Jennylynn's Burnt Toast

Lumpy Potatoes

2009-11-16T20:41:00.002-07:00

Things are fabulouso!

See?
www.lumpymashed.blogspot.com is my new blog...as of last year. LOL Thought I'd update, since I never did. Sorry guys...I'ma slacker- clearly!

The Last Burnt Toast

2009-03-04T20:44:00.003-07:00

Hello All,

I am moving on, quite literally. New job, new move, and new school! I have decided that this will be my last post at this blog address. With a new move, will come a new blog. I need a breath of fresh air! I want to thank-you all SO much for following!

Ciao,
jen

Recent Artage

2009-03-04T20:40:00.004-07:00

We finally moved on from contour line and ink to the more realistic. I am soo happy about that! This one of eggs is done.

This one still needs blending... but you get the picture...

Omaha Trip

2009-02-25T15:36:00.004-07:00

Here are some pictures from my worldwind trip to Omaha!

The 'C' Word...

2009-02-10T17:32:00.002-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted, but you forgive me right?

I am trying to get ahead, so nothing falls behind while I am away. This past weekend brought some news that I was NOT expecting. On Sunday, I received a text from my ex-husband telling me to, "call as soon as possible... it is important".

I called. He told me that he wanted me to be one of the first to know that he had just been diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. He wanted me to know, before he told Cierra anything. They are in process of running more tests, but he begins treatments next week. Cancer has so many negative connotations attached to it. In its defense, I know more survivors than not, (Manny included) so screw the 'C' word! Today, I say a prayer for my ex-husband....

MY Lovely New Locket

2009-02-04T18:42:00.003-07:00

I scored this on ebay last night for 2.99 on a second chance offer. I am SOOO happy about this purchase. I probably won't get it before my trip to Nebraska, but here's to hoping!

Blog? What Blog?

2009-02-04T00:30:00.002-07:00

Blog? Me? Now?

Yeah, so, I've been slightly pre-occupied lately. I've come to the conclusion that I really won't be back to regular blogging until after my trip to Nebraska next week. I had my horrible class extended, which was great at the time, since I was horribly sick, sick, sick. BUT now I am coming up on THAT extension and need to get my arse in gear!

so, HERE IS A Foamy Rant to keep you occupied. wink wink-g'night

IRS Refund Schedule FYI

2009-01-31T10:53:00.003-07:00

I am posting this bad boy, for those of you who wonder when you'll recieve your tax refund, but don't realize you can look it up @irs.gov.
Every year, I tell my mom and sister when they will be recieving their refunds. The IRS ONLY direct deposits on Fridays. Anyhooz- here you are!

(copy an paste link from below to your browser)
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p2043.pdf

My New Camera Necklace

2009-01-30T18:04:00.003-07:00

I collect camera necklaces. I basically love my camera jewelery ALMOST as much as I love my Nikon. Anhyhoozer, My latest 'win' was this baby. I scored it for $2.99 on ebay. Have I ever told you how much I ADORE ebay???

The Perfect Shoe

2009-01-29T17:04:00.005-07:00

"Cinderella is proof that the perfect pair of shoes can get you everywhere".

For Drawing I, Project 2: We had to bring our favorite pair of shoes. I brought my Michael Coors 5" close toe, alligator skin pumps. They are a sexy, yet powerful shoe. Anyway, that is what I chose for the 'contour line drawing'. A Countour line drawing, is basically a fancy name for a drawing using only line to shade. I matted it on foamboard and framed it with a pre-cut bright red matte that I have an unusual amount of lying around my house.

Enjoy!

Peace, Love, and Jerry Springer

2009-01-26T19:07:00.005-07:00

Families all have their share of ups and downs. I am sure you can all relate!

I really want have shirts made for my trip back to Omaha in a few weeks. For laughter's sake. They would say, "Peace, Love and Jerry Springer". Here's my photoshopped concept; SEE!

Drawin Project Numero Uno

2009-01-25T14:20:00.024-07:00

January 23, 2009

So on Wednesday we used all things black n' grey (charcoal, loose charcoal, ink, diluted ink, graphite, microns, etc) to make a large scale 'loose' form compilation of a bunch of natural shit we brought in. She didn't necessarily want it to be realistic, but just so it covered the whole page. Once it was all finished she told us that the second half of the final project is to cut/rip up the thing we just did and make a collage out of it. It could be whatever we wanted. It will be graded on complexity and presentation.
Here is the whole thing- It's pretty huge. There a cactus stick thing, a fuzzy seed pod, wheat grass, a leaf, rock- you get the picture.

This was my favorite part--- I KNOW what it looks like, lol It's still my favorite part. whatev. SO, we have to rip/ cut up the huge compilation and place it in a collage to form somethin great.

I want to do this portrait of Bette Davis. ('Betty Davis Eyes'- Had that song in my head all weekend)

I took the photo and adjusted the levels, and posterized it in photoshop to get the difference in shades/ highlights here (below).

Because my boyfriend loves me, he traced out the levels for me. THAT is what was transferred onto the 24x18 canvas. Now I just have to cut up my original nature compilation and place the shades of grey accordingly. hopefully when I am finished it will resemble the portrait pretty closely. I'm excited! Manny is lending me his eyes tonight. I will take pictures throughout the process.. more to come!

(UPDATE: January 28, 2009)
I pulled an all-nighter like a retard and finished my collage. I have pictures of earlier stages (that I conned Manny into taking :) ) As soon as I upload I'll post one.

For now though....

Tattooage

2009-01-24T22:40:00.007-07:00

Shop has been pretty busy lately; you can tell that spring is right around the corner and Christmas is over. In the same respect people are just plain wierd. There were these people in today that were sitting around like a bunch of nun's in a porn shop...really? Whatever. Life's too short.

I just want to toot the boys' horn a little bit! Here are a couple of my FAVORITE pieces that they've done lately....

Here are a couple of Manny's pieces. (Manuel Vega)

Here are a couple of Jason's pieces. (Jason Radcliff)

Day of the Dead

2009-01-23T03:41:00.002-07:00

What does one do when she can't sleep? Be creative, of course! I was day-of-the-dead sick sick sick myself over the past couple of days. Now, (because I slept for days) I am WIDE a-friggin-wake!

Here are a couple of pictures from the shoot I did on Sunday. It was a Day of the Dead theme, which will eventually be a tattoo on Natalie's Hubkinzs' arm.

Hair, pictures and photoshoppage by yours truly!

Manny painted Nat's face.

It's Been a While

2009-01-21T00:38:00.003-07:00

It's Been a While since I've posted anything.
Please accept my apologies!
I've been bogged down! I also decided I desperatley NEED NEED NEED a scanner! I have so many great things to show you! From my FAVE costume jewlery to kid art and other day-to-day randomness.

Here's a lil somethin somethin to keep ya entertained!

Kids Say the Darndest Things: "THAT's what they meant in the Lion King..."

2009-01-13T10:37:00.004-07:00

The other day, driving Cierra home from school, the following conversation took place:

Cierra: "Mom, I wish that nobody got old and only lived until they are forty."

Me: "Why forty?"

Cierra: "Cause forty is a good age, I don't think it's THAT old and people still look pretty when they are forty."
(At this point I began to think of how many fantastic forty-year-olds I know)

Me: "Would babies still be born?"

Cierra: "Yes, of course! Babies are great, they make people smile."

(I read her an article a few weeks ago about the social scientific reaction that people naturally have when they see babies... the response is smiles, even in men who don't inherently have the 'sense of nurturing'.)

Me: "Well, that would be great for a little while... but it could never work."

Cierra: "How come"

Me: "Well, because if babies continued to be born, and no-one died people would overrun the world. There would be too many of us..."

Cierra: "sigh, yeah, I did NOT think about that ma"

She was really quiet for a few minutes when out of no-where she said "SO THAT'S what they meant in the Lion King! At which point she began to sing obnoxiously..."the circle of of life....."

How to be Happy...

2009-01-09T22:47:00.003-07:00

This video is slightly comical, yet true, so enjoy! The term 'be happy' reminds me of when Cierra was about three. Anytime she would get in trouble by me, she'd say "Beeee Happy mum". lol

My Brain Hurts...

2009-01-09T14:46:00.006-07:00

My brain hurts. I certainly have my work cut out for me over next few weeks. I keep telling myself how nice it will be once this is all over (the 28th of January to be exact). I fudged big time and missed a whole section in my Strategic Management class. My professor is anal retentive, nuff said. Anyway, because of that I have five short essays to complet;each is just a 500 word mnimum. This would'nt too bad IF this same class, along with my Managerial Communications class DIDN'T have massive reports due by that date as well. I think I am going to be typing in my sleep for the next couple of weeks, seriously.

I apologize to everybody for being a boring blogger at the moment, but I've gotta get this all in the bag... one brain curling paper at a time!

Shotgun Wedding of a Preacher's Kid: A Catchy Lil' Title for... I NEEDA VENT!

2009-01-07T09:38:00.009-07:00

I don't know if I've ever mentioned that I was a preacher's kid. I say was, because my dad had to resign his church when he divorced my mom, dated a lesbian and then married the organ player. (Stepmother, if you are reading this I DO love you; but this totally entertains me. I still think you are one of the better things that has happened to my dad.)

My sister is totally getting married next month. February 21st to be exact. Her dudes name is Jason, a marine in North Carolina. I've never met him, but can't wait. The curiosity in me never dies! Shotgun wedding done right.....finally. When I got married ages ago. It was in Vegas, no-one went... literally, I didn't have a real wedding dress or even a real ring- I was seriously depressed. Looking back, I am truly surprised I stayed married for as long as I did (almost six years).

I got out of being IN my sister's wedding by volunteering to do her pictures. Photographers are expensive- I am good- It's my pseudo wedding gift. Sister; if you are reading this. I love you, but the thought of myself in a fuchsia dress was the deal-breaker-clearly. LOL
(For the record, I swore of photographing weddings after my last wedding gig for Dianna and Louis. It is the single hardest thing to do. I usually work that day from sun up until the reception is over, not to mention retouching two to three HUNDRED photographs).

I am excited, MINUS the family drama that has already begun. My dad pulled a 'Righteous' move on my sister a couple of days ago and bitched her out for meeting Jason in a bar (even though I'm not completely sure that is how they met). He went on to barrage her with how she shouldn't marry him if he doesn't 'believe the way we do'. (By we.... he means HIM)

Then, the REAL kicker... the one that PISSES me off to NO end is this statement.... my dad proceeded to tell her, "You are just like your sister". It is a simple comment, but last time I checked, I'm a good person. BUT, you know, thanks for using ME as a negative connotation in your fight with Tiff, ass.

My dad is completely religious, has been since he went sober after my little brother was born twenty-one years ago. I remember him throwing furniture across the living room at my mom after nights of drinking. I remember him cheating on her RIGHT in front of me when I was four or five. I remember him driving drunk with me in the car. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the angry religious man over the angry drunk any day. But even as an angry religious man, he has neglected his family and threw us under the buss so that he could make a point in his sermons. He has always cared more about how his church perceived him, than how his family does. He has always put more time and effort into his church than us. He probably doesn't see this--- but we have. We always have. I wish he would just shut his mouth and open his heart. Maybe then he could see that actions, by way of support and love are WAY more effective than mean words in the name of GOD.

That being said.... I don't know if I should cover my sleeve during the wedding. My Grandma and great Aunt MIGHT have a heart attack. lol My sister doesn't care, I know... but still. I would LOVE to find a long-sleeved one-armed silk top... but now that I am looking I CANNOT find one anywhere. Anybody know where I can look? Helps!!!

A Whole Lotta Nothin'

2009-01-06T19:20:00.003-07:00

School doesn't start until next week. I've been taking it easy, while collectively getting a wee bit behind in my current winter break Grad classes. Once again, I DO NOT know why on Earth I thought that was a good idea. Not much longer though, SO not complaining..... YET!

Sitting at the shop today we got to talking about animals. I told the guys about LaVern's pink nails. I painted my bearded dragon's nails pink about a month ago, and have done it with her weekly bath ever since. For a lack of anything better to blog about, I am posting pictures of my LaVern. (She measures about 15 inches now and is 8 months old)

Happy Sunday from Cierra n' I!

2009-01-04T15:38:00.001-07:00

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2009 Year in Review!

2009-01-04T15:20:00.001-07:00

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Breakfast of Champions

2008-12-28T16:07:00.002-07:00

I'm not much for New Years resolutions, seriously. It is the realist in me. I don't like setting unrealistic goals, UNLESS I am prepared to actually accomplish them. I must say, I actually debated a New Years resolution this morning. This is what I ate.

Christmas So Far

2008-12-25T16:13:00.003-07:00

This morning started WAAAY rtoo early. Cierra woke me up a little after six-o-clock... ugggg. Her waking up so early wasn't a problem in years past. I would tell her, "Give me ten more minutes". That single statement would usually buy me at LEAST a half an hour. Now that she can tell time, it is not so easy.

We were up, opening pressies by 7ish. I am oh-so-tired now. Just dragged myself out of the couch after a two hour nap, still sluggish. I think the past month has just plain caught up with me...

Here is a lil collage from earlier, I plan on taking pictures at Azuma tonight when we go get Teppan, yums!

Merry Christmas People!

More from that Sunday Shoot...

2008-12-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Added to me Bloggage

2008-12-22T15:31:00.002-07:00

Just made a few little changes to my blog. I added a link to my Photography Portfolio----> over there.

I also added my blogger buddies, "Autobiography of a Material Girl" and "....bygones" to my reads list. Check em' out!

-jen
__________________________________________________________
Oh! AND I made a Christmas "ElfYourself.com" video of the guys that I secretly posted to the Shops Myspace account. CTC's (Custom Tattoo Company's) Big Gay Christmas Video, featuring Jason Radcliff. I now definitely have a practical joke coming my way, this video officially asked for it. LOLZ~

Copy-cat

2008-12-18T10:28:00.002-07:00

This weekend posed a lil bit of a challenge for me. For one of the shoots, she wanted to sort of mimick the Kat Von D PETA advertisement which looks like this:

This is what we came up with:

WHAT was I thinking?

2008-12-18T10:10:00.002-07:00

I do believe my mind is in a Holiday/ Homework mushity moosh mush! It was my idea to take TWO online Grad courses over the months of November to February. I claim mental insanity, yes, yes, THAT has to be it!

My List of Things to do today looks like this:

School:
Input more on group project 'Tata Group' for MGMT 672.
Post Case Study for MGMT 535.
Post GM company profile for MGMT 672.
E-mail advisor about February online course submissions (next term)

Photography:
Upload J and K's baby pics from Sunday.
Follow-up with Alex and Stacy (e-mail)

Shop:
Do tubes at shop...
Do monthly balance with accountant for shop by 5pm. (They are closed next week)

My Schtuff:
Buy Crickets for Lizards.
Buy lettuce for pig and lizards.
Buy chocolate chips for cookies.
Bake Cookies for C's Christmas Party tomorrow.
Cut cheese cubes for C's Christmas Party tomorrow.
Finish printing Bingo cards for C's class party tomorrow.

If I can just get through today/tonight, I will be home-free for a few days IN A ROW! Cierra is spending this weekend with her dad. No homework will be due again untill the day after Christmas. The Christmas party will be over, end-of-month will be finished early and I'll actually have a chance to breath!!! YESSSSSSSSSS.....

The Perfect Dress...errrr eh-umm Skirt

2008-12-17T20:04:00.004-07:00

So tonight I took Cierra to see Santa at Coronado Mall. Aparently all of Albuquerque had the same idea. After standing in line for five minutes, Cierra struck a deal.

Cierra- "This line is really long huh Mom?"

Me- "Sigh, yes. I thought it would be though"

Cierra "Do you LIKE waiting in lines?"

Me- "No, not particularly"

Cierra- " I have an idea for us to do, wanna hear it?"

(I thought she was going to suggest a Christmas carol or patty cake game of some sort, this WAS NOT the case)

Cierra- "Did you bring money for a Santa picture?"

Me- "Yes.... How come?"

Cierra- "How about if we take pictures togther over there (pointing at the 3$ photo booth) and use the money for a Christmas dress instead. I really want to wear a dress to my Christmas Party on Friday. I can just mail my letter to Santa." (breath)

(Cierra is a typical girl in that she masters the skill of fitting WAAAY too many words in one breath of air.)

Me- "YESSSS! I think that is a GREAT idea!"

It actually made me laugh, and I was glad NOT to stand in that God-awful line. We ended up going to JCPenney's to look for the perfect Holiday dress. After sifting through racks and racks of dresses, we couldn't find any that were perfect.

Right when we were about to give up, Cierra gave out a gasp that even made the people around us look at her.... It was the perfect poofy, sparkly black skirt! Proof that the perfect piece of clothing trumps even Santa Clause!
My little girl is starting to grow up....

Portfolio Update

2008-12-17T20:03:00.001-07:00

Updated my portfolio earlier. Here is the link, check itout if you're bored!

http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/Jennylynn/Portfolio

Sunday Shoot II

2008-12-15T23:11:00.005-07:00

Here is a sample from the second Sunday shoot.

Sunday Shoot 1

2008-12-15T23:07:00.002-07:00

His a small sample of shoot from Sunday... God I have A LOT more to retouch. I'll post a photoshow of completed...

Inspiration

2008-12-14T03:07:00.001-07:00

Here are some inspiration/ reference shots for tomorrow....

We'll see what happens...

I WANT...

2008-12-14T02:33:00.002-07:00

This is a complete list of "I Wants". It is my blog, and sometimes I forget what I want until I see it. I know I'm not the only one, so whatevs!
Cierra made me write a Santa list with her, so here is it SANTA lol.

I want to have my car fixed (that should be happening this week, coming up).

I want a Dyson vacuum cleaner.

I want a new set of silverwear.... my spoons have mysteriously dissappeared!

I want a light box set-up to add to my photography shit, that I do not have space for!

I want a massively long (preferrbly 60") lizard tank, so I can put the retardo lizard in with the regular lizard.

I want a new printer, because I want to throw this shitty one over the terrace and watch it go splat into a bazillion different pieces...

I want my own Guitar Hero guitar, so I can put the smack down on Cierra all shred style.

I want one of those double papasan chairs from Pier 1.

I want a new laptop, with a nice HIGH resolution screen so I can actually see what I am doing while retouchin photographs.

I want a new tripod, mine broke (tonight).

I want a hanging iron pots n' pan rack thingy-ma-jig

I want the whole CS4 Creative Suite.

I want more Lancome Color Ideal I-30N foundation.

ooooo! I want new frames/ glasses.

I want a new belt for my buckles, old belt finally died. ;o( grrrowls

I want dark brown or grey tall uggs

I want more argoyle knee socks from Dillards.

I want a proper deep tissue massage, my back is ALL messed up.

I want a new bed/ matress, so I can just sell that futon... pretty sure that cintributes to me back issues...

I want an cell phone with a neato touch screen and full keypad.

I want the Maid Brigade for a weekend and a personal launder. ha ha

Okay, at this point, Cierra, told me I was taking too long. SO, SANTA, I do believe my list is complete............................................for now.

Free Samples Link

2008-12-11T20:54:00.003-07:00

Seeing my buddies Jenna and Matt today reminded me of the free site that she forwarded to me. I will link it here for you guys!

Jenna's advice was best when she recommended staying in the green box to stay away from gimmicks!

http://freesampleforager.com/

It is a great lil site to keep on your favorites and check during a 'browsing moment' on the web.

First Things First...

2008-12-11T20:37:00.002-07:00

First Things First, I feel AMAZING today. Thank God!

*I woke up feeling 100% better than yesterday.

*I did my Photoshop presentation and (finally) aced it! Yaaaaaay!

*Got some stuff actually accomplished at the shop.

*Made a nice huge dinner with pasta/ parmesian meatsauce and french bread. mmmm

*Manny walked in and didn't say two words to me...lol.... he instead planted a big ole' Hollywood kiss on me.

;o)

Excuse Me While I Fall Apart

2008-12-10T22:25:00.003-07:00

I'm broken..

Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I'm convinced.

The Physical Part:

Today, at about noon, I got masively dizzy. It felt like being excessively drunk AND having preggo morning sickness all at once. Everywhere I looked moved. My body wouldn't stop shaking. Manny actually closed the shop so that he could take me home, Jason followed to take him back to the shop.

I ended up hugging the toilet for about twenty minutes. I got up and ran to the backyard, I was clammy and hot- the cold air felt divine. After collectively retching everything I ate previously I stumbled to the couch... where I stayed for the next ten hours. I'm not dizzy anymore, but undoubtedly weak. My stomach is still in my throat and I feel like poop!

I have been on an antibiotic since Friday. When I called my Doctor, the nurse asked me a few questions, like:

Have you drank any alcoholic beverages recently? (no)

What have you eaten in the last twelve hours? (yogurt-midnight snack, a 9-grain bagel with cream cheese, big glass of milk, bottle of water and large coffee)

Do you have any neurological disorders? (not diagnosed, but epilepsy does run in my family. I had a brain scan when Cierra was first born, they found abnormal action- but did not want to treat because it wasn't necessarily bad. Apparently, instead of firing from right to left, my brain fires from and to both sides jointly). Whatever, they had never seen it before and didn't even have a name for it. I signed the results over to UNM for research and that was that. I always joke, THAT is why I am a spaz.

BACK to my story; The nurse said to stop taking the antibiotic IMMEDIATELY. She said the Doctor would call me before 8... she never did. Bugs (This, my friends, is what happens to healthcare when you DO NOT have health insurance. You get the cheapest drugs and blatant disregard to medical history- nice).

The Mental and Emotional Part

I feel overextended and mentally exhausted.
I am a very controlled person, when I feel not in 'control' of certain elements of my life it makes me absolutely crazy. This is both a downfall and strength. The fact that my house is detroyed makes me crazy! I have a final presentation tomorrow, that I was hoping to finalize today. I was glad to have today 'off' to get better, but I spent it on the couch tryin to get myself from launching every twenty minutes.

My relationship is a definite contributor to this whole thing. I feel like we are stuck. He is too stubborn, stressed or both to be his Old 'Romantic Idiot' self and I am too stubborn and energy-less to give to him when I don't feel full myself... so here we are... STUCK!

Today he actually asked me if I was getting back with my ex-husband. ANYONE who has truly known me for any period time- knows how ridiculous this is! obviously. My ex has actually been quite phenominal lately! It does NOT mean that I have any desire for him what-so-ever.

I think the ex has finally come into his own. I feel like he is really trying to be a good dad to Cierra. She knows NOW more than ever that SHE is her daddy's priority. There was a time, when she would call me every weekend that she was with him and beg for me to pick her up. It absolutely broke my heart.
There were times that his schedule always trumped mine (even though I was hourly and he was/ is Air Force). I feel for once that we are on an even playing field. I don't feel like that part of my life causes me stress anymore. It is refreshing and I am thankful for that... it took a long time.

On the Cierra note: My family forgot Cierra's Birthday- that pretty much bugs. (Accept for my Grandma B, who religiously NEVER forgets that stuff).

I tell myself that tomorrow is a new day and that there are some things I cannot control, it helps a little. I know there's a light at the end of that damn tunnel!
I think a good uninterupted nights sleep without yacking will help as well. SO I am putting down my laptop and giving it a go....

My Cierra and Her Daddy...

2008-12-08T23:19:00.004-07:00

Finally done with homework... I wanted to post pictures from Saturday morning that I took. I snapped a few pictures of Cierra and her dad,(my ex-husband).
It was weird, but cool anyway.

Life Expectancy

2008-12-08T00:54:00.001-07:00

http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/HealthAge.html

I took this life expectancy test. I'm sposed to live till I'm 94, based on the results. It was somethin to do... what can I say? Ha!

Left ribcagage....

2008-12-07T13:10:00.001-07:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this... I'm hoping to get it on my left ribcage... We shall see...

Must Readles

2008-12-03T02:52:00.000-07:00

You must read Tia's post about an iHubs. It friggin genius!
Enjoy!

http://www.clevergirlgoesblog.com/2008/12/my-golden-ticket.html

Handmade Sch-tuff

2008-12-01T09:55:00.005-07:00

Rosy's cage has been done for some time. I've been meaning to post about it, but JUST got around to taking pictures!

The cage liner is made with carogated plastic on top of a contractors trash bag. I have extra to make a spare, but it sits behind the cage for the time being. Fleece lines her cage, but she'll only poo in one place if I have news paper down, so the newspaper is her bathroom. Her food is on the top level. I made the level with two medium cardboard tubes and an old cabinet door on top. I put felt on the cabinet door for traction. It is held there with velcro, so I can change it out if I need to.

I found this great round table at the thrift store down the street for ten bucks sometime ago. Valency gave me the black metal square shelf pieces. I attached valance, so I can hide stuff under the table. Manny welded AND taught me to weld at the same time. For the record... it is ALOT harder than it looks. Totally fun though. Here is a picture of a jewelry holder I welded all by me-self! woot woot!

Birthday Success

2008-11-30T22:03:00.004-07:00

Cierra's Birthday was yesterday. It was a huge success! Done till next year! Had the party at Hoots, and indoor play gym center. They did EVERYTHING (even the gift list for me)! It was fantastic! Got the cupcakes at Cake Fetish- YUMS!

Baby and Birthday Blunders

2008-11-29T10:09:00.003-07:00

Woke up this morning to see that I missed a call from Jason. Jason is the other artist at the shop. It looks like he and Kristine will have the baby today by lunch time! Will be reschedulin' all mornin' woot woot! Congratulations (in advance) guys!
Here is a belly shot from the photography session I did with them a week ago (perfect timing, I'd say!)

In the meantime, I am curling ribbon on all the party bags for my own baby's Birthday Party today! She decided to have her Birthday party at an indoor play gym called Hoots. (striking resemblance to Hooters, I know)
Anyway, She will be the grand ole age of eight on Tuesday!

Dominant Extroverted Intuitive

2008-11-28T23:38:00.002-07:00

Right now I am doing homework. For my communications class we took the Myers-Briggs type Inventory. I was the only lucky one in the class with my personality. SPAZ
It made me laugh...

ENTP

Dominant Extroverted Intuition

“Words, ideas and possibilities spew effortlessly from them. Words are their best friends. They dance around ideas, the more, the merrier. Imaginative, spontaneous, original and enthusiastic, they have a knack for seeing other possibilities, other dreams and options. The world is never as it is but as it could be, as if it were but an artists sketch begging for color. They initiate change and often are prone to trespassing a few known boundaries to take themselves and others where no one has been before. The status quo tends to lack inspiration.
When inspired, they are fearless and tireless. Their energy will know no limits unless red tape takes over. Routine drags them down. Their faith in possibilities and belief in the benefit of change often inspire others to follow. They are challenging, ingenious and innovative. They will give their best to what appears to be an impossible challenge, a place unknown to man or beast.
They use metaphors, stories, images and analogies to make their point. They love theories and often shape their own. They see patterns emerging. Keen improvisers, they are rarely caught off guard; there is always something up their sleeve. The sky is the only limit.
They are sometimes entertainers, artists or otherwise engaged in public demonstrations that allow their ideas to bloom. Their greatest difficulty is not in initiating projects but in choosing among so many possibilities, setting realistic boundaries, establishing priorities and correctly assessing resources.”

The Log Song

2008-11-27T14:33:00.001-07:00

Last night (ONeils) five grown men from different parts of the bar were singing the 'log song', in unison before last call. This was slightly entertaining to me....

Latex Free Pumkin Pie

2008-11-26T18:54:00.002-07:00

AGES ago, in England, I was going to my buddy Valency's house for Thanksgiving. I was always responsible for baking all the pies. That Thanksgiving, I'd just had my nails done and decided to save dough-filled nails, by kneeding with latex gloves. The pies turned out wonderful. I made an extra pumpkin pie just for Valency's babes, Shane.

A few days after the feast, I was talking with Valency who proceeded to tell me about Shane's puffy face. Apparently he was having a very strange reaction to something. She went on to tell me that the only other time that has happened is when he comes in contact with latex. I had COMPLETELY forgot that I used latex gloves to kneed the pie dough with..

Oh God....

I quickly spilled my guts to my friend with hopes she wouldn't completely hate me for the attempt on her husband's life. To my relief she laughed her ass off, and called Shane to tell him.

whew

From that Thanksgiving on, I am glad to say that all my pies are LATEX FREE!

Single-handedly Baking Pies

2008-11-25T21:53:00.002-07:00

I got the CUTEST miniature pie tins with lids today at Smiths. They are supposed to be for pot pies, but Cierra and I made some pumpkin and apple pies for gifts tomorrow. I have some nice fall ribbon to fallify them a lil more. My arms still healing, so I'm doin this with one arm basically. If I had a video camera I'd record it for you. I'm sure it is entertaining. I am MAKING A MESS!

The pies look fab though, duh!

More Foamy...

2008-11-24T21:22:00.001-07:00

More Foamy before I go to Oneil's for the night!

Armpit Art Part 2

2008-11-24T10:21:00.005-07:00

Okay, so I totally FAILED NaBloPoMo 2008, as you've probably noticed! I will still post every night from here on out though! Manny tattooed my armpit, so blogging has been quite out of my capacity! I can't wait till it is all healed out; first so I can do stuff, and second cause those soft soft grey tones will come out. Anyhow, here are the pics for your entertainment...
I have to credit my may-un, Manuel Vega, his work is AMAZING!

Photo Session from Sunday

2008-11-20T22:04:00.002-07:00

Did this session on Sunday with Jason and Kristine! There are more, but it was an intimate shoot, so this is all ya get!

Billz Yo

2008-11-20T16:08:00.002-07:00

I really should pay bills. I really NEED to pay bills, but don't FEEL like paying bills.... I pretty much feel the same about laundry right now.

STATS schtats

2008-11-20T00:11:00.003-07:00

I am going to take Stats at UNM next term. I am waiting to hear from my counselor which one (if not all) will definitely transfer. Come January... I'm pretty positive that my life will blow! I really DO like manipulating numbers though...

These classes are my 'choices'...

STAT 525 - SAS Programming (Not sure if SAS Programming will be considered STATS of Computer by Embry Riddle; Umm its a fancy schmancy way to read store and manipulate data-evil laugh)
STAT 527 - Advanced Data Analysis I
STAT 528 - Advanced Data Analysis II
STAT 534 - Contingency Tables and Dependence Structures
hmmmm

Stupid Person

2008-11-19T10:10:00.004-07:00

I didn't post last night, I commented on a stupid person's comment and after that was too bugged. The comment was in reference to my Ima Retard post. (Directly Below)

It was a comment that said burnt toast is awful and that he/she can't believe my life is that bad. Apparently she/he has never been a single mom, going to school full-time AND collecting Unemployment right before Christmas. The funny thing is, I DON'T consider burnt toast (my life) a bad thing. I DO consider it a pain in my butt though. I would love my life to be English muffins and jam all the time, but its not! Burnt Toast; I always just scraped the unedible black bits off and put a little peanut butter on top. So yeah, my life is kinda like burnt toast. It's not straight forward, not perfect and takes a little extra time to get 'edible'. Do you understand NOW why my blog is titled Burnt Toast?

The comment went further, saying that me referring to myself as a retard is basically stupid (obscene was the word he/she used) and that saying retard is hurtful and demeaning.

Oh stupid person, you couldn't last one single hour in my head.

My mom was a 'special ed' teacher for YEARS at Abilene High School in Texas. I went to her class all the time to help. Her students found it amuzing to call ME a retard. lol
The fact is, the people who are usually offended by the whole 'retard' saying have never been around mentally handicapped people or are just OLD. I write because I am on a side of the world that you may not understand. You made that completely evident. So get your damn panties out of a wad, I do not write to please you, stupid person. I write because I like to!

Ima Retard

2008-11-17T21:41:00.003-07:00

If you asked my boyfriend tonight if I drive him crazy- He would defintely have an earfull for you.

Over the past couple of weeks I feel like I've lost my mind. I started two more online courses, got more 'work' from the shop, and more photoshoots scheduled. Apparently when I try to function on a normal people level, I choose my boyfriends clock to throw a wrench in. Listen to what I did tonight....

After Cierra's Parent Teacher Conference, I drove to the other side of Albuquerque to Albuquerque Plastic Supply so I could pick up some corrogated plastic to line my new guinea pig cage with. It was rush hour-uggg. By the time I got home, I had a shite load of stuff to lug into the house. It is dark, the VW has no dome lights. I gathered as much as I could in my arms and juggled it all into my house. When I went back to get the plastic, I realized that I locked my (his) keys in the car... again. Yes, yes, yes THIS is not the FIRST time.

I called him. He keeps his spares in a secret hiding space, cause he's a secret spy agent. I thought he'd be bugged, but he wasn't... or at least he didn't sound like it. He was so very sweet. I wanted to reach through the phone and hug him.

I heard him pull up and ran outside... JUSt to see him drive off again. When I called to see where he was going, he said that he had forgotten to grab his spare from his secret hiding place.

Okay, he didn't SAY secret hiding place, but whatever- YOU get the picture!

After driving BACK to pick up his spare, he finally pulled up to release the keys from captivity. When I went out there, he looked slightly aggitated as he said, "Jen... the passenger side door was open the WHOLE time".

Oh God. Ima retard

Coveted Cierra Christmas Pictures

2008-11-17T20:08:00.002-07:00

Every year I take pictures of Cierra for photo cards. I haven't sent 'just a card' in years... Anyway, since I had my livingroom converted into a studio for the weekend, I took Cierra's Christmas photo's as well.

Here are a few....

Final Cut

2008-11-16T22:31:00.002-07:00

This is all the photos in the Kast Christmas Photo Shoot album from yesterday. I just finished photoshopping them all earlier today. This was a LOT of fun! enjoys!

Photoshootage

2008-11-15T22:27:00.002-07:00

I wanted to post a couple of snaps from the photo shoot I did this morning for the Kast familia.

No Pictures for Poncho

2008-11-14T23:52:00.002-07:00

I don't have much time to write tonight, because my pictures won't upload. I was depending on them... oh well!

I bought a yard of super cute fleece on sale at Hobby Lobby tonight. I cut out a base for Rosy, the guinea pig's new cage and had some left over. I ended up making Cierra a cowl neck poncho with a fleece flower out of it. I took pictures of it... but NOW you'll have to wait to see it!

*@#$%$!

2008-11-13T22:05:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite 'kids say the darndest things' stories about Cierra happened last year when she was in 1st grade.
She and I were meeting with the speech therapy teacher to explore the possibility of Cierra in speech therapy. She has a little bit of a lisp. It seems to get better as she gets older. Never-the-less when we were done with the meeting, Cierra asked why she would go to speech class. When I told her that it would be to help her say her s's, t's, th's and ch's a little better. She looked at me kinda weird almost immediately. I asked her what was up. The following is what she had to say:

Cierra- "Do grown ups go to speech class at my school?"

Me- "Nope, just kids, why?"

Cierra- "Mister Martin needs to go to speech class, he has a lisp like me."

(Mr. Martin was/is a Fabulously gay 5th grade teacher at her school... I proceeded to laugh. laugh laugh!)

My Need for Winter Clothes

2008-11-12T20:41:00.002-07:00

I need to shop badly. Necessity purchases. I've made a list, wanna see? But of course you do, otherwise you wouldn't be here...

-A funky cowl neck hand-made scarf from Etsy..
-A single pair of low-rise wide leg DARK denim jeans.. okay maybe two...
-A couple long-line tees
-Grey scrunch boots
-Wrist warmers, in case my wrists get cold
-A black fitted sweater dress..
-Leg warmers- because they are HOT with super high heels and I secretly collect them.
-Another hat or two, for mornings when I wake up late.
(okay, maybe that's why I NEED more hats-- my waking up late...)

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T20:43:00.005-07:00

I was 26 years old when I realized that I had no idea how my Grandparent's met. Ironic, since I was recently divorced at that point. Longing for a love story; I asked my Grandmother. Innocently enough, my Grandparents met while they were BOTH serving our country. I suppose I never asked her earlier because I thought she'd be too sad to answer me.

I was in eighth grade when my Grandpa died. It was a blur. I sang at his funeral, even though it felt like I was just moving my lips...I guess people liked it, even though I really didn't care. I don't remember crying that much because I knew he was really sick. I was happy that he wasn't hurting anymore. His arms were marked with tattoos, showing his time in the service and age all at the same time. His voice rasped from smoking cigarettes everyday of service to his country, a habit that died shortly before he did. He spent lots of time at the VFW, where his brothers and friends were, as well as his safe-haven to drink whatever he wanted.

My Grandma, and mom would always give him a hard time about his drinking... I remember that much. I didn't understand what the big deal was, even at a young age. He wasn't hurting anybody, he provided for his family, and I certainly didn't remember him being boligerant. I can only imagine the things that man saw in his days served.... I probably would've drank it away too.

Nonetheless, I gathered some pictures from my Grandma's basement the last time that I was able to visit. In honor of Veteran's Day, I am posting them for you to see. I couldn't find any of my Grandfather in uniform. My dad was in the Air Force as well, I don't have any pictures of him in uniform either. I need to get on that, seriously.

This newspaper clipping is one of my favorites. The Postmaster General honored women of the armed forces by placing them on a U.S. postage stamp. My Grandmother was the representative for the Army (I wish I could find those stamps). She is pictured the second from the left. PFC Lillian M. Petruch.

Here is my Grandma and Grandpa with my mom as a baby. They were certainly ahead of times flying in a de-pressurized aircraft-ugg.

Here is my Grandma...

Politics vs. Beer

2008-11-11T00:14:00.004-07:00

I am a firm believer that politics should NEVER be talked about at bars. Tonight at Monte Vista after the Football game watchers left (AZ/ SF game), you could here loud screams coming from the back of the bar. Apparently someone felt he should voice his political view to his dearest friends. All five of his buddies did not agree with him, leaving him to be an annoylingly loud, drunken mess of a man. These men were your typical 'English major' types, who evidently didn't get the memo that you shouldn't tuck in your polo shirts to your cargo jeans- it looks retarded. For that matter, just do away with your polo's; you look like my dad.

It didn't take long for Jeff the bartender to kick him out.

A pint in peace is priceless!

Now THAT should be a Visa commercial!

Hard Core Spongebob

2008-11-09T23:26:00.003-07:00

I don't really have to much to say tonight.... but I suppose that happens to the best of us!

I managed to soak the lizards and clean out their tanks. I cleaned out both fish tanks. Scheduled a Christmas photo shoot for next Saturday morning. Got Cierra's Birthday party booked and an invitation list started. I am STILL doing laundry.....

Poop Chronicles

2008-11-09T01:58:00.002-07:00

I do not know why I find the word SO very entertaining when a man says it... but poop has the ability to bring me to hysterics more than any ONE subject.

Tonight at O'Neils I felt the need to do a 'poop at public places' poll. I felt the need to ask perfect strangers if they were a 'poop in public kinda guy'.
Good stuff! I... yes, I.. will poop anywhere.

I find it amusing that women will go to great lengths to mask the fact that they are pooping in public. They will strategically cough, drop things and flush the toilets to hide the fact they are public poopers. My favorite, is the girls who turn on the faucets first, so no-one will hear them.

I always play dumb and turn them all off.....

I know what your thinking...

If you are a woman, you are probably thinking back to how many faucets left on you've run into. Maybe you think I'm mean. I'm not mean... you're just a sissy! lol
If you are a man, you are probably surprised that women do that sort of thing. Come on guys... we are crazy, you know this. Ha!

My very own Hannah Montana Candy bracelet...

2008-11-07T19:45:00.003-07:00

This morning I was helping in Cierra's 2nd grade class. It is Friday, This is always how I spend the first few hours of my day. Today we did a restaurant for the kids. We asked all the parents to bring things for a menu that Mrs. West made up. (Hot Dogs, Frito Pie, fruit cups, chips... you get the picture) It was laminated and everything, super Cute! Everyone got to write down what they wanted. Then they had to add the totals and pay the cashier with their fake money.

The kids LOVED it! One of my 'bad boys' did the CUTEST thing!

See, I usually get the group of bad boys/ bully's to work with. The three of them get reading time with me for an hour every Friday morning. I get them, and they get me.. it works out well.

(Accept for the one who kept strategically dropping his pencil, ummm ten times in a row when I was wearing a skirt. I picked it up for him and used it as a pointer- lol)

Those boys are intrigued with my skull-filled arm, which completely entertains me. I'm glad to harness the thought that a heavily tattooed person can be totally productive and smart! That school is in 'The War Zone' of Albuquerque, lord knows these kids see the other side way more than they probably should.

ANYWAY, today after the restraunt ordeal, Little 'J' (bully #2) was starting to bounce off the walls. I put him to work collecting everybody's trash, along with my own child. I told Little 'J' to see if he could collect more trash than my Cierra. That kept him busy for the next twenty minutes or so! Before I left, he ran up to me, reached deep in his pocket and pulled out a Hannah Montana candy bracelet.

"This is for you"...

Awwwwww

To Bang or Not to Bang

2008-11-06T22:48:00.002-07:00

I've gone back and forth all day about whether or not to cut my bangs. I still hadn't decided, when an episode of "What Not to Wear" inspired me to tweeze the hell out of them.

For the record, I prefer to have someone else wax or tweeze them, but whatever, I'm broke!

By the time I made my way to the bathroom to tweeze tweeze tweeze, I was un-inspired again. I instead chose to cut my bangs, hiding my browage for the time being.

To All My Photoshop Geeks...

2008-11-06T02:10:00.003-07:00

To All My Photoshop Geeks- YOU MUST WATCH THIS!!! It is actually a tutorial on youtube about channels and paths. More importantly, you should turn up your volume and listen to dudes commentary. I don't know if it's just cause it's late, but I thought it was H_I_L_A_R_I_O_U_S!

Finished Painting Poop Room

2008-11-05T20:58:00.005-07:00

Over the past couple of days, I've been painting the customer bathroom at the shop. Finally finished it today...

It was originally that neon color with red and purple splatters everywhere (even the ceiling). I just used the only colors that were existing in the shop, black and red. Literally didn't cost a dime. The toilet seat was a gift from Cody Sparrow (Champagne, Illinios). It slipped my mind to take a before picture.. but I will definitely take before AND afters when I do the employee bathroom over the weekend! I cannot WAIT! I love painting... it is energizing to see a room take on new life. sigh....

If only I could paint my loft...

O-hana O-bama

2008-11-05T00:12:00.003-07:00

What a day in history! I am truly glad that I live in a country that enables me to vote. I usually keep all political opinions to myself, this day is no different.
I DO want to share this story though...

All of the kids at my daughter's after-school program voted today...

SHE voted for 'Ohana' as in Hawaiian for 'family'. (think Lilo and Stitch)

When I asked her, "Do you mean O-bama"?

She said, "Yeah... same thing mom".

I thought it was ironically sweet.

Armpit Art

2008-11-04T20:50:00.004-07:00

Cierra will be at her dad's for Thanksgiving this year. He is taking her to Amarillo.
I asked Manny if he would tattoo my armpit during that time. I won't have a kiddo to take care of, so I'll have the time to heal it out! I cannot describe to you how THAT is going to feel-uggg. The healing process should be entertaining. No shaving. No deoderant (I'll be locking myself in my apartment for a week, while I am hippy-fabulous). I've narrowed it down to three open roses.

Uninspired

2008-11-03T02:09:00.008-07:00

I am going to post my Monday post now, before I go to bed 'tonight'... which is actually today... if THAT makes any sense at all! I am feeling very uninspired at the moment. It could be because I wish I could go to my Gramma's funeral in Boston on Thursday. It could be because I am nervous about starting two more classes on Friday.(What's a little MORE on my plate-right?) It could ALSO be because it is 2 in the morning, and I am WIDE awake!

Whatever the cause I thought I would post some VERY old pictures.....

Cierra getting into the toilet paper seven years ago!

He HE Halloween... Who's that Harry Potter? Holy Geese!!

Cierra and I and the Genis's house um AGES ago..

Now the picture below is of me stealing the bathroom deoderizor from the bar to spray AT the bar, because SOMEONE stunk!. The feet you see... are Valency's. Now there is dedication, a girl who is willing to lie on the bathroom floor to get the right 'shot'. lol

Makeup schtuff

2008-11-02T21:44:00.007-07:00

Did some makeup today, for a vampire picture. (makeup, photo and photoshop done by yours truly). Also putting one up that I just got WAAAAy too carried away with.

Dreamweaver

Rejected... AGAIN!

2008-11-02T12:50:00.005-07:00

Got two MORE rejection letters yesterday...

I should just start a blog that has nothing but rejection letters from all the companies I apply to. I get at least two a week, it really is ridiculous. It's not like I'm NOT qualified. I have a damn Management degree. I have over ten years work experience. I'm in Grad school for God's sake...
I am goiing to cut and paste the two most recent ones for your entertainment.

"Thank you for your interest in the American Cancer Society and your recent submission to our Government Relations Director, New Mexico position. We have reviewed your resume/CV and have decided to pursue other candidates whose qualifications are more closely aligned with the position requirements and our current business needs. We encourage you to visit www.cancer.org on a regular basis to view current opportunities. We wish you the best in your career search. Thank you"

"Thank you for submitting your application for the position of Airfield Operations Manager with Aviation. We have carefully reviewed all applications received for opening and regret to inform you that you were not selected to be interviewed for the above position. Good Luck in your future employment endeavors. Sincerely, Michelle R. Rallis, City of Albuquerque"

Dough Art

2008-11-02T00:02:00.003-06:00

Tonight, I took Cierra to Il Vicino to split a cheese pizza with me. While we were waiting for our food they brought her some pizza dough to play with. Totally cute idea! By the end of dinner, we had used the spinach and left over pizza to make our little creation. I magically had my camera with me...

Snow Queen Costume n Hair

2008-11-01T23:24:00.005-06:00

Let the Teasing begin!

This is about twnety minutes in... she was NOT thrilled... I bought the earring hooks at Hobby Lobby and attached them to miniature snowflake ornaments. I used the snowflake ornaments to sew all around her dress. You can't really see them in the picture--- but they are there!
Okay, we are BOTH happy now. I used a necklace at the base of her head, held tight with bobby pinage! The crown was a buck at walgreens. I hot glued snowflakes onto it.

And, HERE is the costume, finally finished. It's hard to see detail since its white- you get the picture though.

NoBloPoMo 2008 DO IT!

2008-11-01T11:56:00.002-06:00

November is National Blog Posting Month, NoBloPoMo, I will be posting every day this month for thirty days.

http://nablopomo.ning.com/

My love for Improv

2008-10-31T02:05:00.003-06:00

During my first year of College, I took Acting, Improv I and Improv II. I am a spaz now, and was ESPECIALLY spazzy when I was 19. I have always had a love for Improv and quick wit in general. During coffee with Valency on Wednesday morning, we talked about this. Sigh. I told her about the VERY TALENTEd Jim Henson puppeteers of "Puppet Up! Uncensored". These people are SO talented! Manny and I found it playing on TBS one morning at 1:30 in the morning. It sucked us right in!

Enjoy! I know we did!

Pre-Halloween Craziness

2008-10-31T01:30:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures from earlier.

Before I put Cierra to bed, I surprised her with two HUGE pumpkins. It's not Halloween without carved pumpkinage!

Everybody say hello to the nasty little flash that comes on the camera....

I was putting the finishing touches on Cierra's Snow Queen Costume for tomorrow. I pretty much decided tonight that I need to sew more often than not. It is really satisfying when I'm not playing pattern wars (attempting to de-code the clothing pattern).

I do believe tomorrow is going to be hectic, hectic, hectic. Bring it on!

Poop

2008-10-30T05:44:00.002-06:00

I like to go to the following link when I'm bored. It is the definition of the word 'poop' on dictionary dot com. :o) Ckick on the 'hear' key. Humor me, obviously that is the ONLY point in this post!

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/poop

Caller UNKNOWN...

2008-10-29T10:05:00.003-06:00

Caller UNKNOWN...

A problem presents itself.

If you read my blog at all, you'll know that over the past month I've been broke broke broke! About a week ago, my old credit card company began calling me because they want more money. Ha! Doesn't EVERYBODY right now?

I only had enough to pay them the payment (one week late)... now they want the late fee payment. I told them they will have to wait until the begining of the month, plain and simple (plus it is JUST around the corner). I even did an advance payment online. They are pissed because I closed my account with them last month. They wouldn't give me my hardship deferrment that I paid 3 dollars a month for, because it doesn't count when you are receiving unemployment benefits. Complete Bullshit!

THESE PEOPLE STILL CALL. If the IRS put these people on their team, the suicide rate would definitely go up... I am convinced. They call me about 20 to 30 times a day from a BLOCKED number.

My major problem at the moment, is the fact that my boyfriend is a secret spy agent and feels the need to ALWAYS block his number. This is done,for his protection... since he is a secret spy agent, obviously.

What's a girl to do, accept reject ALL calls from blocked numbers?

It drives the poor man crazy. I'm not too worried though. SINCE he's a secret spy agent, he really knows where I am all the time anyway.

I Heart Graham Norton

2008-10-28T02:13:00.002-06:00

I DO miss Graham Norton and British TV. Graham EVERY night keeps the Dr's away...I am STILL convinced of this fact.

Here's my favorite Graham clip with Roseanne Barr, of all people.

enjoy!

Let us P A U S E for a moment...

2008-10-28T01:27:00.005-06:00

"Let us pause for a moment" (Say this in a really low drawn out British accent, and you'll get what and HOW I am saying this in my head).

I had to uninstall CS3 (photoshop) and re-install the later version because I'm a self-proclaimed retard tonight when it comes to software issues. yeah yeah blttthhh

In the process I am taking a little break! I did manage to get a little more homework done, but am confused about what is due tomorrow morning at 8:30. I could have sworn that my Instructor wanted our CD projects in by tomorrow. On the syllabus it says the 6th. The 6th of November will be THURSDAY, so I will not stress over that... yet. All I know at this point is... I HAVE NO desire to wake up early tomorrow.

Some good news (for me anyway)... is that this morning when I checked my mail there was a check from the State of New Mexico for a hundred bucks. woot woot! THAT means I only have to save 400 more to get my car fixed! My clutch took a nose dive, after having the car for three years, I suppose it is expected. I have a Kia Rio. Good car, eh-ummmm good dependable (yet disposable) car.

On a totally non-related note; I also got a rather disturbing piece of mail. (If my scanner worked, I'd totally scan it for you). My disturbing mail-of-the-day was a reply from UNM (University of New Mexico), stating that NO credits from my first year of college were accepted ,due to the school no longer being regionally, OR nationally accredited. Let me explain to you WHY THIS BUGS SO MUCH!

When I was 18, I attended Messenger Bible College in Joplin, MO. I was still trying to find myself, and for once I felt that I was doing something that made my father proud. I applied, took out student loans and attended. It didn't take me that long (second semester) to decide that good ole' Messenger DEFINITELY was not for me.

This was a school that offered degrees to be a Missionary, but would not back you (as a woman), unless you were married. There were several instances such as this. All the 'church-going' boys I ever dated during that time were complete and utter cockbags. I got in several arguments during that second semester, because I truly felt a lot of contradictions in what was 'preached', 'taught' and done. No-one could ever give me a decent answer... no-one. During the second semester, my stuck up roomate decided to move out of our dorm room and in with two of her equally stuffy fluffy friends. My second semester was kinda lame, but nice, because I knew I was NEVER going back. Oh! AND I had my whole dorm room to myself.

I am STILL differing loans from my first year of college, which apparently was a TOTAL waste of time and money. NICE. It still pisses me off that they didn't even have the decency to tell all the students they recruited that the credits were as good as stagnent toilet water in the realm of education.

I still remember how angry my dad was at me when I told him I wasn't going back there. I really didn't care though.

I was doing something for ME and it felt good.

WHAT A DAY... hummmmp.

2008-10-24T21:57:00.006-06:00

This morning when I dropped Cierra off at school, she shouted this as she was leaving:

"Bye Mom! Don't forget to finish sewing my costume for tonight's Fall Festival at the Youth Center!"

WHAT??? TONIGHT? HALLOWEEN IS NEXT WEEK!

I tried to finish sewing her costume..I REALLY did. BUT it was not happenin'. McCalls patterns are not known for their 'ease of sewing'. I usually buy Simplicity or Butterick patterns, but this time they didn't have the right dress!

Since I couldn't manage to finish her Snow Queen dress, I left a little early from the shop and headed to the Dollar Store and Big Lots. I scored a long wig for ONE DOLLAR! I Picked up a highschool musical dress, that looked more like mermaid dress at Big Lots for $5.99. After that I hopped over to my house for my make-up kit and went straigh to The Fall Festival.

My living room floor looks like this till I'm done with her costume!!!

Cierra looks like 'Ginger'...

2008-10-23T22:24:00.005-06:00

Today, when I picked up Cierra from the after school club, one of her teachers told me, "Cierra looks like that one actress from Ginger Snaps".
I never saw it, so I youtubed the trailor when I got home. The actress' name is Katherine Isabelle...

So... what you're saying is... I'm in TROUBLE! lol
Here is Ginger Snaps featurette...

Photoshop Randomness

2008-10-23T03:41:00.001-06:00

The shoe is actually a picture I took of Kristines baby shoe. This weekend at Kristine n' J's babyshower, her Grandmother gave her a baby blue pair of Nike's for her new baby (that were hers when SHE was a baby) I just clipped it n' made a VERY BUSY collage, against the baby room colors....

Here's the expectin'! I shopped a dinosaur on her belly for shits n' giggles. K loves her dinosaurs!

Frugal- licisious

2008-10-23T00:17:00.005-06:00

Just e-mailed Tuesday's completed assignment to my Instructor, so I won't get too slashed for points! NOW, I getta start on the 'additional assignment'. Before I do that... I needa clear my brainspace. Puttin my brainspace out for you publics helps me out!

The economy is in the pooper, yeah yeah. WE KNOW! Those of us who are not employed by the government, county, city or state are definitely feelin the pressure. I've been officially 'unemployed' for seven months now, so yeah, I know. It is hard to find and official J.O.B. when places aren't really hiring. I have more rejection letters than I care to admit!

Even at the shop it's been S L O W. In the Tattoo Industry, when there are no clients to get tattooed, there is no Industry.

www.customtattoo-nm@zianet.com

This is me advertising! COME GET TATTOOED!

That part really helps the shop...

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I have a personal Frugalicious list of my own. When I started crackin down my personal spending (i.e. getting canned by Dillards) I used s list similar to the following:
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/moneymanagement/a/Month_Spending.htm

*I am going to be slicing down to basic cable next month.

*I am buying a water filter for the sink ASAP, I'll no longer be investing in
bottled water.

*If I do not have a job in two weeks, I am cancelling my cell phone and getting a land line.

*No eating out for me! Cooking is a lot cheaper!

*Closer to the Holidays, I will whore my photography. Sorry folks- No more 'portfolio builders' here.

*Starting immediately, I will begin ebaying at least five items per week till
Christmas. (it adds up) That will be what I buy Cierra's presents with.

*I went through all of our old DVD's and CD's and am taking a bag to Hastings
to re-sell.

*Doing the same with books.

*I Pay cash as much as possible. This way I can limit my spending to whatever I
have on hand (and that is it). This saves on ugly ugly bank charges. (which
none of you lovely people EVER get- right?)

*I already trade in Cierra's clothes for store credit at 'Other Mothers' a
fabulous consignment on Cutler. She always looks cute.

*I don't shop for me, unless I NEED something.

This stuff (for me) has to be done. I am still trying to recover from the three week gap without pay due to the Federal Extension of Unemployment benefits. I've got one annoying credit card that refuses to quit calling me. The sad thing is, the balance on the WHOLE thing is only $200 bucks... A late fee was cheaper than a bank fee, so LATE IT WAS... is.

Don't they have bigger fish to catch?

I told them I'd pay when I got my unemployment check (tomorrow), they call anyway.

Manny told me the analogy once, "You can try to squeeze blood from a turnip all ya want... when it comes down to it, turnips don't bleed! Keep trying, but you really are wasting your time".

I'm good with it. I'm making changes. Change does BLOW, but sometimes, ya gotta do what ya gotta do...frugal-licious! (like my word? It's like fergalicious... only FRUGalicious) I'm such a dork...

My Favorite Foamy Rant

2008-10-23T00:07:00.001-06:00

Because sometimes... ya jist needa laugh!

Mermaid Mush

2008-10-22T21:45:00.002-06:00

I am taking a break from my massive mound of homework to tell you all what happened tonight.

Apparently, my seven year old thinks she is a mermaid swimming wildly through the deep blue sea. I heard her splashing around, but didn't think anything of it, mainly because I was engrossed in Photoshopage. Once I get in the 'groove' I really HATE stopping for anything. This explains why most of my photoshoping is done between the hours of 9m and 2am.

Fast Forward ten minutes; I heard water dripping in my downstairs bathroom. (The bath upstairs is directly above it).

"Did I leave the sink on?", I asked myself.

(If I didn't talk to myself throughout the day, I would NEVER make it)

I dragged myself away from the computer, yelled up to Cierra that it was time to get out and took a look in my downstairs bathroom. The ceiling was leaking straight through, one droplet at a time. I don't mind the water, since I needed to mop anyway. What I DO mind, is the fact that the fancy-scha-mancy body powder I recently bought at Sephora, was all over the floor as well. THIS BUGGED. It was all mushy and gross. I had kid-induced mermaid mush!

Once she was out of the tub and in her pajama's, I went upstairs to inspect the bathroom floor. She was trying desperately to be slick and soaked it all up with her towel. The funny thing is, the towel was SO wet that it was dripping onto the floor.

Me: "Why is that towel so wet?"

Cierra: "I decided to mop the floor for you mom.", smiling proudly.

Me: "Ya missed a spot" winking at her with my arms crossed

Cierra: " I can get it for you tomorrow, after I take my bath."

Me: "Hmmm, I'm sure you will. Follow me downstairs for a minute..."

Cierra: "Why?"

Me: "Uh... Well... Because I said so..."

We trudge downstairs and into the bathroom (the ceiling was still dripping a little).

Me: "Know what that's from?"

Cierra: "Yeah, it's from the pipes, you should call the apartment fixer guy."

Me: "OR you could NOT 'mop' the floor for me"

Cierra: "OOOHHH, okay. Sorry mom"

Me: "So... what's up? Did you have fun playing mermaid?"

Cierra: 'Yeah, I wish it was summer again. I love swimming in the big pool and pretending that I'm a mermaid, but the bathtub works just fine for now."

AM I GOOD OR AM I GOOD?

And, THAT was how I busted Cierra for creating mermaid mush!

Some types of 'Discrimination' ARE legal...

2008-10-22T11:24:00.004-06:00

MSN is my homepage. Every now and then I get distracted by random articles... this was one of them.
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You know the woman -- the one who could wear a paper bag to a board meeting and still manage to look both beautiful and perfectly professional. As if it weren't annoying enough that she maintains her obnoxiously flat abs by lifting doughnuts to her mouth, it turns out your gorgeous co-worker may also be out-earning her less genetically-blessed colleagues.

Good looks can have a real impact on workers' bank accounts, according to research by Daniel Hamermesh and Jeff Biddle published in the Journal of Labor Economics. Attractive people earn about 5 percent more in hourly pay than their average-looking colleagues, who in turn earn 9 percent more per hour than the plainest-looking workers. This means if an average-looking person earned $40,000, their prettiest co-workers would make $42,000 while their least attractive colleagues brought home just $36,400. Plain-looking workers may also receive fewer promotions than those awarded to their more striking contemporaries.

Steven D. Spitz, D.M.D. and owner of cosmetic dentistry firm Smile Boston, said he once had a client who wanted his assistant to get veneers, and was even willing to pay for the dental work -- as long as the assistant asked for it. "He said this was a woman who was really good at her job and he was moving up (within the organization), but he couldn't take her with him because her teeth were so bad," Spitz said. The assistant never came in for the dental work, and Spitz said he didn't know what became of her career.

It remains uncertain whether the handsomest people translate their good looks into higher productivity, but students do consistently give better-looking professors higher evaluations than they give their less comely teachers, according to research by Hamermesh and Amy Parker at the University of Texas in Austin. Still, many experts warn against assigning too much value to beauty in the workplace, arguing that even if your good looks do get you in the door, they may not get you much farther.

Unlike religion, national origin or disability, discrimination based on looks is legal in most jurisdictions, said James McDonald, Jr., managing partner of the Irvine office of employment law firm Fisher & Phillips LLP. Washington, D.C. and Santa Cruz, Calif. are two of the only municipalities with laws explicitly protecting workers against discrimination based on physical characteristics or personal appearance, he said. Still, that hasn't stopped workers from launching unsuccessful lawsuits.

Fortunately, there's -- literally -- more to attractiveness than meets the eye. Researchers Markus Mobius and Tanya Rosenblat found that confidence makes up 20 percent of perceived attractiveness. To ensure the image you're portraying is a confident one, be sure your posture doesn't betray your nervousness. Keep your back straight, head high and make eye contact with your associates.
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Moral of the story here.. get out your lipgloss more often than not. Botox and Veneers could possibly get you a raise. LOL

Balloon Fiesta 2008 Pictures

2008-10-20T00:22:00.002-06:00

Here are the pictures from this years International Balloon Fiesta. It took me a bit because I wanted to make a digital collage, so all the pics wouldn't take up so much room! The first collage is from the early morning launch on Wednesday October 8th, 2008. We woke up at 5:00 am, stopped at Dunkin Donuts and headed to the launch. It was EARLY, but super fun. We camped out on the hood of the car with about five blankets, our donuts and a camera. When they all launched we headed to a side street off of Paseo called El Pueblo. It was a landing point. Got some great up close pictures- they were beautiful! The next evening, Thursday, October 9th 2008 was the International Balloon Fiesta Glodeo, were all the 'special shapes' balloons 'glow'! There was about 50 bazillion people there-uggg. The fireworks were amazing! The cow is me and Cierra's FAVORITE- it is SOOOO BIG!

Public Zit Popping

2008-10-18T20:46:00.003-06:00

Background:
About a month ago, I enlisted my seven year old to take care of an infected hair on the back of my neck, that I couldn't see. She thought the whole thing was pretty amusing and gross at the same time. After that, she scowered over my back to see if she could find any more. She then made me swear if I ever noticed another one, that SHE gets to be the first one I tell, so SHE can 'get it'!

The Instance:
During the Balloon Fiesta Glodeo (which I STILL haven't posted pictures of), Cierra and I opted for the Coronado Park and Ride. There were A LOT of people, but I was happy to wait in line!
(I have the patience of a three year old in a candy store when it comes to waiting in traffic and am the self-proclaimed Road Rage Queen-grrrrowl)

While we were waiting in line to get on the bus to the Fiesta Cierra mumbled something. There were too many people... I couldn't hear her.

When I asked her what she said, she promptly, loudly and CLEARLY yelled,

"DO YA HAVE ANY ZITS I CAN POP MOM? I'M BORED!"

My Favorite Foamy Rant

2008-10-16T14:01:00.002-06:00

Because sometimes... ya jist needa laugh!

GrilZ GiRl

2008-10-14T21:26:00.004-06:00

On a recent trip to Urban Outfitters, I picked up some candy GrillZ for kids.....for some things... there are no words! lol

Photoshop Project 2

2008-10-11T00:55:00.003-06:00

We are now working with clipping masks and adjustment layers. I honestly ended up 'youtubing ' tutorials for about three hours before I even started. We did it in class but I was really confused. The tutorials helped a lot.

The assignement was to make a CD cover. I made one for my fictional band the 'Zombie Butterfly Catchers'. Part of the reason for the subject matter is that my instructor thought my last one was 'scary'. lol He he

Mouse Up Her Sleve... Literally

2008-10-08T23:14:00.002-06:00

Today, was quite a day! It began at 5am-uggness! We woke up bright and early for the Balloon Fiesta Launch. I had to bribe my child out of bed with promises of Dunkin Donuts! I bribed myself with coffee. I absolutely adore Dunkin Donuts coffee! It is STRONG, CHEAP and MUDDY! I'll post pictures from Balloon Fiesta at some point tomorrow! We are going to the Glowdeo tomorrow night, so I'll just do a mass Balloon Fiesta post at some point... BUT not tonight!

The best part out of the whole day, happened at the close of a VERY busy, long day as I was cooking dinner.

It is Cierra's job to change the mice food every night. We have three mice, Chester, Snowflake and Ruby. They are completely nocturnal and usually begin getting started as we are finishing dinner. If you've ever seen mice at the pet store, you know that they are fast lil guys! Cierra has wanted to hold the mice since we got them, over a month ago, however, they don't agree with her. I'm good with that, I'm pretty sure if they got out, we'd never catch them.......alive.

Anyway, as she was complaining about how skunky they truly are, she completely froze. I caught her movement out of the corner of my eye and the following proceeded.....

She began doing the bug dance. The bug dance is the dance you do when you think there is a bug on you. Don't EVEN act like you've never done the bug dance... we've all done the bug dance!

WHILE she's doing the 'bug dance', with her body, she has her arm completely suspended over the tank. Her arm, however, looked like a 'statue arm'!

During the 'bug dance' and 'statue arm', she was screaming at the top of her lungs the way we do when our brains talk faster than our mouths can output coherent words.....

At this point, I can make out "MOOOOOOM!!!!! MOOOUUSSSSSEE IN MY SLEEEEEEEVE TAAIL... Just grab the TAIL!"....

We've never grabbed the mice by their tails because, as Manny would say, "It's just Rude!".

Apparently, the exception is when the mouse takes it upon herself to crawl up the inside of your sleeve. While I was attempting to get her out of Cierra's sleeve, she was wriggling her way further up it. This caused an even more chaotic 'bug dance', 'statue arm' escapade accept with the added component of the 'opera scream'.

(I've also seen grown men do the 'opera scream', or should I say man- Macho Man Dart Boy who to this day holds the record in making me pee myself over HIS fear of spiders. He'd argue it was black widows.. NOT just ANY spiders.)

So, after Cierra's perfect execution of the 'bug dance'/ 'opera scream'/ 'statue arm', I finally got Ruby, the mouse, out of her sleeve. The poor thing was shaking as much as Cierra was. During this whole escapade, I couldn't help not laughing. Actually, I haven't laughed that hard (at my child's expense) in a long time. Cierra WAS NOT happy that I found it so bloody funny.

I promptly pulled up an OLD Tom and Jerry video off of You Tube where basically the same thing happened.. THEN she laughed!

Pinto Gringo

2008-10-06T23:11:00.003-06:00

While sleepily spell-checking the blog post directly below, it changed 'Pinot Grigio' wine, to Pinto Gringo--- I needa make a label! I find it completely amusing at the moment.

Don't bother asking why the Bob the Builder display (with pinto beans at his feet) is completely enjoyable to me. The sole purpose of this post is for my entertainment...

Cold Grean Beans and Cheap Wine

2008-10-06T22:24:00.006-06:00

When I got home from class tonight, I tossed some buffalo chicken nuggets in the micro, and poured myself a pint of Pinot Grigio..... and YES, I said PINT. Between the cooking of the nuggets, which I failed to mention weren't meant to be microwaved......EVER, I dropped my whole wine glass holder, shattering my only three wine glasses. I was starving and frustrated, so I grabbed a pint glass and filled it with yummness. At that point, my nasty nuggets still had two minutes left to cook. Apparently, two minutes is entirely too long to wait for a growingly frustrated me; Instead of cooking my beans, I just ate them straight out of the can. It's been a cold green beans and cheap wine kinda day.

In the meantime, I was talking to my friend Marie, who informed me that I missed her Birthday on Saturday. Fucking great. To be honest, I haven't talked to her in well over two weeks. I put her in "Jen timeout" while her scum boyfriend was here 'visiting'. By 'visiting', I mean going to trial for HITTING her. I still get bugged talking to her sometimes, but she is the friend (everybody has one), who asks for advice with no intentions of EVER using it. I do love her, she's my friend... but I really do wanna strangle the sense into her most of the time.
I got off the phone with her before I proceeded to break all my wine glasses. I do believe I told her I'd call her back... that was over an hour ago... urrgg

I swear I wasn't stressed, or aggravated this morning. Somehow between morning coffee and now, I am a mess. I'm sure the fact, that my daughter yakked right before I took her to school today, missing the toilet and skimming my make-up kit had a good hand in starting it. OR maybe it was the fact that I was being a needy girlfriend and didn't get what I 'needed'. (You see, he is supposed to know what I need all the time, even when I don't lol). I put myself in a time out tonight, for HIS sake! Finally, add to the fact that I still haven't received the last two weeks of Unemployment pay due to me having to file the Federal Extension IN PERSON.

I just wanna go lay down in my nice warm bed and pretend that I don't have any responsibilities nagging at my every move... but then this homework wouldn't get done now WOULD it?

Happy Horrible Person...

2008-10-05T22:12:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Dillard's called me, I ignored the call, as usual. When I listened to my message, it was my old boss, Angela, telling me about the Lancome Gift with Purchase that begins on Tuesday.

WHY THIS ENTERTAINS ME:
I used to work for Lancome at Dillard's. Being a Beauty Advisor has its ups and working for Dillard's has its DOWNS! ThanksGOD, I'm not there anymore! However, the Lancome/Loreal company truly is wonderful!

Anyway, Dillard's canned me in March due to excessive absences. Excessive to Dillard's is three in a six month period. During that six month period my child had strep, and my ex refused to pick her up for me, forcing me to leave work and miss one full day. Even though I had a Doctors note for the two days I missed, it was during blackout period, meaning that I was Shit-Outta-Luck!

(Dillards' Blackout: between October and January; Months in which there are absolutely no excused absences/ tardies, even with a Dr's note)

I guess they expected me to find my sick child a sitter. I have no family in this state and they are RETARDED!

Long story, short, I was 'terminated'. Shortly after that I filed for unemployment, they appealed, I hired an amazing Unemployment lawyer, and promptly won my claim against them.

MY FINALE:

I ALWAYS make it a point to buy the gift with purchase with my Unemployment money that they pay me. It feeds my bitterness. There is always somebody that is curious 'what I am doing'. I get to smile and tell them, "Still claiming Unemployment and taking a full course-load towards me Master's". I usually throw in how it is so nice not to work weekend and nights anymore. LOL

Does this make me a horrible person? Probably... but I'm a happy horrible person, so screw off!

Beardie Pics

2008-10-02T02:05:00.002-06:00

I never took pictures of anorexic Shirley lizard, but here are some great shots of LaVern (and Cierra's baby blue's)! Cierra took this one tonight, I don't know what she had the camera set for-- but it's not bad at all!!! You can see how HUGE she's getting here!