I Quit

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

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 deviantART


I'm Coming by =Saknika on deviantART


Happily Lazy by =Saknika on deviantART


Get My Good Side by =Saknika on deviantART


It's All About Us by =Saknika on deviantART

Meeting of Chance or Fate?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Definitely not looking forward to it.

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

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

A Forum for Photographers

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

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

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

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

I have my Fireworks Schedule!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's sure to be a blast!

I am so Inconsistent

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

Oh wait, I know what happened.

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

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

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

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

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

Wrong.

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

What?

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

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

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

But anyways, enough about my crappy job.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Hello Kitty Cat by =Saknika on deviantART


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


A Little Unbalanced by =Saknika on deviantART


Perky and Pink by =Saknika on deviantART


Feeling a Little Blue by =Saknika on deviantART


Entering for Souls by =Saknika on deviantART


Bridge of Sanzu by =Saknika on deviantART


Prom09 CLassic Togetherness by =Saknika on deviantART


Elegant Couple: Prom 09 by =Saknika on deviantART


The First Infrared by =Saknika on deviantART


Surreal Blue River by =Saknika on deviantART


Cryptic Stones by =Saknika on deviantART


Painted Infrared Lake by =Saknika on deviantART


Lake Sunset 2009 by =Saknika on deviantART


Elegant Walkway from the Past by =Saknika on deviantART


Delicately Pink by =Saknika on deviantART


Optimistically Orange by =Saknika on deviantART


The Heart of the Plant by =Saknika on deviantART


As Time Passes By by =Saknika on deviantART


Hidden Falls by =Saknika on deviantART


Rushing Falls by =Saknika on deviantART

Pink Eye... Epidemic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's been a while...

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

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

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

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

Not good.

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

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

I got pink eye. >_<

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Daily Deviation from April 16th:

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


Wondering Breeze by =Saknika on deviantART


Curious Return by =Saknika on deviantART


Depths of Emotions by =Saknika on deviantART


Try Me Sweetheart by =Saknika on deviantART


Somewhere Far Away by =Saknika on deviantART