I like dead flowers
July 10, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
I think there’s something so sad and poetic about flowers that have withered and died. Especially if there’s still some color left to remind you of what once was: a healthy, vibrant flower. I’d add in something about comparing dead withering plants to life but that would be pushing the emo factor, and it’s too early in the day for me. And also because this entry is about LIFE (sort of).
I’ve always wanted to grow a garden. Even just a little one, with a few flowers and maybe some vegetables I actually would eat, like tomatoes. The only problem with that is that I live in the Sunshine State which is the most misleading bullshit I’ve ever heard. It really should be called The Closest To Hell You’ll Ever Get state or maybe Satan’s Favorite Hang Out. Something to that extent because it’s impossible to step outside without diving for the nearest shaded spot so that your skin doesn’t melt off into a puddle of singed flesh.
So I imagine that plants wouldn’t do quite well over here, unless you had a sprinkler hitting them at full speed 24/7. My mom had some azaleas and they bloomed for maybe four days before giving up. Anyway I promised myself that when I move back to a cooler area I’ll go to the nearest Wally World and plant a few things, see how it goes. In the meantime, I’ll just take pictures of the flowers that have surprisingly made it down here, like this one I spotted a few days ago:
Just look at that courageous survivor. I’m almost jealous that it loves to get nutrients from the sun and happily basks in the heat rather than saying “Fuck it” and burying itself deep deep in the ground while whining about living in Hell like I wouldn’t do.
I’m a winnar
June 24, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
Edit: Something went wrong and the comments weren’t working, but they are now! Sorry about that.
So Holdfire had a contest recently, and turns out I won second prize! I entered pretty much positive that I wouldn’t win anything and what do you know, I won a nice little package. Thank you Jordan, this was a sweet contest with great prizes. I’m glad to be a part of it.
The site was down for a day or two while everything propagated but everything is up now and my databases got uploaded and all that. All I can say is thank god for Brent who’s very patient with me and is always willing to help out. If I had tried to do all of this on my own this site would have ended up like all my other ones: dead.
The past couple of days I’ve been working hard on the new online project that I will unveil in July and editing the CSS templates Lime and Gray. They were a little outdated before, so I just spruced them up a little, nothing major. I also apparently didn’t get enough sleep one day? And I decided to make my bird Leopold a subpage. Like those mommy bloggers do? Yeah I don’t know what got into me but I made it and there it is.
I have nothing else to say really, I’ve been so preoccupied on this online project that I can’t really dedicate time to anything else, much less thinking, so I’ll leave you all with a picture of my dog:
A Delicious Day
June 21, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
Thank you all very much for the birthday wishes. My birthday went pretty well. I got to order people around a little and blame it on my birthday. A few of my friends and family came over and I made them all watch Lost since it’s my favorite show and really, I just need more people to watch it with. My plan was successful and I got a few people hooked on it so I chalked it up to just one more birthday present. Speaking of presents, I got a few things: a birthday card from the sweetest guy ever, a tea/coffee mug, a gym membership (important!), some other stuff, and a delicious birthday cake:
Is that not the most delicious thing you’ve ever seen? My lovely sister made it for me, just how I wanted it. I’m planning to ration out little slices and see if it’ll last me ‘till next week because it’s just that good.
The gym membership has got to be one of my favorite gifts because I’m sure you all remember the worst day of this year. I lost a few pounds since then but I need to lose a lot more to climb out of Sluggish mode and into Lively Livin’. So I went yesterday with my sister and a friend and after two hours of pure hell (yes you read that right - TWO. HOURS.) and a whole lot of bitchin’, I finally came home very proud of myself. So proud that I rewarded myself with a sweet piece of cake. (Shh—baby steps, people. Baby steps.)
Times the word ‘birthday’ was used in this entry: 78.
Letters and a layout
June 05, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
I haven’t written an entry in a couple of days, and this is why. Cute as that last layout was, I needed a change. Something simpler, light, and with a little owl (who for some reason always needs to make an appearance).
The past couple of days have been swell. I’ve been napping with my bird, eating cereal for lunch (and sometimes dinner too), watching reruns of Sex and the City, and writing letters by hand. There’s just something about writing letters by hand and sending them through the post that I absolutely love. I love the excited feeling I get whenever I go to my mailbox and find an envelope addressed to my name. As convenient as e-mail is, I just think handwritten letters are so much more personal. Not to mention tangible. I’ll be able to store these letters in a little keepsake for later reading and I love that.
Speaking of my mailbox, remember the tragic death of my old mailbox? Well since then I’ve gotten a new one, and it is very snazzy:
Talk about an upgrade. The downside? The mailbox is not in my front yard anymore. Now it’s next to my backyard, which is twice the trip I used to make, but the handwritten gems I get make it all worth it.
One Year Older
May 16, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
Yesterday was my sister Leslie’s 19th birthday. To celebrate we went with a couple of friends to Olive Garden for dinner, and following that, the movies to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall (hilarious, but not for everyone). I took as many crappy pictures as I could to document the outing.
We thought the Olive Garden was going to be full since it was 6pm and that’s usually when the blue-haired crowd shows up. But there were a few tables left. I had some a delicious personal pan pizza (about 6 mini pizza slices). I only had about three slices because my friend is a human vacuum and managed to eat two entire salad bowls on his own as well as his meal, and what was left over of mine. I even warned the waitress in good lulz to hurry up before he started eating the table because I try really hard like that.
By the time the meal was over the sun was setting. I couldn’t help but snap a picture as we walked to our cars. Off to the movie we went. We had a blast, the guys enjoyed it (which I expected since it is a guy movie) and so did my sister and my other friends. Good times.
The birthday girl getting ready. I can’t believe she’s 19 years old already. Next year she’ll no longer be a teenager.
We’ve stayed really close all these years, and even though Life might be forcing us to make some decisions soon that will affect our future, I hope to remain close with you, best friend. I love you.
A Good Day
May 01, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
Thank you for all of your kind thoughts and ideas on my Death Wish entry. I haven’t done anything too drastic, just trying to keep myself healthy. I drink a lot of water daily and I watch my portions carefully. Baby steps. I also ran out of junk food, so that helps.
Today my sister and I went out for a couple of errands, mainly gathering supplies for her boyfriend’s upcoming birthday party. The man is 19 years old and my sister is throwing him a Batman themed birthday party. I don’t get it at all, but apparently, my sister finds this completely adorable.
We went to the party store and stocked up on Batman candles, plates, and a nice Batman balloon we’re hoping doesn’t die from here until Sunday. We had a delicious lunch at Panera where we discussed important matters gossiped about work. The sky was bright blue with lots of puffy white clouds and there was a nice breeze in the air for a change—it really lifted up my spirits.
P.S. Can you believe it’s May already?! Almost half of this year has come and gone, and I didn’t even realize it. Ah well, Happy May everyone.
A whole lotta nothin’
April 21, 2008 · Filed under: Online. Personal. Photos.
How regal does Leopold look in these pictures? I couldn’t resist posting these because the lighting was just so right, and actually worked in my favor for once. It looks like he’s on a velvet stool or something like that but it’s actually my shoulder. If only I had a Canon Rebel jebus knows I could take some really amazing shots but until I can afford it, I’ll just have to keep fighting with the Olympus I have now. Le sigh.
This entire morning was spent at the Craftster forums. I’m not proud of it or anything (because I really could be doing more productive things) but I just can’t stop clicking on threads and seeing random creative projects made by artsy people. I had my doubts, specifically because I read Becky’s crafster crap posts, but amidst the many lulz there are some really good projects in this forum, as well as tutorials to get your craft on. I’m glad I found yet another website to waste my time on (total lie).
Hi, my name is Sarai and I like to play artist
April 01, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
I’ve been getting into watercolor lately. I just plop down, draw some outlines, and then color them in. I’m too much of a perfectionist, but I’m determined to get to that level of I Don’t Give A Shit. I find it so relaxing and fun. I’ve made a lot of little sketches with watercolor but I only really like three, so I’ll share those with you.
This is the cover of my moleskine. It originally was just a gradient of colors that I was practicing with, and Brent did what I call the Emo Tears effect. I love it.
This is my second attempt at sketching a girl and filling it in. I used too much watercolor for the first one, but this one came out just right.
Just a simple scene of a butterfly with a flower and some hills. I was experimenting with bleeding colors together.
Those are my attempts so far. I’m still a beginner and I have a lot more to learn, but I love it so far. There’s such a huge community of watercolor artists online, it’s amazing. Tons of inspiration available, so I’m super excited to learn. Be gentle, kbai.
A little romp in the snow
March 20, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
Brent’s dog, Downtown Jackie Brown (or Jack for short), and I went outside the other day since the snow was melting. Jack hates snow, so the sight of it disappearing must have lifted his spirits. And mine, too. So I went outside and took pictures of Hope. After taking pictures of dead trees, I decided to concentrate on a more exciting subject: Jack himself.
Jack’s adorable paw prints in the snow.
He heard another dog bark and got excited.
Time for a quick potty break.
Time to go back inside.
It snowed the day after, naturally, but it’s melting quickly. And thank god. I need spring.
I’m a klutz
March 14, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
So a couple of days ago, I fell down the stairs and landed on the back of my left hip. It was glorious. I sat there and just, gasped for breath for a minute, because I have to say, I’ve never experienced so much pain in my entire life. I hobbled my way down the stairs (not the smartest thing to do, you might think, but my bed is downstairs and I very much wanted to sit on it), sat on my bed, waited for a pain med, and continued to pretty much hate myself for the next half hour.
Why? Because I’m the biggest klutz in the universe, that’s why. Because I can’t go by one day without pinching myself on something, burning my tongue, slipping, falling, running into things, etc. Not one day, you guys. I’m tired of being a ridiculous klutz. I want to be a graceful swan, dammit, but every day the universe decides that is not my calling. I’m much better now, but man, has it been a long four days.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from all of this, besides the obvious Don’t Skate Down The Stairs, is to appreciate your mobility. Those of you who can skip, run, walk up and down the stairs with no difficulty, lean back on a chair or seat, touch your toes, and/or turn your torso around: You have it really fucking good.
Thank your lucky stars that you don’t have to walk up the stairs using your “good hip”. Everytime you slide into your car with ease, smile at life. When you can walk at a normal pace and not lag behind your friends, be grateful. You really don’t know how good you have it until you spend two minutes in the morning trying to get up from your bed.
Today I’m a lot closer to having the use of both my hips than four days ago, and for that, I am grateful. Not only that, but my bffe cheered me up yesterday by making me a really sweet, simple, pearl necklace:
Sexy. He makes other stuff, too.
How I Survived My Cold
February 08, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
So my cold is in its very last stages (THANK. GOD.) and I thought I’d share with you all how I got better:
Medicine. Lots and lots of it. Also, vitamins and nasal spray, to help my poor immune system out while it took a nasty beating. Talking to lulzy people also helped by keeping my mind off of the fact that I couldn’t BREATHE.
Here’s to not being sick another oh, 3 years?
R.I.P. Dear Mailbox
February 04, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
Something is wrong with this picture here. If it’s not obvious to you, 1) please get help, and 2) SOMEONE ALMOST TOOK DOWN MY MAILBOX.
This happened a little while ago, but I just can’t get over it. Everytime I walk to my mailbox I have to lean over to get my mail. I just feel bad for the poor thing. The victim in this entire situation, really. It was just standing there, doing its job, when out of nowhere someone decides to RAPE IT WITH THEIR CAR.
That mailbox is made out of pretty strong metal, so it wasn’t some light tapping with someone’s front bumper, oh no. They hit it hard enough to make it bend at a 15 degree angle and almost kiss the ground (I’m feeling poetic today, please reserve your judgements kthnx).
I hope they fix it soon, because I can’t bear it any longer. Justice needs to be served. >:|
My mother hates me
January 09, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
My sister and I (right).
Be grateful that you can’t see the shoes.
I really would like to know what would compel my dear mother to dress my sister and I in this outrageous get up. Did she wake up one day and go, “Gee, I wonder if I can find an outfit out there that embodies shame, ridicule, and outright insanity”? The answer is yes, and she succeeded. But that wasn’t all. She then made my sister and I wear said outfits and took a picture of us to later haunt me.
There is absolutely no excuse for those outrageous bows, that collar, and that fabric. No. Excuse.
But that’s not what really gets me. What gets me is that I am smiling. Look very closely folks—that is the smile of blissful ignorance. That is the smile of a child who was brainwashed into thinking they could walk outside and not feel the least bit bad about it.
Too bad we can’t go back in time and edit our lives. I wish it was as simple as opening up Photoshop and going edit happy. For example in this picture I would’ve blurred out those stray aways covering up my fivehead and replacing that fabric, or better yet, smudging it to the point that it blends with the wall and no one else would have to see it. Ever. And then I’d probably clone my annoying little sister out entirely.
Kidding.
I’m thinking every single time my mother pisses me off I’ll bust out this picture. “Like your judgement means anything, mother. You thought this! *flashes picture* Was acceptable! Now excuse me while I go bathe in my tears.”
Maybe then she’d get off my back, and even feel a little pity for what I went through. Or even better: she would avoid talking to me altogether for fear of her obvious neglect being flashed in her face. I can dream okay.
Oh btw, I fixed some links in the Extra section (Hitler Khronicles was a bit off) and edited a few articles.
I’m in love
January 05, 2008 · Filed under: Personal. Photos.
With my bird. I’ve created a monster, people. He’s constantly on my shoulder walking around, he chews up every single thing he can get his beak on, he sings as loud as he can and doesn’t get reprimanded, and he likes to use my entire house as his own personal toilet.
A couple of things to note when getting a cockatiel:
1. Don’t be a pussy.
2. Set some ground rules.
3. Create some boundaries.
4. Do not be afraid of your bird; your bird should be afraid of you.
5. Discipline, discipline, discipline.
6. Keep an eye out for the “I’m gonna take a shit” crouch for future reference.
7. When you say you’re going to ground him “all day,” make sure it’s all day and not like, half an hour.
Otherwise you’ll end up like me, a very whipped pet owner with no backbone and a very shitty house, and I can tell you right now it’s not as cool as it sounds.