"All The Constellations" - Chapter 4: Firsts at Najae

May 27, 2008, 11:05 am

And now for something a little different....

Location: Najae

Eva: I can’t thank you enough for helping me out.
Natalie: It’s no big deal! You’re my sister—besides, I’ll need more help when Josie has the baby.

Natalie: Josie, I won’t be back from the meeting with the dealers until after you leave. Are you okay with Eva being alone here?
Josie: Sure, no problem. I trust your judgment.

Natalie: Well, I’ve got to be off. Wish me luck!
Eva: Good luck, Natalie!
Josie: Good luck!

Eva: So, Josie, how have you been recently?
Josie: Pregnant.
Eva: *laughs* Obviously.
Josie: Between getting ready for the baby at home and the launch of the ready-to-wear line here, I’ve been pretty busy. How have things been for you?

Eva: Well, as you know, I quit my job.
Josie: Right, Natalie told me. Now, where were you working again?
Eva: Oh, just some club in Paris. But it really wasn’t for me.
Josie: What are you looking into doing?
Eva: *embarrassed* Well…I was looking into becoming certified as a private investigator. It’s dumb, I know, but it’s always been a dream of mine.
Josie: No, it’s not dumb! It’s very admirable of you!

Eva: Thanks. How’s Natalie been doing? We haven’t had much time to catch up yet.
Josie: Same old workaholic as always. Did that girl ever do anything besides work?
Eva: I don’t know, really. We didn’t talk much when she lived in New York.

Josie: Natalie lived in New York?
Eva: She never told you about that?
Josie: No…Natalie doesn’t talk about herself much, actually.
Eva: Yeah, no surprise there. Natalie is a very private person. In fact, I don’t know anything about her life after she left home. I don’t even know how she met you.
Josie: Really? Because that is a good story. Wanna hear it?
Eva: Sure!

Josie: It happened about a year and a half ago…

~Flashback~

Josie: You know I used to be a model, right? Well, I was about to do my last show. Gideon and I had been married for awhile and we where looking for a place to settle down.

Josie: I had just finished looking at some apartments in town, and I was on my way to look at some stores. I got lost and somehow, I stumbled across Natalie’s studio…

Josie: Hello? Anybody in here?

Natalie: *rudely* Can I help you?

Josie: What is this place?
Natalie: This is my fashion house, Najae.
Josie: *snorts* Not like any fashion house I’ve ever seen.
Natalie: And what makes you so qualified to judge?
Josie: I’m a model. I’ve seen tons of fashion houses.
Natalie: *dismissively* I’m not looking for a model right now.

Josie: And who said I wanted to be your model?
Natalie: Well, I just assumed…
Josie: You assumed wrong.
*Josie looks around*
Josie: This place is a joke of a fashion house.
Natalie: WHAT?!?!

Josie: It just doesn’t look like a fashion house.
Natalie: *indignant* Maybe I want it to look like this.
Josie: Not if you want to sell clothes, you don’t.

Natalie: Oh, what do you know?
Josie: A lot more than you think, actually. I could make this place a success.
Natalie: Yeah, right. Prove it.

Josie: Okay. Ask me anything about fashion.
Natalie: Tell me about this period dress.
Josie: Ah, trick question. That’s not an actual period recreation. It’s a period-inspired dress. Re-enactors don’t use synthetic fabrics in their costumes.
Natalie: Very good.

Natalie: I would use half-loop top stitching on the hem, correct?
Josie: It's impossible to use a half-loop stitching on low-viscosity rayon. It would snag the fabric.
Natalie: *nods approvingly*

Natalie: Fabric for lingerie or evening wear?
Josie: Casual wear. It has too much give for lingerie or evening wear.

Natalie: Well, I’m impressed. Your name?
Josie: Josie Cruz. Yours?
Natalie: Natalie Roma. Josie Cruz, how would you like to work with me at Najae?

Present

Josie: *smiling* And I’ve been here ever since.

To Be Continued...

So, sorry for the wait. But it's here now, all ready for you to read! I know much didn't happen here, but I really like the story of Josie and Natalie met :D And I feel bad, because I know people were looking forward to hearing Mia and Josie on the phone, but you'll actually meet Mia in Chapter...6? I can't remember. But soon! AND...Chapter 5 is where things start to get VERY interesting for....well, somebody :D

This was the chapter that made me realize that I needed a swing set--a set that I could change to suit my needs. During the flashback, I had to take EVERYTHING out of Najae's set and completely redecorate. It took forever. So after I finished this chapter, I decided to redecorate Sawyer's apartment (which I wasn't terribly fond of to begin with), and furnished it pretty sparsely, so now when I need a new "set," I can just pull everything out of Sawyer's apartment, put some wallpaper up, and be good to go!

Wow, I was entirely too excited about that. :D

And the line about low-viscosity rayon? Totally stolen from Legally Blonde. Just a little homage to my favorite movie :)

↧

Just catching up...

May 28, 2008, 11:24 am

≫ Next: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 5: Questions

≪ Previous: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 4: Firsts at Najae

I haven't made a general life post in awhile, so here goes...

This post comes in four parts.

Part the first:

Mini Ddung
I found a used one for sale on flickr and I have a FM out to the seller :D Wish me luck! I want this little bebe so bad!

Fraülein Revoltech Action Figure: Pocco
I saw her in the Entertainment Earth catalog last night and fell head over heels in love. I want her to be Greta's friend :D I know she's an action figure and not a doll, but I grew up with boys! You wouldn't believe how many action figures I own :D

Birds of Prey: The Complete Series
Doesn't come out until July, but I CANNOT wait for it. I LOVED this show when it was on--awesome music, great costumes, and SHEMAR MOORE!!!!!!! Plus, who doesn't love Batman?

1:6 Scale Piano
For Ruthie, my little piano prodigy. If I can find a Barbie one at a garage sale, I'll settle, but I REALLY want this beauty.

1:6 Acoustic Guitar
For Sawyer. I just decided that he played guitar. He's currently using a Barbie guitar right now, but it's electric and Sawyer is most definitely an acoustic sort of guy. I would also settle for Nomado's guitar, too :D

1:6 Electric Guitar
For Gideon, although if I really wanted to, I could give him the Barbie one that Sawyer is using. That's why it's so low on the list :P

Part the second:
On the Job Front
Well, the economy sucks and retail is SO down, nobody is hiring. Le sigh. BUT! I'm going to apply at a school district in June (they have year-round school) so I can substitute as a clerk. I'm also trying to find a temp agency around here that I can apply at--hey, how many 19-year-olds do you know that have 18 months of clerical experience? Might as well put those skills to good use.

And the best news: THE LIBRARY IS HIRING FOR SUNDAYS!!!! I applied for both the open positions. It's only two Sundays a month, but the rate of pay is $11 an hour, so I'd make about $100 a month, which is just enough for some spending money, which is all I really need at this point in my life. Plus, one of the positions is at my old branch, and EVERYBODY there loved me. I want this job SO bad, so everybody, send good vibes!!

Hey, it worked for my dad--who hasn't gotten a new job yet, but through a very strange series of events will be at his current job (under the evil Nabeel Gareeb) "indefinitely." Okay, we don't actually know how long "indefinitely" is, but at least we'll have our health insurance through August. Dad's still looking for a new job, though. It's hard because my parents REALLY don't want to move (not for our sake, but because they own their own home). But there are only so many jobs in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area.

Part the third:
All the Constellations
Last night, I shot what will and probably always be my favorite scene of All the Constellations. I have NEVER felt so good after finishing a photoshoot, because EVERYTHING turned out EXACTLY as I pictured it. I was practically giddy!

Unfortunately for you all, that scene is in Chapter 10, so you won't see it for quite some time :P

Part the fourth
Well, I'm off to shoot some more scenes for All The Constellations. Have a good day, everybody!!

↧

"All The Constellations" - Chapter 5: Questions

May 29, 2008, 12:06 pm

≫ Next: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 6: Interaction

≪ Previous: Just catching up...

Back on schedule! I've added Miss Ruth's profile to HRD's Constellations.

Location: Outside of Manifesto Preparatory Academy

Jana: Hi! You must be Ruth.
Ruth: Oh, sweet Jesus, you MUST be kidding me. YOU’RE my new au pair?
Jana: Yep! And your tutor, too!

Jana: I’m Jana. Nice to meet you!
Ruth: This can’t be right. My new au pair is from Oxford. She has two Master’s degrees. She’s traveled all over Europe!
Jana: Yeah, that’s still me.
Ruth: Christ, you’re just like all the others.
Jana: What is that supposed to mean?

Ruth: You are such a joke. I have no interest in getting to know you because I already know your type. You're exactly au pairs 3, 4, and 5. You obviously lied on your application, and you’re only here to meet rich single dads and/or hot male au pairs that you can marry so you’ll never have to work again.
Jana: I am not!
Ruth: Sorry. Hot female au pairs, then?

Jana: You listen here, Ruth. I have no interest in meeting anyone at this job other than you. Your mother hired me to educate and look after you, and that’s what I intend to do, whether you like it or not.
Ruth: *stunned*

Ruth: *shrugs* Well, if you insist. I won’t make it easy for you. Vous êtes un imbécile.
Jana: Et tu es incorrigible!
Jana: *To herself* What have I gotten myself into?

Location: Kaya and Delaney’s Apartment

Kaya: Good, you’re home. I want to talk to you about something.
Delaney: What’s up?

Kaya: So I got a staff writer’s job today.
Delaney: That’s wonderful! You’ve been looking for so long!
Kaya: Yeah, I guess.

Delaney: What does THAT mean?
Kaya: It’s just…I don’t know how. I didn’t slip my resume into Alyssa’s mailbox. I don’t know how it got in there.
Delaney: Well, you applied there before, right?
Kaya: Yeah…

Delaney: Well, maybe when they were moving the record retention room last week, you resume got lost. Maybe someone found it and put it in Alyssa’s box.
Kaya: I guess that’s possible.
Delaney: Just be happy about it, Kaya! You’ve finally jot the job you always wanted! Don’t fuss over the details.
Kaya: You’re right, I guess.

Kaya: *cheered* Thanks, Delaney. Hey, Saki! Do you want some fish?
Delaney: You’re welcome. *To herself* Just be happy, Kaya.

Location: Najae

Eva: *Sigh* So Bear, what’s new with you? Oh, you’re okay being a dog? Great.

Eva: Stretchy, stretchy. God, I’m bored.

Eva: Dresses, Natalie? You never seemed like the type. Then again, you were good at everything…

*Eva tries to get up, but hears a thunk*
Eva: What was that?

Eva: This box sounds hollow.

Eva: I’m sure Nat won’t mind if I snooped. Aw, man, all this is just some old fabric. Wait, there’s something here in the corner…

Eva: Oh. My. God.

Eva: Oh. My. God. Natalie?!?! In a photograph?! With a MAN?!?!

Eva: What is this?

To Be Continued...

So the mystery begins! Who is this mystery man? How did Kaya get that job? And...well, I don't really have a question about Ruth and Jana at the moment, but they are proving to be a VERY fun pair to play around with (I just finished Chapter 10).

And please, pardon my French. I have a VERY limited vocabulary and only a small grasp on grammar (I've only taken it for 3 years, with a 2-year gap between years 2 and 3), but I wanted to Jana to show off her language skillz, and French is all I've got. So be prepared for more awful French to come!

The names of most places in this photostory are actually inside jokes of mine. "Manifesto" is from my favorite episode of Boy Meets World, The War, where Eric comes back as Playswith Squirrels and says of the big book he has with him: "It's me manifesto." The name of the museum where Kaya and Sawyer work comes from a 6th grade project of mine involving a blonde wig, the history of photography, and noodles. But more on that next chapter.

↧

"All The Constellations" - Chapter 6: Interaction

June 2, 2008, 5:34 pm

≫ Next: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 7: Invitations

≪ Previous: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 5: Questions

Read about Sawyer and Mia here: HRD's Constellations.

Location: The Yegaread Living History Museum

Kaya: I hate this job, I hate this job, I hate this job.

Sawyer: Nice of you to show up.
Kaya: *snort* Like I care about impressing you with punctuality.

Sawyer: Here, you left this here last time.
Kaya: Gimme.
Sawyer: *taunting* Now, now, that’s not polite.
Kaya: Beings such as yourself don’t deserve courtesy.
Sawyer: I could put it on for you…
Kaya: *aghast* I would rather boil the flesh off my own hand.

Sawyer: Touchy.
Kaya: Whatever. So, we’re doing weapons demonstrations today?
Sawyer: Yes. You’re on bow and arrow today.
Kaya: Why am I always stuck with the girl weapons?
Sawyer: Um, because if you haven’t noticed, you’re the girl?

Sawyer: Let me help you.
Kaya: You know I don’t like you, so why do you continue to bother?

Sawyer: Kaya…
Kaya: Give it up, you cretin. I don’t care if you were the last man on earth. I’d go lesbian.
Sawyer: Kaya, wait—

*Kaya looks as if she’s remembering something*

Kaya: What the HELL is your problem?!?! Don’t EVER touch me again!!
Sawyer: I’m not sorry.

Kaya: *exasperated* It’s shit like that, Sawyer James, that makes you so reprehensible.
*Kaya walks away*
Sawyer: *To himself* And it’s shit like that, Kaya Tripp, that makes you so irresistible.

Location: Josie and Gideon’s Apartment

*Knock*
Josie: Go away. I’m tired and pregnant and I don’t want to deal with you right now. And Gideon, if you forgot your key again, you’ll just have to scale the fire escape.

Mia: Fine, I’ll leave.

Josie: MIA!!! Come help your pregnant sister get up so she can give you a hug!!
Mia: Always the clever one, Josephine.

Mia: And how is my niece doing?
Josie: Fine. I’m good too, by the way.
Mia: Well, I figured as much.

Josie: So why are you back from Paris?
Mia: I would never miss the birth of my big sister’s first child!...Plus, it’s almost August, so all that’s left at the club is...tourists *shudders*

Mia: C’est la vie d’une amuseuse!
Josie: Or stripper, whatever.
Mia: IT’S BURLESQUE ENTERTAINER!!!

Josie: Whatever you need to tell yourself, little sister.
Mia: Jerk.
Josie: Ah, but you love me anyways.

Location: Najae

Eva: Can I get a listing for Natalie Roma, please? It’d be a few years old; she hasn’t lived in New York for a while.

Eva: Nothing? Well, thanks anyways.

Eva: Well, Bear, that was a dead end. But we’ve only just begun.

Eva: Who are you, Natalie Roma?

To Be Continued....

Ah, thus begins the saga of Kaya and Sawyer. I love them. They were my first (and favorite) dolly couple. And there's costumes involved this time!!!

And lovely miss Mia makes her first appearance. About Mia's line about August and tourists: in France, almost the entire country shuts down for a month-long vacation in August. So Paris is pretty vacated, and all that's left is tourists. That's why Mia is escaping :P And yes, I'm not going to explain the whole face paint thing. Just accept it :D

Josie's baby is a girl, I decided, ever since I bought that ddung doll I was lusting after :P

If you noticed, Sawyer and Kaya work at the Yegaread Living History Museum. "Yegaread" is the name of the museum we made up for our sixth grade project for my gifted class. We were doing a morning show called "Tomorrow" about photography during which I had to report "live" from the museum. My two group members went by the names "Barbara Sawyer" and "Diane Walters." The girl playing Barbara (her name was Kay) wore this hideous blonde wig. It was awesome. Even six years later, all I can remember about that project was the Yegaread museum and Kay's sign off, during which she said: "Tomorrow on Tomorrow, we will have a special report on egg shaped noodles." We were 12. We were lame. We know.

↧

"All The Constellations" - Chapter 7: Invitations

June 5, 2008, 1:57 pm

≫ Next: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 8: Investigation

≪ Previous: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 6: Interaction

Learn about Lacy here: HRD's Constellations

Location: Outside Najae

Natalie: Oh no. It can’t be.

Mia: My oh my. Little Miss Evangeline.
Eva: Oh God. Mia?

Mia: *Getting up* In the flesh.
Eva: What are you doing here?
Mia: I could ask you the same.
Eva: Hey, I quit. I can do whatever I want.

Mia: No need to get defensive. I’m visiting my sister. She’s about to have a baby.
Eva: I’m visiting my sister, too. Well, living with her actually. Until I get on my feet.
Mia: That’s cool.
*silence*

Mia: Eva, look. There’s no hard feelings. I’ve seen tons of girls come and go at my club. I don’t hold it against you. Burlesque dancing isn’t for everyone.
Eva: It was stripping, Mia. Don’t sugarcoat it.
Mia: *shrug* Tomato, tomato, sweetheart.
Eva: Look, nobody here knows I was a stripper in Paris—except you—and I’d like to keep it that way.
Mia: Fine by me.

Mia: See you around, sweetie.
Eva: Not if I can help it. *Starts to leave* Hey, out of curiosity, what’s your sister’s name?
Mia: Josie. Josie Cruz. I’m about to go visit her at work.

Eva: *To herself* Oh, great. I guess I can’t avoid you, Mia Hawkes.

Location: Delaney’s Office at Hiatus Publishing

Delaney: God, why does everything they send me suck?
*knock*
Delaney: Come in.

Delaney: Oh hi, Benjamin. Can you make it quick? I have to go yell at layout.
Benjamin: *Suddenly nervous* Oh, well…erm…
Delaney: Is this about your intern? Have you found one you like yet?
Benjamin: No, no, not yet.
Delaney: *Growing irritated* Then what is it?

Benjamin: Delaney…Would you like to have dinner with me?
Delaney: Oh…*softening* Like a date, dinner?
Benjamin: Yes.

Delaney: Well…sure? Why not?
Benjamin: *Relieved* Great! Tomorrow, around eight?
Delaney: *Smiling* Perfect.

Benjamin: See you later, Delaney.
Delaney: See you, Benjamin.

*A few minutes later…*

Lacy: Hey, Delaney, you busy?

Delaney: *To herself* I am never going to get to yell at layout now.
What do you want, Lacy?
Lacy: Oh, nothing, just dropping by.
Delaney: Have a seat.

Delaney: What’s up?
Lacy: Oh…I just haven’t seen you in awhile, that’s all…

Delaney: Aw, sweetie, you miss Bailey, don’t you?
Lacy: Yeah.
Delaney: I do too. But she’ll be back in a few weeks. That art fellowship in Sweden is something she needed to do. You know that.

Lacy: I know.
Delaney: It sucks now, but think of all the cool stuff from IKEA that she’ll bring back!
Lacy: *Laughs* Thanks, Delaney.
Delaney: We need to find something for you to do to keep your mind off Bailey until she comes home. Hm…Oh, I’ve got it! Your emphasis is in photography, correct?
Lacy: Yeah…
Delaney: Hold on, I need to call someone.

Delaney: Hi, Benjamin? You still need that photography intern, right? Well, I’ve just thought of the perfect person…

To Be Continued...

Just to make it clear, Lacy is dating Delaney's sister Bailey, and Delaney just adores Lacy. Just in case you forgot :D And yeah, Lacy's introduction is a blatant plot device to 1) explain where Bailey is (she's actually about to get customized, and I don't want to introduce her until she's finished) and 2) to explain how Lacy knows Benjamin (they have a conversation in about 10 chapters and I couldn't figure out how they knew each other). Needless to say, you won't see Lacy for awhile, but don't worry, so good stuff happens between now and then :D

And yeah, the only reason I chose Sweden as the place for the fellowship is because I wanted to have that line about IKEA. Because I really love IKEA. Sad, I know.

And funny story about Mia and that cigarette she's smoking...I had taken the pictures for this chapter long before I posted Mia's profile and her introductory chapter. When I was reading over Mia's profile (which was the first one I wrote about six months ago) before I posted I realized that under dislikes it said "smokers." Oops. Needless to say, I took that tidbit out of her profile. And it was after this chapter that I realized that I was basing Mia's character of off Dolly Parton's character in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (she played a madam). Once again, oops. Mia's not a madam, I swear!!!

And in other news...yesterday was a bad day. See, I've been cleaning my grandparents' house all this week. It's been horrible. Yesterday I had to mow their lawn. Which doesn't seem too bad, right? Yeah, well, here's a rough approximation of what their lawn looks like:

Okay, so that might be a bit of an exaggeration. BUT! My grandfather does have about FIVE THOUSAND rosebushes/fruit-bearing trees/shrubberies EVERYWHERE that not only do you have to mow around, but attack you when you try to mow. So my hands are still all scratched up from that. And THEN the mower died when I had about 30 square feet of grass left to mow. Not to mention their lawnmower MUST weigh at least 100 pounds, so you can imagine how hard it is to push that sucker around.

So then I get home and take a shower, during which I drop a full bottle of shampoo on my foot. HARD. It was one of those things that happens and you're like "That's going to leave a bruise." And holy crap, I thought I had broken my foot it hurt so bad. But no. Just a bruise.

So I get out of the shower and start to help my mom make dinner, but as soon as I try to grab a bowl from the cabinet, I pinch my finger in the door. It hurt so bad, I thought I was going to pass out.

Needless to say, it was not a good day. But Kevin and I watched Reaper for about four hours last night, so that was really fun. AND I have some very fun weekend plans, which include going to see Sex and the City and the new Indiana Jones movie, going to Crammed Organisms, and galavanting about on the Riverfront tomorrow morning. It's going to be very fun :)

Obviously, I haven't worked on new chapters of All the Constellations in a VERY long time :) This is precisely why I've stockpiled my chapters :D

↧

"All The Constellations" - Chapter 8: Investigation

June 9, 2008, 3:14 pm

≫ Next: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 9: Perception

≪ Previous: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 7: Invitations

No new characters in this chapter, but it does prominently feature Delaney and Kaya. Oh yeah, and just assume a few days have passed since the last chapter. You'll see why in a minute.

Location: Kaya and Delaney’s Apartment

Kaya: Thank God it’s Friday!
Delaney: You said it. This week has been interminable.
Kaya: And I don’t have to work at the museum this weekend, which makes this day even more amazing!!!

Kaya: Come here, Iris.
Delaney: I can’t believe you bought a puppy.
Kaya: I can’t believe she likes you better than me.

Kaya: So…how was your date with Benjamin?
Delaney: *shyly* It was good…

Kaya: I’d say it was better than good…you’re blushing! Iris, what are you doing?
Delaney: *smirking* What can I say? She has good taste. And you, Kaya, graduate from high school, will you? We didn’t even kiss.
Kaya: A likely story.
Delaney: Like you’re one to talk. What about the man in your life? Or lack thereof, I should say.

Kaya: Don’t even get me started, Delaney.
Delaney: What’s that supposed to mean?

Kaya: *hesitant* Something weird happened between me and Sawyer the other day.
Delaney: Weird? Like how?

Kaya: I don’t know if I can even explain it. I was walking away from him, and he grabbed my hand to stop me, and when we touched…I don’t know.
Delaney: What happened?
Kaya: Well..it felt…familiar. Like…somehow Sawyer and I had know each other for years instead of a few months.
Delaney: Whoa. What do you think it means?

Kaya: Jesus Christ, Delaney, it doesn’t mean anything! If anything, it means I need to have sex. Badly. With anyone but Sawyer.
Delaney: But what if it means that you’re secretly in love?!?! That you’re destined to be together?!
Kaya: If it means that, I’m going to kill myself.

A few hours later…
Location: Cicada, a local coffee house

Delaney: I’m just saying you shouldn’t rule him out.
Kaya: And I’m just saying that I would rather join a convent than date him.
Delaney: He can’t be that bad.
Kaya: You just don’t know.
Delaney: Oh crap, reporter alert. Over there, buying a latte.
Kaya: Wait, career check. *pauses* Oh yeah, Delaney, we’re reporters.
Delaney: Shut up. Aw hell, she’s coming over here now.

Eva: Um, Miss Nero?
Kaya: *to herself* This should be good.
Delaney: *frigidly* Yes?
Eva: I was wondering if I could ask you—

Delaney: Absolutely not. I don’t give interviews. And if it’s about my sister, I have no comment. So just get the hell out of my face.
Eva: Um, I actually wanted to ask you about my sister, Natalie Roma.

Delaney: *embarrassed* Oh…sorry.
Kaya: *snickering*
Delaney: What’s your name?
Eva: Eva. Eva Roma.
Delaney: Nice to meet you. I’m Delaney, obviously, and this is my roommate, Kaya.
Eva: Nice to meet you both.
Delaney: Here, have a seat.

Delaney: So, what do you want to ask about?
Eva: Well, like I said, it’s about my sister, Natalie Roma. You know her, correct?
Delaney: Yes. Kaya and I both do. But I don’t know how much help I’ll be. She’s a pretty private person.
Eva: Believe me, you’re preaching to the choir. Anyways, I know you lived in New York the same time Natalie did. I know the chance is small, but did you know her, maybe?
Delaney: Sorry, sweetie, I didn’t. I didn’t meet Natalie until I moved to Philadelphia, and even then, Josie introduced her to me.
Eva: *disappointed* Oh.
Kaya: Why are you asking around about Natalie?
Eva: *sigh* Well, I found these photos of her from New York of her and this guy, and I wanted to know who he was. I don’t know anything about those three years of Natalie’s life.

Kaya: PICTURE?!?! Let us see!!
Delaney: Kaya!
Kaya: Sorry, but nobody knows anything about Natalie’s time in New York, and Delaney, don’t lie to yourself, but we are all VERY curious about it. Plus, Natalie HATES getting her picture taken. It’s weird that there would even be a picture of Natalie lying around. If there’s photographic evidence of Natalie’s existence pre-Philadelphia existence, we’re going to have to see it.
Delaney: *resigned* Do you think we could take a look at the photo? We promise we won’t tell Natalie about it.

Eva: I don’t see why not. Here you go.
Delaney: Thanks.

Kaya: He’s HOT!
Delaney: We really need to get you laid, Kaya. But wow…I’ve never seen Natalie so comfortable with someone.
Kaya: Especially a guy.
Delaney: *nods* Very interesting.

Delaney: *thinking*
Kaya: Something the matter, Delaney?
Delaney: No, nothing.

*Delaney is about to hand the picture back when*
Delaney: Oh my God! I know him!
Eva: *stunned* How?

Delaney: Well, not personally, but I’m pretty sure that he’s a model. We’ve used him once or twice for the magazine. He has different hair now, but you don’t forget such a striking face.
Eva: *excited* Really?
Delaney: Can I keep this? I’m going to have to dig, but I’m pretty sure I can come up with a name and phone number for you.
Eva: That would be wonderful, thank you!

Delaney: But Eva?
Eva: Yeah?
Delaney: Just a word of advice. If Natalie hasn’t told anybody about New York, there’s probably a pretty good reason. Just keep that in mind, okay?
Eva: I’ll try.

To Be Continued...

The plot thickens! And yes, Delaney and Benjamin really have not kissed. Yet.

And I love the little fight between Iris and Saki. It was fun to shoot, especially when Delaney's kicking her dog away :D And those pants Eva is wearing are truly hideous, but she's my only doll who can pull them off.

The cafe "Cicada" is actually located in Sawyer's apartment. "Cicada" is a literary magazine that I used to get for years, and it has the most AWESOME covers, which serve as the wall decorations for the cafe :D

↧

"All The Constellations" - Chapter 9: Perception

June 12, 2008, 11:30 am

≫ Next: I Want It!!

≪ Previous: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 8: Investigation

No new characters, but this is my favorite chapter to date.

Location: The Philadelphia Public Library

Jana: Il est allé au supermarché. Pourquoi?
Ruthie: *distracted*
Jana: Pourquoi, Ruth?

Jana: Ruth? Are you even listening?
Ruth: Yeah, whatever.

Jana: Ruth, you need to focus.
Ruth: Don’t call me Ruth. I hate that.
Jana: Then what would you like to be called? Your middle name’s Ann, right? How about Annie?
Ruth: I don’t like that either.

Jana: *exasperated* Then how about Ruthie?
Ruth: Ruthie…I suppose that’s acceptable.

Jana: Shall we continue, then?
Ruthie: No. I don’t like this place.
Jana: Why?

Ruthie: It’s too quiet here.
Jana: *amused* Really?

Jana: I want you to listen.
Ruthie: To what?
Jana: Just listen.

*They listen*

Jana: What did you hear?
Ruthie: ….sounds. Like, iPods being too loud and people laughing. So…not morgue-like.
Jana: Exactly.

Jana: Things aren’t always what they seem, Ruthie. Sometimes you have to really stop and focus to find out the true nature of things. So! Time for some more French.
Ruthie: If you say so…

Location: Josie and Gideon’s Apartment

Delaney: Josie? Are you home? I’m here to pick up that dress—Whoa. You’re not Josie.

Mia: Very good.

Mia: I’m Mia, Josie’s younger sister.
Delaney: Oh right, the stripper.
Mia: I’m glad she speaks so highly of me.
Delaney: Sorry. I’m Delaney. Nice to meet you.

Josie: Midona Sevastra Hawkes, be nice. God, you’re still here? You’re almost as bad as Jana.
Mia: I resent that!
Delaney: *embarassed* Oh Josie….I can come back.

Josie: Ah, no big deal. I have no shame. Mia, out.
Mia: Why?
Josie: How many times have I told you? Pregnant lady always wins.
Delaney: Thanks for getting me the dress, Josie.

Josie: No problem. See you later, Mia.
Mia: See you. Nice to meet you, Delaney.
Delaney: Nice to meet you too.
Josie: Have a seat, Delaney.

Josie: And for the love of God, don’t ask me how I’m doing. I’m pregnant, not terminally ill.
Delaney: *laughs* Okay, I won’t.
Josie: So tell me about this Benjamin guy.

Delaney: Well, I’ve only been on one date with him…
Josie: But it was good enough to merit a nice dress for the second one!

Delaney: Oh, hush, you!
Josie: Do you like him?
Delaney: *smiles* Yeah, I really do.
Josie: Then that’s all that matters.

Delaney: Is that the time? I’ve got to go get ready.
Josie: Well, have a good time, Delaney. Just trust yourself, ‘kay?

Location: The Boardwalk, in historic Philadelphia

Benjamin: Did you have a good time?
Delaney: Yeah, I did.

*They smile as they hold hands*

Benjamin: Can I ask you a question, Delaney?
Delaney: Sure.
Benjamin: What’s the story with the necklace you always wear?

Delaney: My necklace? Well…it’s kind of dumb.
Benjamin: I don’t mind.
Delaney: Here, let’s sit down.

Delaney: This necklace was given to me by my little sister, Bailey. It actually has two pieces, this lock and then a key. She told me that I should give the key to the man I’m going to be with for the rest of my life, because he’ll have the key to my heart.

Delaney: *embarassed* It’s dumb, I know, but it means a lot to me.
Benjamin: I don’t think it’s dumb at all. It’s nice.
*silence*

Benjamin: So…have you ever thought of giving the necklace to anyone yet?
Delaney: No…not really. I need to be absolutely sure before I even consider giving it away.
Benjamin: And what makes you “absolutely sure?”
Delaney: I don’t know. I’ve never been “absolutely sure” before.

Benjamin: *lowering his voice* I want you to be absolutely sure, Delaney.
Delaney: So do I.

To Be Continued...

Best. Chapter. Ever. So far, anyways.

If you look closely in the library pictures, you can see that my copy of Girl With a Pearl Earring is in the background. Jana is named after Jan Vermeer, the painter of Girl With a Pearl Earring. Just a nice little Easter Egg there :D And that conversation Jana has with Ruthie about noise in the library? I've had that conversation many a time when people tell me "It's too quiet in the library!!" If only they knew :D

And the scene between Benjamin and Delaney was my favorite scene to shoot ever. I love the way it turned out, even if the pictures are a touch blurry X/ I have some pictures that I'll post later of how that scene was set up (Polish engineering to the max, I'm telling you).

Other than that, happy Thursday, everyone!!

↧

I Want It!!

June 15, 2008, 10:06 pm

≫ Next: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 10: Now

≪ Previous: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 9: Perception

Dolls and Toys
Originally uploaded by Her.Royal.Demoness

So I made some MASSIVE wantlists (see my flickr for more!) It was so much fun, but a little sad when I realized I HAVE NO MONEY :( I'm going to get paid for cleaning my grandparents' house, but after that, I probably won't have any income until I go back to school. Oh yes, good news, I talked my way into college employment on campus, so at least I'll have some spending money next semester. Bad news, I STILL HAVE NO SUMMER JOB.

Stupid economy.

And a special All the Constellations Announcement:
There will only be one chapter this week, due to 1) I haven't had a chance to work on AtC for a week or so, so after Chapter 10 I have next to nothing finished, 2) I have about 50,000 errands to run, and 3) I'm having some real-life issues that need to be dealt with, so I have to basically be "on call" all this week.

But! Do not despair! It is a good chapter! And, at 35 PICTURES, it's downright massive.

You'll see it WEDNESDAY.

That is all :D

↧

"All The Constellations" - Chapter 10: Now

June 19, 2008, 12:59 pm

≫ Next: Book Meme

≪ Previous: I Want It!!

No new characters, but enjoy this extra-long installment!

Location: An outdoor gallery

Ruthie: Where are we going? And why am I with you on a Saturday? I’m not being tutored.
Jana: I’m more than just your tutor, Ruthie. And don’t worry, you’ll see in a minute.

Jana: Here we are!
Ruthie: What. The hell. Is this?

Jana: It’s art.

Ruthie: *snorts* Doesn’t look like any sort of art I’ve ever seen.
Jana: Then does that mean it’s not art?

Ruthie: Of course! It’s just a bunch of rings thrown in the dirt. And why are we even looking at this crap? I’m going to be a businesswoman. They don’t need art.
Jana: Is that so? Do you want to be a businesswoman?

Ruthie: It’s not about what I want. It’s about what my mother wants.
Jana: *thinks for a moment* Let me show you something.

Ruthie: What are you doing?!?!
Jana: Art.

Jana: You ready?
Ruthie: It’s your funeral.

*Jana tosses the rings in the air*

Jana: Now take a look.

Ruthie: It’s completely different.

Jana: And yet, still the same. *pauses* Just because somebody says something is art doesn’t make it art. And just because somebody says something isn’t art doesn’t mean it’s not art.
Ruthie: Meaning?
Jana: It’s all a matter of perspective, Ruthie. Things change all the time. People thought Van Gogh was shit. Now people pay millions for his paintings. I guess what I’m saying is that nobody can tell you what art is. It’s up to you to decide what it is.

Jana: So! You ready to see some more masterpieces?
Ruthie: *A smile begins to play upon her lips* Yeah, I think so.

Location: Najae

Eva: Oh, it’s Delaney.

Eva: Natalie’s not here. I guess I can answer.

Eva: Hey, Delaney, what do you have for me?

Delaney: Hi Eva. I’ve got a name for you. I think he’s switched agencies, so I can’t give you a number, but a name should be good enough. You have something to write with?

Eva: Yeah, hold on.

Eva: Okay, go.

Delaney: Gabriel Faridan. He’s still probably located in New York, so I’d start there.

Eva: God, Delaney, thank you so much!

Delaney: Hey Eva? Just remember what I told you at the coffeehouse, okay?
Eva: I’ll try.

Natalie: Hey, who was on the phone just now?
Eva: Erm…nobody important.

Natalie: Evangeline Juliette Roma, I know you’re hiding something. And you’re going to tell me what it is.
Eva: Um…well…*panicked* Okay…I’ll tell you.

Eva: I wasn’t just bartending at a club in Paris. I was a stripper.

Natalie: WHAT?!?!
Eva: You know Mia, Josie’s sister? Yeah, she was my boss.

Natalie: But WHY? You’re so much better than that, Evangeline.
Eva: *shrugs* It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s in the past, okay? I didn’t want to be a stripper anymore, so I came home. But I am an adult, Natalie, I can make my own mistakes.

Natalie: *disgusted* I can’t deal with you right now, Evangeline. I need to think about this. I just can’t believe it.
Eva: …..
*Natalie leaves*

Eva: Whew. That threw her off. Be mad all you want, Natalie. But you have secrets too, and I’m going to find out what they are.

Location: Josie and Gideon’s Apartment

Gideon: Jesus, Josie, you’ve been pacing all day. It’s making me nervous.
Josie: God, Gideon, I am nine months pregnant. Comfort really is no longer an option at this stage.

Josie: And to be quite honest, I’m pretty sure I’m in labor right now.
Gideon: JOSIE! Don’t you think you might want to go to the hospital?

Josie: *whines* But it’s our first baby and it’s going to take forever!!! I don’t want to be bored!
Gideon: I hardly think having a baby is boring.
Josie: You try it.

Josie: Ow, ow, ow, SON OF A BITCH!!!
Gideon: Are you okay, Josie?

Josie: You know, on second thought, maybe I do want to go to the hospital.
Gideon: I’d say ‘I told you so’ but that’s just not something I do.
Josie: What are you talking about? Of course it is!
Gideon: Because I’ve been married to you too long.
Josie: *laughs* I’ve taught you well.

Josie: *softens* Hey. We’re having a baby.
Gideon: We’re having a baby.

To Be Continued…

So sorry for the delay...but I have almost caught up with shooting new chapters, and my RL issues have been resolved as much as they're going to be (it really sucks when you have to end a 14-year friendship). And then when I went to post this chapter last night, photobucket stopped working. And then when I tried to post it this morning, my picture links weren't working properly. But everything's fixed now, and I'm ready to go on schedule for the next three weeks or so :D Hospital-y goodness to come next week!

↧

Book Meme

June 26, 2008, 2:29 pm

≫ Next: Anybody want a Blythe?

≪ Previous: "All The Constellations" - Chapter 10: Now

Please. This meme was made for me :D

"The Big Read reckons that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they've printed."
1) Look at the list and bold those you have read. I'm going to do them in RED
2) Italicize those you intend to read. I'm going to do them in BLUE
NOTE: These books are probably books I own, but haven't read yet.
3) Underline the books you LOVE.
4) Reprint this list in your own LJ so we can try and track down these people who've read 6 and force books upon them ;-)

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane AustenI know! I'm the worst English major ever! I have yet to read this book
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper LeeSeriously, one of the best books ever.
6 The BibleI was a Catholic for 14 years. It counts.
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 1984 - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M AlcottOne of the first instances of Chick Lit in the United States.
12 Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of ShakespeareOkay, but I haven't read ALL of them, but I've read a LOT of them.
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret MitchellMy copy is a family heirloom. It was my grandmother's--she got it when she was 11 (it's a first edition, third printing). She passed it down to my mom, and my mom passed it down to me. I haven't read the whole book, but I have read parts of it. The ending of the book TOTALLY kicks the ending of the movie's ASS!!
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott FitzgeraldI love this book so much I'm going to name my dogs Daisy and Gatsby.
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo TolstoyI have a strong feeling I'm going to have to read this in my Women and Madness in Literature class
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William GoldingTHIS IS SERIOUSLY TORTURE TO READ. CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT, IT IS!!!!
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen FieldingChick Lit, patient zero
69 Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles DickensAbsolutely magical. This book is the reason I love Christmas so much.
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte's Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William ShakespeareHamlet is a whiny little bitch. He really just needs to get over himself two acts sooner and kick some ass!!!
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo
Total Read: 18
Want to Read: 27

The funny thing, I used to HATE literature from the 19th century (too much description) until my favorite teacher ever explained something to me (keep in mind, the woman is 100 pages away from having a Ph.D in 19th Century Transatlantic Literature). She said:
"You have to keep in mind, people in those days didn't have the same general base of knowledge that we do. We know what London looks like from movies, but people back then didn't know what London looked like unless they lived there. So that's why there's all that description: they were putting EVERYTHING they saw into words so people could get that picture."

And from then on, I loved 19th century literature.

But here's my soapbox rant:
So WHAT if you haven't read six of these books? That doesn't make anything you've read have any less merit. As long as you read SOMETHING, it counts. My favorite book in the entire world is a fairly obscure children's book called Bloomability. I LOVE the Alice Series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. And just because something isn't a classic doesn't mean that you can't learn from it--authors of chick lit and mystery research their books as much as Pulitzer award winning authors do.

I hate this stigma that says that you have to read classics in order to be well-read. I spend a LOT of time defending my book choices to people. I love girly novels, okay? I love my bright pink covers, my sugary love plots, and unrealistically hot love interests. And just because romance happens to be the main plot DOESN'T mean that it's drivel, okay? My favorite heroines (Heather Wells, Stephanie Plum) can teach me JUST as much as Hamlet or Atticus can. Meg Cabot wrote her Heather Wells series (chick lit mystery at its finest, if I do say so myself) because she wanted to show women that size doesn't matter. In today's world, isn't that an important a message to get across to young women?

Oprah and the Pulitzer committee do NOT decide what good literature is. YOU do. If you want to read Twilight instead of Dracula, please, by all means, do so. At least you're reading. There are some authors that I really don't like. But I will NEVER criticize someone or laugh at someone for what they're reading (no matter how silly it seems), because you know what? At least they're reading.
*hops off soapbox*

Librarian really is the only logical career path for me.

↧

Anybody want a Blythe?

June 28, 2008, 5:32 pm

≫ Next: "All The Constellations" - Chapters 10-13

≪ Previous: Book Meme

She needs a new, loving home (one where the redhead isn't plotting against her)!

She is for sale on Dolly Market.

Here's hoping she sells fast!

↧

"All The Constellations" - Chapters 10-13

June 30, 2008, 10:38 am

≫ Next: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

≪ Previous: Anybody want a Blythe?

I know I haven't posted any chapters on LJ recently, but I think I've decided to only post my story on House of Pullip. It's just a lot easier for me. But, I will post the links to the chapters for you guys :D So, here you go!

Chapter 10: Now

Chapter 11: Everyone We Know

Chapter 12: The Interview

Chapter 13: Only A Job

↧

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

June 30, 2008, 2:41 pm

≫ Next: Inspiration

≪ Previous: "All The Constellations" - Chapters 10-13

That's the sound of excitement.

Why am I excited, you ask? Well, I didn't want to say anything until I knew for certain, but....

HE'S MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My little bebe will be here in about a week or so. I found a full set for a little over $200, which is WAY less than buying direct from Lati.

My first Lati!!!

I'm giddy!!!!!!!!

↧

Inspiration

June 30, 2008, 10:20 pm

≫ Next: Housekeeping...

≪ Previous: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just had a burst of inspiration for All the Constellations.

I planned out Chapters 24-48.

A previously introduced character does not make an appearance for over 20 chapters.

I'm using a page out of the Desperate Housewives playbook for what happens after Chapter 34.

One chapter is intended to be read out loud.

I actually wrote out Chapter 35 in its entirety, and it made me cry.

Chapter 48 ends with an expletive.

I'll leave you all to speculate on what all of the above means :D

↧

Housekeeping...

July 3, 2008, 8:06 pm

≫ Next: The Movie Meme

≪ Previous: Inspiration

It's Thursday! That means a new chapter of "All the Constellations"
Chapter 14: All Great Stories....

Dolly News:
While shooting photos for the Hall of Fame contest at HoP, this happened:

Wtf, Micah. You were supposed to be Jana's boyfriend. Oh well. This happens sometimes. Gideon was supposed to be Natalie's boyfriend. You all see how that worked out. Anyway, Micah and Eva will have a small (but sweet) story in All the Constellations...soon. I think. I'll have to check my notes.

But! I had a really good storyline for Jana and her boyfriend, so obviously, I have to buy a new boy. And here he is:

I haven't bought him yet, but as soon as I saw Jade, I knew he was the one for Jana. I already have his backstory all figured out and everything. It's going to be delicious. But, obviously, it won't be until October. You know, when he gets here.

So, the first time I saw this boy:

I was in love. But when I saw his outfit today, I was a little...put off. I thought: "God, he's dressed like a male stripper." And then it hit me: he was MADE for Mia!!! Stripper love! It's perfect! Yeah, but he probably won't get here until around Christmas, so we won't get to THAT story line for another six months.

And of course, I need Celsiy for what Mia looks like under her makeup:

Sheesh. When was the last time I had a Pullip wishlist?!

As for the rest of my life, it's kind of sad right now. All I do is stay at home and cook and read. I'm also taking a Sign Language class on Tuesday nights with my friend Becky. That's pretty fun :D The rest of my time is spent watching reality television and looking for schools I can transfer to.

Oh yes, that. See, I realized that I'm not really happy at Westminster. I don't have that many close friends there, and the only social life to speak of is hard partying at the frat houses. And yeah, I don't party. I have no desire to get drunk off my ass and never remember anything about my weekends. The only thing for girls to do is join a sorority, and our sororities at school are just WROUGHT with MIDDLE SCHOOL drama. Seriously, at room pick, they were practically throwing tantrums because they couldn't get the rooms they wanted.

It seems that everyone else I know is looking forward to get back to school, but I really am not. I'm almost kind of dreading it. It shouldn't be like that. College should be an enjoyable experience, and right now, it's really not for me.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the academic environment. But the social environment is just as important. And right now, I don't know if the pros are outweighing the ever-increasing list of cons.

I still want to stay in Missouri or eastern Illinois, so that's where I'm starting my search. Sigh. It's like my senior year of college all over again.

↧

The Movie Meme

July 8, 2008, 9:37 pm

≫ Next: Laches is here!!!!

≪ Previous: Housekeeping...

Taken from...everyone?!

Entertainment Weekly’s list of the top movies of the last 25 years.
Go through their list and color blue) the ones you have seen and color red the ones you own on video or DVD. Bold anything you've seen in the theatre (as opposed to on tv or rented).

1. Pulp Fiction (1994) I've actually seen quite a bit of this movie, just not from start to finish. But I do own it. I love Quintin Tarantino.
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03) Opening Day. All three. I'm that hardcore.
3. Titanic (1997) This movie would have been better if Kate Winslet would move her FAT ASS so Leo DiCaprio could have gotten on that damn piece of wood with her.
4. Blue Velvet (1986)
5. Toy Story (1995) Total love.
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
9. Die Hard (1988) I haven't seen this, but my brother watches it every Christmas Eve. After all, it is a Christmas movie...
10. Moulin Rouge (2001) At one point, I did own this movie. But I lost it :(
11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
12. The Matrix (1999)
13. GoodFellas (1990)
14. Crumb (1995)
15. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
16. Boogie Nights (1997)
17. Jerry Maguire (1996) I would love this movie. I'm amazed I've never seen it.
18. Do the Right Thing (1989)
19. Casino Royale (2006)
20. The Lion King (1994) This is my favorite Disney movie. Ever. I like it even more now that I've read Hamlet :D
21. Schindler’s List (1993)
22. Rushmore (1998)
23. Memento (2001)
24. A Room With a View (1986)
25. Shrek (2001) I STILL laugh ever time I see this movie.
26. Hoop Dreams (1994)
27. Aliens (1986)
28. Wings of Desire (1988)
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
30. When Harry Met Sally... (1989) There is nothing wrong with this movie.
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
32. Fight Club (1999)
33. The Breakfast Club (1985) Believe it or not, I watched this in Geography class in 9th grade...
34. Fargo (1996)
35. The Incredibles (2004) Tied for my favorite Pixar movie with Ratatouille and Wall-E.
36. Spider-Man 2 (2004) Spider-Man 2?!?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?! The first one is FAR superior.
37. Pretty Woman (1990) LOVE IT.
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
39. The Sixth Sense (1999)
40. Speed (1994)
41. Dazed and Confused (1993)
42. Clueless (1995) You like it. Don't lie to yourself. It was the Legally Blonde of the 90s.
43. Gladiator (2000)
44. The Player (1992)
45. Rain Man (1988) I cannot watch this movie. I burst into tears every time I see the "Hot water burn baby!!" scene (you know, where Tom Cruise finds out that Dustin Hoffman is Rain Man). Not unlike when I see The Green Mile (how was THAT movie not on this list?!?!) Actually, I just have to see that The Green Mile is on tv (doesn't matter what part), and I burst into tears.
47. Men in Black (1997) Shameless, I know. But everyone knows that the first step to surviving the apocalypse is finding Will Smith.
48. Scarface (1983)
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
50. The Piano (1993)
51. There Will Be Blood (2007)
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988)
53. The Truman Show (1998)
54. Fatal Attraction (1987)
55. Risky Business (1983)
56. The Lives of Others (2006)
57. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
58. Ghostbusters (1984)
59. L.A. Confidential (1997)
60. Scream (1996) This is the only scary movie I like.
61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
62. sex, lies and videotape (1989)
63. Big (1988)
64. No Country For Old Men (2007)
65. Dirty Dancing (1987)
66. Natural Born Killers (1994)
67. Donnie Brasco (1997)
68. Witness (1985)
69. All About My Mother (1999)
70. Broadcast News (1987)
71. Unforgiven (1992)
72. Thelma & Louise (1991)
73. Office Space (1999)
74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
75. Out of Africa (1985)
76. The Departed (2006)
77. Sid and Nancy (1986)
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996)
80. Michael Clayton (2007)
81. Moonstruck (1987)
82. Lost in Translation (2003)
83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
84. Sideways (2004)
85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)
86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)
87. Swingers (1996)
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
89. Breaking the Waves (1996)
90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
91. Back to the Future (1985) There is something seriously wrong with you if you haven't seen this movie. "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need...roads."
92. Menace II Society (1993)
93. Ed Wood (1994)
94. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
95. In the Mood for Love (2001)
96. Far From Heaven (2002) A severely underrated movie. Dennis Haysbert is amazing.
97. Glory (1989) Watched it in history class. Says a lot about the quality of my education, doesn't it?
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
99. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)

Seen: 29
Own: 11

I have some serious doubts about this list. But it's Entertainment Weekly, not AFI, so I'm not going to worry about it :D

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Laches is here!!!!

July 10, 2008, 6:45 pm

≫ Next: Today was awesome.

≪ Previous: The Movie Meme

So a box arrived at my house yesterday. Greta was not pleased.

Greta: Mama, what's this box?
(Ever since Juno left, she's been calling me Mama.)
Me: A new dolly. A tiny BJD, just like you!

Greta: NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT. I'm supposed to be the only tiny BJD in this house.
Me: Not anymore.
Greta: I won't let you open this!! I won't be replaced!!!!

Me: Yeah, I don't think so.
Greta: PUT ME DOWN!!!

Me: Sorry about that. That box really is HUGE!!!! My mom even commented it on its excessive size.

Certificate of Authenticity

All packaged up!

Snug as a bug in a rug!!!

He's out!!! His name is Cameron :D

Greta: He's hideous!! Why do you buy him?!
Me: How you did you get here, Greta?!?!

Greta: It wasn't easy.

Cameron: Piggy.
Greta: *panicked* What?

Cameron: Piggy!
Greta: Get away from me, foul beast!!!!! Mama, help me!!
Me: Well, only because I love you, Greta.

Me: He's so PRECIOUS!!!!!! He fits in the palm of my hand.

Greta: *sigh* Thank god that demon is away from me. How long is he staying here?
Me: Indefinitely.
Greta: EXCUSE ME?!?! You can't be serious.
Me: I am. So you better get used to him.

Cameron: Piggy, piggy, piggy, piggy....
Greta: I can't believe this is my life.
-End-

More Cameron spam to come, I promise!

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Today was awesome.

July 14, 2008, 10:40 pm

≫ Next: All the Constellations Update

≪ Previous: Laches is here!!!!

Why today was awesome:
First, I had a MISSOURI PEACH, which I've only been waiting for since, you know, APRIL!! It was sweet, juicy, and good :D Peach pie, here I come!!!

Second (and more importantly)....
I FOUND TWIX JAVA AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I even make an appearance, I am THAT happy!

This blessed event needed to be documented. I know I look like crap, but hey! I have my beloved Twix Java!!!

Let me explain:
Twix made these AMAZING limited edition Twix Java bars in February of this year. I only had them about 3 times before they sold out.

I was DEVASTATED! Words cannot describe how much I loved this candy bar. I searched high and low for MONTHS, hoping that my beloved Twix Java would be at Wal-Mart or a gas station. But no. I even went so far as to check eBay to see if I could snag a case. Yes, I love this candy bar that much.

So a miracle occurred today. I was in the Dollar Tree buying stuff for a baby shower when I wandered into the candy aisle and saw them!!!!! I was so excited!!!! I called my mother right away (because she knows how long I've been looking for them), and then I bought the whole box, 19 bars in all. I was with my friend Jessie and she kept giving me WTF looks because I was spazzing so much over candy bars. The cashier thought I was crazy, too, but I DON'T CARE! I HAVE MY FAVORITE CANDY BAR BACK!!!

YAY!!!! I have to make them last :D

Cameron rests in a sea of Twix Java bars!

Cameron wonders why there are so many of them.
BECAUSE THEY ARE DELICIOUS!!!

Alright, I know it's sad to get THIS excited over a candy bar, but you just don't know. Twix Java is the perfect combination of coffee and candy. It combines my favorite candy bar and my favorite beverage!!!! What's not to like?

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All the Constellations Update

July 18, 2008, 8:44 am

≫ Next: The Rest of My Life

≪ Previous: Today was awesome.

First off, here's the past two chapters of All the Constellations, if you've missed them:
Chapter 16: Just Perfect
Chapter 17: Off Base

I deleted last night's post accidentally, I'm sorry!!! I went to edit it, and when I went to hit "Save Entry" I guess I hit "Delete Entry" instead. Sorry about that!

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The Rest of My Life

July 26, 2008, 5:08 pm

≫ Next: Stress.

≪ Previous: All the Constellations Update

First, All the Constellations:
Chapter 18: Hate/Love
Chapter 19: How Do You Feel About It?

Ugh. I only have a month left until school starts. And I am REALLY dreading it. Like, I know my classes will be fine, but I really am not holding out much hope for my social life. People ask me when I'm returning to school, and I want to say "As late as humanly possible." And UGH, I have to deal with recruitment again (the sorority girls at school are like drug pushers; they think EVERYBODY should go Greek). URGH!! And it sucks because I can't go home as much as I did last year because my ride home (Sarah) is getting a job in Fulton and is only going home once a month. I'm trying to keep a positive mind here, I really am, but this is really hard for me. And I have a bad feeling that this is NOT going to be a good semester for me.

But enough of that drearyness!! On to happier things....like body art! I currently only have one tattoo, but I'm really itching to get a second one (four pink and purple stars on my right shoulder. I know, very cliche and girly, but I don't care). I also want to get the Coexist symbol between my shoulder blades because religious tolerance is something I feel very strongly about.
I'd also like the words "Que sera, sera" (Whatever will be, will be) on my ankle--"que sera, sera" is my mantra whenever I feel overwhelmed.
And finally...I'd really like to get a tattoo of Batgirl. Preferably a chibi Batgirl, actually. Why Batgirl? Because Barbara Gordon is one of my fictional heroes (right up there with Heather Wells). She's the greatest librarian like, ever. Not only does she RUN the Gotham City Public Library, she FIGHTS CRIME. Hello? How awesome is that?! I wanted a tattoo that represented the library in some way, and when I remembered that Batgirl was a librarian, I knew I had found the tattoo for me :D I don't know quite where I want it, but I know for sure that is what I want :D

I'm currently scheming on how to raise funds for my next doll. I'm definitely going to get Jade and Sol--I REALLY love those two boys--but I'm on the lookout for another girl, too. I just don't know who yet. See, I want a girl who can be Mia without makeup on. Although I do like Celsiy, I'm not so sure she screams "Mia" to me. I've been perusing through the Pictionary threads, but nobody is really saying "Mia" to me, except for perhaps Chill. My other thought was to perhaps commission a custom, but I'm a real big fan of stock girls, so I dunno. Anybody have any suggestions?

And finally, for your entertainment....I found this little note on my neighbor's door. For the past week, they've been packing up all their stuff because they were being evicted. Well, they left town Thursday, but when I came home from Six Flags on Friday, I saw a bunch of notes on their front door (this being one of them). I guess anything my neighbors didn't need (including frozen food!) they donated to a local charity....who didn't really appreciate the donation (in their defense, it was all crap that should have been thrown away).

What makes it so funny isn't the fact that the charity hunted down my neighbors and took the time to leave the note....but they actually RETURNED my neighbors "donations" and left them on the driveway. Because putting them in the dumpster would have been too charitable?!?

I submitted this gem to passiveaggressivenotes.com because it needs to be shared.

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