brendan provided us with some humorous quotes, so I shall share them now.

"It's officially the House of 1000 Stenches!"
"That kitchen was a life-altering event."
"There was powdery green mold in a pot! POWDERY!"
"I've never seen a banana rot to that point! I didn't know they could do that!"
"I smelled smells in there that I will never be able to un-smell."

And yet he offered to come back and help more. Loyal friends like him are hard to come by. So Mom has asked him to help her, since she offered to wash the dishes and the fridge, although we are responsible for cleaning the fridge out.

Please don't worry, either. We bought masks to protect ourselves from the mold.

So this is what we have left to do:
-Chunk of the Kitchen
-Workout Room
-Three and a half Bedrooms

Once we get that done, we'll begin thinking about furniture repairs and the likes.

Cleaning the Aftermath

2009-09-14T20:40:00.001-04:00

This is a follow-up from Cops and Court Dates, since we arrived at the house today and found no new damage to the outside. We are, however, continuing to find damage on the inside as we clean.

We have found out where Bob is staying as well, and it is a decent distance away from where Steve's is, so that is a comforting thought.

Over the last two days we've put five and a half hours into cleaning this house. All total we have to clean:
-Living Room
-Dining Room
-Kitchen
-Workout Room
-Two Bathrooms
-Five Bedrooms
-The Hallways

All rooms are in varying states of disrepair.

So far, we have cleaned to the best of our ability both bathrooms (just gotta do the showers), the living room, dining room, and most of one bedroom.

The bathrooms were GROSS. I wouldn't help Steve with them. LOL;;; Both toilets had been used and NOT flushed since before the power went out, and were used after it had gone out as well. The power was gone from July 16th to September 10th--almost two months. It would have been back sooner had the electric company not jerked Steve around so much, he'd been working on it since about August 10th. So there was nasty sludge and the smell was horrendous. Not only that, but in both bathrooms, especially the one just for the tenants, it seemed like the trash had never been taken out, and that towels had been used for toilet paper. The tenants also never cleaned their personal bathroom... which is gross. But aside from the showers, both bathrooms are completely clean and usable again.

Steve then set to work on his bedroom, which his ex left quite a mess for him. Our reasoning is thus: Steve is going to be moving into the master bedroom (finally), and if we move him in there ASAP, then we can use his old room as the kitty room, and thus shut the cats in while we're cleaning so they aren't exposed to the chemicals and molds. While we have masks for safety, the kitties don't. So we're trying to get them that space as fast as possible. And then it'll be there space after all is said and done as well.

I cleaned up the living room and dining room, since I'm shorter and can thus run the shop vac better. There was bits of cat poop still littered around with scraps of the wall paper that the tenants ripped off the wall. I'm going to still have to go through and try to get the paint out of the carpet, but I don't know how much I'll be able to do. I also cleaned up some of the spots where Bob scuffed cat poop into the carpet (he wanted to tile both rooms and was PISSED at being told no and having his tiles hidden on him after he bought them anyways). In the end though, Steve's uncle who has a carpet cleaning business of some sort is going to come in and do what he does best, since I can't get it all out.

As we moved the furniture back into these rooms though, we discovered a slash in the couch cushions, and the dining room table has HUGE dents in it, like it was hit with something. I know there's no way we can sand it out, but Mom is gonna take a look and see if maybe she can't think of a way to repair it. The coffee table is pretty much destroyed. And everything has paint all over it from where Bob and the other tenant were careless and goofing off while probably drunk. Can't say anything about the dining room chairs though, since the cats did that damage. >_>;

At this point though, we're doing pretty well. Tomorrow we'll finish up Steve's room and get him moved, and then that afternoon we're having a cleaning party with a bunch of friends who volunteered. We probably won't touch Bob's room though, since A)It still reeks, and B)We don't want to be accused of loosing his stuff.

The trick is going to be replacing things, like the curtains and mattresses, that Bob destroyed. Steve's only just getting back into work this coming Wednesday, and my hours are hit-or-miss at the office thanks to severe computer issues. Somehow though, hopefully, we're going to make it work. The restitution payment will definitely help.

Cops and Court Dates: Update 2

2009-09-13T23:34:00.001-04:00

So tonight Steve and I went to get the cleaning supplies (which cost close to $100) to start working on the house. And we did start cleaning the house. We managed to get both bathrooms (minus tubs and showers), the living room, and part of a bedroom cleaned up.

As we were cleaning we noticed a few things:
1. Steve's real katana is missing.
2. Bob poured pineapples on the foosball table.
3. Somehow we missed the fact that two bedframes are gone.

So we're going to wait for the light of day tomorrow to look for some of this stuff out back, but we're pretty sure it's gone.

The biggest problem though was what we found upon arrival. There is brand new damage to the porch, in a huge chunk that appears to be smashed in on the left supporting post (when you're facing it), and on the same side one of the little rungs is broken almost in half.

What was the scariest though was the present left. There was a pile of rope not there the night before that was tied at the end like a noose. I'm not kidding.

So we called the direct line of the cops, and are waiting to hear back from them. But if it was Bob who did all this, now he's in violation of the restraining order against the house.

If it wasn't him, then it's probably the bastards across the street who he talked into watching the house constantly. They seem to be his little minions.

When is it all going to end? D:

Maybe we will take up my Aunt's idea and call the news. They'd probably have a field day with the story, and it might mean that Bob isn't let off on a plea bargain. :P

Cops and Court Dates: Update 1

2009-09-12T20:18:00.000-04:00

So today we spoke to a different officer since the station felt that was the proper course of action to take, and we found a few things out.

First and foremost, the report last night lacked a few details that the station wanted, so a second report was filed, but we didn't have to go to the station to do so.

The biggest problem though, was that the judge let Bob go last night. And it was the same judge we saw at the eviction hearing. Steve and I are both pissed.

Worst of all is that there was no order of protection issued. The only thing that Bob was told was that he could not set foot on Steve's property at all, and that at a time that was convenient to Steve he could retrieve his property while being escorted by an officer of the law.

Still, that doesn't mean he can't wait across the street with his buddies and stalk us else where. And I wouldn't put it past him to do it. He's that psychotic.

So Steve now has to contact the D.A.'s office, and demand restraining orders for both of us so that he can't come near us, and while we don't have to appear at court when Bob is sentenced, it may be in our best interests.

Bob will have to pay restitution, and a judgment will be put out on him for it. The county will give Steve the money though.

It really bites though, because this is a felony offense, and the officer today told us that the most Bob is looking at is a few months in county, simply because they'll probably plea-bargain down to that. I really hope not.

All the officers are really pissed off that Bob got off as well, the officer today told us that.

So I don't even know what's going on at this point. All I know is that I don't feel totally safe anymore knowing that this bastard walked with nothing but court dates at this point, and I know he's probably gloating silently to himself.

The officer did tell us it was a good thing that we took our own photos, and that we may need them. So I'm tucking that memory card away for future usage.

So much for a fair and just system.

Cops and Court Dates

2009-09-12T01:52:00.000-04:00

What a hectic two days. Good freaking god. =_=; If I never see another legal proceeding, it will be too soon. Let me explain why.

My boyfriend Steve has been renting a room to a tenant, who we'll call Bob for the sake of my ass not being brought up on libel and slander charges. Bob is not a nice person, and has already been to county jail four times now, at least.

Last night was the court date for the eviction process, and this guy went in there trying to claim the house had always been unlivable, and that he was brought in to try and fix it up and stuff. That he wasn't supposed to pay rent, but to mow the lawn and do the dishes. Which is bullshit, first and foremost, and even if that was why he was brought in, he didn't do that stuff anyways. The guy just drank his life away. Then he's trying to claim he has $60,000 worth of a lawsuit in fines for the tenants bill of rights that was broken, which is also complete shit. I'll explain in a moment. The whole thing was started by unpaid rent, but the judge ruled that since there was no actual paper trail or contract to prove it, that it didn't make a convincing case. He did say however that it didn't seem like a good situation, and then asked Steve if he was more worried about claiming the money or reclaiming his home. Steve told him he didn't care about the money, he just wanted his home back. So the judge asked Bob if he would be willing to just leave and avoid the legal proceedings, and he said no. The judge asked him why, and he started in with the lawsuit shit again. The judge stopped him in the middle of it, told him that played no part in this case, and asked him again if he'd take the offer. Bob said no. The judge said then, "Maybe I'm getting old here, but I fail to see the logic in your decision. You're claiming this house is uninhabitable, and yet you're fighting to stay." You know what Bob's response was? "Yes sir."

The court hearing took far longer than it should have though, because Bob kept trying to adjourn so he could seek legal council on the lawsuit thing, and to show the judge photos he had taken, and all this other shit. None of it flew, and the judge denied him the chance to seek legal council because he didn't feel it was necessary. So he signed the papers to send them to the sheriff's office to issue the warrant, and began explaining it all to Bob. The sheriff's office would get the papers, and would serve them to Bob. He would have 72 hours after being served to vacate the premises or he would be removed by force. And that the whole process would take 7-10 days, including the 72 hours. Bob, upon realizing that he really was screwed, started claiming it's all rather sudden, and he has no where to go, could he get at least 30 days. He was denied, and the judge told him to call social services, and that they could put him up for a few extra days while he found a place. He then asked Bob if he really couldn't go anywhere, and Bob replied thus:

"Well, I had $660, and I was gonna put it as a down payment on an apartment that would be $480 a month, but then Steve said he really needed the money and that if I gave it to him I could stay. So I did."

The judge's response?

"Wait, you made the choice to give the money to Stephen when you could have gotten out of a place you say is unlivable? Why would you stay?"

So in the end, the judge did issue the warrant and sent it off. Bob was pissed, and gave both of us the worst look upon leaving. The best part is, we asked Steve's lawyer if Bob could sue for the tenants rights, and because there is no contract he definitely can't. He has no grounds. And that was it.

We went home, were worried, but tried not to be.

So today... it just all exploded. And if Bob had even the slightest chance of suing Steve, it's gone now.

Steve had some job interviews and stuff this morning, so he was out of the house by 8:30am. Bob shoved him on the stairs during their only interaction this morning, but Steve let it go and went about his business.

After the interviews, he came over to my place so that he could do his school work, and so we could decide on what to do today. Plus he really didn't want to be around Bob, and just wanted to let him pack. However, we did decide we wanted to get Steve's two cats out of the house and take them to his parents', just in case. Both of us had this sick feeling in the bottom of our stomachs.

We arrived at Steve's house around 5:30pm, and upon walking in the door I noticed two things immediately. First, I smelled paint. Second, the cats that always came running to greet us were no where to be found. So alarms were already going off in my mind. Three steps into the house I saw the damage.

Graffitied onto Steve's living and dining room walls with black spray paint and black crayons were the following messages:
"$60,000 in civil rights."
"Enjoy the power I paid for"
"I paid for the paint"
"Cocky box, don't cross me" This one was aimed at me. Box is a derogatory slang for the vagina for any who don't know.
"This house is cursed."
And then just plain drawings of skulls and scribbles.

He smeared cat shit into the carpets in both rooms as well, and ironically the power does not work in either room. The dining room has been out for a while, but not the living room.

Our next move was to go upstairs. By now my mind is back on the cats, and it's telling me they're dead. So I began checking rooms. In the first room I went in (there are five), the mattress was slashed, and the piled up garbage that was left by the other tenant who left after getting the 3 day notice was strewn everywhere. But no cats. There was no damage in Steve's room, that we noticed, and then came the room with the stairs to the attic. The cats were in there, safe and sound but starved and confused. However, there was also another slashed mattress in this room, and a hole in the wall. Shit was flung everywhere in here too, and a knife was jabbed into the stairs to the attic.

Since we've now already found damage in two of the rooms, we check the final ones. One seemed fine upon looking, but in the room Bob was renting... it's almost indescribable.

Graffitied onto the walls with the same black spraypaint is "Puff the Magic Dragon", and there are two butcher knives holding a note to the door, one of which wasn't just in the door, it was sticking out the other side. We did see that before entering. It smelled like drugs and urine, and considering this asshole urinated all over his ex's clothing, we figure he did the same to the carpet in the room. The note was very liberal in its use of derogatory terms against Steve, and then on the door in crayon was another note that included Bob's cell phone number.

We called my parents to bring me my camera, I took photos of everything, and we called the cops. More specifically the sheriff's office.

So they sent out someone to look at the place, and he took down the information he needed. He was in his car when a taxi showed up, and don't you know it's Bob. Ironically the assholes he has across the street watching Steve's house for him showed back up at the exact same time. The deputy got out of his car, looked at us to confirm it was Bob, and then went over to Bob and asked "Are you Bob?" And the idiot said yes. The deputy then asked him "What's with the damage to the property?"

Do you know what Bob said? Oh god I still laugh at this exchange.

Bob tells him, and I shit you not, "What damage?"

So the deputy says "There's no damage to the property?", with that sarcastic kind of tone. Bob replies with a no, and the deputy made me smile when he said "Do I look retarded to you?"

He lead Bob into the house, and started grilling him as to why he did it. How could he possibly think it was okay. And he took none of the lawsuit shit Bob was trying to spew, and so Bob told him he owned the paint that was on the walls because he bought it and painted it on. So he just added some more. The deputy told him to his face that was a stupid move.

Bob then asked if he could just go upstairs and get the last of his stuff and leave. The deputy denied him, sat his ass outside on the hood of the car and told him "Don't you move from this spot, or I'll put a warrant out for your arrest." and proceeded to tell the cab driver, who was a friend of Bob's, "And if you take him anywhere, I'll have you arrested too."

Another cop was called, this one a sergeant, to take photos, and because the current deputy is a K9 patrol unit, so he couldn't take Bob in. By now though Bob is in handcuffs. So he finagles his cell phone out of his pocket to call his whore, because he already told us he doesn't want a girl for anything other than sex, and goes "Yeah, I'm getting arrested. Apparently trying to reclaim my paint is a criminal offense." Then they made kissy noises at each other, since he couldn't get it to his ear and had to use speaker phone we were all privy to this conversation, and the deputy is in his car chuckling at Bob. You could tell by how his body moved. It's like, seriously? You were reclaiming your property? Wow.

The other thing was this backpack Bob had that he was going to have sent to her. As soon as the deputy heard, he took possession of it to check for illegal substances and such. No idea what they found, but we heard Bob say there was a pocket knife in it.

So we were required to go down to the station to make the written complaint. No big. When we got there Bob saw us, and we got another dirty, dirty look. But we made the complaint, and asked for an order of protection. Unfortunately, because no physical threats were made, it's unlikely that we'll get one. However, the deputy is going to push for it because of the knives stuck into the door and such.

We figured that was it though. Bob was going to be brought up on felony charges since the damage would probably be over $1,000, and he's definitely going to prison. For right now though, he's being held in county jail until his official court date.

Upon returning to his house tonight, Steve went to play a bit of video games to calm his nerves, and I got a text that said "The bastard cut the cords to my TVs." I called him right up, and from what he told me, I'll see the damage tomorrow, Bob cut half the wires on both his TVs so that they won't work. Something so small it's easy to miss. So we have to scour the house tomorrow, and Steve called the sheriff's right back. So we get to see that fine deputy again tomorrow.

What a mess.

I spoke with my friend Brendan on the phone about it all as well. Apparently everyone at the market, which is where he works and where Bob and Steve frequented for food and stuff, saw Bob today, totally stoned out of his brain, or drunk, or both. But he's an angry drunk, and today he was being really friendly. They then saw him board a bus to Saratoga with his bicycle, and this was after 4:30pm. So we literally just missed him.

I'll know more of what's going to happen tomorrow, and what else has been damaged. We're taking the cats to Steve's parents' house anyways, simply because now there's a shitton of work to be done and whatnot, and we don't know what the smell is in Bob's room.

I also don't know if we'll have to appear in court, but the TVs were worth $1,100, meaning it's definitely a felony, and Bob could be looking at more than two years.

The past 48 hours have been absolute chaos, and I don't think we've seen the last of it just yet. Thankfully, it's almost over.

A New Project: Black and White Flowers

2009-09-03T00:43:00.002-04:00

I have started a new project, and so far it's going really well. My goal is to get 25 really good b+w flower photos that I can combine into a book with inspirational-type quotes. I am having a great time with this, and I can't wait to actually complete the entire project. The quotes are going to be just as difficult at getting enough good photos though, probably, so I still have a ways to go.

If you want to see what I have so far, I urge you to visit here: http://www.photo-phantasy.com/bwflowers

Here are a few of my favourites though, just to give you an idea. And yes, this book will be available to any who are interested. :)

Nestled Inside by =Saknika on deviant ART

Leafy Form by =Saknika on deviant ART

The Solitary Flower by =Saknika on deviant ART

A Short Life Span B+W by =Saknika on deviant ART

Cradle of Life B+W by =Saknika on deviant ART

Ruffled B+W by =Saknika on deviant ART

I Quit

2009-08-31T10:55:00.000-04:00

It's official, I have quit Stewart's. I just couldn't stand it anymore, and here's why. Although, I told my manager that it was because I couldn't match pace and felt it wasn't the place for me when I turned in my two weeks.

1. I felt that one of my coworkers is getting special treatment because she's a friend of the manager.
2. The hours were shit. One week I'd have 20, and the next I'd be lucky to get 8.
3. I had to sweep the LEAVES up out of the parkinglot. So said the DISTRICT Manager.
4. People went too fast in transactions, and as such major cash losses were recorded with my name too, since we have to share registers.
5. Incentive is unfair and causes nasty rivalries in the workplace.
6. It's too hard to keep track of gas.
7. The cooler and freezer do not feel safe to me.
8. Really rotten customers.
9. Lack of proper breaks.

That's all I can come up with right now, but basically it was driving me insane. I know that no job is perfect, but for a month straight I woke up for work depressed, and came home angry. Every day, without fail.

So I put in my two weeks, and am back working for my mom now doing data entry. It's a bill collection office, so most people don't like us... but oh well. It's pretty much a full time job, and now I'll be able to pay my bills by myself and still have money left over to actually do things with my life.

This summer has been so boring because I haven't had the money to do ANYTHING. Like... I literally had enough to go to Subway with Steve once a week. That's it. And my parents had to cover half of my student loan, because I was lucky to make $300 a month.

So I have left one job for another. My feet are very pleased with this decision.

Tiny Dog Pawty

2009-07-30T00:32:00.001-04:00

So I photographed a Tiny Dog Pawty on July 26th, and it was a lot of fun. Everyone there was very kind, and the dogs were tons of fun to be around! They seemed very curious about myself and Steve, too, since they just all kind of congregated around us as soon as we arrived. It was super cute.

Some must have felt I was invading their territory though, since they kicked dirt at me. Haha, silly pooches.

There was this one poor poodle too. It just wanted to play, but since it was twice the size of all the other dogs, they all just kind of ran away from it. Except for this one really beautiful white dog. I wanted to take that one home with me. >_>

The best part was that this was a paid assignment. Not only did I get paid for coming out to do candids, but I did some posed work that has gained some interest. Definitely a double win for me!

Here are some of the photos:

Hi, Please Pet Me by =Saknika on deviant ART

I'm Coming by =Saknika on deviant ART

Happily Lazy by =Saknika on deviant ART

Get My Good Side by =Saknika on deviant ART

It's All About Us by =Saknika on deviant ART

Meeting of Chance or Fate?

2009-07-18T17:54:00.003-04:00

I met a young boy, who couldn't have been more than six years old, today while I was out doing some flower photography. After the terrible week I had at work, and the bad night last night with my stomach, this child had a vast effect on me, and really made me stop and be thankful for what I had, and not angry at what was going wrong.

The reason why this is, is because I was doing flower photography in a graveyard today. Graveyards always have the best flowers, don't they? But anyways, aside from the photos...

So I was taking photos, and I heard his voice calling out "Hi there, what's your name?" This is pretty strange, since I'm in a graveyard, and it was stranger to look over and see a six year old calling that out to me. So I told him my name and asked his. It was Collin, and he proceeded to tell me the following:

"Hi Samantha! I'm here praying at my Mom's grave, are you here praying too? (I told him I was not) Oh, well I come every day to pray at her grave, my grandparents bring me because I never knew my father. And my great-great-great grandfathers are in here too. One died in WWI and the other died in WWII. (I asked him if he was proud of them for dying honorably.) Yeah I am. And one day, I saw an American flag on the ground, so I picked it up and washed it at home and put it at my Mom's grave. (I didn't have the heart to tell him you're supposed to burn the flag, he was trying to right the wrong in his own way. I then asked if he liked to leave flowers at his Mom's grave too.) Yeah, I do. I pick them, well actually I'm killing them, but I pick them myself for her grave. Once I pulled out a flower's roots too, so I dug a hole and put them in it. (I asked if they were still alive.) Yes, they are! (He looked so proud. By now we were wandering towards the exit since I had to get back to my friends. I asked if he was at the playground with people.) Yeah, I am with my grandparents. I really like looking at the big gravestones in here though, they're cool. Are you leaving Samantha? (I told him yes, I had to get going.) Bye Samantha! (I said goodbye, and he waved, and ran off to go meet back up with his people at the graveyard.)"

Honestly... what are the chances? It broke my heart, but at the same time it made me so thankful that I do have a complete family, and good friends. The fact that he prays every day at his mother's grave though, and did that with the American flag... This is the kind of youth America needs. A respectful youth, and a youth that's proud of their country.

Collin is a special little boy. I really just wanted to give him a hug. I hope the rest of his life is a happy one. So far, it seems like it, but I think he's lonely.

Thank you Collin for teaching me a lesson I had forgotten.

I hate my job

2009-07-17T19:47:00.002-04:00

I seriously cannot put enough emphasis on how much I HATE my job. Seriously, I will NEVER work in food service again, because this shit is ridiculous. Stewart's, you are the WORST work experience I've ever had.

To start off, I have injured my right shoulder from scooping ice cream. It aches every night now when I get home from work if I've scooped a lot of ice cream or moved a lot of really heavy items.

My feet, legs, knees, hips, and back all KILL from standing all day, because those special pads are only at the registers, and they don't work very well anyways.

It's DEADLY HOT even with AC, because all we have are these heavy-fabric shirts, and we HAVE to wear long pants, but not jeans! So good luck finding anything decent for the summer.

You have to do EVERYTHING in the store. You ring customers, stock shelves, stock the cooler, stock freezers, sweep and mop, clean the bathroom, make coffee, make food, scoop ice cream, and various other tasks. And you know what the pay rate is? Not nearly enough. I do all this for $8.50/hr.

So the job was shit from the start, but I put up with it because it's money in an even shittier economy.

WELL.

Yesterday I went in, and my manager bitched me out for leaving my coworker alone for an hour on Wednesday with only a stocker. Lemme tell ya, I was scheduled until 4, and it is NOT my fault that no one was scheduled to relieve me until 5. My coworker did not ask me to stay, nor was it busy, and instead she told my other coworker to man dip for the hour. So to me, who was leaving, everything seemed to be a-okay.

No, obviously not. My other coworker said it was crazy when she got there, and my manager flipped out on me for leaving when I was scheduled to. So I told her flat out that I didn't know the other kid wasn't register trained, because hell, far as I knew he was. And I was generally just like "What did you want me to do? No one asked me to stay and it wasn't crazy when I left." To which I got "It doesn't matter, your coworker wouldn't have left you alone with nothing but a stocker. I messed up the schedule, but you shouldn't have left."

I had no idea and I told her as much, and she basically didn't care. Far as I could tell I was being blamed for her mistake, because I didn't take responsibility for it.

Of course, the week before we all got yelled at for not selling enough and loosing a lot of cash.

So now I must make sure to ask every customer who buys only one pack of cigarettes "You know, if you buy a second pack you save 50 cents." I am disgusted with myself for having to do it or lose my job. Seriously, we have to promote bad health choices now? I'm okay with asking if they want a danish with their coffee, or a milkshake to go, but pushing more cancer sticks on someone? It's just not right.

And you should see the amount of lottery tickets people buy! They need to call the gambler hotline, seriously, it's that bad. We have so many people who everyday come in and buy $50 worth of tickets to gamble on. It's disgusting.

So today while I was there, the morning wasn't bad. But the afternoon... good god. I'm trying to leave, and things are just insane. There is a cash check going on, so we're down one register, and a huge line of people. I can do NOTHING to help, because everyone just wants to check out, so I feel useless to start. Then as soon as I am able to ring in the last five minutes of my shift, I asked my coworker if she could take over for me so I could pull my report for the night. And I got a snotty "No I cannot. I'm in the middle of redoing the cash check because it came out wrong. You have to stay until it's done anyways, and you should care about the outcome since this effects you as well."

She's been there a month. She's just everyone's favourite because she used to be a manager at a pizzaria, and so she's being taught everything right off. So she acts like a bigger person than she probably should. Needless to say though, I didn't appreciate the attitude I got. But I said nothing back, because I wasn't going to cause shit in front of the customers. I really wanted to tell her that it didn't really matter what the outcome was though, since there would be nothing I could do about it anyways. The cash drawers are shared, so you can't tell who lost the money.

My one other coworker rang shakes I made up for people under her number as well at the beginning of the week. And this is a big deal because this week our shake numbers are what matter most towards us getting a bonus at the beginning of next month or so. So I was pissed, but once again, there was nothing I could do about it.

Overall, I am just really sick of the bullshit at this job. I know there is bullshit at every job, but this is above and beyond. So I'm going to go to temp agencies after my engagement shoot tomorrow (the bday girl opted not to have me attend her party) or something, because I need something different.

Usually in the summer, I'm fine without my anti-depressant pills. But Stewart's is driving me head first into a really bad depression again. I shouldn't have to take medication because of a job, and it's starting to look that way.

FML

The Good and The Bad

2009-07-03T23:30:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-03T23:29:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-07-01T15:15:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-30T08:48:00.002-04:00

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 deviant ART

Dreaming of Fish... Maybe... by =Saknika on deviant ART

A Little Unbalanced by =Saknika on deviant ART

Perky and Pink by =Saknika on deviant ART

Feeling a Little Blue by =Saknika on deviant ART

Entering for Souls by =Saknika on deviant ART

Bridge of Sanzu by =Saknika on deviant ART

Prom09 CLassic Togetherness by =Saknika on deviant ART

Elegant Couple: Prom 09 by =Saknika on deviant ART

The First Infrared by =Saknika on deviant ART

Surreal Blue River by =Saknika on deviant ART

Cryptic Stones by =Saknika on deviant ART

Painted Infrared Lake by =Saknika on deviant ART

Lake Sunset 2009 by =Saknika on deviant ART

Elegant Walkway from the Past by =Saknika on deviant ART

Delicately Pink by =Saknika on deviant ART

Optimistically Orange by =Saknika on deviant ART

The Heart of the Plant by =Saknika on deviant ART

As Time Passes By by =Saknika on deviant ART

Hidden Falls by =Saknika on deviant ART

Rushing Falls by =Saknika on deviant ART

Pink Eye... Epidemic?

2009-05-20T01:56:00.002-04:00

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...

2009-05-11T11:58:00.002-04:00

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 deviant ART
That actually got me 234 pageviews the first day, and 174 the next. *0*

Wondering Breeze by =Saknika on deviant ART

Curious Return by =Saknika on deviant ART

Depths of Emotions by =Saknika on deviant ART

Try Me Sweetheart by =Saknika on deviant ART

Somewhere Far Away by =Saknika on deviant ART

To the VA Emergency Room

2009-04-10T10:11:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-08T00:42:00.001-04:00

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~

2009-03-19T14:55:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-19T02:25:00.002-04:00

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

My Eyes D:

2009-03-18T23:33:00.000-04:00

So I had an eye appointment today. That went over pretty well, aside from her telling me that they had changed severely--and not for the better either. >_<; My vision has become INCREDIBLY nearsighted, which sucks pretty badly but there isn't much I can really do about it. So Dad is ordering in my new script and that's that.

I had to laugh though, because when I mentioned I did karate, she asked if there was head trauma, and I said yeah. Because I mean, I tend to run into things (seriously, I jumped head-first into a kick once LMFAO), and there is some neck cranking with the juijitsu. These things happen. But it's all safe and shit because it's a controlled environment, so I see no issue with it. My eye doctor however said I might want to quit because the trauma from the head being whipped around like that and stuff might not be good for the eyes. That's not happening, and I told her as much, but she didn't press matters so it didn't get nasty and it's all good.

She's really a kind doctor though. Since I lack insurance, when she saw that she worked in a way to help ease the cost. Which is fantastic. SO SCREW YOU INSURANCE COMPANIES AND MEDICAID THAT I CAN'T GET, MY EYE DOCTOR LOVES ME. LOL <3

On the positive side as well, she said my astigmatism hasn't gotten much worse. So that makes me happy.

In other news, I got a phone call around 10:30am from Stewarts to set up the second interview. I go tomorrow at 2pm. So hopefully this means I'll be employed before much longer. I'm not really looking forward to working there, since I'm not thrilled with the idea of any food service, but at this point it doesn't matter--I need a job. So I'm going to keep looking so that if I find something better, I can go there instead. Or, maybe I'll have two part-time jobs, who knows.

All I know is that I need money and fast, because this whole having my parents foot the bill thing bites.

Beautiful Days Outside

2009-03-15T13:19:00.002-04:00

The past two days have been absolutely GORGEOUS outside, and today is no exception. The temperatures have finally been up in the high 40s, low 50s, and I am LOVING it. It makes me want to go outside and do something, however, it's just muddy now where the snow is gone, which kinda sucks. :P It's times like these that I wish I lived just a few miles more into town so that the snow had melted weeks ago and I could be outside playing ball with Jack or something. Goodness I can't wait. And I blame Steve for this restlessness, now that he's made me accustomed to exercise.

Speaking of Steve, I spent a lot of the last two days at the dojo. Haha, not hard to do though, I love it there. But before that, onto the events of the day.

The interview at Stewarts went very well. I was straight up and honest with her, and she was the same with me. I like that. It looks like it'll be a little tough since they don't do call-ins except in dire situations. That, and everyone works every holiday, no exceptions. Not for long hours, but you do. We'll see. I'm sure I'll be with them for a while though, since I need income. It starts at $8.50 an hour, and I'll get between 10-20 hours a week if I get the job. But first I have to make it through a second interview with another manager of a different Stewarts, and if I make it through that I then have to do job training on a Saturday. If I can get through those two obstacles though, then I have a job and I'll have income. Hecks yes.

After that interview, I went to Chucks and had lunch with Karen. Hadn't seen her and Nicholas in a while, so it was really great to have lunch with them again. Dad even showed up since he was at the ambulance building on duty that day, and joined us for lunch. he also paid for all our lunches behind our backs, the fool. But I love him, he can be a really good guy sometimes. Karen really enjoyed it there too, and will probably be bringing the family back to eat there. And everyone at the store loved little Nicholas, and I can't blame them, he's a cute baby. The main reason we got together though was because Mom had ordered GirlScout cookies from Karen's daughter, and that was how we decided to make the delivery. Works for me! :3

It was after all that, that I headed to the dojo. It was fantastically fun. I got there in time to meet Steve's three younger students, and I even got to play with them a bit. Though I have to admit, it was a bit awkward because I've never been in a situation where I was practicing with someone who I could actually break and throw around really easily if I wasn't careful, so I didn't go live with them on the mats at all. I still have to get used to the idea that I can't be rough with them like I am with Kelsey and Steve. LMAO

After they were done, Steve started my private lesson. We practiced the Crescent Kicks, Axe Kicks, and some combos with them; and then we had to stop because something in my right hip popped and it hurt REALLY BAD. So we went to striking. In striking Steve helped refine my ridge and knife hands. Lemme tell ya, building up the hand strength to endure these a lot is hell, but totally worth it. So what's going to happen is that I'm going to have to practice them a bit every time to destroy my hands, so that my hands can continuously rebuild themselves to be stronger. NO. PROBLEM. xD Haha, I know, I'm totally crazy. But it'll be fun. After all that, we did some sparring/grappling.

Normally, I'd leave after that, but I decided to stick around to watch Cardio, and ended up joining them for the abs. If there's anything I still need to work on a bit, it's definitely my abs and my hip muscles. After he did that class, he started the MAXFORCE one, and good lord I will NEVER do that. xD; It's HARDCORE. And I do too much at that dojo as it is. ROFL

So I just watched the last class, and then Steve and Sandra and I chatted for a bit before heading home. I slept really well that night when I went to bed. x3 And I went to bed early, because I had to get up at 6am to be to the dojo by 7am yesterday.

Of course though, my cat Floyd just couldn't let me sleep in until 6am. No, he woke me up at 5:45am because he wanted to be let outside. YOU BASTARD CAT! Couldn't wait 15 more minutes, OH HELL NO. So I ended up awake 15 minutes early.

I made it to the dojo a few minutes before 7am, so Steve and I chatted for a bit until Student-Steve showed up. Apparently Kelsey didn't get up in time to join us. xD; But it was cool, because at the same time as teaching Student-Steve to use a bokken, Steve was helping me learn to teach the bokken. So eventually, I may be able to help out on Steve's level with that class, which would be really cool. I'm going to practice with him privately a lot so that I can really refine all my techniques and stuff so that I can be an excellent instructor. :3

After that Steve and I had some chatting time until Scheffleur (Shef for short) showed up to instruct one of the kids in Juijitsu. Shef is training to be an instructor in that, which is pretty cool. He definitely makes a better instructor than fighter it seems like, too. But that's okay, because he's good at what he does. So Steve just kind of watched from the side lines and helped where needed while Shef did the instructing for the kid.

I was going to leave after that, but then Michelle got there for the MAXFORCE, which turned out to be yoga yesterday, so since Carrington was totally wiped out from too much work and wasn't going to be able to make it, I joined her in the yoga exercises. Those were really nice, though it was hecka funny because Steve isn't as flexible as us so we were picking on him. A lot. x3

After that class came Cardio. And somehow I got suckered in to joining them for that whole class. OH. MY. GOD. Doing so much so fast with little to no real breaks is HECKA TIRING. I can see why you loose weight with that. Good god. O___O;;; But I'll admit, I had a lot of fun. I was picking on them though, and told them if I couldn't donate blood anymore because they made me loose weight, heads would roll. LMFAO They're awesome women though, so it was all good.

I did take a break after that though, while Steve gave Shef his nunchaku lesson. After that lesson though, Steve and I were grappling again, just for the hell of it. Totally a lot of fun.

Sometime before Friday though, I had hyper-extended my left arm, so that was actually really painful and I kept causing myself pain through all the lessons. xD;;; Steve helped it a bit though, since he's pretty good at relieving minor aches and pains with holistic medicine and stuff. Works for me. It's still painful today, but definitely not as much as before.

Around 2ish, when everything kind of winded down, the landlord Paul showed up. Turns out the doctor in another building he owned had lost his license and went out of business, and had just left the furniture behind because he didn't want it anymore. So Paul wanted to know if Steve wanted to go scavenging, which he readily agreed to. I stayed behind to watch the dojo, since Paul decided he trusts me.

So while they were gone I cleaned and swept to prepare for their return with the furniture, since Mom has instilled those habits in me. They were gone about a half an hour, at least, so after I was done picking up a bit (there wasn't much lol) I practiced with my bokken a bit. I was bored, and it was something to do. I did have one scare where the back door was rattling, but it never opened so no big.

When they returned I helped them move the furniture in and direct them when they were carrying some larger stuff. The dojo looks a lot more inviting now. :3 And there is this really cute blue couch that looks like it belongs in a dorm, and then this retro orange leather couch that I just laugh at. But he got a lot of good furniture, which rocks. So I'm meeting up with him around 3:30 tomorrow to help scrub and clean the shit out of it. And to rearrange it. I don't know what I'm doing after that. LOL

Last night we played games. I totally raped people the second game of electronic Life, and in Clue we all got raped due to a card mixup and thus lack of a room in the evidence folder. LMFAO

We did a little karaoke as well, which was fun. I totally attempted Heartbreaker on Expert, and almost got 30,000/50,000 points. All goods and greats. OvO I WILL NAIL IT DAMMIT, I WILL. >3>

That was my night though. I chatted with Mom for hours afterwards, and ended up not going to bed until about... 4am. ROFLWTFISWRONGWITHME!? OTL;;;

Today is another beautiful day. However, my body demands some serious recuperation, so I'm not doing much. My friends want me to RO with them, but I don't know if I have the attention span right now. xD;;;

Actually, noon seems like too early to have gotten up at, I want a nap. ROFL But I won't take one if I can help it.

Maybe I'll do some photography. Maybe. Who knows.

Website v2

2009-03-13T03:02:00.000-04:00

So tonight I updated my website to v2, and I have to say, it looks AMAZING. >.> You totally should check it out! :D

http://www.photo-phantasy.com

It all started with that background. I was debating on how I wanted to do my site, since I knew I wanted to get away from iFrames and into the SimpleViewer (iFrames and SimpleViewer do not play nice together), and considering all options. I didn't have a photo I could put there that would work that wouldn't stick me with black and white, and that just wasn't good. I like colour, it's as simple as that. Which is why v1 was brown and green and stuff. But this one had to be cleaner than that, since I was also tired of such an overwhelming colour. Lemme tell ya, balance is not an easy thing when it comes to wanting something clean, but something with colour.

I don't know how the idea fully hit, but as I was going through what I could do, I started considering making a negative strip and putting some of my photos in it. But this just didn't seem like a good idea because then there would be too many colours for a single theme. And then it just kind of hit me that I could use my old b+w negatives from High School for the background, and I taped my favourite ones down to paper and put it in front of my strobe and took a picture. Voila, I had a background.

It started there with that background. I got my colour scheme from it, and I built around it. The header was actually really easy, since I created that style when I started planning out some stationary and stuff, so it wasn't too big a deal.

What was a big deal, were the damn links. Since I wasn't going to be using iFrames (and they weren't working anyways *shakefist*) I had to figure out a way to specify two sets of link properties. And I failed miserably, but my friend James from SSD came to the rescue! So those links are courtesy of James, who explained how to create them to me. THANK YOU JAMES, I LOVE YOU HARDCORE STYLE. <3

After that was done it was basically just adding in content. I edited stuff from the old site, but mostly it was just copypasta. The hard part was the photos... since I had to go fish them off of my discs. I'm not quite done yet either, but that's okay. I got the majority up and that's what matters. And thanks to Lightroom, it was hecka simple to do. LIGHTROOM FTW!

It was a long nine hours. But overall, I'd say it's worth it.

ENJOY THE SITE, I LOVE YOU ALL. <3

Job Interview at Stewarts!

2009-03-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

So it's official! Tomorrow at 1pm I have a job interview with Stewarts! OvO I really hope I get the job, because I need it HECKA bad. Like, my parents paid my student loan for last month (they're amazing, seriously ;w;), but I don't want them to have to do it again. So I'm going to really apply myself to the interview and make sure that job is MINE.

The only thing that might suck about the job, is the fact that I think it's the 5am shift, meaning I'd have to be up at the ass-crack of dawn. >.>;

After I do the job interview, I'm meeting up with my good friend Karen at Chuck's for some greasy lunch and to get Girl Scout cookies, since we got some from her daughter. HOORAY GREASE! HOORAY GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!

I'm probably going to head down to the dojo for a bit tomorrow night as well if I can find out what time Steve will be there at. Haven't been yet this week and I'm getting restless. Gotta talk to him anyways about Saturday. x3

Other than that I just did a NEW PHOTO WUT!?

Yeah... got a crazy creative urge at about midnight a couple nights ago and I ended up with a tangible idea, and then about three hours later a completed photo. It's definitely one of my best, though I'll be revisiting it to make it EVEN BETTER. But I was so proud because it gained 20 favourites on DA in the first 24 hours that it was up. ;w;

So here it is. Enjoy!

Painterly Ways by =Saknika on deviant ART

Dojo and Photos and Retouching; OH MY!

2009-03-06T22:04:00.001-05:00

So I've been a busy busy bee these past two days! :O Sadly, this busyness has not been because I have a steady 9-5 job. :P But it was fun and that is all that matters. :)

Both days have started pretty early, and anyone who visits my Twitter probably noticed that. xD

I spent a lot of my time at the dojo on Wednesday. Before going there though, I did my taxes and it turns out they promote their clients as well, meaning that I can drop off flyers and business cards and they'll help me out. Hecks yes. Just need some space in my basement for a "studio" and I'm set. :D

At the dojo we started with photos. Photos of the outside, photos of the inside, and then photos of Steve. He loved that. And I loved blinding him. Haha. It was fun though, and he also was introduced to the deadliness of a reflector. Bwahahaha Only briefly though, since I used a light kit to light him otherwise. I needed it for the dojo anyways.

After that I sat and chatted, and then we decided to work out.

[Insert eleven hour pause here because Steve and Sandra arrived]

By work out, I mean two and a half hours straight of exercise. Striking, grappling, weapons--you name it, we did it, basically. But it was fun.

And then his cardio class came in, and I did more photos. Those women are a riot, they really are. And I networked a bit, so I might have another new family portrait to do. :) Excellent. That always brightens my day.

Yesterday, Dan, Logan, and I hit up Saratoga since Logan paid me to do photos of him for personal use. Hecks yes, I do love getting paid. He also bought a print. Sadly, the money does go into my business account, but shit, it's money towards equipment. I like that. And we had a lot of fun. Logan and Dan are both great guys, and Dan has found a hidden talent in being a reflector bitch. Life is good.

Had to retouch all those photos though for him to choose from, and am still retouching shit from the dojo since I am slow and lazy and just haven't gotten around to it. ^^; I will though, soon enough. LOL

On the eleven hour break:
So today Steve, Sandra, and Dan dropped by. Steve needed to print his business plan, and since his printer is busted we let him come over and use ours. Sat and chatted for hours, and then Steve and Sandra headed to the dojo. Dan and I then hung out for the rest of the day.

First we just chatted. Then we went to the galla for Galway's art portfolio class from 5:30-7:30pm, and had a blast. I networked a bit, Dan thinks he found ancient ramune bottles (they really did look like it LMAO), and we just had a good time. I got him lost by taking backroads too, which was pretty humerous.

Tomorrow I'm going to be at the dojo by 7am to help Steve with a weapons class. That means I'll have to be up by 6am and out the door by 6:30am. If I do this right, I'll be out the door by 6:20am to get there a few minutes early. x3 I'll be tired, but it will be fun.

Anyways, since I do have to be up early, and it's about 10pm now, I'm going to leave you with photos from Saratoga and head to bed. Goodnight.

Hanging at the Wall by =Saknika on deviant ART

Stair Lounging by =Saknika on deviant ART

Him and THE WALL by =Saknika on deviant ART

Dr Phil's test - I scored 40/42

2009-03-05T01:14:00.003-05:00

Got this in email. My score varied because on one of the questions (number 3) it could be one of two things. But both fit me well. I will give you a real update sometime tomorrow when I'm not dead tired. Besides, this is kind of cool. Enjoy. :)

Also, I bolded my answers at the end.

Dr.. Phil's Test: Here you go. Try it!!

( Dr. Phil scored 55, he did this test on Oprah
and she got a 38.) Some folks pay a lot of
money to find this stuff out!

Read on, this is very interesting!

Don't be overly sensitive!

The following is pretty accurate and it
only takes a few minutes.

Answers are for who you are now and not who
you were in the past. Have pen or pencil
and paper ready.

This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept.
at many of the major corporations today . It helps them get
better insight concerning their employees and in their
prospective employees.

It's only 10 Simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper,
keeping track of your letter answers to each question.

Ready?

Begin..

1. When do you feel your best...

A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk...

A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you...

A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4.. When relaxing, you sit with...

A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...

A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...

A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're
interrupted...

A) welcome the break
B) feel extremely irritated
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most....

A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments
before going to sleep you are...

A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...

A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3
(f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e ) 1
10 (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6
(f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINT : Others see you as someone they should 'handle
with care'. You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is
extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could
be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to
become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS : Others see you as an exciting, highly
volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who's
quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They
see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything
once, som eone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They
enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you
radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS : Others see you as fresh, lively, charming,
amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who's
constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well
balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as
kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who'll always cheer
them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful
& practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented , but
modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily,
but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who
expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to
know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your
friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if
that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy.
They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and
steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did
something impulsively
or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything
carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it.
They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and
indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants
someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get
involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who
always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're
boring. Only those who know you well, know that you aren't.

Not looking for 19yr olds

2009-03-03T20:00:00.003-05:00

Right, so that Wednesday I put in my applications to Stewarts.

The Middle Grove one told me that she was definitely looking, and would be starting the whole process in a week and a half to two weeks, and to expect a phone call. Awesome. I will be going to see her again either Thursday or Friday, since it will be about a week and a half at that point. Just going to check in and see what the hiring status looks like. Cross your fingers! Stewarts, as much as I'd rather work elsewhere (like a bookstore <333) has benefits, which is AWESOME.

The Stewarts up at Scotch Church however... are queer. There is no kind way to say it, they are. The guy there looked at my application, and our conversation was thus:

Him: So you're 19?
Me: Yes, I am.
Him: Well, I'm not really looking for any 19yr olds right now, I just hired a minor.
Me: Oh... okay? (Thinking what the crap? That's... pretty retarded...)
Him: But I'll keep this on file and call you if anything turns up just in case.
Me: All right, thank you.

That's about where I left. How stupid is that? Like... I don't get it. Especially not when there's a sign out front saying they're hiring mornings, and low and behold I'm available mornings. Whatever though, I'll just pursue Middle Grove. It's their loss since I'm only 19.

In other news...

Did a karaoke night last Sunday with my sensei Steve, Sandra, and Dan. It was hecka fun. We had pizza and snacks, and Sandra brought home made strawberry rhubarb pie. Yum~ It's been a long time since I've had it, but it was wonderful and delicious. And we had a ton of fun too, which is all that matters. We're going to try and do it again this Saturday. I know I'm game.

I also got a job to do some photos this Thursday for a friend. It's not a big job, but hey, business is business. I'll take it. I needed a reflector bitch though, and Dan has come to my rescue! YAY DAN! So Logan, Dan, and I are going to be in Saratoga this Thursday afternoon freezing our asses off for photos. Good deal. 8D

In the depressing news...

Due to my financial issues, I had to defer my one student loan. Well actually, I'm in the process of it, since I wasn't eligible according to their test. Since when is being unemployed not eligible for deferment? Bastards. But whatever. It came down to the student loan or the car loan, and since there is no way to defer the car loan I had to opt for paying that one and deferring the other. Life kinda sucks.

Although, no late fees are assessed until March 14th, so if I can get a job and stuff by then, I could be okay... Cross your fingers for me?

In the health news...

I almost caught that nasty flu bug with the headache and sore throat. Almost, but not quite because I took some Children's Advil and apparently knocked it right out. Sweeeet.

My eyes on the other hand... are not doing so great. I'm having a lot of trouble reading road signs right now, so March 23rd and my eye appointment can't get here soon enough. Like... I'm driving on sheer memorization right now. I can't read anything until I'm right on top of it. LOLFAIL OTL

And finally, on the art end, some new photos for you to enjoy.

Have a good one!

Frozen Over by =Saknika on deviant ART

Blow a Finger Kiss by =Saknika on deviant ART

Vintage Wine for Two by =Saknika on deviant ART

Old Fashioned Insulators by =Saknika on deviant ART

So I almost had a Job...

2009-02-24T19:20:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday as I was on my way to my weapons class, I was startled by my phone screaming at me (beeping, really) because I had a message. Like, no one calls me, seriously. So to have a message on my cell always scares the crap outta me.

When I had the chance I listened to it, and it was from Five Guys, the human resources department.

What. The. Hell.

I specifically remember putting down on my application to try the home phone first, and no one ever called my home phone. But whatever, I'm desperate, so I call them back.

No answer.

Okay... I called the next day (Sunday) and managed to get an answer. She told me to go in on Monday between two and four in the afternoon and ask for an interview, they just needed one more to be sure. That they definitely wanted to hire me if I was still available.

Awesome.

So I went in and did the interview, and the guy told me he doesn't do the actual hiring, but I could expect to be working either today or tomorrow, and the manager who is in control of the hiring will call me around 5pm to let me know.

I was hecka excited. But I did make sure to tell the guy to call my home phone, just like I informed HR when I returned their call. So by now I've told them three times not to call my cell first.

Well, the call never came. Not to my home phone nor to my cell phone.

I've been in to fill out an application and interview twice. I also sent a resume via email, and called on the phone to land the application process. I made sure to call HR back, even though their message was from Wednesday. And I placed that call twice. I've put enough work into trying to get the job. So when they didn't call me back, I was hecka bummed, and totally through with the shit.

So today I went and picked up applications to Stewarts and will be turning them in tomorrow. I know at least one of them is definitely hiring mornings, so that works for me.

In other news...

This past Saturday in my weapons class I was Queen of the Hill. Not only did I beat down the other two boys that were there, I also beat my sensei. I was the undefeated champion of the day. :3 It was awesome.

I know I know, my sensei was holding back. But I told him to go at what he felt I could handle, and he did pick it up a notch when I started getting points, but then he decided to get fancy to try and trick me and I stabbed him. x3 That was the winning point. Haha. It was pretty awesome.

We also played with sais a little bit, and to do so got to wield a real katana. Not in any fast motion, but the sai doesn't grip to a bokken to show proper technique, so we had to use the katana. Hey, no big deal to me, made the lesson more fun. :3

Then I had my private lesson, and I'm just one move away from attaining my yellow belt. OvO I'm so excited! I'm going to work hecka hard to get that belt, and I decided that night that I would have my black belt by the age of 25. So it's my goal now.

I think the highlight of the private lesson though was when we were grappling, and I tapped him out with a move that is legal, but doesn't exist in any book anywhere. I just made it up on whim and instinct. If I remember completely properly, I got my leg around an arm and baited him with a hand and when he took the wrist I clamped onto his hand with mine and then used my knee as a focus point to strain his arm against. I don't know really, it was queer and I was just running on instinct. xD; But it worked! It worked real well! ROFL

That's about it though. Nothing else interesting really has happened. Worked on my dojo's website a bit, and it's almost complete and ready to be launched in its own domain, so that's cool.

Cleaned my room today, as much as is possible. I'm now pretending my closet does not exist. >.>;

Oh, and I'm fairly sick with who knows what. Some stomach flu. Yay.

Friggin Dog

2009-02-16T09:36:00.002-05:00

I love Jack, I really do, but that damn dog really pushes me to my wits end sometimes. Then again, so does the stupidity of those around me.

Jack is known for a tendency of running off if you're not careful, and he's smart like a child. And if you give a kid an inch... Yeah, you get where I'm going.

So anyways, Mom has been letting Jack out to do his business in the mornings and just not putting him on his run because it's too cold, and sometimes she'd forget to go check the door in the midst of trying to get my siblings off to school. So she started just waiting for him to do his business and calling him right back in, while waiting for him on the porch to keep an eye on him. Well, as he got better with this and because she hates the cold, she started just staying at the door. This eventually became she left him alone while she made her cup of coffee and then came back.

I guess he was doing pretty good for the past few weeks like this, until today when he ran off.

Mom let him out about 5:30am, and I just now retrieved him. Four hours of calling his name and standing at the door freezing our asses off every half hour or so.

Now, I haven't slept all night. I napped a lot off and on through the day, and I've been up since 10pm. It's almost 10am. I'm coming down with the flu, and my stomach is off because of the screwy sleep schedule and lack of a proper diet.

But, because Mom is worse off with the flu than I am, and god only knows what my sister is doing (this is technically her dog after all), and because Dad was sleeping (up until about two minutes ago); I had to be the one to go find the dog. Mom was certain he'd become roadkill because she had saw a car slam their brakes on near the driveway just after seeing Jack near it when he wouldn't respond to our calls. And when mom starts worrying, it's easier just to take action than to try and calm her with words.

So I walked up the driveway to see if I'd find puppy splatter or not, and thankfully I didn't. Mind you, it's about 20ºF outside, and I only have a hoodie and some haphazardly thrown-on clothes. It was really cold, even in the sunlight. I went a little ways down the road in either direction in the immediate area I knew he usually frequented because there were other dogs there, and then came back through the woods where I knew he also tended to go.

I did this for two purposes. The first being that I could call his name while walking. The second is that it's easier to spot a dog when you're not in a fast moving vehicle, trying to pay attention to the road. And the third and most important reason was that I wanted to leave a familiar scent behind so that maybe he'd follow it home. I'm no city girl, I live in a small town with lots of trees. I played in the woods as a child the way other kids went to the town park. But let me tell you, climbing up and over snow banks and finding areas that I wasn't going to sink in to knee-deep snow was not what I wanted to do this morning.

Jack did not appear before me while walking though, so I came back inside and got my keys. I planned on going around the "block" if you will, even though it would be more like making a circle of roads that happen to connect.

Wouldn't you know as I got to the end of the driveway the little shit was sitting right there on the side of the road maybe three-hundred feet away? Well, he disappeared just as fast when I turned to look so I could see if any cars were coming before I went to pick him up. Why take the car? It's simple, I didn't feel like back down an icy driveway of good length, especially when it slopes downward.

So I went and turned around on the street just up ahead, and as I came back he was there at the end of the driveway. Well, I hauled his ass in the car and kept a hand on his collar the whole way inside.

That dog is smart. We didn't have to say anything to him and he knew he was in trouble. He's currently cowering in the living room with his tail between his legs, because he knows that my Dad is going to chew him out. We all know it. He was told that he was bad by Mom and myself already, but Dad gives no quarter. He doesn't beat the animals, but the tone of his voice is enough when they're bad.

Damn dog deserves it right now. And I think Mom's learned her lesson--Jack will be going back on his run from now on. She should know better anyways. You know how curiosity killed the cat? Yeah, well it's going to kill our dog one day. I know he's a good boy, but his curiosity gets the better of him and he takes off. You'd think he'd know better by now. But apparently he doesn't, and he probably never will.

But at least he's back.

Letter from a Future Hallmark Student

2009-02-15T17:24:00.003-05:00

I was sick all this morning. I tried to lay down after my last post, and I slept fitfully between bouts with my stomach and what seemed to be panic attacks, though I can't say for certain because I wasn't able to really tell with everything that was going on. I did finally fall asleep for good around 11:30am, and I've been up for about an hour now, so hopefully this will be helpful to getting back on track with my sleeping schedule. Cross your fingers for me.

My mood has also improved greatly with sleep, thank god. But it wasn't just the sleep. I woke up and opened my email to find a letter from a class of 2010 Hallmark student. He's an older gentleman, and he had questions for me concerning how things would go, but he also was interested in where I went. It feels good to know that the hard work I put into the blog from when I was in Hallmark is helpful and of interest to others, but he also put a smile on my face since he said that I had a wonderful writing style. It meant a lot to me right now. But really, the biggest thing was that he contacted me and not one of the other alumni off of the Hallmark website. It's just good to feel appreciated like that.

I really hope that he and I become friends, he seems like a great guy.

That's about it though. I'm going to go find some food, and then I'm going to look for more job listings again.

Crashing and Burning

2009-02-15T08:18:00.003-05:00

It's so strange. As I write this, I feel like I've left my mind and body behind, and am watching them drop off a cliff with my emotions. It's such a surreal feeling. And probably not something good.

I'm still jobless, and it's finally taking its toll on my mind. All the pills in the world aren't going to help this, because they can't get rid of the cause. It's no good if you just treat the symptoms, you have to kill the disease.

I don't even know what I'm doing with my life anymore. I just want to do photography, but I can't. I lack the money to pay for gas to take me to the areas I want to photograph, and the economy here is suffering badly enough that no one has the money to hire me it seems. Not that I'd really see any of that money anyways since it goes into a business account. :\

I applied to the BonTon and a few other places. Just need to hear back from them now. Still hoping for something to come about with Five Guys. I don't know. I just need money. I hate having to be dependent on materialism.

My sleeping schedule is also totally backwards. Again. Which doesn't help but I just have no motivation or stamina to turn it back around. In fact it's quite the opposite. I'm getting to where I'm sleeping more and more. I feel like a cat. I sleep for one long period, wake for a while, and nap often. And the naps are getting longer and more numerous. Not healthy and I just... don't care. Well no... I do but not actively I guess.

I'm starting to loose interest in my friends too. Games aren't particularly interesting anymore. I don't eat right, if really at all. But I'm not actively trying to starve myself this time at least, I just don't have the desire to make myself food. I cry randomly for no reason.

It's all part of depression and I know this, but I don't want to take pills to just cover up the symptom when I know the underlying cause this time is stress. My mind is just shutting down because it can't handle the thoughts of what's going to happen if I'm unable to continue paying off my loans. And I'm not going to put mind-altering chemicals in my body when all it's going to do is put a smile on my face as I kiss life goodbye.

Basically, that's what I'm doing. And the government doesn't care, and they never will. Bush really screwed us, and Congress and the big companies running their pocket books aren't going to let things change that easy. Why should they when they're sitting fat and happy on capital hill? It doesn't matter if the rest of us suffer. At least I'm not like a lot of the country and committing welfare fraud and shit to get money. At least I still have my honour.

But something has to give, because I'm sure I'm not the only one losing my mind to the stress of this economy. I just want to sleep through it, and with the way things are going maybe I'll get my wish. I mean after all, what else can I do? Everywhere you look businesses are shutting down and closing their doors because Americans only barely have enough money to pay bills and put meager food amounts on the table. No one really has the money for luxuries anymore.

Now I'm just rambling. I think I'm going to go back to sleep. There's no reason to be awake after all. Right now, life is just a waking nightmare. I'd rather live in my dreams where I can survive anything.

I'm tired of just existing but it's all I can do for now.

Still Jobless

2009-02-09T04:06:00.002-05:00

So I still lack a job, and it sucks really bad. I tried to put in an application to Panera Bread, but unfortunately unless the website says that they are hiring, I cannot complete the second half of the application. So that's out. Totally lame. Even lamer was Piercing Pagoda who has you take a general survey, and if you're chosen you then may move on to the next step of the application process. I think I'm going to call them tomorrow to see if they've gotten any paper applications in yet, and to see if they can't step it up with the survey thing. Because... I really need a job, and that one seems like it might be kinda fun. As for Five Guys... I have no idea. I need to call them too and see what's going on. Because... once again, really kind of need that job. >_<;;; I hate having bills to pay, I really do.

I also need to get in touch with Tom Mills, who does the taxes for our family, and hand over my W2, and ask him about my small business type stuff. Because I'm not sure if I need to file since I didn't make $600 in profit this past year. I don't know. But I sure as hell do not want to be audited and then owe the government even more money. Lord knows they don't deserve it in this economy. Holy crap son.

So in the mean time I've just been trying to deal with all the stress. The first thing I did was get out of a long distance relationship I was having... which was back on... February 3rd. I'm just in no position to be in a relationship at all. I barely have time to think for myself, let alone another person. Plus, distance is very stressful. So I didn't need that. The next thing I did was start searching for jobs, and I cashed my final paychecks to pay off some bills. So I still have about $500, which will be enough for one more month of student loans... but then I'm SOL for EVERYTHING. So getting a job is HECKA important, and it's driving me NUTS. On the family scene, my uncle had to have extensive back surgery, my grandfather is still hanging on to life for whatever reason, the poor man, and Dad has to go in for another knee surgery ASAP. My siblings are having either school or work troubles of their own too, which has caused some serious trouble in the tipi, and I hate it a lot. Like... I wish I had that disposable income back so I could get out more.

At least I still have my martial arts though. I don't know what I'd do without it. Good god. @_@;;; And when I'm not doing that, I've been getting into Ragnarok Online. It's actually a really fun game, and I'm really enjoying becoming a Wizard. I love magic, I really do. <3 And RO is a game that I can play for hours (seriously, I played for close to 12 today, made it all the way to level 99 xD) and just not think. I don't think about life, I don't stress, and I just have fun. And I really, really need that.

In the mean time, I also Skype with people who are on and want to chat. So long as everyone wants to chat with each other as well, we often end up in group rooms. I don't normally run them though, so I don't have much of a say. xD Only the room leader, aka host, we have discovered, can add people. Oh well, it's fun nonetheless.

The biggest reason I need a job though? I don't even care about AX anymore, I just REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to go out and meet Mouse, Kizzy, and Vos. SO FREAKIN BADLY. AX would be great since so many others will be there too, but my big thing is at least meeting them. However, if I make AX I can also meet Artemis, which would be fantastic. He's such a funny guy, and we have such a fun RP going.

So yeah, that's about where life stands right now. Anyone who knows someone who is hiring in my area, HIT ME UP. Because I am DESPERATE. I'm almost to the point that I'll clean your freakin toilets if you'll just PAY ME. ;A;

Oh, and the arm is doing better. :D;;; Almost forgot to mention that. Reinjured it twice on Saturday, but no big. Just got hit once in weapons class, and then we both forgot about our injuries when we were grappling, and my sensei accidentally grabbed that arm right where it hurt. Not too big a deal though, because it wasn't all that bad. If it had been, we wouldn't have been grappling in the first place. LMAO He says I'm tougher that most people though, including his brothers who are older than me, so that's pretty awesome. :3

That'd be the long-winded update though. Enjoy, peace out, have a good sleep, whatever it may be, later~!

So I busted my left arm...

2009-01-31T18:12:00.002-05:00

RIGHT! It's been a while since I've updated this thing! I fail so hard sometimes. orz;;; Forgive me? I thought you would. :3

Anyways!

What's been going on...

Well, I've been doing good in my weapons class, and came out as King (well... Queen xD) of the Hill the last time I went. Which was about two weeks ago... >.>; The reason being that not yesterday, but last Friday, I was grappling and sparring with a kid named Zack at my lesson, and I must have over-exerted myself too much because I screwed my left arm up pretty bad. The bicep is wicked strained and if I move too fast, jiggle it too hard (I can't even jog wtf?), or stretch it too far; I end up in some serious pain. There are bruises that show up on it too, which sucks. So I just sat and watched on Monday when Munchback-sensei was doing a guest lesson (*tears*), and I didn't go to weapons today either. I did do my private lesson last night though, since I didn't have to worry about anyone but me. We focused entirely on kicking and stretching, so that we didn't hurt my arm. Though I did try this accuracy striking drill, and I was doing good at first until I got too aggressive and put myself in a good amount of pain. >.>; I gotta hand it to Steve though, he is really good at getting rid of pain. Like, it hurt at first when he started rubbing, but not long enough for me to not be able to handle it, and my arm has felt a lot better since.

We went out to dinner afterwards, and stayed and chatted at Pizza Works until closing. He wanted my opinion on some of the things for the dojo, and I was happy to help. Plus we were able to just plain chat about life, and since he's as good a friend as he is a teacher, that is always enjoyable.

But man, I'm so glad he made my arm feel better because it was a gamble as to whether I'd be able to use my camera anytime soon. And I was able to. :D

I did a good amount of photography today so that I could list new items on my etsy for sale. So nothing for the DA really. I'm crossing my fingers that people want my stuff though! Everyone says it's cool... xD;;;

It was so funny though, since we did the photos for the scarves outside, and we had to climb through the snow. Climb and wade, that is. The snow is up to my shoulders in most spots (I'm about 4'11) and when you got on top of it you sank in to about your waist in some spots. o_o;;; But we had fun and I got some nice images to use to sell my products, so it was all good. :3

On the job front, I did an interview thing with FiveGuys Restaurant, so I'm 90% sure I have a job with them starting no later than Feb 25th. The guy wrote down at least that I was available sooner for training, but I'd prefer to wait. So cross your fingers, because I really need it! It starts at $8/hr, plus equally-split tips (there's no waitressing and stuff), plus employee incentive programs that has had people walk away with an extra $300 during a month sometimes. So it looks like a really good place to work. And I'm super happy, because they're just opening up down in Saratoga, so that's the one I applied for, via the Clifton Park branch. Hooray for Craigslist (where I found out about it)!

In the mean time I've been playing Rumble Fighter with my friends and trying to enjoy life as much as possible on a no-income budget. xD

That's about my past couple weeks in a nutshell. Later! And please visit my etsy!

Stalker wut?

2009-01-15T22:58:00.002-05:00

First things first, as of yesterday at 5pm, I have no job. I am officially laid off from Borders. So it's back to square one of looking for a damn job. Crap. So yeah, I'm job hunting now and hoping I find something good. Saw this great one in Australia... but my chances of getting that are slim to none. :< Whatever, I'll try anyways.

So that was yesterday's joy. Today's joy was just... so much better. /sarcasm

My best friend for life, Nikki, and I were finally, FINALLY able to hang out for a while. It's been like... god, six months since I last saw her. She has been busy with school and work, and I was busy with work, and we just never had a day that we could hang out. So while she had a day off and was on break, and since I'm unemployed, I messaged her and asked if she wanted to go to Uncommon Grounds with me in 'toga. So we did.

Before I continue, let me tell you about Saratoga. It's a wonderful city with a very low crime rate. Downtown Saratoga is very safe, and very littered with cops because the station is RIGHT THERE. So shit just doesn't happen in this place. And when it does, everyone tends to know.

So Nikki and I went to Uncommon Grounds, and she got herself hot cocoa, and I got white hot cocoa with whipped cream, and we were chatting. And this guy followed us over to our seats. Which is fine, because we were in the center area where there were four overstuffed chairs around these two coffee tables, and it was crowded, so it wasn't unusual for him to sit in the chair sorta next to me. I say sorta because there is a good gap between the two.

Nikki and I chatted a while, and we both noticed that he was staring. And staying. And listening. And he didn't have a drink we soon noticed. Nor an iPod. Or a book. Not even a laptop. He was just sitting there, watching us, listening, and probably waiting.

Well, Nikki and I weren't about to leave. Oh hell no, not when he could follow us out. So we kept chatting, and he kept sitting. And waiting. And watching. And listening.

This went on for three hours. THREE HOURS.

The guy finally left about 9:25pm. Nikki and I waited until about 9:40pm before we headed out the door, because shit, he could be waiting. And during that time this other guy came over and was told us we should have moved and made a statement, and that what he was doing was wrong, and people had noticed. And when I told him that I did have self defense and martial arts training so I wasn't too worried about taking care of myself if need be, he told me that didn't matter and it wouldn't help too much probably. ORLY? Well whatever. It was nice of him to come over and say that, and tell us his years of being tuned to be observant through work had paid off, but I agree with Dad that he was a coward for not coming over to us before hand and saying loudly "Is that guy bothering you?" or something.

Dad things we should have left first, too, to see if the guy followed us rather than waiting because he could have waited for us out front, but really, either way we would have been screwed. We just figured he'd get too cold and leave. And apparently we were right. Though when we left it felt like someone was following us for a bit. Thankfully, we made it to the car uneventfully. o_o;

But I really was mentally preparing myself for him to possibly attack, and to have to put into use everything I've learned so far. And that's not much, but it's enough to hold my own--I'd hope. And since there were two of us and one of him, we did have the better numbers. But holy crap, talk about creepy. That kind of shit just doesn't happen in Saratoga. Wow.

Dad said I should have called him and he would have come down with the pistol in its holster. Ahahaha, that would have been a riot. I mean, he is licensed to carry so it would have been legal. But things worked out fine and that's all that matters. I just still can't fully believe it happened. And I wouldn't if Nikki hadn't been there with me, and that guy hadn't said anything to us.

And OMG, when Nikki went to the bathroom and I was alone, I could feel him staring holes into my head. And I mentally dared him to come chat with me, because I would have made a scene. Enough of a scene to have gotten the cops called or something. Because he was one creepy ass mother effer. Good god. o_o;

That was my interesting evening. All that matters though is that we got home safe and sound. :3

So I have no idea what's wrong with me lolfail

2009-01-10T22:08:00.002-05:00

THE CLIFTON PARK KIOSK IS DONE. GONE. KABOOSH. HOORAY! I am feeling so free. ;w; It was a long, long, LONG month and a half, but somehow I survived.

Alix and I were there yesterday from 9:30am-noon, and we got everything packed up and FedExed out. After that I was free to go, and I went to Saratoga where I got Animal Crossing for the Wii with WiiSpeak, and some stuff from Bath and Body works that was on sale for ridiculously cheap prices.

I then had my lunch and headed home, 'cause I wasn't feeling too great and my eyes were bugging me because the sun was so intense. And after the ulceration in my senior year, they can be pretty photosensitive.

So I just went home and laid down, and canceled my private lesson and decided to do it today after weapons instead.

Um... I still felt like shit today... but I went anyways >.>;

I played Animal Crossing until about 3am last night and made lots of friends and had a great time, so granted my bedtime wasn't the best, but I had napped the day before, and I didn't get up until 10:30am. It wasn't like I was running on next to no sleep.

Brendan and I got to class by 1pm, when we were supposed to be there. And I did okay at weapons. I was sluggish though, and I could feel it, but I figured it's just because I don't enjoy weapons as much as I enjoy martial arts. Weapons are beautiful, but I just love fighting with my body more.

I still managed to hold my own in weapons though when we did king of the hill, basically, and I won the first two out of three fights I was allowed to do. We were switching out no matter what after three just to give everyone a chance and stuff. After the second one though I was shot. It's no easy task defending your championship. But dammit, when I'm determined... well... xD

Any whodoodle, after that class we had some guests and I was pummeled with love from a puppy, and then it was on to my private lessons. Brendan got to play along today too, since it was only nice.

Well... my health dropped rapidly after this. Steve slowed the pace by a lot, and I could only do some moves a few times before I just had to stop. Especially the spinning back kick. That... did not end well. >.>;

When we actually got to grappling on the ground, he was watching very closely, I can tell. But I managed to figure the rubber guard out on my own to his shock, and actually apply it two or three times to both him and Brendan. And I tapped him out today with a move he's used on me before and he went "It's scary just how rapidly you're improving." Awesome. :D I did accidentally bloody Brendan's nose though. ^^; It's not broken though, which is good.

And this was well sick. Because when it was over and Steve looked at me he went "D: Kid, you okay? Your eyes are glazing over." I definitely wasn't. At all.

That's about when I left with Brendan though, and two other guys that I brought home since I could make them on my route with no issue. And when I got home I pretty much just passed out. Dad and Mom were pissed because I wasn't going to my Aunt and Cousin's birthday parties again, but whatever. I'm sick, and I don't care. And Mom wasn't going either, she had her own family thing to do. And even though Dad promised we wouldn't have been staying late (I was not and still am not alert enough to be driving right now), no one is home yet. At this time in my typing it's 10:40pm, and they're not home.

Yeah, not late my ass. :P Granted it's snowing something fierce, but shit.

Oh well, I wasn't going and I didn't.

I don't know what is wrong with me. It could just be I'm run down from closing the kiosk and all the panic attacks I was having and stuff, who knows. Maybe it's the flu. I'm clueless. But here's what I got, basically:
-No appetite, I force myself to eat.
-Possible slight fever
-Off stomach
-Headache and mild dizziness/disorientation
-Nausea
-Mild joint discomfort, not pain or hurt, just some discomfort here and there.
-Lethargic and tired a lot

So yeah... no idea what it could be. And if it's just PMSing or something... I will be PISSED. xP

Sucks though, because there were photos I wanted to take that I just couldn't muster the energy or caring to go get. And I just... don't really care right now. So whatever it is I got, needs to go. And fast.

Freak Blizzards

2009-01-08T23:20:00.002-05:00

So today I got up and got ready and went out to get the ice off my windshield... only to find it was not going to just slide off on the snow that was under it. Ohhhhh no, we had to use the scraper like a bat to whack holes in it, and then as a lever to pry and pop the ice off so I could pull it off my car. It was not easy, my hands got very cold, and I got a late start. :P

I figured that'd be fine though, I'd still make it by 9:45am, and all would be well.

YEAH, THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

So like, I'm driving and it's flurrying a bit, and by the time I made the second section of Jockey St it is a FULL BLOWN BLIZZARD. And since the roads were already wet they turned to ice with snow on top so it was like... 10mph traveling conditions as the wind made you slide all over the place. I WAS NOT A HAPPY PERSON.

So much for 9:45am. >_<;

I didn't make it in until 10:20am thanks to those two set backs. I mean, by the time I hit 146 it was sunny as could be! No more blizzard! But I passed five vehicles in ditches, plus one County Waste garbage truck in a ditch. o_o; Yikes.

Not like it mattered. Huma, Andrew, and I got the kiosk open, and Alix was delayed due to her own car troubles. And in the end we accomplished what we set out to do, which was to pack up all the merchandise.

And let me tell you, THAT WAS A BITCH. Having to fill out tons and tons of inventory sheets for each box. UGH. I'm glad we decided against trying to organize them. That would have been MURDER.

Mark was still pushing for us to stay open until Sunday, but we pretty much told him no flat out. And we're not doing it. Because it's just pointless.

So tomorrow I go in to help Alix with the FedEx stuff, and we're shipping it all out. Then all we have to do is wait for the movers to say they're coming. Susan is being awesome about all of this too, and letting the kiosk stand while we wait for that confirmation ourselves. It's going to be a short day tomorrow though, and I don't care. Just means I can get some stuff done that needs to be done and be happy.

The weather was shitty going home tonight too. :P

Health wise I've been having random panic attacks for no reason, still, and I hate it. But they're occurring less and less, so it'll be all good soon enough.

AND MONDAY I'M BACK IN MY BELOVED SARATOGA! *clings to*

That's pretty much it. I'm still on the hunt for a new job, and Saturday I'm going to go down to the Saratoga Borders to inquire about that cafe job. Not exactly what I want to be doing, but shit, with the economy the way it is beggars can't be choosers and it'd keep my foot in the door. ;_;

With that I'm off to bed. Busy day tomorrow. Work, karate, refinancing my student loan, and just plain being awake. lol

Oh la la, Photos~

2009-01-08T00:09:00.003-05:00

Got some new photos for ya. These are from my sister's party. Everyone was in bikinis. By no means are these the only ones, but they're all I have retouched so far. x3

Demure Fan by =Saknika on deviant ART

Thoughtful and Reminiscent by =Saknika on deviant ART

Protective Jealousy by =Saknika on deviant ART

Close Bonds by =Saknika on deviant ART

Shall I Dance for You by =Saknika on deviant ART

No, you cannot have my time

2009-01-07T23:53:00.002-05:00

So yesterday it was slow as hell, once again, at the mall. Slow enough that I watched episodes 28-33 of Soul Eater and was hardly ever interrupted by people. The holiday season is totally over, so no one is buying stuff anymore really. Now's the time to go back to work and school, and as such the foot traffic is down to a crawl. The food court hardly even fills up at lunch anymore. So yes, it's really slow.

I guess some lady went bitching to poor Susan (mall manager) though because we sell "indecent" (she means the playboy type) calendars, and kids can see them, blah blah blah. Susan was telling me about this, and she took a look just to see what that woman was upset about, and she told me that it's not like you could see anything, and that it wasn't anything illegal. She wanted a number to Borders that she could give the lady, but sadly I only had ones for Kiosk Support. So Susan said she was going to look up one online that would take the lady AGES to get through to someone that mattered with. x3 Sometimes, I really love Susan.

I also had several rude people come over with food in hand, eating and talking, and demanding to know calendar prices and asking which ones were cheapest and stuff. And it was like... gross. I'm happy to help, but please don't come over and talk with your mouth full and chew in my ear for a calendar. I'm sure such an important purchase (and neither even bought a calendar wtf?) can wait until after your lunch, thanks.

My sensei and friend, Steve, stopped by two days ago to bother me. That was pretty cool. He has a job with Success Magazine now, and he's going to see if he can't help me get a photography position there. That would ROCK. In the mean time, I'm going to check out Borders Cafe, and other places.

I didn't go to work today though, because I wasn't going to do the two-hour drive from hell through bad weather again for a company that's laying me off at the end of the month. So Huma had to take my shift, and I'll be in tomorrow when we're supposed to shut down.

Now, I say supposed to because Mark called yesterday wanting to know if we could stay open until Sunday, the 13th. Which we can't, because we're down to three of us (myself, Huma, and Andrew; Heidi has wedding stuff to take care of now), there isn't enough traffic to warrant it, and if we do this it's going to make for a nasty schedule and unnecessary stress for Alix. Because this is what her schedule would look like:
Close CP Kiosk on the 13th
Close Wilton Kiosk on the 14th
Close the store between the 24th and 31st.

This only sounds easy, because you can't see the work. And the big issue with the CP kiosk is that if the LDT machine doesn't work for this once, we have to type the SKU numbers in by hand for every single calendar left over before we send it to Crossgates. And that will take FOR-EV-ER. And then to close two kiosks in such a short time? Nothnx. So I told her that I figured we should just do as we please and ask Susan if we can't leave the empty kiosk. Because they also still don't have an exact date for us anyways. Friggin stupid for sure. :P

And besides, Alix already told me she needs my help up in Wilton with how crazy things are getting there as well. So. :\

*sigh* Oh well. I'm not going to worry about it. I had enough panic attacks all through yesterday, don't feel like repeating them tonight.

Mish-Mosh of a Happy New Year

2009-01-04T14:04:00.002-05:00

First off, I'd like to say HAPPY NEW YEAR.

In other news...

So the CP Kiosk closes this week. FINALLY. I am SO HAPPY. I have been waiting for this since it OPENED. >.<; After that closes I'm going to help close down both the Wilton kiosk and the Waldenbooks. :< MY POOR BOOKSTORE. I miss it already. QAQ

I am really going to miss it too because of my coworkers. We just have a lot of fun together. But the ones I'll miss the most are Bonnie, Caitlin, Cait, and Alix. Megan left two days ago before the CP Kiosk was closing, and it was such a sense of loss... I hope she's doing well out in Maryland. If you're reading this Megan, best of luck!

God, and CP... the drivers are AWFUL. I almost got killed on Friday. Friggin, I was in the left hand lane coming up to a red light on Clifton Country Road, and this hunter green Subaru Forester SWERVES AT ME. Because he wanted to be in my lane too, and WAS TOO GOOD TO LOOK. I was into the oncoming traffic's lane to avoid him, and had the roads not been slippery he would have gotten quite the horn blowing aside from the bird after I regained control of my vehicle and quite a string of adjectives in several languages. I WAS PISSED. I took down the license plate too, but I didn't get a chance to call the cops. Which is a fucking shame. >[

But yes, at the CP kiosk we're down to myself, Huma, Heidi, and Andrew. So it's going to be a crammed work schedule with no room to call out this week. And I don't plan on it, since I need the money. lol

I also got wind that Borders downtown is looking for cafe people, so even though I really dislike food service, I'm going to go speak with the manager this Saturday when he gets back about filling one of those positions. Because it'd be a job, and it'd keep my foot in the door at Borders. I... just don't know where I'll park. x'D;;

My sensei and friend, Steve, is also getting a job with a magazine (I can't for the life of me remember what one) and is going to see if he can't get me in as a photographer too. So if I could move into my field of study permanently... well... that would be amazing. OwO

I have learned something though about retail. The first is that telling someone that you're reading the Gothic and Lolita Bible magazine is a no-no. The poor woman though I was reading the American Girls (wtf? I'm not that young! lmao) and when she pressed me for the name... she was horrified. ^^; She wouldn't speak to me after that, nor say thank you, and practically fled that kiosk. Oops.

I also learned that fangirling over things in aforementioned magazine will get you odd looks. BUT IT HAS ONLY STRENGTHENED MY DETERMINATION TO MAKE IT TO ANIME EXPO. <333

In the photography front, I attended First Night Saratoga to try and get some shots, but due to bad weather and the poorest planning I've ever seen from Saratoga, it was a flop. So I came away with something, but not much. I personally prefer the sepia-ish one, but it's a toss-up of personal taste really.

I finally purchased my business computer as well. AND I AM IN LOVE. <333 Brendan and I picked it up from Best Buy yesterday after our weapons class, and we set it up, and I had to spend at least five minutes petting it. It's a quad-core 640gb computer with a 22" viewable HD flatscreen. <3 LIFE DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER RIGHT NOW. Goodness... editing my photos on that is going to be AMAZING. OwO <3

Speaking of weapons class and Steve...

I was there three days this week. I ran down on Thursday to discuss what we were doing on Friday, and he asked if I wanted to play with the boys. So I threw on his spare tank top and warmed up with them. And dammit, I refused to be treated any different, and he wasn't about to go easy on me anyways. The boys did get nervous though when I started tossing the 100lb bag around... >.>;; But it was fun, and I learned some new moves and got to grapple. Shit, Steve even came out of no where and attacked and I won! I know he was holding back, but I still managed to hold my own and get a submission out of him. YAY!

Afterwards we sat around chatting for a while. Which is nice. I really enjoy intelligent conversation.

Then I visited him on Friday for my private lesson, already sore and battered from Thursday. It was really fun and I learned a new move in the moi tai style that is meant not to injure the legs, but to destroy them. Both of them. WHOO YEAH BABY! It's... one of my favourite moves now. x3

Saturday (yesterday) I did weapons with him. And I ended up with two smashed fingers, and somehow a lack of a bruise on my neck where I was hit. oO; Odd, but okay. I did win when sparring against Brendan though, 5-4. So it was a close call, but he was fearing for his own fingers because I told him I would run his over if he hit mine again. x'D I was only joking, but still. Guess he didn't notice or something. LMAO

One thing Steve did note to the others though, was that because I was so small they had to watch out for my speed; because I make much smaller movements, I can move faster because of it. That, and I am also a much smaller target. I love being small. ;w; <3

Then last night was also Mia's 16th/18th combined birthday party. I was a shameless playful flirt with Martel because he's cool, and it was fun.

Other than that nothing much is going on. My sister and her friends want to do a bikinis in the snow photoshoot today, but so far they're not ready yet and the light is fading, not to mention the heat. Stupid girls. Oh well, not my problem really. *shrug*

So we'll see what comes of it.

Nestled in Snow by =Saknika on deviant ART

Nestled in Snow .Sepia. by =Saknika on deviant ART

Goodbye Waldenbooks

2008-12-30T21:12:00.002-05:00

So I didn't feel good this morning, and really didn't want to go in to work today, and I wish I hadn't. Today just went from bad to worse, and it started yesterday.

Yesterday I got a phone call at about 10:30am from Alix because our guy never showed to open this morning, and she got a very irritated message from Susan about it. She wanted to know if I knew who was on, and I gave her the two names I had, and when she asked if I could come in I had to tell her no. I had to refinance my student loan yesterday, so since it was my only day off this week before Saturday, that really had to get done.

Well, he never showed yesterday, and we have not been able to get in touch with him at all. He was supposed to close today as well, but we ended up calling in Huma and Heidi since Megan and Andrew needed the days off. It's an absolute mess. And since this guy also opens on Saturday, we're scheduling someone else his shift because we have no idea if he'll show up then either. I also had to call Andrew to let him know that he was needed for work right after he gets back from vacation. We just can't afford for this right now, so close to packing up.

Speaking of packing up, as if this day could not get any worse...

So not long after I got that phone call about the guy, Alix calls back. As of January 31st Waldenbooks in the Wilton Mall will no longer exist, and neither will any of our jobs. Within five months I was hired, promoted to Assistant Manager, and laid off. Kind of Steve's job in lightning speed. God, I think I'm the only 19 year old in my area right now that can boast that track record. God damn this economy.

So within this month Alix has to shut down and pack up two kiosks and a store. We have three different close dates for the CP kiosk as it is, and no idea what is the correct one. So I told her that we should just say screw it, and pack up next week. If we talk to Susan about it, she won't mind. And then just leave the kiosk for the moving company to pick up later, whenever that happens. That way we can concentrate on the big issue: the store in the mall.

Like, this is just plain madness.

Waldenbooks isn't the only one leaving.

Wilton Mall is also losing Ritz Camera as of the 6th of January, and has already lost KB Toys when they went under, and Carlton Cards. Rumour has it that H+M Block might be closing, and the workers at Bon Ton have worries and suspicions that they might be closing up too. Boscovs also almost went under, and I know that Circuit City has declared bankruptcy. The economy is horrible. Anyone who is still denying that the economy is hurting needs to be kicked in the shins.

So I guess I'm back to square one job wise. And I have a student loan and car loan to pay. God... this sucks. I wanted to go to LA for Anime Expo this summer, but if I can't get a job that's just not going to happen. :<

My cousin is going to help me with State Farm Insurance though. As much as I really despise desk jobs, right now that's the most stable area to be in. And State Farm tends to pay pretty well, so I'm going to try. The important thing right now is to have steady income so I can work on getting out of debt. In the mean time, I'll keep pursuing photography, and documenting what's going on now. Because this is history repeating itself.

Hello Great Depression #2.

And how random is this, just as I started to type this a guy who lost his Waldenbooks in TN contacted me on MSN, who reads this blog. Small world, small world.

Good luck to all my fellow retail workers, there is no job security. I hope your fate is better than mine.

Elementary Caroling... at the mall? oO

2008-12-22T12:47:00.002-05:00

So I'm at work right now, and it's freezing and not exactly a holiday rush. Or at least not enough of a rush to stop me from using my laptop and posting here. The day has been pretty slow. :\

But that's not why I'm posting. I'm posting because it's loud and noisy with a bunch of elementary kids.

I thought that all the kids were out on holiday vacation, but apparently not. So here are these kids on a field trip to see a movie at the mall. I know, I don't get it either. We never had field trips like that. We always had to make them educational. Galway be jealous--you guys are having so many budget cuts that there practically are no field trips, where as this school (I think Shen) has been here two or three times on field trips. LAME.

Anyways though, so they did the whole movie and lunch thing. Sure, fine, get out. You're loud and annoying and your chaperones don't watch you well enough.

No, they don't leave. We were hopeful, but instead they sat down on the WET FLOOR in EVERYONE'S WAY and started SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS. LOUDLY. We're talking loud enough so that I can't hear my customers. NOT COOL. And Santa is egging them on. -_-;

Like, it's really great that they have so much spirit and stuff, but there is a definite problem when it disrupts mall traffic and sales. And the floor is wet and dirty. Gross.

I'm probably just cranky because I have a cold, it's freezing in here, and they're loud. Who knows. 5:00 can't get here fast enough though so that I can go the hell home. Bleh.

At least I got my retouching done. Photo restoration is COMPLETE.

Snowbound

2008-12-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

So like... we had a snow storm on Wednesday. Then on Friday. And then today. Well technically, yesterday. And another on Christmas Eve...

Yeah, lots of snow. There's a good two foot in our yard, probably more. The roads just don't stay cleared. And we were actually snowbound today.

I am so glad I went and got my friends from MA yesterday. That 4hr round trip turned into eight REALLY FAST. But! I finally crossed the twin bridges where I had my accident for the first time since. It's been a year, but I did it! In winter, and similar conditions to last time no less! So that was good, though I freaked out the whole time.

And seriously... Vermont just CAN'T PLOW. They had this small strip clear in the middle of the road... and that was it. Well... it wasn't that main of a road, but seriously. This was beyond bad. It really was.

But we made it alive, and we watched it snow all day today again. And if the wind keeps up like this and we get much more snow tonight, I'll be stuck here again tomorrow and unable to go to work.

Which... would be nice because I have a cold. I'm all sniffly. :<

The Dolton Family Portrait

2008-12-18T00:19:00.002-05:00

So I did the photos for Pizza with Santa, as you're aware. From that my good friend from High School's (Craig) Mom got in touch with me, and I went and did their family portrait.

I do in home family portraits. I learned how at Hallmark, and honestly, I like them better. They seem so much more comfy and relaxed. Besides, formal family portraits are sooooo yesterday. Right? Right? >.> *cough*

Anyways, it was a blast. The one kid did not want to participate, so we humoured him a bit and he ended up having fun too. I'm getting better with the whole "dealing with kids" thing, since I tend to leave it up to the parents... I'm... so bad with little kids. x'D;;;

But she ordered an 11x14 of her choice (I sent digital proofs via my website) of the proofs, and she also wants some extras. Not only that but she said that a lot of people she had talked to were very interested about the photographer that came to her home to do the portrait! I smell a niche I am filling all by myself. 8D WIN \OwO/

She also wants me to do their portrait EVERY YEAR. *thumbs up* I am all over that baby.

I so hope I get more business out of this. That would be fantastic. And I can't wait to see what the lab does. I'm so excited!

Here is the portrait. Enjoy!

Dolton Family Portrait 08 by *Saknika on deviant ART

The Most Touching Xmas Gift <3

2008-12-16T18:59:00.002-05:00

This is the most touching Xmas gift I have ever received. I cried while reading the card, I really did. Thank you so much Honey-chan. <3

She writes this:

"To My Dearest Miss Suki,

What words can I say to express how I feel about the beautiful friendship you have given me. I don't think there are any words in this world's languages to describe it right (not even if you combined them into one giant one). You are my hope. And since you've always been so kind enough to endlessly supply me with it, I'm giving it to you in the only form I know how to, as she is a character I made inspired by the wonderful lovely you. I had her made into a figure. I know it's probably not what you were expecting. And maybe not the greatest gift ever, but it would mean the world to me for it to bring you even a little of what you've given me. If you ever loose or need hope I hope you can look at her and gain it. Knowing that you are loved and cherished, and never alone. Things can only get better for a wonderful person like you. Stay strong.

Love always and forever your friend,
Honey-chan"

There are no words to describe how this makes me feel. But I know I never knew I meant that much in anyone's life before, nor did I ever expect to. <3

M.A.R.S

2008-12-12T22:03:00.002-05:00

So the other day I received in the mail a promo to a five day photography school.

Yes, you heard me right. FIVE DAYS.

It's the Mid Atlantic Regional School of Professional Photography. And it looks really interesting. Granted, it's all the way in NJ, but I think I could manage. And for $1500 to cover both the cost of learning and the cost of the hotel and meals, well, I think that's pretty damn good. Shit, they even have scholarships, which I totally applied for one.

I... really want to go. OwO; It looks like it'd be so much fun, and I'm all for furthering my education. And for five days, shit, can't beat that.

So cross your fingers and wish me luck. Because I really want to go!

Backdated

2008-12-12T21:58:00.001-05:00

I filled in a lot of older stuff tonight. Just look for the entries that say they are backdated.

Speaking of late updates, here are some old photos I just recently found. Enjoy~

Aging Well by *Saknika on deviant ART

The Littlest Flower Girl by *Saknika on deviant ART

Rotten Roads and a General Update

2008-12-12T21:19:00.003-05:00

Right, it's been a while, so here comes a long update.

First and foremost, I got my refund from Tiger Direct finally.

The next order of business is that I'm taking up a weapons class for the next ten weeks at my dojo. Should be fun. :3 I'm totally excited! And I even get my own bokken!!! <3 Brendan is going to participate in it with me, which makes it even better. ^^

Karate has been going well also. I went down this past Tuesday to do some photos for Steve, and we sparred to warm him up, and three funny things happened. The first was that somehow the bone to my big toe managed to hit him in that sensitive area between the bones in the elbow and caused his arm to tingle and get numb. Hahaha. Then, I went to kick him again, and he blocked, and I have this huuuuge bruise on my leg. Bone to bone baby. x'D Oops. But the funniest of them all was that not once, but twice, I got inside his range and punched him in the face. x'D He says it's because he's so used to fighting guys with a longer range that he's still adjusting to my speed. Hey, I'll take any advantage I can get. It was a lot of fun though.

I've also realized that I feel so good about myself after karate that I've come to not need my pills as of late. WHOO! I'll take karate instead of medication, kthnx!

Onto the next thing...

On Wednesday; Megan, Jason, and I were working together and it was a riot. Megan was totally sugar high and just making her own music instead of the Xmas stuff that was playing, and at one point Jason goes "What is that beat to?" Well, I just couldn't resist and I was like "It's stripper music! Let's go Jason, bring in some customers!" and Megan follows with "Yeah, the pole is right there!", since we have a power pole that goes from our kiosk to the ceiling. LMFAO. That was pretty much how the whoooole day went. We were quite the scene to see. xD Good thing Alix skipped out coming in on us, because she wouldn't have known what to do. Hehe. Jason also told me it was "Buy your employees lunch day" and I was like "Talk to Alix, she's the one that hired you". xD It was a good day though.

Tuesday wasn't though, because no one plowed the roads and it was a pretty dangerous drive in. Took me an hour and a half instead of 45minutes. Yuck.

And that brings us to the pinnacle of bad weather today.

Yesterday when the ice and snow storm started, Alix told me to get the hell out of Clifton Park and go home as soon as I did the deposit and Andrew was there. FINE BY ME ALIX. I planned on leaving early anyways! I was going to stay until noon at least though, and get 4/7 hours in, but when I walked out at 11am and it was already sleeting, I changed my mind. So I only worked 3 hours, but whatever. My job is not worth my life.

Today I had to open, so I started out early and took it easy, but it still took a good hour and a half again. Icccccey roads are icey. D: I watched limbs falling, and had to change my route a lot because of downed wires and trees. And most of the traffic lights were out due to wide spread power outages. When I got to the mall it was closed as well due to a lack of power. So I had to go home. I was going to go straight home as well, except I didn't have a signal to my cell phone and I needed to let Saratoga know so that Alix was aware. So, I did what was necessary and hopped on the Northway to go up to Saratoga. Even the lights to the Northway were out, it was a MESS.

I stayed in the middle lane, and was actually able to do 70mph at some points in time. But I'd listened to the radio this morning, so I was aware that there were trees that had dropped limbs into the right hand lane, so I didn't bother getting over there until I needed to get off at exit 15.

Alix, it turned out, was also without power. Bonnie was hecka shocked when I turned up at Waldenbooks though, lemme tell ya. x'D Anyways, Alix told me not to bother going in, and got me the list of who also worked today. Turned out to be Jason and Megan. Before I could even call Jason he called the store, and I talked to him there. I don't think either of them went in. Mostly because I don't think the mall ever opened. I have no idea though because I took a nap when I finally got home after calling Megan and Steve.

The roads were really really bad though. We all did about 25mph down Rt50, and that's a main highway. It was BAD. There were like 265 schools closed because of this.

I was supposed to do karate tonight as well, but due to the power outage we decided we'll do it tomorrow before the weapons class, and both of us will be well warmed up. x'D

But man, talk about rotten weather. Alix figured since she couldn't shower she'd hit up the salon in the mall and tell them she needed a wash. LMFAO And in some areas the power isn't expected back for up to a week. We were not as prepared for this as we thought. Yikes.

That's pretty much all the updates though. I'm going to try to keep up with this blog more often now. x'D Trying not to be too busy!

And for your amusement, here are two new pet photos. Enjoy~!

Jack's a bit Tired by *Saknika on deviant ART

Fluff is as Fluff does by *Saknika on deviant ART

One Acts

2008-12-08T22:07:00.000-05:00

This entry is backdated.

I went and saw the One Act Plays at Galway tonight, and they were really good! Especially the Seniors, who wrote and performed their own play. They're in wicked trouble now though, because of all the sexual innuendos. Some parents are having a fit. And like, it was no worse than Shrek. Seriously. Mia is upset though.

They were already disqualified though, so it's not like they need to be punished more. But people are dumb and seem to think that these stereotyped teachers and cheerleaders were made to represent certain people... and they weren't.

And of course the usual politics were at play again. My sister received Best Actress Runner-up, since even though her play was disqualified she still did a really good job acting, and this dumb broad who forgot most of her lines and kept screwing up got Best Actress. Know why? Because her mom helped out with most of the sets and with the plays in general alongside Senora Peters and Mrs. Clay. Politics. It was retarded.

But whatever, when that girl goes out into college and tries out for a play and is denied the lead and made to actually act properly and learn her lines, and isn't hot shit because of her mother, then she'll get the picture.

Oh well, the plays were still good. I enjoyed myself, even though I couldn't drive myself there. x'D

Screaming Match

2008-12-08T19:35:00.000-05:00

This entry is backdated.

Dad and I had a screaming match last night into this morning.

The day before Thanksgiving I was out with Miss Kurama and Luna-kun, and we were starting up from a light in Saratoga and bumped over something VIOLENTLY. Like... we were laughing, but I was shocked no one was hurt. It was bad. No idea what it was.

Well, yesterday my Uncle Clark comes in and tells me that I need to get the doughnut on my car because the right front tire had a big bubble on it. Uh oh. I knew the rim was bent, but I didn't think that there was any more damage. Guess I was wrong. I mean, Luna-kun nicknamed my car The Hulk because is didn't sustain any major damage.

So I asked my Uncle to help me figure out the tire stuff, and he did, and I waited for Dad to get home from Hunting Camp to help me change it. Because seriously, if he has issues getting the lug nuts off and stuff, there's no way in hell I would be able to do it.

Well, Dad came home in one hell of a bad mood. And when I told him that my tire had a big bubble on it he went off. This is about how it went. Mind you, we were both screaming the whole time after I told him.

Me: Hey dad, can we put the doughnut on my car? Uncle Clark noticed a big bubble on the tire.
Dad: That's just fucking great Sam! I told you last god damn week to take that thing in and get it fixed! What the fuck were you doing!? It's freezing outside! I don't feel like going back out and freezing my ass off right now!
Me: I'm sorry! I've been busy! You know, working 40 hours a week!?
Dad: You had Friday off!
Me: I was barely home on Friday! I had shit to do! Not like you'd know!
Dad: Well you shouldn't have bothered doing some of it then!
Me: Excuse me for having a god damn life!
Dad: Just shut up Sam! I don't feel like freezing my ass off to change your damn tire but I guess I have to!
Me: Well if you're so damn worried about freezing your ass off then you shouldn't go sit for hours in the woods to hunt!

And that was about where he slammed the door to go outside, and I went back in my room in a bad mood. Mom came to my defense later that night because Dad was bitching about it more. At one point he took the saws-all to my car complaining that the lug nuts were wrong and he had no other choice, and I told him if he ruined my car he was paying for the damages.

That man can be so infuriating. And when I left this morning? Oh, he told me that I had better go easy when I asked how fast you could go on a doughnut, and that I needed to contact a garage to get it fixed.

And I asked him just when he expected me to do this, because I had work every day of the week. And he told me whatever, and I left.

Well, he came and got the car later in the day and I had to take the Durango home, but it's fixed now. And he doesn't want to let me pay for the $200 in repairs since the rim wasn't only bent, it was twisted. I guess the whole tire was pretty much a bubble by the time he got to the tire shop as well, and he had to put air in the doughnut three times on the way.

And then when he was talking to someone, he was going on about how he had to put another $200 into my car and my mom jumped in and said "Don't you start! She offered to pay!"

Mom and I are going to work out a payment arrangement anyways. Screw you Dad, it's my car, I can pay for the damn repairs myself. It's called being responsible.

God it was so infuriating. >[

Pizza with Santa

2008-12-07T21:48:00.000-05:00

This entry is backdated.

Holy crap, talk about a MOB SCENE. Laura told me that they took in a record number of people this year, and I believe it!

To start the night off, Brendan and I were going to be late so I did like 70mph all the way to his house, and I called him with two minutes to spare to meet me at the end of his drive way, which he did. It was like a scene out of a movie where the bad guy makes his get-away, because I literally just barely rolled to a stop, he hopped in, and I floored it and we were gone. x'D

When we got there we set up with the help of two kids who had volunteered, and then the crowd started arriving. It was a MESS.

I took 108 photos that night, and in five minutes before we started taught Brendan how to use Lightroom and download photos off a CF card.

During the night I screamed at one poor kid who got behind the barrier and almost knocked my light over. It... was not my finest moment but one light costs close to $1000 so... >.>;

We also had some issues with both the laptop and the printer, because we were trying to go too fast. And it's a good thing I had three CF cards because we had to rotate.

The whole event lasted 2.5 hours, but it didn't feel that long. And hundreds of screaming, crying children are just... @@; Like, I had to finish printing at home because we ran out of ink, and the printer needed its own operator just to get photos out fast enough. It was too much for Brendan to handle alone. So I delivered the prints and printer to Laura later on and she and the rest of the PTSA are distributing them.

All in all though, it went really well. And I got a lot of exposure. A LOT. Like, people were looking at my photo display on the table, and were astounded when I said those were my photos. ^^ It felt so good.

I really hope I get some nice business out of this. I really, really do. I did get a job from my friend Craig's Mom for tomorrow, too. I'm so excited!

As hectic as it was, it was totally worth it! *fist pump*

But there are definitely some revisions we will make for next year. xD Like, I will have someone on the computer, and someone on the printer. LMFAO And we will have a table just for the prints. People will also be done in smaller groups, and we'll try to get a bit longer of a period to do them in. We might also limit people to one photo per child to make it go faster, and try to encourage group shots. Just tiny little things to make it run more smoothly.

Oh, and also, Laura said she heard people saying how beautiful the photos were (since we did get some done that night) and that there were a few that were going to use them in their Xmas cards. I'm so proud of me! And everyone who had a photo done got my business card. HUZZAH!

Busy Girl is Busy @@;

2008-12-05T22:52:00.002-05:00

Here was my schedule:

9:30- Woke up
10- Typed up form and printed
10:30- Drove to office
11- Arrived at office, made 200 copies of form
12pm- Karate
1- Finished karate, chatted about weapons class
2- Made the bank, cashed checks
2:30- Grabbed fudge and gifts, ran to the school to deliver them to old teachers I loved, chatted a bit
3:30- Went to pick up Milk and Juice
4- Arrived home, started packing to leave
4:45- FLEW out the door to pick up Trap for Pizza with Santa event
5- Picked up Trap
5:05- Arrived at school, started to set up
5:30- Event started, and we were BARELY ready
[Takes photos of well over 100 screaming and excited children. Lots of computer and printer problems, lots of lines backing up, and it was a zoo]
8:05- Teardown
9- Left and took Trap home
9:15- I got home, brought everything in (lightkit, camera, laptop, printer, display, and handbag)
9:30- Adrenaline started to drain, and made me sick.

So now it's 10:49, and I'm sick as hell, starving because I have eaten a few cookies and had Mountain Dew Livewire as my sustenance for the day, and I am DEAD TIRED.

Being busy is nice... but god. @@;

I will fill in about Gateway and Tiger Direct tomorrow, as well as details about the event, and I'll post back-entries from parties and shit.

GOOD GOD EVERYTHING IS BEHIND.

And I still have printing to do from this event. @@;;;

Here's a recent photo to help make this pretty, or at least shows you where I should be. x'D;;

Eerie Even in the Light by *Saknika on deviant ART

Gateway's Response

2008-12-02T18:36:00.002-05:00

I received a prompt response from Gateway. Here's what they had to say:

"Dear Samantha Genier,

Thank you for contacting Gateway. I apologize for the inconvenience that you have experienced. I understand how you must feel and I can relate to how inconvenient ongoing issues can be. Unfortunately, the issue with the refund is with TigerDirect and not with Gateway. Please do understand that Gateway does not have control over TigerDirect and such matter should be shoulder by TigerDirect itself.

Again, I apologize for the inconvenience this issue may have cause you.

Respectfully,
Gateway Online Technical Support"

...I'm sorry you decided to directly link a phone number off your site to Tiger Direct? Seriously, if you're going to do that, obviously they represent you. If Tiger Direct has nothing to do with you Gateway, then they shouldn't be who I got on the phone when using a number off of your site.

Yeah... Gateway might not have any control over them, but they're still responsible for picking reliable retailers. And that's why to me, this is as much Gateway's fault as it is Tiger Direct's.

The Letter to Gateway

2008-12-02T00:36:00.002-05:00

So to make Gateway completely aware of everything that is going on, I sent them a nice letter that is a good two pages in MS Word.

Since the only way to contact them at all is through Customer Support, I sent them an email. That way it is completely in writing, and with the confirmation number I was given there is no way they can deny I sent it.

It took me a good hour to compile the letter, since I went back through this blog of angered rants when I had made the calls, my bank account for the transaction history, and even UPS to see just when it had been sent and delivered back to them. I went through EVERYTHING I had, and boy do I have a nice little paper trail.

I compiled all of this information, and then sent the following letter to Gateway:

"I'm starting at the bottom of the chain, because there are no direct ways to get in touch with a manager of Gateway. I do not have warranty coverage at this point, and as of right now I am not going to purchase an extension for it, nor will I pay to speak with a representative because of this.

I am very angry with Gateway, and more specifically Gateway's supplier Tiger Direct. As far as I am concerned, they represent Gateway, which is the parent company.

On October 18th I called your Product Purchase line to order a new power cord for my laptop, because the one I had broke. I spoke with a foreign man with a heavy accent who told me it would cost $92.08 for second day air of the cord. I placed the order, received the confirmation number of P0294322 over the phone, and thought nothing of it.

On October 21st I was charged for $29.98 from Tiger Direct, and finding this odd because it was not the full payment, I checked their website; only to find out that in addition to the power cord, the person I had on the other end of the line had added in the program PC Pitstop without my knowledge. I called about this immediately, and was given a return number, and for the first time I was asked for my email address.

Upon checking her inbox at a later date, since she was the one who ordered my laptop as a graduation gift, my Mother found the confirmation emails about my order. And later on, many UPS return label receipt emails. I was never asked for my email except that one time, and I was never properly sent what I needed because the home phone number lead to my Mother's email. Assumptions such as this are very poor business practice.

I received the package on October 23rd, along with the final transaction of $62.10 for the cord and shipping. When I opened the package containing the cord, it was in fact not the proper one for my laptop, despite haven given Tiger Direct the make and model of both my laptop and the cord I currently had, and I called again that day because it also needed to be returned.

The man on the phone this time was very good about getting me a return number and he is the one who asked for my email address to send me the UPS shipping receipt, and I was told I would be refunded everything--products and shipping costs. That was fine, but as I said many other return labels ended up going to my Mother instead.

My next issue was getting a hold of someone so that I could order the proper cord. I had to call three different numbers and finally ended up in a free chat because, due to the lack of warranty, I could not speak to someone without paying. All I wanted was to purchase a new cord, and it took me at least an hour and a half and my parents getting on the phone at one point to get a link out of someone to directly order the cord I needed. This, with shipping, cost $61.95. It was purchased through Mundo Corp, and I had no issues with them, thankfully.

I dropped off one package containing both the software and the cord to UPS on October 24th and sent it back. I still have the receipt the UPS Store gave me. I had only received one email at this time with a return receipt, so I figured they needed to be sent back together. It was under the tracking number 1Z1W839V9090679676, and delivered to Naperville, IL on the 28th of October. The return number I had been given was 3441998.

I respected the 10 day refund policy, and on October 31st I received a refund for the $29.98 of the software, but nothing else. When November 7th came and passed and I had not received any other refunds as promised, I called Tiger Direct again.

I spoke with a representative who said he was sorry for the wait, it shouldn't have happened, and it took us a little while to get on the same page because the system in his office was pretty much down. So he was working from the web as much as I was. But he assured me that I would have at least the shipping in 48-72 hours, and that it could take a bit longer on the cord because it had to go back to the drop shipper. But that if I didn't have it all refunded by Saturday to call back.

November 12th I received back the $19.11 from shipping and handling.

Saturday came and went with no payment. Sadly, once again I was far too busy with my job and family concerns to call.

As of today, December 1st, I have still not received the refund for the wrong cord that was sent to me. I called and spoke to another representative at Tiger Direct, and was given the same 48-72 hours nonsense. I have been beyond patient with Gateway and their supplier, Tiger Direct.

I expect that refund by December 5th, 11:59pm EST, or I WILL BE pursuing legal actions. As far as I am concerned, this is extortion, and instance of fraud. And I can't say that at this point I would be satisfied with just a refund due to the amount of time that your company has had my money.

I will be reporting you to the Better Business Bureau either way. And I can't say that I will ever purchase another Gateway product again. Your computers are wonderful, but I am not going to go through such terrible customer service to get it. There are other computers out there (such as Acer) that are just as good as far as I can tell, that probably have much better customer support and product centers.

At this point I'm at the end of my patience. I have been nice about this for as long as I could, and now I'm not going to be any more.

There is no way I will ever recommend a Gateway to anyone ever again. And I will caution everyone I know to never use Tiger Direct

I hope that this finds its way to management, because this is the only place on the site where I am able to contact.

Thank you,
Samantha Genier"

So Gateway is now aware of everything, they know what I have, and they are also aware of my intentions.

I wrote, read, re-read, and had my Mom go over this letter with me before sending it. So it was written once and edited twice. I wanted to add incompetent in there a few times, but I didn't. Have to behave after all, even if I'm angry.

Tomorrow I'm going to submit all this stuff to the Better Business Bureau. It's just too late tonight.

Possibly Seeking Legal Action

2008-12-01T23:04:00.002-05:00

So many of you have been reading right along and know of the issues I've been having with Tiger Direct. You have read through about how I went to buy just a laptop cord, and the man on the other end also ordered me a PC program I didn't know about, and never told me. You read about me having to call about that, and then having to call again when the package arrived and it was the wrong cord, even though I gave them my laptop model number. You're aware of me having to call again because they only refunded the PC program within the 10 days stated, but nothing else, and that I got the shipping back but had to wait another 48-72 hours for the last piece, which was the refund for the wrong cord they sent. You know about being run around by Gateway to get the right card, which turned out to be at Mundo Corp. And all the problems that came with that night.

Well, that was all the middle of November. I gave them their time, and then never had a chance to call. Kept checking my bank account though, and never received credit for that cord.

It has been a month since they received that cord and program back. I called them tonight around 8pm.

The man on the other end of the phone gave me the same 48-72 hours bullshit, and I got mean.

I told him flat out that I was pissed off, and exactly why. He said he was emailing his manager right now about it, and that I would have the money within that time. I told him that I'd heard that before, and that I better see it. And I also told him that if it was not returned to me within that time limit, I would pursue legal action. And I'm not kidding, I will.

This is bullshit. They have had that cord back for a month now, and I have not gotten my full refund. There is no reason why I should not have that money back. And I also told him that I was disgusted with them, and that I would not be purchasing anything from Tiger Direct or Gateway again. Tiger Direct is now Gateway's supplier, which is sad because they do make good computers. But I'm not going to go through this again. No way, no how.

I will be reporting them to the Better Business Bureau no matter what. I am also going to contact Gateway, and let them know that if I do have to press legal action, it will be against them because as far as I'm concerned Tiger Direct is their main and exclusive distributor (if you call product purchase, that is who you get), and therefore they, as the parent company, are at fault. And I will let them know just how disgusted I am.

Honestly, I don't expect to see that money back by Thursday; which is when they have until. I'll give them until that evening since I did call after normal business hours. But you better believe that in the mean time I'll be talking to a friend of the family I know who is a lawyer about exactly what rights I have and where this falls, and preparing for Small Claims Court, or wherever it is that I have to take them.

At this point, not only do I want my refund, I want them to pay for the proper cord I had to order. I'm sorry, but I've been far more than patient enough. As far as I'm concerned, this is extortion. They have had my money that was supposed to be refunded to me for a month now. That's wrong. And it's a good $40.00 too, at least. And with the PC program, that's consumer fraud. I was content to just send it back until I made the fourth or fifth phone call to them tonight to try and get my money back. Now my Italian temper is totally fired up, and I'm not backing off. I will call them from work if I have to.

My advice to all of you would be to not buy from Tiger Direct ever. Because this is the shit they pull.

I'll keep you updated.

Visit from the SBAM

2008-11-25T19:04:00.001-05:00

This entry is back-dated.

So our Seasonal Business Associates Manager, or SBAM for short, came to visit us from Boston. I'd give a name, but since some of this stuff is some harsh personal opinion, I'm not going to. Lawsuits and all. :P

I... REALLY DO NOT LIKE HIM.

Here's why...

We're selling these bears right? Well he told us that to maximize sales, to carry them around and force the customers to hold and touch them, to make them want to buy them. And to engage anyone that got close to the kiosk. That's fine and dandy and all, but a lot of people just want to be left alone. And they don't like pushy sales people like the SBAM wanted us to be.

He also told us that we have to sell these test gift cards whether we like it or not. Now, that'd be fine, except that we don't have the space to. Most kiosks have these free standing pods for a good quarter of their product to sit on--we don't. So all the stuff that's supposed to go on the pods is shoved into our kiosk. We are incredibly short on space. And in order to sell the gift cards, we'd have to remove an entire end basket of calendars and fit them in with everything else to do so. We don't have that kind of space! And we haven't been able to successfully download the Verifone update to allow us to sell the giftcards anyways, so Alix said just to not worry about it for now. Fine by me.

The SBAM also decided we are to not have a stool. We already had gotten rid of the chair before he came. Since none of us (that I knew of) had any reason to use the stool, he took it back to Saratoga with him. Alix is bringing it back tomorrow. But like, he said no one should ever use a stool without reason. And Alix said she did have one pregnant girl in Saratoga. Know what the SBAM said? He said that she could use one if she needed, but even she shouldn't be sitting down. SHE'S AT LEAST 6 MONTHS PREGNANT AND SHE SHOULDN'T SIT DOWN!? I swear... men... >:\

He also told Alix to make sure there were always two people on so that we could have one person at either end of the kiosk, but to stay away from the register because it turned people off. And that we didn't need to bring books or anything nor to sit down because there was plenty to keep us occupied.

...Oh really? Yeah... it takes an hour tops to clean the kiosk up by yourself. And I'm the only one who does paperwork so...

He also said that even though the mall was dead, that we could still make goal. Excuse me? Does anyone else see the flawed logic in this?

We took him out to the backroom as well, and he told us it wasn't that bad of a walk (I wanted to slap him) and that we needed to spread out and open all the boxes so we could flip through the calendars instead of reading the sides. Sorry, but I find it much faster to read the sides instead of flipping through everything.

I was being very pessimistic about it all. And the SBAM asked how long I'd been in retail, at which point I asked Alix when I was hired, which was September. So I told him since September, since that was the truth. And he seemed shocked. Told me I was doing a good job, but that I needed to be happier or customers wouldn't want to be around me. Well, both Alix and I told him I was good around customers, just not around others that saw the truth. Yeah, he didn't seem to like that answer. Oh well.

He was just a total jerk. I hope I never see him again, because I don't like him. The only thing we actually put into practice was placing calendar wraps behind calendars to make people want to buy them more, and it's kinda worked; and to keep track of customers and sales per person. I even made up nice sheets for this. Alix said the SBAM was going to love me. Good, he should. LOL

And he tried to put his selling tactics into play, and the lady got so disgusted with him that she practically threw the calendar back at him and stormed off.

Good job dude.

Sometimes, I REALLY HATE my job. >[

2008-11-24T18:38:00.002-05:00

Today was just NOT my day. And it started in the morning, too!

I just couldn't wake up. Like... at all. So it was like everything was in slow motion. I wanted to bring hot cocoa with me too, so I would be warm and the slight caffeine in it would wake me up. But the only thermal travel mug we had with a lid was way too big and is my Mom's (like literally, there is MOM written on it...) so I couldn't take hot cocoa to work. And I couldn't find my knitting to bring that since Mondays are always slow.

Well... when I wished for a busy day... this is NOT what I had in mind. I wanted more customers, instead I got HELL.

When I got there, late by a few minutes because of this bitch on her cell phone that COULD NOT DRIVE, I was opening the kiosk to find it in a state of horror. There are no words in the English language that can describe just how appalled I was at what I found. So I ended up spending an hour, at least, fixing up the kids, sports, and dog sections, not to mention out giftwrap holder broke so I had to fix that. Like... it seriously looked like no one had bothered to do any clean up all weekend.

Then I was on the phone with Kiosk Support, because they called to inform me that we needed to download the latest updates for the verifone. Well... six tries later after many failures, he decided to give up and said he'd call back later. He never did.

I also got shit from the FedEx guy who came this morning. He delivered a box of Jonas Brothers calendars, and then wanted to know if our stuff was ready for pick up. Well, I told him no, and he was up in arms about how we needed to have it ready and that he'd be back tomorrow and that we only had two more chances and I finally snapped and said "Look, I can't leave the kiosk without another person here, and I'm alone until the afternoons. So come back then. And also, tell Borders to send us the boxes first so we have the ability to ship the stuff back to them." He left after that and I had signed for the package.

I then cleaned up the main stand for the kiosk since it was messy, and did some bookwork. I was so pissed that I actually messed it up, and have to correct it tomorrow when I have white out.

BUT THE DAY CONTINUED TO GET WORSE.

I was in the middle of bookwork when I get a call from the Sales and Audit's section of the corporate office. Oh goody. Well, since their damn register is a piece of shit and wouldn't record to the floppy disk properly, they're missing several days worth of sales records and need the receipts. Asked that we FedEx them and call with the tracking number. WHAT.EVER.

I had time to read for maybe half an hour before Megan got there at 12:30. I then followed what Alix asked me to do, and asked her about James.

It turns out he's the reason for the kiosk looking the way it did. Megan cleaned up most of it the day before, she just didn't have time to finish the rest before she left last night. And James flat out told her he didn't really care about this job since it was just for a little extra spending money anyways. It also turns out the idiot doesn't know how to close still even though he had been shown how before and screwed everything up on Saturday. And he refused a check sale because he didn't know how to do it, and couldn't be smart enough to look in our idiots guide that tells you how. HOW INCOMPETENT. I guess he's coming in sometime this week to watch how closing works, but I seriously think he's on the way out. He doesn't sound like someone that deserves the job with that kind of attitude.

I then went to do the deposit, as I need to every day, and got shit from Bank of America because Home Office STILL has not managed to get us more deposit bags, and I had to ask for more. And they were on me about if I had ordered more, and that I should do that today, and they just didn't seem to understand that Alix and I already tried, and were told we couldn't because we didn't open the account. So! Stupid Borders is screwing us over in banking relations as well. I did manage to get more deposit bags though, since Saturday and Sunday they had to use some of out plastic bags instead since we ran out.

I got back and had lunch, which the pizza place now has my order memorized since I've been on a grease binge as of late. Forget Subway, I need grease for happiness. That, and the mall is FREEZING so the pizza warms me up. I also went to this confectionery kiosk and got chocolate... >.>

Good thing I did, too, because after a while of boredom I get a call from Alix asking if the FedEx guy had shown up. I told her about the one from that morning... and she said another one was coming. He had been lost but now he wasn't...

SHIT.

He brought us AT LEAST 60 boxes of more calendars. SIXTY!!! When he got there I told him, in a most seriously sarcastic voice, to take them back and that we didn't want any. I felt bad for a split second because he actually believed me. But only for a second because this was such a bad day.

And he couldn't even take them all to the storeroom for us, since I called Alix and told her just how much we were getting and she said to not even open them. So Megan and I took turns hauling boxes to the storeroom after borrowing a clothes cart from Vic at Zoomies to do so. Even the workers at Zoomies think it's bullshit what we have to deal with at the kiosk. Now that's bad.

Let me tell you... I didn't think I was going to make it. Some Chinese guy that looked like a chef helped me at the warehouse, but other than that no one did after Megan and I got it up the ramp. Shit, I hit some girl with the cart because the dumb bitch decided she couldn't use the rest of the hallway to walk and instead had to stay right near me with a cart that was fishtailing. GOOD! I HOPE SHE HAS A BRUISE! >[ And NO ONE held the doors for me, and since they don't have a handicap button... GOD I HATE THIS FUCKING MALL. And, by the time we were doing this, it was dark out.

This is why I'm taking mixed martial arts. For days when I get screwed over like this and have to cross a deserted, dark, un-patrolled parking lot to and even less patrolled storeroom. AUUUUGGGGHHLAKGJ;AFDLHJHK

Needless to say, I didn't get to leave until a little later than 5pm. And then I had to wait to pee because the damn maintenance guy just couldn't pause in washing the sink so I could use the bathroom. What an ass.

I think next time we have to haul boxes, I'm going to ask the military recruitment guys to haul them. They always look bored. And what would I have done if I were alone!?

I. HATE. BORDERS. CORPORATE. OFFICES.

My day REALLY SUCKED.

And when I left, some ASS pulled RIGHT OUT IN FRONT OF ME on the road and I almost creamed him. He got the bird, you better believe it.

I cannot WAIT until I am DONE with Clifton Park.

And joy... tomorrow Mark comes from Home Office to see just how bad the kiosk is... and we have a snow storm coming tonight. JUST NOT MY WEEK. >[

I'm going back to my hot cocoa so I can stop being pissed. This fucking blows.

Mom's Surprise 50th

2008-11-23T20:48:00.001-05:00

This entry is back-dated.

So yesterday was Mom's surprise 50th party, and it went off without a hitch for the most part. Mom was shocked (for the most part), and it was a blast.

She was definitely suspicious though, because I left so early for what she thought was someone else's party, someone that none of us kids knew. And Mia went to get Cory fairly early, and Ethan suddenly decided he was going, since we filled him in a bit late.

My family had no say in the planning at all really. My Aunt was in charge, and I'm sorry, but that woman can't plan shit to save her life. I was an email away, ONE EMAIL, and she was SCREAMING at me when I got to Aunt Diane's to help out where I could at 2pm. She told me that I was supposed to be there an hour ago to help out, and where the hell was my sister, blah blah. Well, I told her flat out that I didn't know, and then she said she was going to beat Amelia since she was supposed to tell me and I was like "You know, I have a damn email. You could have used it!"

I... really hate that woman.

And honestly, if you're not going to include me in the planning of my mother's surprise party, don't you dare expect me to help pay for a porta-potty (that no one used) and come do the manual labour for you. I am not a pack mule, and I have better things to do!

Another thing was how they were getting mom to come. Dad had to freaking stall her because she wanted to show up early to help set up too. I got there and she was like, ready to leave when I was. So I had to warn them. It was bad. And when I told my Aunt that it was hard enough to get out of the house as it was, she told me "Well you could have just said you were going to the mall"

Yeah, okay. We're going to go to the mall because:
A) Ethan loves to shop.
B? Mia has money.
C) That's totally in the same direction as Aunt Diane's.

If you can't tell, that was loaded with sarcasm.

God that woman PISSES ME OFF. So I have completely blocked her from my email, and I told my mom flat out that I wanted nothing to do with her any more. This is the second time she has totally screwed up and overstepped her bounds. I'm not dealing with it anymore.

Other than that, the party was a blast. I lost about $5 gambling between Left, Right, Center; and Screw your Neighbor. xD But it was worth it because we had fun. There was also loud music, which I didn't care for very much, and Wacky Ball.

I. LOVE. WACKY BALL. LOL It's just a lot of fun. And it seems that when you're drunk, you play better.

Speaking of drinking, both Uncle Ken and Aunt Diane would have let me get wasted. x'D I was responsible though, and just tried some of Aunt Diane's Captain Morgan and Iced Tea. It was yummy. :3 One sip doesn't impair my judgment to drive.

I also took the kids down to Stewarts to get some stuff to amuse them, since no one brought any games for them to play. They mostly hid out in the house anyways, since the adults were all doing their own thing at the party. I felt bad.

Well... I also felt sore, but that was because I had done karate the day before and was feeling the workout. x'D Vic says we'll have to grapple, so it'l be cool. Gotta love my cousin.

That was about it.

And in case you're wondering, this is me playing wacky ball. Ignore the photo quality, my other drunk cousin, Kate, took it. ^^;

And here are some more Wacky Ball photos that I took, totally candid and not for art at all. Even us photographers do some average stuff.

Gelatin Arms

2008-11-21T22:32:00.002-05:00

So I did two hours of exercise tonight, working at my martial arts. We decided to do another two hours and call it a month since the last Friday is Black Friday... and neither one of us is up for it on that day. Me because I'll be tired, and him because he has stuff he'd like to do. SO! Two hours it was!

And now I can hardly use my arms. >.<;;; We decided to focus on upper body strength and abs, so that I could throw a more effective punch, and take a hit better. Great idea... bad sensation. I'm glad it means I'm getting stronger though and that he's able to get me to push myself. Effectiveness is key. But like... we attempted (loose interpretation of that LMAO) a push-up pyramid. If you don't know what that is (like I didn't until now xD), it's where you do 9 push-ups, rest, then 8, rest, then 7, so on and so forth. Well, I did the 9... barely. And he told me to focus on using the left arm more since it was obvious to him that I was doing more support on my right one. Understandable. Well, then he matched me for 9. And we attempted 8... and did 5. ^^; Steve did 8 though. So now we were going to try to make 7.. yeah, barely got to 5. BARELY. Steve then did 7... and I couldn't even do one more. x'D Steve then did another 6, the show off... >.>

Of course, that was just because I showed off in flexibility... >.>;

See, we were trying to stretch my lower back, so he had me get on hands and knees, and then turn my legs inward, and arch my back. I felt... nothing. So he had me crawl forward and try again. This time I felt it in my knees. So we went forward a bit more and tried again... still in the knees. So he told me to try turning them in more... nothing. I ended up flat on my stomach feeling nothing. But when I pushed back while keeping my stomach down and really applied force I felt it.

...Steve decided I was a mutant... >.>;;;

So yes, he's jealous of my flexibility. And the other guys in his group jujitsu class don't believe how flexible I am. I think I'll have to make a guest appearance... Fufufufufu~

We also worked at stretching my knees... and almost did serious damage. ^^; Turned out the muscled just tightened up, but the stabby pain I was feeling when it bent was bad. Oops... >.>; Like, when Steve pushed me the extra bit, there was PAIN. But I can stretch better now. \OwO/ WIN! I always wanted to be flexible!

I also did the gymnast ab rock thing... for beginners. x'D That was actually pretty fun, but I know I'll feel that tomorrow too.

So I won't be lifting anything heavy for a while, and probably not moving too fast either. x'D

BUT! During grappling/sparring (we did a combo session), even though I took a lot of hits, I managed to land blows, constantly worm away, and I got a pin. :D I just kept pushing forward until I did. Hell, when he tickled me I caught him near the collar bone with a backhand and left a bruise on accident. Natural instinct when being tickled: flail and hit. I think Steve figured this out... for now. x'''D

It was fun though. And it really helps keep my mood up without meds. Which is GREAT, because I keep forgetting to take them. And I really hate taking them anyways.

Steve is such a good instructor. Seriously, if you're in the area, check out Inpakuto-ryu. It's totally worth it. We had two drop ins tonight who are considering it, so be quick about it. Or Steve might be at his limits. ;) And if you do go, tell him Samantha sent you. ^^ Referrals mean discounts or even a free month of lessons! So join, tell your friends, and have a blast! And be able to defend yourself!

And ladies, Steve is teaching me how to escape and maim any rapist/attacker, and how to get over the panic. IT IS WORTH IT. Of course, we were laughing because in some of them you could just sit and hold your attacker at bay with one hand while you called the cops with the other.

Can you imagine being the cop that gets the phone call "Yeah, so I just had a guy attempt to rape me... I'm currently sitting on him and may or may not be close to breaking his arm. Kinda immobilized the fuck."

If I were the cop, I'd be laughing. Hard.

But really, totally worth it. I'm glad I'm going there.

Imaginary Numbers

2008-11-21T22:27:00.003-05:00

Today was pretty dull at work, mostly because I missed the (expected) Twilight rush and crowd. Thank god. But while I was there, we (Megan and Andrew came in at 1, I left at 1:30) somehow ended up on imaginary numbers.

Well when I was in high school, we actually asked the math teacher where we would use them, and someone said to build your imaginary house. And the teacher didn't have a better answer for us, so we considered them pretty useless. I still do.

Andrew is a quantum physicist. Yeah... I don't know how he ended up at the kiosk either. But that's what he went to college for and he says you use them in the field.

So... I summarily decided quantum physics is imaginary. LOL

We had a playful argument over that.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the excitement of my work day. *bows*

OUTSIDE OF THAT!

I went Christmas/Birthday shopping after depositing my ($515) paycheck! :D It was sooooo much fun, and I actually only bought one manga for myself. :O Though I did get three for myself yesterday... >.> BUUUUT! TODAY IS TODAY! And I bought stuff for my family instead. So I feel good. I'd mention what, but since they sometimes read this I better not. Tehe~

I love the Wilton Mall at Christmas when all the kiosks are open, I really do. AND THEY'RE OPENING A FUDGE SHOP IN THE FOOD COURT. OwO OMNOMNOMNOMNOM~

Random Facts

2008-11-19T22:45:00.003-05:00

So I learned some disturbing information at work today from Megan, our local forensics major. And believe me, this was the highlight of the day, because there were like... no customers. >.o;;; As per the norm.

I learned that the most common substance found on a dollar bill is cocaine to start. And that when they did a random sampling, most cities tested and found 70%-90% of their bills had the residue. Denver, on the other hand, was 100%. Well Denver... is there something we should know? LOL

Lunch and deposit and stuff was right after that, so I learned the next bit later on.

Are you ready for this? Probably not but oh well.

I learned that the most common substance to find on doorknobs and gas pumps is semen. Men... you are gross. Wash your hands, kthnx! Doorknobs I can see... but gas pumps!? What in the hell!? Man... not cool. I am sooooo carrying hand sanitizer now. Gross.

Other than that, the day was pretty uneventful. Alix came and did the schedules and as you know, I'm on for Black Friday, and gave us the Packet o' Bullshit. It basically was trying to tell us things we couldn't do at this remote kiosk... like making frequent trips to the store room. Yeah... no. That's just not happening. Maybe once a week at most. MAYBE. Black Friday will be the big one next week... possibly. I'm not getting my hopes up. But yeah, the packet doesn't take into account that most times... the world isn't perfect. So screw it, I don't care. Told us we couldn't have book there either. Aha. ha. ha. FUCK THAT SHIT. I mean, damn, I was playing pyramid solitaire on the stool with a deck of cards today! BOREDOM IS KING AT THIS KIOSK.

We also have to try and push the bears. Ugh... stupid things. Though I do want one... they're really soft... >.> I might have to skin it and use the stuff to make a pillow... >w>;;;

We also got a shipment today. Only nine boxes, thank goodness. Two went to overstock, and Megan and I just carried them over. We also got another display for the gift cards we're supposed to sell... but are going to try very hard to get out of.

When I went to take out the trash, these two boys held the door for me. So I said thanks, because you know, that's polite. And I got a "You're VERY welcome." Greeeeaat... >.o So not interested. And I could feel them watching me as I walked away. Uuuugh. So I tossed the boxes in the compactor and started it up and came back. I went in the far door. And the one kid who held the door said to the other "Dammit man! You scared her!"

Um no. More like I didn't want to deal with you two idiots. Got a job to do, kthnxbai.

The two Middle Eastern men at the other kiosk also keep acting suspiciously when they get near our kiosk. Oi...

On the plus side, I made Alix laugh, and Megan and I had a very enjoyable conversation. She's a smart girl, and she's respectable. So we can just talk about anything and be honest and have some good laughs. I definitely feel a connection to her.

She also gave me a website that I can go to and possibly get an in for forensic photography. It'd pay well and (technically) be in my field. Win. :D

When the kiosk closes in January, I will miss her. I'll have to exchange emails or something so we can keep in touch, since she is moving out of state after all this.

Oh, and Mark (Alix's boss) is coming on Tuesday to assess just how bad the situation is. I'll finally get to meet the guy I've butted heads with on the phone in person. ...Joy. Man, just wait until he sees how dead it is. I'll just have to be certain not to be late though, in case he shows at 9:30am too. :x

God... Next week is going to be even more of HELL. >_<;;;

Oh, and James, who is a weekender, came in to see his hours for today so I finally met him. Briefly. He seemed like an older man. Probably in his 30s like Jason. Yikes.

I think that's it... Yeah, has to be. Unless I forgot to mention that we got George Carlin calendars in... >.> I will own one!

PAYDAY TOMORROW/FRIDAY! I pick the checks up tomorrow though so... >w>

Anyways, I'm off. Still sick so I'm done with this update. Good night, and happy travels. Don't forget the hand sanitizer! xD

Black Friday

2008-11-19T19:41:00.001-05:00

...So... since I'm the head person at the kiosk... I have been scheduled to work Black Friday. That in and of itself is not a problem. It's my hours that make me want to throw myself off the nearest cliff.

I am working...

.....

5:30am-2pm. EIGHT HOURS OF TORTURE. TOOOOOORTUUUUUURE. QAQ

Like... I'll have to be up at 4am so I can leave by 4:30am to be there by 5:30am.

SOMEONE. PLEASE. KILL ME NOW. IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME YOU WILL.

Oh god... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

This is going to be a horrible day. I am not looking forward to it.

Told my Mom she was getting up too. Dammit, I will NOT be the only one up early!! *shakefist*

Visit me for sure...? Please...? ;A;

Home Office

2008-11-19T00:44:00.002-05:00

So today I spent a good hour on the phone with Home Office. I even made the record logs, it was that long.

We started on the regular phone, but had to move to m cell phone as we ended up working with the modem. Yeah... dial-up internet for us. >.o;;;

Turned out that the phone line for the modem was plugged into the wrong place, and the reason they were calling was because they weren't getting any sales data from us due to this problem. We had plugged it in to what we thought was another phone jack, but it turned out it wasn't, and the line also had to go into the splitter. Lemme tell ya, it took FOREVER to communicate this to him, since he's out in Anarbor(sp) Michigan. Then we moved on to the cash register...

See, since the disks weren't downloading, this came up too. So we went to the register, and I learned how to do an admin75, which tells me all the sales that day. At this point we'd only had one. Then he wanted me to try an admin99, which probably would diagnose stuff... but it wouldn't accept the command. I also had to do a no sale for some reason or another.

Well, this was when we popped the disk into the PC to see if it'd download the information to him, which it did. Meaning that it probably wasn't the disk. Still, he wanted Alix to make some new ones just in case.

Then he got a ticket number and put in a request to an electrician to come out and look at the register since it definitely isn't working right.

Cool, said he'd be there within the next few days.

I was NOT expecting him to show up later today! He got there about 3pm, since I hadn't been back from lunch long (Huma thought she worked Thursday, not Tuesday, and was late by 40min), and got to work.

He dusted out the whooooole computer inside of the register, and the floppy drive. he also poured 90% rubbing alcohol onto the floppy disk and stuck it in the drive. That disturbed me because I didn't think you were supposed to combine liquid and electronics. LMAO But he said it was okay, and it seemed to be.

I mean, this guy tried EVERYTHING. Did diagnose scans at least 15 times, and just was as thorough as can be. Buuuut... nothing worked. I mean, he even ran it through his laptop via a USB Floppy Drive.

His diagnosis: It's junk. I'm serious.

So he's ordering us a new floppy drive, if one is even available (we're talking an IBM system here from the stone age), and he'll be back to install it.

He said that it can't right to the higher sectors, only the lower ones. Greeeeaaaat.

Alix is still going to make new disks for us, since we're probably going to want fresh ones.

God, this kiosk is such a pain.

While I was on the phone with that guy, and we were waiting for things to load, we had chat time and I told him as much. He wanted Alix to come down to the kiosk too, and almost choked when I said that the base store was about 30min away if you had light traffic. He wanted to know why it was so far so I told him in plain English that it was should be run by the Borders five minutes down the street, but that somehow we'd ended up with it in Saratoga. And he said it was good that we were sticking it out, and I told him I wouldn't be if they weren't paying me well. LMAO

I also asked if they were shipping a whole new register and he said no, that the only way they really broke to that point was if you dropped them on the floor. And then he said that I probably wanted to by now. I told him if I could lift it, probably. xD

He said that he would put in for it to be fixed, and that he thought it was the drive, and I wanted to know how long that'd take to get here so Alix could be here to help install it. And he laughed and asked if I really thought they were going to make Alix do it. I told him yeah, since that'd been the general pattern. Modem broke--they sent a new one and Alix fixed it (turned out it was only a wire plugged in wrong...); the monitor was broke--they sent a new one and I fixed it; the LDT broke--they're sending a new one for Alix to fix... Yeah, definitely a pattern.

But he assured me otherwise, and it must be true since the electrician showed up.

He was a nice guy though, so it wasn't too bad. Both were nice guys, actually. Home Office and the electrician. Yeah... I don't have names. LOL

The guy at Home Office told me I was getting 15min of fame in his diary log for the day. xD I told him I wished it had come in a different form. He said never know, maybe I'd get a promotion. I just laughed and said that'd only be good for better pay to put towards student loans. Hahaha

I like people with a sense of humour.

To top the day off though, I had to FIGHT with the register tape to get it to work when we ran out. Which coincided with when I was on the phone with Home Office. Go figure.

Today was not my day. In fact, most days at that kiosk aren't. I hate it SOOOOOOO MUCH. Can't wait for it to be OVER.

And... we only made $193 out of the $577 goal yesterday. Hahaha, $577 a day at Clifton Country Mall? What are they, nuts? I mentioned the dead mall status to Home Office too. And for some reason they seem to think we'll yield $60,000 at this kiosk. Yea--no.

Oh, and wouldn't you know it, we had a sale during the fixing of the register, so I had to do it all manually without the computer and put it in after. Oi.

So um... yeah. Save me? xP

PS: This stomach bug BLOWS. Had it since last Thursday and it just CLINGS. ;A;
PSS: The microwave died, so I am without a way to cook. Nooooooooooooooooo *sobs*

Bad Parenting in ACTION

2008-11-19T00:41:00.003-05:00

So apparently there are more bad parents in Clifton Park than Saratoga, because aside from the screaming from the play-place down there, I never had issues with the kids like I do here.

And it's RAMPANT. Kids constantly knocking stuff over or touching it while parents watch. This one mom in particular brought in five kids, the oldest maybe 8, and let them roam. They touched EVERYTHING and put it back wherever they could reach and it was just CHAOS. But the worst part? She stood there and LAUGHED as they decided to look at the PLAYBOY TYPE calendars.

I'm sorry... what parent lets her barely-out-of-diapers children look at nude women? Did I miss something here?

I was disgusted. And then I had to play maid to top it all off.

Other things include kids running off with calendars that we have to chase down, and the sticky hands.

PLEASE PARENTS. CONTROL YOUR OFFSPRING. I am not a maid, and I'm definitely NOT A BABYSITTER.

Bank of America

2008-11-19T00:32:00.003-05:00

So I've decided that the Bank of America is WAY TOO PUSHY and WAY TOO LENIENT ON STAFFING.

First off, they're pushy.

Alix went with me to do the first bank deposit, since I had NO CLUE as to what I was doing. Good thing too because it turned out we needed different bags and that we needed to speak with a representative about getting a night drop card to make things easier. Well, no big deal. So we made our deposits and had a seat. Got in to see someone like... instantly. Guess no one wanted to sit down near lunch time. LOL

So we're talking about getting stuff, and it turns out we can't do the ordering, Home Office has to because they're the ones who set up the account. From out in Michigan... Greeeeat. We're still waiting for that delivery.

This being done, Alix and I get up to leave when the lady asks us if we have our accounts with them. Well, Alix does but I don't. And this lady, I swear I almost clocked her, went into her sales pitch. I'm sorry, what part of "I'm with First NY" didn't she get? Telling me their not local... what a bunch of shit. They are to me lady, I don't live in Clifton Park like the rest of you faux-rich (since that's what a lot of them are) people. And she tried to get me to switch. NO THANKS. I told her I probably had my student loan through them, and we left. Like, didn't give her a chance to say another word kind of left.

HOW RUDE. We were obviously on our company's time and she's trying to make a personal sale with me so I'll use their bank? What kind of nonsense is that!? And Alix almost shit herself when I told her they charge a fee per day if you can't keep a $5,000 minimum balance for business accounts. Yeah... Bank of America isn't friendly to the entrepreneur.

BUT, that's not all!

So yesterday I went to do the deposit, and I got a teller who barely spoke English. I wish I could say I'm joking, but I can't. And she was slow as hell too. Didn't understand when I tried to tell her that my night person made a mistake in where to put the contents per slot in the bag and stuff, and then when I asked for more since we needed some, she kept asking me what, and that she didn't know what I wanted.

...How hard is it to understand "Can I get more deposit bags" when you're HOLDING ONE.

So the teller next to her had to put the person he was helping on hold to come get the bags for me. Talk about a bad representation of the bank.

Seriously folks, I'm all for equality in the workplace, but if you're going to be working with people, you should be able to properly communicate. Especially at a bank. That's like... common sense. Come on now, not that hard to figure our.

So yeah... definitely not impressed with them. At all.

Witnessed by Old Ladies

2008-11-19T00:23:00.002-05:00

Man... you know how much it sucks to have people witness to you? Especially when you're working? Yeah, me too.

And usually, I'm really rude to people like that. Either through debating (though that obviously doesn't work with some) or by just plain being an ass. But this time... I couldn't.

See, we had these two old ladies come in on the 10th (I think...) and they were so cute. Couldn't make up their mind on what cat calendar they wanted. They were deciding between 365 Cats, Cat Naps, and Garfield. How Garfield got in there I don't know, but that's what they decided on after 15min of debate. And not just the box, but the wall calendar too.

Hey, I'm here to please (sort of). If you want to buy two calendars for no particular reason, be my guest.

So they're ringing out and making comments about the Christmas music (yes... it's been on for a while now. Since like... that day. >.o;;;) and I mentioned that I would prefer it after Thanksgiving since that was an important holiday too, and they agreed. By now the sale is rung out and they're getting ready to leave.

BUT NOT QUITE!

Just as they're about to go one of them turned around and pulled out a pamphlet.

You know it's not going to be good after that.

She genuinely seemed worried though. Told me that with the holidays coming up she wanted to make sure I had good faith and could be as happy as possible by knowing where I was going.

Well, I knew she had to be either a Jehovah's Witness, or a Born Again. In the case of the former, all I could do would be to offer her money to offend her and make her leave. Which I really didn't want to offend her because I just don't have the heart to do it to sweet old people. But upon opening the pamphlet, I recognized it to be the latter and kindly declined.

Told her through other circumstances, my soul had already been saved. And she then asked if I knew Jesus Christ was my Lord and Savior, to which I was able to reply that yes, I knew, and I knew that he died on the cross for me.

Her parting words were "Oh, bless your soul. That must be why you're so nice."

She took the pamphlet back and left...

And I CRACKED UP.

Seriously... come on. If anything at least dealing with the bible-thumpers at the county fair got me out of dealing with that lady super easy. But I don't really practice any faith at all and here I was convincing a poor old lady I did.

Man... I'm such a sinner. Lying like that to my elder. x'DDD

Ohhhh, how some people amuse me. LOL

Possible Cure for AIDS

2008-11-16T21:47:00.000-05:00

Click here for the Article

Been reading about it lately. It's a bit out there, but it seems like a solid lead for where research can go. I have to say, it gives me hope to know that future generations may not suffer from such a disease. But I definitely think a cost-effective cure is at least 10 years in the making.

Inpakuto Ryu

2008-11-14T22:31:00.002-05:00

So tonight marked my first private karate lesson at Inpakuto-Ryu, located on RT50, near the City Mission and such. It was AWESOME.

Steve is a friend of mine, which definitely made this first session easier. And I had seen how it works already from when Tabby was taking lessons from him, and I watched. It's definitely a lot more fun to participate.

We started off with some traditional stuff, stances and punches and kicks. Which was pretty cool, because I've never been that coordinated with them. However, this being a private lesson, he can devote full attention to helping me improve. WIN.

Then, we moved on to self defense. Why? Because it's a big concern. I learned how to deter any rapist, and should he somehow get his pants off, I can now rip off his nuts. You heard me right, I have effectively learned how to rip off a guy's family jewels. I also can turn pretty much any situation into my benefit too. Just gotta remember everything... I feel a refresher course happening. xD

After that though, we moved into jujitsu. Jujitsu is one of the more deadly forms of martial arts out there, because it's intended for critically harming your opponent to keep them down. If I got you in the right position, I could dislocate your shoulder with just a little bit of pressure. And it wouldn't take much effort on my part. That's jujitsu. And I LOVE it. Fufufufufu~

After that we grappled/sparred. I honestly don't know how we got into this... it just sort of happened. o_O; I never got him to tap out, but he only got me to do so once. Which was shocking because he's a black belt and I'm a beginner. He told me though that he was having trouble because I'm small and I can worm. Which is very true. He also said I had a natural ability to pick up on things since I instinctively knew to pinch, scratch, bite, apply pressure to his fingers, and I could work in some of the jujitsu we had been using before hand. It was AWESOME.

...And then he tickled me because I'm a glutton for punishment and just don't know when to quit. x'D Oh well.

OH! He also taught me how to punch hard... and how to backhand someone so harshly that it'd break bones. Yes boys and girls, I can shatter your cheekbone with the back of my hand.

So I guess I should say not to mess with me with intent to harm? >.>; I definitely feel better knowing this stuff though.

And he's helping me stretch too, since that's important or you'll hurt yourself. He's also able to make sure I'm definitely doing the moves properly so that I do not damage my body. WHICH IS GREAT. This is why private lessons rock. Because I was totally doing the round house kick wrong to start and could have really hurt my back. But he helped fix that issue.

A lot of girls wouldn't like it though because it can seem very intimate. I don't care though, because Steve is a good guy, and his girlfriend joins him to watch and stuff. So no worries. ^^

This has definitely been one of the best decisions of my life. Munchback-sensei did great lessons, but I am just not cut out for group study; and he showed the moves way too fast for me. Doing it privately is a lot easier for me. Definitely. And for $55 a month... that's like $14.25 an hour. Seriously, how many instructors would give you lessons that cheap? NOT MANY. Not when you're at his skill level. So yes, totally worth my time.

And, I'm going to drop in on his class on Tuesday. So that I can meet the guys and grapple with them a bit for fun. And to help him attract more women, and to get them to stay. Totally free for me, too. WHOO! That's fine by me! :D Tuesdays, if you're wondering, is his jujitsu class.

But yes, very fun. If you decide to join, tell him Samantha sent ya. :D Referrals get me free lessons! \OwO/

Here is the MySpace: CLICK ME, YO!

Enjoy!

I am off to go be sick, thanks to the humidity and the fact that I apparently ate something I shouldn't have. Hurk oxo;;;

Lunch with Karen

2008-11-14T15:26:00.002-05:00

So I was able to go to the Whistling Kettle (great place) with Karen for lunch, and it was wonderful. We finally had two hours to spend chatting (while Nicholas, the baby, had his way with whatever he could grab lol), and we got caught up on stuff. And the food was really good, even if they got our orders backwards. lol No big deal.

I tried my first scone while I was there too. OH MAN ARE THEY WONDERFUL! Strawberry and creme scone.... mmmm... <3

I totally ate too much though, and am feeling preeeeetty sick right now. LMAO But it was worth it. Good food, good company, who could ask for more? And it's not a heavy sick, just a nagging kind, so it's not even that bad. Just annoying. xD;;; Just gotta ditch it within the next hour or I'll have to bail on karate. Because exercise like that on a bad stomach isn't a good idea... >.>;

But the lunch was worth it! Sandwich, tea, salad, and dessert for $14.95? Ummm... HELLS YEAH!? Can't ask for a better deal!

She also gave me the PTSA newsletter where I was advertising in, and it looks great! And it was distributed to well over 500 people! :O Plus, since I got in early, I got a GOOD SPOT. Whoo!! Thank you Karen for the opportunity!

And Saturday, I'm going to get ready for the PTSA's Pizza with Santa thing. Gotta get some frames, more paper, make more business cards, ect... Because December 5th is going to be here sooner than I know it!!! xD But it's going to be SO WORTH IT. I couldn't ask for better exposure!!! *w*

Speaking of photos... I missed the fog ones. :< Oh well, I'm sure there will be another time. :3 I'll try to get something else for you guys though, since I've been seriously lacking in imagery for... almost a month now... >.>;;;;;;;;

Anyways! I'm out of here! Gotta go take care of this stomach. oxo;;;

Oh my...

2008-11-14T11:38:00.002-05:00

I have a lot of updates that I haven't put up in here yet. Umm... I'll get to them tonight, promise. Plenty of crazy stuff has gone on at that blasted kiosk so I have things to tell you about.

Today though I'm preeeeetty busy. Going out to lunch with my friend Karen, then possibly seeing Miss. Mierzwa, and I have my first karate lesson tonight. I'm also going to get going a bit earlier maybe, because we have some awesome fog going on. I hate driving in it... but photos... >.>

SO! Enjoy your day, and I'll be back tonight with updates and (hopefully) new photos for you!

If there's one thing I miss...

2008-11-11T21:25:00.002-05:00

If there is one thing I miss about Massachusetts... it was the peace and quiet. Mom and my brother are having a screaming match again because he was too damn lazy to do his homework and once a week chore of taking the garbage out, even after he'd been told several times, and now he's mocking my mother who is angry at him. It's loud, annoying, fucking stupid, and if my stomach weren't feeling off I would leave. To where I don't know, but I would. Wouldn't be the first time either. Shit, I'd probably just go to Uncommon Grounds or something. Stupid brother. >(

Through a Rapist's Eyes

2008-11-09T20:45:00.001-05:00

I got this in email, and it's pretty important stuff so I decided to not only forward it on, but to post it here online. Please read it, take note, and perhaps copy-paste it into an email to send on to people.

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

Through a Rapist's Eyes (No Joke)

This is important information for females of ALL ages. Guys - please forward to the female members of your family and all your female friends and associates.

When this was sent to me, I was told to forward it to my lady friends. I forwarded it to most everyone in my address book. My men friends have female friends & family and this information is too important to miss someone. Please pass it along.

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1) The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed . They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

2) The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly . Many of them carry scissors around specifically to cut clothing.

3) They also look for women on their cell phone , searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

4) Men are most likely to attack & rape in the early morning, between 5: 00am. and 8:30a.m.

5) The number one place women are abducted from/attacked is grocery store parking lots. Number two is office parking lots/garages. Number three is public restrooms.

6) The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to another location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

7) Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

8) If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9) These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands.
Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

10) Several defense mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk: "I can't believe it is so cold out here", "we're in for a bad winter." Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up; you lose appeal as a target.

11) If someone is coming toward you , hold out your hands in front of you and yell STOP or STAY BACK ! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

12) If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yell I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

13) If someone grabs you , you can't beat them with strength but you can by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm (between the elbow and armpit) OR in the upper inner thigh VERY VERY HARD . One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed stitches.
Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it hurts.

14) After the initial hit, always GO for the GROIN . I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll
anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble, and he's out of there.

15) When the guy puts his hands up to you , grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible . The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

16) Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts!!!
You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

PLEASE READ THEN FORWARD THIS TO EVERY WOMAN YOU KNOW, IT'S SIMPLE STUFF BUT IT COULD SAVE HER LIFE

The Kiosk from HELL

2008-11-08T23:09:00.002-05:00

All right, so I've worked a total of three days in Clifton Park now... AND I HATE EVERY LAST MINUTE OF IT. EVERY LAST ONE.

I shit you not, this is the KIOSK FROM HELL.

Let me just list the reasons with small explanations. Otherwise this will get too lengthy. WAAAAAAAY too lengthy. And it's going to be long as it is. :P

Before we go there though, please bear this in mind. I am the assistant manager at this kiosk. Alix is still the head manager, but since she can't be there 90% of the time, I'm in charge. So I'll be working 40 hour weeks at this thing, and managing most of the bookwork and stuff. I'm also responsible for training the others and helping them, and for keeping everything in order. My responsibilities have gone up, and I don't mind this. And I wouldn't mind the 40hr weeks either... except that I REALLY HATE THIS KIOSK.

Let me begin...

1. As of Thursday when I got there, we did not have storage space. We were told it wasn't part of our lease agreement, and our legal department was immediately after the mall because it most definitely was a part of the agreement. Thankfully by noon that same day we had a storage space... however it is all the way across the parking lot and behind another building, not that accessible, and not safe to walk to after dark alone, I don't care how many cops are around. Alix agrees. And to top it all off, we share it with the mall who is currently building the Santa set in there. Yeah... so it's not even our own space. And it's definitely not inside the same building like it was supposed to be.

2. The modem was busted. So we couldn't boot the register fully, and had no access to the verifone, meaning no credit card sales. This went from the first day when we were just stocking, before we were open, through to the second day. About 3pm that day though, we finally got it all working. Had to overnight a new modem, and then that didn't work so I don't know what Alix did... but everything was kind of working right then.

3. We had to create a new register boot disk. Thankfully we have a backup one on hand, because the master one is totally corrupted. We couldn't get it to work right on Thursday, and today when I got there it didn't work either and I was on the phone with Alix forever trying to get the register online. Thankfully the backup one worked, and then it was just a matter of fiddling to get the base fund accepted so that we could do transactions.

4. Because of where the storage area is, we have no place for the PC that controls the kiosk and stuff. I don't know exactly how all that works, I just know we need the PC. Well, at first we were told to just keep it under the kiosk, but that meant no place for the security curtains. Thusly we gave up two bins for understock to store the security curtains. But we still couldn't have the PC there because it wasn't accessible enough. So we got a small table on Friday and that's where it now sits.

5. The security curtains still can't go under the kiosk because we need that space for the money box and our jackets and bags. We originally would have used the storage area... but that's just not possible.

6. Borders didn't ship us all the calendars so we have empty spaces on the shelves. This also means we'll be getting more, and that means more overstock. Which means more mass trips to the damn store room.

7. They told us we were supposed to sell Visa giftcards good to the Clifton Country Mall only... but then told us otherwise and we have no idea what we're going to do with that. Not to mention we have no way of selling them, and wouldn't want to because it costs $4-$5 just to activate the damn things. Screw that.

8. We have this really creepy Middle Eastern guy loitering around the kiosk. He works the one next to us but just wanders away from it to read our calendars. And he really is creepy. Asked for a job but we already hired enough people, and I wouldn't want him anyways because he can barely speak English and that bothers me a lot. Especially since we have a lot of older customers with bad hearing to start. We won't even get into the fact that he looks and acts shady. :x

9. Borders is RIGHT DOWN THE STREET from this damn thing, but they decided they didn't want the hassle and it got tossed on Alix. And they don't want to pay her mileage because it's just under 30mi to CP from Saratoga. SCREW THAT. I told her to fight them, and if they won't give her the mileage to refuse the kiosk next year. We shouldn't have the damn thing anyways, since we have our own in Wilton.

10. Our paychecks are getting sent to Saratoga because management is apparently pretty dumb. So I have to go pick them up (we're adding on an extra half an hour for this so I will get paid, but still...) and bring them back. Alix had Mark put in for a change of address for them though so that they'll get delivered to us instead.

11. We don't have the little floating islands, so eventually when we have the same amount of product as Wilton, we'll have less space to put it all out in.

12. The mall is freaking dead. It even made deadmalls.com, which is sad. Even though the article is old, it still holds true. None of the stores are really connected, and nobody gives a shit about this place. They'd rather go to Saratoga or Albany. And Clifton Park is right in the middle. We only did some good business today because Madagascar 2 opened and people were visiting the theatre.

13. It turns out that I have to drive an extra 10-20min to get there, since it's actually a bit longer, and the traffic is a lot worse. When I was going to Saratoga it was more highway and city, so people drove better. That, and it's Saratoga, so people are just generally more inclined to move their ass. Going to Clifton Park I take a lot of back roads, and people just CANNOT FUCKING DRIVE. A lot of people do 35 in a 55 and it DRIVES ME BATSHIT INSANE. And by the time I reach 146East, I'm already close to being late because of the bastards. It's just a mess, and I need a different route.

14. The mall isn't even called a mall, so I got lost the first two days trying to find it. The first day I actually stopped a FedEX truck and asked the driver how to get there. Like... seriously, there are NO SIGNS for this mall. If you can call it that.

15. We're right in the middle of the food court, which is a nice location but it still sucks because it turns out people like to have birthday parties at the mall. Yes, birthday parties. RIDICULOUS. There were THREE OF THEM today, and I couldn't have a peaceful lunch if I'd wanted to.

16. There isn't shit to eat for lunch. And everything is hecka expensive. I had the worst salad EVER my first day there and it cost me $6, with a drink. And the pizza I had the last two days... so greasy it TOTALLY SOAKED two napkins. :\ There isn't anything else healthy that I can eat. Lack of Miracle Whip and all since I'm allergic to mayo. Looks like I need to either bring lunch, or learn to drive faster so I can get across the street to Subway. Because this is just stupid.

17. They want us to park FOREVER away from the mall near a queer entrance. None of us do it, because it's not worth it. Fuck it, I'll just park a bit further back near an entrance I've sort of come to know.

18. We had, and still have, no planograms to tell us where everything is supposed to be, so I was the walk-talking planogram since I have pretty much everything memorized.

19. Because of where we are and what we're hooked to power-supply wise, we can't get the security curtain around the register part of the kiosk correctly, and I doubt the PC gets covered well.

20. The flat screen for the PC is pretty much dead, so we're waiting on the new one to be shipped out to us. So you can only see half of the screen well enough to really navigate.

21. We didn't have any employees for this kiosk until the day before thanks to Borders not giving Alix much time to do interviews, and because trying to find people who can work in Clifton Park was a pain. As it is only two people that I know of live there. Sad.

That's about it. The first day Mark wanted Alix and I to work double shifts to get the rest of the product out too, and that just wasn't happening because they don't pay overtime. Fuck that. And I needed to get to the school anyways in Galway for stuff.

I'm doing the Pictures with Santa, and needed to meet with the PTSA. It'll be free, but I get a whole table to myself to promote myself, and I get to hand business cards out with all the photos, so it's worth it. Grabbed Subway on the way out of Wilton, since I had to run there first on Thursday for my paycheck, and barely made it in time to the school.

Last night I barely made it to the bank with my paycheck thanks to a nasty accident, and then the dumb lady wouldn't shut up about her questions with Borders that were totally dumb, and got me locked in since it was past closing. But at least my check was cashed so I could pay my car loan.

And TigerDirect fucked up and didn't refund me everything they were supposed to, so I chewed their ass out last night.

And today, for the first time ever, I had to work a Saturday because of training people. I work next Saturday as well, and then that should be the end of it. I'd rather have two days off in a row and work Mon-Fri than this one day bullshit before it's back to another four days at work. Ugh.

Thursday Mark is coming out to see the kiosk. No idea what he'll think of it, but we're doing the best we can.

I really don't want to man this kiosk any more. Like... I'm glad it got me up to $9.75/hr, but this is just... ugh. Alix even told me she was ready to quit her job with all this bullshit. This is just nuts. And this kiosk is open until near the 20th of January. Blarg.

I was also looking through the Clifton Park mall hours... and on Black Friday the thing opens at 6AM. SIX IN THE MORNING FOLKS. I would have to be up about 4am to be able to get there by 5:30am to open. And on Thanksgiving we celebrate at my grandmother's in Rotterdam, an hour away. But we don't just celebrate Thanksgiving, we celebrate my Mom's, sister's, and brother's birthdays as well. Which means I probably won't be home until 9pm or 10pm at the earliest, if I'm lucky. So I'm going to need to have a loooooong discussion with Alix about having one of the people who live in Clifton Park open on that day, and I'll go in a bit later. You know, one of the employees that live five minutes from the kiosk. And I know Heidi does. So... yeah. A 4am wake-up is just not possible unless I can get to bed by 7pm, 8pm at the latest. And I will be VERY LUCKY if I can leave by 8pm from the family gathering. So not cool.

Shit, the kiosk is going to have to open at 8:30am the few days before Xmas because the mall will open at 9am instead of 10am. I'm just going to DIE those few days. DIE. But at least that's not as bad as 5:30am. -_-;

Someone just shoot me now. This is insanity.

January cannot come and go fast enough. And then I get to stay on at the store, at least, I'm 95% sure I do. THANK GOD.

I really hope these next few months go fast. And I'm glad I have my Zoloft, because I am going to need it.

And once this is done, I am NEVER GOING TO CLIFTON PARK AGAIN. I will turn this job down next year if it's offered. NO THANKS.

First time call in...

2008-11-06T00:46:00.002-05:00

So for the first time I called in sick to work. I just wasn't gonna be able to perform as I should, let alone did I trust myself driving. I was up most of the night with what felt like the flu, sleeping very little on and off, and it was just bad. Somehow I never fell back asleep though... which is odd of me. Probably because I felt so guilty for calling in. I'm a professional at guilt tripping myself because I feel bad for letting people down. :<

So I basically just stayed quiet all day, and had to keep attempting to eat... though every time I did I got uber sick. Until about two hours ago when I managed to just feel discomfort for once. Liquids is the more difficult part though because the house basically has soda... I finished off the juice. Not that we had much juice anyways. But like... ugh.

I actually chose to eat instead of baby my stomach, too, because the hunger pains were that bad. I honestly felt like I was gonna die either way (even though I knew the situation wasn't that severe), and decided if I was gonna go (hypothetically) it might as well be fat and happy. I think I understand the desperate motives of people better now.

Tomorrow I can't miss work though, because it's the first day in Clifton Park and Alix and I have a lot to discuss. So from 9:30-5 tomorrow and Friday I will be busy. Plus, after work tomorrow I am going to meet with a PTSA member at my old HS because they asked me to help them with Pizza with Santa photos. I'm definitely not opposed to a bit of volunteer work. Besides, they're looking into letting me set up my own little stand to promote myself in exchange to help me out a bit. Exposure is good. ^^

In the down time though, I've just been watching Gundam Wing. I never did get to finish that anime, even though I was well over half-way through it. But I like it so it doesn't matter. I'll rewatch it. It's old school, and Duo Maxwell is amazing.

For the sadder news today, Prop 8 in Cali passed. Also, Florida passed one too that not only banned gay marriage, but civil unions and partnerships too. One step forward by being non-racist enough to have a black president (even if I don't support Obama, I do see the progress it took to not decide via skin colour), and two steps back in liberalism. Oh America... how retarded you are.

And speaking of retarded! I was accused of being a racist conservative christian warmonger on DA because I said I hoped anyone who tried to violate and remove my rights as defined by the Constitution got shot. This is the mentality of my generation, and I must say, I am appalled.

Someone save me from the idiots. -_-;

I'm going to bed now, so that I can feel better. And make it to work. Ja ne~

Remember Remember...

2008-11-05T00:00:00.002-05:00

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot...

"Words of "Remember Remember" refer to Guy Fawkes with origins in 17th century English history. On the 5th November 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament with several dozen barrels of gunpowder. Guy Fawkes was subsequently tried as a traitor with his co-conspirators for plotting against the government. He was tried by Judge Popham who came to London specifically for the trial from his country manor Littlecote House in Hungerford, Gloucestershire. Fawkes was sentenced to death and the form of the execution was one of the most horrendous ever practiced (hung ,drawn and quartered) which reflected the serious nature of the crime of treason." -Rhymes.org

Today is the 5th of November, and the official end of election day, and the day that Obama is the President-elect. Irony has never been so apparent, what with all the people who believe he is a terrorist plant.

I dearly hope that one year from now I'm not saying "I told you so" to all the Obama followers out there, but I fear I will.

May the powers that be protect America.

Rambo

2008-11-04T22:30:00.002-05:00

This might be a bit jumbled since I'm sicker than hell with whatever that stomach bug is that's going around, but I had to post this. HAD TO.

In my town there is a guy who is nicknamed Rambo, who we have all decided is pretty crazy. So we don't give him much thought. This past summer though, he went up and and down Lake Nancy (in my town) asking people to join together to form the Lake Nancy Coalition.

Basically, he wanted to get together a group of people who would band together and share firearms and food should trouble arise and defend our town. Like... mercenaries. Against something like a terrorist threat.

He was DEAD SERIOUS.

Mom just told me about it, since she found out from a close friend of ours who was asked by the guy.

I think the scariest part is, for once Rambo might actually have a good idea, because these are fairly troubled times. And like... we are our only protection where I am. We are MILES from the nearest police station, and we're not a city so I doubt we're high priority to the national guard or something. And I really am worried about the fate of the country.

But since Rambo said it, the idea won't be going anywhere past the idea stage, because as I said before, he's insane.

Yeah, these things really do happen in small towns. It's not just a Hollywood joke. I don't know whether to laugh or be horrified... or both.

Ummm... yeah. So, anyone wanna come live here? >.>;;;

Election 08

2008-11-04T14:33:00.001-05:00

So I went out and voted. No lines for me since my town doesn't even have 2,000 registered voters. x3

And for those of you in Cali, I was told to tell you all to vote NO on Prop8. :3

After that Dad and I went and had lunch and I gave my business card to someone looking for a wedding photographer.

And to sum everything up:

Vote by *kris-wilson on deviant ART

Enjoy, and pray that time goes fast so all the election bullshit is done with sooner. xP

Don't Land in my Town. orz

2008-11-03T18:44:00.003-05:00

So, Dad just told me that while I was gone yesterday there was a plane crash in town. Small engine craft tried to land in a field or something and flipped up near Fayville. Seriously... this is kinda crazy. Two crashes near my house in under sixth months. Oi... >.<;

Wormed my way to Massachusetts

2008-11-03T18:19:00.002-05:00

So yesterday I went ahead and wormed my way over to Massachusetts to visit friends, and I must say, getting there was a trip down memory lane.

I did get lost four times total. Two on the way there, and two on the way back. But not for that long, and it only ended up adding 15min onto both trips. So it was good. Next time I won't make the mistakes. ^^ The hardest part was finding the house, since the number isn't visible. I finally had to call Luna-kun and have her come outside. LMAO

But it was a trip down memory lane because the section of route 2 that I had to go through is the same one that the Clark is located on, which we visited when I was in Hallmark. Brought back quite the memories, especially since the current class probably visited it fairly recently. The churches and grounds looked just as I remembered them, as if it weren't a year later and a different month. I figured the grass would be much more dead and stuff, but it really wasn't. It was kind of nice. Ahhhh, nostalgia...

ANYWAYS!

So I got to see Miss Kurama and Luna-kun for the first time in about a year! And I finally got to see their apartment! It was so much fun. I'd forgotten how close I was to them and how badly I missed them until I got there. It was like no time had passed, either. There was no awkwardness between any of us, and we were still able to talk freely with one another. It was so nice. I was afraid we would have grown apart, but no such thing.

I also met their other roommate, Kimli. She is a riot. Miss Kurama had said we'd get along too, since we're both shitheads, and she was right. Both of us make the same sort of snide comments meant in jest, we both love the Revolutionary War, and we yaoi fanatics. I mean, come on, it's a perfect friendship. She was such a blast. I met her father, too, since he was driving her in from the Albany Airport. She worked in Disneyland all of October, so she was just getting back yesterday too.

Then Miss Kurama and Luna-kun got a bit... drunk. LMAO That was definitely comical to watch, and everything just loosened up completely then. Especially with Luna-kun, who is usually much more reserved. She still couldn't handle a discussion about masturbation though. I think she was starting to sober up at that point... >.>

Miss Kurama on the other hand... was just out of it. And when she's drunk, she just does not shut up. If it comes to mind, she says it. She's a very truthful drunk, but she talks in such a funny way. It was great. She and Luna-kun were worried that they'd offended me by drinking, but I didn't mind. No matter what they're my friends, and it's not like they're mean or depressed drunks, so no harm done. ^w^ I would have drank with them, too, except that I had to drive home. Work in the morning and all.

They actually told me to call in sick. xD I wish that had been an option. I didn't want to leave and they didn't want me to go. Seven hours just wasn't long enough for us. I really can't wait until the holidays when they get to come back for a lot longer, so we can hang out more. Even if I have to work, afterwards I'll probably be hanging with them. I miss them so much. They really are my best friends. Especially Miss Kurama. She and I have shared so many of the same experiences and have weathered so many things that there's nothing, short of me killing Luna-kun (which won't happen!), that could tear us apart.

I'd give more details, but those sorts of things aren't meant for the blogosphere. xD I will say this though, before I forget it happened. Nerimo Daikon Brothers... is one screwed up musical anime. o_O; But it's addictive. And Ichiro is so funny, as is Pandacon. <3

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T23:41:00.000-04:00

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. >[

2008-10-22T19:59:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-21T07:43:00.002-04:00

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 deviant ART

Tiger Direct

2008-10-21T07:37:00.002-04:00

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.

2008-10-21T06:32:00.002-04:00

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!?

2008-10-20T17:58:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-18T23:48:00.002-04:00

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:

2008-10-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

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...

2008-10-17T00:24:00.002-04:00

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.