An arm and a leg

Took Mr. Mo to the vet today. His days as Astronaut Mo should be over within the next few days. Didn't have the best time at the vet; as if we ever do. There's a new vet that works there now that I'm not that fond of. She always takes Gizmo out of the room to treat him. I hate that. Our usual vet never does that. Be that as it may, she said he has fleas, which is quite a shock considering I've given him a flea bath once a week for a few weeks now. Not to mention that every time I check him for fleas, I can't find ANY on him. I don't get it. But she gave me a slew of things to give him including antibiotics for his infected back. He's an expensive dog, lemme tell ya. It wasn't a cheap visit. A healthy visit would be a minimum of $40 so it cost that and then some. Little jerk face. But like my mom said, he's worth it.

It's Me Against Wachovia

When I heard that Britney was taking "Circus" on the road I pretty much resigned myself to the idea that I would not be able to attend. I was wrong. I've been blessed with a magical fairy that has bestowed tickets to see the show TWICE now. The first being up at the Meadowlands and now again in the not so friendly Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. Both shows were tremendous! Although this one would have trumped the last if the Wachovia wasn't full of jerks and life wasn't trying to fuck up our night.
Traffic was terrible. Too many people trying to go to two different stadiums (Phillies game and Britney show respectively). It was pandemonium! We weren't too worried since there was supposed to be two opening acts. The show was scheduled to start at 7pm and we arrived only a little after 8pm. Well, apparently someone canceled and when we arrived I could hear Radar playing! So, we ditched our plans to get drinks and go to the bathroom and ran to our seats; which were AWESOME! It was a really awesomely, splendid good time. The pictures do no justice!


After the show ended way too soon, we attempted to get some souvenir cups. DENIED. Last time I attended the show, I was extremely poor and unemployed so I went home empty handed. This time I was determined to go home with a little something. Nothing crazy. Nothing over $10. So, we swam our way over to the merch stand and I spied a sweet poster. The line was ridiculous so we went around to see if any of the other stands were a bit less swarmed. All of the others didn't have any posters so we went back to the massive line. As we made our way up, I got the sinking feeling that they were going to sell out just before I got to the cashier. Unfortunately, my sinking feeling was absolutely dead on! The guy RIGHT in front of me got the last one! I was so gutted! But I was determined! I asked the cashier man if I could just have the display one. He said it was ripped. I said I didn't care. He said if I sold it to him, I might bring it back and complain and he'd get in trouble. I said I wouldn't do that. He said it wasn't for sale. I said I didn't want anything then. WHAT KIND OF SALESMAN IS HE?! A bad one. That's what. UGH. And thus, in the end, I was practically FORCED to take home a piece of trash and a bootleg shirt. I'm still kind of perplexed at the event staff and their opposition to selling to customers, but it was still a really fun night. Gets me super stoked to see Kylie in October!!

What a crock of tea

Much too early this morning I drug myself out of bed and got ready to go as quickly as possible in attempts to get up to Philly at 9:45 for my placement testing for the Art Institute. I didn't quite achieve that goal entirely, but a handful of people arrived after I did so I didn't feel too badly about that. After the test, I went to Glassboro to the Progressive Coffeehouse to see a couple pieces of my art that's been hung up on the walls there for about two weeks. Today was my first chance to get up there considering the crazy short hours that coffeehouse has. Be that as it may, it's pretty cool to see my art hung in a space that's completely foreign and public. It's a first for me. I hope people have been enjoying them. But I'm also happy they're about ready to come back home!

Where's the money?

I had a particularly long work day today. From 10 in the morning until 9:30 at night. Like I said previously, things are a little more hectic without Kelly and less Laura. I did a rose cake in the morning and then the caterpillar cake, despite being easy, took a long time. I had to mix all those colors and do stars all the way around and what not. The "Fiesta" cake was of my own creation in a sense. They gave some napkins to match color and theme wise and what they wanted it to say, but I made up the cake in a sense. Hopefully they like it. I was particularly proud of my color matching. I'm not great at mixing colors, but I pulled some good ones out.

But after I was done all of that (and took a long break because of a growing headache), confetti cakes still had to be made. Seven of them in fact. Since Kristin was working on a very complicated Candyland cake, I did all of them. That brought my total cake number to 10 cakes in one day. And after I was done all of that, I still did Friday cleaning. I was a little annoyed, but I should feel spared as when I left Kristin still wasn't done that Candyland cake. I'm sure it turned out awesome, but I never did see it in it's final stages. AH WELL. I need the money so it is what it is. Though, it did bug me when I got home and my mom assumed I was out having fun! PAH! I wish!

I guess we learned not to do it again

This isn't all the cakes I decorated, but these are the highlights of my toil. I also did a Batman cake, but it was a scan so it wasn't all that awesome. I'm sure it made "Xavyon" very happy, but it wasn't too hard to make. I should probably take a picture of a scan so you can see what a scan looks like. Eh, it's not that interesting. Anyway, I'm becoming the expert on free hand air brushing beach scenes. This was my second one in a month. I thought this one came out a lot better. I also had to air brush the background of the Backyardigan cake with stars and despite the amount of time it took, I thought it came out really cute. You start out hating the airbrush and then growing to really love it. At least, that seems to be the case with a few of us.

Blister in the sun

Things are getting a little hectic at work with Laura cutting back on her hours and Kelly leaving. Kristin and I are both relatively new and we don't have a very fast rhythm going. This is the only cake I completed today. Some cakes are simple and take maybe a half hour to complete, but some cakes are like projects and take a lot of steps to complete. That was the case with my work today. I nearly finished my second cake, but didn't have time to put any finishing touches on it so it'll be in tomorrow's post!





Later on, Jamie and I went to Philly to check out Topher's Bossa Nova Brigade at Lickety Splits. But right before so, we made a stop at "Fakeberry" for some delicious frozen yogurt. I've been in the place a few times, but never had the money to spend on it so this was my first time trying it there. Pinkberry could learn a few things from that place. Mango tart was super delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! So, I think I'm going to stop. Though, I don't really want to think about the blister that I got afterward. No where near as sweet as the bands or the yogurt. Could have done without the blister.

ps. I thought this mermaid cake was pretty ugly, but I got a $20 tip on it! Crazy!

Just another manic Monday

Finally got around to getting over to my grandmother's old house to mow the lawn. It was getting a bit out of control and my family would not get off my back about it. So despite some uncomfortable conditions, I set out to get it done. I always fill the tank up with gas before I get started, but for the first time, I ran out mid mow. It just suddenly stopped. At first I thought I stalled it, but then, considering how old it is, I thought it died. I hoped and prayed all the way to the garage that that wasn't the case. I was lucky and it started right back up after a fill up! Later I stalled it right at the side of the road and had quite a time of getting it unstuck and restarted. More panic ensued, but, again, I lucked out. Lots of mishaps, even more grasshoppers later, but at least it's done.

Bitch stole my act!

Slept in and hung out with my mom for a majority of the day, but then Nathan came into town AGAIN so I HAD to go and hang out with him for a while. UGH.

Went down to OC with missions: To find Laura. To buy incense in the hippie mall. To get ice cream. And to go on the Ferris Wheel. MISSIONS ACCOMPLISHED AND THEN SOME! We also road a GIANT ship that went NOWHERE and had a horse race that also went.... nowhere. I feel really lied to by Mary Poppins. AGAIN.

But you know, we didn't play Clue. I think Nathan just pretended he was too tired so he'd have a reason to come back to Chillville. Or maybe he didn't want to find out that I killed Mr. Body in the conservatory with the ceramic candlestick!!

Cue the pulse to begin

After a very lazy, rainy Saturday, went up to Bellmawr to play a show at the Pennant. Started out sketchy then was extremely frustrating then we rocked the house (as much as a band without a drummer can) then the DJ put on "She Wolf" and my mood was immensely brightened! Or maybe I was just extremely relieved to be done that show. Hands down the dumbest, most frustrating sound guy I've ever encountered. Be that as it may, I had a good night after that point. Glad people braved the horrendous rain to hang a little! It's always a lot more fun when friends come out!

Hey, look who's here!

Did my first "cut out" cake. There's perks that come along with making a cut-out. The stuff you cut off is just going to get thrown in the trash; it's a waste. So we either eat it or take it home to eat it; if we so choose. So I got to go home with some yummy, fresh cake! Luckily we don't get a ton of cut outs or else I might be able to fit a size 25 at the GAP. And on my body, that wouldn't look too hot. But yeah, I'm proud of my hockey jersey. I worked hard on that cake, ya'll!

After work, I went home and had a nice nap and woke up to a very dark sky. Despite the looming darkness, I got myself up and got ready to go and play the Fuel House with a bill full of female artists. Honestly, I'm not that into these kind of shows. I think they're unnecessary and kind of cliche, but I wouldn't turn one down because of it. Overall, the acts were pretty good. No doubt a bill full of talent. But I was a little disappointed. I didn't see anyone that really inspired me. I love female driven music, but nothing really stood out to me and I didn't really see how I fit in on that bill. I felt like what I was doing was kind of out of place in comparison. Suppose that could be a good thing or a really bad thing. I'm not sure...

Stupid broken comma button

Learned how to do "summer flowers" and got a lot of practice making roses roses and more roses.

I'm really proud of how the "Dragontails" cake came out. I'm not great with the airbrush but I think I did a pretty good job on this one. I don't really know what Dragontails is but she's cute. Kind of looks like she has to pee. Hope Vanna Vegas liked it!

After work Jamie and I hit up the biggest party in town; the premiere party of 1969 GAP jeans! There was music in the air (provided by a boy; his voice; and his casio) and delish snacks on a table. Free cheese! Free fruit! Free candy! AND free cupcakes! Not to mention free water!

The premiere jeans on the other hand... not so free. And not as great as advertised. Not accurate sizes. Too big in the hips and legs to be true size 25. I was very disappointed. The sizes keep getting bigger and bigger. Children's clothes are what petite clothing used to be. It's a sad reflection of the nation's obesity enabling. Somehow sizes are growing with people rather than people outgrowing sizes.

Didn't I see you crying?

Had a pretty successful day of cake decorating. I accomplished both of these cakes with practically no assistance from Kelly. I can't claim that I had no assistance at all, but progress is being made. I'm learning. It's amazing. I wasn't sure if I was still able! Spray painting that beach scene was a scary experience. Every experience with the spray painting is a frightening one, but I had a blank canvas and I had to recreate this scene so I was feeling some pressure not to fuck up! No way to cover that up! What a stressful business. haha

Summer, my bitch lover

I can't believe August is more than half way over. I don't understand how spring, winter, and fall feel like they last and last, but summer flies by in an instant. Time needs to knock off this flying when you're having fun, bullshit. It's fucked up. But today my mother and I tried to take advantage of the weather and went down to my aunt's pool. Despite the family drama and all the children, we had a nice day. Don't go away, summer! Don't leave me!

Let's duet

Another right of passage; my mother finally went to an Army of Me show. Well, sort of. It wasn't a full band show, but it's a good start for her. Especially with her Philadelphia phobia. But she'll have to get right over that if I'm accepted to art school. Anyway, it was a splendid show. Somehow Vince knew that my mom's favorite song was "Perfect" and he dedicated it to her. I don't know how he could have known! It was... ... ...PERFECT! Totally no pun intended. No way. I never do such obvious puns. PFFT!

My 1st Elmo

Before going down to Delaware and being apart of the best night ever, I made my first Elmo. This is a real right of passage in cake decorating. I suppose there's not many professions where making an Elmo is considered a right of passage. Muppeteering. Toy making. I can't think of anything else. Is there anything else?

Congratulations is the bane of my existence

Another frustrating and long day of cake making. I was just having one of those days where I felt like I couldn't do anything right. I got so mad at one of the cakes I did that I didn't even take a photo of it. I just put it in the box and said so long! It was a graduate cake. Should have been really easy. It was a scanned photo with a cap and diploma drawn on. No biggie. But then I had to write "Congratulations Will". "Congratulations" is the bane of my existence! You might be thinking that I spelled it wrong, but I did not. I was careful with that! Such a long damn word, I couldn't fit it! And it was on a chocolate cake with chocolate icing so scraping it off was a much larger ordeal. I salvaged it, but I was so frustrated after the third time that my heart was pounding and then Kelly said, "You scrap that off one more time, and you're gonna have to start the cake over." So, on the next cake I had to do, the Rooster one pictured, I wrote "Congratulations Luis" very carefully and smaller. And what did Kelly say? "I would have written that bigger, but... oh well." UGH. I'm glad today is over. But I did hand draw those seahorses (most stuff is projected on and traced). That should get me some points.

It's a boy, but it's not my boy

Doesn't look like I did much, but I did. On Wednesdays it's just Kristin and I, so we start out the day doing what they call "confetti cakes". They're just standard birthday cakes that you can buy and put a quick message on and get it right away. They always have to be in stock and available so we make sure we're up on those and then we start. So when that was all done, I did this one and then I started another that will be in my next post...

...depending on when you read this blog.

ps. I made this for Kendra Wilkinson. Nia is her real name. I hope she likes it!

Shot out of a cannon!

Was a little restless, so I decided to make use of a warm, sunny day and go back in time; to 1950s Millville. Visited the General Store to get some yummy candy. Then took a stroll down to their brand new jungle gym. If you ever wondered why that shoot in the Wheaton Village Playground looks like it's from the Holocaust, well, news flash, it was! I also learned that cumin is a very good spice and that feeling like flying on swings doesn't mean that you should try it. Then I saw magic flying fish and the oldest woman in the world. Despite having such a good time in 1950, I'm back in 2-0-0-9. It's ok, but I might go back for another Skybar.

Double True

Had a much needed lazy day.
Slept in.
Went to the grocery store.
Ate sushi.
Watched TV.
And enjoyed a thunderstorm.

No Chronicles of Narina, though.
FAIL.

I'm puked.

Went to the open house at the Art Institute. It started at 9am so I had to get up at 6:30 so my mother and I could leave before 8 to arrive on time. We arrived early which was good because the place was packed. We got through check in surprisingly quickly and made it to the welcome speech just in time. We didn't stay too terribly long and we opted out of doing things we felt were redundant. Despite that, the open house did clarify some things. I liked the emphasis on applied arts rather than an emphasis on academics with applied methods coming in the last semester of study as is more traditional. And I was relieved to talk to my admissions person about my application. But other than that, I don't have too much to say about things thus far. Figuring the two times I was rejected from Hampshire College in the past makes it hard for me to imagine actually being accepted let alone actually attending. I'm hesitant to get too excited or think too much about it. Not to say I haven't been worrying about many aspects. Ah well. Only time will tell...

Carpel tunnel from a cake

When I began my day, I realized the toll the day before had taken on my hand. My thumb muscles on my right hand are so sore. Squeezing the icing bags all day long makes my whole hand feel arthritic. Which leads to me feeling just that more frustrated when I have to re-do sections. Especially when I'm re-doing something because I was following the instructions of someone and then told to change it by Kathi (my boss; not the same Cathi as the birthday cake featured haha). It's hard to keep everything straight in my head without trying to sort through the contradictions. Be that as it may, it's alright; I do enjoy it despite the frustrations. After all, every job has those. But I hope I'm not going to get carpal tunnel from cake decorating. Think of the irony..


p.s. Doesn't my "13" look like School House Rock lettering? I didn't do that on purpose and that child probably hasn't hear of School House Rock, but I had to laugh.

What kind of cakery is this?

Busy day at the candy shop. I started the Princess cake on Wednesday, but due to airbrush malfunctions, I wasn't able to finish. Sometimes when you're using the airbrush, it splurts out some water and Ariel looked like she got shot in the face when it splurted while I was coloring her hair. This made my life a lot more difficult in that I had to then fill in their faces with flesh colored icing to cover up the gun wound. Took a long ass time, but it was worth it. I turned out looking pretty good, I think. I got to learn how to make roses which was useful later on in the day when I made the Roses birthday cake. And for the twin's birthday cake, I got to try my hand at using the scanner. I think everyone should request scanned cakes. They're cheaper and hella easy!