http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:Nevuela&section=today deviantART RSS for by:Nevuela en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:55:46 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/28712145/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/28712145/ Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:10:23 PST
1. People who say "nucular" instead of "nuclear." I just can't figure out where they're getting that extra "u" from.

2. Women who refer to their female friends as "girlfriends." Even my 52-year-old aunt says it, which just sounds extra wrong coming from her. Whenever I hear a woman say it, I think they're a lesbian for just a split second, before I realize what they really mean. Believe me, there ain't nothing wrong with being one, I know some and they're awesome, but every single time I hear that word from a woman's mouth I can't help thinking it.

Men don't call their male friends "boyfriends," so why do women do it? It's not like it's important to know what sex the friend they're referring to is, and besides, don't we all automatically assume a woman is talking about a female friend even when she doesn't use the word "girlfriend"? Plus they usually follow "girlfriend" with the name of said friend and/or "she" or "her" in the same conversation, so you know for a fact what sex the friend is.

3. Parents who dress their twins the same and/or give them both names that either rhyme or start with the same letter, which you know they would NOT do if the two kids had been born at different times. Twins are INDIVIDUALS, but parents take that away from them when they do these things because they seem to think they're being SOOO clever and cute.

I've even seen school photos of identical twins who were dressed exactly the same and had the same exact hairstyle. Now THAT is just horrible! The school could mix up the photos for all you know and no one would ever know who's who. Besides, research suggests that treating twins like this in their early years can be damaging later in life.

4. People who don't say "thank you" when you hold the door open for them, and what's worse is some of these people have kids with them, so they're teaching the kids bad manners too.

5. Skinny little anorexic people who ask "Does this make me look fat?" And yes, there ARE people like that. It's not just a dumb joke in a sitcom. I had a foster mom who did that a lot, while all of us girls in her house (all-girl foster home) were on the chubby side. So if she thought she was fat, then she must have thought we were all morbidly obese! Go watch "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" and THEN try to complain about your weight! Plus I loathe those commercials for some diet aid, and all the women in it are already pencil-thin. Yeah, that's realistic.

6. Women who take their husbands' last names when they get married. No offense to those of you out there who are married and have done the same. I don't know your exact reason for doing it, but doing it "Just because it's traditional" is bullshit, and I do NOT apologize for that. A lot of things are traditional, but that doesn't make them right. Human sacrifices were traditional in some cultures, after all.

If your husband really loved you, he would insist that you keep your own name. Being Mrs. So-and-So means that you are property of Mr. So-and-So. Literally. Look it up. It's true. All property was labeled with a person's surname, that's why you'll see old historical houses named "the Jackson Estate" or whatever. It also says that you are no longer your own person. I mean, they even call you "Mrs. Adam Smith," so your first name is often erased too. And yet there is absolutely NO indication that a man is married.

So unless you're taking his name because you like it better than yours or you need an alias because you're a criminal on the run, why bother? And who cares if it hurts his feelings? It should hurt YOUR feelings even more that he expects you to get rid of the name you were born with (and pretty much your entire family history too). The husband is still gaining a wife, and he's not losing a damn thing just because she refuses to take his name. Only the wife has something to lose here.

Sorry, but that just pisses me off big time. Please don't get mad, this is just how I feel and I can't just change that overnight. I understand that you all have the right to do whatever you want, but all I'm saying is I just can't see WHY someone would consent to giving up their name and their identity.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/28562369/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/28562369/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:46:30 PST
Of course I still read their profiles to give them a chance, but it's very hard for me to get past that borderline GTFO face. Maybe it's just me, but it actually kind of scares me, like maybe the guy is abusive or a criminal or something. Not to mention that without a smile most of these guys are just plain ugly. I bet they'd get a lot more responses to their profiles if they'd just SMILE already. XP

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/28440438/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/28440438/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:45:54 PST
Think I can do it? Or rather, WILL I do it? I sure hope so. I'm gonna try like holy hell to do it, but I need your encouragement (or threats, whichever works best). The following is a list of all the stuff I owe various people. Some of you are at Wingnut City and may not have an account here, which is why I'm double-posting this list over there. If I have left anyone or anything out, or if I have incorrect info on a specific item, please let me know.

In no particular order:

1. Drabble for Forever-Art-Fan (characters: Lightning, Strip and Lynda. Three words: grassy, indebted, evening)

2. Pic of Sparky for Volksdragon

3. Pic of Ebony for Ebony Viper

4. Pic of Tyler & Jane for Grrips

5. Drabble for JustKaro43 (characters: Doc and Sheriff. Three words: bond, flipped, window)

6. Pic of Doc & Amy (OC) for _________? (I forget who)

7. Pic of DJ for TaiOmega

8. Pic of Coraline & Wybie for _________? for capturing my 30,000th pageview

9. Pic of GT & Firestorm for Googlememan

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27590319/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27590319/ Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:34:52 PDT
I wrapped Wilbur's body in a scrap of fancy purple fabric left over from an old costume and buried him out in the yard beside his brother Zeke under the rosebushes. Then I set a large rock on top to mark the grave, along with some flowers from my yard. If anyone thinks that's silly, then you obviously don't understand love. People who just throw their pets' bodies in the trash make me sick. If you have ANY respect or feelings for that creature whatsoever, you would give it a decent burial or cremation. After all, do you want YOUR remains chucked in a landfill?

Wilbur was one of the best rats I've ever known, but for some reason I haven't cried at all. Not even when I had to dig the grave with a spoon because I have no shovel and had to bury an animal myself for the first time. I've been indifferent to the whole thing. It's like, ever since Mom passed away, I just haven't been able to cry or even get really sad about losing someone. Sure, I'll cry about almost anything else that upsets me, but not death anymore. Not when Mom died, not when a good friend's husband died shortly after, and now not even when one of my favorite rats ever died.

No tears, no sadness. I'm just indifferent. It's like God answered my prayers a little too well when I asked for the strength to cope before losing Mom. Not that I really mind all that much. Who WANTS to suffer from the loss of a loved one? But I just can't shake how unnatural it is to be this way. And Wilbur was the very last rat my mom picked out. We would always get two rats of the same gender to keep each other company. I would pick one, and she would pick the other. I feel like her final choice should count for something extra, but it doesn't.

I will always love Wilbur and miss him dearly, but why do I never get sad anymore? I was a wreck when his brother Zeke died. I cry for all my rats. But not for Wilbur, one of the rats I love the most. What's wrong with me?

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27490014/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27490014/ Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:37:25 PDT
BTW this is a serious survey. Please, no BS joke answers if you're going to take this survey. I have given all completely honest answers here, and I expect and appreciate the same in return. Yes, I admit some of my answers are weird, but they truly are the names I would give to people/places/things. I have my reasons for them too. ^_^

THE NAME GAME

1. What would/did you name your firstborn son? (middle name optional)… Beige (as in that tannish gray color - it’s a boring color, but I’ve always loved the sound of that name) middle name would probably be Blake (after my lil bro)

2. What would/did you name your firstborn daughter? (middle name optional)… Danica, middle name would be either Dawn or Morning Star (Danica is Slavic for "morning star")

3. If you could own any kind of business, what kind would it be, and what would you name it? (list as many as you want)… a café called Green Acorn Café or Oakside Café

4. If you could name a street, what would you call it?… November Road, Lonely Road or Yellow Brick Road (I bet there’s already one by that name somewhere in Kansas. No seriously. I bet there really is) or Somewhere Street

5. If you could name a town/city, what would you call it?… Peachvine or Home Sweet Home (but only for a small rural town - hey, there are stupider names out there, like Happy Camp and Rough and Ready, both in California. Then there’s Queen of Prussia, but I forget what state it’s in. And don’t forget French Lick, Indiana!)

6. If you could name the next planet that was discovered, what would it be?… Halcyon (name of a bird in Greek mythology)

7. If you wrote a book, what would the title be?… depends on which book you’re referring to. I’ve actually got several books in the works, with such titles as Stones Unskipped, On Wings of Silver Light, Dry Creek Running, Leap Year Orange, and Wait Till Martin Comes

8. If you had to choose a pseudonym (pen name, stage name, etc.), what would you call yourself?… I’d prefer to keep my own name, but if I had to take a pen name, it would be Jamie Mark Everett, or just Jamie Everett (it’s the name my mom would have given me if I had been a boy)

9. What would/did you name your second son? (middle name optional)… Orion

10. What would/did you name your second daughter? (middle name optional)… Shasta, Jasmine or Aislinn (it would be hard to decide after naming my first one Danica - that’s my most favorite name of all)

11. If you could have any animal in the world as a pet (whale, tiger, elephant, giraffe, etc.) what would you choose, and what would you name it?… I would have an orca, and I would name it Nertho if it was a male, Neona if it was a female

12. If you discovered a tropical island, what would you name it?… I’d have to go there first and then let the name come to me

13. If a 51st state was added to the U.S., what would you name it? (if you’re not a U.S. resident, then choose a name for a new region of your own country)… (same as #12)

14. If you were in a band, what would you call yourselves?… depends on the genre of music we play. Threshold of Pain would be good for a heavy metal band, but I also like Pyro Technic and Cranial Capacity Zero

15. If you were a porn star, what would your stage name be?… Lucille Undine (no idea where that came from, it just came to me just now)

16. If you could rename yourself, what would your new name be?… N/A (am perfectly happy with my name)

17. If you could rename one of your friends/relatives, who would you pick, and what would you name him/her?… probably my goddaughter Chloe. I’d give her the middle name Jada, which is an acronym for “Just a Dream Away” - the title of a poem I wrote for her before she was born. Plus I think Jada is a pretty name

18. If you were the opposite sex, what would you want your name to be? (whatever name your parents might have given you doesn’t count - pick your own name!)… Beige or Orion

19. If you could pick any of your friend’s names as your own, whose would you pick?… Chenea (pronounced “sha-NAY” - she doesn’t think it’s pretty, but I do)

20. If you were a superhero, what powers would you have, and what would people call you?… flight and invisibility, my name would be Midnight (yeah, that’s it. Just Midnight)

21. If a thirteenth month was added to the calendar, what season would you put it in, and what would you name it?… autumn, Octember o... ]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27392840/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27392840/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:51:25 PDT
So... what SHOULD I journal about? Maybe fill out a quiz (anyone got one for me to fill out?)? Post more pet peeves? Start a game (like "Vee Goes to the Gynecologist..." - remember that? XD) I enjoy journaling, and even more I enjoy reading and responding to comments. I just don't know WHAT to journal about.

So if any of you can think of something that won't bore you to tears to read, I'm game.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27389196/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27389196/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:33:04 PDT
Seriously. I've seen all these online surveys asking people which one they prefer: Myspace or Facebook. The majority seems to like Facebook better, which makes absolutely no sense to me. I've been there, and yes, I even have an account, but there is NOTHING to do on Facebook! Literally. Absolutely nothing. Can't blog, can't post videos or music, there are no forums or communities or games or anything of any interest whatsoever.

So WHY do people prefer such a website? I just don't get it.

Then there's Twitter. Amazing how popular it is. Sure, it's cute to just post a little one-liner, but again, nothing to do there. I don't know about you guys, but I need a little excitement when I'm online. That, and a social life. I mean, here I am bitching about Facebook on a DA journal! God, do I need a social life. XP

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27327781/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27327781/ Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:40:21 PDT
There were no signs of an accident that I could see. It was pulled over on the other side, obviously headed in the opposite direction. There was a large blaze located between the cab and the trailer. It was hard to tell for sure as there were oleander bushes in the median obstructing my view, but it looked like the fire was dangerously close to the gas tanks.

It had to have only just happened, because the road had not been closed off and the fire department wasn't there yet. No highway patrol or sheriff, either. It was less than ten miles south of where I live, as my friend was driving me home from her house in the hills.

That was about an hour ago, but I am unable at this time to get any info from the local news websites. I don't have cable (not even local channels), and even if I did, my TV's dead, so I can't rely on that. You'd think the websites would have something by now, but no. I'll update if and when I learn more.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27239144/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27239144/ Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:23:06 PDT
$10 will have to be used to pay the vet to get Wilbur’s teeth trimmed again. He’s a rat with crooked teeth that he can’t wear down naturally by chewing, so twice a month I have to take him to the vet to get them trimmed. They grow that fast, and no, I can’t do it myself. I’m far too squeamish and afraid to hurt him. I can’t let him suffer, either, so it must be done. Another $4 - $6 will have to go toward doing laundry. There’s already a massive pile, and right now I am reduced to wearing dirty underclothes. Another $8 - $10 goes toward bus fare for the rest of the month. All of that brings me down to only $19 for food and other necessities. Thank God there are dollar and 99 cent stores nearby.

Normally I’d have a bit more money at this time of the month, but between going to my class reunion and an unexpectedly high phone bill, my pitifully small finances have drained faster than usual. And believe it or not, the phone bill wasn’t even my fault for once. I called them back in July to pay my bill (which was normal at the time) but they said I didn’t owe a cent, so naturally I didn’t bother. I had far better uses for the little money I had. Then, less than a week later, without ANY prior warning whatsoever, both my phone and internet services were shut off. Now, two months later, they’re suddenly slapping on a bunch of BS “service reinstatement” charges, and they refuse to admit their mistakes!

I was going to go to social security today to get a new social security card. I need a card to get food from the local food bank, but the social security website says I need a copy of my birth certificate in order to obtain said card. I don’t have one, and I can’t possibly afford one at this point in time. There’s very little food left in the house. All the milk is gone, there’s only 3 eggs left, 11 packages of Top Ramen, various canned vegetables, a couple boxes of macaroni, half a gallon of apple juice, and a gallon and a half of water (I don’t drink the tap water if I can avoid it - it’s disgusting in this area). There’s some ground beef left in the freezer that my friends gave me, but if I eat any of it I will most likely end up in the hospital. The meat is very high in fat, and the last two times I ate it I had a severely painful gallstone attack and had to call an ambulance. I’ve been losing weight ever since Mom died, but this month alone (or should I say, this week alone) I’ve lost about 3 lbs.

My aunt (Mom’s only sister) had to take over as my “representative payee” in order to handle my SSI checks for me until I can get a shrink to verify that I can handle my own finances. I hesitate to tell her any of this because A. she’ll most likely criticize and blame me for everything (once again), B. it will just confirm her belief that I’m too stupid and irresponsible to take care of myself (she actually DOES treat me that way!), and C. she won’t help, and if she does, she’ll just give me the bare minimum she thinks I’ll need to survive and then reimburse herself out of my next disability check.

I’m not saying she steals, because she doesn’t, and technically she has every right to be reimbursed if she loans me her own money, but what gets me is that she’s rich and obviously doesn’t give a flying fuck about me. Sorry for the language, but sometimes there’s just no polite way of putting it. She’s a physical therapist, and she has told me that she makes $100,000 per year. That’s TEN times more than I’m getting on disability! Even after taxes and stuff, she’s still taking home a lot. She even confessed that she does most of her grocery shopping at her local 99 cent store. Pretty bad, huh? And she’s got three kids! She also has a practically new SUV with OnStar, GPS and built-in phone. And yet, she can’t even spare me a couple lousy dollars a month?

I suppose that sounds greedy and selfish of me to expect handouts, but really, it’s not about me. It’s the PRINCIPLE of the thing! With the very, very little money I have each month, I am still able to give a few bucks to panhandlers (don’t judge them until you’ve been there - I’ve been there!), and even loan twenty bucks to a friend in need (which I did a couple of weeks ago, before things went bad). It just sickens me that so many people out there have SO much more than they’ll ever need, but they don’t give a rat’s ass about anyone or anything but themselves.

Speaking of rats, here’s where it gets REALLY bad: not long after Mom died, my aunt and I were working out a budget for me. I explained to her that Wilbur (my rat) NEEDS to have his teeth trimmed twice a month or they will cause him discomfort and even pain. My aunt thought that, in order to save money, I ought to only take Wilbur to the vet ONCE a month. Just to save TEN fu... ]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27154003/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27154003/ Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:19:54 PDT
I gotta say, though, that I was touched beyond words when all those other countries came forward with condolences and tributes and stuff. Like when they played "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Buckingham Palace during the changing of the guard. Every time I see that video, I cry.

But the real reason that September gnaws at me is that it is the month in which Steve Irwin died. Every time I see him on TV I get severely depressed and cry. I wasn't even a big fan of his. I always really liked and admired him, sure, but I admit I rarely watched The Crocodile Hunter. I just wasn't much into nature shows.

After the first anniversary of 9/11 I wasn't nearly as shocked or sad as I am over Steve Irwin's passing, and it's been THREE whole years.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27122922/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27122922/ Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:29:45 PDT
I was just on the computer in my room when I heard Gizmo wailing. He had been lying on the floor just outside my room in front of the bathroom door, which was closed because I had put Vinny (my evil rat) in the bathroom to run around. I live in a trailer with doors that roll into the walls when they're open, and there is an inch gap beneath the doors. Apparently Gizmo's tail went under the bathroom door and Vinny clamped onto it. I've always called him Evil Vinny for a reason, but damn!

I had to scrub a bunch of blood out of the living room carpet and mop the kitchen floor too. I put Vinny back in his cage and put Gizmo in the bathroom to finish bleeding without making a mess everywhere. I can't believe how well he's taking it, like it doesn't hurt at all. I cleaned his tail as best I could, but he doesn't want me touching it, so there's not much I can do at this point.

Hopefully he'll be alright. One thing I've noticed about animals is that they seem to heal so much easier and better than humans. Vinny attacked my other rat Wilbur twice and ripped him open, but he didn't bleed at all, and even though I was sure he would need stitches (but couldn't get him to the vet right away) he cleaned his wounds and within a day they sealed shut on their own. No inflammation, infection or anything.

Right now Gizmo's sitting in the bathtub calmly eating his dinner, seemingly without a care in the world, though I don't think the bleeding has stopped entirely. Every time he swishes his tail he leaves behind a fresh red smear. I keep finding blood on myself here and there from when I was trying to treat him.

God, what a night.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27105727/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27105727/ Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:07:37 PDT
Don't get me wrong, kids can bring great joy to your life, IF YOU ARE READY FOR THEM. But let's face it, virtually NONE of the teens getting pregnant every year are doing so purposely with the intention of having a child. It "just happens." I'm not mad at all these women and girls. Far from it. I just think it's sad that the ones who aren't ready allow their lives to be essentially ruined by a burden that is too big for someone so young and ill-equipped.

The ones I know who have had babies before graduating high school are all very good mothers, but all of them are still struggling to make ends meet, even more than a decade later. I just don't get how it could be so hard to keep from getting pregnant in the first place. Do condoms fail ALL the time, or what? Or is it really that deep down, all these women WANTED a baby to fill some void in their lives, so they subconsciously allowed conception to happen? Does NOT wanting any children make me "defective" or a bad person somehow? I do love kids, believe me, but there are MANY reasons I don't want any of my own.

I don't want to go through pregnancy and labor, nor can I without posing major risks to myself (or so one doctor said). I don't want to deal with the constant demands of caring for an infant. I don't want to contribute to the overpopulation of this planet while so many poor orphaned children will NEVER be adopted because no one wants a kid who's not biologically theirs and/or they can't afford the ridiculous expense of adoption. Plus (and this is the most important reason) I do not trust myself to be a good parent. I know I would start out with good intentions, but with my emotional and mental history, I just know I would end up being abusive, and I can't allow that to happen.

*sigh* There I go rambling again. Sorry, folks. All this stemmed from my class reunion last weekend. EVERY SINGLE WOMAN there has at least one kid now, and surprisingly a lot of the guys remain childless (yeah, right). I just don't get it. Is the whole world kid-crazy, or am I just messed up? XP

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27058419/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/27058419/ Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:47:43 PDT
]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26982863/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26982863/ Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:48:19 PDT
I really wish my other high school was having a reunion, but it doesn't look like there's going to be one. I had to go to two different high schools because in the middle of my junior year I had to move from one foster home to another in a different town. I was allowed to finish my junior year at Templeton High School, then I had to transfer to Paso Robles High School because I then lived less than a block away from the new school.

I loved THS a lot more than PRHS. Templeton is a small rural town, and the high school only had about 500 students total at the time. The other high school had more than 4 times that many students, plus a lot of people there were punks. You'd often see a cop car there. At THS everyone knew everyone and people were much nicer and more down-to-earth.

Still, it will be nice to go back to my hometown, and maybe hit the beach while I'm over there. And get this: the reunion is being held at a winery! With unlimited beer and wine! I hate beer, though, but I'll be damned if I'm not going to get at least a little plastered on wine while I'm there! XD

Oops, I'd better go wash out my hair dye 'cuz it's been over 20 minutes now. XP See y'all next Sunday when I return!

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26793905/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26793905/ Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:54:53 PDT
Pet Peeve #1: People who check their messages, but never answer them. And I KNOW they read their messages because, like on Myspace, it'll say either "Read" or "Unread" in the outgoing mail. I'll send them a message asking them a question, but they never answer. How freakin' rude is that?

My only guess is that when they go to check their messages, they either don't feel like or don't have time to sit down and answer them at the moment. Then they obviously forget. One simple rule, people: If you're not going to answer your messages RIGHT NOW, don't even bother to check them. Not until you are ready and committed to answering each and every one. Simple enough?

Pet Peeve #2: People who are consistently late showing up at a friend's house. And I mean LATE, like at least an hour, if not two. And they live in the same freaking town! And you KNOW these same people are not late for work every day or they'd have been fired a long time ago.

So what does that say? To me, it screams loud and clear that I am not nearly as important to them as their job. Now, I understand completely the importance of being on time for work. We all gotta make money to survive, after all. But there is absolutely NO excuse in being over an hour late to visit a friend every. Single. F@#&-ing. Time. None whatsoever.

Pet Peeve #3: People who stand at a street corner and push the crosswalk button fifty million times while they're waiting to cross the street - as if they actually think that will make the light change any faster!

Have you ever seen that? It's like literally nine out of ten people who do this. They start pushing the button and don't stop until the light changes. NEWSFLASH! the light is NOT going to change any faster, whether you push the button once or a billion times!

I know it's stupid, but for some reason this just bugs the crap out of me. One of these days, I swear to God, I am going to lean out of a car window as I'm passing one of these people and shout "IT'S NOT GOING TO CHANGE ANY FASTER, DUMBASS!!!" with extra emphasis on "dumbass." XD

So, what drives YOU so nuts that you feel like clawing someone's eyes out?

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26740394/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26740394/ Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:29:44 PDT

There are a lot of movies, cartoons and TV shows I like, but very rarely do I wish to get involved in the fandom, particularly as deeply involved as roleplaying. Fullmetal Alchemist is one of those rare exceptions for me.

The only problem is, it is extremely hard for me to find anyone who likes FMA enough to want to RP with me. Not to mention someone who's really any good at RPing. No offense to anyone, but if you're an RP perfectionist like me, you understand, right?

I've tried looking for online forums or groups or whatever, but all of the ones that revolve around FMA seem pretty inactive. So I thought I'd try posting my request here.

So... does anyone out there love Fullmetal Alchemist enough to RP with me? I'm most interested in an Ed x Winry one-on-one, playing either character. I'm not picky. RP needn't resort to smut or anything above a PG level, though I confess that those are the kinds of RP's I enjoy most. Nice 'n' naughty. XD

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26740383/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26740383/ Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:28:59 PDT

There are a lot of movies, cartoons and TV shows I like, but very rarely do I wish to get involved in the fandom, particularly as deeply involved as roleplaying. Fullmetal Alchemist is one of those rare exceptions for me.

The only problem is, it is extremely hard for me to find anyone who likes FMA enough to want to RP with me. Not to mention someone who's really any good at RPing. No offense to anyone, but if you're an RP perfectionist like me, you understand, right?

I've tried looking for online forums or groups or whatever, but all of the ones that revolve around FMA seem pretty inactive. So I thought I'd try posting my request here.

So... does anyone out there love Fullmetal Alchemist enough to RP with me? I'm most interested in an Ed x Winry one-on-one, playing either character. I'm not picky. RP needn't resort to smut or anything above a PG level, though I confess that those are the kinds of RP's I enjoy most. Nice 'n' naughty. XD

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26518223/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26518223/ Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:20:25 PDT _< So can everyone who entered the July CDC please send me a note telling me what they want - either a picture or a drabble - and with as much detail as possible. I believe there is also one prize still owed for the previous CDC. Whoever that is, please tell me what you want too. I just want to finally sit my ass down and get all of this long-overdue stuff I owe everyone DONE!!!

ETA: Yes, I know I've put a lot of stuff off for WAY too long. Don't think that I am not ashamed. I have had to wait anywhere from 2 months to almost a year for fan art and other stuff promised to me, so I know how it feels. Believe me, I do. But you have to admit I HAVE followed through on most of my commitments, and the rest... well, you ain't dead yet, are ya? Neither am I, so there is still time.

I just hope none of you have given up on me just because I am taking too long for your taste, or that you don't believe me when I say these things WILL get done. Like I said, I HAVE made good on a lot of promises so far, just not all of them. But then, who has? Until the world ends and there's literally nothing I can do, you're just going to have to give me the benefit of the doubt.

So PLEASE come forward ASAP and remind me what I owe you all. I'm sure there are some that I have forgotten entirely by now, and I am very sorry.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26430122/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26430122/ Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:48:52 PDT
Can you believe that bullshit?! First they said that they were definitely going to release the fourth season sometime last year, then a few months later they said "Nope! Never mind. We're going to be greedy jerks and make you all buy the box set to get your precious last season and waste a hundred bucks and get stuck with copies of the first three seasons which you most likely already have."

The fourth season was supposed to have been released in the fall of 2008. If it had been released, I would have bought it ASAP and my mom (who also loved the show) could have finally seen all those episodes she hadn't seen in many years, plus a few she had never seen before. But now she's gone, and I'm as pissed as ever because I absolutely LOVE Fraggle Rock and I want the final season really, really bad!!!!!!!

Is there ANYONE out there who knows where every single episode of season four is posted online so I can watch, or can make copies of the DVD's for me (I don't give a flying f@#$ if it's illegal - witholding the final season should be illegal!). I know Australia has season four by itself, but their DVD's are region 4 and I can't afford to go out and buy a region-free player. I'm in region 1 here, btw.

I'd like to think that SOMEDAY they'll finally release season four, but one should never, ever assume anything. Until that day (if it ever happens), all I can do is wait and pray and keep looking for a website that plays them all or a kind person who can burn copies of their own DVD's for me. BTW is it even possible to burn or copy off of a purchased pre-recorded DVD? I've never tried.

P.S.: Is it possible to play a region 4 DVD on my computer? I've got Vista but I have no idea how or where to check to see what regions the drive is capable of playing. I know for sure that it can handle region 1, but others ???

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26413463/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26413463/ Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:18:00 PDT
Now I'm browsing the web for afghan patterns and color schemes, and I am perplexed, to say the least. I mean, is there a law somewhere that dictates that ALL items crafted from yarn be done so ONLY from the ugliest colors and worst combinations thereof? Seriously. Do an image search for afghans and you'll see what I mean. It's almost discouraging, but luckily I've already got some good color combos in mind that'll put all of them to shame.

Even my blind friend could pick out way better colors, because she actually has just enough sight to discern colors, light and very vague shapes. Her vision's gotten even worse over the years, but she's still making some awesome stuff. I have two afghans, a pair of potholders, and a hat that she made for me. Pretty cool gifts, another reason I hope to start crocheting again. ^_^

BUT MY AFGHANS WILL ALL HAVE BEAUTIFUL COLORS!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26345797/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26345797/ Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:12:22 PDT
If you wrote me a drabble recently, I shall write one for you. All you have to do is choose a number from the July CDC list (or make up some drabble terms of your own) and I will write you a 100-1,000 word story.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26109132/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26109132/ Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:26:45 PDT
]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26094988/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26094988/ Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:41:42 PDT
]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26090627/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26090627/ Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:42:07 PDT
]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26075325/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26075325/ Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:03:38 PDT
Back story: I joined the dating site OkCupid.com recently, and while browsing guys' profiles, I came across one that caught my eye. No, not that way! It offended me, actually, so I took it upon myself to "set him straight."

Here is what his profile says: "Although physical attractiveness is a positive quality, it's my opinion that women, who are immodest in their dress and attitude; drink for intoxication; indecent in language; and behave unbecoming of a lady, do not have desirable traits. If so, they are just inviting to be treated likewise."

Now, being the ultra-feminist, so-NOT-sexist-that-she's-actually-sexist sort of person that I am, I sent him the following note: "Oh, so it's completely okay for guys to dress shabbily and cuss and spit and get wasted, but not women? And you actually expect to meet women on this website with that kind of sexist attitude? I can't believe the bullshit we women have had to put up with from you men over a tiny little chromosome difference!

Obviously you are just another male who has been brainwashed since birth to believe that gender roles need to be enforced like a law. I feel sorry for you. I really do. There is no way in hell you can say shit like that and then claim to see us as equals. That kind of statement is a contradiction in and of itself."

Then, of course, right after sending that message, I thought of a lot more to say, so I sent a PS: "Care to explain to me how I am "inviting people to treat me likewise" just because I don't bother to inhibit every little thing about myself until I am a soulless zombie? I call it an invitation to treat me as an equal, and NOT a fragile little object with the mind of a child and no feelings whatsoever.

There's a saying: "There is nothing more sexist than an extremely feminine woman," and I agree whole-heartedly with that statement. If you want a woman who fits all of your ridiculous ideals so bad, why don't you just save yourself a lot of time and buy a blow-up doll, because that's really what you're asking for: a soulless, walking piece of flesh with absolutely no flaws that can be used as you see fit.

Good night!"

And guess what I got in return? A very simple "stfu, you stupid fat bitch." And that was all. To which I happily replied: "Thank you for proving my point, almighty king of cock suckers! *bows*

Pretty pathetic that you couldn't formulate a coherent argument, but that just further proves my point of how ignorant and narrow-minded you are. It also proves that you KNOW I am right.

Score TWO for me, ZERO for you!"

Yeah, I know, I AM a bitch who doesn't know when to quit. That's why you don't ever wanna get me started in the first place! LOL I guess that's what I get for not minding my own business, but I'll be damned if I'm just gonna sit by and let him insult me like that. No offense to anyone who partakes in cock-sucking (I'm on the same boat anyway XD) but for some reason the phrase has always stricken me as incredibly effective in its offensiveness, no matter who you say it to.

*reads back on all of this* God am I evil! Bwahahahahahaha! Hey, I'm just saying what most of us are thinking, right? I feel my points were valid, even if they were totally unwarranted and borderline rude. I just feel sorry for any woman dumb enough to fall for this jerk. I wish his mother could read this whole conversation! XD

P.S.: I don't want to get in trouble for posting his OkCupid handle, but if anyone wants to know it, feel free to note me. *wink*

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26064036/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/26064036/ Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:17:44 PDT
For some stupid reason my new PC doesn't let me copy text from most online sources. When I try to paste the copied text to an MS Works document, a window appears telling me that "Microsoft Works Word Processor has stopped working," and the only options it gives me is to either "close the program" or "check online for a solution and close the program," which it never does. Check for a solution, I mean. It has absolutely NO problem closing the program on me.

So, if someone around here could copy all six of my Cars drabbles and email them to me I would really appreciate it. Attachments not necessary, as I can still copy and paste from the body of an email. No notes or PMs, please, because they don't work either.

My email is Nevuela@aol.com

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25796108/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25796108/ Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:42:54 PDT
Now, I was thinking of just going straight from the wedding chapter to a racing chapter, because I didn't think many of you would be interested in a sappy honeymoon chapter. Then I realized that I really ought to ask you all if you WOULD like to read about Mack and Vee's honeymoon.

It won't be all cuddles and kisses and other forms of intimacy, although granted it will have that. It IS a honeymoon, after all. I've already got some ideas for fun and humor, just in case I do decide to write it. But first, I need to know how many of you would like to read it.

So, should a write a honeymoon chapter, or just skip it and go straight to Vee's next race? And if I do write about their honeymoon, where on earth should it take place? Any ideas?

P.S.: The Cars Drabble Challenge is still on! ^_^

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25669377/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25669377/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:19:46 PDT
RULES:

1. Choose a number from the list below and write a story using ALL of the characters and words provided. Story must be between 100 and 1,000 words long, not including title. Numbers will no longer be reserved, so more than one person may write a drabble based on the same terms.

2. All characters given MUST be present in the story you write. In other words, if you choose a drabble that involves Lightning and Sally, then both Lightning AND Sally must have a role in the story. No just mentioning a character in passing. They don’t really need to be actively doing anything to contribute to the plot, but they should at least respond in some way to whatever is going on.

3. No variations may be used on the three random words that are provided along with the two characters. So if the random words are “crash,” “sweeping” and “flower,” you are NOT allowed to change the word “sweeping” to “sweep.” “Crash” may not become “crashed,” “flower” may not become “flowers,” and so on. You must use each word EXACTLY as it appears. For words with more than one possible meaning, such as “close” (as in to either “close” a door, or to have a “close” call), you are free to interpret it however you wish.

4. Deadline for entries is Friday, July 31st at midnight (Pacific Standard Time). No late entries will be accepted. Please submit your drabble AS A REPLY TO THIS JOURNAL ENTRY. Do not PM it to me. I want to keep everything organized in one place. If you are for some reason embarrassed by what you’ve written, then you shouldn’t have written it.XP Please include TITLE, DRABBLE NUMBER AND TERMS when submitting.

5. ALL participants will receive a mini doodle of the Cars character or OC of their choice doing whatever they want (within reason -- let’s keep it PG-13 or less!).

1. Mater, Luigi - demonstrated, table, green
2. Lightning, Lizzie - secure, battery, farm
3. Doc, Flo - smudge, utensils, belated
4. Sheriff, Ramone - Tuesday, deal, grinning
5. Sarge, Fillmore - fifth, grateful, parked
6. Sally, Lightning - overflowing, math, denial
7. Guido, Luigi - poetic, map, transparent
8. Doc, Lynda - decrease, French, yardstick
9. Sarge, Mater - faulty, bubbles, grown
10. Strip, Fred - door, activate, party
11. Mia, Tia - melted, college, grace
12. Sheriff, Frank - please, bumper, intact
13. Fillmore, Wingo - duct tape, extend, parents
14. Mack, Snot Rod - equipped, oranges, seal
15. Mater, Lightning - shavings, gift, oldest
16. Doc, Sheriff - beetle, accent, loaned
17. Red, Lizzie - dreaded, spiral, picnic
18. Fillmore, Mia - bigger, imagination, bricks
19. Minnie, Van - dawn, traffic, neatly
20. Boost, DJ - digesting, movie, coward
21. Tex, Chick - slept, southern, brown
22. Darrell, Bob - satellite, drunk, angrily
23. Dusty, Rusty - maroon, sixty, helped
24. Flo, Ramone - nervous, grille, kissing
25. Sally, Guido - across, cereal, wasteful
26. Luigi, Lightning - bragging, Alaska, height
27. Red, Doc - nurse, agreed, walls
28. Lizzie, Lynda - stranger, attend, ice cream
29. Sheriff, Chick - seasonal, rehearsed, airplane
30. Tia, Wingo - positive, antenna, springtime
31. Frank, Fillmore - mist, required, amazing
32. Mack, Mater - sparks, nonetheless, challenge
33. Sarge, Sheriff - sleepless, chimney, down
34. Chick, Junior - rally, trunk, purple
35. Lightning, Flo - flag, slower, prettiest
36. Guido, Strip - chipped, follower, almost
37. Ramone, Lizzie - lucky, greener, train
38. Mia, Lightning - damp, frying, closely
39. Darrell, Tex - newborn, invented, rabbit
40. Sarge, Sally - defended, pretty, asterisk
41. Fillmore, Lizzie - greeting, shade, quit
42. Minnie, Doc - buzzard, percent, once
43. Luigi, Fred - salsa, angles, trying
44. Sarge, Fillmore - blessing, light bulb, switched
45. Chick, Tia - crazy, platinum, errors
46. Sally, Lightning - emergency, yellow, part
47. Mater, Van - breath, insisted, eleven
48. Lizzie, Mack - emblem, announced, sleepy
49. Guido, Frank - blank, upward, risky
50. Doc, Ramone - filed, birthday, around
51. Flo, Sarge - inclined, tree, hazy
52. Red, Mia - squeeze, vanilla, sorry
53. Strip, Lynda - intrigued, bushes, cold
54. Mack, Sheriff - lug nut, cricket, eventually
55. Snot Rod, Lightning - dangle, radio, numbers
56. Mater, Sally - interior, dusty, rich
57. Luigi, Guido - arid, wipers, discovered
58. DJ, Boost - frosted, DVD, pink
59. Minnie, Van - teeth, flickering, swore
60. Red, Chick - cloud, traveled, widest
61. Doc, Lightning - quarantine, twenty, showered
62. Fillmore, Sheriff - double, ph... ]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25576194/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25576194/ Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:10:04 PDT
I'm going to the bookstore tomorrow to see him again. Not buying any books this time. Can't afford to and truthfully, don't really want to. I'm not much for non-fiction (he writes a lot of humanitarian stuff). If someone here at DA wants a signed book, I would be willing to buy one and have it signed for you, provided that you refund me the full price of the book plus shipping. But I would need to know before 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday 27th).

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25574168/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25574168/ Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:09:09 PDT
Back story: I'm on disability, and Medi-Cal (my insurance co.) covers practically everything, from psychiatric to dental, but due to the economy it is making major budget cuts. Dental alone is being cut so drastically that as of July first, only extractions will be covered. Nothing else. Last week I began emailing some local dentists and explained that I could afford very little once the budget cuts took place, and asked if any of them could offer me a reasonable payment plan for all the dental work I knew needed to be done.

Only one dentist replied, telling me to call their office ASAP and they would set an appointment and get as much work done as possible before July first. So yesterday I went in, and in the space of just an hour and a half, they did a full set of x-rays, a cleaning, two composite resin fillings, and three extractions (two of which were wisdom teeth). Can you believe that? Only 90 minutes and they managed to do take care of all of those things!

The one thing I dread about dentist visits is the novocaine shot. I hate needles. And anyone who's been to the dentist enough times knows that a shot in the front part of the gums is probably the most painful. Not to mention the fact that I have a high tolerance for novocaine and always need at least a triple dose. But the way my new dentist handled it, it didn't hurt at all. I couldn't believe it.

The dentist and his assistant were so nice. Neither one criticized or lectured me on my poor oral hygiene. I can understand why most dentists will do that, but criticism always makes me feel uncomfortable, especially when I'm already regretting all the years I haven't been taking good enough care of my teeth. After all, one of the teeth they extracted yesterday was a molar that had become calcified and eventually broke in half, and all of my wisdom teeth have to come out because of cavities, NOT because they're crowded.

So all that's left for me now is two more extractions, and Medi-Cal will still be covering that, so now there is no hurry to go back to the dentist. Not that I would mind anyway. The man was great, and as an added bonus, he was Asian! XP For some reason I've always like Asian people. I don't know why exactly. Maybe it's their beautiful eyes, or their deep philosophies. But from my experience, it seems that Asian doctors are nicer and more efficient.

Thank God I live in an area with a lot of Asian doctors! LOL Actually, white doctors are the minority around here. Most of them seem to be from India or some other part of the Middle East. It's kind of funny. And in case you're wondering, yeah, I'm as white as snow. XP

Oh, and I'm not in any pain today! I would have expected some pain or discomfort after having three extractions, but no. One area was only mildly sore after the novocaine wore off yesterday, but now I'm just fine. Have to be careful eating, of course, but I have not had to compromise my regular diet at all. It just takes a bit longer to eat certain things. Overall, I've had a great dental experience, and I do believe I shall no longer be afraid to go to the dentist. At least not this particular dentist. ^_^

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25445333/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25445333/ Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:09:08 PDT
Pics will be done in my usual style (hand-sketched and inked, then scanned and colored via VCW VicMan's Photo Editor). I work fast and guarantee to complete a project within 2 - 7 days. I accept PayPal and money orders.

One character - $10
One character with background - $15
Two characters - $15
Two characters with background - $20
Additional characters - $5 each

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25320456/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25320456/ Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:14:28 PDT
]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25302850/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25302850/ Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:54:07 PDT
]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25284166/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25284166/ Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:57:49 PDT
I really wish I knew someone who lived nearby who's a genius at this sort of thing. I am SO pissed off right now. I have been waiting for years to edit these home videos into a nice, professional-looking movie, and now... I'm completely lost.

Also, how can I rip the videos off the DVD's when my media player doesn't even give me that option? All it allows me to rip are AUDIO CD'S.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25246648/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25246648/ Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:02:54 PDT
ALL entrants WILL receive a character of their choice drawn as part of a Cars sketch dump. I know that's not the best prize, but please bear with me. I am going to be experimenting with different types of prizes for the next few rounds. Am also open to suggestion.

PLEASE READ THE RULES THOROUGHLY BEFORE PARTICIPATING:

1. Choose a number that is not already taken from the list below and write a story using ALL of the characters and words provided. Story must be between 100 and 1,000 words long, not including title.

2. You may only claim ONE number. Please state in a reply to this journal which number you choose, and also please read all replies to this journal carefully to make sure that you are not about to write a story based on a number that is already taken. If you change your mind and decide to write a different story, please let me know ASAP that you wish to pick a different number. I will try to update the list as often as possible by labeling which numbers have been claimed.

2. All characters given MUST be present in the story you write. In other words, if you choose a drabble that involves Lightning and Sally, then both Lightning AND Sally must have a role in the story. No just mentioning a character in passing. They don’t really need to be actively doing anything to contribute to the plot, but they should at least respond in some way to whatever is going on. Other characters may be added if you wish.

3. No variations may be used on the three random words that are provided along with the two characters. So if the random words are “crash,” “sweeping” and “flower,” you are NOT allowed to change the word “sweeping” to “sweep.” “Crash” may not become “crashed,” “flower” may not become “flowers,” and so on. You must use each word EXACTLY as it appears. For words with more than one possible meaning, such as “close” (as in to either “close” a door, or to have a “close” call), you are free to interpret it however you wish.

4. Deadline for entries is Sunday, June 14th, at midnight (Pacific Standard Time). No late entries will be accepted. Please submit your drabble as a reply to this journal entry. Please include title, drabble number and terms at the top.

5. All participants will receive a mini doodle of the Cars character of their choice doing whatever they want (within reason -- let’s keep it PG-13 or less!). All doodles will be drawn on a single sheet of paper as a ‘sketch dump’ or whatever it’s called (seriously, what is it called?) and posted in my gallery. Next drabble challenge will feature different prizes.

(TAKEN) 1. Mater, Doc - revved, awkward, puddle
(TAKEN) 2. Doc, DJ - begging, starlight, freeze
3. Sheriff, Flo - whispered, dusty, forgotten
4. Sally, Ramone - laugh, oddly, road
5. Lightning, Sarge - screaming, hills, softly
6. Mack, Guido - sneak, greenish, speed bump
7. Sarge, Fillmore - swerved, fence, happiness
(TAKEN) 8. Lightning, Chick - drying, echo, muddy
9. Snot Rod, Frank - stuck, triangle, fluffy
10. Doc, Sarge - exposed, prayers, window
11. Guido, Mater - helping, jagged, desert
12. Flo, Ramone - glimmer, inspired, drinks
13. Fillmore, Doc - clumsy, purple, weed
14. Lightning, Sally - argument, clouds, daily
15. Ramone, Red - feeding, unusual, wheel well
(TAKEN) 16. Lizzie, Sally - stolen, twilight, floor
17. Red, Doc - likely, pink, morning
18. Mia, Tia - flirt, silhouette, creepy
19. Chick, Boost - curse, orange, lower
(TAKEN) 20. Doc, Lightning - upward, dream, growl
21. Lynda, Strip - slid, grassy, cool
22. Minnie, Van - waiting, tank, invisible
23. Sarge, Fillmore - cracked, seldom, bushes
24. Wingo, Snot Rod - forced, aluminum, lovely
25. Dusty, Rusty - ringing, tomorrow, black
26. Mack, Sheriff - gritty, sapling, truth
27. Mater, Lightning - sang, tasty, letter
28. Frank, Red - wishing, distance, hose
29. Chick, Lizzie - trapped, kettle, violets
30. Luigi, Guido - open, shouted, street
31. Red, Mack - reverse, alphabet, stammer
32. Ramone, Mia (or Tia) - soothing, lizard, raise
33. Doc, Sheriff - against, scented, linoleum
34. Fillmore, Sally - dishes, afternoon, slippery
35. Boost, Lightning - offend, greenish, road
36. Mia (or Tia), Mack - sparkle, mortified, hurry
37. Sarge, Flo - water, interested, darker
38. Doc, Chick - games, night, celebrate
39. Wingo, Luigi - doubtful, silver, road
40... ]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25182615/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25182615/ Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:57:57 PDT
After 46 days in the ICU, Mom passed away on June first from a number of complications. She was 60 years old. Personally, I am holding up far better than I ever thought I would, but now I am scared about my future.

Since Mom has passed away, things are going to be very difficult for me financially. I mean VERY difficult, so if anyone out there has any advice for me, or a job I can do to earn money (especially an artistic job), I would be grateful. I do not, by any means, expect handouts. I ALWAYS reimburse those who help me, one way or another. If not with money, then with hard work. Things are already difficult emotionally and I am terrified of what may lie ahead.

Here’s the scenario: Mom and I both receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and we both shared a home and all expenses therein. Without Mom’s income now, I am down to only $870 per month, and now due to budget cuts, I may soon end up with only $800 per month. That $800 has to pay for EVERYTHING. My rent is $480 per month. I cannot move because I, like everyone else in the trailer park I live in, am forced to buy my trailer but continue to pay rent on the space. I have approximately three years ($3,700) left on my contract. I am not about to let in a total stranger as a roommate. That’s far too dangerous.

So, there’s at least half of my monthly SSI check going to the rent. Between AT&T and PG&E, I pay an average of $80 per month. That’s $560 spent, leaving $240 for food and other necessities. I already got rid of my DISH Network account because that’s $70 per month wasted on something I don’t need. I know there are food banks I can go to for food and toiletries, but as a general rule they can only give me so much within a certain time frame. It’s no use going around to different food banks, because they all keep records to make sure people are not taking more than they need.

I do not have a car, nor can I even drive one. I must rely on the public bus system or my friends if and when they are in town (they live in Lake Isabella, an hour’s drive away). The governor just cut dental from the Medi-Cal insurance budget, and unfortunately I need a lot of dental work. On top of that, most of the pipes in my trailer need replacing. I have a pet rat who has to be taken to the vet twice a month to have his teeth trimmed. They grow so crookedly that he cannot wear them down naturally by gnawing. That costs $10 each time and yes, they do grow that fast. I love him and I am NOT getting rid of him simply to save a few dollars.

And now, on top of all of this, I fear I may not be able to go to the annual Wizards of Words writer’s conference in Las Vegas this October. I know that sounds pretty pathetic compared to everything else that’s going on, but the conference is the ONE good thing I have to look forward to out of my entire year. I can’t even leave home most of the time. I am literally stuck inside this trailer about 28 days out of the month. The only place I can go is to the bookstore downtown for the once-a-week two-hour writer’s group meeting. That’s it. I have NOTHING else to do or look forward to. Literally. I’ve already calculated the costs for my trip, and I only need $300-$400 max. I could have easily saved up for it if Mom were still alive.

I’d go back to college if I could. I can get the Board of Governors Grant that will cover all of my units, but not my books. I know I can find most college books cheaper on eBay and Amazon and other sites, but that’s still money being spent that I may need for more important things. My aunt and uncle are helping me out, but there is only so much they can do. No one in my family is exactly wealthy. I’m so scared that I won’t be able to get by. So if anyone out there has ANY advice or a way I can earn money, please let me know. I would be eternally grateful.

Please come check out my website, [link] to see examples of my art. I do quality work, fast and cheap.

P.S.: Again, the Cars Drabble Challenge is still on. Please feel free to participate. It will cheer me up.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25043448/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/25043448/ Sun, 31 May 2009 17:03:55 PDT
PLEASE READ THE RULES THOROUGHLY BEFORE PARTICIPATING:

1. Choose a number that is not already taken from the list below and write a story using ALL of the characters and words provided. Story must be between 100 and 1,000 words long, not including title.

2. You may only claim ONE number. Please state in a reply to this journal which number you choose, and also please read all replies to this journal carefully to make sure that you are not about to write a story based on a number that is already taken. If you change your mind and decide to write a different story, please let me know ASAP that you wish to pick a different number. I will try to update the list as often as possible by labeling which numbers have been claimed.

2. All characters given MUST be present in the story you write. In other words, if you choose a drabble that involves Lightning and Sally, then both Lightning AND Sally must have a role in the story. No just mentioning a character in passing. They don’t really need to be actively doing anything to contribute to the plot, but they should at least respond in some way to whatever is going on. Other characters may be added if you wish.

3. No variations may be used on the three random words that are provided along with the two characters. So if the random words are “crash,” “sweeping” and “flower,” you are NOT allowed to change the word “sweeping” to “sweep.” “Crash” may not become “crashed,” “flower” may not become “flowers,” and so on. You must use each word EXACTLY as it appears. For words with more than one possible meaning, such as “close” (as in to either “close” a door, or to have a “close” call), you are free to interpret it however you wish.

4. Deadline for entries is Sunday, June 14th, at midnight (Pacific Standard Time). No late entries will be accepted. Please submit your drabble as a reply to this journal entry. Please include title, drabble number and terms at the top.

5. All participants will receive a mini doodle of the Cars character of their choice doing whatever they want (within reason -- let’s keep it PG-13 or less!). All doodles will be drawn on a single sheet of paper as a ‘sketch dump’ or whatever it’s called (seriously, what is it called?) and posted in my gallery. Next drabble challenge will feature different prizes.

(TAKEN) 1. Mater, Doc - revved, awkward, puddle
(TAKEN) 2. Doc, DJ - begging, starlight, freeze
3. Sheriff, Flo - whispered, dusty, forgotten
4. Sally, Ramone - laugh, oddly, road
5. Lightning, Sarge - screaming, hills, softly
6. Mack, Guido - sneak, greenish, speed bump
7. Sarge, Fillmore - swerved, fence, happiness
(TAKEN) 8. Lightning, Chick - drying, echo, muddy
9. Snot Rod, Frank - stuck, triangle, fluffy
10. Doc, Sarge - exposed, prayers, window
11. Guido, Mater - helping, jagged, desert
12. Flo, Ramone - glimmer, inspired, drinks
13. Fillmore, Doc - clumsy, purple, weed
14. Lightning, Sally - argument, clouds, daily
15. Ramone, Red - feeding, unusual, wheel well
(TAKEN) 16. Lizzie, Sally - stolen, twilight, floor
17. Red, Doc - likely, pink, morning
18. Mia, Tia - flirt, silhouette, creepy
19. Chick, Boost - curse, orange, lower
(TAKEN) 20. Doc, Lightning - upward, dream, growl
21. Lynda, Strip - slid, grassy, cool
22. Minnie, Van - waiting, tank, invisible
23. Sarge, Fillmore - cracked, seldom, bushes
24. Wingo, Snot Rod - forced, aluminum, lovely
25. Dusty, Rusty - ringing, tomorrow, black
26. Mack, Sheriff - gritty, sapling, truth
27. Mater, Lightning - sang, tasty, letter
28. Frank, Red - wishing, distance, hose
29. Chick, Lizzie - trapped, kettle, violets
30. Luigi, Guido - open, shouted, street
31. Red, Mack - reverse, alphabet, stammer
32. Ramone, Mia (or Tia) - soothing, lizard, raise
33. Doc, Sheriff - against, scented, linoleum
34. Fillmore, Sally - dishes, afternoon, slippery
35. Boost, Lightning - offend, greenish, road
36. Mia (or Tia), Mack - sparkle, mortified, hurry
37. Sarge, Flo - water, interested, darker
38. Doc, Chick - games, night, celebrate
39. Wingo, Luigi - doubtful, silver, road
40. Lightning, Fillmore - lemon, dripping, sharp
41. Doc, Sally - guilt, pearly, taillight
42.... ]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24971209/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24971209/ Tue, 26 May 2009 23:08:04 PDT
When I expressed concern about him spraying my trailer, both mother and daughter suggested wrapping a rubber band around its scrotum, which cuts off the blood flow and causes it to shrivel up and fall off. Naturally I was mortified by the idea, but they both insist that it isn't the least bit painful for a cat. I find that extremely hard to believe, but on the other hand I have known these people for years and I know for a fact how much they love animals and would never hurt one.

So now I'm confused. What can I honestly believe? And before anyone answers one way or another, I would really appreciate INFORMED opinions if not actual proven facts. Just because one assumes something must hurt doesn't necessarily mean that it does, and vice versa. Know what I mean? I LOVE animals, and I'm sure a lot of you do too. I just don't need to hear another person jump up with a pitchfork and shriek "ANIMAL CRUELTY!" I've already looked the subject up on several websites and I've seen plenty of argument AGAINST it.

I've never seen "banding" done before, nor have I even heard about it until just the other day. All I want to know are the facts. Has anyone here actually WITNESSED this procedure, and can you tell me if the cat (or any other animal) appeared to be in pain or at least uncomfortable? If you haven't witnessed it, then you too may have been misinformed. I want to trust my friends, but this just sounds way too painful to even consider. If I can find a cheap vet, I will gladly have it done that way. I'm on disability and can't afford much, but I will check around.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24954365/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24954365/ Tue, 26 May 2009 02:50:36 PDT
Funny thing, though: I've had chest pain before, almost every time, but when I mentioned it I was never taken seriously. Then the other night when I told the EMT I was starting to feel an intense pressure in my chest, he immediately changed his tune and went into "serious" mode. He said "Well then, we can't take you to Mercy. Either Memorial, San Joaquin or Heart," because apparently those are all higher level trauma centers than Mercy, my usual hospital.

So I said "Okay, just take me to whichever one is closest to my house because my friend who's staying with me has to come pick me up when I'm discharged." So they took me to San Joaquin, which I discovered was far more efficient than Mercy. All Mercy ever did was a couple of back x-rays and the inevitable urine sample, and they stopped doing those long ago. Of course, I can't complain since they always did make my pain go away instantly with an injection of whatever (usually Dilautid).

The doctor came and palpated my abdomen, which caused me to spasm with pain at one point. On observing that he immediately wheeled in a small machine and performed an ultrasound. In seconds he found that I had gallstones. Four or five, to be exact, though I don't remember if he mentioned their size. I was actually quite relieved to find this out. All this time I've been assuming my back pain was due to years of bad posture and sleeping on the floor, but now I know it's something that can be cured quite easily.

I'm one of those weird people who actually sort of looks forward to surgery. Call it morbid curiosity, but having never had any kind of procedure requiring general anesthesia before, I just can't help but wonder what it will be like. A friend of mine recently had her gall bladder removed, so I'm learning a lot about the whole process. I know it won't be a picnic, but for now I'm just happy to know exactly what my problem is and that it can be fixed.

All I gotta do now is find a "primary health care provider" (haven't had one in years) who accepts Medi-Cal insurance and keep this whole gallstone deal monitored until I can get scheduled for surgery or whatever procedure they decide to use on me. In the meantime I'm gonna miss eating all those fatty foods that are to blame for my gallstones. XP

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24821454/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24821454/ Mon, 18 May 2009 12:21:31 PDT
I will be back on Sunday.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24814266/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24814266/ Sun, 17 May 2009 22:52:25 PDT
I hate liars and lying, and I do believe that 99% of the time it is wrong to lie. But really think about what I said. How can you not agree that a lie would have actually done some good in that scenario? If a lie can teach a valuable lesson, then what's the problem? Ever seen the movie "Jakob the Liar"? Lies can inspire hope.

Parents lie to kids all the time, and the whole world is fine with that. Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy... all lies. Sure, call it "playing games" with your kids, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a lie. Then you have the audacity to punish your children for lying. Oh yeah, that makes perfect sense.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24781874/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24781874/ Sat, 16 May 2009 06:34:41 PDT
Cheryl was a girl I knew from a foster home I lived in back in 1994. We got sent to different homes then met up again a few years later in the Independent Living Program (in which foster kids learn independent living skills that they SHOULD be learning from their parents). By that time, she had had a baby, and we were both still in foster care.

One day we were riding in a car together when a police car passed us. When Cheryl saw it she yelled "Pig!" and made oinking sounds. Thank God her window was rolled up, because she was dead serious. She had an obvious hatred for cops. I don't know her history, but usually people with poor attitudes toward authority are the kind of people who have been arrested before, and on more than one occasion.

What made things worse was that her little boy was in the car with us. He was only a few months old at the time, so he couldn't understand, but his presence reminded me that HE was going to have to grow up listening to his mother denouncing police. That kid must be about 12 years old by now, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's got a criminal record already.

Now, on to the title of this journal entry: "When is it okay to lie?" I can already hear many of you saying "Never," and normally I would agree with you, but consider the following...

At the time of the incident with Cheryl and the police car, I was appalled, but I said nothing. Long after I left foster care and lost contact with her the answer finally dawned on me. I should have told her "Hey! My uncle happens to be a cop!" Think about how much more effective that would have been than merely saying "Not all cops are bad." Sure, it would have been a lie, but in my honest opinion, it would have been perfectly acceptable. AS LONG AS IT TEACHES A VALUABLE LESSON ABOUT PREJUDICE.

Of course, I can just hear her covering her ass by saying "I didn't mean all cops." God, don't you just hate it when people say that? Yes, my dear friend, that is EXACTLY what you meant. ALL cops, including my fictitious uncle, are pigs. But maybe my little lie will make you think before you open your mouth and start oinking like a pig again.

... So yes, there ARE times when it is okay to lie. ^_^

Oh, and happy 48th birthday to Kevin McDonald of "Kids in the Hall"! He's my man! XD

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24730819/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24730819/ Wed, 13 May 2009 01:00:53 PDT
Okay, so sometimes it works to an advantage. I'm ashamed to admit I like the "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie, and in my opinion the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" remake kicked the original's ass all the way to the moon. But... I dunno. I guess you just can't please anyone.

My main concern with remakes is modernization. Why do they ALWAYS have to take an older movie or TV show, update it to the present day, recast it with current "flavor of the month" celebrities, sexualize it and fill it with toilet humor? WHY??? Do they really think that's the only way to make it appeal to "today's crowd"? Are people these days that shallow?

Sure, you might enjoy all that, but probably because you never saw the original TV show or movie that the remake is based on. I just think it's sad that Hollywood keeps doing this. Maybe if they kept the remakes a little truer to the originals by NOT setting them in the present day, they'd be all right. But no.

What no one seems to realize is that by remaking old movies and TV shows, Hollywood is destroying bits and pieces of history. Okay, go ahead and call me a drama queen, roll your eyes and disagree, but think about it, folks. Yeah, those old special effects from the 50's suck compared to what we can do now, and black and white is boring to look at, but hey. That's all we had at the time. Someday people will probably look back on the movies we're making now and laugh at our pathetic attempts. Who knows?

Has anyone here ever seen a silent film? I have. I admit they're hard to get into, if you can even manage to watch for more than a minute. But they're part of our history, boring as they may seem. Even 80's movies have some historical significance, IMO. Just watch "Short Circuit" or "Goonies" or any number of films from back then. Notice how different things were: fashion, technology, etc.

I've sat and watched some 50's-70's era stuff with some teenagers, and their constant remarks and questions astounded me. They were surprised by the types of cars people drove back then, and one kid couldn't believe the internet didn't exist back then. And I can’t tell you how many young people I’ve run into who have never heard of such famous actors as Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke, Vincent Price, Jimmy Stuart and Lucille Ball.

Wow, I can’t believe how long this journal entry ended up. I should be writing essays, huh? This is just something that's been bugging the heck out of me lately, especially now with this new "Star Trek" movie. If they ever decide to do a remake of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” I will seriously go on a murderous rampage. That movie is sacred to me, and Jimmy Stuart was a great actor, may he rest in peace.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24685754/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24685754/ Sun, 10 May 2009 12:02:41 PDT
Funny thing about that last one - why is it ALWAYS listed as "shocks and struts" and never the other way around? Is it so dang important to list shocks first? Weird. But I like it my way better. Puts an added emphasis on the word "Shocks."

The rest I felt compelled to change because -let's face it - does "A Hornet's Oath" make any sense when we're talking about doctors and their Hippocratic oaths? And I have never liked the title "A Conversation." I just couldn't think of a halfway decent title for that particular chapter when I first wrote and posted it.

But all is well now. ^_^

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24675412/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24675412/ Sun, 10 May 2009 00:25:56 PDT
Purely coincidentally, my friend Chenea was over a few days ago, and when she found out I have the Titanic soundtrack, she insisted on listening to that song over and over while she was busy checking her emails and stuff on my PC.

Disturbing, huh?

ETA: Some other idiot nearby has just started playing uber-annoying mariachi music (it's a predominantly Mexican neighborhood), and because of this, I cannot possibly stay here in my bedroom so close to all these noises. I must go back into the living room where the swamp cooler can drown it out or else I'll lose what's left of my sanity.

I WAS going to start writing chapter 12 of "Keep On Truckin'" this evening, and/or finally get started on that new Cars fic I've been talking about forever, but right now that is not even a remote possibility. So blame my friggin' neighbors for the extended delay!

ETA: Jesus-tapdancing-Christ! It is now just past midnight, and I was thinking I could FINALLY sit myself down and get some writing done, but all of a sudden this damn rap/hip-hop music starts up (I don't know the difference XP) and wastes no time at all pissing me off. BTW that "My Heart Will Go On" insanity ended up lasting more than TWO hours! Can you believe that? Seriously. Some kids were playing it on a portable radio out in the little playground behind my trailer the whole time.

It could be my favorite music in the world, but it would still bug me. That's just the way I am about noise pollution. Granted, it's not very loud. In fact, I can barely hear it, but with my "mental issues" it's sufficient enough to piss me off. I just CANNOT see how others are not negatively affected by all the loud music in this area like I am. Especially those who live even closer to it. How can it NOT bother them? HOW???

Don't tell me they're all too scared to say anything or report it to the police, especially when one can do so anonymously. MY excuse is I'm afraid of the landlady, which is why I no longer report loud noises to her, or to the police (she always knew it was me who called them). When she's mad enough, she threatens to evict, and even though I know she can't do so without good cause, it's a tenant's word against a landlord's in court, and guess who wins 99% of the time?

She viciously accuses me of harassing the neighbors and claims I am infringing on THEIR rights. Though I fail to see how a ONE-TIME POLITE REQUEST to turn down their music is either harassment or infringement. Seems more like they're infringing on MY rights. If they want to listen to their music so bad, they can put on headphones, or at least turn down the bass, which is what makes the sound travel so well through these thin trailer walls.

FYI people, bass DISTORTS the music when turned up high enough. Doesn't anyone ever realize that? Or do they just get off on the vibrations? And I can't just put earplugs in. I mean I could, but then I wouldn't be able to watch TV or hear the phone ring or talk to friends, or even hear the smoke alarm. See how that BS infringes on ME more than the neighbors?

And by the way, who the hell starts a loud party up at MIDNIGHT? Or any later than 8 pm? Who, I ask? RUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDE!

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24637595/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24637595/ Thu, 07 May 2009 15:30:29 PDT
Oh. My. God. Somebody out there needs to get a life and quit squealing on others just because they're a friggin' prude who can't handle anything PG and up. Really! Is it so damn hard to note ME, the ARTIST, first and tell me you feel that my art is in violation or in any way offensive? Give me ONE tiny little chance to make any necessary changes before running off squealing like a screwed pig to the authorities?

@#$%& coward. Whoever you are. I ALWAYS make it a point to notify an artist if I feel they are in violation or otherwise incorrect in what they have posted, and give them a chance to respond to me, BEFORE taking it upon myself to report them, IF I do at all.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24485583/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24485583/ Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:01:37 PDT
And it gets worse. I called a friend of mine over on the coast to tell her what's happening, and I just found out her 19-year-old son (her only child) has been in the hospital for the past three weeks with multiple gunshot wounds. He got them attempting a home invasion robbery, and he's going to be charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of actual murder!

I knew he was a punk with major anger and drug issues, but there was still good in him! I've known him for over a decade, so of course I care about him like all my other friends, but murder? God, I just cannot believe it. I CANNOT believe it.

I feel so sick to my stomach from all that's going on. Don't expect to see me back online anytime soon, just in case.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24427952/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24427952/ Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:54:29 PDT
Sure, she goes to the hospital a lot (like as often as once per month), but usually she's only there for a few hours getting a simple breathing treatment, and then she's back out and good as new. She's got plenty of meds, but sometimes they just fail to work. Then sometimes she's in the hospital for a few days, and rarely ever in the ICU. But this time she's been in the ICU since Thursday the 17th.

Mom's never been this sick before. They thought it was pneumonia at first, but now they're not sure what's wrong. God, I'm scared. And so alone. Luckily I've got friends coming over in about an hour to keep me company for a while, but they live an hour's drive away up in the mountains, and I hate imposing on them so much. I have no other friends in this area.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24400698/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24400698/ Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:34:59 PDT
Is it so hard to take the little screamer out to the lobby for a few minutes? So you miss part of the movie, BFD! Better YOU should miss out than everyone else in the audience who paid an arm and leg for a ticket. Anyone under two years old shouldn't be allowed in theatres, period.

You know YOU get pissed when someone else does it, so why is it okay for YOU to bring in YOUR little psycho baby? Is it so hard to find a babysitter for two freaking hours? Jesus tap-dancing Christ! *pulls hair out*

And why is it that nobody, I repeat, NOBODY ever has the balls to stand up and tell the parent(s) to kindly remove the offending child from earshot? Not even me. When I was a kid I would have been all over such a scenario, but after getting beaten up for much less, I don't dare anymore. So that's my excuse. What's yours?

And please, somebody, please explain to my WHY you can't just cover a screaming baby's mouth? Tell me HOW exactly that is harmful. Babies are not so stupid that they can't simply breathe through their noses, and if they're congested, well, you'll know long before the kid passes out from lack of oxygen.

Please, mothers and fathers, don't be mad at me. There's a reason I remain childless. I would never, EVER intentionally harm a child, but with my temper and mental problems I do not trust myself to be alone with an infant for long.

All I want to know is WHY. WHY do you force the rest of us to put up with your children when they're at their worst? And WHY can you not simply cover a baby's mouth? As long as they can breathe and you're not putting on enough pressure to cause discomfort or pain, I see nothing wrong with it.

BTW, that final episode of M*A*S*H was a bunch of BS. There is NO flippin' way that Korean woman could have suffocated her baby. Provided she had just covered it's mouth and not the entire face, of course. I mean, DUH! Besides, I don't care how dumb we all are as babies. Sometimes you just need to STFU for the benefit of humanity!

~~~

Sorry for the long rant, but after what happened the other day I'm at my wit's end. My friend and I went to see Coraline at the $1 theatre downtown. It was my third time seeing it and her first. She brought her one-year-old son with her. He had been well-behaved all day, but almost as soon as the movie started, he was crying and crying and crying almost nonstop throughout the entire movie. Seriously. I do not exaggerate.

It's bad enough when there's a baby screaming across the room, but imagine having one doing that RIGHT NEXT TO YOU FOR OVER AN HOUR! And of course I was too much of a coward to say anything to her. >_<

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY???

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24345053/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24345053/ Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:48:36 PDT
I'd call it a Cariban but that's still too annoyingly similar to kiriban, not to mention I am more than just a Cars fan these days. So how about we call it "Nevuela's Third BFD" and YOU guys out there can help me capture my 30,000th pageview! All righty?

Whoever can give me a screencap showing clearly my 30,000th pageview wins a free full-color picture! It won't be limited to Cars, as there are other things I would be happy to draw. Not just anything, of course, but I am open to suggestion.

Remember, it MUST be EXACTLY 30,000. Even one more or less will not be accepted.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24281486/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24281486/ Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:36:26 PDT
This has happened a few times before, but it's always so scary. She will most likely be unconscious for the next few days, and in the hospital for close to a week, if not longer. Please help me pray for her recovery.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24090936/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/24090936/ Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:02:50 PDT
Now I can FINALLY get all this overdue work done without fear of losing things in another crash. I mean, saving stuff on CD's only does so much. If I wasn't saving my work every two minutes or less, I was in danger of losing quite a bit, depending on my progress.

So to all of you to whom I still owe arts and drabbles and stuff, and to those of you awaiting updates on fics, you can soon rest easy, as I have completely run out of excuses for further delays. XP

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23987703/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23987703/ Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:56:04 PDT
1. I'm sure you've all heard about that computer virus that's expected to hit tomorrow. Some of you think it's just a joke. Well, why take chances? My PC's having enough trouble as it is, and I'm too poor to fix it again.

2. I hate April Fool's Day. Not because of the jokes. I love a good joke. I can take a joke as well as the next person. I hate April first because it is the anniversary of the day one of my favorite pets died. See my journal entry for April 1st 2008 for details: [link]

To make matters worse, last year on this day I was in the car when Mom accidentally hit a cat: [link] You don't know how horrifying that is until it happens to you. And if it doesn't bother you, then you're either VERY well adjusted, or there's something wrong with you.

So please, just leave me alone on April first.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23822176/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23822176/ Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:40:10 PDT
]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23687025/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23687025/ Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:11:28 PDT
The only REAL break I had was about an hour and a half in which I wanted a decent dinner and to go see what was on TV. Other than that, yeah. From 7 pm Thursday evening to around midnight on Friday. One. Long. Game. This has to be a record.

What was I RPing for so @#$%-ing long? Get ready for this: Coraline. Yeah. I've just been Wybie Lovat for the past thirty hours! XD How the hell does one end up playing for so long? Well, for one thing, I've got thick blankets tacked up over my bedroom windows. No concept of day or night here.

Between turns I mainly listened to CD's while playing computer solitaire or working on Coraline fan art, as you can see to your left *cough*cough* I can't effing believe it's Saturday already! Still feels like Thursday to me.

I have been awake since 4 pm Thursday afternoon. And I'm still wide awake! Gawd, what is WRONG with me? 0_o

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23636337/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23636337/ Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:50:19 PDT
No, seriously. You can't imagine how awful I feel making some of you wait so @#$%& long for the things I promised you. The things I OWE you. But rest assured the long wait will very soon be over, as I vow to pay off all of my remaining Cars-related debts before the end of this month.

Yes, I know I've said this before - repeatedly - but this time... well, let's just say that certain real-life things have come up very recently that pretty much force me to make good on my promises now. I can't say any more than that. It's kind of complicated and embarrassing. Just keep an eye on my page this month and you'll see. There will be both art and writing updates posted very soon.

I know that the next chapter of "Keep On Truckin'" is a looooonnng time in coming (9 months now, to be exact), but believe me, the desire to write Cars fiction has not left me. Not by a long shot. Ch. 10 WILL be posted by the end of this month, AND so will a new Cars fic (or at least the start of one).

You guys have probably seen my list of upcoming fics enough times to make you puke, but here it is again, and this time I have narrowed it down to the fics I most want to write. Some will be one-shots, and some will be chapter fics. If you are not sick of doing this by now, please feel free to cast your vote for which fic(s) you'd like me to write next.

Choose 1 one-shot and 1 chapter fic. If you pick more than 1 of either, please number your choices.

ONE-SHOTS:

Killing Lizzie ~ Mater plays a trick on Lizzie that goes horribly wrong… or does it? Humor. G - PG.

Italian Ice ~ On a sultry summer’s eve in Radiator Springs, Guido encounters a phantom ice cream truck. Suspense. G - PG.

In the Line of Duty ~ When Sheriff is injured during a high-speed chase, it’s up to Sarge to console him. Not slash. Drama. PG - PG-13.

Cop a Feel, Feel a Cop ~ Sheriff arrests the Miata twins for speeding. Those girls will do anything to get out of a ticket. Anything. Erotica. NC-17.

Untitled #1 ~ On an intimate evening with Vee, Mack ponders their future together and the challenges of fatherhood that lie ahead. Romance (possibly explicit). PG-13 - NC-17.


CHAPTER FICS:

My Fair Mater ~ Parody of “My Fair Lady.” Lightning tries to turn Mater into a proper gentleman in time for a party. Humor. G - PG.

Behind the Billboard ~ During those long, lonely stakeouts behind the billboard, Sheriff struggles with his feelings for Sally. Set during the movie. Romance/Angst. PG - PG-13.

High and Dry ~ When Fillmore starts a dry-cleaning business, Sarge is a very reluctant first (and last) customer. Humor. PG - PG-13.

Untitled #2 ~ Lost in the desert, things go from bad to worse when Minnie goes into labor with only Van to see her through it. Set during the movie. Drama. G - PG.

Untitled #3 ~ Mack’s having the worst week of his life. First, he loses Lightning McQueen. Then he gets fired. Then racing fans everywhere accuse him of recklessness, manslaughter, murder… and that’s just day one. Will he lose his sanity before he loses any more sleep? Set during the movie. Drama, possible humor. PG - PG-13.

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23585352/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23585352/ Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:43:54 PDT


Not really. Just quoting Stan from American Dad. XP

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23336696/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23336696/ Sun, 22 Feb 2009 05:25:18 PST
]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23299504/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23299504/ Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:21:22 PST
Overall, just about one of THE best movies I have ever seen. Period. Anyone else seen it yet and/or care to discuss it?

]]> ~Nevuela http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23282759/ http://Nevuela.deviantart.com/journal/23282759/ Thu, 19 Feb 2009 03:45:18 PST
And to those of you interested in Cars porn (excuse me, "mature" Cars fanart), just letting y'all know once again that everything I can't post here can be found at Wingnut City and Hentai Foundry. The latter actually rejected one of my pics, so I don't bother with them anymore.

But yeah, if you wanna see my "rated R and up" stuff, and you do not have access to the above mentioned sites, please send me a note with your email address and I will be happy to send it to you. Just let me know in advance if you require warnings.

FYI I've got nothing with blood, gore, feces, etc. or anything of that nature. Just sexual situations, and most of my art doesn't really show anything. Funny how DA allows full nudity, yet if anyone is in even a slightly sexually suggestive position, they start lighting torches. XP

Seriously, though. Feel free to hit me up if you're interested. ^_~

]]> ~Nevuela