Progress
So I’ve got a few new things in my life.
First, the boyfriend is mostly moved in. We’re missing the LEGOs and coffee table, but otherwise he’s a Ghent-ile. Ha!
Second, it snowed for the first time this winter last night. There’s still some left in the shade of buildings, pretty exciting considering HRVA has had one of the mildest winters on record. It’s been an average of like 50-55 since…October, lol.
Third, I totally adore Jim Parsons. He plays this hilarious character, Dr. Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory. Last night Matt and I watched episode 5 of season 2, “The Euclid Alternative” in which Sheldon is goaded into learning to drive and on a homebrew driving simulator, he manages to crash his virtual car into the second story of a shopping mall.
We laughed SO HARD, oh god, I was gonna wet myself…
Yeah 
Oh, new blog design too. Cute, yeah?
Stuff…and things…
This year has started out like crap. First, I got strep throat. That sucked. Then last Sunday (the 8th), I got fired from my job because the owners were “getting so much flack” from the artists about me (none of which was relayed to me at any time) and because they happened to hire an old friend of theirs for whatever reason. I had made two minor mistakes the shift prior, both because I was the only one there and it got crazy busy. That really sucked. I know I was good at that job, and it really stinks that nobody communicated that I was doing things wrong. I poo-poo that decision. Now I can’t afford the tattoo I started there and that REALLY bums me out.
I’m really trying to be motivated to cleaning my place out for Matt to move in, but every time I look around, it exhausts me. I need to just OD on some Cherry Coke Zero on Friday or something and just go to town. I have quarters and laundry supplies too, dammit! No reason, Jini!
In other news, I’ve been playing FFXI, of course, and today I finished 1105 trial and got my NQ Kila. Then Grauberg was all thunder weather and shit. Pfft.
Yours truly wanting a data entry job,
Jini
I know, I KNOW!
Just back from vacation in Baltimore with the boyfriend and his (awesome) family. I’ve been working on the 31-day nail art challenge throughout the month but haven’t gotten around to updating photos yet, so hang in there! They’ll be up soon! 
I’ve been feeling, well, stupid lately. I haven’t been reading much, and I haven’t researched a damn thing in months. Inspiration and motivation have been slow to reach me as well. I don’t like the “fog” of being out of classes, so my goal in 2012 is to write at least 3 really great papers on topics I would like to study in grad school because yes, I DO want my MA, MEd and/or MLS, and I want to finish my teaching certification for K-12. The only question that remains is where… As far as programs go, I’ll either be looking for an MLS program with concentration in preservation studies, an MEd program with concentration in online learning, or an MA/MEd in art education. My dream is still to teach high school art, to impart a little experience that I never got onto impressionable youths, and expand the hell out of their horizons. I wish someone had for me.
As for now it’s late and I open at the studio tomorrow… So expect some Baltimore picspam!
xoxo
J
31-day Nail Art Challenge – Day 4: Green!
I love green, and this happened to coincide with the first day of December, so I went with a festive, bright green (“HD Nails” by Sinful Colours) and offset it with a white-backed nude. Then I affixed some clear/AB gems and alternated green half-pearls set in Seche Vite topcoat. Pretty happy with them, and they’ve gotten some compliments! The cake pop from Starbucks was delicious too
31-day Nail Art Challenge: Day 3
Took me a couple days to get into the mood to do my nails again, lol. Anyway, I worked really hard on these! Lots of waiting :9
I used Pure Ice “Excuse Me” (yellow) and Milani “Fresh Teal” for the rosettes (they’re on BM06 plate) with some magenta half pearls to accent. I think they’re really summery, but I could see this with red rosettes and orange pearls for a more fall look
31-day Nail Art Challenge: Intro, Day 1, and Day 2
So you are probably aware of the eye-candy exploration site, Pinterest. If not, you should get acquainted! I came across this challenge and decided to give it a go:
Yeah, I know my abrupt departure from the 30-day blog challenge with photos may put you off from following this one for nail art, but I hope you’ll check in every once in a while to see what I’ve painted lately! Here’s a photo from Day 1, “red”:
…and one from Day 2, “orange”:
I buggered up my right hand and the thumb on my left, so they were left out of today’s photo, lol. Still getting the hang of painting my right hand with a pretty useless left hand (I lost a lot of control over it after a fall that caused some nerve damage). I put on some square acrylic tips today to be fancy. I’ll come back through and tag each day’s post with the brand and make notes of what color(s) I used that day later on
I’m excited about a few of these colors, and SUPER stoked about Day 19′s “galaxy” nails. I’m sure it’ll be messy as hell just like the water marbled ones, but I have a ton of great blues and a whole sack of makeup sponges to experiment with some afternoon! And with my new job comes new paychecks, which means lots of splurging on nail polishes when they go on sale this holiday season, haha! Are there any colors you’re excited about seeing in stores?
So, it’s been a little while…
Since I last blogged in July, there’s been a few updates worth noting in my life…
First, my boyfriend Matt and I celebrated our 1.5 year anniversary. Go us! Here’s a picture of us at Drew & Kerri’s wedding at the beginning of November…
He was Logan (Wolverine) for Halloween, hence the ‘chops…
Anyway, moving along! In August, I graduated from Old Dominion University here in Norfolk, VA with my BA in studio art, BS in psychology, minor in Japanese language and culture. Needless to say they’re relatively useless degrees, but the diversity of the two curricula gave me a really rich experience which i am thankful to carry with me.
In October, Matt and I went to see Minus the Bear in Raleigh, NC to catch one of their 10th anniversary (of their album, the re-released Highly Refined Pirates) shows, and it was so fucking awesome, I hardly took any pictures. I spent $36 on Woodchuck ciders that night, we crashed in a hotel in the suburbs, and both of us slept through the amazing Hilton cook-to-order breakfast at the hotel instead of getting our hangover on. It was probably the best show I’ve ever been to!
Most recently my experience at ODU and as a graphic designer for the last 8-10 years has landed me a desk job at local studio Trinity Tattoo in Virginia Beach. Definitely not your flash-filled-parlor ink shop, Trinity’s owners Dave and Melissa Lukeson offer a genuinely comfortable experience and have a roster of artists that blow minds on a daily basis. Everyone is funny, nice, and really open minded. I love working with artists! Just Sunday I had the chance to alter some art a client brought in and made it just as perfect as she wanted it. It was pretty different than working a cold-side request for art which I am used to!
Anyway, I am preparing for another Thanksgiving holiday at Matt’s parents’ house, watching their adorable chihuahua, Cole, and enjoying the company of my favorite boyfriend and his little dog. As for the Christmas season, I’ll be doing a lot of DIY gifting this year; a few shadowboxes, some small lovely gifties for my coworkers, and lots of handmade wonderfulness to mail out. I can hardly wait to get started! Fortunately my addiction to Pinterest (follow me!) has paid off with some bitchin DIY skills.
Cheers, friends! Enjoy this season 2 gif of The Office episode titled, “Booze Cruise”. I know I do!
P.S. Get ready for some Instagram shots as I complete the 31-day nail art challenge! Hooray for paychecks!
My skincare regimen
I thought I’d give a little overview on what I use on/for my skin. I don’t usually do product reviews, but I do use them, and since I’ve used this formula of products for probably 3 years now, I thought I’d share them with you all.
First, I take birth control every day with my ADHD meds in the morning. I have been using the generic of Yasmin called Ocella since it’s been available, and it’s kept my skin relatively acne-free, my cramps pacified, and my hormones in check. I can’t ethically recommend a birth control to anyone because every woman’s body is different, and you just have to find what’s right for you. I should also note that despite the attorney-fed legal claims about Yasmin and many other so-called “second-generation” birth control pills (those with drospirenone/DRSP) causing pulmonary embolisms, clots, heart attacks, and myocardial infarctions, I’ve been fine taking it with high blood pressure and a slightly enlarged heart. My primary care doctor gives me a physical once a year and my EKG and blood tests have all been normal.
In the shower, I have a few favorites:
On my face: Bioré Pore Unclogging Scrub, about $8 for 5oz.
This stuff rocks. It’s gentle enough for my semi-sensitive skin, the beads are soft, not scratchy like in apricot or coconut scrubs. This is a daily/every shower formula that keeps your skin soft and smooth. It’s great in the winter AND the summer!
For a quick refresh after taking my makeup off with wipes, I’ve been using the Philosophy Purity Made Simple facial cleanser, which is considerably more expensive but leaves my skin soft and fresh like the Biore scrub, without the beads. I got a sample of it in my recent Cynthia Rowley stash in July’s BirchBox. If you haven’t signed up for BirchBox yet, it’s the best $10 you’ll spend each month. Promise! I’ll do a post on BB next month
On my face at night: Clearasil Overnight Face Lotion, about $5 for 1.3oz.
At the end of the day, after I’ve gotten all my makeup off, I put a pea-sized drop of this on my face and work it in. It moisturizes and the salicylic acid ingredient keeps my skin staying clear overnight. If you’re sensitive to salicylic acid, this is one to avoid. It doesn’t leave my skin greasy, my pillow slimy, and when I wake up my skin is at the perfect level of moisture and ready for makeup again!
On my body (this summer): The Body Shop’s Coconut Shower Cream, $4-15 at The Body Shop stores
I *love* coconut. It’s sweet, savory, smooth, and reminds me of summer. I love this lightweight bodywash made from natural ingredients and pure coconut oil because it leaves my skin moisturized but not oily. It smells wonderful too, but not overpowering. I switch body wash around with the seasons (I go through a bottle in about 3 months) so I’ll see if I can’t find something just as nice for the fall! Their sweet lemon shower gel is pretty divine too, but does smell like lemon dishsoap (which I don’t mind but others might).
On both: Lubriderm Advanced Therapy lotion, about $6 for 6oz (I buy the 24oz behemoth!)
Another year-round product. Surprised? This amazing formula is lightweight, not greasy or slimy, and I use it all over my body and face as soon as I get out of the shower and before I put on makeup. I never have to touch another lotion all day because my skin stays soft and hydrated. Granted I’ve been using it for a year or so, but I won’t stop now. This stuff soothes chapped winter skin and doesn’t clog the pores on my face. Love it!
For shaving: Skintimate Extra Gentle Cream Shave (about $3.50) and Bikini Zone Anti-Bump Shave Gel (about $5)
Like I said, I have semi-sensitive skin. The cream shave is super smooth shaving and the Bikini gel lets me shave “against the grain” so to speak in sensitive areas without any irritation. None. Nada. If you prefer… *ahem* laminate to carpet down there, definitely a must-add to your shower stash!
I hope this has been helpful, especially if you’re in need of restocking soon! Please leave me any questions you’d like answered Until next time!
30DBC: Day 14
Day 14′s Prompt:
a picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
A picture…
My dad. I couldn’t have stayed in college, or hell, gone to college without him. He works his ass off as a nuclear engineer for the DoD, and has been generous enough to maintain my relative comfort as a student for, well, my whole life. My mom peaced out when I was young, and was never fiscally responsible enough to support herself, much less me, so when they split, the courts said it’d be better for me to grow up with my dad. Well, I assume that’s what happened, because I wasn’t there. Anyway, I couldn’t imagine life without his continuous support and praise of my accomplishments.
You rock, dad.
30DBC: Dreaded Day 13…
It figures that Day 13′s prompt would bring about all sorts of internal conflict, but I’m sticking with my guns here in narrowing down a choice for the picture of Day 13′s post…let’s do this mess.
Day 13′s Prompt:
a picture of your favorite band or artist
A picture…
The Dismemberment Plan is my favorite band.
There, I said it. What I know and love about the indie music scene that exists today started when my ex introduced me to The D Plan around 2002. He was a piece of shit (unbeknownst to me at the time of course), and while he was at work one day, he asked me to photograph the D Plan, who were playing a show for local radio station 96x on the oceanfront. I went. I took James. He fell in love with a large-breasted cougar, and I fell in love with the rampant coolness of The Plan’s frontman, Travis Morrison.
I could turn this into an elegy of the band I love, but I have neither the time nor patience to do so right now, so I’ll just leave you with their website and this link to Grooveshark, where you can hear all of their greatest songs. I’d start with the album Emergency & I, as it was just re-released recently. Go forth and rock, young Bostonians.
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