Ah, this one was much funnier in context. The first part was Wii Fit. The second part was Jans, elaborating on it.

After a too lenghty hiatus, continuing catching up with my photos from Austin, including some of the best ones from the Austin Zoo (why didn't I include a mountain lion picture in these?):



I hate trying to come up with titles for my photos.

I don't tend to listen to CDs/soundtracks much. I'm something of a purist when it comes to CDs, as in I always listen to them in order and I don't even like to skip tracks I don't enjoy. When I'm home, I generally just put on my melting pot .mp3 playlist, which is for the most part singles, and with 130+ hours of music from that alone, why not? It'll keep me busy for a while.

Just to change things up, I decided to start filling my .mp3 player with CDs recently. As a result, I'm really listening to music that I haven't done so in a while, if ever. That's why I was so hooked on the Breath of Fire soundtrack. This week's selections, well, while the FFIV-VI remix albums are good music, they just aren't as engaging as the originals. (I still haven't heard a remix of the battle with Gilgamesh music from FFV that has anywhere near the depth and intensity of the original.)

I learned, however, that FFVII Advent Children is an amazing soundtrack. There are tracks that drag on a little, and some that just aren't as catchy or memorable, but the buildup, the climax, the finale are so immersive, I had to turn up the volume even though I was at work. The use of the entire orchestra, and then some, really creates an entire experience, especially during One Winged Angel and the finale, and topped off with Calling, it left me feeling really inspired Thursday afternoon. Awesome stuff.

Of course, I can't connect to the network to listen to it now. Bah. I'd better go to bed, anyway.

I was so inspired to write yesterday. I actually had three different short stories vying for immediate attention, two of which - shock - were fanfiction. I was already writing at least one of them while I was walking home, specific lines forming in my head, waiting to be poured out into the keyboard, and absolutely fired up to get the whole thing out.

... Then the moment I walked in the door, it died. I don't know what happened. I tried to write yesterday evening, tried to force myself to just put my fingers to the keys and bang out some words, but it was like slogging through a marsh. They just wouldn't come.

Jans says he often feels that way, that even on the way home, he knows what he wants to write, and once he actually gets here, it just fizzles. The inspiration wasn't so strong today, which is just as well, 'cause I had a lot to keep me busy, seeing as it's his birthday and all. (By the way, whizbang, we still haven't set a date for Rock Band. *shakes fist*)

I'll try again tomorrow; supposed to be an offline night, after all. It's just so disappointing that I had such strong desire and nice flowing words yesterday afternoon, up until I could actually get them out. My options are limited if it happens again. I'll have to resort to either typing up lines on my Palm or dealing with the sound of my own voice and dictating it into my .mp3 player. Neither option is particularly appealing.

Forgot to mention Sunday that I entered Aurius into the young adult category on the Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award. Why not? If Hunger Games can count as YA, then Aurius certainly can. I've never really thought of selling it that way, but I'm probably better off counting it as YA, especially since this year's ABNA isn't even pretending to have genre classifications. Kind of annoying, since no matter how good a book it is, a genre novel is never going to win a generic fiction contest. At least they're more honest about it this year.

The Wii has confirmed it. Still, going from medium to hard on Rock Band is a big step. I like being good.

After reading Andre Agassi's memoir, I've realized how detached I am from my past. I've taken from it, of course, and there's still enough I remember, but my memory seems to be limited to specific moments, not an overall idea of what it was like when I was younger, and I don't really remember how I felt. I remember how I was depressed in high school, I know I had those feelings, but I can't really remember what it was like to feel that way. The whole of my existence just doesn't seem to be covered by the memories that I have. I can't recall even specific events with nearly the same level of clarity. Even the more monumental events of my past don't seem to have such importance anymore.

This is why I take so many pictures, especially when I'm on a trip somewhere, 'cause I need that reminder, that confirmation that what I think I remember was real. I can't really trust that my memory is accurate. (You know, like the time I thought that I was never first chair clarinet in middle school, only to be told with confidence that yes, I was.) It all just seems vague and so distant.

I'm feeling too existential today. I need to stop doing that. On the bright side, I've decided that baby steps are the answer to getting me back into creative pursuits. So, before I've managed to start serious work on my next colouring project - standard 8.5" x 11" drawing though it is - I finally did my first sketch of the year tonight. I also have at least one flash fiction idea I'll try to write out before I really dive back into Eyes. I'm coming to terms with not having all the time in the world, though I'm still having trouble trying to juggle everything. No, I'll never regret that I didn't spend more time playing video games, but I'm doing something I enjoy, and I don't regret that.

There I go all existential again. I was hooked on the Breath of Fire soundtrack this week. I've always really enjoyed that music, but I didn't really realize until this week how orchestral it is. There's so much harmony in it and it uses so many different instruments that 16-bit - early 16-bit even - or no, it really sounds very whole and profressional. Hell, it's almost better than the game deserved, 'cause the emotion and complexity in those songs defined the tone of a scene or location better than the other elements of the game did. If I ever become fabulously wealthy, I'm going to hire an orchestra to perform that soundtrack.

It's also great inspiration for classic adventure fantasy. Making me want to play the game again, but also getting me into the mood for some stories, Damian's in particular. If I can only figure out where that one's going, I'll be in business.

Oh, yes. On phoenixblaze's suggestion, I entered Aurius into the Amazon.com Breathrough Novel Award. This is the same contest I entered Halcyon into last year and dropped out in the 1.5th round with two depressingly unhelpful reviews. I'm not too optimistic 'cause Aurius doesn't have an overly gripping opening, but then, I thought Halcyon's was, so what do I know? Wish me luck.

Now, I need to spend some time with Wii Fit.

May I never, ever use a comparison to someone less fortunate in an attempt to inspire gratitude and happiness. It does not make anyone feel better and only adds guilt and shame to the already present misery.

In a brief moment of peace, after stopping on the way home for groceries, a long workout, making dinner, watching Rick Mercer Report, and checking all my net stuff... I don't know what to say. Almost two weeks into using Wii Fit, I have gained weight on all but two days. It's not really bothering me anymore, since losing weight was never my goal - all I wanted was to start working out regularly and get in shape - though I am a little concerned as I inch closer to the top of the normal BMI range.

I keep telling myself to just write, just colour, but I keep coming up with all sorts of pretty excuses not to. I don't feel bad about spending the time instead either working out or reading, but I'm really trying to make myself get back into this stuff. Eyes is intimidating, even though I've decided to save the more particular editing for later and try to concentrate on the sections that need large changes. Getting into a complex character isn't really a problem. Trying to get into three and figure out what each would say as they're holding a spontaneous conversation is.

We finally upgraded to Office 2007 with the rest of the company today. All I have to say is it's a good thing we're not busy right now.

I'd better go wash the dishes.

My day:

- Got up around 10:45, immediately went out for breakfast and errands, got home at 12:30
- Napped/did laundry
- Played drums on Rock Band for three hours (who needs weight training?)
- Dinner
- Played Wii Fit for another period of time (~40 minutes actual exercising time)
- Checked all my feeds and such
- Wrote this entry

Kind of wanted to write today, but at least I'm getting some exercise. Now if only my weight would stop going up, I'd be in business.

More kitty glamour shot! =D I was thinking I should be more picky about the pictures I post, but the ducks was the only one to get immediate favourites on DeviantArt, haha.

Well gee, next to the other pictures, the sunset shot doesn't even look that great. XD Kitty glamour shot! That's the last of what must have been twenty pictures I took of my dad's cat trying to get a really pretty one, haha. I'm going to use that as an excuse next time I take too many pictures looking for the perfect shot.

I need to come up with better titles for my photos. =P The next batch will have some good pictures. I have to admit I'm not completely convinced of the epic-ness of this and the previous batch. But stay tuned for kitty glamour shot next time!

My weekend: Unpacked most of the stuff I brought back from Austin, arranged all my cat knickknacks in one place and all my dragons in another, Wii Fit is sold out everywhere but I got three books - hardcover - on clearance for $2 each, and despite that, I am all but sold on the Kindle. I know what I'm asking for my next birthday. =D

Also, a question for you cat people out there: you guys have seen Tux, right? (No, that wasn't the question. This is:) Tux is a purebred Himalayan, Jans has the papers to prove it. His dad got him from a breeder at a discounted price because he doesn't have the typical Himalayan markings. I was always under the impression that Himalayans were always pointed, i.e., long-haired Siamese. As far as I was able to determine from my surfing earlier, this is true, and I was unable to find anything except one vague reference that might suggest at a solid black Himalayan. Has anyone heard anything about this or knows how this might come about? I read that registered Himalayans can be bred from a Persian parent, but it still baffles me that breeding of a cat with such a specific appearance could allow for such a disparity, especially considering his yellow eyes. Thoughts?

Even cutting out some of the pictures I had prepped to post months ago, this is going to take several posts to complete. I haven't even gone through all the Austin pictures for the gallery-worthy shots.



It really feels good when I see my photos on someone's favourites list next to some really amazing photography. I guess I'm so close to my pictures that even when I think I have a really good one, I'm still uncertain. Is it the shot itself that I really like or is it just the subject matter or timing? But when someone favourites my photos, and I see them on a list with what look like professional shots, and mine match up to that level of quality, it really does make me feel proud, in a way that I can't feel with my art.

I hopped on the bandwagon only slightly after it already got very crowded in there and did that art improvement meme that's been circling DeviantArt of late:



I feel a little better about my art having done that, and it's not looking at the art itself, either. Writing the descriptions reassured me.

Yikes, I still need to post my next batch of photos!

Finally getting back to the backlog I already built up back in September. = P (And I just increased it by 17.  This'll be awhile.)  Hah, that swans picture is about the best photo I took at the Toronto air show.

Need to get back to my rotating offline/online nights, so see you guys Friday.

Quote from... me. Jans called it quotable and I trust his word. Santa was wearing his belt waay up high above a belly that only jutted out beneath his chest... it was mildly disconcerting.

We had a great time in Austin! I really needed that holiday. Helped to straighten out the priorities as well as relax. I even took some good pictures there!

( So, here's how it went down. )

Hope all of you had a great week! I'll have to share pictures later. TTFN!

Christmas was awesome. I love this holiday, I really do. There are so many things that are so uniformly Christmas - not just the music and Christmas trees, but the lights, holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, gingerbread, giving, etc. - that it really transforms this time of year. Christmas is an entire experience.

And, of course, the loot. Janson's mom outdid herself, as usual, and it seems everyone else did, as well. The list, in no particular order:

- Rock Band 2!
- Snowshoes! (the whole family got these, even Janson's nieces!)
- Smash Bros. Brawl
- Raving Rabbids
- Winged Migration motion picture soundtrack
- Planet Earth DVD game
- A nice new sweater
- Christmas socks! (about 8 pairs in total in varying styles, including thermal)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- About 5 lbs. of chocolate and candy, including Ferrero Rocher (regular and Rondnoir), dark chocolate orange thins, and Wii remote candy, and Jans got giant Rockets, Misty Mints, dark chocolate Raisinets, another Wii remote candy, and dark chocolate peppermint Lindor
- Slippers
- Old Farmer's Almanac for 2010
- Walmart gift cards (Rock Band track pack, here I come!)
- Flashlight
- Three flameless LED candles

Jans also got:

- Dual-action airbrush (from me! and we picked up a new air compressor on the way home yesterday, too)
- Another flashlight
- More Christmas socks (mostly Maple Leafs)
- New sweater
- Bobblehead Yoda
- 12-in-1 multi-tool
- Urban Myth board game
- Toothbrush and toothpaste

I'm probably forgetting some stuff, and of course, this is only half the haul so far. XD I'm not expecting a lot from my family, though, aside from my dad. I certainly won't complain! Especially since Jans is enjoying Rock Band a bit more than he seemed to previously.

We got to play outside - in our brand new snowshoes! - spent a lot of time playing Rock Band - particularly Beatles Rock Band, which we teamed up with Janson's mom to get for his sister and her family - spent some time watching the fire downstairs, and of course, ate near to bursting. Janson's mom tends to have a ton of food on hand on a regular day, but Christmas? Forget about it. There were so many snacks and treats and we came home with a bunch more shortbread cookies and some gingerbread minions - they were angry gingerbread men - when we still have a lot of chocolate chip cookies left over from last weekend. Whew! It was an awesome time.

Now, I'm going to do one of two things: either take a shower so that I can go to Walmart and look for a track pack, or play Rock Band. We have a lot of songs to unlock. (P.S., whizbang, we had to play setlists on tour mode to unlock songs!)

Hope everybody else had an awesome Christmas and has a very happy new year. I'll write back again after we get back!

Cookies are baked, Xmas gifts are wrapped - as they have primarily been for weeks, yay preparedness! - and all I have left to do is pack. I'm going to work tomorrow morning, then we're heading straight up to Janson's mom's place 'til Saturday, and Monday we fly out for Austin. So, I should have time for at least a brief update Sunday, but we'll see how that round of packing and cleaning goes.

And since this is my last post until then at least, I hope all of you have a very happy Christmas!

I find it hilarious that while we were watching the celebrity Jeopardy! tournament tonight, Jans physically recoiled when the dude from Law & Order: SVU answered stegosaurus to a question that was about a triceratops. XD

I has to art this weekend... sometime between all the Xmas party, car servicing, errands, and cookie baking I already have planned. 6.6

I haven't been doing much since NaNo ended. I need to revisit my works in progress list. I'd forgotten that one of the reasons I was eager to get the calendar done was that I could then spend time finishing art from my old sketchbook. Still have to finish the painting I was doing and draw my Side 7 Secret Santa gift first, but after that, it's art strictly for me. That little tirade and the resulting decisions made as a result of doing the calendar cover was not a short-lived thing. As much as I need to force myself to work and stop being intimidated by art that might not come out perfect, I am still feeling pretty fragile when it comes to art.

Need to get back to writing as well. NaNo didn't give me the same push to just keep writing after it was done this year as it did last year, considering this year's story didn't turn out so well. Still trying to develop other ideas, but Jeremy is right there, and this is the perfect time of year to write Eyes.

I thought I had more to say on the topic than that. Oh well. I'd better get painting, anyway.

( Let's start with a sketch. )

So, the last week... ay, what to say? Where to start, even. It took me a few days of roller coaster moods to realize I'm not really in a bad state at the moment, I'm just getting really emotionally invested in the somewhat depressing memoir I'm reading, haha.

I've been on the hunt for Christmas music, but I realized I've been going about my search wrong. After picking up a CD last year of classic 20th-century music by the original artists - e.g., Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, etc. - I wanted to find the perfect collection/performance of carols, which I have thus far been unable to find.

Then it occurred to me that Christmas music, carols in particular, are the ultimate remixes. There are several game music tracks that I have at least half a dozen remixes of and love every one of them for its different take on the original. I don't know if there are still many Christmas albums I'd actually want, but I of all people should be open to the idea of different renditions of the songs I love. We'll see if I can actually get out somewhere with a decent selection of Christmas music, though. The London Symphony Orchestra does a nice Nutcracker, at least.

Frak, it's late. Xmas shopping is pretty much done. Jans did an epic job wrapping one of the presents. I will have to show pictures. Still working on a painting I'm doing for one recipient. Learned acrylic is not my medium. Wouldn't have thought it the case when I rely so heavily on layers in Photoshop, but I seem to prefer blendy media. Still need to do more playing with oils to find out if it's something I really enjoy before I drop the money on a starter kit for it. Discovered again how much I enjoy stringing beads. Got an H1N1 shot today. I wasn't sold on it, but Jans brought up a good point in that we're going to be on an airplane in three weeks. Speaking of which, we had a flight cancellation on the way down and are now going through Dulles. I'm not complaining. Longer layover and getting in later, but less chance of weather delays than through Chicago.

I should share some writing here, at least the snippets that aren't going to go anywhere else for a while. I submitted "The Grind" - the flash fiction I posted here some time ago - to a magazine and got a rejection that actually stated the reason for rejection, which made it feel less like one. Halcyon got rejected from another agent, too. Need to submit that to another one.

For now, I need to get ready for bed.

Quote from Jans. Tux is being extra lovey tonight. XD

And on that note... I DID IT!

I was a bit behind after the weekend, especially since I was too distracted to write much yesterday evening after we got home from the mother-in-law's, but a productive lunch break at work today got me to within 2,500 words of the finish, and dedication brought me the rest of the way, despite watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! on our BRAND NEW TV. Holy carp, does that picture look nice. Unfortunately, it was our old DVD player that had an HDMI connection, but even still, some DVDs look beautiful on this. We're all modern now, haha.

Anyway, NaNoWriMo was even less significant and passed by even quicker than the past two years, and I'm less attached to this story than the previous ones. If something more is going to become of this one, even just self-publishing, it won't be without some good work cleaning it up and smoothing it out. I haven't even reread any of it so far, and I did quite a bit of that in the past two years.

But, if anyone's interested in reading it, I'd be willing to share. Just let me know. I'd also love to read anyone else's NaNos!

It's done!!

Still have lots more linking and promoting to do, but it's late. =P I posted the cover to Side 7, anyway:



The next few days are going to be crazy, so I might not have much to say 'til next week. Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow U.S. citizens!