http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:Novalyyn&section=today deviantART RSS for by:Novalyyn en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:53:16 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28906909/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28906909/ Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:57:36 PST
I won't have time to try again until after we move - which means I'd have to do a better job in Portland, where the streets are strange and confusing (and I swear, downright retarded at some points) even without the drivers who change lanes suddenly, stop in the middle of intersections, etc. And Umbra would no doubt be pushing me to do it ASAP, which means it would most likely be raining, and possibly frosty. Oh, and don't forget about the pedestrians and cyclists who're quite assured that they own the sidewalks, streets, and everything and thus can move completely as they please, and the busses, street car (like a trolly), and MAX (lightrail train) that all run through town. No, I think I'd like to remain a pedestrian for awhile yet...

Yesterday did have a definate up, though, in the form of awesometacular food. For details on that, check Umbra's journal.

Aside from that, there's just been a lot of packing... Oh, and some random guy who claims a nice bit of expierence has offered to help me smooth out some of the issues that keep cropping up on my RP site, World Only in Dreams. With any luck, I'll also be able to get started on making it all around cooler.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28631073/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28631073/ Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:36:33 PST
Anyway, yoinked this thing from a friend who yoink'd it from another... I'm going into it knowing some of my answers will be uncertain, but, well... read the rules. Also, I thought it might be amusing. (Those aren't my typos, btw, unless its actually the answer typo'd.)

RULE 1
You can only say Guilty or Innocent.

RULE 2
You are not allowed to explain anything unless someone messages you and asks!

Now, here's what you're supposed to do... And please do not spoil the fun. Copy and paste this into your journal , delete my answers, type in your answers.


1. Kissed one of your DA friends?
Guilty

2. Danced on a table in a bar?
Innocent

3. Ever told a lie?
Guilty

4. Had feelings for someone whom you can't have back?
Guilty

5. Ever kissed someone of the same sex?
Guilty

6. Kissed a picture?
Guilty

7. Slept in until 5 PM?
Guilty

8. Fallen asleep at work/school?
Guilty

9. Held a snake?
Guilty

10. Been suspended from school?
Innocent

11. Worked at a fast food restaurant?
Guilty

12. Been fired from a job?
Guilty

13. Done something you regret?
Guilty

14. Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose?
Innocent

15. Caught a snowflake on your tongue?
Guilty

16. Kissed in the rain?
Innocent

17. Sat on a roof top?
Guilty

18. Kissed someone you shouldn't?
Guilty?

19. Sang in the shower?
Guilty

20. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on?
Guilty?

21. Shaved your head?
Guilty

22. Slept naked?
Guilty

23. Had a boxing membership?
Innocent

24. Made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry?
Guilty

25. Donated Blood?
Guilty

26. Eaten alligator meat?
Innocent

27. Eaten cheesecake?
Guilty

28. Still love someone you shouldn't?
Innocent

29. Have/had a tattoo?
Innocent?

30. Liked someone, but will never tell who?
Innocent

31. Been too honest?
Guilty

32. Ruined a surprise?
Guilty

33. Ate in a restaurant and got really bloated that you cant walk afterwards?
Guilty?

34. Erased someone in your friends list?
Guilty

35. Dressed in a woman's clothes (if your a guy) or man's clothes (if your a girl)?
Guilty

36. Joined a pageant?
Innocent

37. Been told that you're handsome or beautiful by someone who totally meant what they said?
Guilty

38. Had communication w/ your ex?
Guilty

39. Got totally drunk one night and you have an important exam tomorrow morning?
Innocent

40. A total stranger treat you by paying your jeepney/tricycle fare?
? Innocent

41. Got so angry that you cried?
Guilty

42. Tried to stay away from someone for their own good?
Guilty

43. Thought about suicide?
Guilty

44. Thought about murder?
Guilty

45. How bout mass murder?
Innocent

46. Tried illegal drugs and the like?
Innocent

47. Rode on a stranger's vehicle?
Guilty?

48. Stalked someone?
Guilty

49. Been so drunk that you forget things that happened while you were intoxicated?
Innocent

50. Had a girlfriend/boyfriend?
Guilty

51. In love?
Guilty

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28607818/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28607818/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:34:54 PST
...

No, I'm not the one who forgot. So far, I've had 4 relatives confirm that they forgot: my little brother, my grandma, my grandpa, and my aunt. But eh, that's all my mother's side (well, l'il bro is both), and they've always like my big bro better anyway. No point in holding one birthday against 'em. I actually find it rather amusing. They all got too busy or something (my grandma seemed a bit surprised to learn that, yes, this is the month of November).

And eh, my parents and dad's side grandparents remembered, as did ~Umbrascitor (and he'd better!). Besides that, it's fairly sporadic who, if anyone, wishes me a happy birthday. It's not uncommon for people to actually forget I even exist, for some reason. XD

Anyway, I'm going to dinner today. Not some fancy expensive place - an "English pub" that Umbra and I have taken a liking to. Naturally, I also intend to get a drink of some sort.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28425432/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28425432/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:02:49 PST
EDIT:
Alright, so, the story.

We'd planned to go up to Portland Saturday to look at the apartments we were considering. Before we even went, we took some off the list due to distance - driving in Portland is ridiculous. It's not just heavy traffic, some of the streets are actually pretty retarded in setup, and the drivers seem fairly clueless about road safety/etiquette (don't cross the freaking intersection until you know there's room for you, so you don't block traffic!). So we wanted to be close to the school (Art Institute of Portland).

We ended up not having work that Friday, so we thought, hey, lets go Friday and keep our weekend more intact. So after work Thursday night, we got our info together. Since neither of us really felt tired though (even though Umbra had worked both jobs that day), we ended up setting out 2:30 Friday morning. Umbra got us about halfway (it's about a 4-hour trip, btw) before he needed to sleep; still not being tired, I took over driving and got us about there, Umbra took back over at a rest stop about 20 miles before the city.

Since the school is around the main urban area, we already were a bit worried about prices - we had found very little within our price range. But a bigger problem cropped up: due to restrictions in the income-based program the complexes all had, they could not rent a studio to two full-time students (wtf?), they could only rent a significantly more expensive 1-bedroom that pushed above our affordability limit.

After the 3rd (kinda 4th) time hitting this problem (and being told that pretty much ALL of them were in that program), and out of addresses for apartment complexes (as well as having no way to check online fore more, thanks to forgetfulness), we were seriously thinking we'd end up spending the night in the car in Portland and taking 2 days to find a place.

But that last one had suggested we check their neighbor, who they didn't know the price for, but believed weren't in that program. Before checking it (actually, might have been after...), we stopped in the car to try to figure things out. The way both our lives have gone thus far, I was able to muster just barely enough certainty to say, "Something's gonna happen that'll make everything work out." Something always has. Sitting there, we figured that, hey, we weren't going to be "two full time students" for at least another 6 months, which would be long enough for us fulfill any contract we might have to sign and find another apartment to move to when it became necessary.

The neighbor's lowest rate was above our range. But, they worked with another building in the downtown area. I checked the map - it was near the school, the library, the giant book store, the grocery store, pretty much everything we'd need. So much convenience... but surely something would make it not work. We tried anyway... They weren't in the program, and were quite willing to rent a studio to two full-time students, for a cost just within our range, and no contracts. It's not the prettiest building, and all the locks does make one question safety, but the lady we talked to claimed she'd never had a problem, never had a resident have any problem with crime or violence... Then again, how could they with 3 locks before your even reach your apartment door and chicken wire in the windows? It's also really tiny, of course, but hey - it works. And it's ours!

The rest of the trip involved a visit to a woman who's like a mother to Umbra, sleeping in the car (yeah, did it anyway, just not in Portland), a 3-pound burger (just counting the patty, not the bun, veggies, cheese, ham, or egg also on it), the loss of the left side-view mirror, and lots of driving. Oh, so much driving...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28190702/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/28190702/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:09:29 PST
And actually, I'm excited about my Bloodspring match. I'll be facing ~Huoryu, the other side of ~Umbrascitor's Baninja vs. Saltman stuff (I still think Huoryu should have won the second time <.< ). Guy's pretty awesome. I don't quite qualify as a fangirl for him, but it's closer than with most. I won't be facing Saltman though; instead, just as Saltman was fitting for Baninja (food vs. food), I get to face Noel, the cactus man! If you're wondering why that's fitting, clearly you haven't been paying attention. For the sake of reminder (gawd I'd typing oddly), my character, Nyx Chaser, is a botanist (plant scientist). Y'know, when she's not selling a one-of-a-kind homemade miracle drug on the black market. Blah. Anyway, this means I get to actually think how she'd respond to a person who's part plant (I don't count that Ship thing, that was for S&Gs, basically).

And totally unrelated, my arm hurts. Aside from my supervisor, I seem to be the only one in my team who's been trained to use the ribbon machines (really, it's easier to learn than the 4-way tie... just a little frustrating because the machines are kinda old and crappy and sometimes eat the ribbon). As such, I've been running it it lot lately. Problem came up Thursday, when we were doing a gift that I actually had to hold down for the ribbon to go on tight enough. By the time I got home, my right forearm was so sore I could barely do a thing with it. About 24 hours later, and quick motions, turning, or stretching that part still freaking hurts. I have to kinda loosen it up a bit before I can do much, hadda keep doing that at work to keep my arm functional enough. Fortunately, we managed to have a girl from another team run the ribbon machine. Hopefully my arm will have recovered by Monday - possibly just to end up like this again. DX

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27978139/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27978139/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:44:52 PDT
Umbra and I have decided on a time to move to Portland - about mid-December. Work will have given out here by then. He's looking for a place to move into, prolly just a studio. We hope to have something secured by mid-November, and will start applying for jobs around then (even though we won't be there yet, yeah). Hopefully we'll managed to find some sort of work quickly, we likely won't have saved up as much money as we'd have liked (if anyone wants to commission me for one of those thread pendants or something... please let me know! Every bit would help...). If things go well, I'll be starting back in at the Art Institute in the spring (possibly summer), and Umbra plans to start in fall. Heh, I'm younger, but I'll get to poke at him about being ahead. ^^ (Unless I continue to screw up and he passes me... Hopefully that won't be a problem though.) In any case, I'm looking forward to learning a bit more about this stuff.

And if anyone was curious, at last count I believe there were about 45 baby snails.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27809156/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27809156/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:48:57 PDT 18 36 baby snails so far (might have counted one twice). We're gonna see if we can get a pet store to pay anything for 'em (not sure when). We'll see how that goes before we really make offers to anyone else.

~~~

Several weeks ago, ~Umbrascitor (yes, he's my roommate I talk about all the time, for anyone who hadn't figured it out yet) brought home a snail that a coworker from his tree job had found (and had attempted to use to scare him, only to seem amused/impressed when Umbra thought it was adorable and, well, brought it home). We named it Humphrey, put it in a tank we got from my family from back when they first had fish, and proceeded to keep our eyes open for others to keep "him" (like worms, snails are hermaphrodites) company.

Up until this week, we'd only come across a crushed snail. Earlier this week, I spotted a small slug, which we named Otis. We're pretty sure it escaped. I also spotted (and nearly stepped on) a tiny snail that looks like it's pretty much a baby yet. We named it Cloe.

Several minutes ago, I noticed that Cloe was burrowing, and rather quick and deep. We'd been putting off wiping the tank and stirring the dirt (Humphrey spends much time eating and, consequently, pooping), so I convinced Umbra to hold the snails while I did the rest, so that we wouldn't have to worry about hurting Cloe later on.

What neither of us had expected was the discovery that Humphrey was going to be a mommy. While stirring the dirt, I turned up a mass of what I first thought had to be eggs, though on closer look they all appear to be tiny snail shells. I turned them back over and loosely buried them again with the hope that they'll be able to sort themselves out, but unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I crushed a few when I first turned them up... Then again, there were quite a few, and they'd be a lot of snails to keep track of...

In any case, in preparation, Umbra and I will be getting a finer screen tomorrow. The one we have it barely enough to keep Cloe from escaping (and apparently not enough to keep Otis in), and we don't want a bunch of tiny snails drying up all over the house.

On a side note, if a sufficient number of babies do come out alive, would anyone be interested in having a pet snail or three?

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27680614/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27680614/ Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:45:31 PDT
In work-related news, today I heard of the second case of a fellow employee getting in trouble for posting something negative about the company on Twitter (in the first case I heard about, the person was actually fired). While this isn't likely to be seen, I'll be making a point to avoid mentioning the company name in the same post as complaints about it, just in case. At least until the season ends, since I don't really plan to work for them again. Working there quickly becomes somewhat physically painful, and having to throw so much perfectly good stuff out is morally painful. How much stuff? One night, I had to throw out about 70 truffles; another, it was 22.5 pounds of fudge. (To be fair, I think that is the worst I've had to do so far.) No, we aren't allowed to take any of it home. We can take the bags, we can take scrap ribbon (I often do), but we can't take product. But, at least they recycle/reused about half... I dunno if it's stuff overall, or just the cardboard. They also chop old office papers up and stick 'em in compost, apparently.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27626164/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27626164/ Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:12:53 PDT
Alright, so, I'm not the brightest. My Round 2 entry fro WotD is due before the week's out, and it's not coming along too well. My opponent is actually hoping more that he'll lose to me so he can free up some time, but I'm not sure I'll have much of anything to enter. XP

Also, I got into Bloodspring by the skin of my teeth, finished and posted my entry the day it was due... But before I can do my round 1 entry (due the 25, I think it was), I have to hurry up and post a second reference for my character because I was dumb and forgot to post a reference before of her in actual winter type clothing, when she's in a rather cold, icy place. My BS opponent is comic'ing, and so will rather need that.

In other news, I need to watch a sad movie or something. I need to get upset over something, so that the bit of emotional buildup I occasionally get will go away in a manner that doesn't have the potential to make me lose my job. Arg, I was pissed at my boss today, kept telling me to work when I was already working, on and on... And any response I made, y'know, mentioning that I WAS working or something, she'd get pissed and tell me not to backtalk. D: I wasn't freaking backtalking, and I'm getting sick of her telling my to work when I am and to not backtalk when I'm not! *shakes fist* So basically, the only thing I can do when she starts up is keep quiet and attempt to look like I'm somehow working harder than my hardest. Thankfully, partway through tonight, she moved me to another, somewhat easier-to-keep-up table and finally left me alone.

In other, happier type news, I like the movie Six-String Samurai. It's a bit odd and a little all over, but it's cool.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27437578/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27437578/ Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:36:35 PDT thread pendant thing, and learning more about it in the process. I meant to get pictures of them up today, but the sun's already gone down and any pictures I take now would suck. I could prolly use the scanner, but that might scratch it... Maybe I'll talk to Umbrascitor about it. In any case, I will be getting them up - and if you really like them, I am actually planning on selling them. Not sure how many more I'll make before I burn out, but seems alright for the time being. And I'd be willing to try requests, too, if you have certain colors in mind or something.

S'about all I have to say, I think. Oh, did I mention Umbrascitor and I have a pet snail named Humphrey? The thing's rather adorable, and it has a rather cat-like face. Well... alien cat, I guess, with them antenna eyes. <.< Humphrey likes lettuce and hanging from the sides and top of the aquarium.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27076043/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/27076043/ Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:19:35 PDT OCBZ's Bloodspring tournament is coming up, and it needs more auditions so that it can be a huge 64 person deal. Join it.

And now for the rest of this message - meaningless bits of my life!

Well, I'm working again at last. They've got me on day shift presently, so I get to wake up at 5:30am, get ready, and head in (waking my roommate as well since I can't legally drive alone and the bus doesn't run that early). I got home about the time I'm more used to waking up (4-5pm), and I ride home on a bus that they cram as many people as possible on and still have to refuse to let some on. I'm not sure whether I'm a monkey (the areas we work in are called "barrels") or a sardine. Maybe I'm both. But hey, it's money. And soon I should be able to switch to night shift (roomie's working there this year and that's what he's on) which will make many things much easier. Plus it's an extra 40 cents per hour.

Tomorrow I see a cardiologist about the fainting thing. I knew mentioning it would end up in a medical runaround. I don't really expect them to find much, though. :/ But, if I don't update this with their findings, either they found nothing, or it's not something to worry about. Or I'm terminally ill and don't want ya's to feel bad. (Bad joke, I know. I'm pretty sure I'm fine though.) Rather than any testing, I was simply told pretty much the same thing for the 3rd or 4th time, with the addition of "Eat more salt" and several minutes lecturing about daily exercise. Also, not only was the doctor male (as a female, I'm more comfortable with female doctors), but he managed to be rather creepy. I'm sure he was only trying to be nice, but both the way he talked and his body language, in any other situation, would likely be a warning that you need to get away from that person. @_@ And his irises were freaking huge, which didn't help. But ti made it easy to look him in the eye, since it was hard not to stare at the things, and I barely managed not to mention it. So, waste of time, waste of money, and a creepy cherry on top.

In other news, my mom recently picked up some cheap electronics - a tablet and voice recorder (both with software), and no more than $5 together. Haven't tried the recorder yet, but the tablet... well, I guess it works. I had to search for a driver to make it run on XP, and you have to practically carve the thing even though I've got it on the most sensitive setting, but it is presently functional.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/26559807/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/26559807/ Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:06:09 PDT
And what of my first time on the road, the day I got the blasted card thing? I stopped and started oddly and at wrong places (kept stopping or almost stopping at just about every intersection, mostly), had trouble getting up to and maintaining the right speed, couldn't see the street name signs when they were right in front of me... Best part was when I actually ran a stop sign at a weird intersection (why the heck would you put a stop sign in the middle of an intersection?!), then ran up on the curb (almost into someone's yard) when I pulled over, and proceeded to laugh (as I often do when nervous or even upset) until I actually started crying. ._.

Well, my roommate claims I'm doing better already... and I am a little less terrified... but I still don't wanna drive. DX

In other news, after I passed out for the third time in about a month or so on Sunday, I finally went into a clinic place. First visit on Monday just told me that I'm pretty healthy, despite my not-so-healthy habits. Not sure if all the test results are in (so many @_@ ), but everything keeps turning up nothing. Went in again today, lady I got this time was a bit more informative. Said that based on the results, and the lack of various other symptoms, that my problem is most likely low blood pressure or my heart occasionally going off-rhythm. She also said that most further tests would likely be a waste of time and money unless other symptoms were to come up, or I were to start fainting more often so that it could be sure to be caught in the longer heart-monitoring test. She also said I could help prevent it by drinking more water (more water and more/better food seems to be the general chant I get from doctors for all my ails), and that when I feel it coming on I need to get my head down so that blood can get to my brain more easily.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/26371742/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/26371742/ Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:35:40 PDT
Well, most recently, we had a bit of a thunderstorm on Saturday. I'm generally the sort who'll go out if it's not freezing, even when there's lightning (yes, I don many stupid things), but... heh. Neither Umbrascitor or I really wanted to go out this time. The thunder was louder than usual, the the way the lightning was, it just seemed like it's zap you the moment you went out. It's seemed heavy and close. A few times it looked like it was out a black or two away (I'm sure it was actually further), and one bolt in particular sounded like it hit with a bit of an explosion. <.< So yeah, we stayed inside and actually turned off and unplugged the computers. The storm knocked out our internet too, which just came back a couple hours ago - kinda weird, since surely the people who where working on it went home hours before... o.O

I s'ose more recent than that was my discovery than mai fun noodles are awesome (I cooked some and some stir-fry). Umbra apparently had cooked them like any other noodle before, such as spaghetti. The proper way is to heat up oil to where the noodle just sort of instantly fry as soon as they go in, and watching it is awesome. It looks like worms writhing around and it grows all huge and puffy, and they're stiffer after cooking than before! Told Umbra he'll have to work it into the Feast Master OCT somehow, once it gets moving.

Another point of interest, I'll be getting a driver's permit this week, provided I can pass the test for it. Yeah, a permit, when I'm 20. Shush. Driving scares the crap outta me. Anyway, I was supposed to take the test last week, but we didn't get to the DMV quite early enough... and I'm still only about halfway through the manual... D: I have to be able to drive on my own before we move though, or Umbra'll have to bus it back to pick up the car. DX

Hehe, mai fun noodles are fun...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/25829653/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/25829653/ Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:40:59 PDT
]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/25600236/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/25600236/ Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:49:39 PDT
In other, bigger news, it seems to be getting pretty likely that I'll be headed back up to Portland, to the Art Institute up there. After mentioning an idea to ~Umbrascitor a bit ago, he's had it kinda in mind, and recently it seems to have become somewhat serious. Things are kinda closing off on us where we are now, and both of us are interested it furthering our education. The way he is, it seems just about guaranteed, so long as no obstacles come up that can't be gotten around. Not really absolutely for sure yet, but pretty likely.

The main concern is having enough money to even get there. I'm still not sure to get a job until September when Harry & David gets really going again, and his work has been exceptionally slow this year, so he's not bringing much in either. Heh, if you feel like helping us out or something, he's got a donation thing set up on Banana-nana-Ninja. XP

I think I'm excited about getting back. Afraid of all that's gotta be done first, but still excited.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/25061913/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/25061913/ Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:50:07 PDT
I'd been snoozing (having gone to bed a little before noon) and the thunder woke me up. Hearing what was going on outside and seeing flashes through the blinds, I decided not to lay around for once, and got up, open all the blinds (but not the windows, due to the rain). It was pouring and flashing like crazy, and it was hard to tell when one thunder roll stopped and another began.

I grew up learning that storms were a good thing, and lived most of my life in Michigan where we'd generally get a couple good storms every summer. My mom would always make us take shelter if there was lightening, be we'd still all be outside. She couldn't exactly tell us to get in when she'd be sitting out, enjoying the storm. See, my mom is like a human storm predictor thing - when there's one coming up, long before it even hits, she'll be grinning ear to ear and just about bouncing off the walls (well, so much as a woman her size can, she's a bit on the big side). So storms were like a family show.

Well, I don't live with my family anymore, and consider that good enough reason to be an idiot and stand out in the open when there's plenty lightening flashing about. And it was raining hard enough that within a few short minutes of going out, I was pretty much totally soaked. I was actually tempted to go grab my goggles. Inside, the lights would occasionally flicker slightly. Never really went out, but it was still interesting. The rain also cooled things down nicely. According to Umbrascitor, it was the best storm he's seen since leaving the desert (flood partly washed away a trailer park he knew).

Umbrascitor used the chance to record thunder, sticking his audio recorder in a plastic bag and into a pocket. I'd have taken pictures, but I'm pretty sure my camera isn't waterproof and there'd have been no good way to keep it dry.

With any luck (for us, anyway), the storm will have knocked over some trees or branches and Umbrascitor's work will pick up a bit again. What would be great is if they managed to get a prevailing wage job out of it. About $30 or so per hour? HECK yeah.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/25027424/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/25027424/ Sat, 30 May 2009 05:36:41 PDT
Now, I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but I don't really qualify as either. A leader takes charge and guides the group; a follower goes along with things and provides support. I can't really even claim to be the "dance to the beat of my own drum" sort, as such people tend to be more leader than follower; I, on the other hand, am more follower than leader, perhaps mostly because I tend to be a bit nervous in new situations.

When it comes right down to it though, I'm a person who's just sort of there - or I'm not. I've pretty much given up on any sort of really strong bonds with people (not to say I don't like people, just that it's easy for me to let go). There's basically three types of people I generally form friendships with: those who like me more than I like them, those who I like more than they like me, and those who I share a sort of mutual, "Here if you need me or care to chat, but otherwise I'll be off elsewhere and will likely forget to call back or that you were supposed to, kthxbai." Well, actually four, because of those that probably don't consider me any closer than I consider them, but that I still try to help out. *shrugs* (If you're a friend of mine, good luck figuring out which group you fall into. If you don't know, I'm not telling. )

So yeah... I'm not much of a leader or follower, nor the real tangent person. I'm the one who's just there sometimes, helping out if I can, but mostly just sitting quietly or yapping away about nothing. Or, y'know, acting like an idiot. [flashback]"I am a crab!"[/flashback]

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24890337/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24890337/ Mon, 25 May 2009 04:15:13 PDT
It's really mostly to make my mom feel better since she has to work, but sometime in the first week or two of June, I'll be living with them for a bit to help take care of my dad. I'd already planned to be around for a couple days for graduations, so it works out well enough.

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

May 23

A couple days ago, my dad was doing some work or something at a buddy's house and apparently was having some chest pain. The guy was familiar with what my dad described, and after a bit it ended up with my dad being taken into the hospital and my mom finding out that, while this time had been worse, he'd actually been having these troubles for at least a few months now and simply ignoring it.

The initial checking revealed that he'd basically had a tiny, tiny heart attack, one so small that it didn't really even qualify as a heart attack. Just the same, to find out what had caused it, he was switched over to the hospital near where I live for further testing (and apparently, this hospital is supposed to have an incredible cardiac unit, one of the best in the US according to my mom). Since it was so close and my mom would have to pass by on the way anyway, I had her pick me up on the way in to see him prior to the testing, and we both stayed a few hours. I ended up hearing all that was going on first hand, from the doctors (and I saw the images from the test).

The testing revealed that 5 of the arteries at his heart have narrowed, ranging from 60-90% (that's how closed they were, not how open). The heart itself is perfectly fine and pumping strong. The doctors said if left alone, it'd prolly get worse, so today he's getting bypass surgery. He's expected to remain in the hospital for about a week after, and won't be able to lift anything for the next 2-3 months unless he wants to risk screwing up the healing of his sternum.

This information has been passed around among various friends and family. Numerous people are praying for him (and the people they know, their prayers had a tendency to work). We've got some of the best heart people on the job. The doctor mentioned there was only a 1% increase to risk of heart attack or stroke from the process ('cause, y'know, nothing's perfect). And my dad's kinda like Wolverine from X-Men - he's tough, doesn't go down without a fight, and heals abnormally fast (not THAT fast, but fast and complete enough to amaze some doctors).

So why am I the only one who's not particularly worried? There's absolute minimal chances of something going wrong. The main 2 problems I can see is 1, my mom's insurance fails to fully cover the cost, and 2, my dad gets irritable from having to let people do things for him. He loves having people do things for him, except when he doesn't have a choice in the matter.

Anyway, I'll be seeing him again later, after the surgery today.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24772827/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24772827/ Fri, 15 May 2009 16:04:23 PDT
I've got some kinda nifty pictures from a hike Umbrascitor and I went on last weekend, I'll have to see about getting some of those up. I actually managed to get some halfway decent pictures of vultures in flight. He also went an climbed a tree (as he tends to) and got all sappy and ant-bitten just to have me take a picture for him to use as his ID here. In the end, we both enjoyed ourselves, despite the sunburns and soreness.

I should be putting up another of the 10 ninja's for Umbrascitor's quiz soon, too. The Hardcore Ninja it finished lineart-wise, I just need to fill parts in for better detail and stylize it s'more to look violent and action-y. Also, I feel compelled to try making it look a little less like a hybrid of Ryu and Ken from Street Fighter. :/ I mean, yeah, it's kinda modeled after fighting game characters, but I'd like to have it be a bit more spread out. Right now it looks simply like Ken/Ryu doing an MK Fatality (specifically, he's ripped someone's heart out - lovely, eh?).

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24596372/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24596372/ Tue, 05 May 2009 06:03:29 PDT .< Of course, I don't have to avoid doing things that would get me a job. Aside from how hard it is to even get considered as things are, when I do make it to an interview, I'm apparently quite adept at totally botching it and knowing exactly how I botched it after it'd done. For example, Burger King - yes, I botched an interview at Burger King - when I not only mentioned another specific job I was looking at, but that I didn't have much chance of getting that other job due to my flaws. Didn't say it like that, but what I did say surely got the message across that I'm lazy, irresponsible, flaky, and lacking in experience. Yeah, that'll screw you out of job even as a mere burger flipper. x.x

But! It's not too bad. I mean, with that freelance thing, we're gonna be getting $400 worth for it, and that'll mostly go to lowering my enormous debt to my roomie (since he always has to pay for everything) as I'm doing the majority of the work. That's cool. Plus, if nothing else, I can count on being called back into Harry & David in a couple months. They start their mass-hiring around the end of summer each year, and I've already got my foot in the door, so I should be safe even if they don't hire so many people this year.

In other news, we have plans to go hiking at Table Rock this weekend, and plans to see Music Man and Don Quiote (no idea of the spelling and don't feel like checking) at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this July. I managed to find a day in which they were both playing without overlapping, with the possibility of also seeing a sort of intro for Don Crazymanwithfunkyname, and free parking all day. Depending on how our money is, we'll prolly either bring food, or (if it can be afforded) eat at the Black Sheep. If you go to Ashland, you should eat at the Black Sheep. The food is unique, here in the US at least, almost to the point of qualifying as entertainment. Fish soup stuff on a plate, chicken covered in berry jam, fancy mashed potatoes... hey, if nothing else, you can giggle over their spotted dick.

Another in-other-news thing, I've been toying with the idea of setting up a commercial-ish blog about weird book stuff. Since I've been volunteering at the library, I've seen some interesting titles, subjects, and names. I have to admit though, even as a children's book, "Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude" has me rather intrigued...

Why is it, as much as I'm already supposed to be doing, I keep adding more to my plate? o.O

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24420367/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24420367/ Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:50:21 PDT
Also, I need to draw up some ninjas for ~Umbrascitor to use on a ninja quiz he made. I made him pose for pictures in a shopping center parking lot a few days ago so I could be sure to do decent poses and proportions, but I haven't really gotten further than that... I also haven't gotten started on his Baninja costume yet. I like the idea of working on it, just not the idea of starting on it...

But, I've gone and joined =OCBZ, and with Green Mike, the character Umbrascitor suggested. He likes Green Mike. Said he was one of his favorites of my characters. Then again, I'm not sure how many of my characters he actually knows much of anything about...

In completely unrelated news, this morning (yesterday, technically), for the first time in my life, I apparently fainted. We're figuring it was just the result of a particularly bad (and somewhat delayed) head rush, but it's prompted me to finally get off my lazy butt and start looking for a general doctor type person. I'm overdue for a few different checks anyway, like it or not. I don't really much like going to the doctor...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24370492/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24370492/ Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:05:09 PDT .< I also like to say 'splode. ^^

Moving on... Seems magic man didn't really care for the designs ~Umbrascitor and I came up with (maybe I'll post mine...), but Carl (which is a name I've been hearing a lot lately and thus will never, ever give to a kid or anything, aside from it being a kinda dull name) the printer guy will be having us redo his website. I figured he and Umbrascitor would settle on a price during our last visit, but no, Umbrascitor wants ideas about it from me. Never mind the fact that I know practically nothing about money. But anyway, 'tis cool, and I plan to do spiffiness, as soon as I get on it... We also needa come up with a new logo/character for him yet.

That's not why there's 'sploding heads though. No, that come from the excess of information that keeps going through my head, and my inability to do much more then let it run. There's stuff I want to do, stuff I need to do, stuff I want to see, stuff I've recently seen, and other random stuff that I'm not sure really relates to anything. To name off a few:

• I needa get working on multiple variations of the site and character-logo-thing for printer guy.
  
• I recently went though *Unknown-person's gallery and fell in love with the characters (and portrayals of others' ) and animations, and have turned slightly fangirlish about it.
  
• I needa finish the skin for my site, make ads, redo existing pages, and add in new features.
  
• I'd like to try something with an OCT or something, but I don't know what to try (event nor character) and and quite uncertain of my ability to even keep up.
  
• I need to clean. I have since I moved in, but I never get too far...
  


There's more, but meh... Trying to catch everything would just make it worse. I don't think I even know it all... I don't know, maybe it wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that my head is actually usually quite empty.

In other news, I'm using b0x0rz-less as my mood because it amuses me and it's true enough - I presently am not wearing boxers. I do own a couple pairs, though...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24124795/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24124795/ Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:35:22 PDT
That aside, my role play site, World Only in Dreams [link] , is finally all the way open. It still needs a lot of work before I'm willing to invent too much into advertising it, but the main RP areas have finally opened, and that's what was holding it down.

It definitely still a bit of a mess, but come check it out, eh? I mean, it's seriously freestyle (forum-based, btw). Not only can you have your character follow whatever story can be found in the world (yeah, there's a whole world to choose from!) but it's set up so that members can actually add on to the world (and it certainly needs a lot of that right now >.< ). Even if you can't find your cup of tea in that, there's another board for various genre RP where you can just kinda come up with whatever.

Well, I'm proud, in any case. I hope I'll be seeing more people around soon.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24096994/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24096994/ Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:03:26 PDT
It would seem that Umbrascitor and I have become freelancers. ^_^ Though, at this point, though closest thing to payment that's actually been mentioned is printer dude'll give a discount on the shirts we order. Which is nice, really, since the first order of Banana-nana-Ninja shirts is going to be over $400 total, apparently. I'm not sure where exactly we're going to be keeping the things... I am looking forward to wearing a Banana-nana-Ninja shirt, though!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So I was at the library, doing that volunteer thing like I do (did you know there's a children's book author by the name of McPhail?), getting ready to finish up, when my roommate appears, still filthy from work (tree stuff). As my mind is still processing that fact (slow thing that it is), he says he has was could be good news. So I wait and listen to what he had to say.

He's been looking around for a local printer (T-shirts specifically), trying to find something that could serve our needs, mostly for Banana-nana-Ninja. Today he checked one we had thought had gone out of business until recently, when we learned it had simply moved. While there, Umbrascitor and printer dude got to talking about some different things, things that hadn't really been planned for. The result?

Printer dude (who seems somehow unaware of local graphics firms, or perhaps just doesn't want to pay that much) has both our names and numbers, and the addresses to the websites I've done. He may contact us about fixing up his site. Furthermore, apparently a man from a store that's rather well known around here at least (The Magic Man)had recently asked printer dude to make them a logo, but the actual graphics and design stuff isn't his thing - just the printing. So, while less likely, we may also end up making a logo for The Magic Man.

Umbrascitor came to the library to tell me that before he'd even gone home and showered. Man, I seriously hope this works out - first that we get the job, and second that we pull it off. That'd just be so cool.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24015763/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/24015763/ Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:20:24 PDT
Anyway...

I got to be kinda a semi-official art person today. The local library (the one I'm a volunteer at ^^ ) had a "Manga Jam" thing, and while the local artist guest guy sorta led things (as much as there was leading to do, anyway), I got to be all helpful and stuff too. Head lady is planning on making it a monthly event, though we suggested she open it up to art in general (especially since local artist dude had plenty fantasy art, but a distinctly Western style and very little knowledge about manga-type-stuff). Plus, the people who showed up were fairly varied anyway, only one was actually doing manga.

I'm pretty proud of how my art's coming along too. I'm starting to get a better idea of bodies and poses and such. Still having troubles, of course... but I'm getting there. And the library actually has a number of art and craft books available. It's funny, I like to have resources around, but I never really use them... take all the tutorials I've got fav'd away, for instance. I see something that looks nifty and useful, collect it, and never look at it again! x.x

I'm also making another attempt to get back into writing. I actually made an exercise out of talking about how I couldn't. XD I won't be posting it here since it's written for one site in particular (even has parts talking about "this site" and such), but if you want to read it, here: [link] For those who might not understand the "yellow case" thing, people there with a yellow case by their names are "Preferred Authors." And for those of you who know who the teacher I mention is (if you bother to read it), if you mention it to her, I'll hunt you down and do terrible, horrible things! Really, it's just me whining anyway, so it's not exactly a fantastic read. Anyway, we'll see how things go, whether or not I'll manage to get back into writing.

In other news, my roomie, ~Umbrascitor, won his first OCBZ brawl and is nearly done with his entry for the second (and we'll both be surprized if he doesn't get it... short animation vs an electro-fart splash page o.O ). He's pretty proud, but now he's wanting me to join. I'm not too sure I'd do too good in such a thing, though. :/

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23756929/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23756929/ Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:00:31 PDT
~~~

Just had a random bit of thought after seeing a picture of Tuomas from Nightwish... my mind went to something I'd recently been thinking about; that is how I had a fondness for the Gravedigger from Repo: The Genetic Opera, and for a guy I used to work with, and for the same reasons. What is it these three males had in common? A few things:

1. Long, dark hair
2. Eyeliner, and a general gothy-ish appearance
3. An amusing but sort of gentlemanly demeanor (well, I don't know about Tuomas, but he did seem to have an almost child-like charm at a concert I went to, for some reason)

These guys aren't all necessarily particularly attractive by normal means; I mean, they look nothing like some of the really popular guys, like Orlando Bloom (who I also find attractive, though I think he looks kinda weird as Legolas) or others I don't know the names of. Still, I found them quite attractive and charming. And now that I'm thinking about it, I was fond of Eric Draven in The Crow, as well.

I knew already that I had a preference for people in general who go against the "norm," in friends or anything. They're just more fun. But it would seem I have a particular attraction to charming, long/dark haired, somewhat gothy guys.

Almost a shame... my Teddybear only has one of those features, the long, dark hair, and even that... he's got really nice hair, but it's in a mullet (he has charm, too, but of a different sort). Really, I'd laugh if he tried being gothy, especially if he tried wearing makeup at all. He just couldn't pull it off. XD But eh, he makes up for it by still being a sweety, and being almost unnaturally intelligent. And weird. There's just no way I could be very close to a "normal" guy who likes "normal" things. It's hard enough just to get along with some of 'em. >.< Similarly, I couldn't date a guy who I knew I was less intelligent than me. I mean, I'm not all THAT bright, but... mean as it might be, I dislike stupid people. I'm willing to help them out if I can, and I'll be nice and all, but I don't like dealing with them... I tried dating a rather unintelligent guy once, in Jr High, when a friend kept bugging me to until I gave in... lasted a day. I only really hung out with the guy because he lived kinda next door anyway, and most of that time I spent mentioning various things just to laugh at how he had no idea what I was talking about. Yeah... Seriously, the way he was, anything you said around him, he'd promptly repeat it back as a question. o.O

Alright, I'm done blathering on about nothing for now. ^_^

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23555158/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23555158/ Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:53:47 PST
See, I actually tend to forget to shower, especially when I have no reason to be in public. I generally aim for once every other day. However, I've discovered that so long as I don't do anything to get really sweaty (and, no, not showering doesn't mean I stop wearing deodorant), I can go about a week without showering with the only sign being that my hair gets a bit greasy, and even that can be hidden decently if I cover it or put it up. Admittedly, a couple times recently I let that happen so it'd be easier to comb my hair; now that I've gotten the fried ends off, I shouldn't have to worry about that so much.

Anyway, yeah, I can put off showering and not stink. Instead, I apparently have a good enough natural scent that my roommate frequently compliments me. Others have as well. The general description is that it smells like incense, even though I haven't burned incense in who-knows-how-long? I think the last time I was even around incense was the start of June of last year. That's how it generally is, people will tell me I smell good when I haven't recently been around anything that would cause me to.

Now, where it really gets funny is that back around 5th grade, I was constantly being told I stank. It didn't matter how much I washed or anything, I was always taunted and avoided, and couldn't understand why it seemed only I was getting such treatment. Then, it had nothing to do with cleaning habits - it was actually our water that caused it, or so we're pretty sure. The place we lived at the time had well water, and there was some sulfer seepage. Because of it, we always had a jug of water in the fridge, because it'd taste better after sitting than right out of the faucet (we also had to clean it periodically, it got gross). Unfortunately, we couldn't really do anything about showering, and that was worse. The hot water seemed to trigger the sulfer, so whenever anyone showered, the house smelled like rotten eggs. We got mostly used to it, but there was probably enough residue left on us that others could pick up on it.

And now, I get told I smell good. Apparently, I find that amusing enough to post this.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23444797/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23444797/ Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:43:29 PST
Anyway, yesterday(ish) was a good day. Actually, the past few days have been rather nice...

First, a couple days ago, I managed to get just the right kind of boredom and urge to do something that I actually cleaned. My clothes are finally put away, and my various junk that had been set in the bedroom when I first moved in and which went long untouched is now cleared. Now I just have to do the same with the office, living room, and supposed-to-be-dining-area. Then we might actually be able to vacuum the place!

Then, yesterday and its preceding night, I was up the whole night screwing around with a replacement "style" for my RP site [link] and managed to get what I felt was a decent start. I managed to put a sidebar in, anyway. Still a long way to go before I put it into use though. I was quite proud of what I'd done. Also, phpBB's default styles are retarded, prosilver actually having 14 flippin' CSS files for some reason. So, I must admit, I'm cheating and using another as a sort of template. Because I have no clue what to do if I was trying from scratch. Should end up pretty well unrecognizable though, I'm changing all sorts of setup, I just needed something intelligible to tell me what I have to work with.

So, later yesterday, after I'd gotten a bit of sleep, I called the local library about being a volunteer (it'd get me out of the house, around people, get me some new skills/experience, and make me look better to potential employers). I sent in an app a few (couple?) days ago, and got an email telling me I needed to call them to set up an interview, go to an orientation at the main branch, and get a background check from the courthouse (would a file for me even exist?). So anyway, I called... nothing was scheduled, the "interview" was done right over the phone, and the lady was very happy I wanted to come in. Apparently they were looking for someone who could do art and graphics stuff, and I happened to check those on the app. I think that was the first time anyone's gotten so excited about me helping out with something. o.O There was a little confusion though, apparently they're switching the system for bringing people in, so it didn't mention anything about me needing an orientation and my background check was shown as "ok." O.o I mentioned that I hadn't done any of that yet, so the lady said she'd call the orientation lady so something could be set up, and I'ma have to remember to ask her about the background check thing. So yeah, I won't be getting paid, but I'ma be working at the library. Or, as my roomie put it, I'm going to be "the hot librarian." XD

I don't even have a usable library card presently... I have a couple for other library systems somewhere though. Just not this one.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23269294/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23269294/ Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:49:32 PST
What brought this on? I just spent an hour or so working on something meant to be a sort of trip through a mind, something that, done right, could be fantastic. I have the idea, I know how it should be written, but I try doing it... utter crap that just sounds like some whiny person who doesn't even know what the heck they're rambling on about. Gah!

It's kinda funny (in an unfunny way). People used to compliment me on my writing a lot, and on Writing.Com, I was labeled a "Preferred Author," which only goes to 10% of the "authors" on there. I don't meet, like, about any of the criteria for that anymore, but I've still got the title. It's kinda like a slap in the face anymore. "Hey look, you had some promise and potential once." And now I suck. Heh, I used to adore that site, and now all I do is log in once a day to see if I've got any mail to dump...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23187464/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/23187464/ Sat, 14 Feb 2009 04:03:01 PST
Anyway, whether in a relationship or single (or even one of those people who has multiple "relationships"), I hope you have a great day. No being forgotten or left out. If it seems that way, do something special for yourself and forget the world. I'd announce my usual pride in being single on the "lovey-doviest day of the year," but, well, I guess I can't this time. I'm not single enough. @_@

Oh well. I can still thumb my nose at bouquets, boxes of chocolate (most of which I tend not to like much anyway), and fancy dinners. And pink. Gawd, I'm THRILLED to not be utterly surrounded by pink. But yeah, I know I won't be getting anything like that, and it doesn't particularly bother me. Actually, considering our financial situation, such things would prolly make me feel kinda guilty. Even without that, I'm a rather awkward person who tends to ruin romantic stuff simply by being involved in any manner.

Anyway, to all of you, I give hearts and roses!



]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22935610/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22935610/ Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:43:34 PST
It might still be a bit buggy, especially since I know very little of the actual code; the site was built in Dreamweaver, and my version at least seems to be a little odd. It kept duplicating style tags, and even more often would insert ones that served absolutely no purpose. For example, I'd try giving a certain bit of text a certain color, and some random tag would be added, but the text wouldn't change at all. o.O

It was actually my roommate who did the flash stuff and ironed out the javascript (for the news feed), though. He's much better about looking up and interpreting code stuff, even though like, a month ago, he knew even less than me. In the process, he decided that while he does like some of the Flash-specific functions, as far as animation programs go, he much prefers Sothink Quicker for ease of use. Unfortunately, the programs are totally incompatible. So, his cartoon will continue to be made in Quicker, but he plans to do the little snazzy things (like the animated homepage header) in Flash. He also doesn't like Dreamweaver, but I think that's mostly because he refused to follow the tutorial to learn the basic functions before trying to do various snazzy things.

I'm hoping the bugginess is just in the version we happened to get, although it'd be awhile before we could possible afford to get any others. We only managed to get what we did because of my student discount while in college. Got the entire CS3 for about the price of one of the standalone programs. It seemed to be a different version of CS3 than usual though, which may be why it seems a bit buggy.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22719518/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22719518/ Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:52:05 PST
It was released on DVD yesterday, and we'd put it on our Netflix list, so we got to see it last night.

Now, the title alone prolly makes ya' go, Huh? Did for my mom. The movie itself... it has nudity, sexuality (not quite actual sex), bad language, and gore is sort of a central theme. Generally, I don't much care for such things. However, the story, the songs (it's a rock opera), and the characters were all pretty cool, enough so that I wouldn't mind owning the movie if I can find a copy for sale. Heh, and if you want to know more yourself, the movie's got a website, and it has trailers on YouTube. Look it up. It was actually better than I expected, and the storyline's not very hard to follow.

I find I'm particularly fond of the Graverobber. <.<

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22639314/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22639314/ Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:33:56 PST
Why am I happy?

Two reasons:
1. Things for both my website and my roommate's are suddenly all coming together, and a friendly nerd told us we were on the right track and nudges us toward other helpful information.
2. WE HAVE A CINTIQ!!! Yes, a Wacom Cintiq15x. Found it on ebay for under $600, and it works great. I must give much thanks to the seller!

Glee!

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22517987/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22517987/ Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:48:25 PST
You know how you can get tablets to use for Photoshop? Well, what if they had something like that for 3D stuff? Like, you use some of that VR type tech that senses where where your arms are and stuff. It'd be like working with an actual material, except it'd be air, and the thing you'd be making is on your computer. You wouldn't have to worry so much about little fingerprints and stuff because you'd have as much control over turnout as you do in any art program. And I'm pretty sure the tech already exists to "print" out a sculpture... I've seen laser carvings, after all.

Heh, that'd prolly upset sculptors as much as photoshop has upset photographers and traditional painters. But eh, hand-made, one-of-a-kind stuff still seems to go for more, and I'm sure that trend would continue.

If it's already been done, great! If not and someone who's capable of doing something somehow gets the idea from my posting this, still, great! I mean, I certainly can't make something, and I'm crap for research. So yeah...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22446067/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22446067/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:42:04 PST
Why?

Sure, there's plenty tutorials all over the place, but I've got 2 websites to make with various things, and the more I learn, the less I understand. I really don't know where to start. That's why tomorrow I'll be attempting to contact the nerd most likely to have time to help me. He was supposed to be my out-of-school mentor for my senior project, after all... Well, now he can actually teach me something I can use!

So what the heck is it I'm doing, and why? Both were kinda Ted's idea, really... One site is for his cartoon, and the other is something he suggested when I recently complained about not being able to ever stick to anything (and frankly, I'm afraid of the latter being an utter failure). With the two, I need to figure out how build a website, make forums, embed a blog, set up an operational shop, embed flash, upload webpages to the net, figure out how a domain name actually connects to a website... and I have to do this all snazzy-like, without spending a fortune. Sure, I could leave the one for me alone, but it's Ted's that requires more work!

And where is my skill level? Well... I can post in forums with BBCode without using the little buttons, I know a few HTML tags and can decipher a bit more, and I know how to open the Dreamweaver program. That's about it. >.<

*sighs* This is why I usually don't volunteer for things. I don't want to stick myself with something I don't fully understand. @_@

Thank goodness for nerds and tutorials...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22273881/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/22273881/ Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:06:38 PST
Anyway...

I visited my family for Christmas, and we had turkey and ham. My turkey, that I got for free, muaha! I'm pretty sure we've still got leftovers... speaking of which, I never did eat. o.O I needa stop that, the not eating and the sleeping all the time...

Present turnout was (much) better than birthday, lol. Roomie got me a Fella, and he's very cuddly. Also played ImaginIff with us, and got many, many turns. And my grandpa got me a book, Photoshop CS3 Studio Techniques (hey, something useful!). And there was other stuff and stuff. The best part was when my roomie opened his present from me. He got to the box, figured pretty quick if was for an oriental style tea set like he'd been wanting to get, and laughed a little. He opened the box, and on top of the tea stuff was MK Deception, which he'd been wanting but had proven somewhat difficult to get. He laughed quite a bit, and it made me happy. ^_^ Very much worth the trouble of getting it all.

And, since it's bound to spread around, the way my parents are bragging to everyone... While we were there, Ted, my roommate, asked my parent's permission to marry me. Please note, I am NOT engaged, as he has NOT PROPOSED yet. So please, no congratulations yet. >.< And no asking about wedding-y stuff! And no advise. Seriously. Please. Save it, and maybe I'll be up to listening when something a little more official has happened.

Yes, I'm a crazy little person like that.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21760014/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21760014/ Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:38:20 PST
Well, the conversation didn't go past that, but I did already mention more than just RPs, didn't I? I also try to keep up with eight webcomics, plus a few that I check back through only every so often for updates. I also run a help thread on GaiaOnline (and do a rather poor job >.< ), try to keep up with the goings on here, mess around on a mostly-text browser RPG, log in every day to a site that I don't really even use anymore, and still find time to goof off and look for random things. It's no wonder I never have time to do anything! o.O

Oh, also, for those who may have missed it, I had my birthday and am now 20. I got an overly-frosted cake that my little brother found at church for free, a pair of long red Dollar Tree gloves that don't fit, $20 from my Granny (as always), and card from my grandpa (he actually got me a camera a bit back as an early present), and some old clothes my mum got free somewhere after which she told me she completely forgot to get me anything. Normally it's everyone else I can count on such from, but it was meh family. :/ S'okay though, I got plenty birthday wishes from a few other people, and I got to help out a friend's family with the huge Thanksgiving dinner they held (over 100 lbs of mashed potatoes, to clue you in). I couldn't help in the kitchen since I had a number of tiny cuts on my hands, but I got to bring people their plates and stuff. Everyone seemed so appreciative, and it made me happy. ^_^ Plus, I got to take home a couple extra full dinners for my roomie and I, and mine kept me well-fed at work on Friday. As for that cake... I ain't eatin' the thing. Told my roomie to take it to work with him, let his coworkers have it. XP I'll make my own cake...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21499591/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21499591/ Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:03:31 PST
In better news, my birthday is coming up pretty quick. I'm a bit nervous about turning 20, to be honest. Makes me feel like I have to grow up, moreso than when I turned 18. But, meh, I'll prolly still be a goofball. At least I seemed to amuse my coworkers. ^^

Also, we (my roomie and I) might be getting a Wacom tablet soon. And not just any tablet, an Cintiq! How soon depends on how my loans will play out and how quick I can get another job. At worst, I imagine we'll get in sometime in the late spring. If you don't know what I'm talking about, take a look, they've recently introduced a smaller, less expensive model. [link]

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21331433/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21331433/ Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:36:24 PST
First of all, the Halloween parade proved interesting. I managed to take 3rd in the age 13+ group, and got $15. My roommate entered both the costume contest and the pumpkin contest, and took 2nd in both for a total of $40. Had he entered one or the other, everyone is quite sure he'd have gotten top prize; however, we're pretty sure the judges figured since he did both, it'd be more fair to others to place him second. You can check out our costumes [link] . And yes, he's wearing real vegetation, and that's the same pumpkin he used in the pumpkin contest (it was an afterthought to enter that one).

For the actual stuff about Halloween, things were a bit more.... interesting. The plan was to get off work early Thursday, go to Vegas to see Apocalyptica on Friday, check out the sights Saturday, and return home Sunday, sleeping in a tent while we were out. What actually happened?

Things started out alright. We set out, aware that we'd both forgotten towels. No big deal. More then a third of the way into the drive (that's several hours and lots of gas), the first big problem hit us - we'd also forgotten the concert tickets. Suddenly it seemed as though, for the second time, Apocalyptica was being waved in my face and taken away. We kept going, deciding that if they couldn't provide replacements and had no spares we could buy, we would find something else to do. Fortunately, they were able to give us replacement tickets at no extra charge.

Second problem was the tent. It belongs to my parents, and they'd been nice enough to lend us not only the tent, but also sleeping bags and an airmattress. Unfortunately, having been used before, the tent had no instructions and I couldn't remember how to put it up (having not done so myself before). Ted (my roommate) was no help, as he'd never slept in a tent before in his life. But, after trying several different things, we were able to get it together at least well enough to serve the purpose. Both of us lacking sleep, we then tried napping in it. In Vegas, in the middle of the day. I don't think either of us actually manages to sleep before giving up.

Next, there was my costume. Knowing I couldn't wear the mask, I had (crappy) make-up. I enjoyed getting various reactions through the day, until it cam time for the concert. After temporarily getting stuck on the monorail, we hurried over to get in line, only to find out everything was working an hour later than was implied by the schedule. While in line, I decided to make use of the bathroom, and also VERY stupidly decided to have Ted hold my purse - with ticket, wallet, ID, phone, glasses, everything. Trying to find a bathroom sign in a crowded casino when you're nearsighted isn't fun. I hurried there, I hurried back. But, when I got back, the line had changed, I couldn't see Ted, and a security guy wouldn't let me by to find him without my ticket, and also told me that someone had suddenly decided no one could wear face paint inside. Once again, after working out the last issue, it seemed I would be denied. But, random guy to the rescue, he happened to be passing by and let me use his phone to call Ted so I could have my purse and stuff. Then I just had to hurry to the bathroom again, clean my face enough to be allowed in, and hurry back.

Once inside, we got to stand for another hour or so, listening to random music, and the crowd cheering ever so often for no reason. Our wait was, of course, not met by Apocalyptica, nor by a cover band. Instead, we got the freaking crappiest puppet show that surely has ever been performed. After another half hour of waiting, the band finally came out and made up for everything with simple, energetic awesomeness. The crowd was kinda sucky and lame, but the guys... they also made up for that. And unlike the Nightwish concert last year, I could actually see the performance!

After that, most things went right. We often had good timing for things, we saw some the the free shows some casinos do, we even went on a (rather expensive) ride that spun us over the edge of a building about 100 stories above the street. The only real problem that kept coming up was how much my feet hurt. But, timing started falling behind overall... Toward the end of Saturday, we were getting tired and still had a number of things to do. Hesitantly, we called our workplaces to extend our little vacation a day, and had Sunday well planned - spend most of the day on rides in one of the casinos, watch the fountain show at another, and get more chapel pictures (yes, I was taking pictures of all the wedding chapels I spotted, since it amused me). Having already taken down the tent and not wanting to fight with it again, especially that late, we drove around looking for an inexpensive (but not scary-cheap) hotel/motel to stay in... ]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21095486/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21095486/ Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:44:02 PDT
This weekend, the town my parents (and little brother) live in will be having it's annual Halloween Parade (always the Saturday before Halloween). I've participated the past few years (despite the fact that judges are biased toward their own families), largely because it's an excuse to dress up and show off.

This year, having moved won't be keeping me from participating again. MUAHA!

That's right, I'll be headed in late Friday so that I can be there in time for the parade Saturday morning. I'll be sure to post at a pic of me in costume (when I get around to it).

For those of you who still live around there - I'd love to see ya's!

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21002043/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/21002043/ Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:37:00 PDT
Er... one is, anyway. No, I'm not going to tell you what it is, I'm going to make you click a link and SEE! Muahaha!

[link]

In other news, being sick sucks, but I think everyone already new that. I've simply been reminded. o.<

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/20868749/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/20868749/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:42:42 PDT
While I was in Portland, I had a chance to see Apocalyptica (4 guys rocking on cellos, ftw), but didn't (for financial and security reasons). At the time, it didn't look like they'd be on the US West Coast again anytime soon. Recently I heard something about a concert somewhere abouts again, so I checked... They'll be in Portland this month.

But I'm not seeing them in Portland.

I'll being skipping out on work for a Friday (it was one Friday or another Friday :/ ), going to Vegas to see them, on The Strip, on Halloween. Ooh, I am SO looking forward to it. Should be even better than Nightwish last Halloween, if for no other reason than that I'm sure it's a bigger venue. WEEEE!

In other news, I got transferred in work to a place where I should have more opportunities to make extra money (but there'll be more stress :/ ), and I'll soon have medical insurance again (through my mum's work). And I'm currently partly blonde. And I got a couple really nice dresses at Goodwill for $4 each (just need an excuse to wear them!).

And now, I am sleepy... And will start work a half hour earlier than I have been, because of the transfer...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/20620217/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/20620217/ Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:48:21 PDT
Yeah, I went yesterday, got to see A Midsummer Night's Dream (which had this 60's-80's and rave music culture thing going on) and The Comedy of Errors (which they set in the Wild West and had much singing in place of lengthy monologues). Oh man, I'm SO glad I talked Ted into getting the Midsummer Night's Dream tickets too, there was just... so... much. He was a little scared, maybe, when they first introduced the faerie characters... they were all guys in tutus and stuff. XD We also ate at a place called The Black Sheep, there was a little Celtic Band thing going and the food is supposed to be kinda traditional British stuff (with a bit of Ashland's natural/organic thing *shrugs* ). Overall, excepting the loss of my Irish whistle, yesterday was a day well spent. ^_^

Aside from that, I've still got my job (but I need to find another, at very least so I still have something when this one ends) and it's going alright. It's painful, especially for my feet (and it hurts for all the goodies we have to throw away DX ), but's it's money. I've already managed to get a bike, yay!

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/20393793/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/20393793/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:42:16 PDT
Also, it's an assembly line. o.< They only had one other opening... apparently, what they really need right now are truck and bus drivers. I have no idea why they need bus drivers... the passes are for RVTD. o.O

In other news, I have an Etsy account (still empty right now), recently managed to misplace my debit card in my wallet, am attempting to learn to make decent paper mache masks.

I needa go to Italy and find a master mask-maker person. XD

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/20158792/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/20158792/ Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:28:46 PDT
In other news, I STILL don't have a job... If anyone wants to commission me for something, I won't charge too much... Actually, I have this fear of charging too much, even when people keep telling me I should charge more for stuff... prolly wouldn't charge more than about $20 or $30 for pretty much anything... And if I actually know you, I'm sure the transition would be much easier than if I didn't. ^^ So... help? If you're for some reason seeing this without knowing what sorts of stuff I can do, then take a peek in my gallery. o.O

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19962130/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19962130/ Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:55:18 PDT
-First thing you wash in the shower?
Hair

- What color is your favorite hoodie?
Black, and it's my only real hoodie.

- Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Yep.

- Do you plan outfits?
Sorta?

- How are you feeling RIGHT now?
A little hungry... kinda tired (sleep deprivation ftw XD )... hotter than I'd like...

- Who was the last person you kissed?
My roomate (he also about the only person I've seen in weeks DX )

- Person before that?
Guy I was in college with, and who might read this.

- What are you craving right now?
Something munchie-like would be nice...

- What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
...a head of cabbage...

- Do you make prank calls?
Nah.

- Ever hooked up with some one out of state?
Yep.

- Do you sleep with any stuffed animals?
Not lately.

- Would you dance to the taco song?
Eh?

- Have you ever counted to 1,000?
One, two, skip a few, nine-hundred-ninty-nine, one thousand.

- Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Depends on if it's in a bowl or a cone.

- Do you like anyone right now?
Plenty of people. Like like? Well that's too "Hey, Arnold!"

- What do you think of crickets?
They bite more than grasshoppers. They're also a lot noisier and squishier.

- Have you ever met a celebrity?
No, but my mom met Anthony Hopkins at a restaurant/gas station. He autographed the menu for her. Xd

- Do you like cottage cheese?
Large curd, please.

- What are you listening to right now?
Fans.

- Would you go sky diving?
Cha.

- Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
If he paid, sure.

- Would you throw potatoes at him?
Not likely.

- Is there anything sparkly on you?
...I need sparkles.

- Do you rent movies often?
I don't, but I watch movies from other people's Netflix lists.

- Who sits behind you in your math class?
I don't have a math class. I don't have any classes.

- Can you count backwards from 74?
Could. Won't.

- Who are you going to be with tonight??
My roomate. *shrugs* We do kinda share an apartment.

- Brown or white egg?
I'd like to get some brown ones...

- Ever been on a train?
Sorta... It was on a rail and connected a few cities...

- Ever told someone you loved them?
I'm sure everyone has at some point in their life, even if it was to a family member as a child.

- Do you have a cell phone?
Yeah, but it's working less and less...

- Are you a virgin?
Interesting order... my cell phone is Virgin Mobile. XD (FYI - great prices, decent reception, horrible service).

- Any kids?
No, but I'll prolly be an aunt withing the next few years...

- What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
Going to work. :/

- Ever had cream puffs?
Yep.

- Ever had Breaded Shrimp?
Yep.

- Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Yep.

- What was the last question you asked?
Do I look creepy now?

- What was the last CD you bought?
I think I've only ever payed for one CD, and it was one of those mix things... All my others were given to me by various people.

- What is/was your bus number for school?
Can't remember.

- Is your hair curly?
Nope. I could prolly take a curling iron and super-strength gel to it, and it'd still be straight again within a few hours.

- Last time you cried?
Maybe shortly before I decided to leave college... It's hard to tell.

- Ever walked into a wall?
Yep.

- Ever walked UP a wall?
Does a doorway count?

- Have you ever bought anything from PacSun?
Wazzama whoza?

- Favorite time of the year?
Don't have one.

- What's your favorite number?
13 - I know, it's cliche

- Favorite colours?
Blue, black, and white.

- Do you have any piercings?
In my ears, but I never wear earrings anyway.

- Do you have any tattoos?
No, but I've got a blue mark on my leg from my new airbrush.

- Who was the last person you held hands with?
My roomie.

- Do you sleep with the TV on?
The TV is rarely used. It only gets static anyway.

- Where was your default picture taken at?
Default...? If that means avi, ID, or the featured thing, all were taken in or near my parent's house.

- Why was your default picture taken?
Uh...?

- Do you like your life right now?
For the most... ]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19927556/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19927556/ Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:26:41 PDT
Anyway, I've been meaning to post this, and I hope enough people who know enough stuff/people (etc as far as need be) read this to be of use! Hokay.

The way I'm going right now, I'm left searching and hoping for answers to questions I have about whatever sort of artsy thing I go after. While that is actually fairly effective, there are things that I can't find, and things that I don't even think about. So I was thinking, hey, maybe I could see about hoppin' in a club or group to help me learn and stuffs. Problem is, in the past I've had a habit of joining dead groups (not finding out until too late). I's also like to be sure that something is what I'm looking for BEFORE becoming part of it, and I figure the best way to do that is to ask around! (Yeah, I might post this in the forums, depending on how things go...)

Basically, I want to learn things. Whatever. If it's an art that can be taught, I want to try to learn it. So basically, I'm looking for groups that can help me learn. Know any?

Another thing... as far as actually doing things goes, I'm a bit limited right now. I've not managed to get a job yet, so I can only actually work with what I have. What do I have?

paper (various sizes) - scissors - glue (white, tacky, super, rubber cement) - tape - acrylics (little tubes) - gouache (running out) - oils (and thinner) - super sculpey - sculpey ultra light - sculpey superflex - liquid sculpey - clay softener - glossy glaze - tinfoil - plastic wrap - aluminum armature wire - airbrush - sander and sandpaper - hemp string - beads (of many sizes) - fishing line - calligraphy pens (only 2 functional nibs) - ink - variety hardness pencils - charcoal - colored pencils - X-acto knife - fabric (mostly scraps) - thread - digital SLR camera - GIMP - an entire Adobe suite (CS3, I think) - sharpies (in many colors!) - gel pens (in MANY colors!) - junk CDs - colored/patterned tissue paper - rabbit pelt - some kind of wool - thin wooden dowels - a plastic faceform - a small variety of general office supplies

*falls over* I know there's things I didn't list, but I think that's all the important stuff. If you could direct me to an active group that could teach me, or even if you've got pointers for me yourself, I'd be grateful. Oh, and it doesn't have to be on dA (although I've rather not have to join a ton of different sites).

Oh, a few things I don't have - a large surface/area, a sewing machine, a small-area sander, particularly good tools, a massive amount of patience, or a great deal of creativity (always a bugger, I'm trying to work on those last two).

So... yeah. ^_^

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19801951/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19801951/ Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:26:06 PDT
Alright, so... I fell short on the craft store job. But there's other craft stores, and other places in general. It should help a bit now that I've updated my profile on a job search site... It still showed me as in high school. @_@ I've applied to a Jo-Ann's now, and there's also a Michael's nearby. Well, pretty much any place would be kinda far to walk to, but meh.

I have found a site with freaking great prices for art supplies. I learned of Utrecht while in Portland, but this place certainly gives them a run for it. Interestingly enough - DickBlick.com. I'm vaguely familiar with the name, so I've no reason not to trust it. I managed to save more than I spent with one order (mostly because the most expensive thing I ordered was on clearance ). It makes me happy. Of course, I really shouldn't go there again until I have a job... I'm much to impulsive... I've got about $200 to last me until I get a job, and I spent over $50 on that order... Well, about $60 with shipping fees. Thank goodness I live in a state with no sales tax...

As I continue to work on stuffs, I'm getting closer to having to make a decision... When I really get to trying to sell artsy stuff, I'm going to have to either clear this account of most stuff (I have over 200 submissions, most of which aren't really that great) or create a new one and prolly still at least temporarily take down a number of things, since it seems to be the only way to take things out of the prints shop and I'd rather keep sellables in one place. >.< A third option would be to just advertise my own site (I'm gonna need one) from this account (and still do the prints removal, prolly).

In other news, I've still only finished one of the projects shown in Multi-task-ish. The intrument I think I mentioned previously is, thus far, an utter failure. I've started working on a mini-ball-jointed doll to see if I can even make the joints work (unfortunately, I keep becoming tired of working on it very quickly). I made a semi-posable eye (either the clay isn't as flexible as implied, or the oven is overcooking it), much like the one I posted previously. I finally started working with some oil paints I picked up (marked down from $30 to $5, prolly because they're old and funky) and discovered just how freaking messy the things are. And I made a Jzin face, and it makes me happy because it's good (I'll totally be posting it, even if it never becomes a finished thing).

Woo, long journal. And I thought I didn't have enough to say to bother. o.O

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19671385/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19671385/ Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:03:07 PDT
I seem to have gotten my friend off me mostly about the job thing, in part because I've applied to a number of places and in part because I've been keeping sorta busy ( [link] and my increase in posting stuffs being proof). But... wow, I have so much trouble yet focusing on one thing. I've been looking up plenty of stuff about sculpting and ball-jointed dolls (*shrugs*), but actually doing... well, I've only finished one of the things in [link] , but have also made a little baby scupture and started making what I hope will be a functional instrument.

And we recently got coffee syrups, so I've been making us fancy Starbucks/Dutch Bros. style drinks. And I generally make food for him (nothin' special, more like prepare a little and serve) when I make it for myself, since he eats a lot and I tend to be asleep most of the time he's at work. Plus, it helps me keep from feelign to bad about my ever-growing debt to him... I need a job. >.< Seriously, I'll soon owe him over $600, and that's with him taking more than his half of the costs for stuff! And I still need to be able to pay back those school loans, about $7-8,000 worth I think.

And I need focus. And I need to make stuff that's a sellable quality rather than practice and expirimentation. And I need to get working with all the Adobe stuff we got. And... and... and I keep looking at my yet-unused gel pens...

Tin roof a'splode. I like ice cream. It makes me happy. Like a happy little penguin. But those pork rinds taste funny. Haven't touched one since.

So... much... stuff...

x.x

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19547914/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19547914/ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:55:54 PDT
Anyone who's seen some my last few deviations knows I've trying out stuff that's a bit more feel-able, like sculpture. Presently the two things I'm working on are woodburning and a marionette (sewing is SO much faster with even a crappy machine...).

Still working on getting a job... narf. There's one I'm really hoping for, at a craft store. If there's any chance, I should hear from them either this week or next week. Unfortunately, my honesty got me rejected from JC Penny's for the next several months... A note to people applying online - little lies about your personality might be a good thing, especially if you're shy. Just think of it as what you'd like to be, and try to be it when it comes time. >.<

Last week was... something. Thursday, I went to a memorial for a lady from my parent's church that I hardly knew (basically, I was willing to go because I know her husband a bit). Most cheerful-ish memorial I've ever been to (y'know, what with the "she's gone home"/"she's dancing for Jesus"thing). Then on Saturday, I went to the county fair (just across the highway) and discovered that my tolerance to spinning has dropped even further, especially in the heat. There used to be a time when I simply didn't GET dizzy or anything, but I was seriously nausious... And eating didn't help as much as it did on my senior trip, or even last year's visit to the fair.

Aside from that, my roomie and I have been watching some Animal Planet type series through Netflix thing called "The Future is Wild", and we just finished. The first episode is utterly laughable, but the rest go on to explain how different creatures could come into being. Of course, some of it is still rather laughable, but better. If nothing else, it's good for anyone trying to think of how different critters might work (like for scifi and stuff), and it's got interesting tidbits on critters that are around today.

Oh - Nightwish will be on the west coast in September. I might get to see them again. ^_^ No sign of another chance at seeing Apocalyptica yet though...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19227099/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19227099/ Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:51:35 PDT
I'm sure people are prolly gonna end up sick of fireworks photos, but I took a bunch with my new camera. I've only seen them on the little veiwer on my camera so far, but that look like they turned out pretty good. And of course I got to hang out with friends that I rarely see anymore, and I got to see one's new little baby at last. Made me happy. ^^

dA still won't let me change my little mood thingy though... I imagine it's the computer's fault, but I don't know what it is...

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19137052/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/19137052/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:35:00 PDT
I never made it to the mall (in fact, I found out that I passed the mall, just on a different road). I ended up stopping at a shopping center with the theatre my friend and I would sometimes go to. By then, my feet hurt, one of my legs and cramped a little, my lower back was sore for some reason, I'd been sprayed by a few sprinklers I wasn't able to avoid, was followed briefly but some creepy guy that a man at a gas station warned me to keep my distance from, I passed by a dead cat hanging halfway out of a bush, and I wasn't entirely sure I knew the way back.

I sat down on a bench between the theater and an all-night gym, comforted by having seen a couple people in the gym and having spotted a camera facing my way in an ice cream shop right there as well. Tried calling my friend, since we've had late night phone conversations before. Tried calling a number more times too. I hung around that same place, trying to get through, but he just wouldn't answer. After awhile I was feeling less sore, so I started back (that is, after some guy with a badge asked me if I was okay).

On the way back, I passed by the dead cat again as well as the creepy guy, and was randomly honked at by a lone car on the road (I about had a heart attack @_@). I was also cold by then... but at least I could see a little better, and I did go the right way. I got home around 5am, took note of "the color of the sky just before dawn," slept a bit on the mini-couch thing on the deck (I think o.O ), and ended up back on the couch inside. I had great difficulty getting back up today.

Found out how far I walked though. All together, it totalled about 11 miles.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18993647/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18993647/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:39:23 PDT
Leave a comment and I will...
a) Tell you why I friended you.
b) Associate you with something random - a song, a fandom, a colour, a photo, etc.
c) Tell you something I like about you.
d) Tell you a memory I have of you.
e) Ask something I've always wanted to know about you.
f) Tell you my favorite pic of yours.
g) In return, you must post this in your journal.


(Unfortunately, depending on who responds, there may be a good chance I don't know enough to answer. )

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18741376/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18741376/ Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:44:06 PDT
Seriously, even if I'd not already thought about it, do they really think the subject hasn't already been brought up numerous times? It's funny in a way, people have been more bothered by my choice of housing than my decision to leave the Art Institute.

Really, it's the best place I have right now. Where my parents are, there's seriously nothing I can do (hence why I feel like a bum presently). I can't count on my grandma to keep me focused. I'm not comfortable enough around my aunt, uncle, and grandpa in Washington (they're too normal, and my aunt actually tried talking my grandpa out of cosigning a loan for me to protect his credit - which ended up being too bad already anyway). I'd prolly go a bit nuts if I tried living with my grandparents in Michigan (and again, prolly have a lack of focus). My big brother parties/drinks too much and moves around too much since he's in the military (and I can only stand being around him so much). Oh, and then there's always my relatives who couldn't even get any of their kids to graduate high school, or maybe one of those people I've only ever known online, wouldn't that just be great? (Yeah, that was sarcasm.)

The guy I'm moving in with though... I get along with him great (we've had little spats, but s'all good), I can count on him to kick my butt if I get too lazy, I think he's going to make me get a driver's licence whether I like it or not... Yeah, the guy's prolly going to act more like a father or big brother, and unfortunately, I still need that kind of pushing too often. But other people don't think about all these things. My parents know of the circumstances, but are still hating it; and for everyone else, all they seem to have in mind is, "Well, there goes her life. She'll probably lose her virginity, get pregnant, and spend the rest of her life on welfare."

*sighs* No matter how strange people think I am, I still get put in with the generalities. I don't claim to not be human (except in jest), but it is true that I am not like "everyone else." Gar!

Hokay... I didn't really mean to rant, it's just I've already had to go through that multiple times and still have more to go... It's not really fun. But, aside from that (and, you know, feeling like a bum from the whole thing), I'm great! ^_^ I got to see some friends from high school (made it to the graduation, woot!), and even get a bit of a shocker - the guy who's always caused me pain if I even touched him not only allowed me to hug him, but it was HIS idea! I a bet he has no idea how much I appreciated it. Heck, I don't even know WHY I appreciated it... I mean, he'd cause me physical pain! And yet, during the graduation, before I even talked to him at all, for some reason I felt almost like he was an annoying brother I was proud of... o.O

Erm, yeah... I'll stop blabbering on and on now. Sorry.

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18620929/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18620929/ Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:52:43 PDT
So, provided things work out, I'll be leaving Portland on the 7th - that's this Saturday, kiddies. And provided I saw the correct date, it also means I might just make it to see this years grads at my old high school. Muaha, I shall torment and terrorize!

There's very little that should get in my way. There's 2 women I need to talk to before I leave, and I'll tell my boss (who's also the head of student housing) at our meeting Tuesday. It's pretty much end-of-term and I don't think she expects many people to for the last week anyway, so yeh.

When's high school let out, anyway? And is graduation indeed on Sunday? <.< If not, I intend to go to the freaking carnival... I saw scary rides of doom. ^_^

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18553987/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18553987/ Thu, 29 May 2008 02:45:56 PDT
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I cannot cry 'cause the shoulder cries more,
I cannot die, I a whore for the cold world."

Those lines are from The Poet and the Pendulum, from Nightwish's Dark Passion Play album. I don't claim to be able to translate the meaning of the song, but those lines by them selves, at least... I remember being like that. I remember not being able to turn my back on someone, no matter what they did - I was always willing to lend an ear and a shoulder, and always trying to make everything better. I had to pretty much ignore the fact that I had feelings too for awhile, long enough that it became a sort of habit. I always had to be happy and helpful, it was this need to try to make everything okay... When others were upset for one thing or another, if I wasn't there doing my best to comfort them, I'd feel like crap. I generally felt bad anyway, because my best was never really good enough. I couldn't fix everything. And every now and then, when I was alone, it'd really get to me, and everything would crash in on me at once. It didn't just bother me that I couldn't help, it also bothered me how little I'd react to many things. I felt inhuman.

Things have changed a bit. I noticed it probably about a year ago. When the same people kept having the same problems, no matter what I or anyone else said or did - it started to irritate me. I'd still try to help, and I generally give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but I'd seriously get to wanting to slap these people, especially since many of them seemed to be the cause of most of the problems they complained about. I've come to realize that I don't have to try to help them; they won't accept it anyway. I don't have to be there for people who'll just blow me off especially those who will continue to destroy themselves in front of me. I still feel sort of bad that I don't have the patients to deal with it, but I'm glad that I know I don't have to crash with them. I've also finally gotten upset in front of others, after so long. It scared me, and I tried not to... but it turned out it wasn't so bad. Heh, I still do my best to avoid it though (even posting this feels weird), and I've actually managed to become more of an optomist for myself anyway, instead of just for others.

I'm happier now than I used to be. A lot of it I owe to friends I've had, especially one in particular who at least figuratively saved my life. I still don't think too highly of myself and my ablilities, but hey, I'm working on improving - myself and my abilities, that is, so that I actually have something to be proud of. Mediocre isn't good enough.

And even though certain people piss me off, I'm still willing to forgive them. They just have to stop digging themselves deeper and start looking at the bright side of things. Live well, and I'll forgive you. Simple enough, right?

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18466422/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18466422/ Fri, 23 May 2008 16:21:11 PDT
That said... Yeah, I'm leaving college, for now at least. My student status will be changed from active to inactive, so I guess I can pick up where I left off should I decide to in the future (yay for not having to repeat classes!). I invite everyone to think I'm and idiot - no doubt, many probably do anyway.

I'll be finishing this term, of course. At the end, I'll be moving in with a friend of mine, and find work I can get to from his place. Pay off what's been used of my loans, and take a variety of public classes from community colleges. Obviously there's a bit more to the plan, but I don't really want to make those who'd be willing to read about it all strain their eyes.

At this point, I've just got paperwork to fill in and a few more things to work out.

If your curious why decided to leave college after scurrying around to get in, it's because I'm an idiot - not for leaving, but for getting into a position where leaving is my best option at this point in time. To those of you who haven't gotten to college - DO NOT PROCRASTINATE on your work now, on college stuff, on scholarships... but still BE SURE OF WHAT YOU WANT.

My little brother may be getting a lecture for his birthday this year. >.<

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18232139/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/18232139/ Thu, 08 May 2008 18:42:52 PDT
Ooh, if anyone who happens to read this journal likes forum-based rpgs, I've recently started something that's set up with a cybertown format and is open to pretty much anything. I'm also working on replacing default graphics on it with prettier stuff and wouldn't mind hearing what ya' think. ^^ If you wanna check it out, it's here [link] .

I'm working more, but still only have the one job. I'm expecting my paycheck tomorrow, for around $100, which is probably going to vanish just as quick as the last... dangit. But I have to help pay the bills, I'm in dire need of fruits and veggies, I need a haircut before the split ends get too bad, and who knows what else?

The end of the term is still 4 or 5 weeks off, but we get a longer break than last time. I'm planning on visiting my family around then, leaching off them for a bit so I only have to pay the cost of a bus ticket. Muaha. Unfortunately, I think I'll miss this years graduation... that may not seem big, since I'm in college, but I still have friends in high school and I've gone to every graduation at that school since my family moved in. Small school, so I always knew someone, and I do again this year.

Oh, I have a friend around there who'll have had her baby by the time I get there... I hope I get to meet the little person. ^_^

Everyone is always poppin' out babies. @_@ I've still not decided if I'm ever gonna have kids, myself. Only reason I can presently see to is that it's the norm. o.O And of course, those who know me should know I'd never do something simply because it was the norm. ^^

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/17934101/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/17934101/ Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:30:28 PDT
In my current apartment, I'm the only one who really ever checks the mail. Today there came something interesting... just a bit o' magazine junkmail from HP (the computer company), but it's what was on the cover... A laptop that doubles as the kind of tablet you draw right on the screen... it made me wanna drool a little... Of course, it's way beyond my budget. >.< By the time I'd be able to afford it, there'd be a better one.

I'm not doing so good with homework this term. I'm more comfortable with this apartment and my new roomies, and I can get online from home now, so it's hard not to go to maximum procrastination. I'm pretty sure I won't quite pull off any A's this term. >.< I need to get crackin'!

]]> ~Novalyyn http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/17741589/ http://Novalyyn.deviantart.com/journal/17741589/ Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:58:33 PDT
Anyway, I'm able to get online from my own computer again, at last. It's kinda funky yet though, since I took pretty much all my files on put them on my external drive - now I have to hook up even to my own computer to access the bloody things. It wouldn't be a problem, except that I only have 2 USB ports, one of which always has a cooling plate hooked into it. And the cord is an awkward length. Oh well.

Had a bit of trouble with my homework already. I didn't have something printed out in time today (despite 4 or 5 attempts to do so, one of which involved a 10 minute speekwalk/jog to Office Max, and then back), so if I have anythin else late in that class, it's an automatic zero. I hate no late work policies, they add an extra bit of frustration. S'okay, though, my other class today went well enough - I got a B- on a project that was hastily done in a sleep-deprived state.

Why am I sleep deprived? Because I'm an idiot. I didn't sleep Friday night because I discovered the ability to watch shows online, and for the first time, I saw Full Metal Alchemist. However, that invloved watching the entire series almost nonstop - 51 episodes, all about 20-25 minutes long, and all of which I had to google separately for some reason. Saturday night, I slept about the adequate amount for the average (not already sleep-deprived) person, and then last night I was up all night again. It mostly invovled trying to get a game I downloaded to work (gawd, my laptop really sucks...) and watching the first few episodes of DNAngel. I haven't gotten to sleep yet... so lets see, Friday-Saturday I was up almost 40 hours, I think I slept about 7-9, and now I've been awake again for almost 40 hours again (I'm around 38 right now). So you see, the only reason I can think of for being sleep deprived is pure idiocy. And I can't sleep tonight (not much, at least) because I think I've got more homework due... I can't quite remember, but I at least know I need to read a bunch of stuff... but the school library is closed. >.<

I'm gonna end up in the hospital, oiy... At least I only have class Mondays and Tuesdays, and work is only for sure Fridays and Sundays. ^^

]]> ~Novalyyn