The Freshwater Files

I Hate Blogging

2010-04-21T10:09:00.003-04:00

I haven't written anything since December! I guess that's because I've been too busy...or I just have nothing to say. Probably a bit of both. I don't even know why I started this blog. It must have been during a time when I felt it necessary to remember everything forever. Undoubtedly, an insecure time. Now I think I'm doing too much and I accept that I can't recall it all. Also, I'm very content. This is a new chapter for me. I've never felt contentment on this scale.

It must be all the crafting...haha.

Maybe I can start listing photos of things I make. That's a good thing to journal. I've done a lot of work on this blogger page so I don't want to completely abandon it. Whatever, I'll think of something. Uhm...

MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS SINCE DECEMBER (in no particular order):
1. Working full-time @ Masquerade.
2. Made an "epic" new friend, thanks to the job.
3. My Sis-in-Law is my crafting soul mate.
4. AntiquiTea is open!
5. I can sew now.

Not too shabby. Go me.

I Love Bein' Less Large, More In Charge!

2009-12-30T14:44:00.003-05:00

Holy Jesus, it's been a while since I've been on the Bloggerspotter. It isn't for any lack of post-worthy happenings. I just haven't had much time. Halloween was - OF COURSE - busy for me. Going from working 15 hrs a week to almost 40 was a shock to my life. Work, work, work. I like work. But then nothing slowed down between Thanksgiving and Christmas, naturally. That is a good thing because it means I have my life back in order. I'm living my life in a much better way than I was a year ago. I'm all grown up again or some such nonsense.

The main thing on my mind has been my work situation. Immediately after Halloween I decided to satisfy my curiosity and ask Mel (then the store manager) if I even had a shot at the assistant manager spot. I didn't want to bail on the tearoom but money talks, and benefits, and vacation time, and all the good stuff that comes along with a "real job." My Mom understood. Mel was shocked because he didn't realize that I was a possible candidate. That threw him into a tizzy of talking to our regional manager and forcing them to reveal what they had in mind for the position. We waited for what seemed like an eternity while this person talked to that person and that dude checked with another guy. I thought I'd never know.

Enter change. I arrived one day to unsettling news. Mel was no longer with the company. I think I actually shed a tear or two. It was quite a shock. The news was given to me by Bill. Bill had been the fill-in assistant for Halloween since Chucky left us. The store was now his. I was his pick for assistant, no questions asked. This put me into quite a confused state of mind. Could I work with Bill as well as I had with Mel? I decided I could. But there was a catch. The assistant manager position was no longer a full-time job. It was going to be 30-35 hours a week with a higher hourly rate. No assistants in any of the permanent stores has full-time stature. I had to chew it over and ultimately decided not to go for it. I figured that my Mom wouldn't be able to give me what they were offering hourly, but if I was going to work that many hours with no bennies I would rather be at AntiquiTea. It was no contest.

Enter madness. Now all I had to do was wait until the tearoom was opened and then I'd say goodbye to my awesome Halloween job. My perfect place to work. It was bumming me out, but it wasn't a huge deal. I had made my decision and I was relieved. But NOOOOOOO! It couldn't be that easy. I never really gave much thought to how much they like me in this company. I just always try to do the best job I can. Apparently, as employees of the Masquerade, LLC go, I'm some bright shining star. Bill told me he was making the company a counter-offer and that the very tippy-top of the company was involved. I was plunged back into the unknown. I had more waiting to do...ugh.

Enter clarity. They came to decide that I am worth making an exception for. Thank you, Masquerade. I'm happy to stay. I have less than 2 days before I am officially the full-time assistant manager of their Robinson store. I'm still a little surprised. This should be an interesting ride.

Peace out.

I Love Drunk Evan

2009-10-27T09:40:00.003-04:00

I just got back to Earth from one long-ass weekend. My personal favorite highlight was when Evan was hammered at the casino after his birthday party on Friday. We were talking about how hard it was to actually say goodbye to everyone because of how big the place is and that people are scattered. So he says, "I had a GREAT time, fuck'em!" Haha. Then he's shouting it out to everyone we pass. Then he taps this old security guard on the arm and goes, "Fuck'em, right? Fuck'em! We had a great time." Classic. The guy was laughing pretty hard. Then I laughed my ass of the whole way home because of how loud the muffler on the car is. I just remember Brent was driving and trying so hard not to hit the gas and make it super-loud so we went like 7 MPH the whole way. Meeeeeemmmmories.

Saturday we went to the Rex for the Lemonwilde show. It was pretty much a 1998 Montour high school reunion. Fortunately, all those kids rock so I had a blast. We helped Ter out by setting up and working the merch table. I scored the only little pink t-shirt they had. Payment, you know? I earned it. Although I swore up and down that I was going home after the show to rest up for Ivy's b-day party the next day...(I try)...we ended up at Dee's with everyone until they booted us out. I hooked back up with a gal I haven't seen in years and hopefully I will see more of. We want to join forces to promote Ter's next show there in December. I just found this pic of us on their website.

On Sunday I peeled myself from bed to throw a birthday party for Ivy's 3rd. That went ridiculously smooth! Many, many thanks to Jen for having it at her place. I would never have been able to have a party like that with food/presents/kids in my house so comfortably. And many thanks to everyone who helped out with food/decorations. It was a really good time and she was such a good girl all day. Really, really, really good. I was so proud of her. :-D

We're having a Halloween Party here on Saturday. I haven't had one in years. I'm pretty geeked. I had better go finish my costume now instead of sitting at the computer all day.

I Love Killface

2009-10-19T11:38:00.002-04:00

I Love Andrew WK

2009-10-07T16:27:00.002-04:00

He's just special. What's not to love?

Andrew WK + Conan O'Brien = Nicole's head explodes because she's so happy.

I Hate Mary Jo

2009-10-02T11:39:00.004-04:00

I guess I shouldn't say that I hate her. I don't even know her. I will never meet her. I will just continue to be reminded of her existence until I get a new phone number some day.

I've had my phone number for at least 3 years. I just know I've had the same one for Ivy's whole life and then some. It's probably more like 4+ years. Anyway, when I first had it (the first year or so) I received many phone calls for a woman named Mary Jo. It was mainly pharmacies and what sounded like really old ladies. My assumption? That Mary Jo was dead and that I had gotten what used to be her phone number.

A long time passed where I never received a call for her. Until about 6 months ago. I started getting calls from the Social Security Administration, banks, and Doctor's offices. Everyone I have spoken with informs me that this is the number that she is giving out. I'm pretty sure some people thought I was lying to them. Haha. Whatever. The point is that Mary Jo is alive and either thinks that my phone number is really hers or she is from the simpler, 7-digit days of Pittsburgh and doesn't include the area code. This could lead people to automatically call 412 instead of 724????? Make any sense?

One of these days I will try calling the number with 724. But it scares me. Sike, just kidding. I just feel bad calling some old woman and saying, "Get out of my life, you old biddy."

Finally, the weird thing about the situation. I love crazy coincidences like this. Guess what Mary Jo's last name is.

KNOUSE (jeepers, jinkies, and zoinks)

I Love MeowKiki

2009-09-22T20:10:00.004-04:00

THEY'RE MINE, ALLLLLL MINE! I feel like some kind of champion. Her work is TO DIE FOR. Every so often, she has a 9.99 ebay sale and I always try to get something. I wasn't counting on winning 4 items, but they're soooooo worth it. I've wanted that space hoodies for like EVER. Plus, I've been selling a lot of stuff lately so I feel free to shop now and then. Aren't I always preaching to buy handmade? There, I'm practicing what I preach.

Off to do a quick Freshwater Designs blog...

I Love The Renaissance Festival

2009-09-15T10:52:00.002-04:00

I'm blown away by the fact that Ivy wanted a crown so bad that she actually got on that ride! There is hope for us taking her to Kennywood next year, after all. The little goofball is growing up. She had a great time on Sunday. So did we. I could spend days at the Renfest just because of the art/clothing/crafts. We ended up with another print from Delight. She's so pleasant that we always end up buying from her.

There was a booth that sells clothing where they had this handworked, purple, leather fairy costume...I should have taken a picture. It was $1500.00 and worth every last cent. The wings alone were sick enough. They were also made from leather and came to a point with these claws at the end. Oh to be rich. I would have bought it in a second. Delight told me that some heavy woman tried it on and left her granny panties on underneath it. This was a sexy, revealing outfit, mind you. I hear it was an interesting sight. Haha. Sorry i missed the show.

On Friday (going back in time here), we pulled another South Side all-nighter...and when you have to work in the AM on Sat, that is NEVER a good idea. I have a vague recollection of coming out of Dee's and devouring a Mike and Tony's gyro on some steps. Mmmmm...that's the best kind of meal. Frickin' Dee's with their 5.00 pitchers. That's devil magic there. Earlier in the night, there was this gorgeous Asian girl at Tiki who was just so starved for attention that she pretty much stripper danced all over the place all night. I am proud to have made her dance with the old drunk guy in the corner. That was classic. When I told her to do it, she actually looked at me all creeped out and said, "REALLY?" So, uhm, yeah, the hooker at the bar had standards. Of course I made her do it and it was great...particularly because he got all into it and his pants were falling down and everyone could see his tightey whiteys. Classic. I'm like a comedy coreographer.

Yesterday I went to Volant for a Tea Association meeting. The lady's shop...what was it called again???? Anyways, it was really cute. She had a tea tasting bar and a little gift shop. I MISS THE TEAROOM. Everytime I visit another one, I am reminded of how superior AntiquiTea is to all of the others. I hate to be like that, but it's the God's honest truth! It's coming along now, though. My Dad is finishing up on the plumbing, the rooms are getting painted/wallpapered/trimmed out. It's going to be so fantastic. I will miss the Masquerade, but whatever.

Yeah, I said Masquerade. And I have to touch on this before I forget about it. Chuck is gone. He got another job. It sucks so bad now because the guy replacing him for the Halloween season is an auditor for the company. He's more "by the books" than our store manager is. It's more like a real job now. Chuck and I have been friends and hanging out since I met him there a year ago. Nothing beats working with a good friend, especially when they're your boss...ESPECIALLY when they're Chuck. If I wasn't leaving after the Holiday, I would have taken his job in .02 milliseconds. And I know I could have had it. Why couldn't he have left us 6 months ago when I could have had the full-time, salaried position for a while? Ugh. Bad timing there. At any rate, it sucks that hes gone and it sucks to have this perfect job dangling in front of my face when I know I can't take it...booooooooooo!

On a lighter note, life is grand. Love it. Laters.

I Love Doing Things

2009-09-08T10:56:00.004-04:00

Haha, whatever. I'm bored and lazy right now. I have nothing interesting to write about.

All I've been doing is working here, working there, and working everywhere. I did another hard labor mission at the tearoom. Finished up some painting that needed done. Boring. I spent hours by myself in a little cubby-hole that is going to be as a server station. My dad gave me lessons in painting and sanding door trim. My dad is hilarious. He's the most insane perfectionist I know. I love going out there and working with him.

Evan and I went up to Nunny's (future Moon Run party central) yesterday after deciding to hold off on the Renaissance Festival until next weekend. Eff you, rain!!! I grabbed a hammer and started an obsessive nail pulling tornado. I must have cleaned out thousands of them. I love that sort of mindless, repetative work. My hands be hurtin' today. Evan finished ripping out the walls in what will be our bedroom. There was so much soot underneath that we looked like dirty little kids. It was pretty hilarious. The shower water was black, needless to say. Now I totally understand the concept of "lather, rinse, repeat...as needed." I'm not afraid to get dirty. And no one had ever accuse me of being a girly-girl after all the times I have had to deal with sewage backups in this curret house of mine.

But dammit I was looking forward to the Renfest since we missed it last year. Last year at this time, my life was a nightmare. Now that things are back to normal (sort of), doing things like that is almost purifying. Plus, the Freshes bought our tickets. Sweet. Free is my favorite 4 letter F-word.

And speaking of what a rotten NERD I am...I got a Halloween costume for Ivy. It's a dragon. It is the cutest thing ever. I decided not to spend a lot of time or money on hers this year since she is so picky about what she wears. I got the costume at work for nothing and she loves it. She was running around in it the other day and going, "roar roar roar roar roar." Hehe, she's the best kid. She said, "Thank you so much for my costume, Mommy. Thanks for buying it for me." She's not even 3 and she has better manners than I do.

I have much work to do on mine and Evan's costumes for this year. I can't wait! Halloween was such a draaaaaaaaag last year thanks to my head being up my ass. I had fun at the party I went to, but it was lacking Evan and that sucks. I look forward to making up for it this year.

Meh, I guess it's time to get off of my ass and do something...

I Hate Being Sore

2009-08-18T12:39:00.003-04:00

I'm a freaking weakling. I painted at the tearoom for like 5 hours straight yesterday and now I am sore sore sore. Sucks. Evan and I went to dinner and then to see District 9 (see it) last night with the intention of going for drinks afterward. Haha, we were on the way home and I couldn't figure out why I was so tired. I ended up on the couch and ready for bed before 2! It dawns on me this morning that I worked harder yesterday in the heat than I have in a while. Duh. That explains the tired.

There's a bright side to this. I painted at the tearoom! It's so exciting to see things on the upswing out there. I've had little or nothing to do with the operation over the past several months - since there wasn't much I COULD do. Plus I was working my ass off at 2 jobs for awhile, which didn't leave me much time. I'm finally quitting DSW after this month. It's kinda pointless to work one day a week and not at all some weeks. I will still have my discount until January, so that is cool. Anyways, that will free up time now that the Masquerade is getting busier and busier. The final stages of the tearoom and its opening are cutting it very close to Halloween. Haha, it WOULD work out that way so that I will be working 24/7 between both during October. Oh well, that's why I've been planning Halloween costumes and such for months already. I figured October would be mad busy. I suppose it will then be time to say farewell to the Masquerade. That's one hell of a bummer. I love that store. But nothing in the world can top being your own boss. Nothing.

Speaking of being my own boss, I am amazed at how well Freshwater Designs is doing! All of the sudden I'm selling stuff left and right. And it's not cheap stuff either. My mind has begun to revel in the thought that avoiding housework in the name of creativity might finally be paying off. Too bad that success and money making equals more taxes. Bastards.

And speaking of Freshwater Designs...I am kind of bursting with ideas lately. I don't know where it all comes from. I can't shut it off. I fear that I may be wearing myself out by dabbling in too many other crafts. Then again, one can never have too many artistic outlets. I guess I will just keep selling anything I can make. Why not? And when AntiquiTea opens, I will be ready with product coming out the wazoo.

Time to get back into my creativity cave...because I ain't doing those dishes today.

I Love The Magical Feeling of Cardboard

2009-08-06T15:09:00.002-04:00

I'm having an epic summer of adventure. I can't even really go into any of it because I would be here all day. Concerts, birthdays (mine and others), roller skating, zombie walk, raising anti-cake armies, other stuff I'm forgetting. I'm just going to keep going before that there tearoom opens and I begin working my little rear end off. We have walls...WALLS!!! Where there are new walls, there's a new business getting ready to open.

My best birthday gift...

Skull Polka Dot Houndstooth Skirt

I Love Sexy Purses

2009-07-20T18:19:00.004-04:00

Damn, this is hot. Num num num.

I Love 'I Am Legend', I Hate 'I Am Legend'

2009-07-13T10:11:00.005-04:00

I very recently read I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. It's a great book. I was genuinely stressed while reading it, which is how I know. In Nicole's world, everything is measurable by emotions.

Last night, we sat down to watch the latest movie adaptation because Evan finished up reading the book. I knew it was going to be nothing like the book - both because everyone and their mother hinted at it and because of seeing the trailers for myself. Some changes don't bother me as long as they make sense when translating a novel to film. Of course, modernizing a story from the 1950's is a must. The typical movie-watching minds can't handle anything "old-fashioned". I don't begrudge Hollywood that. Gotta make money. But, while I understood certain changes (ie, adding the dog from the beginning just to give him someone to talk to and develop character), I am sad that they put such a respectable title on that pathetic excuse for a movie. It was loooooosely based on the novel, at best.

Am I biased? Of course I am! One of my favorite Vincent Price movies is the original movie based on Matheson's book. They called it The Last Man on Earth. While it was dissimilar from the novel in many ways, it was still far more worthy of the I Am Legend title than this Will Smith nightmare.

A note about CGI. I hate it anymore. I hated the boring, screamy, annoying creatures in this movie. There was nothing interesting about them at all. I'll take those hammy looking zombie things from The Last Man on Earth anyday! Makeup and acting, please! No more shitty CGI creeps. And exactly where did the inspiration for them come from (if there was any)? Certainly not from the book.

And let's not forget about The Omega Man from the 70's. I love that movie, too. It was also loosely based on the novel, but they had the decency not to put the same name on it.

I think my bitterness against brainless entertainment is the reason I read what I read. I read classic horror and sci-fi because it is philosophical. It makes you think. On top of that, it scares you and stresses you out. Bonus. And I get irritated that many movies are so vapid. Especially when they drag respectable entertainment down with them.

I Am Legend was about mankind moving on. It was about one man's emotional roller-coaster and survival - not about monsters. They're just the dramatic and exciting backdrop that the real story is played against. It ultimately ends with Robert Neville's realization that he's the freak now, the last of his kind, the legend. Remember that Twilight Zone episode called "Eye of the Beholder?" Kinda like that. I see none of this in the movie I watched last night.

Why so pissy, Nicole? What does it matter? It doesn't. But it's what I think. Haha.

I Love Dying For The Day

2009-07-08T19:21:00.002-04:00

James, my love, you have convinced me that I am better off dead. I thank you for this. Now why-oh why-are you so young?

I've never gotten to do the Zombie Walk, so I will. It's my b-day month so I can make Evan take me anywhere I want...and I can also make him dress/act like an idiot. Haha.

Any of my other theatrical type friendzors want to come?

I Love My Birthday

2009-06-30T13:47:00.002-04:00

I'm going roller skating. Done! July 25th. Check Facebook for details.

More on that later, but for now I wanted to share this delicious little goody. I thought she sold this on Etsy and I felt a little sad. FALSE! I found it on her official site. *eeeeeeeeeee* Everyone is always asking what I want for the b-day so here's something I really really really want ...

Gold Skully Chains Skirt

Pretty please with sugar on top?

I Love Alex

2009-06-22T11:17:00.005-04:00

I have been so busy. Busy having fun, that is. I got to see NIN a couple of Wednesdays ago. Why is Trent Reznor so hot?!?!?!?!? He looks better than he ever did when I was in high school (when I really had the hardcore love for him). Guess some people just get better with age. And kicking drugs will help anyone's appearance.

Speaking of that, is Perry Farrell no longer on heroin? He looks like he maybe gained 20 pounds. I'm not a fan, but still nice to see him looking almost human. Evan is more of a Jane's Addiction fan, so we stayed for their whole show.

Concerts, concerts, concerts...Phish was last week. Ohmyfuckinggod, I love them. I always reach that point at their shows when I am so absorbed in their playing that I kinda feel like I'm no longer on Earth. NO, I was not on any hallucinogens. I didn't even eat one bite of Mike's delicious Betty Crockers this time. Drugs never hurt a show, but I just decided to avoid the inevitable "nerves" I get when they wear off.

The show was spectacular, as always. I realize what it is about a Phish show that you never see at any other concert...unity. There is a unity between fans. I've talked to numerous people who work or have worked at the Ampitheater and even they can sense the difference. I love the hundreds of beach balls and balloons bouncing all over the crowd. I even love the anticipation of being hit in the head by flying glowsticks. When you go to the bathroom, people are still dancing all over the place out on the sides. The sidewalks are jammed with people having a blast. There were 21,000 people at the show, and I'm just so thankful to have been one of them. They stopped playing at midnight because they had to, but you get the distinct impression that they would have stayed longer...

Oh well, whatever. I could go on and on but I'll segway into Paul and Mary's visit. They were here from Philly for the show. It's always so great to see them. This time, I finally got to meet their little girl, Denali. She's adorable and, of course, Ivy loved her. Jen planned her housewarming party to include them. That was Friday. It was a blast. Paul and Mary came back after taking Denali home to bed and we lucked out when Brent and Brittani decided to steal Ivy for the night. I spent a long while talking drunken politics and religion with Paul. He's the best. Haha. I know, I know, sounds like a riot! But you just can't put a price on friends you really connect with like that.

We also got a visit from Terry last week. Sadly, he missed Jen's party but we all hung out on Wednesday so it's cool. It's always great to see him. I can't believe he's been in LA for like 4 years now!

Time to move on to the best news of all...in my mind. Late at the party when all the little kiddies had run off to bed and it was (as often happens) me hanging with Alex...he made my life. He really wants a dog and needs a very small one. After seeing my little MinPins, he decided he would like to adopt Irene on a trial basis! Irene is our third canine addition to the family. She's a good little dog but has always had so much trouble going with the flow here in this crowded house. We have waffled for a long time about taking her back to her previous owner, but just never had the balls to throw in the towel. So I told Alex to talk to me when we were sober. But he insisted that he was serious and that he wanted me to go with him to pick out a crate for her and stuff the next day! Sleep deprivation and my goofy work schedule stopped us from getting together on Saturday, but we made a plan for today. In fact he literally just texted me for the 5th time today. Haha, I think the man is excited. I hope it works out. I won't be the slightest bit upset if he decides he can't handle her at the end of a month, but I will be SUPER EXCITED if Irene finds her true home. The little pup just needs more attention than we have to give.

Thank you, Alex!

I Love Men's Purple Whatever This Thing Is...

2009-06-10T17:31:00.004-04:00

OK, I'm sorry but this may be one of the funniest things I have ever seen! I came across it on Ebay while searching for pieces to make my Halloween costume. Um, what I am looking for is nothing like this...

I Love This One

2009-06-09T15:31:00.003-04:00

This DownsizeDC email, that is...

**********************************************************************************

D o w n s i z e r - D i s p a t c h

Quote of the Day: "When a government controls both the economic power of individuals and the coercive power of the state ... this violates a fundamental rule of happy living: Never let the people with all the money and the people with all the guns be the same people." -- P. J. O'Rourke

Subject: When Will Americans Grow Up?

Three of the very most important issues of the moment are...

* The planned re-design of the economy through a "cap and trade" system to limit CO2 emissions
* The planned re-design of our health care system by increasing government involvement at all levels
* The massive expansion of the money supply by the Fed, which threatens hyper-inflation

But will the media and the American people be able to maintain an adult focus on any of these issues, or will they instead spend the next few weeks obsessing about the merits and de-merits of one person -- President Obama's new nominee for the Supreme Court.

Sadly, American adulthood is sometimes more fiction than fact. We predict that the national discussion will now focus on the new Supreme Court nominee and that most of the debate will resemble a high school campaign for class president. It will be driven by adolescent partisan tribal loyalties, and will overlook one overwhelming fact...

Any Supreme Court nomination made by any president from either party is almost certain to be bad. To think otherwise is to ignore history. Remember, for instance, the Kelo decision, in which...

* Supposedly liberal justices endorsed using the coercive power of the state to enrich corporations, yet...
* joining the liberal justices with the deciding vote was the now-retiring Justice Souter, who had been appointed by a supposedly conservative president

Partisan political appointments are no different than partisan political elections. They serve the interest of the political class, NOT your interest. We're reminded of the spot-on way "The Onion" satirical newspaper summed up a recent election. Their headline read, "Politicians Sweep Midterm Elections."

Exactly.

No matter whom you elect, the politicians win. No matter whom a president appoints to the Supreme Court, the politicians win. And every time we expend energy debating personalities, labels, or political parties, the politicians win.

Debates about personalities should be left to High School sophomores. Instead, we need an adult focus on the vital issues. We need to show the politicians that we're focused on WHAT they're doing, and NOT on WHO is doing it.

We can demonstrate this adult focus by constantly increasing...

* The pressure we place on Congress about essential issues
* The size of the army exerting this pressure
* The financial resources we invest to educate, recruit, and exert pressure

There are now only two business days left in May. Let's exceed the 31,730 messages we sent Congress last month. We need another 861 messages sent both today and tomorrow. Let's meet the goal by hitting on all the crucial issues...

Tell your Congressional employees to oppose "cap and trade."

Use your personal comments to point out that "cap and trade" hasn't worked in Europe.

Tell your Congressional employees to permit you to buy health insurance in states other than the one in which you live.

Use your personal comments to tell them they should start with simple improvements like this, and not try to re-do the entire health care system at once.

Tell your Congressional employees to make "Honest Money" legal.

You can use your personal comments to point out that the Fed has done still more counterfeiting, raising the money supply from $1.65 trillion in March to $1.75 trillion in April.

You might even want to go one step further and call Ron Paul's office to ask why they haven't yet re-introduced the 15-word "Honest Money Act," the 104-word "Free Competition in Currency Act," and the 193-word "Tax-Free Gold Act" -- preferably, combined into one bill. Here's the number: (202) 225-2831

It doesn't matter if you've sent messages on these issues recently. Your elected representatives are your employees, and these particular employees need constant reminders. Please put in some extra effort today so we can reach our May goal. Please hit Congress on all three issues.

Thank you for being a part of the growing Downsize DC Army. To see how much we're growing please check out the Keeping Score report below my signature.

Jim Babka, President
DownsizeDC.org, Inc.

**********************************************************************************

I get lots of emails from them, but I particularly enjoyed that one.

Now I want to stop being all smarty pants and focus on how I get to go to NIN tomorrow and Phish next Thursday. Yay for playtime and for summer!

And FYI and FMI (when I look back on this someday), we are ready to put walls up at the tearoom. Joy. Me miss tearoom.

And shaweeeeeeeeeeet, Evan is on his way home. Goin' to the A-teams for the Pens game, I guess. Hooray beer!

PS, I'm awesomer than Hart.

I Hate Hating

2009-06-02T23:29:00.004-04:00

If there were one thing in my life that I could erase all memory of, it would be a relationship with one seriously lousy friend. A lousy friend who thought he was a great friend. A person who, had I known what it would eventually lead to, I would have never have emotionally involved myself with.

Don't get me wrong. I wasn't victimized. It's my fault! I am the one who continued to make something out of nothing from 15 years ago. I'm the one who romanticized and fantasized and twisted all of my memories into something unlike any reality between any two real people. I watch too many movies and read too many books! I have a wild and overactive imagination.

My biggest failure and shame was ignoring sign after sign that this person was not really someone that I cared for. So many times I just turned my intellectual head and allowed myself to be charmed by someone juvenile and emotionally retarded. Some people do not have a depth of character or of emotion. Those people may be lots of fun or fine to be buddies with and to each his own for sure, but for me to involve myself in the way I did was foolhardy. And I knew it all along. I'm not a gullible person. For someone to "fool" me, I have to help them by fooling myself.

I severed ties with this person months ago for my own good and the good of my family. I wasted one whole year of my life trying to make reality out of a shitpile. And the final month of that year was a disaster. He no more knew the real me during that time than I know the real Ron Paul. I know a month is no time at all but it is at least enough time to tell who really loves you and who would much rather love themselves. Especially when you knew it all along but you were putting things to the final test. I was not the slightest bit surprised by the outcome, but it still hurt. It hurt so bad that I still feel sick thinking about it.

Therefore...I just don't think about it anymore. I have to endure the occasional surprise of seeing their sickening face online by accident. Tonight for some reason, this particular unwanted surprise physically nauseated me. I hate that! And what makes it worse is knowing the kind of person he really is. I know that if he were to read this blog, he would naturally know who he was. I also know how he would react to it. He would love it that it bothers me -take it as some sort of sick triumph. He would go to all of his facebook buddies that I am also friends with and tell them to post pictures of him or something just to get under my skin. He'd have a good laugh at my expense. Fuck that. All I'm left with now is hate. And I am no good at hating. Just no FUCKING GOOD AT IT! It takes too much of my energy.

But I do. I hate.

I also love. And have always loved. Somehow, I am loved back. My most recent text from Evan, after discussing all of the above with him:

"Love U! Relax, hon, ur a great girl, a great friend, a great wife, and a great mother! I'm lucky to b able 2 say ur mine."

What the fuck can twist a person's brain so badly that they could "walk out" on someone like Evan? I still have a long road ahead of me before I will forgive myself for the things I have done to my family.

I'm so sorry.

I Love My Life

2009-05-17T00:13:00.002-04:00

Why?

Because it is epic. I know I am a wretched bitch who does nothing but complain during certain hormonal peaks and valleys, but you need to realize I am actually quite content. I just have my moments of spazzation. What broad doesn't?

There is absolutely no reason for anyone close to me in my life to still roll with me after the things I have done. But somehow, some way, I managed to at least exercise good judgment when it came to choosing my closest friends along the way. *whew* I never cease to be amazed at the love in my life. Starting at the inner circle with Evan (who is and always has been and always will be the best and most priceless friend that a woman could ask for) and trickling all the way down to the ladies and [few] gents who I work with and only see from time to time - I feel massive amounts of love. I don't know what I have done to deserve it and I am painfully aware of the things I have done to disqualify me from it. It's actually a pleasant mystery I ponder often. All I can tell you is that I am thankful for it.

In addition to the super folks in my life, I am quite fond of what I do with myself. Even while my tea business is on hiatus, I am able to do work that makes me proud and that I honestly enjoy. Rarely is there a day that I don't want to go to work. And when I don't feel like it - which is very rare - it's DSW that I shun. Never the Masquerade.

8 months ago I walked into a Halloween store and walked out with the best imaginable part-time job for me. My work at the Masquerade has resulted in so many awesome things. I have made one of the best friends that I have in my life right now. I heart The Chuck. I have met some fun and creative guys and girls that I feel enriched for knowing. And I have gotten paid to do something that I love more than anything - play dress up! They just paid me to spend 3 days at the Steel City Con dressed like a pirate and (on the 3rd day) Wonder Woman. It was truly a notable experience that led me to discover a couple of amazing people who are doing wonderful things for the world. Check out the Lake Erie Pirates (they have pics of me on there) and the 501st Legion. Good stuff.

But I won't let DSW go without a mention here. I do enjoy it there. I've met lots of nice people. And I have to say they are a company that rewards hard work and responsibility. They actually asked me if I'd be interested in a full-time management position while they were looking to fill it. I was flattered but obviously couldn't let them invest time in training me when I knew I wouldn't be there for much longer. Just yesterday, one manager made me feel awesome when he wouldn't let me just quit altogether at the end of the month like I intended to. Haha. I was surprised and again flattered to know that I had "proven myself worthy" of a little perk where I can work one little shift a week (of my chosing), thereby keeping my discount! Woohoo! Plus I don't yet have to say goodbye to them.

Things are also looking up for my jewelry. I did the Oddmall last week and it was a great marketing and networking experience. I didn't make enough to justify travelling so far for a show, but I gained valuable experience, info, and - I think - fans. I have sold a number of pricy items in the last couple of months. Helps to make the ends meet, ya know? Also helps to support my crafting addiction. I'm looking forward to having the tearoom back so that I will have a permanent showplace for my work.

OK, it's time for bed. It's like 1AM and there are at least 5 hours before Evan returns from Vegas. Can't wait.

And my daughter is the best kid ever. I just felt I needed to add that to this because it is such a happy post. She brings the happy like it's her job. Haha.

I Love Laughing 'Till It Hurts

2009-04-07T20:35:00.004-04:00

And that is exactly what I did at the Jon Lajoie show last night. That guy is so funny that it hurts me a little bit. The absolute most insanely funny thing he did was the "remix" of the Ghostbusters theme song. As he sang it, it occurred to me that I should have brought my Ghostbusters DVD for him to sign. That would have been perfect. Next time, I guess. Because I will see him again if he comes back.

I have to thank Hart for being the one who first brought him to my attention. Thanks!!!!! You posted the "Show Me Your Genitals" video forever ago and I was hooked. He closed the show with that song and even wore the whole amazing outfit.

Here's our picture. Yeah, he made that exact face in every one he took.

I Love Jon Lajoie (still)

2009-04-06T09:25:00.003-04:00

Tonight is the night. We get to go see Jon in all his glory at The Improv.

I Love Zombie Shoes

2009-04-04T11:38:00.004-04:00

My friend, Tony, always sends me links to crazy things he knows I will love.

This was his most recent discovery...I WANT!

Zombie Stomper Platform Peep Toes

I Love Watchmen

2009-03-30T21:01:00.005-04:00

We finally got to see Watchmen on Saturday. Evan and I decided to forgo the Obey house movie night and go out just the two of us. The night was hectic only because we usually go to the South Side on weeknights. We forgot how crazy crowded it gets and how long you have to wait to eat. The movie didn't even start until 10:15 so we thought we were good. FAIL! We ran around so long trying to find a reasonable wait for dinner that we ended up leaving and heading to the Waterfront for a 10:40 show. Haha. It worked out well even if we did end up dining at the Munhall Subway. Ick.

I always say if you are going to blow $10 per person on a movie, make sure it's one worth seeing in the theater. Comedies can wait to be watched on the couch, at home for free. They don't need to be loud or big. Watchmen definitely needed to be loud and big. It was ear beating (awesome) and full of sights that I want to see larger than life. And NO I am not talking about Dr. Manhattan's wiener!

The whole movie was great. It lived up to my expectations - sadly not exceeding them. But hey, I expect a lot. My favorite performances were Rorschach (I spelled that right on my first try, holy cow) and the guy that I call "Owlman" even though that's not his name. The chick was good, too. Not even sure what any of her names were...Miss Jupiter? That sounds right. Her clothes were notable to me because they were very contemporary (i.e., leggings with gladiator shoes and long sweaters with skinny belts)- even though the movie was set in the 80's. I liked how they did that. For that reason, it will be a weird movie to watch 20 years from now.

What's that? You say you want to know more of what's going on with me lately? Well, pull up a chair...

I decided to take the intermediate sewing class and make a further fool of myself. My dancing skeletons table topper is hilariously uneven. It will do the job, and no one will even (pun?) notice, but I will not be bragging about making it. That's for sure. My current project is a purse. I got the inspiration from a bag we have at DSW that looks like this:
If mine turns out OK, I will post a photo of it. I'm scurred.

Aaaaaaaaaand, I've been a shopaholic since starting at DSW. I just got a great deal on some ridiculous fuchsia, sequined pumps. I can't find a picture of them to post. Grrrr. I wore them out on Saturday and quite a few ladies stopped me to say they loved them. I find it funny when people say, "I love those but I would never wear them!" Then what is it that you love about them? Seeing them on someone else is enough for most folks, I suppose. I live for attention, so it works out. What?!?!?! Did she just say that she lives for attention? I think you already knew that. People don't blog, Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, and yadda yadda yadda if they don't enjoy attention.

I will be buying these shoes on Sunday...already on sale...new markdowns happening at the Dub on Sunday...plus my discount...can't say no:

I love to shop. I always buy little things when we take Ivy to the mall. I never spend much. It's mostly clearance stuff. Today I went a little crazy but still didn't spend a lot. My real problem is that I have too much of everything and not enough space for it all. I always try to get rid of things I don't wear a lot but it's tough. Because I really MIGHT use things at any given time. It's no joke. Something might sit for a year until inspiration strikes me and I figure out just how to wear it! Jewelry, clothes, shoes - it's an art form really. That explained, can you imagine all the stuff I am hoarding in my costume stash?

In a nutshell - my life is soooooooo goooooood! Kyrie Eliason!

I Love This and That

2009-03-10T19:11:00.006-04:00

I finally opened my precious little Simple. It is a lovely new toy. I wound my very first bobbin on it. Go me! And that tablecloth is not going to be as simple as I thought. It has a border. Eek! Haha. I started cutting fabric for it while Ivy watched all 20 episodes of Caillou On Demand. It won't be difficult, but at least I feel like it's more of a learning experience.

Other new and exciting tidbits:

1.) I am working at the Steel City Con with The Masquerade in April. That is going to be so retardedly fun. I hope I'm there for the 3rd day's costume contest! Homemade costumes only will be eligible. Magnificent! I won't be able to participate because I have to dress up in Masquerade merchandise. I don't have to dress up at all, but I was told I could. We all know that I never pass up the opportunity to dress like a fool. I found a super little pirate costume at the store and I believe it will be my uniform for the weekend. I don't like pirates very much, but it works. The only female Star Wars costume we have right now is Padme Amidala. It is gianormous and pretty fugly, to be honest. My boss made it clear in his own way that I should either dress Star Wars or dress pirate. Pirate wins. There IS a Rainbow Brite costume that I'm sure he would OK (it's a toy show, too) but then I would have to wear a wig...still debating, but leaning towards no.

2.) I made cupcakes today. They are in Spongebob papers with dinosaur shaped sprinkles. Why did I do this? I really have no idea. I just saw Funfetti mix in the baking aisle and had to have it. They're delicious. My co-workers stand to benefit greatly from this.

3.) I am already working on mine and Evan's Halloween costumes. I figure there will be no excuse for a half-assed job if I start now. Then I can start using my sewing skills for something important. Hehe. It's too bad this Con isn't falling later in the year so that we could enter their contest. Our outfits would fit right in.

4.) This is the best news of all. Jon LaJoie is coming to Pittsburgh and we are going. Jen is buying the tickets tonight. She burned me a copy of his CD that she bought. That guy was born with one seriously dominant funny gene. If you haven't heard "Pop Song" then you must listen to it...immediately!

I Love Sewing!

2009-03-08T17:00:00.004-04:00

An in-depth review of sewing's presence in my life...while I wait for my ride...

I have 4 classes under my belt and I am proud to say I have completed one pair of cotton lounging pants. Yeah, I lounge. What of it?

Everyone in the class had to make them, so I made mine distinctly Nicole - bright pink fabric with hearts and skulls and paint splatters all over them. My friend, Tony, was here the night I brought them home and he [jerkwad] said, "Gotta love the 80's!" Guilty as charged. Did you ever see my playlist, conveniently located below? It's one continuous jam after another.

For my next project, I should probably attempt something more challenging. Here's my problem: The thing I need - really NEED - is a tablecloth for the Oddmall. I have this adorable purple fabric with happy little skeletons all over it. NOTE: Halloween fabric already 70% off + an additional 50% off because it was the end of the bolt = happy Nicole. A tablecloth the likes of which I need will certainly be no challenge at all! I suppose I should try something different...maybe with a zipper or a pocket. Tailors and seamstresses of the world unite in laughter at this mere fledgeling with her $100.00 Singer Simple and her big ideas!

Ah, the Singer Simple. The best $100 machine that $100 can buy. I haven't even taken it out of the box yet. I look forward to it, but the time just hasn't been right. Too much other noise going on. I am involved in so many projects right now. I need to finish some things up before I really get involved with it. I have until Thursday because I will need to take it to my next class. I've been using one of theirs and it's fine, but you really should learn on the machine you will be using.

I'm boring myself to tears right now, JSYK. It's not just you. :x

Time for a mandatory DSW meeting. Should be just the thing to jumpstart this lazy Sunday... /sarcasm off>

Have a lovely evening, ladies and germs.

PS, this chick is why I want to learn to sew: MeowKiki Clothing Her stuff is the bees knees.

I Hate Sleep

2009-02-17T13:53:00.005-05:00

I am eating a bowl of chicken rice soup that looks a lot like the stuff they eat in the Matrix. You know, the nastiness that comes out of the spout in the ship's kitchen, igniting a conversation about what tasty wheat tastes like? Looks aside - this is delicious! I think my mom made it. It just appeared in my fridge one day. I'm serious. Really.

On to what I really want to talk about. I have concluded that I could very easily fill all 24 hours of the day with activity. I would like to rise above the need for sleep. I sleep fine, so this is not a bitch about my quality of sleep. I just wish I didn't HAVE to do it. Unfortunately, all possible solutions to this problem are problems themselves:

I could become something unholy, like a zombie or a vampire. But I think even they need to sleep...during the day...and then their nights are pretty much shot by the need to feed and all the time it consumes. Hehe, I said consumes. No pun intended.

Doing drugs is out of the question. Caffeine is about all the stimulant I can handle and it really DOES help. Nevermind the headaches in the AM! It's only a little bit of withdrawal and I have no room to complain about that as far as real addicts are concerned. Yeah, I watch Celebrity Rehab from time to time. It teaches me things. Things like Dr. Drew is not aging. What's his secret, I wonder. Hmmm...

Anyways, there is the robot option. If there were a way to still be me (mind, self, imagination, etc.) but to be somehow superhuman, I would do it in a second. I'm telling you this right now. Consider it a living will. Robocop was still the same guy once he remembered things thanks to his feisty partner who's name escapes me. Data's brother, Lore, had emotions. He was also a major dick, but he had ambition dammit! I could be like that but more on the positive side. Now can someone tell me where to find a real-life Dr. Noonien Soong? Don't worry, nerds, I know that Data and Lore are all robot and nothing like Robocop.

I like the robot option best, but I am sure it is frought with it's own issues. Like the first time I try to pet an animal and crush it by accident. Bah.

Some reasons for my hating the need for sleep lately are:

~I work 2 jobs. This isn't really bad except that I have no semblance of a schedule. No routines for me! And they occupy much of my time. Duh, we all have jobs. I'm not complaining here because I love both jobs. I'm just outlining my reality.

~I have approximately 29,484,638,426,354,826,358,211,325 ideas for jewelry and jewelry-related projects. With the show coming up in May, I have ideas upon ideas upon ideas for things to sell, ways to display, ways to promote it..::::::STROKE:::::::::...it's ok. I'm ok. Shakin' it off. I have them all the time.

~I have a 2-year-old. She is the most amazing human being on the planet and I don't want to miss a second of her little life. I need more time for that. Especially since people steal her from me all the time. Haha. The little bugger has a more active social life than I do!

~I have a social life. 'Nuff said.

~"Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock" says the tearoom countdown clock! When AntiquiTea opens again, I might really have to look into that robot thing! No joke.

So, um, anyone else have that problem? Need more time? Little more time for what you enjoy? Little less work, little more play? Hmmm? I'm sure you do. We all feel this way. I just wonder if I let it get to me more than some. Oh well, I love my life one way or the other. I'm just being all deep and philiosophical right now.

Blah blah blah and a yakkity scmakkity.

I Hate Having Nothing To Say

2009-02-08T16:09:00.000-05:00

Especially when I feel like saying something.

I Love Wes Craven, But...

2009-01-30T10:18:00.004-05:00

The Last House on the Left is rough to watch. It's disturbing with no real redemption as far as being a quality film. I did like the heroin addict guy, though. And the scene when the mom bites the one guy's weiner off is hilarious. Let me just say that it was my MOTHER who told me to watch it. That's pretty funny.

Fear.Net featured Wes Craven for the month of January so Evan and I watched every flick that was free On Demand. We laughed, we cried, we critiqued. It's been a good month. I'm not kidding you when I say that we have spent the last 3 weeks watching random movies. Every night we have watched at least one when Ivy goes to bed. We need it. It's cold out, treacherous to drive, and watching free movies is about all we can afford to do right now. Hehe.

Of all the Wes Craven madness we absorbed, I have to tip my hat the most to The People Under the Stairs. I had seen that a million years ago and was worried that in adulthood I would find that it wasn't as good as I remembered it being. I was wrong. I still love it. I particularly enjoy both of the actors that play "Mommy and Daddy." They make the movie. NOTE: I don't wear hats, so my tipping of one means nothing.

The Wishmaster was a favorite when I was young. My friend, Bernie, and I watched it a million times. It's just pretty to watch. Lot's of great makeup, costumes, and what I like to call "real" special effects. Not all that CG stuff. But Wes wasn't the director on this one. It was Robert Kurtzman, special-effects make-up specialist. Creature features have always been my favorites. Watching it now, I realize that it is a very weak movie aside from the visuals. The best acting was by the guy who played the Wishmaster. I wonder what ever happened to him. I'll have to look into it.

Swamp Thing was dumb. Hehehe. But it was pretty funny to watch and I realize it was supposed to be bad as an homage to the old 50's mad scientist flicks.

The Serpent and The Rainbow was the last one we watched. I cannot really make up my mind on that one. The whole time I was watching it I kept thinking, "I have no idea if I am enjoying this or not." At least it had Lonestar...er, Bill Pullman in it. I guess I will go ahead and say I liked it. Yeah, that seems ok to say. I'm comfortable with saying that. I'll say it again...I liked it.

Other recent viewings include...Donnie Darko (first time, loved it), Batman Begins (love), the other Batman with Heath Ledger (meh, too much hype), Werewolf (old and not that great), Firestarter (never had seen it, it was good), Robocop (bajillionth time watching, always a favorite), The Family Stone (love story *puke*, but still good).

Did you know that I love movies? I don't know if you could infer that from this post so I thought I should mention it. Just in case you're not the sharpest crayon in the box. But, hey, don't feel bad. There are a lot of other uses for dull crayons.

Did someone just say, "get off your ass and do the dishes?"

I Love When Goodness Finds Me

2009-01-20T18:08:00.010-05:00

Today, I received a random convo on Etsy from a fellow named Andy Hopp. He is organizing a nifty "little" craft and art show called The Oddmall. He invited me to secure a booth at said event. I'm so tickled that Mr. Hopp stumbled upon my work and considered it different enough to receive juried approval for the show. His description of the event:

"Oddmall is more than just an ordinary craft show. It's a celebration of uniqueness, creativity, imagination, and wonder where artists, crafters, and like-minded sorts gather to offer their unusual creations for public consumption. It's a forum for creative expression, a classroom for esoteric wisdom, a soapbox for wild ideas, a miraculous marketplace of the unconventional, a metaphorical Serengetian watering hole where the zebras and wildebeests of inspiration and artistry congregate amidst the snapping crocodiles and scorching sunbeams of originality and ingenuity. ...umm yeah. Anyway, it'll be fun. Trust me."

Did I go for it? Hells yeah! Got me a booth at the "Early Worm" price, as they call it. The show is at a Holiday Inn in Hudson, OH. Not too close, not too far. I need to talk to my cousins to see if Evan and I can stay with them. They live in Medina, which isn't far from Hudson.

It's not until May 9th. Plenty of time to make new items and work on my display.

In case you don't understand, THIS IS AWESOME NEWS!!!! I'm always looking for places like this to sell my jewelry. I'm a decent saleswoman, they tell me. I definitely benefit far more from a live show with customer interaction that from any online venue.

Start wishing me luck now. Hell, even if I don't sell a thing, it still looks like a hell of a good time. I'm "2 hells in one sentence" excited right now! WOOHOOOOOOOO!!!

I Love Electric Sheep

2009-01-14T17:46:00.006-05:00

Electric Sheep is the best screen-saver ever! At least once a day I marvel at it while passing my computer. I typically utter some unstoppable little word like "woah." I say it just like Keanu Reeves in Matrix, i've noticed. I mean, it's just that intense. *winks*

This was taken from ElectricSheep.org:

Electric Sheep is a free, open source screen saver created by Scott Draves. It's run by thousands of people all over the world, and can be installed on any ordinary PC or Mac. When these computers "sleep", the screen saver comes on and the computers communicate with each other by the internet to share the work of creating morphing abstract animations known as "sheep". The result is a collective "android dream", an homage to Philip K. Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?.

Anyone watching one of these computers may vote for their favorite animations using the keyboard. The more popular sheep live longer and reproduce according to a genetic algorithm with mutation and cross-over. Hence the flock evolves to please its global audience. You can also design your own sheep and submit them to the gene pool.

I Hate Feeling Blah

2009-01-06T22:11:00.005-05:00

My brain chose to continue working today. Thank God for small favors. A random smattering of my thoughts from the day is in order.

"Diamond rope silver chain
Pretty noose is pretty pain"
~from PRETTY NOOSE by Soundgarden~
THOUGHT: That is one swell way to say that you can't polish a turd. Kudos.

Public Restrooms:
THOUGHT: I have a slight mental dilemma each and every time I try to decide between the large, handicapped stall or the regular sized one. I suppose it depends on if I want to feel snug and cozy or if I just need my space.

Post Office:
THOUGHT(S): I have no problems with turning a flat rate box inside-out and not paying the higher flat-rate fee one effing time! Even though - as the bitch pointed out to me - THEY provided the box and therefore I should pay the appropriate fee. That's what I get for making small talk, during which I told her what I did because I needed the box in a pinch. I have never done that before, so they need to shut the hell up and eat the 2 cents it cost for that box. I spend a lot of money there. Pisses me right off. I took it to another one and made no chit-chat. Guess they couldn't tell after all, bitch face! Yeah, she tried to say she would have known. Pshhhhhhhh. Doubtful.

Thrift Stores:
THOUGHT(s): I find so many uncanny things. For example, I was just telling Evan about the "people movie version" of Alice in Wonderland. I had not thought about it in years! Then today, I am going through a small box of DVDs and I find it. *miracle* Also, I get brand names for less...less than it costs to buy a beer. Beat that, TJ MAXX.

Stevie Wonder
THOUGHT: I really need to listen to more Stevie. The dude is amazing. And Eddie Murphy will sum it up for you here:

I Love Masquerading

2009-01-05T14:46:00.004-05:00

This is why I love my job...

I Love Robocop (And Unicorns)

2008-12-17T19:52:00.004-05:00

This is a pretty good representation of how my mind works.

I Love Selling Jewelry

2008-12-16T11:37:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was the Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas house tour. AntiquiTea purchased three tables this year and my mom was kind enough to allow me a whole table for my jewelry. Whereas the tearoom only did about half as well as last year, I ended up selling a LOT of my things. It was a huge confidence boost. Not to mention I really needed the money! I have two jobs now, but I'm still not even getting 40 hours a week between them both. Actually, I might this week. That's beside the point.

There are 2 obvious reasons for the tearoom's lack of sales. First, we passed out samples of loose tea last year, but not this year. I had made iron-close teabags and enclosed each with a little card telling the flavor, instructions, and our contact info. This allowed us to engage each passer-by. Those who were tea drinkers then proceeded to check out our goods and many of them purchased tea from us. I didn't do that this year. I was preoccupied with the jewelry both before and during the show. I really wish I had time to have prepared for both. We also didn't have our secret weapon this year - Evan. They don't call him "The Mayor" for nothing! He can sell anything and engage anyone's attention. He had originally planned to help again this year, but in the end he didn't feel obligated to do it...certainly not for me. Can't blame him. I don't. His back was messed up on Friday and he had a costume party to go to on Saturday at his brother's place.

I really just wanted to post some photos of things that I sold, but ended up rambling as usual. Haha. Here are pic-a-tures:

I Love My Jobs

2008-12-07T20:14:00.001-05:00

I love my job because my job loves me. They love me so much I am getting a key. I learned (sorta) how to close tonight. Ohhhhhhhhh yeah. They are going to pay me more, too. Nice. The best reason to work at the Masquerade? All the cooooooooooooool stuff I get. My Halloween/costume box is bustin' at the seams. I just scored a pink and black pirate costume. Very sexy. Very handy in the event of a random pirate party. I mean, Bar11 has pimp and ho parties and they have hillbilly hoedowns...why not a pirate party? I'm ready when it happens!

I also work at DSW now. Shoes shoes shoes shoes shoes...mmmmmmm. I need none. I want many. It's a cool second job. I like it. It's only 2 seconds from the Masquerade. I thought I was the old lady at Masquerade working with a bunch of 20-year-olds. Now I feel RIDICULOUSLY old because most of the DSW gals are 16, 17, sometimes 18. It's...interesting. I can't remember being 16 but I'm pretty sure that I was nothing like them at that age. Not the same kind of high school kid. Oh well, they're all nice as pie and cute beyond belief. I'll live.

But, seriously, I'm glad. No, no, really. Good times.

Goodnight.

I Hate Missing Myspace

2008-11-30T19:55:00.005-05:00

I deleted my Myspace account, which is depressing me. I loved Myspace. Yes, I am 15 years old at heart. Haha. Meh, as much as I hated to do it, I had to. I just need to start using my time on the computer for more constructive things! I'm focusing a lot of my energy on jewelry right now. I still have the Freshwater Designs Myspace. Check it out and pass it on. I would love it if you'd add me as a friend, since I lost so many with the deleting of my personal profile.

I'm gladly rekindling my relationship with The Bead Hive. This is an eBay group I have belonged to for a long time. It is comprised of the best damned jewelry and bead makers on eBay (or anywhere online, in my opinion). Sadly, my mindset over the past year has kept me from enjoying many of the things that I love and take pride in. I need to get back to what I know. The best news is that I "rejoined" just in time for them to move the group off of eBay and onto Aimoo. This means one major thing to me...I can finally talk about my frickin' frackin' Etsy site! On an eBay group, you can't even whisper the name "Etsy." *shhhhhhhhh* Not even in a private group, just between members. Nope. For those of us who no longer sell on eBay, it makes such a group far less useful.

Uhm, yeah, I made my signature 2008 holiday piece this past week. With any luck, it will sell at the Old Allegheny Marketplace in mid-December. I'd buy it. Haha.

Oker-dokers. I have to pry myself from the computer because Evan and Ivy are on the way home with feeeeeewd for me. Num-num-num.

I Hate the Past

2008-11-20T20:59:00.003-05:00

I have not been myself for at least a year. I left reality behind in pursuit of a dream - a fairytale about star-crossed lovers - that DID NOT exist. I am now left facing a harsh reality where everything I have ever cared about must be rebuilt. Resolutions have been made to face the future and stop living in the past.

Incredibly, my husband has not abandoned me in this. Quite the contrary. He has proven (not that proof was needed) to be the best friend I have and to love me, indeed, for better or for worse. I've never been worse...and it's hard to imagine I could ever do worse.

The future is unclear. Certainly there is no going back to a better time. There is only moving on. There is only starting over. Ultimate challenge needs ultimate determination.

The past year's behavior has left me an empty shell. I have little confidence, a failing identity, a raging obsession that needs stifled, and a WHOLE LOT OF APOLOGIES TO MAKE! This is all my doing and there is no one else to blame. I'll do like I always do and deal with it.

Thanks to everyone for their love and support! You know who you are.

I Love 80's Videos With a New Twist

2008-10-11T12:13:00.001-04:00

I Love Overloads

2008-10-10T13:04:00.003-04:00

Hey folks. I have been busy as hell. I started that new job last week and I've ended up working pretty much full-time hours. Good thing is that it's easy as pie. Everyone is cool and it feels like I've always been there. Temptation is great because there is so damned much I want! I am always working over on the Bliss Avenue side where the fitting rooms are. It's the home of all the sexy costumes, lingere, stripper clothes, corsets (LOVE), and adult novelty stuff. Without trying to sound too much like a pig - I have a lot of things that I want from there. Everything but stripper gear, basically.

On top of going from 0-to-full-time in seconds, I have Halloween to think about. The costumes are coming along swimmingly. Just a few more embellishments and mine will be done. I've been staying up late to finish up those and a bunch of jewelry projects.

I just finished the wedding jewelry for Brittani. That's one major accomplishment that I am glad to strike off the list. You know I don't mind doing it, it's just a great satisfaction to be done with it and to know that she likes it.

Speaking of the wedding...uhm, haha, nothing really. It's Brittani that should probably talk about that. All I need to do is get my dress once it's finished. I get to wear the terra cotta color. Rock my socks. The only color better than orange is purple and since there is no purple in the wedding, I feel lucky to rock the color known to attract crazy people.

Probably the most important thing happening this month is Ivy's birthday. The party this year will be a fraction of last years size. I don't know what I was thinking last year. It was such a big ordeal - though awesome and fun - that I didn't even dress up for Halloween. It hurts to think of such a thing. This year is very different and I am off of my 2 year holiday hiatus (the year before last I just had Ivy, so there was no hope of Halloween happening). Did I just come full-circle back to Halloween? I believe I did.

Still waiting on Evan to tell me what the hell he wants to do for his b-day (a day before Ivy's). I've gotten no response. We'll probably just go out somewhere local if I had to guess. Cool with me.

Until next time...

I Love Skull-A-Day

2008-09-26T12:12:00.006-04:00

I shouldn't be wasting time on this right now. I should be doing something productive. *gag*

I love the Skull-A-Day blog. Thank you, Tony, for turning me on to it last year. This artist (his name escapes me right now) made or found one skull every day for a whole year. By the end of the 365 days, the blog was so popular that he chose to go for another year. This time, it is everyone else that makes the skull crap and submits it to him. I made a jewelry submission (naturally) for them.

Oh, and I start working at the Masquerade store in Robinson on Monday! Woo-hoo! Can't wait. Pffffff, who gets excited to work? Haha. There are so many things that I want from there for Halloween that I doubt I'll actually take any money away from the place.

Anyways, come visit me. That's an order!

I Love The Obey House

2008-09-24T19:33:00.005-04:00

Yes, I realize it's a dive bar. But Mark loves what he does and I always respect that! I was perusing their calendar, hoping to plan some Bad Movie Monday adventures when I came across something astounding:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22

RO-SHAM-BO
"THROWDOWN AT THE 'O' "
A ROCK-PAPER-SCISSORS CONTEST

16 WILL ENTER. 1 WILL WIN
WINNER RECEIVES A
PHANTOM OF THE ATTIC
$25.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE.
LOSERS CAN ONLY DREAM
OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.
BEER WILL BE INVOLVED. SO SIGN UP NOW.

Can someone please go to this with me? I am more than dead serious!

I Hate The Real ID!

2008-09-22T15:41:00.003-04:00

And I've ALWAYS hated it! And I always WILL hate it!

Real ID

It's mind-numbing.

I Love Sifl & Olly

2008-09-18T18:53:00.003-04:00

I loved this show. It was so crescent fresh.

I Love When TP Sticks to My Shoe

2008-09-16T15:44:00.004-04:00

Hmmmmmm...let's see. What's been going on with me?

A bunch of us went to the Steel City Big Pour at Construction Junction on Saturday. That was a crazy three hours of some insanely good beer tasting. The place was HUGE! It was a great set up. Thanks to Def Jef for tipping us off to it. We saw That Guy and his lovely wife at the event. Always a pleasure. They were there representing their place of employment and doing a fine job.

Does it make me an alcoholic that I came home, slept off that particular buzz, and awoke to drink until 3AM with Brent, Brittani and their friends from out-of-town? It does? Good, I was hoping so.

FUNNY STORY ALERT: I walked out of the restroom with TP on my shoe at one point while there. There were huge lines, so it was pointless to try and hide it. I laughed and cracked a couple of jokes to those who noticed. The best part was when this goofy chick turned around and let out this high-pitched squeal followed by, "Oh my GOD! You have toilet paper stuck to your shoe!!!" Brilliant! Thanks, bitch. I don't get embarrassed by things like that, so I had no personal desire to beat the dumb broad. For all those who would have been embarrassed by such a thing, I wanted to head-butt her and make her cry.

Sunday was Brittani's bridal shower. Things went well. It was nice to see all of the Freshwater cousins that I don't see often. Ivy was there, charming everyone's pants off. She loves a party, just like her parents. It's in the blood.

Sunday night, we "watched" the Steelers game here. Of course, we had no power for most of it. There were a lot more people here than I originally expected, too. 11 of us if I remember correctly. Those who cared about the game sat huddled around the laptop until its battery died. Then they went to tailgate in Evan's truck. I was not among them. I just like to drink beer and hang out. That's the extent of my sports interest.

GOOD NEWS ALERT: I get my wisdom teeth out on Friday. I seriously cannot wait. Insurance was a big waste of time since they're only covering 200 out of the 1400 dollar cost. Joy. I never should have waited. In all honesty, I should have inquired more thoroughly about it. I was being lazy. My bad. They're coming out. That's all that matters to me now.

Last week I applied for a job at the Masquerade costume store in Robinson. The guy was nice and seemed to imply that he foresaw no reason not to hire me once he got through all of his upcoming interviews. I hope that happens. The biggest reason is that I love Halloween more than I love most things. I've already been working on costumes for a month. On the real, though, I just need money and I can't really commit to anything long-term because EVENTUALLY I will have a tearoom to return to. They need seasonal help and I need seasonal work. Dig it, man.

Speaking of Halloween, who wants to guess who Ivy is being?!?!?!?

Here's your clue:

Does anyone recognize their blog in the background?

I Love Jon Lajoie

2008-09-12T00:53:00.002-04:00

Yeah, this guy has about 10 videos that crack me the hell up. I posted "Sunday Afternoon" a while back. I no doubt posted it on a Sunday. I am so clever, don't you think?

Here is one I love:

I Love Flash Gordon

2008-09-10T00:30:00.003-04:00

Uhm, everyone should see this movie. I made no mistake by watching it the other night. It's free on demand, people! What's better than a football fight? Seriously? No, seriously!

"Are your men on the right pills?"

Respectfully submitted,

Nicole Freshwater

I Love Old Music Videos

2008-08-31T09:37:00.001-04:00

Sorry that it wasn't really Chevy singing, Tabby! Hehehe

I Love The Randomizer

2008-08-29T23:43:00.006-04:00

I can't remember exactly what "The Randomizer" does, but I'll be damned if I don't want to play some Toejam & Earl right now to find out. I dare the Nerd Herd to try and run me over tonight!

I CONQUERED my food safety class test today. Who studies? Bite me, ACHD.

The Monterey Pub is a nice place to meet Phillipino guys named Michael who can be both hyper-intelligent and a fellow fan of the movie, "Mean Girls."

I love the peaceful feeling I get on the Mexican War Streets. That is, I will until I get shot there.

I am growing closer to becoming farther from my wisdom teeth. Joy.

I totally forgot about the deaf chick, Linda, from Sesame Street.

Heart is still one of my favorite bands. While I prefer 70's Heart to 80's Heart, I really can't argue with "Never" or "Alone."

I miss the old Phishin days. Friends, drugs, makeshift tents, naked people making grilled cheese outside of their school bus, feeling like the whole concert was a giant spaceship destined to return me to my home planet - all gold, my loves, all gold!

The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack is the finest new kids cartoon. I love adventure! And candy!

I now feel the need to join my husband, brother-and-law, and my BFF on the back porch to hear what battle of male wits is taking place out there.

I grok that beer is goodness.

Goodnight.

I Love This Email

2008-08-27T19:16:00.003-04:00

A girlfriend of mine sent this email to me and several other gals, including her mother. That pushed it over the edge into poetry for me. Kudos to the author, who is now my hero of the day.

"OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"so one of you sluts is a HUGE benedict arnold!!! i had a dream last night that one of you whores (not sure which one cause i couldn't see the beotchs face) left your significant other to be with someone else??? and you wanted to introduce the new hottie (and i mean the hottest guy ever) at your next pool party (the pool situation is making me lean towards one individual already) anyway so everyone arrives at the bbq/pool party and i'm the last to get there of course, and the secret lover is none other then my true love JAMES GARNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HUGE BETRAYAL HUGE!!!!!!!! i mean that is just way below the belt ladies, if it was [her man's name] that one of you prostitutes would have taken then there might just have been words over it, BUT I'LL STAB A BITCH FOR JAMES!!!!!!!!!!!! FESS UP HUSSIES!!!! and i find it peculiar that one of you is pregs and the affair was a secret for months before the pool party???"

My friend was a big fan of The Rockford Files, as you can see.

Now off for some Dairy Queen to numb my face.

I Hate I Hate I Hate ( I Love Ranting)

2008-08-23T01:08:00.005-04:00

It's been an interesting (and annoying) couple of days. I donned my "hat of neighborhood pride" to attend a West View planning meeting last night. Today, I spent 8 hours in a food safety class, bored out of my skull. Both have only added more fuel to the Libertarian fire that is Nicole.

I have a business in West View. It's a lovely little town with a lot of heart and history. They're in need of certain appearance "upgrades." This is what the meeting was about. The hired architects made their presentation to the few of us business owners (very few) and residents (even fewer) who bothered to show up. It was nothing but good ideas. Not a surprise there, since this was a private business trying to please a client in the ultimate attempt to get paid. That's always a good dynamic that I stand behind.

I made some observations:

These improvements to the town will be pricey. The only hope of securing funds is to apply for government grants. This is sickening to me, as this money should have remained in the town to begin with. Taxes are paid to the Federal government and so these things become a government concern. But why should they care about the little town of West View? No reason, which is why they don't. But we will jump through these hoops and beg them for our money anyway, because the money is no longer in the hands of those that know how to use it. If I am not allowed to take my neighbor's money and make him beg me to have it back, then why is the government allowed to do it? Someone please explain it to me. I'm dying for an answer that I know doesn't exist.

The architect kept making references to "ordinances and codes." To make the town look better, maybe we need to "tighten up" on these things. This was his suggestion. He repeated the sentiment several times throughout his presentation. My curiosity is simple. If the current ordinances and codes aren't cutting it, then what in the world would make anyone think that "tightening them up" will make a difference? They aren't respected now, and they won't be respected even after tons of taxpayer money is dumped into this suggested "tightening." My suggestion? If we are so annoyed with these run down properties, why don't we go and offer to help fix them up or raise money to buy them? It's worth a try, right? It's called personal responsibility. Not much left, anymore.

When people are paying taxes, they expect action for the things that THEY care about. While this is understandable, it is rarely a reality. Uncle Sam is a poor businessman who cares little for customer service. One fellow at the meeting was irritated that one of his neighbors was letting some property go to shit. He voiced this to one official who proceeded to squirm while working up a satisfactory response. The government man explained all of the procedures and all of the paperwork to the resident. The resident became agitated and suggested that MORE needed to be done. Why doesn't this resident offer to help his neighbor? Because he is required by law to pay his government to take care of it. And it doesn't get taken care of. What is going on here? It's simple, but I don't think too many people get it. If you're not following me by now, you are hopeless.

Next subject:

The Allegheny County Health Department requires businesses like my AntiquiTea to certify members of their staff in food safety. Why? Well, I learned the pathetic and laughable reasons today in my 8 hours of hell! Only 8 hours more to go next Friday.

I learned a statistic today. 5000 people in the US die from food borne illness each year. This statistic was presented to me in such a way that it should strike fear into my heart. My reaction was a simple, "So what?" That's called nature, people! Many of those unfortunates were probably elderly or had weakened immune systems to begin with (they were on their way out). Sorry, I lack compassion. Whatever. People die. There are worse ways to go than from food poisoning.

I also learned something else. Outbreaks are on the increase. There have been several recent bacterial outbreaks caused by foods that were once considered harmless. What does this say to me? It says I don't need to be sitting there all day wasting my time! It says that all of their attempts at educating us for prevention have amounted to nothing! Bad things are going to happen, whether we try to avoid them or not. Accept it and move on.

I sat and listened to a couple of freaky, germophobic health inspectors tell me anecdotes about how they are screwing up their children in their war against bacteria. One told a story about how she overheard her son ask if he could lick the batter bowl from some cookies and, remembering that they used several raw eggs (*gasp*) in the recipe, she ran full speed, dropping a half-changed baby on her husband, to prevent her son from eating the batter. She was proud to realize that her son now has an aversion to eating cookies of any type. Stupid government puppet.

I prayed for deadly food poisoning while I ate my lunch.

The moral of this story is that I don't need the government to tell me any of the following things:
~Washing my hands is a good idea.
~Cleaning food before using it in my resturaunt is a good idea.
~Storing food at safe temps is a good idea.
~Wearing seatbelts is a good idea.
~Not wearing helmets is stupid.
~Driving drunk or recklessly is a bad idea.
~Smoking is a stupid thing to do to your lungs and it annoys others.
~Drugs are bad, mmm'kay?

Jesus Christ in a water bottle, I fucking hate people!

I Love Squirrels

2008-08-20T00:05:00.005-04:00

And I haven't seen nearly enough of them this year.

I Hate Living Statues

2008-08-15T19:41:00.004-04:00

I'm in Columbus, oh joy. My Mom and I are here on a mini buying trip for the shop. I am amazed at how smoothly everything went. Here in under 3 hours, a focused 4 hours at the marketplace, checked into the hotel by 6, fed by 7, and ready for bed! Yeah, it's 8. Whatever, I'm tired. Too bad I'll still probably be up until midnight. I hope I remembered my book.

Tomorrow, we just need to go back to the stores we want to order from and be on our way back to the 'Burgh. I'll be back in plenty of time for Adam's birthday carnival. I accidentally stumbled upon 2 super presents at a rest stop earlier. I won't say what they are in case he's snooping around in here.

I saw the creepiest thing ever today. There was a living statue in one of the shop doorways. I have to admit I was completely fooled. When he moved, I all but ran away. I mean, we were heading somewhere else anyways, but I definitely picked up the pace. Haha. We stopped within his sight to do someting and he kept waving at me! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Freaked me the hell out. A worker told me that he's infamous and extremely well-payed. It's definitely an incredible art, but not one to which I will ever get close enough for full appreciation.

I Love Yet Another Fun Weekend

2008-08-12T16:32:00.003-04:00

I had a blast this weekend...as usual!

Friday was a small party for Robb's b-day. Thanks to Jen for hosting. I encountered a disappointment that led me to the realization that I have it pretty good. I have this lamp that I got at Target. Several times, Robb has mentioned that he likes it. That was my super gift idea for his b-day because he's not the easiest friend to buy for. I went to Target only to discover that the bastard is DISCONTINUED. Freaking thing is still displayed up on the shelf. Grrrrrr. I was heartbroken. So, I settled for the Metalocalypse DVD, which he loved anyway. But, yeah, if that is a major let down in my book, then I should never complain. Hold me to it! Just cut me some slack if I'm hormonal, because then shit is totally whacked in my dome.

Saturday was a fundraiser party at the Concordia Club in Carnegie. My friend's little sis has cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. I can't afford our meager medical bills, so I can imagine how expensive this all must be for them. They had a golf outing which raised over 6 thousand dollars! That's incredible. A bunch of us made it down to the club for an after-party. There were remnants of a chinese auction and also a donation box, so I hope they raised lots more by the end of the night. It was a really great time and kinda like highschool reunion - take two. I saw a lot of folks I haven't seen in years, including an old neighbor of mine that I haven't seen since we were 7. He was hammered and hilarious. I swear to God he must have given me a thousand high fives for being so "cool and fun." I wasn't paying much attention to him, honestly, and kept sneaking away when I could. Poor kid seems to have no concept of "personal space." Haha. Whatever, good times.

Sunday was the Poison concert. After the late night on Saturday, I was astonished at how flawlessly we pulled together a tailgate. Guess that's what happens when a bunch of people have been partying together for so many years. The fun-sectors of our brains have psychically fused into a party machine. Evan even used the carpet remnant - until now a permanent fixture on our front porch - to line his truck. It was truly maximum comfort. The show itself would have been a lot more enjoyable, but it was cold and rainy...and some of us were chemically enhanced...shhhhh, don't tell. The government would have you believe we aren't capable of making such decisions for ourselves. I actually enjoyed Dokken's show more than Poison. Bret had "laryngitis." Evan swears that was the story last time he saw them. Speaking of Evan, he rocked his little heart out through all the cold and the rain. I didn't realize how big of a Poison fan he had been in youth. Pretty cute, actually.

I Love Makin' Necklaces

2008-08-05T22:31:00.002-04:00

Here are the other things I made last week. Honestly, nothing I am in love with. Making things just makes me happy. Can't all be masterpieces.

For Summer, before it's gone...

For the kids...

To keep cool in the heat...

Mmmm...jewelry.

I Hate My Boring Mailbox

2008-08-03T23:07:00.003-04:00

I pretty much love all of these and would proudly sport them in my yard. Especially the blue mannequin, though she would be better if she were purple. And the R2D2 may not be a personal mailbox, but I feel that it had to be posted.

I Love Looking Like a Kid

2008-08-02T00:31:00.004-04:00

I met my new favorite person today. His name is Dan. The older I get, the nicer it is to hear that I look like a youngster. Earlier today, I was working with this fellow delivery driver that I had not yet met. Unlike the two fellas that I work with on a regular basis, this one is a regular chatty-Kathy. Somehow, age came up. I said I was 29 and he freaked out. If I had perceived the slightest bit of bullshit, I wouldn't have taken it as a compliment. It seemed to be a sincere shock. Haha. Cute kid...I think I'll keep him.

On Wednesday I went to see the Titanic artifact exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center Sports Works. It's incredible, go see it. I command you. My Mom has been talking about it since she first sniffed on the air that it was coming to the 'Burgh. Now, I knew that she had a Titanic obsession with all things Titanic, but I had no clue the extent of her knowledge. I must admit; I was impressed! She was spitting knowledge at me left and right. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but I learned more from her than from the exhibit itself. My Mom is amazing.

The best thing about this week is that I actually got back into my jewelry cave of wonders. I made a few new things, but mostly just fixed things for people. I'm good like that. It might take me 2 years to do it, but I will fix your broken jewels. My favorite new piece is called "Pulse." I love purple. I even snuck a skull in there.

I Love Sunday

2008-07-27T10:32:00.002-04:00

I Love The X-Files

2008-07-27T00:31:00.004-04:00

Evan and I went to see the X-Files movie today. I didn't plan it. Just suggested it and it happened. Ivy was at a party with Brent & Brittani, so we took advantage of the freedom.

I'm not going to try and say it was that great of a movie, but I hearts me some X-Files! It made me happy. I looked at Evan before it started and said, "I feel like I am about to be reunited with my first true love." Seriously, people, I have a cat named Mulder. It was kinda sad to see my beloved David Duchovny looking so much older. *Sigh* Whatev' - still delicious.

My complaint is pretty simple. It was like watching a 2-hour long X-Files and wishing that it was a better episode. I can think of several episodes that had better stories than this movie had. Acting and directing and all that was fine, don't get me wrong. I guess I was just hoping for some more conspiracy-oriented stuff. Side note - I dug that it was set in harsh West Virginian winter but came out in the dead of summer. Instant air-conditioning, like singing Christmas carols to cool off.

Now I need to hunt down my fellow X-Files lovers because I have some questions about how the show ended. I stopped watching right before the last season. Things never work out when a main character wants to leave a show. When DD wanted to leave, they should have ended it right. Instead, it went out without a bang...kinda dwindled away. It was a sad ending to one of the most legendary Sci-Fi shows ever made.

I Love My Actual Birthday

2008-07-25T10:26:00.003-04:00

I'm officially older now. This was a legendary year of birthday fun for me. I actually took it easy on Monday. I chilled with Ivy all day, watched cartoons, colored like a goddess, and played the part of the tickle monster. It was a good performance.

Tuesday was wings at the Hop House. Eh, that's always good lovin' fun with the crew. Everyone left pretty early, so I got to lay low and save up my energy for "TRUE BIRTHDAY 2008."

TB2008 began with a meetup of Me, Evan & Tony at Nunny's. Evan had this delusion that he might do some work and not come out. When I saw the scotch in his hand, I knew he would be easy to crack. Tony brought me some flowers and a book for Ivy. Haha. I have this vision of him standing in this big room full of books - looking around and deciding which one to bring. I swear that he has a new book for me, Evan or Ivy every time we see him. He's a masterful, gift-giving guru. The three of us (Evan = no willpower) headed down to the Sharp Edge to meet up with Missy & Co. Mikey J came, too.

Missy & Co. didn't arrive until after 10. When they did, they rolled in with cupcakes (delicious), a card (hilarious), a huge birthday bee balloon (adorable), and a framed picture of the last time we all hung out. Nice surprises all around! I have incredible friends. We hung there until they literally kicked us out (they close @ midnight). Since they had gotten there so late, we decided to head to the Hop House for a few more beers. By that time we were pretty lit from the hearties at the Edge. I really just remember laughing my ass off for 2 hours with Missy, her boyfriend Mike, and her brother Alex.

Perfect end to "BIRTHDAY WEEK 2008." Thanks again, everyone!

I Love Amazing Weekends with my Amazing Friends!

2008-07-21T13:24:00.007-04:00

Saturday was my birthday party. I had more fun than I have had in years! A lot of us met up at Amanda and Adam's place before we went out. Amanda is preggers, so she didn't come out with us. Understandable. She was kind enough to host the cake and present party (which we still do for everyone's birthdays because we rock). Tabby wasn't able to come out with us, but she made it to Amanda's so I got to see her (awesome). I got some super presents. Pee-Wee's Playhouse DVDs, Kindergarten Cop, Deathklok shirt, skull shirt, gift cards, a visor cd holder (long story), and an awesome cutting board thing that is made from an Absolut Vodka bottle (I collect the ads). After a rousing game of "beat the giant beach ball around the yard for an hour until it gets stuck in a tree," we went to get our drink on.

We all went down to Bar11. I am enamored with that place and would go there a lot if I could. They give you toys and candy - two of my favorite things. Thanks to Evan, Jen, Rachel, Jeff, Adam, Brent, Brittani, Robb and Toni for rolling down there with me to celebrate my monumental birth. Thanks to Bruno for being there, waiting for us. He gave me one of his 3-D underwater scenes! He's so sweet. Hart, Mindy, Gina (Greg), Rachael, Adam, Mike, Tony, Alex, Jason, and Marissa all showed up for the fun, too. It was such an epic blast! I want to go back - SOON!

Saturday night, there were murmurs of a possible demolition party happening @ Nunny's house on Sunday afternoon. After luring Jen into hangover breakfast, I made her go up there to see if it was really happening. We walked in to find Jeff, Toni, Robb and Evan tearing shit up. Apparently, we were fashionably late. Brent, Brittani, Mike, Tony and Alex all eventually joined us. Lots of things got done and lots of beer got consumed. I had a retardedly good time with everyone. Sitting on the deck with Alex, Jeff and Jen was like highschool all over again. It's great to hook back up with old friends like Alex and realize there is still so much fun to be had.

I'm taking it easy today. My birthday celebration isn't over until Wednesday, I have decided. Tomorrow I plan to go to wings with everyone @ the Hop House. That's always too much fun. Haha. On Wednesday, I am going to try and get together with my girl, Missy. She works weekends, so she didn't make it out on Saturday. Maybe the Sharp Edge will be in order.

Thanks to everyone for making this weekend so much fun! I love you guys.

I Love Weird Al

2008-07-16T12:26:00.001-04:00

He'll always be the funniest guy in the world to me!

I Love/Hate The Vegematic

2008-07-15T16:12:00.003-04:00

What is the Vegematic? Read this to find out before proceeding to the next paragraph.

Crazy, confusing story alert! Evan had to go to Philly to help his brother's girlfriend move here. They had rented a Penske truck that Brent wasn't comfortable driving, so Evan was elected to do it. Whichever vehicle that Evan took to Philly would have to be driven back by Brent. Brent can't drive a stick, so that left out Evan's truck. So, he took my car. I can't drive a freaking stick, either. Not wanting to be stuck here with no car, I asked if I could borrow my Dad's car, the "Veg," in exchange for Evan's truck. No problemo.

Problemo! On the way back from Philly, my car blew a brake line (that was yesterday). I had to deliver pies this morning, so I just used the ole' Veggie-Mobile. It was ridiculous. I have never driven a more sluggish car! Holy Jesus. It was hilarious when I went the wrong way on a long, mountainous road...had to turn around and put-put-put all the way back to the other end. People were so pissed. Hehehe, I hate people so it all worked out. Plus, nothing beats a free gas day.

:D

I Love My Birthday

2008-07-14T10:30:00.003-04:00

I feel like now that the weekend has ended, I can unleash my birthday excitement. We're going to Bar11 on Saturday. I have, surprisingly, never been there. All friends who a - share my silly, childish ideas of fun or b - know me at all tell me I would love it.

Since it is usually kind of difficult to get the crew outside of the general area on a regular basis, I am playing the birthday card. Not that I'm talking shit! It makes sense for us all to stay local since we all live in the same vicinity. Plus, most of us are "accounted for" so we aren't exactly in need of much diversity. And who needs the headache of coordinating anything when you KNOW that the important folks will always go to the Hop House? You say be there - and they are there. Easy peasy.

But since it's my birthday, I want to break free of the routine.

That Guy, consider this your invitation. :D

I Hate Waiting

2008-07-12T19:28:00.002-04:00

I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored.

I am sick of sitting here! I know like 5 people (at least) are coming over, but I am sick of waiting. Somebody call me a waaaaaaaahmbulance.

Been sitting here all day - doing laundry, dishes, cleaning, entertaining Ivy, watching Sesame Street, rescuing a giant groundhog from my mad dogs. You know, the usual. Now I need some beer and some company - in that order. Is that too much to ask? Hehe.

I Love Remodeling Parties

2008-07-10T23:23:00.004-04:00

Being married to a self-employed construction worker has its ups and downs. Biggest down = no steady cash flow (though this can be good when you get a lot of $$$ at once). Biggest up = his uber skillz in remodeling homes.

His work has commenced at Nunny's. I arrived on Sunday to find Evan and Adam tearing the shit out of the attic. That's going to have to be our room because there are only 2 bedrooms on the first floor. One for Ivy and one for me to work in. Said attic was originally divided into 2 small bedrooms and a center hallway alcove thingamawhatzit. They tore it all apart and made it one big room. It's pretty badass. Plenty of room for a bathroom with some freestanding tub action.

Every night spent "working" there has turned into a social event. If it's a Freshwater establishment, you know there's going to be beer in the fridge, right? People just seem to stop by when they see our cars. It's been nothing but good times.

Gooooood times.

I Hate Flaky Videos

2008-07-09T14:38:00.004-04:00

That last post's video is messing up, so here's another...

I Love Tesla Coils

2008-07-08T22:27:00.004-04:00

While enjoying wings tonight, Dr. Robb tipped me off to this bit of geeky goodness. I am enamored with Tesla Coils and this just kicked my ass!

I Love Camels

2008-07-06T13:07:00.005-04:00

Did you know that?

I Hate Not Knowing What I Would Do

2008-07-05T10:45:00.006-04:00

I wasted 4 years and an assload of money studying Psychology, only to learn that people are idiots. I stumbled upon an article that reminded me of this classic experiment.

********************************

The Asch Conformity Experiment (1953)
The Setup: Solomon Asch wanted to run a series of studies that would document the power of conformity, for the purpose of depressing everyone who would ever read the results.
Subjects were told that they would be taking part in a vision test, along with a handful of people. The participants were then shown pictures, and individually asked to answer very simple and obvious questions. The catch was that everybody else in the room other than the subject was in on it, and they were were told to give obviously wrong answers. So would the subject go against the crowd, even when the crowd was clearly and retardedly wrong?

The Result: Questions the subjects were asked were like the puzzle shown here:

All they had to do was say which line on the right matched the one on the left. As you can see, Asch wasn't exactly asking these people to design the next space station. Really, the only way you could get the line questions honestly wrong is if you took two doses of LSD that morning and rubbed them directly on your eyeballs (which would have made for an even more awesome experiment, but we're getting off the point).
Yet, sadly, 32 percent of subjects would answer incorrectly if they saw that three others in the classroom gave the same wrong answer. Even when the line was plainly off by a few inches, it didn't matter. One in three would follow the group right off the proverbial cliff.

What This Says About You: Imagine how much that 32 percent figure inflates when the answers are less black and white. We all tend to laugh with the group even when we didn't get the joke, or doubt our opinion we realize ours is unpopular among our group. So much for those lectures you got in elementary school about peer pressure and "being brave enough to be yourself."
"Well, it's a good thing I'm a rebellious non-conformist," many of you are saying. Of course, for virtually all of you, the next step is to find out what the other non-conformists are doing ...
... and make sure you conform to it perfectly.

********************************
Check out the whole article! It's hilarious.

I Love Sterilizing My Body

2008-07-03T00:01:00.003-04:00

Bring on those sweet, sweet antibiotics! I have another huge infection in my gums. As a result, I have taken far too much ibuprofen lately and caused myself some gastritis, or a wearing on my stomach lining. That's what caused my "food poisoning." Shut up! I'm not a doctor, ok? At least I know enough anatomy to realize that the problems were in my stomach. At this point, I can't even take a tylenol without major discomfort. So, it's no pain relief for me while my face is on fire. I will be very cheerful tomorrow as I hand over my most recent Keflex prescription. Eating is pretty much one of my favorite things in the world and these wisdom teeth have sucked all the joy out of it. Wah!

How many days are left until September 4th? I can't count that high.

I Love Making the Top 10

2008-06-29T23:18:00.002-04:00

The most recent (August 2008) issue of Victorian Homes Magazine includes an article titled, "Victorian Homes' Top 10 Tea Rooms: Discover the best places to find the perfect brew-and more." It encompasses the entire nation, and we made the list! It's an incredible honor. Here is what they had to say:

Patricia Knouse and her daughter, Nicole Freshwater, joined forces to open AntiquiTea two years ago. It's a partnership that has proven successful, with jewelry designer Nicole running the dining room and gift shop, and Patricia in the kitchen. "We just love making our guests happy here," Knouse says. "I always invited friends for tea and love anything to do with it - the fine china, serving styles. I just love the daintiness, the elegance of the tea service." AntiquiTea is situated in an early-1900s house. "The lady who grew up here is one of our customers," Knouse says. But the shop has proven so successful that they will soon be moving to an old farmhouse in the town of West View, just a mile away.

It's wonderful that this article came out during our down-time. Hopefully, it will serve as a reminder that we will be back! And we can't wait!

I Love Huge Messes

2008-06-27T16:05:00.003-04:00

I spent all day Monday rooting through more junk at Nunny's. I'm trying to get the attic totally cleaned out because that is where Evan wants to start remodeling. It's not too bad. There wasn't much up there. The tough thing is going to be packing up all of my Dad's old Lionel trains. He has a huge built-in table up there with a whole crazy setup. Those things are worth a fortune! *cha-ching* There's my new bathroom. (Sike?)

Yesterday, I delivered pizzas! Good times. My friend, Rachel, actually bought the Vocelli's Pizza on route 60 that we both worked at in high school. It was Pizza Outlet then. Yep, she's been there for 11 years. While I'm not getting paid by the tearoom all Summer, we both thought it would work out for me to cover a couple of lunches each week.

What I want to know about Vocelli's is who the hell Vocelli is? I know for a fact that the company is still owned and operated by the Turkish family who started it - the Ablaks. There isn't a thing Italian about the company and there never was. I find the new name hilarious.

In recent news, I am filthy. I'm covered in soot from the tearoom. My Dad just keeps gutting shit! I headed out today to sort through some things and organize the randomness. Most things are covered in a fine layer of black dust thanks to his recent round of demolition. I'm a dirty mess. First I intend to savor this beer I'm drinking for as long as I can before showering. I earned it.

Over lunch, I offered my services (however limited) to what he is doing. Surprisingly, he started rattling off horrible, time consuming jobs that I could do to save him the hassle. I'm glad to help any way I can so it looks like I will be training for the shop-vac Olympic team next week.

Oh, and I made something this week. Geekery is collectible, you see, and so is jewelry...

The Answer

I Love This Story

2008-06-25T12:10:00.004-04:00

Here's a little story that I will be adding to every eBay CD auction soon to be posted under my account...

***************************************************
The True Story Behind the CDs:

My brother, Mikey, is Autistic with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He has a massive collection of CDs, which he handles with extreme care.

One day, he was sorting and stacking many of them on our parents’ kitchen table. Our Dad wanted to have a quick bite to eat at the table, and debate arose over whether or not he could move any of the CDs to make a little room. Mikey was, of course, concerned that something might “get onto or damage” his CDs. This is not a joke. That is how obsessively he cares for his things. When my brother left the CDs unattended for a while, my Dad proceeded to eat at the table, taking great care not to disrupt the carefully arranged piles of music. Dad was simply thinking that Mikey would never know, and that what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him – or his CDs.

Unfortunately, Dad got busted! Mikey wouldn’t use them after that. There were over 100 CDs on the table that day. Some weren’t even opened and most had barely been used. It seems a shame to let them go to waste, so I am selling them for him. Hopefully, I can raise enough money for him to replace some.

What’s the point of this little story? Simply to explain how I can guarantee that any CDs I sell here on eBay are in near perfect condition.

***************************************************

That's a true story! Cross my heart and hope to die. I doubt anyone on eBay will believe it, though. At any rate, I can't think of a better reason for someone to trust the condidtion of an item than it having been owned by someone with hardcore OCD.

I'm selling them to help out. I hate posting auctions for other people, but for I'll make an exception for my bro.

:D

I Hate Annoying Pains

2008-06-24T18:36:00.003-04:00

I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with me. Yesterday, my stomach started to cramp. Constant, annoying, nagging, pissing-me-the-hell-off pain. Except after I eat anything. Then I feel glorious. This has happened to me before. It was a while ago, but not long enough ago. That time, I almost took myself to the hospital. After about 3 days, it passed. Is it food poisoning of some kind? The world may never know, because unless I'm dying, you can bet I am not going to wait hours at the ER. Maybe, just maybe, I will go to the doctor tomorrow. Maybe not. I don't even know who the hell to go to. It's been so long.

To make matters worse, one of my blasted wisdom teeth is making a valiant effort to go where it is not wanted. Hehe, actually I want them to get to where they should be, but the other teeth are saying, "Sorry fellas, no more room. It's crowded enough in here already." I'm stuck with them kinda half in and trying to muscle themselves all the way into the party. I had an infection about a month or so ago. I half expect that this is another one. Perhaps I will be lucky and it will die down like it usually does. Everytime this happens, it hurts like HELL. I can't shut my mouth all the way, or open it up very far. So annoying. I have to make it until September 4th before my insurance will cover the extractions. Stupid 4 month waiting period that I didn't know about. Yeah, I'm an idiot and didn't add dental insurance to our plan until it got to the unbearable point. When the waiting is over, I will be waiting outside of the surgeon's office wearing a party hat and blowing on noisemakers. I'm thinking of wearing this T-shirt to the surgery:

I Love Gina

2008-06-23T17:01:00.005-04:00

I have a life-long friend named Gina. Our Moms have been best friends since they were 16. So there was no hope of us not at least knowing each other. Knowing doesn't always mean loving, but I love me some Gina. Today brought me one more reason. As I have just become aware, she likes The Freshwater Files. Who wouldn't, right? Then again, she has always had good taste.

As I was saying, Gina read my post about finding the Sci-Fi Stories mag from 1957. While visiting her sister in LA, she came across some postcards that are old sci-fi book covers and bought me 2. Then, instead of just waiting to see me, she surprised me by mailing them in a card! The card had handwriting in it! I almost forgot how to read handwriting-even nice handwriting like hers! What I read was a helluva nice note and I really 'effing appreciate it. I don't think there are too many things I enjoy more than sci-fi and presents. When the two forces are joined, it's bliss.

Thanks for making my day, girl!

I Love Exercise

2008-06-22T12:10:00.004-04:00

Several months ago, out of the blue, I started to work out regularly. My Knouse metabolism is incredible beyond reason or justice. People hate me for it. So, I wasn't interested in losing weight, just getting into better shape and managing my moods. I'm a hormonal bitch a lot of the time. Working out has definitely taken the edge off of my wicked attitude problem. My reason for writing about this? Just that I just had an unplanned free half-hour while Ivy napped. I did the right thing and did some hardcore aerobics workout with some chicks that have more energy than people have a right to. I'm proud of myself and I feel like bragging.

Oooooh! My Mom just stopped by with presents for me and Ivy. She gave me a ceramic skull cup thing. I don't really understand what it is, but I like it. Maybe a picture will make its way on here if I have a second. It looks good next to the skull shot glass on the TV. Ivy got some puzzles. Rock!

I Love Moving

2008-06-21T19:25:00.005-04:00

I got another notch in the ole' moving belt today. This was a legitimate move, too. I'm used to moving people from Crafton to Crafton, or from Crafton to Crafton Heights. Today we moved Robb and Toni from Morningside to Greentree. One may wonder why they lived in Morningside at all. Blame their being in grad school at Pitt and not being from Pittsburgh at all. I forgive them and so should you.

The move was easy peasy. It would especially seem so to two seasoned veterans like myself and Jen. Jen moved like 10 times in 2 years I think! Haha, no not really, but it seemed like it. And her most recent move was up a mountain of steps. She literally called all of her male friends for permission to move there. Classic.

Punk-ass Evan got to skip the move because he has a hernia. Waaaaaah! He spent his day grilling food at a birthday party for one of his deck hockey buds. What a jerk. I want a hernia. Eh, but I can't really complain about a move where we started drinking well before noon and were completely done with everything by 3. I was drunk, hungover, and sleeping it off all before the evening and now I'm feeling fine.

Evan, Ivy, and Jen should be here any time for round 2! Yeah, Ivy can really put them away. I'm just being silly and bored right now. I suppose I should go glue some earrings together that I have been working on. Yes, yes, that sounds productive.

OVER

I Hate Housework

2008-06-20T11:31:00.006-04:00

I did the dishes! There! Now can I go out and play?

I hate doing dishes, doing laundry, food-shopping, cooking, cleaning, and every other thankless, fruitless, wifely/motherly duty that I feel a responsibility to perform! I want to go to the pool with my books. I want to go see some movies. I want to make jewelry. I want to drink beer-and often do while muddling through the aforementioned shit jobs.

I always feel like other women do these things happily and with pride. It's bullshit, but they are faking it so well! How do they do it? How do they make me feel like I should WANT to clean and take care of people? I'm always wishing to find some joy in it, but I never do.

Truth is, I have far too many colorful interests and I am never satisfied with my accomplishments in any of them. I'm always looking to the next project and how I can improve upon the current. Whether it be something for the tearoom, a jewelry idea, or just decorating a room in my house, I constantly strive to outdo myself. It's borderline OCD. I admit it.

This about sums it up...

I Love Father's Day

2008-06-15T10:28:00.004-04:00

In honor of Father's Day, here are some favorite pictures I found of my Dad and his Dad.

My Grandfather, Lou Knouse.

ON THE BACK: "Deadwood, S. Dakota, Burglar Alarm, More cans under the porch. Picture taken 6:30 AM, July 1957."

That's an impressively sized beer, Lou!

My Dad; ON THE BACK: "Tony, 1948, Louis, we call him Tony."

My favorite picture of my Dad (and My Aunt Eileen), because he looks just like my Ivy. Everyone always says she looks the most like him. :)

My Dad on the go-cart with his buddies. This is the back of the house we will someday be living in. Very cool.

Dad and Penny (I think?)

1957, Carson City, Nevada.

July 4th, 1969, Atlantic Beach, NY. I really love this one!

There are still plenty more photos up there to go through. I can't wait to see what else I find.

Happy Father's Day!

I Love When Ideas Become Reality

2008-06-13T11:48:00.006-04:00

I hit the bench yesterday. I had been dying to execute these ideas. It's great to see them in the real world, rather than only in my mind.

The first one is called TWISTED. It's a braided rope of silk ribbon, Rhodonite (with quartz inclusions), Swarovski Crystal, and glass.

The second is a themed piece about Eve. It's a reminder to be whatever kind of woman you WANT to be, and damn the consequences! If that means destroying mankind's perfect existence, so be it.

The snake is badass...

The clasp was made from a button I liked.

The apple core is a handmade polymer clay bead that I found on Etsy.

I'm very pleased with how both turned out. They're for sale on Etsy:

Freshwater Designs

I Love Autism

2008-06-12T09:22:00.018-04:00

My brother, Mike, is Autistic. He's 26 now. I came across some old drawings that he and I did as children. Yes, Nunny kept them all of these years, creating another very cool house cleaning find.

I'll call this "Abstract Thinking Vs. Autism"

Autism = "A Diagram of Nunny's Name"

What a useful tool.

Abstract Thinking = "The World's Greatest Hair on the World's Ugliest People"

Indeed!

Autism = "Point Plotting"

Abstract Thinking = "A Cat"

Autism = "WTF?"

OK, one more from me...

Abstract Thinking = "Fake"

What in the name of hell was I thinking? I love this!

And one more from Mikey...something a little wild...

Autism = "Abstract With Timestamp"

What a trip, man!

I Love Treasure Hunting

2008-06-10T16:54:00.000-04:00

Those who know me will know what I mean when I say I'm cleaning out Nunny's house. For those who don't, Nunny was my grandmother. She passed away several months ago at the age of 93.

Someone now has to redisperse all of her belongings (i.e., trash, give, or keep). The task can be pretty interesting when the person was so old and lived in the same house for most of their life. This incredible responsibility has fallen to me for several reasons, one of which is that I love to root through old junk. I'm a nostalgic person and I loved my Nunny.

This first Freshwater File is going to be about 2 things that I am putting into my "keep" category. And maybe this one should be called a "Knouse File," out of respect.

The first is this...

Dear Lord, why didn't my father (I assume this belonged to him) have a whole box of these? January 1957, 35 cents! I almost died when I found it. There are stories by Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick. I get overly excited just thinking about reading it. Hell, I get pretty excited just looking at that cover art.

On the back cover, an advertisement for The Science-Fiction Book Club pokes fun at a geek-tastic money making scheme..."It may sound fantastic. It may be illegal. But the former chairman of the Hayden Planetarium in New York is actually selling deeds to one-acre plots on the Moon for $1 each! And more than 4,500 people have bought such plots!" Ah, I love me some nerd humor.

My second submission is this awesome little leaflet...

How to Develop a More Successful Personality: For a Winning & Magnetic "You"! At the bottom: Completely Illustrated With: Photographs, Diagrams, Charts. Oh, I am loving this. I am always trying so hard to be a winning and magnetic "me"!

The seven success secrets, as outlined by Joe Bonobo:

1. Be yourself
...check!

2. Look up!
...OK, but if I see a spider on the ceiling, I might freak out.

3. Courtesy counts!
...eh, I think it can be a bit overrated so that's one to work on.

4. How friendly are you?
...pretty damned, thank you very much.

5. Take the initiative!
...check!

6. That string on your finger!
...uhm, I think he's talking about memory here??? What?

7. Persistence pays off!
...That's what I always say.

It looks like I am on my way to rocking even harder than I already do. Thanks Joe Bonobo.

I have found a myriad of entertaining things in the house so far. The next file will be about some old drawings done by myself and my Autistic brother. Don't miss it!