So I spent the winter festivus in Bolivia and am home with my family now cause I have no job or apartment, which I miss terribly today but I made my bed so I must now lie in it. Plus the momenator needs me. It was nice to do nothing after a couple pretty major travel days but now I'm bored out of my mind. I can only sit idly for a couple of days then I get antsy and my mind starts to wander. The little man on the stationary bike in my head is on overdrive. I've been trying to be a good daughter by making dinner every night cause my dad likes it and try to keep my mom in good spirits. Just in case you didn't know when a family member gets cancer the whole family goes through it.
All that being said I am still 31 years old and have been on my own since I was 18 and living with the rents is not my style. I'm trying to keep myself busy till we go to Asia which is soon (hopefully) cause I have already finished a novel in 3 days, baked and perfected the apple/almond torte, come up with a new lamb dish, surfed the internet like a madwoman for airline tickets and watched some really bad movies that were kind of amazing.
So call me insane but does Helen Mirren look amazing in White Nights or what?
This movie is really bad it's with Mikhail Baryshnikov & Gregory Hines showing off their dancing skills while trying to escape the USSR. Helen Mirren is pulling some major looks and I mildly want her floppy bangs plus she gets to make out with Baryshnikov before he started looking like an old woman. Baryshnikov's outfit is pretty stylin too for 1980's USSR.
I also watched the cinematic feat Suspect with Cher & Dennis Quaid which is mediocre at best BUT Cher has bad hair. Cher NEVER has bad hair. You decide.
I'm going to try exercise tomorrow maybe it will quiet the little man.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Join me in my idleness
So I spent the last 2 and a half months in South America. It was awesome, it was crazy and it was too short. I was not ready to come home I wanted to see more to experience more but alas I needed to come home. My mother was diagnosed with a malignanat brain tumor in October which has since been removed and her health is fine (she still has no hair but that's the least of my worries). Staying away for longer fills me with guilt and I want to be home right now no matter how hard it is. So moving on. I wanted to share some funnies and some facts.
I've been getting the same questions & comments from a lot of people about my decision to quit my job and travel. Here are my answers to most of those questions.
General Facts
--------------------------
1. It's not impossible.
--------------------------
Here in the US of A vacations and time off are hard to come by especially for those of us working in fashion. We are bred to believe that extended time off or travelling for longer than a week or two is for the wealthy. It is not. We met students/ grown ups and the like that had saved and been traveling for 6 months to a year!! Our gringo counterparts in Europe/Australia and the rest of the world travel so much more than we do.We met plenty of females traveling alone for those of you ladies afraid of travelling by yourselves. There is a whole industry catering to the lost westerner needing to see the world, it's a win/win situation.
2.There is a party hostel in every town
-------------------------------------
Seriously there is one. If you are traveling alone fear not there is a place to house you, you will make new friends and most of the time they serve you breakfast for a cheap price. PS some even have bars in them WITH their own breweries. NO JOKE
3. Be not afraid, get uncomfortable
--------------------------------------
Fear is an annoying emotion. I hate my fear of heights and flying BUT I will still get on a plane. People fear the unknown, not knowing the language, getting ripped off etc. Really its the only thing between you having a really good time & getting to know a place because you are afraid of being uncomfortable. Traveling is not always comfortable but the reward is so much sweeter. Get uncomfortable most of the time you will discover something really cool or learn something new.
4. Poo Poo Ka Choo
-------------------
You will get diarrhea/constipation/dysyntery, Just accept it and move on. It's not permanent so don't be such a baby.
5. The big no no
---------------------------
a. Don't bluntly take pictures of people. I'm usually very reluctant to do this but could not help it one day and literally was hit by an old woman. Think about it what if tourists were taking pictures of you in your natural habitat. It's rude, it makes people feel like they are subhuman. Learn from my mistakes. Do not do this.
6. The Booze
--------------------------
Drink it. It helps kill any food/water bacteria that may make you sick, it does not always work but it helps. I'm not saying get drunk every night just drink a glass of wine or beer here and there.
7. Do they hate us?
---------------------
No, well maybe a little but the money is still good and they want it. Just don't be a bad American tourist and take every place for how it is and not what it can do for you.
8. Is it safe?
---------------
Yes, more places than you think are. People for the most part are not bad and out to get you. I try to adhere to the philosophy that humanity is generally good and if I respect someone's country then hopefully they will not rob me blind.
So there you have it.
Best
Me
Tha
I've been getting the same questions & comments from a lot of people about my decision to quit my job and travel. Here are my answers to most of those questions.
General Facts
--------------------------
1. It's not impossible.
--------------------------
Here in the US of A vacations and time off are hard to come by especially for those of us working in fashion. We are bred to believe that extended time off or travelling for longer than a week or two is for the wealthy. It is not. We met students/ grown ups and the like that had saved and been traveling for 6 months to a year!! Our gringo counterparts in Europe/Australia and the rest of the world travel so much more than we do.We met plenty of females traveling alone for those of you ladies afraid of travelling by yourselves. There is a whole industry catering to the lost westerner needing to see the world, it's a win/win situation.
2.There is a party hostel in every town
-------------------------------------
Seriously there is one. If you are traveling alone fear not there is a place to house you, you will make new friends and most of the time they serve you breakfast for a cheap price. PS some even have bars in them WITH their own breweries. NO JOKE
3. Be not afraid, get uncomfortable
--------------------------------------
Fear is an annoying emotion. I hate my fear of heights and flying BUT I will still get on a plane. People fear the unknown, not knowing the language, getting ripped off etc. Really its the only thing between you having a really good time & getting to know a place because you are afraid of being uncomfortable. Traveling is not always comfortable but the reward is so much sweeter. Get uncomfortable most of the time you will discover something really cool or learn something new.
4. Poo Poo Ka Choo
-------------------
You will get diarrhea/constipation/dysyntery, Just accept it and move on. It's not permanent so don't be such a baby.
5. The big no no
---------------------------
a. Don't bluntly take pictures of people. I'm usually very reluctant to do this but could not help it one day and literally was hit by an old woman. Think about it what if tourists were taking pictures of you in your natural habitat. It's rude, it makes people feel like they are subhuman. Learn from my mistakes. Do not do this.
6. The Booze
--------------------------
Drink it. It helps kill any food/water bacteria that may make you sick, it does not always work but it helps. I'm not saying get drunk every night just drink a glass of wine or beer here and there.
7. Do they hate us?
---------------------
No, well maybe a little but the money is still good and they want it. Just don't be a bad American tourist and take every place for how it is and not what it can do for you.
8. Is it safe?
---------------
Yes, more places than you think are. People for the most part are not bad and out to get you. I try to adhere to the philosophy that humanity is generally good and if I respect someone's country then hopefully they will not rob me blind.
So there you have it.
Best
Me
Tha
Friday, October 16, 2009
I DON'T KNOW
It's official. I have quit my job and am giving up my apartment to go be travel bum for the next couple of months. This has always been a fantasy of mine and I was lucky to have met someone to encourage this into a reality. What makes one quit their job & want to live out of a backpack you ask? Well for me working in the fashion industry has offically taken it's toll on my emotional & physical health. I need a time out before I end up in the loonie bin. The 14 hour days, the crazy deadlines & the bitchy bosses are now a thing in my immediate past. All I can say is holy crap balls we pulled it off. I feel like Kevin Spacey in the Usual Suspects when he walks out of the police station and his gimp walk straightens out & his crippled hand goes back into position.
Many of you have asked what we will do when we get back. My answer to that is I DON'T KNOW. The last 8 years I have been soldiering away at making a career happen,
to keep learning, to keep challenging myself. To not put the money my parents spent on my education to waste. And for the most part I feel like I have succeeded I have managed to be consistently employed and learned many skills that will hopefully take me somewhere in the future. I also gained anxiety issues, acid reflux & have put my body through slight hell in the process of trying to relieve all the stress. You don't think that stress actually affect your physical well being until you actually go through it. And that shit is a bitch, having the doctor tell you that you are having panic attacks is quite honestly a less than stellar feeling. In fact I was reluctant to believe him.
So here we are. Jeff has been amazing in helping plan this trip. I consider myself ok with money, I don't lavishly overspend on useless shit but having someone plan a budget is awesome. It sets your financial goals for you. I haven't met the full budget but hopefully it will be enough. Planning this trip with someone that has a good head on their shoulders has also been awesome. Booking flights & hotels & our Inka trail trek. I just now wish I could fast forward time & be in Lima already!!
We are letting go of our worldly possesions, stashing them in our respective family basements & taking off like the hosers we are. Ultimately travelling to Southeast Asia after we get back to kiss & hug our families for 2 weeks, is the next immediate goal. I have been very goal oriented the last 8 years. I have been a good daughter. I have been the hard working employee. I have NOT been healthy, good to myself or honest with myself and now I am TIRED.
I want to greet the morning sun with a spring in my step and not reluctantly drag myself into the shower for another stressful day. Yes I may sound spoiled and be mildly insane to be doing this in a bad economy and all that, but fuck it. I have no children & no mortgage. Will I miss NYC? Yes of course this has been my home for almost 9 years now, but I have felt a pull in another direction for quite sometime thirsting to see the rest of the world. So there you have it and quite honestly
having an immediate goal is quite nice. I am travelling to South America with an amazing person & a backpack, that's it. So when you ask me where will I go after all this is done I will simply say,
"I DON'T KNOW"
The End
Many of you have asked what we will do when we get back. My answer to that is I DON'T KNOW. The last 8 years I have been soldiering away at making a career happen,
to keep learning, to keep challenging myself. To not put the money my parents spent on my education to waste. And for the most part I feel like I have succeeded I have managed to be consistently employed and learned many skills that will hopefully take me somewhere in the future. I also gained anxiety issues, acid reflux & have put my body through slight hell in the process of trying to relieve all the stress. You don't think that stress actually affect your physical well being until you actually go through it. And that shit is a bitch, having the doctor tell you that you are having panic attacks is quite honestly a less than stellar feeling. In fact I was reluctant to believe him.
So here we are. Jeff has been amazing in helping plan this trip. I consider myself ok with money, I don't lavishly overspend on useless shit but having someone plan a budget is awesome. It sets your financial goals for you. I haven't met the full budget but hopefully it will be enough. Planning this trip with someone that has a good head on their shoulders has also been awesome. Booking flights & hotels & our Inka trail trek. I just now wish I could fast forward time & be in Lima already!!
We are letting go of our worldly possesions, stashing them in our respective family basements & taking off like the hosers we are. Ultimately travelling to Southeast Asia after we get back to kiss & hug our families for 2 weeks, is the next immediate goal. I have been very goal oriented the last 8 years. I have been a good daughter. I have been the hard working employee. I have NOT been healthy, good to myself or honest with myself and now I am TIRED.
I want to greet the morning sun with a spring in my step and not reluctantly drag myself into the shower for another stressful day. Yes I may sound spoiled and be mildly insane to be doing this in a bad economy and all that, but fuck it. I have no children & no mortgage. Will I miss NYC? Yes of course this has been my home for almost 9 years now, but I have felt a pull in another direction for quite sometime thirsting to see the rest of the world. So there you have it and quite honestly
having an immediate goal is quite nice. I am travelling to South America with an amazing person & a backpack, that's it. So when you ask me where will I go after all this is done I will simply say,
"I DON'T KNOW"
The End
Monday, October 12, 2009
You done fucked up Karl
Karl Lagerfeld has completely lost his mind along with his moobies. He was quoted below in response to German magazine Brigitte's announcement last week that it will no longer use models but ordinary women. He said
"These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly,"". Nice Karl keep at it, is that why you had them staple your tummy and vacuum the fat from your ass? Did you feel like a fat chick? hmmmmm and then he said "No one wants to see curvy women,". I don't know about you but I think lots of people like looking at a pair of big ol biddies and nice round bootie. In fact there are many boys and girls that actually prefer to Let the backlash begin!
READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE
"These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly,"". Nice Karl keep at it, is that why you had them staple your tummy and vacuum the fat from your ass? Did you feel like a fat chick? hmmmmm and then he said "No one wants to see curvy women,". I don't know about you but I think lots of people like looking at a pair of big ol biddies and nice round bootie. In fact there are many boys and girls that actually prefer to Let the backlash begin!
READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE
Friday, October 9, 2009
vampires & pirates
Why are all tv shows & movies about vampires? Are vampires the new sexier non-Reneissance fair-socially acceptable fantasy alter lifestyle? OR are vampires the new pirates? I hate you both, pls go die in pop-culture obscurity.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
I am a quitter
Just when I was kinda feeling funny about quitting my job in a bad economy without having a new one, I walked into the bathroom at work and one of the patternmakers was washing her foot in the sink. All my regrets were washed away immendiately.
Side note: Spies Like Us is the best movie ever
Side note: Spies Like Us is the best movie ever
Friday, December 26, 2008
Gold digging whores & the pope
I just spent the holidays at my parents house. We had a lovely time. As coo-coo bears as they are, they are hilarious and they make a mean holiday spread so who can complain. As I age I've come to accept my parents eccentricities and realize that as crazy as they are they are usually right.... about everything. So there we were in our pj's watching something on the History Channel(shut up) when the most amazing infomercial came on. I feel the need to share it because I am literally at a loss for words and not in that annoying righteous way just in that "holy shit this is real" kinda way. Enjoy. Discuss
When you've lost hope in love you can apparently go to this website to find your sugar daddy who will fulfill all your Viagra filled dreams. Cut to me barfing
Just when I though that was more than I could handle the History Channel is like the gift that keeps on giving. This is an infomercial for Snuggies. It's a fleece blanket with sleeves so that you don't have to deal with that annoying SLEEVELESS blanket anymore. Its the recessions answer to cutting down on heating costs. You can cuddle up in your Snuggie , watch Sex & the City re-runs and look like the pope all at the same time.
Enjoy. Discuss
I wonder what amazing products we will see in 2009.
When you've lost hope in love you can apparently go to this website to find your sugar daddy who will fulfill all your Viagra filled dreams. Cut to me barfing
Just when I though that was more than I could handle the History Channel is like the gift that keeps on giving. This is an infomercial for Snuggies. It's a fleece blanket with sleeves so that you don't have to deal with that annoying SLEEVELESS blanket anymore. Its the recessions answer to cutting down on heating costs. You can cuddle up in your Snuggie , watch Sex & the City re-runs and look like the pope all at the same time.
Enjoy. Discuss
I wonder what amazing products we will see in 2009.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Its been a while....
Like the title says...
Took some mini trips recently to Texas to hang out with these two fools.
They're all engaged and shit
We went to the cowboy bar
They had crazy taxidermy
I'm fond of deer heads...If any of you love me you'll buy me one.
And then off to
Sam & I had Meatfest 08 at this Korean joint on Queen St(I think)
anyways it was lovely and I love Toronto. So there
Other than that I've been staying home a lot & watching Peep Show. My new obsession.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCL-qnBQzUo
Embedding has been disabled for this so just copy and paste the link. I promise it's worth it.
Took some mini trips recently to Texas to hang out with these two fools.
They're all engaged and shit
We went to the cowboy bar
They had crazy taxidermy
I'm fond of deer heads...If any of you love me you'll buy me one.
And then off to
Sam & I had Meatfest 08 at this Korean joint on Queen St(I think)
anyways it was lovely and I love Toronto. So there
Other than that I've been staying home a lot & watching Peep Show. My new obsession.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCL-qnBQzUo
Embedding has been disabled for this so just copy and paste the link. I promise it's worth it.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Parks, Bands & Margaritas
That's what summer is all about, no?
I haven't been going to a lot of shows in the last couple of years but recently my friends have gotten their shit together and I can't be happier for them. I've stepped out and actually even brought my camera!
Last week I went to see my friend Brendans band Drew & the Medicinal Pen at Rooftop Films across the street from Mcarren Park.
But before that we did that mandatory margaritas & tacos at the park
Brendan doing his thing.
Then yesterday went to see Hercules and Love Affair. Congrats guys the show was great.Audience was loving it. All around blast.
I haven't been going to a lot of shows in the last couple of years but recently my friends have gotten their shit together and I can't be happier for them. I've stepped out and actually even brought my camera!
Last week I went to see my friend Brendans band Drew & the Medicinal Pen at Rooftop Films across the street from Mcarren Park.
But before that we did that mandatory margaritas & tacos at the park
Brendan doing his thing.
Then yesterday went to see Hercules and Love Affair. Congrats guys the show was great.Audience was loving it. All around blast.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Mexico & Mad Men
There are 2 things that I am really looking forward to in the next two weeks.
1. My Vacation. I have not had one since 2005 and I'm a bit cranky now. I will be going to Cozumel, Mexico on July 22nd. Woohoo!! This will be my first solo vacation. At first the idea of going alone scared me but I realize now that I need a vacation from everyone as well as everything. So I've embraced my independence and can't wait. I'll be doing a whole lot of this:
and a whole lot of this
2. The new season of Mad Men starts on July 27th(the day I return). In my opinion this is one of the best new shows in years. It was created by Matthew Weiner who is a former writer for one of my other favorite shows The Sopranos. It's set in early 1960's New York at an advertising agency. The complexity of the characters and amazing writing, even the great costume & set design really sets this show above the rest. I can't believe HBO turned this show down. Thumbs up to AMC for having the guts to make something great in a sea of shitty reality shows and talent competitions.
Mad Men Website
1. My Vacation. I have not had one since 2005 and I'm a bit cranky now. I will be going to Cozumel, Mexico on July 22nd. Woohoo!! This will be my first solo vacation. At first the idea of going alone scared me but I realize now that I need a vacation from everyone as well as everything. So I've embraced my independence and can't wait. I'll be doing a whole lot of this:
and a whole lot of this
2. The new season of Mad Men starts on July 27th(the day I return). In my opinion this is one of the best new shows in years. It was created by Matthew Weiner who is a former writer for one of my other favorite shows The Sopranos. It's set in early 1960's New York at an advertising agency. The complexity of the characters and amazing writing, even the great costume & set design really sets this show above the rest. I can't believe HBO turned this show down. Thumbs up to AMC for having the guts to make something great in a sea of shitty reality shows and talent competitions.
Mad Men Website
Thursday, July 17, 2008
IT'S BEEN A WHILE
I don't think I've posted anything new for about a year now... bad me.
I'll start with some new work and a photo or two of the good times.
lady
These are some floral prints that will hopefully be on sweaters in stores soon...and a lady because I like to draw them.
Good times at the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival
Awesome line up:
Buckshot
Keith Murray
Dj Premiere
Jeru the Damaja
KRS-One
I tried to get good stage footage but that requires footwork & dexterity that I just wasn't in the mood for. I just wanted to hear all my favorite jams and enjoy the lovely day on the river.
The Waterfalls are so pretty.....
Kate & Matt
Only decent video footage. Very agro man but fun nonetheless.
Dj Premiere trying to warm up the the crowd with Nas' N.Y. State of Mind
good times
I'll start with some new work and a photo or two of the good times.
lady
These are some floral prints that will hopefully be on sweaters in stores soon...and a lady because I like to draw them.
Good times at the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival
Awesome line up:
Buckshot
Keith Murray
Dj Premiere
Jeru the Damaja
KRS-One
I tried to get good stage footage but that requires footwork & dexterity that I just wasn't in the mood for. I just wanted to hear all my favorite jams and enjoy the lovely day on the river.
The Waterfalls are so pretty.....
Kate & Matt
Only decent video footage. Very agro man but fun nonetheless.
Dj Premiere trying to warm up the the crowd with Nas' N.Y. State of Mind
good times
Friday, June 8, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thanks El
I've been listening to the new El-P album I"ll Sleep When You're Dead all morning. It took a listen or two to finally get into it (I am at work) but it is damn good. I've listened to and followed El-P's career since he was in Company Flow and must say that at first I was hesitant because I really love the old stuff. He has great tracks with Trent Reznor, Mars Volta and Cat Power's Chan Marshall that really take beats and hip hop to that next level. I like that he had the guts to stick it to Rawkus Records on his own blog with a lot of umm.. ahem.. eloquent words. Thanks El for taking mediocrity out of hip hop.
Monday, March 12, 2007
frustration station
Mild frustration that turns into blood boiling anger seems to get me some great drawing done.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
hot ladies
Not much to say lately. I've been hard at work trying to get shit done. Here are a bunch of ladies I drew up.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
New Stuff is good
I designed some men's T-Shirts. I like designing graphics & prints for men because it's outside of where my brain usually goes(being a lady and all). It gave me a refreshing feeling so here they are.
while I was at it I drew the portrait of the the lovely Collette McGruder (like I promised!) I hope she likes it...
while I was at it I drew the portrait of the the lovely Collette McGruder (like I promised!) I hope she likes it...
Monday, February 5, 2007
Don't judge a book by its cover
Monday Morning, crowded subway train. I'm in the middle of the sardine can with nowhere to hold on to but the ceiling. I'm trying to maintain my posture I only have two stops. I feel a tap on my shoulder and this guy points to the pole making a gesture that he had made room for me so I don't have to grasp the ceiling. Whoever says New Yorkers are rude can go sit & spin. That guy made my morning, he should also organize the Subway Manners Ad Campaign I've conjured up in my head.
Here's a sexy lady I drew up when I should have been working.
Here's a sexy lady I drew up when I should have been working.
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