I woke up at 8am Sunday morning, finished packing, and headed down to the art show to pick up the pieces I had won in the auction.  I will post pictures of them later, but the subject matter included Snape, dragons, and a Pegasus.  I headed to my Star Trek XI panel, which was very popular, especially for a Sunday morning panel.  From there, I found Lee and got the key to his room so I could move my luggage there, since our room was being checked out of that morning.  I attended a costuming panel on how to costume cheaply, and then had lunch, where I worked about an hour on my Reynara story.  A group of us headed to the second floor of the hotel, and sat around and talked until Lee came over and asked for some help in loading the van.   Christine ran a load of stuff over to their house, and I joined Sidley, Carrie, Stacy, JP, et al in just hanging out.  We were waiting for the Dead Dog party to start, where we munched on pizza, veggies, fruit, desserts, and lunchmeat, and received the initial numbers for the con this year.  Those of us in the Psi Phi group and who were still awake participated in the tradition of Apples to Apples, until people started heading home.  I rode back with the Shamblins and stayed the night last night, since it was late and I am visiting an old friend that lives just ten minutes from them.

So all in all, another good Marcon.  I really missed being in the Masquerade, and will definitely remedy that next year.  The panels all went smoothly with a lot of intelligent discussion, and I didn't witness any major drama, which is always a plus.  There were very good costumes, and catching up with old friends, and fun.  I am thinking of joining the Marcon staff next year (mostly so I can vote for Sidley as Con Chair - she is running for 2010 Marcon).

In about an hour, I am catching up with Marcy, where we will show off each other's trip photos that we haven't seen yet (her 2008 honeymoon to Hawaii; my 2007 trip to Scotland).  We will probably grab a bite to eat, and then go see Star Trek (her first, my fourth).  Then it will be time to return home to unload the car, unpack, and try to get to bed early to catch up on sleep for the workweek, as this is the week before conversion and our systems go down.  Overtime is being offered, and I plan on taking some of that time to get extra money for the trip.

Well, for the second time, I missed hitting a deer my mere inches.  A group of does  was grazing in a field about fifty feet away when they suddenly decided to bound across the road.  I hit the brakes as soon as I saw them start running, and the first two made it clearly.  I was sure I was going to hit the third one though; she was so close I could see the fear in her eyes.  My car flashed by where her hind feet had been less than a second before.  That's one way to suddenly wake up in the morning!

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We have a rather large group of Canada geese at my office, and several pairs are nesting right next to the parking lots and walkways.  On the way back to my car with a co-worker, one of them came right up to us and then hissed.  We quickly left the area - lol.

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Speaking of my car, I took it into Midas to see what they said about my exhaust.  I liked the fact that they showed you what was wrong and described what the parts did.  The bad thing was that I needed a central pipe, two gaskets and a muffler.  The good thing was that they were 40% cheaper than the shop at my dealership.  I went ahead and had them do the work, since the gaskets were severely corroded.  However, when I got home and looked underneath, I noticed part of the pipe set lower to the ground than the old one.  I compared it to my mom's car, and hers also  looked like my old pipe.  I'll give them a call tomorrow and see if it is supposed to sit that low, as I am a little concerned that it could break if I hit a large bump or something.

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Today was a looooong day at work.  Not only did I start the day a half-day behind on work (thanks to some old issues I had to deal with yesterday) but the other employee who works on some of the same projects as me left early today.  On top of all that was the fact that our customer service phone person was out today due to training for the new systems we are moving to in June.  Therefore, we all had to have a shift on the phone, answering questions and putting in work orders.  I am not a huge fan of the phone in general, and especially not when I never know when a call will come in and what the nature of it will be (I find the phone to represent chaos, which is anathema to a lover of order like me).  I also really don't know how to answer the questions, so I am constantly asking others what I am supposed to do.  Even the shift is only an hour, by the time you answer the calls, put in the work orders, email the vendors, enter the information into the phone log, make notes in the system, check the voicemail for any messages left during your shift, and call those people back, that hour stretches into two hours.

I hate the phone.  Everyone, now say it with me.  I.  HATE.  THE.  PHONE.  (Very good).

We have to do the same thing tomorrow too - ugh.  At least the other person who helps with my work will be there all day.  I can really use his help, considering that, even after not taking lunch and staying an extra half-hour, I am still at least a quarter-day behind.  *grumble*  The good news is that our phone person may be back on Friday, because the training is evidently going quicker than they anticipated.  *crosses fingers*

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So that was my day, and I am tired.  I need a massage.  *wistful sigh*

I got the job offer today, and I was offered the salary I was hoping to hear, but not really expecting to get.  It means an increase of almost $2 an hour, plus I'll be eligible for full benefits a few days after the position becomes official on 4/1.  I am also now able to get raises if I receive good reviews (which I am not worried about).  Wheeeeeeee - I am so happy!

After work, I stopped at JoAnns to look at patterns.  Unfortunately, I didn't have much luck.  I did find a skirt pattern for Luna, a dress pattern that will work for Susan's lavender underdress, and a top pattern that should work for Susan's lavender top (with some modifications).   I also found a remnant of butterscotch shantung that will work for the applique on the lavender dress' top.  I didn't have much time to look at fabric (I might do that tomorrow) but I am slowly realizing I will probably have to dye the lavender and the blue underdress for Susan.  Both appear to be a cotton fabric, but I've never dyed anything before, so if any of you have tips on this, please pass them on.  Of course I will do tests.  Also any suggestions on what type of fabric to use - suitings, bottomweights?

I am so ready to start working on costumes!

-if you can't drive on the freeway faster than 45 mph, while constantly flicking your brights to see where you are going, you shouldn't be on the road.  This old guy or woman (known by the license plate stating they had 5 grandkids) did this, and then cut me off when I tried to get off my exit, then proceeded to practically STOP in the middle of the ramp (going about 5mph) again flicking their brights on and off.  Finally, they moved to the right turn lane, so I weaved past him to get in my left-turn lane, and then he almost clips me when he scoots over to the left lane behind me.  This, of course, is followed by his frickin' brights on behind me.  That idiot is going to cause an accident.  Seriously.

-it feel great to know I am appreciated at work.  I am definitely feeling the love - I got my desk phone today!  Another step to being a regular FT employee.  Hooray!  Seriously.

-Panera makes the world's best chai tea latte.  It is heaven.  Seriously.

-I love good news.  I was able to get squeezed into my dentist's today, where they did x-rays.  The bad tooth isn't as bad as I thought - as long as I get it filled next week, I shouldn't need a root canal on it.  She also prescibed some amoxicillin to help with any potential infection.  And I think the neck pain is being caused by a strained muscle or something.  I do feel a little queasy when I turn my head too far to the left, but it does feel a little better.  I am so relieved that the tooth is already feeling better.  Seriously.

-this is the coolest HP bust that has come out so far.  Mine is on its way - one of only 500.  It's so cool!  Seriously.




-this is the second coolest HP bust.  I must remember to preorder one this weekend.  One of my favorite characters in one of my favorite costumes - so awesome.  Siriusly *wink*

-The interview last Thursday went well; I should hear back from them by the end of this week.  The position opening up in my current department finally posted; I am applying for it tomorrow morning.

-I am getting really excited for Watchmen!

-As soon as I get my tax refund, I am going to go ahead and get the Eternal Membership at DragonCon.

-The weather has been really nice lately, but it is supposed to rain tomorrow.

-I ordered some Tourbooks and maps from AAA yesterday, so I can start research for my potential road trip in June.

-Here are some new pix of the animals!


Pandora looking solemn:

 

Reina checking out something on the chair:




Charm snuggled up:



Phoenix with his toy hydrant:

Well, my flu/cold/sickness thing hasn't killed me.  I am about 90% back to normal, just some lingering coughing and congestion. 

I got my car fixed Saturday - evidently the seal around the tire was not tight, which is why is was leaking air.  Today was the first day I've driven since then (Mom carpooled me to work Monday and Tuesday so I could be doped up on Nyquil) and the first time I turned on the radio for about a week.  Of course, now my front left speakers seem to not be working.  I will fuss with the settings tomorrow; if that doesn't work, then I guess I will get them checked out next time I am in for an oil change.

Finally got my W-2's, so now I can get them to my aunt and hopefully get a nice refund.

Great news on the job front.  I have an interview tomorrow at my previous department for a full-time position.  Also, the open position at my current department will also be a really good fit.  I'll be picking it up on Tuesday when the current employee leaves for her new position (she trained me on her duties last week).  So I should be FT by the end of the month!

I have moments during the workday when I become both exasperated and tickled.  These moments occur while I am reviewing what are called "second bids" - when a contractor offers a counter bid for preservation work on properties in default.  On these bids I come across some interesting grammar and ways of spelling words.  Today I had two that had me both laughing and wanting to do a headdesk.  One was for an order to "trim shurbs."  The other was an order to "perches and install a new stove."

Oh dear.

On a more serious note, I am feeling so energized ever since President Obama took the oath of office this afternoon.  Everyone at work was in such a great mood, and we all were grouped around our monitors watching streaming video of the ceremony.  I made it home in time to catch the national news, which had an hour-long special on the inauguration.  The emotions shown by such a diverse crowd of people made even me tear up a little; this is truly a changing of the tides.  I was amazed that not a single arrest was reported in a crowd of 2 million, and that many people stayed out in the cold afterward to help by picking up trash.  This is such a great country, and I am so privileged to live here.

1.  Work is going well.  My boss gave me a lead on a regular full-time job opening up soon for which she is recommending me.  Hurrah!  I could really use the benefits.

2.  Many of you know I am wanting to do photography part-time, especially portraits and landscapes.  I have done a couple of photo shoots with friends, and they went very well.  I have a logo, order forms, pricing lists, etc already drawn up.  Anyway, I had an idea for some fantasy-type shots I want to try, especially in the spring when we get some fog.  I want to incorporate people in fantasy-type costumes with natural elements, and maybe include some Photoshopping, to create magical images.  So if anyone is local (Grace?  *poke*) or if I happen to run into some of you in the future, I would love some guinea pigs.

3.  I like snow, but this bitter cold is ridiculous.  *shivers*  When even my snow-loving dogs quickly do their business and run back towards the house immediately afterward, then it is too cold.

4.  Started  working on my HP fanfic again, and for your reading pleasure, I've included a sample here!  Basically, my story is about my character, Andaxia Moonstar, and her adventures with many of the Harry Potter characters.  The story is based on canon as much as possible, and takes place from about two-thirds into COS to twenty years after the epilogue of DH.  Right now it is 123 pages (single spaced), and is about a quarter finished; I have it all plotted out, but there is a lot of dialogue, connecting elements, and scenes to write.  It has been in progress since 2000, and has been altered after each new book to make it fit into canon.  This scene is when my character first gets her wand - please excuse the roughness; this is still a first draft.

 

( Writiing sample here! )

 . . . to userpics/avatars/icons, whatever you want to call them.  I just upgraded my userpic space and spent a good hour uploading a ton of new ones.  Some are ones I've found online and just wanted to have on hand, others are new ones I created this afternoon to fill the void of missing fandoms (Deep Space Nine, Ever After, Twilight, Titanic, etc).  So you will be seeing a lot of variety from my userpics in the future, including the one with this post.  This was a picture of the full moon I took a couple of months ago, and I thought it would make a pretty icon.

Also, just 2 1/2 more weeks before I have met the four-month commitment to the temp program, and I will be eligible to post for regular full-time positions with the bank.  I've already started looking to see what is out there.  I plan to have a FT position at least lined up by the end of the year - I really need the benefits!

Brought up the outside decorations today.  Mom has a co-worker with an extension ladder who is coming later this week to help get the lights up on the gutters, and then I will put up the rest (2 inflatables, 2 polar bears, a horse and carriage, 2 trees, and a Santa).  I pomise to take pictures and post.  Next week will involve pulling all of the cookie recipes and making my shopping list - I am planning on creating some cookie plates for my friends this year.  I will also get my Christmas cards out in the next week or two, so if you would like one, please either post in my card poll/blog, or contact me directly with your address.

Only I would get swollen lymph nodes on my freaking head.  I discovered some somewhat painful and itchy bumps on the left side of my head Thursday and Friday, and also a lump below my left ear on the side of my neck.  When they didn't get better by Monday, I stopped at an urgent care center to have them checked out.  Evidently, they are swollen lymph nodes - I didn't even know there were nodes in one's head.  The doctor said I was likely fighting a viral infection - if they don't improve in a week, I need to make a follow-up visit.  It just seems weird, because the rest of my body feels fine; I don't feel like I have an infection of any sort.  *shrug*

Started the new job Monday.  It's going pretty good - I am already processing basic audits.  It is hard adapting to getting up at 6am though, especially when I have never been a morning person to begin with.  I also don't care for the 55 minute commute, but once I move, that will be shortened by 15-20 minutes, which will help.

Haven't gotten much done on costumes - just haven't had the time.  I did start making notes and such on the mockup; I hope to get the basic pieces cut out of the muslin for that tonight.

I was offered a job today!  I got the Invoice Processing position at Chase.  It pays a little less than I was making at Hallmark, and being a contract position (4 months) I don't get benefits, but at least I will be working full-time (and on a regular schedule) and I'll have my foot in the door at the company.  I will be starting the 18th, and am still waiting to hear back from McGraw-Hill, which also seemed to go very well.  I'm just relieved that I got something.  That's one less worry for me, plus it's a great company to work for, I've been told.

I got some more costume work done today - the DM dress is coming along nicely.  The yoke facings are done; I added the gold trim to the neckline; got the skirt hemmed, and the hook-and-eye attached.  I hope to make some progress on the hoodie tonight, and hopefully have it done by tomorrow night, and then I can move on to the muslin for Tonks' coat.  I also got my sash in the mail yesterday.  However, the tartan print I had ordered never showed up, so I requested my money back from the seller, and I will use that to order some real tartan - it's much more expensive, but I was able to order just 4 yards of it, and it's something I would have ordered in the near future anyway, so I am actually saving a little money.

I am headed to Newark tomorrow to see the apartment type I'll be moving to, taking some more stuff to Kelly's storage unit, and hanging out with friends.  And then I have two more days while Mom is gone (she left this morning) to get major sewing done.  I've also been busy reading the Stephanie Meyer books - I should finish New Moon tonight.

The phone interview this morning went really well.  The woman I talked to thinks I will definitely be called in for a face-to-face interview.  I will find out early next week.

I finally downloaded the information to enter some of my photos into our local county fair.  The bad thing is that several of the ones I really wanted to enter I can't, because they evidently create different categories every year and they don't have anything for portraits or generic landscapes!  However, I think I can make several other pictures fit into the categories offered.

I got the dupioni all cut out for the DM - now it's on to the interfacing and edgestitching!

That's all for now.

So, today was Friday.  (Boy, I'm smart).  I had my job interview today, and it seemed to go very well.  *crosses fingers*  I really want this job.  I interviewed with two women, and I seemed to mesh with them pretty well.  The interview lasted about an hour, which I take to be a good sign, since that meant they didn't rush their way through or skip questions to end it early.  Hopefully, I will hear back by the end of next week (which would coincide with the end of the unemployment money) but they said it could be two weeks.  Ahhh, getting nervous!  I picked up an app at Barnes & Noble too, but waiting to fill it out until I hear about the Chase job.  Still looking for positions and going to apply for an extension on the unemployment.

Saw Dark Knight last night (see previous blog).  I also got my rust home dec fabric for the dragonmaster costume (it was on sale - hooray), a couple of zippers, a couple of patterns (on sale for $1.99), some muslin and some interfacing.  Now I am ready to start sewing.  I have some swatches coming for Tonks' coat fabric, and a seller on eBay with the perfect hoodie lining fabric replied back and they do sell it in smaller yardages (they only had a 10yd bolt listed, so I inquired about other sizes).  Still no sign of the tartan - I will need to contact the seller if it doesn't show up by tomorrow.

Started working on going through things in my room today, finding a few more things to sell, throwing out some stuff, and mostly just trying to things in order for the move in a few months.  I also had Sonic for the first time yesterday - yum!

Ok, nothing too exciting, I know.

I am really loving eBay.  Since I've been selling so much there, I've been trying to get as much costume stuff as possible from there as well, so it can just come directly from my Paypal account.  And it seems to be working.  I found my fleece for Tonks' hoodie for less than half the price it would have cost me in the store.  I also won the driving gloves, and am currently winning the buttons (for her necklace) and the dragon circlet.  I also found the perfect mesh fabric for the hoodie lining, but I am waiting to hear back from the seller to see if they will either get a smaller yardage in or will be willing to divide their 10-yard bolt up (I only need 2-3 yards).  My brooch has shipped too - yay!  No sign of the tartan fabric yet though - if I don't have it by the end of the week, I've have to see if it can be tracked somehow.  I might go ahead and order the ribbon anyway, so Merle can get started on the headpiece, and hope that it is the same color field.

On the job front, I have an interview Friday!  I am excited about this because it is with Chase, which I've been trying to get into for awhile, and I would learn accounting skills, which would make me more marketable.  I really hope I blow away the hiring manager.  Even if (when) I get the job, I am thinking of taking a part-time job for 3 or 4 nights a week as well, at a bookstore or fabric store, at least through the rest of the year.  In addition to the photography, I am also looking into doing some typing and basic proofreading for students' papers.

Tomorrow night is midnight showing of Dark Knight - whee!

OK, here's an update with me for the past week or so:

1.  The laptop is still being wonky.  Avast did find a Trojan, which I got rid of, and it is currently undergoing a thorough scan, so we'll see if that helps.  I also have a friend who is very knowledgeable about computers who will take a look at it later this week.  Keep your fingers crossed.

2.  I'm going to a job fair tomorrow!  It's being held in Columbus, and seems to be fairly large.  I already printed up a bunch of resumes and business cards to take down.  I'm being optimistic that I'll find my dream job (I need to find something soon - only four weeks of unemployment left - eek!)

3.  Costumes: Thanks to selling lots of things on eBay, I purchased my rust beaded trim and my gold trim at Joanns last week, and located my Mary Janes that had disappeared in my room for my Scottish lass.  The tartan should be arriving in the next week or so from the UK.  I won the combat boots on eBay for Tonks and they just shipped - now hopefully they will fit!  I also ordered my dupioni - a beautiful olive green.  A seamstress friend of mine is going to help me with the Tonks coat - I will be seeing her Thursday for fabric hunting and construction assistance.  I finally did find a very high-res picture of the coat - it is more intricate that I thought, but I am still going to try to pull it off.

4.  Photography:  I finally got around to printing off some business cards, as well as pricing lists, order forms, and samples of the frames/borders and color spaces I can use on the photos.  Now I just need to start getting the word out there.  I am also looking into submitting a few photos into our local county fair in late August.

5.  Now that summer temperatures are returning to normal, I am finding it harder to get out and do things.  Heat and humidity have never agreed with me - I find even 80's hot!  I am planning on getting my bike tire fixed this week, so maybe I will go biking on the trails in Newark.  If I didn't have so much to do this week, I would drive up to the state park and take a hike in the coolness of the trees.  I really need to get out and about - that will be the great thing when I move and have roomies; I am much more motivated to do things when I am not alone.  I think I will take a nice walk at Dawes on Sunday! 

6.  And finally, I'll be starting to go apartment hunting this weekend!  Kelly and I are scoping out places Friday morning, and then Andy and I will go back to the places that we liked to see what he thinks.  Just a few months (it appears)!

Well, i just joined Shutterstock, thanks to Grace's recommendation.  I am currently waiting for the initial ten pictures I submitted to be reviewed to see if I can join (they have to pick 7 of the 10, or I have to wait a month to submit another ten).  I could only do landscapes, because I need to get model release forms for the portraits.  Guess what I'll be ordering from Amazon very soon - yep, a book with CD-ROM chock-full of legal forms for photographers, including that all-important model release form. 

I also applied to take a couple of civil service exams in order to be considered for some state government jobs.  I don't really relish driving to downtown Columbus every day, but they pay better than a lot of other places for the same positions, have excellent benefits, and regular hours.  So we'll see if I get called for either one.

I also found another Sweeney item to add to my collection.  Me want very very much.  Need job so I can pre-order.  *drools*

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=MED10216&mode=retail

The interview today seemed to go pretty well. I will find out early next week if I get the position. It is being offered through one of the temp agencies I signed on with. It is an Administrative Assistant position in the Underwriters department of Chase at Polaris - the same huge building my mom works at. This position would be ideal because not only would it be a great stepping stone to something bigger and better at the bank (they often hire their temps) but since it is M-F, 8-5, I could carpool with Mom most days, saving big bucks on gas.

I really want this job.

I just got called up this morning for a job interview this afternoon. Wish me (good) luck. *is nervous*