The Fault In Our Stars

My boyfriend introduced me to Hank and John Green on YouTube, which later got me into their channel CrashCourse. Let me tell you, these are two amazingly brilliant gentlemen. If you haven't had a chance to check them out, I would highly recommend it. After watching a few of their videos, Boyo mentioned John Green's books. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but, when searching for books in Top 100's lists scattered about the interwebs, I found his books. On every. single. list. Not only that, at least three of them. on every. list.

Breaking down, I went for the most popular (and highest rated) of his books: The Fault In Our Stars. I will never be so internally shattered, yet happy that I did.

The story is, firstly, about Cancer, then about an intellectual girl named Hazel Grace whom meets and falls in love with another Cancer, also an intellectual, Augustus Waters. Hazel is dying, she is perpetually hooked up to an oxygen tank which allows her lungs to fill with the necessary amount of life sustaining oxygen her lungs fail at taking in on their own.

Hazel Grace meets Augustus Waters, a charismatic metaphor, at a support group that he attended for his friend Isaac. The plot revolves around a book of a girl with cancer, and leaves the last sentence of the book unfinished, the ending hanging. The two theorize on the book as they get to know each other until one of them, inevitably, dies.

I have never cried so hard reading a book in my life as I did with this book. It was devastatingly haunting and beautiful. It's only mildly predictable, which is wonderful; what makes this book great is it's honesty. There is no bravery in cancer and no beauty. The winner is never really a winner because it isn't something you can beat; only go into remission from. There is no grace in dying. Lastly, no one is exempt.

It's odd and quite a bit daunting to read about 16 year olds, whom are more well versed and educated that most will ever be. The biggest annoyance about the book for me was when Hazel would suddenly break out into a fit of, "like"s. It's like... and, like... Completely out of character with her the rest of the time. I understand that the author was trying to make Hazel out to be more of a stereotypical teenaged girl, but he threw that out the window when he gave her a functioning and learned brain. Everything else had a wonderful flow. I was completely wrapped up in the characters and in the end, it felt like one of my good friends had passed away. The book was realistic in it's events and the undertakings of each.

Absolutely wonderful.

Overall rating: 9/10

Divergant

After coming down from the excitement of the Hunger Games series, I was desperate to find a similar series of uprisings and factions. Of course, the best way to find new books is through friends, but after ransacking their book ideas for so long, they had nothing.  I was forced to resort to the next best thing. The inter-webs. Which led to Divergent by Veronica Roth. I was thrilled!

Beatrice’s world is broken up into five Factions with each saying that the world would become better with each of their traits. Abnegation (selflessness), Erudite (education), Dauntless (bravery), Candor (truthful), and Amity (peaceful). Each formed with the idea that the world would not have destroyed itself beyond their gates if it they had only had their traits.

She is part of Abnegation; whom devote their lives trying to be truly selfless and humbled, though she finds it hard to be truly selfless like the rest of her family. However, at 16, each member of their society is given a simulation serum, which helps determine what factor they truly belong in. Beatrice’s results are outside the norm, making her a Divergent.

I was remarkably pleased with the writing style and the believability of the faction lives, the reasoning behind each. The plot kept twisting and turning, though we knew our heroine would end up above average as heroines always are. It was intriguing to see the turn of events, how Tris responded to each event and how it shaped her character.

I enjoyed the series! It stayed strong through most of the books (Divergent, Allegiant, and Insurgent), and I will be the first to admit. The ending was truly surprising and had be partially in tears.

 

In a nutshell:
Pros:

-Unique storyline
-Adrenaline pumping

-Similar to The Hunger Games

 

Cons:

-Four's character breaks from formation and never really recovers.

-Hard to say many with the first book, it's the rest that start to have issues.

 

Overall Rating: 7/10 

Etiquette and Espionage

 

All growing up, I imagined being the daughter of a titled Lord and Lady of France or England. At some point, my mom told me about how a “proper lady” scoops her soup away from her body, and then up to her lips. Why that made eating (drinking?) soup proper, I’ll never know, but it did stem a passion for being a well-put together individual, which exuded in a quiet, fairly matured seeming bookworm.

The title alone made me pick up this book, not to mention the steampunk aesthetics. In fact, I didn’t read the premise of the book when I picked it up and started reading.

The idea is simple, yet well played. Set in a Steampunk era, Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger is about a young, rambunctious 14 year old girl, named Sophronia, whom can’t help but getting in trouble. Climbing dumbwaiters (and breaking them for their materials), taking mechanical clocks apart. Typical boy in girl’s garb, she sees no use or need in the art of being a woman when acting a boy is more fun and gratifying. Her mother, Mrs. Temminnick is desperate to reform her daughter, whom gets a scholarship of sorts into Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

There, she finds the Academy is more than what appearances may seem. They do learn the fine art of dance, dress, and of course, etiquette, but also learn to use their feminine wiles to dish out death and espionage.

 The book is, at it's best, alright. The cover attracted me first and foremost, which lead me to glimpse at the title. That was all it took to be placed in my hands for a night's read. The book, however, did not live up to it's covers expectations. Brava to the designer and the person whom thought up the title!

I love steampunk; an avid follower of the Girl Genius Online Comic, and a proper lady at heart (regardless of what my clutzy body will let me be.) whom even studied up on the art of the fan back in highschool! The names bothered me to no end. Not every name in the book had to be laughable or clumsy to imagine saying in your head as you read along. Yes, I understand as a cosplayer that most of the fantasy lies in names, but this book took it a little over the top. 

All in all, I would recommend it for a quick read, and who knows, maybe finish the series. If I come across the other books in a thrift store, I would not be opposed to picking them up as I hate  leaving stories unfinished and grit it out to the bitter end, but would I actively seek it out? No, most likely not.

In a nutshell:

Pros:
-Steampunk
-Finishing school
-Deceit
-Women using their weakness(es) as strengths.

Cons:
-Naming conventions
-Writing style was on par with 11-14 year olds, rather than the turn it has become.

Overall rating: 6/10

Born of Illusion

Born of Illusion by Teri Brown is another lovely little find off of GoodReads “unique” book list. I had just finished the Hush, Hush*** series by Becca Fitzpatrick and was interested in finding a good historical fiction series that was well writ and with a better storyline. Now, I’ve always been intrigued with ghosts and magic, but the mastery of creating illusions is amazing.

Luckily, this book is about both.

Based in the 1920’s, Anna is a side act magician in her mother’s faux clairvoyant theatre performances and her partner in crime preforming séances; punishable by imprisonment. Popularity for their show improves as her mother, Marguerite Estella Van Housen, claims Anna’s father is no other than Harry Houdini.  Anna is incredibly gifted with her magic and loves to perform, she and her mother have a unique love-hate relationship. Margueite is the headliner and makes sure every opportunity for Anna to shine on the stage is thwarted.

Unbeknownst to her mother, Anna is not a fraud and has to find a way to hide her gifts from her opportunistic mother. Along the line, Anna meets a strange young man named Cole and together they explore Anna’s powers and unearth things they’d never hoped to find.

Taking place in the beautiful and roaring ‘20’s, the plot involve scientists, mobsters, magic, and of course, love.

The refreshing writing style of Teri Brown comes as a breath of fresh air in the stagnant realm of Young Adult Fiction. The writing is elegant, the characters sharp and witty. I was excited to learn this book is part of a series!

All in all, a great read.

In A Nutshell:

Pros-
-Illusionists
-Houdini’s illegitimate daughter.
-Cairvoyants, Mobsters
-1920’s

Cons-
-Antagonist is a bit of a flaky character

Overall Rating: 7/10

 

These Broken Stars

I stumbled upon These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman, after a long drought of utterly predictable and not very unique storylines. The book came from a random Bing search, looking for “unique books” one cold and dreary night. There, it lead me to www.goodreads.com. Thus far, I’ve had good luck with their recommendations as it led me to Born of Illusions by Teri Brown, so I head dived into another book off their list.

It starts off set in the future aboard a luxury liner spacecraft, transporting thousands of wealthy and underclass citizens through the galaxy. Onboard is a decorated, underprivileged war hero, Tarver, as well as the most renowned and richest girl in the galaxy, Lilac. The two seem an unlikely pair with her cool, intelligent aloofness and his humble and awkward personality; they aren’t fond of each other for most of the book.

Now at this point, it seems pretty straight forward, however, lovelies, I assure you it is a voyage worth taking.  Catastrophe strikes the luxury liner and suddenly the two are stranded together on what appears to be a deserted, terraforming planet.

This book did not disappoint! It starts off as a typical tale of romance, but the writing style positively captivated me. It was descriptive and fluid; nothing choppy as most young adult fiction tend to be and without the cliché phrases of romance novels. The storyline was unique and while some parts were easily predictable, it managed to raise my adrenaline levels in moments of peril; for my eyes to get misty as it reached the end of the book.

It was written in a perspective switching format from Tarver to Lilac to experience it through their minds, while each chapter was ended in an interrogation room. That starts off as a little confusing at first and a little discouraging, but bear with it. It’s a worthy read. I am excited and elated to read the next of the series.

In a nutshell:

Pros:

-Star Crossed Lovers
-Intergalactic Space Travel
-Captivatingly Written
-Unique Storyline

Cons:
-Odd chapter breaks and endings with interrogations
-It ended.

Overall rating for the book: 7.5/10

Back with more to share!

Hello lovelies,

Surprisingly, what made me remember I had a blog was Pinterest. Now, I'm not usually on Pinterest, but find it absolutely useful when looking up alternative cleaning solutions. Such as, the number one best cleaner is white vinegar. The second is baking soda. I've scented my own vinegar with oranges from my own tiny honey mandarin tree which has absolutely outdone itself.




I still have my baby Honda, and Boyo has been restoring (for me because I find other than changing the oil, I've no patience for it). He's putting in a new brake cylinder on the driver side rear wheel and still can't find what's happening with the electrical. (See? I speak Car just a tiny bit). We occasionally spot other older Hondas around here and have spotted other N's around. It's neat to be part of this tiny, old car club and it's still awesome to see people point and smile at the insane cuteness of it all. =]



In the long run, finding my passion is still a bit of a dream. What I'm thinking about is going back to theatre somehow. I still enjoy show tunes, get insanely involved with all of the stories I read/watch/hear. And I loved theatre! Loved it enough to choose to major in it, then pushed the idea out of my own mind with the frightening prospect of not being able to find work. I went through the whole language root and somehow, ended up with SLP. Voila. Now you know my story. It's not uninteresting, but it's not the same. I'm surprised it's taken me as long as it has, really. My goal now is to finish up with SLP, have that as a job and then dabble in theatre. If life happens, I'm prepared for it.



I read an article a few months ago that brought up the idea my generation, here in America, has in regards to working and our overall enjoyment and idea of finding and doing what we're passionate about; being influenced by our baby boomer parents and their experiences. They want us to be happy by doing something we're passionate about. Where that leaves most of us is still in school, and or living with our parents as we put all of our efforts into finding out who we really are, man.

I agree with this article that this has been our motivation. Take a look at this blog, for example. Sorry this is turning hypercritical, but it's about just that.

Anyhow, don't worry about that bit of rambling.

Boyo and I are off on a great adventure after his interview. I am currently waiting at work for it to conclude as we rode two-up, but afterwards, it's out towards Utah we go to pick up his new motorcycle! Yes, yes. The little GS is moving on to a new home and the motorcycle that will carry us to Alaska is coming home. We'll be going on many camping adventures in preparation for the big trip. =]

As Boyo said, the motto of this year is, "Get It Done" (or something along those lines.) To encourage us to do more, rather than plan, wait, and wonder. It's a similar motto to what I had implied when I first met him. =} Then it was just "Well, f* it. Let's do it." Life's too short and it's only money in the end.

Quite contradictory, no?

Best,
Chelsé

Important Update Required!

Hello lovelies,
Let me fill you in on this past year, 2013:
       *Went to Paris, FR. in July.
       *Applied back to SDSU to finish SLP program.
       *Degree in ASL (finishing this semester!)
       *Started working at a *computer* store.
       *Purchased unpainted old Italian bicycle frame called an Olmo.
       *Had Joe Bell paint said Olmo a devastatingly scrumptious shade of red.
       *Stopped working on Voir L'amour Photography to focus on school.
       *Had the most amazing boyfriend (and still do!)
       *Lost a dear friend.
       *The Doctor.
       *Hung out with awesome people whom I am lucky enough (and surprisingly cool/intelligent enough) to call my friends.

Much more happened, but sitting here and trying to remember, well, you know what happens when you try to remember things. These are the most important, in no particular order. =]

What about finding these so-called passions, you ask?

Well, I found one. Paris, France. The current home of my heart. Food, metro, culture, voila! C'est belle.

I've been reading and watching a fair amount of movies lately to try to stimulate creative juices as I have a young adult story idea forming, but it is no where near the drawing board. I find it makes me tired, all this visual stimulation, and miss doing things with my hands- but oh!! The glorious distraction of  blindingly bright screens.

Anyhow, I've to run home. I'm still sitting at work an hour later and they are about to close up shop. More adventures to come.

Best,
Chelsé

Design- Fashion, Interior, or Graphic?

Hello Lovelies,

The route I am thinking of pursuing is design of some shape or form. =P I am very interested in fashion design (creating and photographing it!), interior design gives me a good kick (though I'm terrible at math), and Graphic design- which is fun in it's own regards. =D

I plan on taking a few classes this upcoming semester. The goal is to take a graphic design course and French II. The latter is just a pretty big interest of mine and it will help out to our trip to France next year! We are going to go for the 100th (running) anniversary of the Tour Du France! Yaayyy!! <3

It will be an adventure of the first degree as I've yet to make it outside the continental US. (Though my accent will deceive you and make you think I've lived in Australia, New Zealand, or Britain. I assure you I have not, but would very much like to!)

I also plan on taking a photography course or two to satisfy my desire to shoot high fashion and the beautiful designs of wedding dresses, couture, and the like. What a fantastic fantasy shoot I've in mind. Would be nice to have the opportunity and equipment to do so!

-*-*-*-

On another note, I am currently up north hanging out with Boyo's family and making a wonderful norwegian dish called Lefse. If you haven't had this and are in San Diego, stop by Balboa Park's December Nights (Dec. 7-8th) at the House of Norway in the International Cottages! It will be Boyo's mom ='s and my lefse being sold! How great is that?!

So, we're practicing turning it out in mass quantities, figuring out pricing structures and the like. =D Oh what joy it is to... make lefse with awesome people! <3

Here's a picture of the process! Will write to you fantastic people soon!

Strength Finder and... success?

Hello Lovelies,

Struggling to find what I'm interested, what I'm good at, Boyo convinced me to read and take the Strength Finder 2.0. I am absolutely amazed and astonished at the results. Alright, I'm not going to convince YOU to take it, but you should. =P

The categories it resulted in for me were so much like my thoughts and what I do enjoy that I highlighted just about every sentence in two of the sections.

For those of you unfamiliar, you read the first few sections of the book, you take the test online with the access code, you have 20 seconds to answer each question and whatever you think of first, go with it! It then gives you 5 categories you fall under; in order to your personality. Possible career paths, for each category, even how to deal/handle/inspire these types of people and what types of people they should find to help support their endeavors to, say for me, keep me motivated and push me to begin projects. =D


What resulted in 4/5 of my categories. I need to go into design.

Which makes perfect, logical sense!!

I'm always admiring architecture, gawking at the awful shapes (for women's clothing) of the current fashion in dismay, admiring logos on business cards, designs on webpages, HECK, I even made our Voir L'amour Photography webpage having ZERO experience, reading and watching tutorials on how to build a webpage using Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Dreamweaver, am constantly editing photos on Photoshop, oogling  high fashion designs, drawing women's clothing ideas and storylines-

Dear Goodness! How in the world did I miss this?!

All in all, still sticking with Photography as there's something so romantic about it, so intriguing that you can create this other world and inspire through this dream.

Anyhow. Miss you, lovelies. Talk to you again soon.

Best,
Chels

I made Chili.

Boyo upgraded my XSI for a 40D, and the difference in quality is astounding. Not to mention how much better it feels in the hand.

We've (mainly Boyo) has been tinkering with the N600. Still not too sure what to do with the lighting rigs on both the N600 and the Hyundai beast, but there it is.

Bought a corset. Have always has a morbid fascination with them and one finally came my way that I was down to buy and try. Oddest thing is, although my body isn't used to it, it's very comforting and I truly adore it. Not simply for what it does for my waist and posture, but I feel more put together. Like a necklace you wore everyday for a year and lost in the shower. Felt naked and off... Even though this is the first time I've ever truly worn a corset. Sure, call it regression for womankind, call it a step back in feminism; reforming to the idea of a perfect body for our men to enjoy, but that's not it. I'm not wearing it for the men of the world. I'm wearing it for me, because I enjoy it.

Have begun a 365 project and hope to be shooting professionally by this time next year. Yes, I know. We said that last year, but this year, with the N600 parked behind my house and the growing detestation for my work, why not? Why not travel and take the world in my hands? Why not become a photographer if that is such a big goal in my life?

We're working on it. =]

But no. More importantly and most of all. I made Chili and it was delicious. I used some kobe beef patties from a catering event, onions, sofrito seasoning, a pre-made tomato soup from Caroline's, all just for the base. I then took black beans, some cooking sherry, cherry tomatoes, a splash of worcestershire sauce, a healthy squirt of Srircha, some cocoa powder and let it slow cook for a little over an hour and a half. Mean while, I made this killer cornbread. Killer in calories and deliciousness. Just before serving, I stirred in some cherry-oak balsamic vinegar. The result was the best chili I've ever had. In fact! It didn't even taste like I cooked it, it was so good!

Boyo even agreed.

And that's the sum of the recent adventures.

An New Addition to the Family... or two?

The first part is my news! Big news I must say! Boyo and I are excited about the newest member of our family. A Baby Honda. N600, that is. It's older than I am, but it's still my baby. =P 1972 and, well, still working that's the most important part.

Bought it off this funny guy up in Oceanside whom also has a Ford Fastback and a few other cars up for grabs. You're too late for the Honda, though. It's adorable cuteness has been picked up by moi.

What? You don't know what an (A)N600 is? You have not LIVED until it's adorable tiny, microcar-ness has swept a huge goofy grin across your lips as you ponder how a 5'10" Girlie and a 6'6"Boyo manager to fit in and out of it.

As well as how fast it goes; after the first "What the-?" response has quickly faded until forgotten.

The second addition isn't really OUR addition, but will be an addition to Boyo's family as he becomes an uncle to some lucky little boy or girl. If I bid in the pool, I'd say on April 24th at 6:17am, but that's just a guess. ;D Besides, I've no idea where the pool even is, but let's hope I'm right anyway. Of course he/she can always share my birthday on the 7th. That would be cool. Then there would be two ultra cool people with the same birthday. Even if not, I'm sure he/she will still be a cool little person.

Alright, another love is calling as it melts slowly down into a puddle of chocolatey, creamy treat loaded with fudge fishes, swimming in a caramel and marshmallow swirl. That, my dear, is a different story.

Developing an Attachment.

To my boyfriend's cat.

Mangey long haired orange turkish angora mongrel; you've met him before mildly on a sewing adventure. He has been a resident in our household for quite sometime, now. Say, perhaps, Thanksgiving?

Something about Thomas' personality always put me off. It seemed we were bound to be the "boyfriend who hates the girlfriend's cat and it hates him back" kind of relationships, only, well, you get it. He meows at me, occasionally making it sound as if I've stepped on him, or his favorite piece of carpet. He would jump up and bug me, tail swishing as he bit the corners of my book and nipped at my hands.

He would run when I entered a room and followed Boyo around like a dog. Thomas even sat by the door, waiting and meowing for him to come home and abuse him.

Yes. Abuse him.

At first, I tried treating him like a normal cat, trying to play with him and caressing him; he gave me no piece of mind. I noticed Boyo before at his parent's just about picking him up by his fur and rubbing his entire body against the floor as he struggled away from him.

So I thought.

So I opted the nice route.

And he hated me. And I hated him for hating me.

Then one day, utterly irritated by the little snot (as he is so affectionately nicknamed) I grabbed a tuft of hair and yanked up. Right near his face. Go figure the little creep adored it.

Since then, I've tried various techniques and he responds well. He still meows at me constantly, especially letting everyone in residence know when he's used his throne room. Now, I throw a pillow at him and he purrs contently and walks away.

Thus, the beginning. I have since upgraded his food to one he doesn't pretend to eat and drop all over my kitchen floor to one he ingests with vigor! His weight is still pretty low, but he's not skin and bones anymore. I've also spoiled him with kitty treats, Da Bird cat toy, and the famous Furminator (which has reduced the number of furballs in residence and cut his shedding down, just a little.)

He's stopped vomiting on the carpet, which is a definate sign of his love back to me as before, my foot would always manage to be where he'd choose to let himself loose.

In turn for this careful abuse and affection, he will lie next to me in bed, head just touching me, purring and sleeping.

When Boyo goes out of town, he's sleeping in his spot. Alright, perhaps because he misses him, too, but company is company. Even when it purrs and meows like a perfect alarm clock at 5:45am.

A well. Pick your love and your battles.

Changes

I'm not sure if you're Aware of the little voice inside your head that triggers when you're dissatisfied. The one that tells you you need to make a change. This voice and I, we go way back. It started before I even hit my teen years. Never an extrovert in clothing or wild hairdos (unless it was directly pointed out to me that I needed to do something "fun" with my hair), instead, I would change book genres or reorganize my room. It wasn't until my later years did I realize this was happening. Ecause I was upset with something I. My life I couldn't outwardly change. I resorted to changing that which I could.

Not only would my room receive a more efficient feel and look, but that change and readjust would sort of sooth the an anixiety over the inability to change what I really wanted to in my life.

Lately, that result has been more obvious, more frequent. It sits atop my head in a shortening, now flaming splendor. It's not a bad change and it does overall suit me. Why, though, the change?

Sadly, it's because of something else I am able to change, but don't out of loyality. Of pride. This is an excellent opportunity I've been granted and I really want to throw it away. To travel, to move, to go to school and finish. Somehow, working 6 exhausting days a week puts a hamper to that. To just about all of that. It's not the time, I know that still. Being here, doing what I'm doing is a great accomplishment as its hitting goals for both boyo and I. I'm learning so much from a mentor at work, about dealing with irrational patrons and... Others.

This isnt what I want to be doing with my life. Not this moment, not another years worth. Yes, boyo, I know I Am my only restriction when it comes down to it, that I have your full support that doesn't make it any easier. You know a lot of my hesitation with being here in San Diego but it's not just San Diego I think you're setting to recognize that. I think I'm starting to recognize that.

Ah well, this went too deep far too quickly so I will leave it at this and add a picture later

=]

Dreaming with nothing changed.

What if you begin to dream the impossible? To imagine the unreachable? Does it hold true that you’re just setting yourself up for certain failure and heartbreak? Is it so adolescent to dream so large, so vividly that you feel you have no other choice? Doesn’t someone have to try?

Have been tinkering around with odd ideas of what to study in college. Silly me not to see what was before me. At least, what it feels is before me now. My next mission is to study photography. Why? There’s not a good steady market and for all I know it’s a waste of college. For all any of us knows. Like an English degree. Right?

I just get these images in my head that need to come out, be expressed. I always wished I could draw so someone could see them, but I can set them up and shoot them, can’t I? Gearing more towards fashion, I’m being drawn like a bee to a flower, like a child to a sweet.
Annie Leibovitz. Stark, creative, dark, beautiful, Insightful, creative, herself.
A successful upheaval today. Tired, numb, sore, burned. There will never be enough sleep today. The body demands it, eyes closing, mind rocking and the general slowness of sleep. And yet it is elusive. The waiting today for life to begin has lulled me enough to settle into this half daze. Something is about to begin. A month from now I’ll be sitting somewhere, waiting still. The time is not right, but it will be. Eventually.

Back to school for photography. There’s a good idea. At the very least, it will carry me long enough to hit that check. Bachelors means nothing to a Master.

The Great American Monstrosity

A quick update on the past few months:
1) Thanksgiving with boyo's parents up in L.A. Had a delicious brined turkey that was juicy and everything a turkey never manages to be.
-Speaking of, did I mention I've begun eating meat again? Yeeah. Unfortunate, I know. On a semi-regular basis, mainly at home and mainly to try different cooking styles and, ah again, Julia- or at the very least french styled cooking. I really want to get back into vegetarianism and most likely will. Let's call it a reprieve.
2) Christmas! At my mom's, my grandparent's, and boyo's parents. It never seems to be that grand of an occasion anymore, though I do try. Decorating, getting a tree, making hot chocolate... yumm! Did receive a pizza stone and it's seeing it's fair share of usage! Oh pizza stone, I did not really know pizza until you came around. Now it will never be the same.
3) Haven't been shooting, haven't been writing. Catching up on books and having odd little adventures like breaking into the trunk of an old BMW with large flathead screwdriver to keep occupied while boyo scouted under the hood for usable parts. Also! Found a later version of my car sitting around with the doors open, so we climbed inside, took the tape player, led clock and I learned the basic workings of my car.
Before you call the cops, please understand our situation! It was perfectly legal all the way around. Being in a junkyard and all. =P We did manage to find an N-600! It looked to be in pretty good shape, too! Save for the roof rear which looked like an elephant sat on it, just enough to bend the rear window frame. *sigh*

Alright, now to the main story:

Yesterday, a great american monstrosity was created. It sat coated in thick red goo on our kitchen counter, protruding the retched stank of many a childhood meals of sweet deliciousness and dreaded moments. How could I do this to us? What have I done?!

It all began the night before. Boyo mentioned he'd like a burger, so off we went to the local deli to fetch the necessary ingredients for such a fine fatty feast. I escaped to the produce to procure onions, tomatoes, garlic, avocados, pineapple slices, and more while boyo finagled the meat. Hungry and beyond time to eat, we raced home and I immediately began to work. Some part of the back of my mind registered that there was no way two measly people could consume all of that giant bowl of now prepared patties. Not humanly possible! However, hell bent on making as many burgers as Boyo could consume, I ignored logic and pressed onward!

After actually cooking 4 patties, I opted out of making sweet potato fries and decided we must eat, now!

The 4 burgers were enough, but what was left, was about 1 lb of prepared meat... What to do the next day? Meatballs? Maybe. Freezer? Ick.

Instead, I did something I pretty much swore off when I signed up to be a vegetarian and leave my family home. Never would I recreate the dishes of my youth! Not that they were terrible, they were just ordinary! Pot roast with rice, beef stew (which I am currently making), corned beef hash, clay pot chicken, meatloaf.

There, I said it!

Meatloaf.

Does anyone ever really miss meatloaf? I didn't. It's not awful to eat, not too bad, actually. Perhaps it's just the thought of ground beef drenched in ketchup that bogs my mind. Not good enough? Put ketchup on it and don't worry about it, it will be fine.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my Mima's (grandma) growing up. It was a treat! Just one that I've always sought to avoid. Why? To be honest, it's easy. It lacks complexity, depth. It's not 3 hours worth of creating an orgasmic explosion of creamy, rich, decadence that rolls over your tongue and makes your eyes close.

Like this asian chicken recipe I've modified called "Tso Yummy Chicken" =P But that's another story.

Alright, it's not really so bad.

But man, that chicken recipe was a tough act to follow and, meatloaf? Didn't quite cut it.

An obvious Failure.

Hello Readers,
If any of you have managed to hang on, I must say I'm honestly surprised. I have not been the most devoted blogger, which doesn't surprise you by now, I'm sure. I've been managing a restaurant lately, and as the title says, failing miserably.

To be honest, managing doesn't really trip my trigger. At all. The funnest part of my day isn't dealing with people anymore, it's drawing on our chalkboards... I haven't really been cooking because, let's face it, standing, bending, lifting, and making hot drinks all day from anywhere from 7-12 hours really does a number on the body. Especially when it's 2-3 weeks between "days off". (Please note the "", because honestly, calling me and working from home on the computer because I simply don't have the time to do these things at work, doesn't really count as off.)

My energy level has dropped to a mere 2/10 by the time I finish with work. Let's just say, biscotti hasn't been made in my home for a long time. In fact, dinner is a rarity. Poor Boyo has been forced to fend for himself out of our deprived refrigerator. Not having the energy to cook really limits grocery shopping.

Sitting here writing, I realize, I miss writing. I enjoy it. I enjoy eating. Cooking. Being out in the sunshine. Having days off. Having Weekends off to go places! To spend the entire day with Anthony, even if it's just walking around.

Right now, there's a disconnect between the world and myself. I haven't been able to think there's so much stress and need for things to be done. It's overwhelming.

Sorry, dear readers, I've turned into a whiney, egotistical bitch.

Moving passed:
Ate, for the first time at Blind Lady Ale House.
Had a marvelous Moules Frites; fresh mussels steamed in a white wine, then slathered in a wondrous fennel, leek, oregano, thyme, cream, and whole mustard sauce with slivered sweet onions that had been blanched in the sauce. The mussels were finely prepared, not overcooked and tough, and well washed. Just the mussels, steamed as they were, made my eyes close. The sauce, I felt, should have been thicker, richer to match, but it was watery and light. The flavor was nice, but you had to use the shell to scoop some out of the bottom of the bowl if you really wanted to taste it. Highly recommended at a mere $14.50 a bowl with the frites; salty and crispy on the outside with a variety of 3 sauces to dip in, a curry catsup, a white sauce of some mayonaise-lemony descent, and a tart thousand island colored one that, in comparison to the other two, was very mild and seemed to lack flavor, save that initial tartness.

We also helped ourselves to a Butternut squash Pizza. Also excellently prepared with a bechamel sauce, roasted squash, shitake mushrooms, fontina cheese, it's own herb medley, and fresh lemon zest for a clean, mildly sweet finish. It was delectable. The melding of the pungent shitake mushrooms with the creamy butternut squash and the bechamel hit all of my senses in a smooth wave of flavor. Priced at $16.50, it alone was the perfect size for two and very moderately priced for such a delicacy.

I had a Heavenly Hefe to accompany the meal and the light, cleanness kept the meal crisp and went well with the pizza and frites. The mussels weren't bad with it, either, but it didn't compliment as nicely.

+1 for Blind Lady. Besides being bicycle friendly, having goldsprints, and great beer selections, the food wows my senses.

Dear, well, You.

As you may have noticed, this blog hasn't been getting as much attention as, say, Voir L'amour's. It turns out, a lot of finding my passion stuff is about trying new things that would be cool to photograph! Well, alright, that's a lie, but it's keeping the blog post numbers up there, which is good, seeing as it's our photography business.

It's not that I don't want to post here, but they would be duplicates here and there, so I've been cleverly avoiding this blog. =[


Yoga:

I'm not flexible. In fact, I'm so stiff today I'm sore in random parts (like the ring finger on my right hand and my hips.) I found this amazing podcast awhile ago called YOGAmazing and it truly is amazing. =] It's about 10-30 minutes and is broken down into cute "lessons" like "Yoga for Runners" or "Yoga for Flexibility"... Today, I did "Yoga for Toning" thinking, "Yeah! I'm going to be a tough chick and do this tough yoga session while I'm so out of shape it literally hurts! Yeaah!"

Well, I did do and finish it, but let me tell you, fit I am not! Yoga, is fantastic. It centers me, grounds me, and whoops my butt. Into shape, that is.

With the podcast, it's there when I need/want it (even at 12:13am) and doesn't cost anything-- Wait. What?! It's free?!! Heck yeah!! <3

So, sore and energized, I'm going to do another episode. =]

Peace inside! And outside!

Mehk

Back from a long list of successes and Failures. =P Have made about 8 recipes from MAFC and they have all turned out superbly! (Even when curiously, I have substituted fish or tofu in a small dish for myself, but following the recipe otherwise exactly with Boyo's meal.)

We made Molded Eggs with spinach and a béarnaise sauce on my birthday (the 7th) and am now experimenting with chocolate chip cookies from this random cookbook for kids. (Which every recipe is doused with sugar and butter and deliciousness! I can't help but make them!)

Hmm, let's see.

Boyo and I have gone on Day-cations and Work-cations. This image above is from a random ride through the countryside on my motorcycle. It was quite an adventuresome day.<3

Then of course, Easter =] Above is Boyo showing TJ (my adorable nephew!) the pictures on his camera from earlier that day and TJ is naming off everyone in the picture (Ama, Mommy, Tia, Papi... )

Lastly, a family photo. This is probably my favorite one, but the sun decided to come out and blow out the details on half of our faces, but it's still my favorite. =}

New computer

First off, forgive the infrequent posts lately. My personal computer decided it wasn't going to connect to the internet (come to find out it's on recall because this is an unrepairable issue). The nvida chip, thing, has blown a gasket! (see how techy I am? =P Gasket...)

Spending a lot of time "off" as well as offline. Two days in a row most days! Not necessarily relaxing with a book and lavender lemonade, but close! Yesterday was a cookin' day. Awoke to attempt of poached eggs a la Julia (which didn't quite hold because they weren't fresh enough and I left them in the hot water in their shells 10 seconds too long and they began to hard boil. =[ Oh.)

Went to work. Came home, started a slow rising bread about 7pm, while waiting for the first rise, I made an orange cod and bok choy stir fry with rice noodles. Which turned out decently. The recipe called for beef, not fish, and I thought I had tofu when I started the marinade. Ah well, frozen cod to the rescue!

Finished up the bread around midnight-1am. It's a whole wheat and oats bread with molasses and almonds. Snuck a piece last night and it was pretty tasty. Definately the fluffiest bread I have made. Must be because I'm actually using bread flour not a whole wheat. Which! Come to realize, my favorite whole wheat flour was not all-purpose!

Success! I also whipped up a bit of lavender honey and vanilla butter for this mornings enjoyment. =]

See a trend? In a lavender mode I guess!

And now boyo is up and I must start the day with delicious coffee (with half and half) and some warm bread. =}

Ciao!

I've stumbled, in more ways than one!

I've stumbled into some old doodles of mine I'm thinking of resurrecting. Possibly doing mini animations once a month. (notice the large span of time I'm giving myself on 1 animation!)




Above: I have an obsession. That obsession is with monsters. Personal monsters. Everyone has something they'd rather not talk about and we carry it in our subconscious, a lead on our judgments. In my series, everyone's monsters are depicted somehow. They interact with them, it becomes a sort of familiar.... This is mine.



Coffee..... =}

How else I stumbled, well, just let my mouth run ahead of my mind.

Above: A drawing in style of a good friend of mine back in highschool. Thanks, Danny =]

I've done a painting or two, but no drawings lately and it's become a bit odd. I've found myself wanting to doodle, but am a bit out of practice. Imagine that! No notebooks to scribble on the ledges with! Ah, phooey.