tiny piece of nothing

Monster Ball 2011

2011-02-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Jamie's birthday, the Monster Ball came to Atlantic City. Somehow, someway Jamie found it in her heart to permit to attend with her. I'm glad she did because the seats were awesome and the night was top notch! The wind tried to blow us off the top of the car garage, but that didn't stop us from singing and dancing our hearts out. Not even the stupid people behind me telling me to sit down spoiled things. I still don't understand who goes to pop shows and expects to sit down, though. That's just stupid. It's dance music. You're supposed to dance! It's not a new trend. Point is, I LOVE THE GAGA!

RIP Chilly Willy xxoo

2011-01-31T22:20:00.001-05:00

No matter how much time passes, some people will always live in your heart.

Jenell & the Yet-less

2011-01-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

The Brownies had a CD release party and I was honored to be asked to be one of their openers. I hadn't played live in over a year so it was a little nerve racking. Nevertheless, it was fun. I really do miss it.

Here's a little taste from the show. This is a song by me called "Little Bit Closer". Little sloppy, but pretty good considering how long it'd been since I'd played.

PATCO in the winter time

2011-01-20T21:01:00.000-05:00

Here we go again.

2011-01-13T20:50:00.001-05:00

Back to school. Boo.

Oh snow is me!

2011-01-11T20:48:00.001-05:00

Snow, snow, snow. Too much snow!

Birthday Weekend: DAY THREEEEE

2011-01-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

As luck would have it, my friends had their monthly amateur wrestling match on my birthday weekend! We'd never gone and it was pretty fun despite how frickin bitter cold it was in that place! Being in a warehouse in the beginning of January with no heat isn't fun. Luckily we were amused!

Then Jamie and I went back to my place and I opened gifts. I got so many great gifts from her and others so I'm going to share some of them! I used to think I was great at giving gifts, but my friends are so good at it! I'm so spoiled!

Birthday Weekend: DAY TWOOO

2011-01-08T19:52:00.001-05:00

Before going out for some real karaoke fun, Jamie and I went and got some sweet manicures. It was snowing and the streets weren't exactly safe, but we made it and I got my nails "minxed"! I don't think the girl that did them had done them very often nor did she do them correctly, but they looked cool regardless. Then we went to one of our favorite places in Philly for karaoke, the Elephant and the Castle. Some friends I hadn't seen in QUITE sometime came out and there was great joy and great sadness all mixed together! There was also singing. Oh yes. But did I win the gift certificate at the end of the night? NOOO!! Whatever!

Watch this... if you dare. It's not really all that great, honestly.

My 27th Birthday Weekend!

2011-01-07T18:30:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I should say that I've had 27 birthday weekends, but I've definitely had 27 birthdays now. That's pretty crazy. I don't feel much different than when I was 17. Except I have noticed it's getting harder and harder for me to get up with any amount of grace after sitting indian style on the floor for awhile.

Although I may have decrepit knee joints, I have great friends and the start to the celebrations were quite awesome. There was some hiccups in the beginning. Iron Moto rolled my sushi "wrong", the hibachi chef had a battle of wills with me (I WON!), and they lied about karaoke. After that mess, we went to a better location for partying and lots of dancing was had. At least by me and Steve. Another thing I had a lot of was drinks. I would say I probably shouldn't have had that many, but at least I didn't puke in the car or anywhere else inappropriate.

The birth of a very excited star

2011-01-05T20:35:00.000-05:00

I live near this amusement park. Maybe I'll get a job here and I'll meet someone from a foreign country and I'll become close friends with them and fly across the globe to attend their wedding. Nah, that'd NEVER happen. ;)

Happy Birthday, Weezy! xxoo

There's worse things in life than rain

2011-01-04T20:21:00.003-05:00

I give people the best gifts.

Happy Days!

2011-01-03T20:18:00.001-05:00

Yay! I have a record player!

It's me against the time zone

2011-01-01T23:46:00.002-05:00

Being out til about 5am definitely is not helping me adjust to East Coast time! It's so bad that I don't even hear my alarm in the morning whatsoever. Actually, I think maybe it does wake me and I just don't remember it waking me. I'll wake up at 2 and I'll see my lap top is closed and I always go to sleep with a movie playing on my lap top so I must have woke up at some point and closed it. I'm so mad at my sleeping self. Wake up! Get back in the zone! We keep missing all the sun!

Pehce out, 2010

2010-12-31T23:05:00.002-05:00

2010. At points it seemed like it would never end and now that it's over I can't believe it already is! I definitely can't say that 2010 has been one of my favorite years. When this year began, I still lived at home and commuted over an hour to class three or four times a week. There was a whole mess of snow and a whole lot of driving. I nearly burnt myself completely out this year! My parents moved to California and Andrew moved into the house. I gained friendships and lost friendships and lost friendships and got them back. I went on one date this year that lead to nothing but headaches and confusion. But good things happened too! I went to a lot of weddings and I received Best of Quarter for the first (and possibly only) time. Road tripped to Florida with Jamie again. Recorded a demo that's still yet to be finished. Went to some great shows like Sia, Taylor Hawkins, Good Charlotte, Marina and the Diamonds, Tegan & Sara, Lady Gaga, Jimmy Eat World, and the amazing, incredible Sir Paul McCartney. Saw Back to the Future and Princess Bride in the theater. I worked out what seemed to be an impossible hurdle and sorted out my student loans in order to get my own apartment with my little Mo. We went to a dog park and flew in a plane! We spent Christmas in California and got the most awesome blanket in the lands! So, it wasn't the worst year of my life, but it definitely wasn't the best. It was a year pretty much completely dedicated to AiPH. The low point was definitely when my mother moved 3000 miles away, but I'm lucky to have great friends and the best dog ever and I'm going to somehow make it through 2011 as well. I expect it will be just that much harder without being able to escape to Millville and hang out with my mom. Huge bummer. But if I can live through that, I think it'll make me just that much stronger. But my farewell to 2010 was good! Had a yummy dinner at Uno before going to Zane street for some drinks and Dick Clark watchin. I accidentally became a smoker. Go figure. My New Years Resolution? Quit smoking! As long as I stay away from that electronic cigarette, I think I can do it!!!!

One Step Closer to Heaven, 2011!

Last minute Christmas

2010-12-30T23:45:00.006-05:00

Since I pretty much left for California right after finishing school, I didn't get to do my last minute Christmas shopping until, well, today. But I'm proud to say that I finished it all up AND got a $78 dress from Urban Outfitters for $14.99!! Amazing! Didn't intend to buy anything for myself but I do have a birthday coming up and now I have something beautiful to wear! Hopefully there will be somewhere to wear it to!

I blame the TSA.

2010-12-29T23:31:00.003-05:00

Casualties of travel! I'm going to try to do some intensive emergency surgery to save it. I got some super glue, but I don't know how it's going to go. Fingers crossed! Other than unpacking, I didn't do much. I felt like crap and was trying to take it easy. Did some painting, some movie watching, and some cooking. That's about it! these lazy days are going to FLY by and I'll be back at school in the blink of an eye. boo hiss.

Day Nine: Farewell Long Beach, We'll Miss You!

2010-12-28T23:25:00.004-05:00

Very sad morning.
Lots of tears and sad goodbyes.
I'm still pretty sad about it!

Day Eight: California Christmas

2010-12-27T23:17:00.002-05:00

Last day in Long Beach. It was probably the nicest, warmest day of the entire trip. Since there's not much to do in the apartment, Gizmo and I took a walk out of the neighborhood. The area is really pretty with the mountains off in the distance and all the palm trees all over the place. I must have looked like I knew where I was going because some girl asked me for directions! Unfortunately, I could not help her. So much for being a local. After my mom got done work, we went out to eat as a last hurrah. We ate at this place called "Polly's" which is kind of an oddly decorated, home cooking sort of diner situation. Be that as it may, I had a yummy turkey burger with mac and cheese on the side and I got a free piece of pie. Can't beat that! When we got home, I finished up packing and we all went to bed early due to the fact that we had to leave for the airport at 6am.

Day Seven: California Christmas!

2010-12-26T23:34:00.002-05:00

It's the day after Christmas and what does that mean? It's Gizmo's Birthday! Although it was his birthday, I got a few wishes of my own. My mother and I went to the Aquarium on the Pacific in Long Beach. Not only did I really want to go there, I really wanted to have a day out with just her. Quality time is better spent when it's just one on one. And it was a really fun day and I'm glad we were able to do it. I took a lot more video than anything else, but I did get a few pictures. It's not easy, though. Fish move a lot! haha I just have one complaint about that aquarium. No penguins! Camden has so many penguins! It's hard to believe the Camden aquarium has something this aquarium didn't! Shocking! Ah well. It was really awesome nonetheless! After we got back, I wound up having to change my flight plans due to the storm brewing on the east. I was supposed to leave the following day, but now my plans were all pushed back by one day. Stupid snow was trying to fuck shit up! But my mother was pretty happy about it!

Day Six: California Christmas

2010-12-25T23:54:00.003-05:00

Christmas! My first Christmas in Long Beach and it started out early, but no where near as early as the ones in the past in Millville. After I was showered and dressed, we hung around waiting for our guests to arrive. Once Wilder and Barb got here and settled in we got to the business of the presents. I think the gifts I gave were a hit and the gifts I received were quite lovely. Definitely made out pretty good this year. haha After wards, my mother made some gingerbread pancakes that I brought out. So yum! Then my brother hooked up my parents new blu-ray player and we watched "The Last Starfighter" and then the most recent Star Trek film. After Wilder and Barb left, my mother and I curled up on the couch and watched Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. I had never seen it so my mother basically just went to sleep. But I'm used to that kind of thing so it didn't bother me. It was nice to have some one on one time. Really nice way to end my Christmas :)

Day Five: California Christmas

2010-12-24T23:36:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve! Since my mother didn't have to work, we decided to take advantage of the returning nice weather and head down to the beach. It was really pretty and really sad at the same time. Due to the storm, there was so much trash on the beach. Lots of balls and shoes and bottles and junk. So, we just walked down and back. Wasn't any shopping areas down there like there is at the Venice Beach. I kind of hoped there would be, but there wasn't. So much for last minute Christmas shopping! Later on, my brother, Wilder, and his girlfriend, Barb, came over for dinner and to bake some sugar cookies. After everyone left, Gizmo and I got ready for bed and got ready for Santa to come!!

Day Four: California Christmas

2010-12-23T22:39:00.003-05:00

After an extremely annoying and long day, my mom got home from work and we departed to have an evening at Downtown Disney. Although the temperature wasn't crazy warm, it had finally stopped raining! In fact, as soon as we left Long Beach and we got closer to Anaheim, the sun came out for a bit. It was the first bit of sun I'd seen since I landed. I'm not saying I was getting S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but all that rain did not make for a great beginning to my Christmas vacation. Luckily, it wasn't too crowded and we had a really delicious Mexican dinner. It was good times. And it's really not far from where my parents live. I hope we can take advantage of that in the future!!

Day Three: California Christmas

2010-12-22T22:22:00.003-05:00

Another day of rain. Every vacation I go on is like this. I go where the record breaking weather is happening. But never record breaking in a good way. It's never like, "the hottest winter on record." It's always the "coldest summer" or something like that. Naturally the week I'm in Southern California is when they're experiencing "the most rain they've had on record". So, we went the day in the house watching it rain and instant netflix instant movies. After my mother got done work, we went out to eat at a restaurant called "Claim Jumper". It was a pretty themey restaurant, but the food was yummy and it was nice to be out of that apartment! It was also fun to see all the different styles people were rocking in Long Beach during what they consider to be "winter".

Day Two: California Christmas

2010-12-21T22:04:00.001-05:00

Second day in Long Beach. Spent the whole day pretty much locked up in the spare room watching the time go by. It was pouring for the most part. During a break in the rain I went out and discovered that Long Beach has a pyramid! It's more exciting than it looks, though. I did some research and discovered it's true purpose is a sports arena, essentially. I was a tad disappointed, but it still looks neat. After what felt like an eternity, my mother got home from work and I was able to go to the super market and Target. No one seemed to be in a good mood. But things got a tad more cheerful when my mother got me one of the greatest things ever; this leopard blanket from Target! Once my mother had a feel of this soft, lush blanket, she decided to get one for her place too. But honestly, I think she just got it to shut me up. It worked.

This post got awful wordy

2010-12-20T21:43:00.002-05:00

Left my flat around 3:30am (thanks to Jamie for the ride!) to catch my 6am flight to Long Beach, California. Getting anywhere with my suitcase was an ordeal for me considering I was carrying a dog in one carry on bag and my lap top in another. I was fully loaded up with heavy bags! Be that as it may, I successfully checked my bag in and paid for my puppy and made it through the security check. That was an adventure in itself because I had to take Gizmo out of the dog bag and carry him through the metal detector with me. It's hard enough to get Gizmo in that bag when we're alone at home, but getting him back in while in the midst of a dozen or more strangers was a whole other challenge. I don't know how I did it. I was not prepared! Especially not when I had to gather up all my other belongings on my own as well. By the time we left that area, I was sweating quite a bit. It was stressful!! The rest of the flights were pretty painless. Gizmo was a perfect angel. He didn't fuss at all. I think I required his comfort a lot more than he required me to comfort him. He didn't really need me at all! I'm glad he was there, though. I had a paw to hold during take off and landing! We had two stops before we got to Burbank. The first was in Chicago. That required a plane change and was a total pain, but our second stop in Oakland was a complete surprise to me. I was only aware of stopping in Chicago so when we were coming up on Oakland, I thought I had somehow made a terrible mistake because they weren't saying anything about going to Burbank! Finally, they did and I was relieved. Not just because I was on the right plane, but because I didn't have to get off again. When we finally touched down in Burbank, we were greeted by torrential rain. Such glorious California weather to welcome me!

Flying over an ocean of clouds

Flying over a blanket of clouds

Here goes nothing!

2010-12-19T21:39:00.003-05:00

A day dedicated to packing. We embark on our California Christmas Adventure tomorrow! This trip will mark Gizmo's first ever time on a plane and my first ever time traveling with a dog and without another person to help me deal. This is a big deal for us. God willing everything will turn out fine! No, it will. I must tell myself that it will. IT WILL!

Home sweet nope

2010-12-18T21:20:00.001-05:00

Went down to Millville for the first time since my parents moved away. It was a little weird. When I arrived at the house, no one was home so I had a little time to unwind with Gizmo alone. Routinely the first thing Gizmo would do when we arrived at the house after I freed him from the leash was to search out my mother. He pretty much did the same thing this time, but to no avail. It was definitely a sad moment. He ran from the kitchen to her bedroom to her painting room and cried all the while. The rest of the night he sat on my brother's couch and looked at the front door. He just waited for her to come home. Of course she never did. It was weird to be there without any of the regular comforts of home. But I admit I was digging my brother's HDTV. I never really watched an HDTV. It was really the longest I ever had. Toy Story never looked so bright to me!

I survived Fall Quarter 2010. Just barely.

2010-12-17T21:16:00.002-05:00

I survived Fall Quarter, but will I survive the winter weather?!

This is going to be a Garden of Eden

2010-12-15T21:04:00.000-05:00

I have simply killed myself over this quarter to get an "A" from Schwinger. I have him for two classes this quarter and as this quarter dwindles to a close I'm wondering if all my hard work has really paid off... He's tough, people. Very tough!

You better watch out

2010-12-12T20:57:00.001-05:00

Christmas is coming! Are you ready?! Have you been good?!

Santa has been stalking you like Big Brother all year long, fools!

2010-12-10T20:47:00.003-05:00

After another stressful and boring day of Geometry, I came home and took a much needed soak in the tub. Stress and cold weather don't treat my skin or nerves very kindly and sometimes a hot bath is just the thing. Probably shouldn't take pictures while I'm in the tub, but I figure this one isn't too risque. hahaha!

Some shotty shadows

2010-12-09T21:36:00.002-05:00

RIP Johnny Boy xxoo

2010-12-08T20:22:00.002-05:00

It's no secret that I love John Lennon. He's practically part of the family! Being a tad sensitive and a tad obsessed, I used to stay home from school on this date when I was in high school. My mother called it my "mental health day" off. Did anyone else get "mental health days" from their parents? If you didn't, I feel sorry you! I think all parents should do that for their children. Luckily for me, I didn't have class so I didn't have to miss anything vital. I did have a lot of work to do, but I was listening to John Lennon music and watching Beatles films pretty much all day long while I worked. It's hard to imagine he's been dead 30 years now. What would the world be if John Lennon was still around? Unfortunately the world will never know.

As long as you're remembered and talked about, you never really die.

I gotta get out of this place

2010-12-07T20:20:00.001-05:00

This is what a day spent in lab 320 looks like.

Somehow life goes on without you

2010-12-06T20:18:00.001-05:00

No rest for the weary.

Back to the ol' grind.

Saddest day of 2010

2010-12-05T20:02:00.001-05:00

Day of the big move. Wilder (my eldest brother), Zoee (my dad's dog), my father, and my mother departed for their long journey to Long Beach, CA. When my father came downstairs early in the morning, I got right up from my make shift bed and went upstairs and got in bed with my mother. I was pretty much crying all morning from that point on. Kind of like I do whenever I hear "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. I cannot hear that song without crying anymore. Anyway, after they left, I hung around the house with my brother, Andrew and his roommate, Don, and tried to pull myself together. Eventually the drugs kicked in and I went to the hefty task of loading my car up with everything that I had acquired from my mother over the weekend due to the move and due to the early Christmas. It was a lot of stuff, as you can see. After I got home, Gizmo and I pretty much just laid on the couch all night. I can honestly say I have no idea what I would do if I didn't have Gizmo in my life. Considering what I was going through when I got him, he's pretty in tune to my emotions and is the sweetest, most comforting little monster when I'm upset. I can't imagine loving anything more than I love him. Well, except maybe my mother.

3000 Miles to Graceland

2010-12-04T19:37:00.003-05:00

My parents last full day in Millville. Change is a natural part of life, but it's not always easy to let go of the past. It wasn't easy for me to stand by as my parents prepared to leave the house I grew up in to go to a place 3000 miles away. And though it's nice that the house won't be sold, it was a little unsettling to be there as my parents moved out and my brother and his friend move in. It was kind of surreal. I spent much of the day laying in my parents bed sleeping and hiding from the mayhem downstairs. I got up to go out of the house with my mother a few times and I participated in the early Christmas celebrations that were held at night with my nephew. There were things I just could not participate in like eating or packing. I mostly just hung around quietly and tried not to cry. Didn't always work out, though. Emotions were running high and there was a lot of clashes. Just a really awful day, really. But probably not as bad as the day that followed it.

New tree, new shelf - holidays have begun!

2010-12-03T21:39:00.000-05:00

Tatuba!

2010-12-02T22:23:00.001-05:00

Here's a few more pictures taken

during my first foray into permanent

skin adornment.

Here's a fun way to celebrate Britney Spears' birthday...

2010-12-02T21:29:00.003-05:00

CLEOPATRAAA

2010-11-29T21:19:00.002-05:00

Gobble gobble

2010-11-25T21:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yummies!

2010-11-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

Cotton candy skies

2010-11-20T21:10:00.000-05:00

This dog is definitely maladjusted

2010-11-19T21:08:00.001-05:00

We don't even like waiting in the dentist

2010-11-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

Make like a tree and get outta here

2010-11-16T21:03:00.000-05:00

Home is where your mom is

2010-11-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

Strike a pose!

2010-11-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

Ahoy!

2010-11-04T21:56:00.000-04:00

Cardiology!

2010-11-02T21:53:00.001-04:00

HALLOWEEEEEN 2010

2010-10-30T21:47:00.000-04:00

I'm falling, I'm falling, I'm falling.... OW

2010-10-27T21:40:00.001-04:00

Captain Jack-O-Latern

2010-10-26T21:36:00.000-04:00

Gotta get BACK IN TIME!

2010-10-25T21:29:00.001-04:00

Went back in time to see "Back to the Future" then we came back to the future.
Just another day in Joisey.

I don't have a drinking problem

2010-10-25T00:58:00.000-04:00

I have a ridiculous amount of beverages. Mmm, I'm thirsty...

Freaky

2010-10-23T00:46:00.002-04:00

Came home from Geometry with a surprising amount of energy. So much so that I went to Target, made brownies from scratch, cleaned up that mess, took Gizmo for a long walk around and out of the neighborhood, did my homework, made dinner, and carved a pumpkin. Afterward, I got a migraine and passed out before 1am. That's what I call a freaky Friday.

A meal fit for a king

2010-10-22T00:37:00.001-04:00

If you love tomato soup, I recommend you go to Cosi and get a cup of their tomato basil soup. I think they changed the recipe because I don't remember it be this good before. And I loved it before!

My Background & Layout Design instructor, Mr. Schwinger is not only extremely talented in his field, but he can also make incredible drawings on the white board with shitty dry erase markers while the class works. It's kind of distracting because it's so awesome. Plus, he reminds me of Larry David with a raspier voice. Needless to say, he's rad. It's probably a good thing I have him for two out of three of my dreadfully early morning classes.

Autumn falls

2010-10-21T00:33:00.001-04:00

I can't think of anything that dies as beautifully as a leaf.

Too much rain

2010-10-20T00:21:00.001-04:00

It needs to stop raining on Tuesdays. It is lame.

Hi Bill

2010-10-19T00:16:00.000-04:00

Not going to be many more days in 2010 for this kind of study session.

Keep on truckin

2010-10-16T00:17:00.000-04:00

HI PHILLY BYE PHILLY! SEE YOU TUESDAY!

Just another magic Thursday

2010-10-15T00:12:00.000-04:00

Lindenwold Station at about 7 o'clock in the morning

3d Modeling Principles about 4 o'clock in the afternoon

the end.

Philadelphia Phreedom

2010-10-13T00:10:00.001-04:00

Beautiful day in the neighborhood

Jimmy Eat World @ the Electric Factory

2010-10-12T00:05:00.000-04:00

C'mon, don't eat the world, Jimmy. Remember what happened last time?

Delish Sunday

2010-10-10T12:01:00.000-04:00

I made some delicious spaghetti. Just another one of my many talents, people!

Happy 70th Birthday, Johnny Boy xo

2010-10-10T00:25:00.006-04:00

Despite the drama of the day, I'm going to draw focus on something positive. Though, it's kind of bittersweet. But today was John Lennon's birthday. Would have been his 70th. And so, here's some lovely pictures of him. Just a small gesture of honor to my idol, my inspiration, and my life love. And I don't care what you think of him! That's my message to the haters! And more than likely he never did anything to you so don't be so judgmental! I better chill. He's the poster boy for spreading peace and I'm getting ready to fight for him. Without any further adieu, happy birthday, John. Wish you were here!

"A dream you dream alone is just a dream. A dream you dream with others is reality"

John Winston Ono Lennon
October 9th, 1940 - December 8th, 1980

Thursdays make me ill

2010-10-08T00:22:00.000-04:00

Another day, another picture of Gizmo.

Yeah, another one.

2010-10-06T23:19:00.000-04:00

It probably seems redundant to post another portrait of Lady Gaga, but I actually did this one prior to the last one I posted. This one I spent more time on and used a higher quality paper on. I really liked how it came out so I replaced an old portrait I'd framed that wasn't very good of her with this new and improved one. I don't know where I'm going to hang it in the apartment. One day I'll get around to it!

Mean old rain

2010-10-05T23:17:00.000-04:00

The battle of good and evil!

Fall Quarter 2010 BEGINS

2010-10-04T23:09:00.000-04:00

Had a pretty long, annoying day at Ai dealing with all manner of administration and registrars. The first day of classes is hectic and they weren't kidding about it being worse the start of Fall Quarter. That being said, I did a lot of waiting. While I waited I sketched this. Some kid asked me, "What class is that for?" and I said, "It's not.." While that was a quick, brief exchange, it dawned on me as time passed that that was a pretty stupid question considering it was the very first day of classes. I suppose by that time of the day I could have had a morning class, but it's pretty unlikely. I don't know. Maybe it wasn't the dumbest question in the world, but I felt it was kind of silly. Despite the annoyances, I survived and got everything I needed to accomplish done. So, all in all, WIN!

Gizmorella

2010-10-03T23:04:00.001-04:00

Gizmo went to a ball. His fairy godmother made sure he was clean and polished. His fairy godmother is NOT me. I don't give baths! I'm not his slave! PFFT.

Then midnight struck.

2010-10-02T22:49:00.001-04:00

Despite some people's bad decisions to stain their floor rather than coming to Lindenwold to hang with yours truly, my mother had the good sense to do so. We went to Cherry Hill and had a classic mother-daughter shopping expedition. I used the rest of a gift card on a sweet little coat and clutch. Other than that, we kept our spending to the bare minimum. But only because things just weren't to our high standards. We're extremely snobby and expect the best of the best. Yup.

After we went to the 50's themed Silver Diner across the way to have some dinner. As many 50's themed restaurants, they have little jukeboxes at every table. Supposedly, if you put money in the box and push in your jukebox selection, you get to pick the track. I don't know if I believe this! Is there any proof of this? I know that I've never heard my selections be played so I'm not sure I believe it. I kind of think there's shenanigans going on. I don't know. What do you think?

After dinner we went home and hung up my curtains that had been sitting in my hope chest waiting for action since I moved. Putting up curtains is a serious commitment to a place. Not as much so as painting the walls, but it's still pretty serious. Yeah, things are getting serious.

By the way, I love my mom. xo

Ghost dog and turkey sandwiches

2010-10-01T22:36:00.004-04:00

Didn't do a whole helluva lot today. So, to make the time pass, I turned Gizmo into a ghost. Are you impressed? You should be. I did this without killing him. Can you deal with that?!

Later on, Jamie had a mad craving for some Panera Bread Turkey Sandwiches. Unfortunately, they got rid of those for a limited time basis. That basis being one night. Jamie has no luck. But after a lot of deep thought, I got an apple as my side dish and it was an excellent choice. One of the best apples I've had this season. The incredible Mediterranean Sandwich wasn't bad either. No turkey necessary! Some people just make better decisions. NO NAMES

Hi October

Sympathetic Dawg

2010-09-30T22:32:00.002-04:00

This is how Gizmo feels when I have a migraine.

Yep. He cares. He aches for me! ACHES!

B-more Happy!

2010-09-30T00:18:00.001-04:00

Adventure day! Jamie and I went down to Baltimore to visit the Walters Art Museum. When I left Lindenwold it was sunny and the further south I went the crappier the weather got. But weather isn't an issue when you're visiting a sweet art museum so it did not deter as at all! It's a pretty sweet museum not only because it's got a ton of amazing art, but there's free admission! Can't beat that! After exploring every inch of that museum, we went to the Baltimore Hard Rock to eat some dinner. We had never patronized that Hard Rock so we were treated to lots of cool rock and roll memorabilia. We were also treated to some entertainment thanks to a school field trip. Bring a field trip to your local Hard Rock and an insta-party will break out. It was wild. and loud. Real loud.
Then we took a walk around the Harbor. It was nice. It's a nice little area. Lots of jobbers. Lots of deaf homeless people. But also a lot of nice scenery. It was nice of the weather to clear up for that part of our trip. I guess I shouldn't say the weather never did nothing for me. Hmm. After it got dark, we departed Baltimore, land of the Ravens and Coca-Cola. Jamie tried to kill us, but tir na nog!

This day got lost

2010-09-29T00:06:00.000-04:00

Spent the day doing something I haven't done since February. I spent the day playing guitar. It might have hurt a bit, but it was good. It was one of those days where I got up, got dressed, and started playing and suddenly it was 8pm. Hadn't showered, hadn't eaten, and hadn't barely done anything but play and sing. Well, I did take Gizmo out, but there's no getting around that. I haven't had one of those days in so long. It felt good. I can't believe how fast that day went. Ah well. It was good for my soul!

Rainy Monday

2010-09-28T00:04:00.001-04:00

This is so cute. I want it.

2010-09-27T00:52:00.000-04:00

Didn't feel much like going back to Lindenwold, so Gizmo and I hung around the house. We ran errands and just basically spent the day with my mom. Lately there's been a lot of buzz going on in the household as my mother has interviewed for jobs in two hospitals in California. As things progress, it's looking more and more like my parents will be moving on California before the end of this year. It's something that my mom has wanted to do for a long time and I'm glad that she's taking the initiative and doing it. She's been saying it so long that people basically have stopped listening so I'm glad that she's going to prove all the nay-sayers wrong. I wouldn't call myself one of those. I've always knew that she would one day do it, but at the same time I was never thrilled with the idea. I liked when it was just an idea. I can avoid reality for only so long. With everyday that passes it's just going to be another day closer to when my mother moves across the country. I'm going to hate it. I'll certainly survive, but I will definitely hate it. And so, I have been spending as much time at home on my break as I could. It's going to be super weird when my mother isn't even in the same time zone as me everyday. I hate dealing with that when she's just on vacation or out of town. It's going to take a lot of adjusting. A lot.

Ocean City, NJ is for aliens

2010-09-26T00:13:00.000-04:00

As it inevitably must, summer is slipping, slipping away. I hate when summer ends. I hate when it starts to get colder. I don't completely hate autumn. It is pretty, but it's a bittersweet time. It's the gateway into the cold abyss. Be that as it may, my mother and I took a little trip down to the Ocean City boardwalk. It was a pretty hot day so the climate down by the ocean was perfect. It was an awesome little trip if I do say so myself. I wish I had been able to go to the shore more often this season, but it's life when you're in a college that goes year round. Fare well, summer. I'll miss you. Come back again soon!!

Fight night at Chili's

2010-09-25T00:49:00.001-04:00

Spent most of the day hanging around waiting for Martone to arrive at my house. Despite a near death experience, he arrived unscathed. I did a little bit more modeling and made a little bit more money and then he departed. Shortly after, I went to Deptford to meet up with Jamie at the Chili's. What would have been a very relaxing dinner el fresco turned into a rather annoying evening. You need a license to drive, you need a permit to build, but anybody can be a parent. Any asshole can be a parent. And these people who had these three boys at Chili's did not deserve to have children. They were running and yelling all over the place. And how did it end? With violence! The littlest of the three boys attacked and wailed on the oldest and biggest of the three and the photo above is the aftermath of the situation. That's some solid parenting right there! God Bless, America!

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.... beautiful Bub

2010-09-24T00:41:00.000-04:00

Spent the day doing things around the apartment and doing some sketching. Gizmo and I have been getting a lot of hang time during this break. I hope he's happy! He better not cry when I have to go back to school!

Dis mah hair, jo

2010-09-23T00:32:00.000-04:00

I got super red hair! Wee! I don't want it to fade and to wash out! I want it to stay! Send me anti-fade vibes! This time we used a brand that was a tad more expensive so maybe it'll stick around. It definitely was a lot more potent color wise so fingers are crossed that it'll stick around longer. And if you're thinking, "Her hair doesn't look any shorter" well it's hard to capture that! But it is 5 inches shorter, people! It's weirdness! Trust me! Lots of weird!

Back to Millville!

2010-09-22T00:51:00.001-04:00

Back to Millville again. I had a hair appointment and Gizmo had a vet appointment. I got about 5 inches off of my hair. It was brutal. I had such anxiety on the way to my appointment, even more so in the chair, and a heap more when it was done. It feels SO short! I don't know if I really like it. It's not above my shoulders or anything crazy, but it feels really weird to me. Luckily, it grows. Later I took Gizmo to the vet and thanks to his bark collar, he was the most behaved he's ever been. He used to be so bad and loud that they'd send us to a room immediately. I wouldn't even get to sign in he was so bad. But this time I signed in and took a seat in the waiting area. He wasn't dead silent, of course. He was all whining and growling and being a pain, but he was soooooooo much better. Unfortunately, the room we did finally get put into had the most disgusting photos on the wall. No cute puppy-kitten posters like some people hang up. These were photographs of intestines and some kind of surgery! Pretty gross. Even grosser than the cataracts poster in the other room. Later my newly cut hair got a fresh coloring, but more on that tomorrow!

a magic Monday

2010-09-21T00:40:00.001-04:00

Had a very chill day around the house. Didn't do too much. It's hard to believe, but it's true. Normally I spend my Mondays trying to get all my errands and last minute things done, but today I didn't do any errands or much of anything of any use. Honestly, I think I just played with my phone the majority of the day. Sad, but true.

Incredible!

2010-09-20T00:40:00.000-04:00

Went home to do some long due laundry. While I was there, I suggested that my mother and I go to the Verizon store and check out the new phones and see if there was any sales on. My cell has been pretty wonky so I was hoping to get a new one in the next few months. Much to my surprise, my mother went ahead and got me one right then and there! I got a HTC Incredible and it's rad! I pretty much kill the battery everyday by fiddling with it constantly. For a while, most of the pictures in this blog will be courtesy of my new phone. Just then nature of the beast!

Correct me if I'm wrong

2010-09-19T00:16:00.000-04:00

I was bad and I didn't take any photos on a very busy day. Spent the afternoon doing a little modeling. Yeah, I'm a professional model now. If you get paid to model, that makes you a professional, right? I am at least a working model. I know, it's shocking. A five foot tall model. Afterward, I met up with Jamie and our old pal, Amy. Last time we saw her was at her New Year's Eve party so it had been quite some time. Nevertheless, we got on famously. Apparently I live about 10 minutes away from her. Maybe I'll see her more often then!

And, holy cow, Gizmo chewed up a rawhide bone! It's like a miracle! Like a real dog!

Weehoobah!

2010-09-18T00:07:00.000-04:00

First day of my break between quarters and I went to town cleaning up this apartment. It wasn't that dirty, but there was some scrubbing, vacuuming, and dusting that I wanted to get done and it felt good to have time to do so! The first day of break never feels like break cause it's just a normal day off, but there is that lull of having no homework to complete and not quite knowing what to do with myself. I don't know if other people go through that, but I do. Probably because I plan my weekends according to how much homework I have. When I don't have any, I don't know what to do with myself! Later I went to Uno with Jamie and had a really delicious pizza. Jamie had some weird side dish. I'm still not sure what it is. It looks weird. Like there's bugs on her plate or something. I don't know. I hope it was good, jo.

Summer Quarter 2010 - FIN!

2010-09-17T00:20:00.000-04:00

Had my last class of Summer Quarter 2010 this evening. It was a great note to end the quarter on. My last class was Drawing & Anatomy which is taught by one of my favorite instructors, Bill Bahmermann. It was up in the air last week whether or not we would be drawing and when I finally arrived to class after being hit by a sudden tornado I found that we weren't going to be drawing and that our last class would just be a critique and final judgment of all of our work this quarter. I'm happy to report that I not only got an A on my final work, but got an A on everything we did the entire quarter. Furthermore, he told me that I make a lot of choices that other people don't make. That I choose good subjects, aesthetically pleasing views and focus on the right things whereas a majority of people just draw everything that they see. In the same vein, I don't shade things by shading in the entire form. As in, I'm not afraid to leave bits completely untouched. He said that some people spend their whole lives trying to figure out how to do what I do naturally. To make the right choices. I may not make very good choices in my personal life, but apparently I make some good ones somewhere! Thank Fuck! And finally he asked if I had ever been to any other art schools before this one and when I said I hadn't he said, "Good for you then." I was definitely a happy girl! I was really dragging through this quarter and definitely wasn't pleased with my finals so it was really nice to end with that. It was just what I needed to pick myself up out of the pity party I was throwing since I got a B on Tuesday. I don't often talk about my grades and what not in here or in general, but I thought this was worth mentioning. Furthermore, being that this is my blog, it was worth remembering later on. It feels great to be told by someone you greatly admire that you're doing something right and that you're basically in the right place. And with all that being said, I'm SO ready for my two week break! HALLELUJAH!!

The Wizard of Gaga

2010-09-16T00:31:00.014-04:00

Went to see Lady Gaga at the Wachovia Center (Shove it, Wells Fargo). It should not come as a surprise to anyone that I thought the show was awesome; just as she was the other two times I've seen her. She puts on a good show. An odd show, but a good one. She proudly sings live, proudly hates money, and proudly bares her butt cheeks throughout the show. As do her fans. They sing loud and proud, must hate money considering how much they spend on tickets, memorabilia, and food & drink, and definitely bare their butt cheeks all over the place. There's a fine line between dressing like Lady Gaga and dressing like a straight up hooker. There was a lot of Gagas and even more hookers. And a good majority of those hookers were probably underage. I used to think that the outfits you see at Britney Spears shows were interesting. They do not compare in the least to the outfits you see at a Lady Gaga show. It's like Halloween. I have to wonder what some of these people dress like in their everyday life. I mean, I pretty much dressed up for the show as I would for any other show. I'd love to see what these people do for a living.

To the left you can check out the lovely little hooker Gagas. That would be the photo with the girls, not the photo with the fame monster eating Gaga. This was taken moments before the cleaning crew thanked us for coming, informed us that the show was over, and told us that we could come back tomorrow and see Gaga. He of course was being a jerk. And I wanted the Fame Monster to eat him. We weren't in the way of their cleaning or anything. We were just waiting out the crowds. And lots of other people were doing the same! That dude pooped on my party! Alright. I'm over it. Thanks for being awesome, Gaga. You're younger than me and way more awesome. I should hate you, but instead, I love you. Don't let me down like so many others!

ps. the show was actually on Tuesday but since I don't like having two posts in one day and I didn't do anything cool on Wednesday it's going to go here. Deal with it. It's my blog. I can Superman time if I want to.
pps. thanks so much for the ticket, fuckface!!

Glory Glory Hallejuah!

2010-09-15T00:20:00.000-04:00

At AiPH, Summer Quarter is the unique time when the quarter is only 10 weeks long, but all the classes are 20 minutes longer to make up for the missed week. It's done to help the admissions staff deal with the influx of new students that come in at the start of the fall quarter. Any other quarter morning classes begin at 8, but during the summer they begin at 7:35. And so this morning was my last morning that I have to leave the house at 6:30. At least until next summer. Hopefully. God only knows what will happen in the next year. Regardless, it was a glorious morning. I got done my morning class by 8 and retreated back to my apartment to cuddle with my dog. That was possibly even more glorious than that morning sky. The perks of living closer were finally utilized and it was... you guessed it... glorious!

Take some Vitamin B

2010-09-13T00:12:00.001-04:00

I got up and out and to school. Yes, on a Sunday. Got my 2d animation final did and done and it felt good. Pictured is some of the somewhat outdated animating equipment that my fine school uses. Anything compatible with VHS and mini DV tapes is officially outdated equipment. Nonetheless, this is where I spent a good deal of my Sunday. It never feels good to go to school when you don't have to be, but it felt good to have that weight off my shoulders. Even if all of my labors landed me with a B. I'm trying not to dwell on it, but I'm clearly failing. So, anyway, after that I drove to my parent's and had some yummy dinner and some quality time with my mother. I wish I could spend more time with my mom. I definitely got spoiled with time when I was living there and the lack of one-on-one time is one of the few, but relevant downfalls of living here. I miss my mama!

I'm disappointed in you, GCFam

2010-09-12T00:40:00.000-04:00

I could think of no better way to spend Patriot Day than to go to the Cherry Hill and watch Benji & Joel from Good Charlotte play a little acoustic set for all the classy customers of Macy's. That's a lie. I was on the fence about attending this for days prior to it. The more I heard about it, the less I wanted to go. I know what "GCFam" would say, but at what age are you too old to go and wait around in a crowd of teenagers to see a band play in the mall? I don't exactly know the answer to that, but I definitely felt a tad silly. Especially since we got there at 4pm the day before and were the only ones there! What gives, GCFam?! Oh wait. That wasn't us. But it was someone. Two people I'm sure would tell me you're never too old to rep GC. Ageism aside, my instincts about it not being over flowing with people was right on. We took our time getting there and it wasn't a problem at all. If you spent $50, you got to meet the band. That's $25 per twin. Despite all the vests I desperately wanted, I didn't spend a dime on those mofos and thus I did not meet them. I think it's alright. I already have. And I will have to note that it was not worth $50 any of those times. If given the choice between $50 and saying hi to them now, I'd take the $50. I mean, if I'm going to pay $50 to meet someone, I want them to wash my car, make me lunch and give me oral pleasure. IS THAT SO WRONG?! Yeah, it's a little wrong. And illegal. Whatever. Your mom is illegal.

P.S. God bless America. God hug HRS. If you can ask God to bless things you can ask God to hug them. Thanks a bunch, God.

Gizmo invented work

2010-09-11T00:35:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, there's a dog in this picture.

Choo choo

2010-09-09T23:30:00.000-04:00

It's weird when I'm the only one on the train. Well, not on the entire train, but the only one in the car. It can really go either way on a Thursday night. Sometimes there's a slew of people on the train and other times it's completely deserted. Tonight was one of those tumbleweed evenings. Feels like a ghost train when you're all alone on it at night... I know some people that would really be freaked out by that thought. But... I ain't 'fraid of no ghosts!

Scary

2010-09-07T22:52:00.000-04:00

Went to pick up Season Six of The Office and got to meet Erin's boyfriend.
I have to admit, he's a lot worse in person than I imagined him to be.

*picture taken by Erin. she shouldn't have taken this while she was skipping

This is how we roll

2010-09-06T22:26:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful, beautiful day so Gizmo and I hit up the local dog park. the first time was an experience, but this second visit was even better. Gizmo was one of the most popular dogs in the park! All the dogs wanted to hang with my Mo. Especially this adorable little Yorkshire terrier. Everywhere Gizmo went that little yorkie went. Gizmo hardly paid him any mind. It was a really nice time. I look forward to going back. After we escaped the terrifying water tower, we went home and I made one of the greatest meals I ever made at this apartment. Nothing fancy. Just some chicken in barbecue sauce with some rice, but it was delicious. And I had left overs so I was able to enjoy this meal a second time! Holler!

To the moon!

2010-09-06T00:16:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again.
Now I have to decide whether to take him to the vet or shoot him to the moon.
Decisions, decisions, decisions....

I know exactly what I want

2010-09-04T00:42:00.000-04:00

Met up with my good buddy, John, to check out Marina & the Diamonds at the World Live Cafe. Not only did I get to see a band I've never seen before, but I got to ride a train I'd never ridden before either. My ability to get around the city without a car has expanded a lot this month! Trains aside, the show was pretty good. The opener, I forget their name, got a thumbs up from us both. I figure, as openers go, if they don't suck, they're good. So, they were good. Marina was no slouch herself. I was a little distracted by this guy that kept trying to talk to me, but I enjoyed the show nonetheless. It was short, though. I think maybe she should beef up her show with some covers since she doesn't have a lot of material. Or at least play some other material so it doesn't feel like it's over in a blink. That's just my meager opinion, though. Check her out. She's an interesting new artist making the rounds..

Whoee it's Zoee

2010-09-02T00:35:00.000-04:00

My mother returned from her California adventure so after one of the saddest Acting for Animation classes (Grave for the Fireflies is SO sad!) I went home to surprise her. So, for once, I have a picture of a dog that isn't Gizmo! It's amazing! When you spend a majority of your time at school or alone you basically wind up with a camera full of dog pictures. Especially if your dog is as photogenic as mine. I know, I'm saying this at the wrong time. The one time I'm not posting a photo of Gizmo. D'oh!