In Memoriam

RIP Expressing Ourselves Through Clothing at Michaels

Late Summer 2006-August 31, 2008

You will be missed.

Much complaining was done by all of us today. None of us wanted you to go, but alas, Corporate decided it was your time. We don't believe your absence will solve anything, as the general public is mostly clueless anyway.

But our voices were not heard on this matter. And for this, we are sorry.

With thoughts of you in our minds, a bunch of us shall dress in khaki and black and hang out in the store for hours when we are NOT working. And therefore will not have to be of assistance. Plenty of evil plans, I has them.

---

On the same note, I was outside right before close tonight. I was wearing a RED Michaels apron, pushing multiple RED carriages with 'MICHAELS' written on them, in the parking lot where the building with matching colors and logos loomed behind me.

Someone got out of their car and asked me if I worked there.

...

What the hell, people.

and when the darkness starts to fall I'll be around...

If, years ago, someone psychic had told me that some of the greatest moments of my existance were going to be

Enduring a freezing-cold sandstorm on the beach
Walking around a theme park (when I don't really like rides!)
Standing by a rock in the wilderness
Sitting in a parking lot for hours

I would have told them they were lying.

But they would have been the farthest from lying anyone could be.

Through the eyes of a Dragon

They used to be blue - they're legally blue!

But I'm fairly sure my eyes aren't blue anymore. I spent some time deliberating over what color I'd call them the other day. Are they gray? Sometimes they look green, too. What I like best is this odd little ring of gold that appears around the irises. They're colors I'd like to paint, but I'm sure I wouldn't be able to capture - much like clouds!

They're not demonically startling, where you'd notice at first glance (though that would be fun...) - but they're different! I occasionally have trouble with eye contact for long periods of time, so I wonder who else has seen.

Thinking Back on Some Things

I really enjoy the sound of your voice, too.

Take my hand - we'll make it, I swear

There's nothing like a big trip to the great outdoors to make me realize just how many small things can really make me happy...

The way the cool breeze whisks my hair around my face.
The sound of seven voices laughing together.
Getting temporarily lost in the world where dragons are bronze and wolverines have spikes.
Doodling.
A warm hand on my back while I fall asleep.
Realizing that the rain was not a curse, but a blessing.
Watching birds eat sweetbread, then share with their young.
Letting our imaginations run wild!
That one, glowing green meteor that only we saw.
Whispered promises by the waterside that I'd never trade for anything.
Recapping events under a tree, waiting for a tow truck.

And so much more, but most of all:

Making the best of everything that happens because of who I'm lucky enough to be in the company of.

Cooking Skill +5

A few months ago, I bought a cute manga-style Japanese cookbook at Borders. It lay dormant on my shelf for a while, collecting dust, but earlier this week I decided I'd have to make use of it for something new. So, I made yakitori for the family tonight - and it was a huge success. I impressed myself.

It's basically chicken-meatballs on a skewer, though I found the skewers to be more or a hindrance than anything. Ground chicken, cornstarch, an egg, sesame seeds and spring onion. They were cooked in a pan (and had nice, crispy edges) and I even went a step further and reduced teriyaki sauce into a glaze for the top of them.

My brother and I sifted through the book after dinner, and we decided that we're gonna make rice bun sandwiches, tamago tomodachi (egg buddies!) and octopus sausages together next time. :]

And the Gryffins...!

I didn't think it was ever going to happen. But it will.

I'm going to step into the world of for-reals online gaming. I got my proverbial feet wet today (well, the real ones too, but that's just because it was pouring) and... and...

World of Warcraft.

I am so ready for this.

Happy August

Wow, August already? Only a month left?

Although, I can't really say I'm dreading going back to school. At least not in the way I used to when I was a kid (as if not one now, ha). I have a nice semester ahead of me, and I really do love the winter. Ceramics sounds uber promising, and I can't wait to spend countless hours in the art building again. My second home. But, I think what I'm looking forward to most are my already-much-anticipated visits.

Along that line; finally a coinciding day off next week. I never knew a string of days could go by so slowly when you're looking forward to something - but don't know when that something's occurring.

This summer has been, by far, the most exciting and fulfilling one of my life. And that is no hyperbole.