All I want for Christmas....

...is but a few knick-knacks and kitchy cuties:

via Refinery 29

A flask. And not just any flask; a badass flask.

via The SCP Foundation

Not like I need more pets... but seriously, think of the damage/cuteness I could do with one of these.
I'd prefer one of the SCP-2558-J-EX variations.
(click the link and you'll understand)

via YouTube

A new Marble Hornets entry. Spookie Rose likes spooky things for holidays.

World peace, happiness and all that jazz.

Dinner with Hugh Laurie. Mr. Laurie, call me anytime. *wink wink*

To hang out with David Tennant and Catherine Tate. I bet it would be an awesome and hilarious time.

For Wikipedia to hang around forever. So, I donated.

An honorary knighthood, to be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

A free trip to Barcelona, to visit the Sagrada Familia and other Gaudi works.

via Steve Madden

More Steve Madden shoes. Many, many more.

And, of course, happiness and good food for my readers.
Just a few trifles for the holidays.

Fudgy goodness

I have completed my training at a neighboring branch in town, tomorrow will be my last day before I am unleashed upon the unsuspecting public.
To thank my mentoring branch, I am baking them Thank you brownies. This brownies are not much different from regular brownies... I just added cinnamon and agave nectar to them. Hopefully, I didn't add too much!

Those that follow my Twitter will see that I have bought a domain and have started on a personal portfolio web site.
I'm learning this as I go along, which means lots of blank stares and hair pulling. Thankfully, I bought the domain through Google, so there's support and help aplenty.
After I've populated the page with more art, I'll post the link so that you may enjoy.

And according to the Jersey Shore Nickname Generator, my Jersey Shore name is R-Pow.

Overall, things are looking up: gainful employment, new pet fish named Gregory, brownies, good friends, tasty holiday food and festivities shared with cats and family and tons of free episodes of House. Even the painful memories are no longer so fresh.

Quarters 1, Rose 0

Got bored and made a quiz. Check it out on my facebook profile.

Enjoying the new job immensely, learning new things daily.... some of which I would rather not know.
Like how a box full of quarters can outsmart me.

Celebs

Playing around with celeb look-a-like programs gave me this:

Jellies and nerdness

While watching an episode of CSI Miami entitled 'Kill Clause,' everyone makes reference to a tank filled with box jellyfish, certain species of which are "known amoungst the most venomous creatures of in the world" according to Wikipedia.

However, I was distracted from the action because the tank contained not box jellyfish, but moon jellyfish, a jelly which I find to be sweet natured. I realize this makes me a supernerd.

The two have very different demeanors and don't look that much alike.

Box Jellyfish via The StashBox

Moon Jellies via Saatchi Gallery

I've swam through a tide of moon jellies with nary a sting.
However, box jellyfish will kill the F out of you.

With a twist of Paris

Apparently, I did bang myself up a little bit during my fall last night. I woke up feeling sore and with a few minor bruises. But it was all in the name of science!
And by science, I mean snow.
Here's some photos:

I'm also adoring Forever 21's new limited Tres Paris line. I'm drooling over much of the knitted, embellished and detailed apparel.
Sadly, Forever 21 isn't offering this line in extra large, so I'm hesitant in ordering anything.

Well.... hesitant in ordering anything but this:

via Forever 21

I can't help it, I must have this skirt!

Actually, I will listen to reason. Forever 21's measurements for large are 30/40 at their widest.
My measurements are 38/45. Yeah... I don't really see myself fitting into their sizes anytime soon. Sob!

Snow

Went outside to check on the snow and promptly fell down the stairs. 
Luckily, I fell butt first and nothing of value was lost... or broken.


Well, perhaps my pride and dignity. 
But I don't think anyone else saw.


I'll post pictures in the morning as I'm currently too lazy and my down comforter is calling my name.

A job well done

I finished!

A whole month of posting and all I got was this picture... and a sense of satisfaction I suppose.

Mission employment: complete

My first day of work after a nearly two month drought was a shock to my system.
No CSI Miami at 9 a.m.! (or at 3 p.m. for that matter) However, for gainful employment, I suppose that is a sacrifice I am willing to do... besides, I can watch episodes online.

I got a taste of what my new job will be like, and I like it! It seems like there won't be much downtime, which is great, because I hate being bored at work.
Another upside is that I will be in training for the next week or so; much better than other positions I've held where the training consisted of pointing to my computer and telling me 'Good luck!'

Since today is Cyber Monday, I got a great deal on two pairs of shoes.
Take a look:

via DSW

I'm getting them in grey (pictured) and black. I was seriously considering getting the muted pink, but decided (at the last minute, mind you) to go with more professional colors.
Man... I can't wait until they arrive; I'm practically drooling in anticipation!

Shoe porn

Via Piperlime

I love these!

They're feminine, quirky and cute!

Via Piperlime

A rose for Rose, of course!

Via Piperlime

Cute and full of kitch; who can resist?

Via Piperlime

I love the soft, suede look of these. They have an air of Victorian era class.

Pansy cats

To update: Murmur and Leon are doing just fine.
Leon has been prancing about the house, claiming which chair is his and charming everyone with his handsome face.
Murmur, however, is a bit of a scaredy-cat and hides under my bed unless I'm in the room or she hears my voice. She's warming up to my mum and sister, however, my dad's voice is a bit deep for her.

We (Mum and I) took them to the vet today. They received full healthy marks, flea preventative meds and are up to date on their shots.
Sadly, I will be heading back to my apartment tomorrow and won't see my furry babies until  the next time I visit, which will probably be for Christmas. I'll try my best not to cry... however, I'm a little bit of a crybaby.

And by 'a little bit,' I clearly mean I'm a huge crybaby.

However, I am relieved that they will be safe and happy.
I suppose I can deprive myself of my free and fuzzy bedwarmers for their sake.

Cracks

Many thanks to Cat Party for alerting me to a beautiful new film titled Cracks.
Cracks is set in a 1930s all-girls boarding school. Not only does the story look intriguing, but it is set in a time that houses a fashion era I adore.
I can't wait!

Watch the HD trailer:

Snuggles

Happy Turkey Day to my fellow U.S. readers!

While enjoying a bounty of good food, here are some very cute and snuggly cowlneck sweaters.

via Fashion Bug

I love the classy yet sweet look of these.

via Fashion Bug

Against all better judgement, I watched a video of live birth.
This was my response.

When in junior high school, my sex ed class watched a video of live birth.
And people wonder why I don't want to get pregnant, ever.

Lovely

Speaking of jersey dresses...

via Shopgoldyn

Holy crap! I love this one!
Look at the style, the detailing. It was love at first sight.
I'm not too crazy about the color, but I'm willing to oversee that. Some mustard and brown Oxford heels would be adorable with this.

via Spiegel

Imagine sauntering into a room wearing this little number.
I'm loving the purple; the black seems to expected and predictable for a dress like this.
As is, the dress doesn't need a necklace to pair with, but silver chandeliers would be lovely.
Silky, silky, silky!

Sapphires

Right, after yesterday's gratuitous amounts of color and trite, I feel I must type a slightly more serious post.

I'll be taking my cats to stay with my parents for a few months, until I can get my hands on a place that doesn't frown upon my fuzzy children.
Not sure how they're (the cats) going to react to the move, but it is for the best. And a bit worried about the drive up; it's a 90+ minute drive to my parents place. The longest amount of time either have been in the car has been 15 minutes... if even that.

After receiving an offer for employment and ensuring my cats' comfort and safety, I can honestly say that I'm looking toward a future that's a lot brighter than it used to be:

I see myself moving into a pet-friendly place by April and once again living with my babies.
I see myself finishing the GRE and Praxis II and starting grad school in the Fall.
I see myself stable and happy and loved... a little less poor and a few pounds lighter. hah!

As I'm getting things ready to transport the kitties, I started getting flustered this morning.
That is, until I made a list.
Making lists doesn't make you OCD, does it?

via Nordstrom

Loving this little BCBG Max Azria tuxedo jersey dress.
I generally have a thing for jersey dresses; the drape, the feeling, the floaty-ness. But the cute detailing gives this dress a classic look.
I would wear this at any holiday party as well as any day I want to have a very dressy day.
Pair these with some sapphire jewelry and some strappy, jeweled heels and you're ready to go!

P.S. is it wrong that one of the main things I'm excited about, as far as working at a bank, is the bank holidays?

Gratuitous amounts

I was offered a bank teller position this morning... thus ending the employment drought!

To celebrate, here is gratuitous amounts of candy.

I LOVE these fruit slices. These slices are my favorite candies.

Adorable and tasty cupcakes are also in order.

Nostalgia

The Secret of NIMN was on today.
I love this movie; it's one of those great, childhood nostalgia movies that you don't see nowadays.

Beautiful art, deep story and excitement.
Nowadays, CGI reigns... but to me, art from The Secret of NIMN and the first Land Before Time will always be the best.

I heart Marilyn

I adore Marilyn Monroe. I always have since I watched "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," the first movies of hers I watched.
Beautiful, sweet, innocent and unassuming... yet, still able to plot murder, dance with diamonds and steal a scene in a heartbeat.

I only hope to look as good as her in a bathing suit.

Recently, I learned that Marilyn might have had PCOS, which would have led to her many miscarriages, deep depression and mood disorder.
So, not only do I adore her, but we have things in common.

Sadly, what we have in common isn't a smoking bod..... though I'm working on it. hah

Deep and scary insight

Today's post is a down post, with brutal honesty. Visit the Rose Happiness Project for happy stuff today.

Yesterday was spent researching various things... one being surgeries regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome.
And one thing stuck out: the reason the majority of people complaining about having PCOS is because they want babies.
Infertility is the first thing on their minds.

However, the first thing on my mind is relief:
from hirutism... and the embarrassment it brings;
from mind-numbing depression... and my constant battle with it;
from doctor visits... and from ever having to hear "There's nothing was can do for you." again;
from lurking fear... as diabetes, high blood pressure, endometrial cancer, strokes and miscarriage (if I decide to have kids) hide around the corner.

And the greatest fear of all: that my mood disorder will destroy me and those I love.

I just want a normal life.

Widgets

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Don't mind this post. It's for a bloglovin' widget thinger. Anywho, until I post today's blog post, enjoy this video. I'm so peaceful and sleepy right now.....


Glowing Jellyfish from Adam Sowka on Vimeo.

My so-called quarterlife crisis

Where am I going? What am I doing?

I would definitely say that I'm going through my quarterlife crisis: I have no job, no significant other, an incurable illness and borderline personality or similar mental disorder.

It was a battle just to get myself off the couch and out of the apartment. I had mental battles with myself from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. fighting for and against the logic of having to go to the bank and post office.
The scary thing about this is that it's not just a once-in-a-while occurrence. My amount of lethargy amazes me sometimes.
Once I get up and go, I'm alright for a while. But it's the getting up that comes off as a lot of effort.

I'm going through my quarterlife crisis... and I'm ok with that.
Why?
Because if I'm going through it now, I won't have to go through it later.... or something like that.

Awkward

Here's an awkward little tidbit from my youth:


One day while in junior high school, I wrote a love note, folded it into the shape of a heart and got up the courage to walk over to my crush. 
About half way to his desk, I shoved the note in my mouth, waved at him and ran back to my desk. 




I'm pretty sure he now has dreams about the awkward girl that ate paper.

Friends are the best

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Autumn blues

I may have reached a new level of oddity.
For some reason, I entertain thoughts that the little messages I send along with the books, movies and jewelry I'm selling, with somehow spark some interest in the buyers and we'll become penpals.

The holidays are coming up.
And many face this time with not only holiday cheer, but with holiday dread.
The holidays are a time for family, togetherness, presents, love and good food.

Fellow singles feel awkward enough and what isn't helping is the mounds of books titled 'Get Him to Propose by Christmas' and similar.
How am I supposed to get him to propose if there is no 'him' to begin with?

Though Autumn is my favorite season, I also fear it. With Autumn comes shorter days and earlier bed times. Crisp, chilly nights during which I could be snuggled up next to someone yet I find only plushies in my embrace.

I'm feeling pretty low and worthless... and then I see something like this:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-judith-rich/giving-thanks-for-the-one_b_358673.html
And start feeling a little better.

Implosion

The food stamps interview, mentioned in yesterday's post, was awful.
If anyone has ever spun horror stories of social service places for you, I'm pretty sure each and every one of those creepy, disgusting, annoying and degrading cliches were playing out at some point in time in that building.
And mind you, this was just from the workers. My fellow poor brethren gave me no trouble at all.

On a completely different side of today's coin: I was called twice today about the teller position and I have a good feeling that once my background check and drug test come back, I will be offered the position and can kiss unemployment goodbye.
Also, my doctor said that despite my elevated blood pressure (which is completely understandable given the current situation) that I'm doing fine and have not been negatively affected by my new medication.
By the way, I've lost 10 pounds!

Here's a nugget of pure comedic gold between a friend and I: (grammar and such have been fixed except when done on purpose for super comedy goodness)

Disclaimer: These are my opinions. You don't have to agree with me. But you've got to admit, it really makes you think.


Speaking about Sarah Palin:

Mr. Cheese: you know who's cool

Me: bears?

Mr. Cheese: Sarah Palin

she's so cool

Me: >_>

Mr. Cheese: o_o

Me: wtf

i...

i don't...

son, i am disappoint

Mr. Cheese: i'm not sure what you mean

Me: that woman is a walking sack of lies, bat shit insanity, contradictions and redneck trash

Mr. Cheese: lol

Hillary shouldn't whine about her political attacks "fair or unfair, it does herself a disservice"

Sarah Palin

2012 president

Me: >_<

Mr. Cheese: the thought is scary, isn't it

Me: yes

i threatened that if she was ever elected, i would go into a random town and proceed to drop kick everyone i saw until 1) i died from exhaustion or 2) she was impeached, simply disappeared or imploded

Speaking about politics:

Mr. Cheese: People expect a president to instantly solve all problems

that's why people switch sides all the time

Me: yeah 

there should be a 'magician' or 'genie' party

then things would REALLY get taken care of around here

Raging

Run for the hills, the hormones are raging again!
That's right, pity parties and sob fests galore...

Ok, so I'm over exaggerating a bit. I haven't been dissolving in a puddle of my own misery or flooding the town with my tears.
I've only been a bit weepy, so I'm off to a good start for the week.
And a better start to the week is the interview for a bank teller position I attended today. The interviewer stressed that they needed to hire someone this week. So either way, I expect to hear something by Friday.

And the best start to the week is a night of cheese, wine and good friends that I'll be attending tonight.
Though, I can't stay up too late, I have a food stamps interview to attend tomorrow at 8 a.m.

Sunday, my way

A great relaxing day with Erin and her pup, Lucy; watching neat shows, making a mess of (and cleaning up) her kitchen and all around taking it easy and enjoying the day.
Except the part with the smoke detector... that was crazy.

Also, I think I'm getting WAY too into these silly little facebook games. lol

Twinkle toes: blue

Today was a great day: hung out with Erin, whom bought me my first pedicure, had lunch and then took a trip to Gulfport to hit up the outlet mall and peruse the deals.
Got a lot of Christmas shopping done, got a lovely dress, got a birthday present for Mum, trying a new Mexican restaurant and am now sporting baby blue toes!

Look to your assets

Saw my cats last night. Was hella happy about that... and Leon was too! He stood up and stretched his full length next to me to get to my face and for extra head rubs.
He and Murmur are getting along much better now: they were sharing a chair!

Looked over Manon's new illustration project, which is turning out pretty neat. He is altering an old science book to make it more sci-fi with a Dick and Jane style.
I've thought of altering books before. But the thought of defacing books, be it in a creative way, always felt like a crime to me.
Need to get over that if I ever want to get around to making one up.

While looking through job listings, I came across a posting for an architectural designer:

Architectural Designer will work as a Sales Professional to call on Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Homes and Personal Care Homes, to Sale their services as a Remodeling Architectrual Designer to ass on to their existing facility. Will work with our Nursing Home, Assisted Living Home and Personal Care Home Business Mortgage Loan Origination Sales Team. 


Not sure I'm qualified for this position. I don't believe I have the assets they require.

A day in Poortown

Filled out an application for Food Stamps today, however, they'll need to interview me before they accept.
Nothing to be nervous about; this is one interview I'll ace because of my 'Poory McPoor-poor in Poortown with no job' status.

I interviewed at one of the local hospitals last week. The interviewer said I would hear from them early this week if they want to schedule a second/final interview. Well, considering that it's now the end of this week, I don't think they want to call me back in.
Despite that, I called the interviewer to ask of the status, leaving a message on her voicemail. She hasn't called back.

Went grocery shopping and cleaned a bit. Cleaned out a bin of old papers and school effects; it felt good to go through that stuff. The bin is now half full and hopefully I can condense more bins down.

Hope to do something creative tonight or tomorrow.

No news day

Happy Veterans' Day to all! Especially my parents.
Nothing new or special going on today.
Really sleepy though.... zzzzz....

Candy for breakfast?

Whoa, almost didn't make it to posting today's post.
Nothing particular happened today.
Went to an unemployment orientation for special displaced workers this morning, which was alright. I sat and listened to a guy lecture on some of the best things to do when going to an interview, i.e. smile, give a good impression. They also added my name and resume information into their database (which I thought they already had).
Sold some books and watched some CSI Miami.
Much of the same planned for tomorrow... however, I hope to hear from someone job-related soon.

I'm craving some Reese's cereal right now. Yum.

Froggy greetings

Was greeted by a cute, little frog after returning to town. Quite the homecoming welcome.

Received a lot of information on scholarships to apply for on my quest to become a higher learning educator. In fact, I'm pretty overwhelmed by the amount I was given.

Is it bad that I'm not bored of watching that clip where one of the Real Housewives of New Jersey tries to flip a table?

Help?

I love when people are supposed to help you, but their remedy comes in the form of telling you to do exactly what you told them you've already done. It leads to interesting thoughts on whether or not people listen, or for my following example, read what people say.
I'm trying to figure out my Livestream Procaster (the thing that lets me stream videos and things from my desktop), yet I'm having issues with Flash.... at least with this.
I've downloaded the most recent version of Flash many times, yet still Procaster isn't working the way it should.
The e-mail I sent to Livestream's troubleshooting info area looked something like this:

I'm having problems with the Chat function in Procaster. When I click on the Chat tab, the screen is white and says "Please install Flash." I have installed Flash several times, but the Procaster tabs are still saying the same thing.

Thanks in advance.

The reply was:

Hello Rose,

Thank you for contacting us.  If you can, please go to your Internet Explorer, and download the latest version of flash to your computer.  This should help correct the problems you may be experiencing in trying to use chat with procaster.  Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Best Regards,
Cory Frans

Huh... 

So, I wrote back:

Thanks for replying. I have downloaded Flash again, as you have suggested, and I am still getting the same 'Please install Flash' message under the chat, promote and player tabs.
Could this problem be related to Vista?

Thanks.

I haven't heard anything back in a week.

Ok, so that's not a really good example of what I'm trying to say, but it was the first thing that came to mind.... and I had evidence.

But seriously, I do wonder how much people are hearing (acknowledging that someone is talking) versus listening (knowing what someone is talking about). 

I like to think that I listen to what my friends and family are saying.

A Rose was born

Twenty-eight years ago, I was born in a military hospital in Delaware... and the world was never the same. LOL

Today was pretty fun: went to the zoo close to my parents' place and had a great time with my mum; my dad cooked a delicious meal of buttery, silky sea bass; received cards, many birthday wishes, money, a hat, a scarf and a homemade strawberry pie.
Animal Planet is showing back-to-back episodes of Cats 101, so the front room is filled with "AWWWWW!!!" and "How cute!" and  "I want them all!"

And it doesn't stop there, a few friends want to continue the birthday celebrations to next week. I'm not going to disagree!

I want to thank everyone for their gifts and well wishes.
I love you guys!

Poory poor-poor from Poortown

For those of you that are curious as to whatever happened to Rose's plans to get her master's, teach english and travel abroad, fear not!
Those plans never disappeared, but merely pushed back due to insufficient funds and lack of GRE confidence.
I have always planned to buckle down and take the Praxis II English and GRE; just need to save up $230 to take them.
Anyone up for donating to Rose's continuing education fund?

Tomorrow's my birthday: I'll turn 28 at 8:14 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
But more about my birth tomorrow.... here's something that I giggled about today:

I took the RealAge test on a whim and came up with the above figure. Through actions like health choices and everyday practices, my real age and calendar age are the same!
Corny, I know. But it amused me none the less.

I heart Horatio

There's been a few constants that have gotten me through tough times.
Good friends, good family, good food, good video games and good shows, one being CSI Miami. There's something about the show where it seemed to pop up on TV when I was having a tough time staying calm. Some of the episodes have made me think versus just sitting back and going with the flow. Thinking that took my mind off of what was going on around me.

Also, I have a crush on Horatio Caine. It has to be the red hair.

Speaking of media, since I was the sixteenth person to use the Demand It feature to support Paranormal Activity, my name will be featured in the end credits of the DVD and BluRay versions.
I'm famous! LOL

Piggy's revenge

As of right now, I have no plans to get flu vaccinations, be they swine flu or other.
I've never gotten a flu vaccination, at least as far as I can remember, and I've never had the flu... again, at least as far as I can remember.
To be honest, I'm not really worried about it: not only has my on going non-flu status affected my decision, but also my current poor-as-dirt status gives an easy answer.
However, while I'm not going to get my shot, I'm not against others getting theirs. Especially those that really need to be vaccinated.

Put in an application to work at the DEA office in Jackson. Pretty excited!

P.S. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air brings back hard-core nostalgia.

Exciting

I was called in for a first interview today as a recruiting assistant at one of the local hospitals.
Had a good feeling about it; wasn't really nervous at all. Which has been pretty much my attitude in the past few years when ever I was going for a position. Being nervous just makes me ill, so what's the point in it?
The worst thing that will happen is that I'll never heard from them and, months down the line, assume that I didn't get the job.

Which brings me to a really good point: not hearing any word back from interviewers.
Where's the common decency to call/e-mail someone to let them know that they didn't get the position?
A financial company I recently applied for online sent an e-mail saying something to the effect of: Thanks for your interest in our company. Unfortunately, we have decided to persue other candidates who more closely match the qualifications for this position.
And I was completely ok with that! They had the decency to let me know, so that I'm not sitting around wondering about it.

Back to the possible hospital job: the interviewer said I should hear something by early next week.
Keep those fingers crossed!

Not so easy...

Getting a deferment for student loans is no easy task: long waiting times, stacks of forms to print and lots and lots of text, tiny print and disclaimers to read over.

*sigh* Not my idea of a fun time, but it must be done.

Hell, the past few months haven't been my idea of a fun time. If I could rearrange and change a lot of things from July to October, I would be so much better. In fact, I need to work on that time travel machine so I can beat some sense into people.

I said this little line today to a friend who was having a hard time with college classes:

Just stick with it, the hard times are here for a reason. To test us I guess, to see if we really want something and if we really deserve it.

Perhaps, I should take my own advice.
Although, the problem is... I did stick with it, I really did want it... he, however, did not.

Ina Garten is tempting me to make vichyssoise. Yum!
Oh, food photography... how you make my stomach do flips of anticipation.

Edit: One of my student loan providers said that they don't offer deferments for unemployment. Really? That's ridiculous!
The customer service guy offered a forbearance at a $50 up-front-fee. Huh... no.

St. Rose of Dover, our Lady of Crazypants

October has been a rough month and I'm glad to see it go.
Not only is November my birth month, it's also a month that has been pretty good to me.
Here's to hoping that my November luck continues.

Today is All Saints' Day, so I wore my medallion of St. Martin de Porres, patron saint of mixed-race people.
I would love a medallion of St. Rose of Lima, my name saint.

And before you guys ask, I'm not Catholic. My mum is and I like the idea of saints and art of saints.
I'm not really religious, I agree and disagree with bits and pieces of many religions. I have morals and beliefs, I don't need to put a name to it.

On another note, I'm participating in National Blog Posting Month.
Here's to hoping I can stick with it. ::crosses fingers::

Fail

Bah!
So, I'm having issues with Livestream as well as REC 2, which didn't have subtitles.
I'll keep you guys updated to when it'll be up and running.
Hope you enjoyed your Halloween!

My channel

I'm making a Livestream channel so that others can watch movies, clips, video games and whatever with me.
The url is www.livestream.com/rosered.
I'll post up a channel guide for what and when I plan to set up things for your viewing pleasure. I'm thinking of starting something up tomorrow. I'm currently downloading REC 2 in anticipation.

Silly little sayings

Here's some little sayings to make my day (and your day too!)

"The [person] you were always meant to be is waiting to come shining through -- she's just been buried under all this crap that you have to let go of."

"In the end, only you can make you happy."

Greg Behrendt and Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt


No amount of dickory by assholes can deter the joy of cinema.

Anonymous

So, woke up this morning to the sound of someone speaking over an intercom. Look out the window and see: lights from a fire truck. I look to my right and see a woman being carried on a chair (which she's strapped to) downstairs by some EMTs. 

What the hell is going on here?

I step out my door and see others also looking about. The woman is loaded into the ambulance, the fire truck leaves and the ambulance follows.

Which leads me to ask: why do fire trucks show up with ambulances if it's not fire related?

Saw Zombieland Wednesday and really enjoyed it.
Besides being a zombie action movie, there was an underlying human nature tone to it. It was funny, heart tugging and exciting. And Bill Murray made an appearance!

I suggest it to everyone.

It's raining outside, which means it's a great time to lay back and finish a book or two.

The naked wedding

I've been recently perusing wedding mags and websites with Erin, my newly-engaged photographer friend.

While thumbing through a very thick tome we came across this:

[via www.moonlightbridal.com]

What's wrong with this picture?

I'm not a fan of pointing out deformities, but seriously, what kind of injury did this guy receive to have a neck like that?

Also, Erin displayed another of this guy's talents.... naked time!

Classy.

Weekend schedule

Viewed a screener copy of Paranormal Activity Sunday night.
I agree that this ending (possibly the original) didn't flow with the theme of the movie. However, the theatrical ending, while spooky, seemed sudden. Jarringly sudden. And there is still one more ending unaccounted for.
In my opinion, a combination of the theatrical ending and the third ending would have been best.

Saturday was a very productive night: a former classmate asked me to keep her company while documenting bar party. Throughout the night: someone bought me a drink, I talked with lots of new people and was told I was a smoking hottie or similar.

Friday night, I went to a dance social where I learned to tango, merengue, waltz, cha cha and East Coast swing. They hold dance socials every Friday and since I had such a good time, I'm thinking of returning.

Still unemployed, still searching for a job.... still searching for what I want to do. In general I mean.
Looking forward to what this Halloween weekend will bring.

I lost the game?

For those of you that asked here's a photo of the newest necklace I'm selling:

You can view more here

So, I never fully explained the jobless thing; just dropped the bomb that 'hey, guess what? yeah, jobless.'
I had an idea something weird was going on when I noticed two new girls in the advertisement department. But didn't connect it to the newsroom at all.
Then, a while later, while interviewing a business owner, he informed me that while the ladies in advertising said they would take care of his adverts and interview write-up, he wanted me specifically to do it because he enjoyed my stories and because I was the business reporter after all.
A week after that, I walk into work and the managing editor tells me that they will have to let me go under the guise that my writing wasn't progressing like they wanted. If he had been honest with me, I would have been less pissed.
However, right after the editor told me that I was let go, I didn't cry; I just sighed. As if an immense weight was lifted of my shoulders. To be honest, there was. It was a terribly stressful place and now I was let go in more ways than one.
Granted, I cried later because being unemployed was not something I was used to. It felt as if I lost the game, as if I had failed despite the fact that it wasn't personal, just business.

Also interested in watching the Men Who Stare at Goats. Looks hilarious. I knew someone who read it and really enjoyed it.

Just watched people eat at a restaurant in absolute darkness. Because we receive 3/4 of our perception through sight, the other senses are heightened -- such as taste. I'm curious in trying this.

Bad boots

Take a look at these boots:

BOOTS

They are reminiscent of Michael Jackson's "Bad" video.

I plan on putting up new jewelry in my shop today; cross your fingers that I actually get the pictures taken and uploaded today.

My unemployed status is exactly that: unemployed. And, to be honest, it's not so bad. However, my last paycheck is coming up soon and if I don't hear anything promising, I'm going to have to haul myself to Unemployment place and beg for help in the monetary form. I'm ok with food stamps, just don't give me any WIC milk. I'm suspicious of diary products that don't have to be refrigerated.

Spooky movies for you and I

Saw Paranormal Activity last night and I really recommend watching it. I loved the innovation and idea behind the movie. It was really inspiring to see that something that big budget Hollywood wanted to remake get released in its original form; as well as the fact that it was made on $15k and has made over $30 mil.
There's no gore; the movie mainly relied on the atmosphere that got steadily more unsettling.
I would definitely say that I will purchase the movie, if not to just get at the additionally shot endings as I'm very interested in them.
I'm not a fan of spoiling things, so I won't say too much on the fact other than.... I'm not a fan of badly done trailers aka: the ones that give too much away.
So, I have included a handpicked, Rose-approved trailer for your perusal.

Currently interested in watching:
Zombieland
Where the Wild Things Are
Law Abiding Citizen
The Fourth Kind (which I also put up a trailer for you guys)

Slow motion

Huh... I need to move to Japan.
This video shows that the Japanese enjoys two things that I enjoy: mugging for the camera and funny slow motion.

Movies, m'dear

Finally saw The Happening... uh, yeah. That's all I've really got to say about that.
It wasn't terrible, but, first and foremost.... Zooey Deschanel is not a good actress in my opinion. She's got a cute look, but her quirkyness comes out as if she's trying too hard.
And she creeps me out.
The movie started strong and... hmm... However, I really liked the last scene.

I'm hoping to watch Paranormal Activity this weekend. I've been hyping it up to anyone that will listen (and many who didn't want to listen). I've been crazy-excited about it since I heard whispers of it on 4chan months and months ago.
I really want to be scared out of my mind.

Friends and family think I'm bizarre because of my fetish for horror movies (in addition to other things) yet can't take watching the news.
I'll try to explain: It's similar to getting on a rollercoaster. Many people get on rides for the exhilaration. I watch horror movies for the exhilaration from that. Horror movies have no repercussions the way news can. News, be it in a newspaper or on TV, is real. Stories of serial killers, burgleries and epidemics will get under my skin, will terrify me in a completely different way that horror movies do.
Horror movies can't hurt me, other than causing me to question shadowy corners.
Serial killers, burgleries and epidemics can.

P.S. don't forget to check out The Rose Happiness Project. Link's on the right side!

Rainy days never stay

It's a rainy day outside my window and a rainy day inside my heart.

I think that part of getting better is forcing myself to do something: be it to finish my latest drawing, marathon some horror movies or sit in my bed and finish up the four books I've started.

However, I'm thinking I might be sociable and grab a bite with friends.

I have no job, I have no significant other... what I really want to do in this juncture in my life is take a trip somewhere, be it out of the country or just to the next state over. However, this girl is hardcore poor: I have no rainy day money hidden away.

Anyone looking for a roommate? I'll cook and clean and entertain with ridiculous tales until I get a job.

Inspiration: "Rainy days never stay" by The Brilliant Green.

Sea bass, the yummy frontier

Here's a post pulled from Bittersweet Rose:

My interest in sea bass first appeared in the summer of 1993 while watching "Jurassic Park" in the theatre with my parents.

A little odd, I know.

When Richard Attenborough, playing Jurassic Park's owner John Hammond, offered sea bass to his guests, my then 11-year-old mind thought, "'Spared no expense,' huh?"

I had to have some.

Well, I finally got up the courage, and chance, to get some sea bass a few months ago at a restaurant called The Flaming Pineapple. The FP is in a town named Moselle, about 20 or so miles from where I'm currently living. With the sun already past set, I got lost in the dark on the way there and back.

Thank you, Mississippi for not believing in the idea of street lights.

The waitress brought out my plate: a 6-inch long, 3-inch thick piece of sea bass surrounded by sweet potato fries (a favorite of mine).

The smell was incredible; it made me giddy with anticipation of the meal I was about to eat.

And the taste?

Usually I reserve the term "melt in your mouth" for things of the chocolate and gooey variety, but this sea bass was an exception.
Each bite was a melty bite of grilled buttery fish goodness.

The sight of fish skin usually makes me gag, but in this case it only enhanced the flavor of the fish meat, giving it a salty, tangy burst.

Whether sea bass is normally delicious or cook of the Flaming Pineapple is a genius, I'm not sure. But it's certainly worth another trip, try and taste!

Melodrama....

.... I am it.

If you love something, set it free.

If it comes back to you, it's yours.

If it doesn't, it never was.

So, stop crying because things will get better.

... as if I wasn't bitter enough... oooo! Ice cream!

Huh

So, apparently, shortly after writing the 5 a.m. post, I fell into a dreamless (I think ) sleep. I wasn't even sure that I had posted it.
So, currently drinking Pedialyte per doctor's orders. Stuff tastes weird.

I'm sick and the stocks are down, this can't be a coincidence.

Kitties make you better

So, apparently I'm not over my stomach thing. And here I am, up at 5 a.m. tired, but can't sleep due to awful stomach cramps and frequent bathroom runs.

Thankfully, the clinic opens at 7 a.m., so I've got two hours until I hopefully will find out what the hell's wrong with me.

'Til then, I'll be distracting myself with videos of cute kittens. :)

Snugglebutt

Sleeping in felt incredible this morning. I really needed it after getting only 3 hours of sleep the night before; and not by choice!
And though my stomach is still a bit bloated and some times burns like a thousand angry suns, I think I’m over my stomach thing.
But yes, feeling much better and I have sleeping in, Pepto-Bismol, fruit punch Gatorade and snuggling with stufflies to thank for it.
However, I’m having a hard time telling if I’m hungry or my stomach is yelling at me.

Flaming lips, literally

So, those of you that follow my Twitter will already know that plans have changed for November.

I was originally planning to visit friends and/or take a cruise for my birthday, something fun and exciting. However, due to medical bills, random things and the need to have my cats with me, I've decided to forgo taking this/these trip(s) and save money to help pay for deposit, first month's rent, etc. for new pet-friendly place.

It's a bit of a downer, but I will still be taking that whole week off. Nov. 7 (incidentally my birthday) through Nov. 15 I will be free of work, so I'm hella excited about that alone.

And certainly any and all are invited to come visit/kidnap/chat/entertain me while I'm 'jobless' because, while I'll certainly bitch and moan about it enough, I really don't want to cocoon myself in my apartment... I think.

So, I get many a free sample stuff through various tweets, but sometimes I don't know what I'm signing up for aka: Rose isn't really reading past the point where it says 'free.'

The past two days, I've received two free things in the mail, which made me squee with delight and I love getting mail, even more than I love getting email.

Anywho, one was a free sample size pack of Bear Naked banana nut granola, which I scarfed immediately because it was delicious. The other was some lip gloss by a company called Lip Fusion. I had one of those 'lightbulb above the head' moments and sought out answers to what kind of lip gloss it is.

Turns out it's this: http://www.fusionbeauty.com/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductLineID=7A70E266-A846-4DD5-B0AC-92072FBDC26E

And for those too lazy to click and read: The most important thing you can do before bed is prepare to plump your pout, with the exciting new addition to the LipFusion family, LipFusion XL - 2X Micro-Injected Collagen + HA Advanced Lip Plumping Therapy. Swipe on and wake up to the most intensely plump, firm, hydrated, and full-out sexy lips you've ever known - naturally - and all in a night's sleep.

This kind of scares me, but I'm going to try it anyway and see what happens. Not like a need bigger lips.... but I like to experiment.

If my lips explode or catch on fire while I sleep, I'm not going to be a happy camper.

And if I can stop being lazy, I'll add new stuff to my Etsy shop tonight.

Edit: camera needs charging, so it will probably be tomorrow night before the new stuff is up at Etsy.

Free hair to good home

Not too thrilled with the color, but here's the new hair.

There's enough hair on the floor to make a chinchilla.

It doesn't work

I told a 'Match your skills to jobs in other industries' quiz put out by CareerBuilder.... it didn't work out so well. Through my knowledge of fine arts, english language, media and my skills in critical thinking, writing, speaking, instructing and active listening, my top three choices were:

Coroner

Economist

Electrician

Huh...

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If only...

If only life were that simple. :)

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Memories of Katrina: the battle

So, the journal past this point isn't really about Katrina-related stuff. So instead of reminicing on old journal passages, I'll just display something I made shortly after regaining power and internet abilities. I believe it sums up the whole story.

I wonder who will win?

Memories of Katrina: Sept. 11

The power in the apartment came back on around lunch time and Leon and I were estatic!

I cleaned out the fridge, after getting all the rotten food out. The fridge smelled like cat breath.

You know, like in the 50s

Interrupting Katrina memories for a more recent blog post.

So, read an article that had a neat spin on relationships and moving in together: having separate bedrooms.

At first, I thought of it as a sort of a retro phase until the article got me thinking: having your own rooms, with your own style, with your own stuff. Granted, I'm sure you won't spend everynight alone.

But there's something sexily satisfying about having your significant other crawl into bed with you just for a snuggle.... or more. :p

I miss me some snuggling.

Also, those of you that frequent this blog should start frequenting www.happycrazyroseplace.blogspot.com. There be photos in them hills.... err.. blogs.

Memories of Katrina: Sept. 7

It's Dad birthday, will give him a call later. Had actually picked out his presents the Saturday before the storm.

GameStop'll be opening today, so I'm back in my dorm.

Apparently, the water's okay to drink now, which is great as it's awkward to brush your teeth with bottled water. I end up wasting most of it instead of getting it on my brush.

Memories of Katrina: Sept. 6

Sonic's finally open, which is great since it's next to GameStop. I doubt they're serving drinks though, due to the water still having a possibility of being contaminated.

I wonder if the apartment has power.... that would be awesome.

The floor's a bit hard here, at GameStop, back's a little stiff.

I talked to my parents last night, Dad was putting up plastic to cover the roof and the insulation.

Mum and I ranted about Harry Potter 6. They had come back from Illinois that afternoon. Mum was so proud of Nick, as they were up to see his graduation from bootcamp, she told me that her eyes welled up so many times.

I think I may be allergic to Orbit Citrus Mint; everytime I've had it, it's made me feel sick.

The neighbors stopped by GameStop, said the power wasn't back on yet.

I wonder what's going to happen about our lease. Our resident manager never brought it up, and I'm pretty sure it's overdue. Of course, there's a lot of things that he didn't do or take care of.... so, I think that's the last of his worries.