Some Random Dude Said This

No, really.  Some Random Dude has some good things to say.  This tip is my favorite:

"Design everything you do".  I've had this in my head before, but I don't practice it as nearly often as I should.  I do worry quite a bit on how I am perceived.  Sometimes I care enough to execute this concept, and sometimes I don't.  

In a professional setting, I have no trouble abiding by this tip.  Attention to detail is something I take pride in, professionally.  In a personal setting is where I lack.  As I sit at Starbucks typing this away, I'm people watching.  I'm looking at how people are dressed, and admiring the men and women that are well put together.  Some are on break from work, most are just enjoying the day and still looking their best for their coffee run.  Meanwhile, I'm in a booth with jeans, a tshirt, flip flops, and no makeup.  Thank goodness my toenails are painted...

My physical appearance is probably the biggest opportunity to work on.  If I want attention all I have to do is look/dress the part, and the compliments come flying in.  However, I don't usually want the attention on a daily basis, only when I think it's necessary to obtain something or when the occassion calls for it.  Otherwise, I'll do the minimum when it comes to makeup on my face, and the clothes I wear.

Working in a salon really taught me the importance of physical appearance and beauty.  Like it or not, you are judged by anyone and everyone, so put your best forward at all times.  It's something I still struggle with, but that tip above really caught my attention.

Yet another way for me to refine myself :)

November Appreciation: Days 8-10

So it continues, my attempts to show what I am thankful for.

Day 8:  Co-workers

Let me paint the picture for you.  Most of my time is spent at work, my job.  I work over 40 hours a week almost always.  This rings true for most people working for the sake of money, at a job, not their chosen career.  It's not so bad, but what helps me get through the same ol' stuff are my co-workers.  I already spend so much time here, it's natural to form bonds with the people around you at work.  They keep me laughing, they offer great conversation, and they listen to me bitch (a lot).  So thanks to my lovely co-workers, work husband and work wife ;)

Day 9:  Pet Names

I love pet names, they make me feel special, cute, and cuddly!  I'm 29 years old and my father still calls me "princess" or "child" (my alltime favorites).  My mom has so many pet names for me it's pointless to list, but I'll respond to them all.  Among the favorites from my mom are "corazón", "muñeca" or the simple/classic "niña".  The funniest ones refer to my halfbreed status, when my cousin calls me "Casper" (because I'm his only white cousin) or "burrito" (beaner on the inside, white on the outside).  Sounds kind of mean, but that's how we show our love.  If you've ever given me a special pet name, thanks for making me feel loved!

Day 10:  Music

Who isn't thankful for this?  It's such a broad subject, so I'm refering to the music I listen to.  I suppose I'll get more specific and mention other aspects of music as the month goes by.  There's so many genres that I like, I love paying attention to lyrics, and I like the different emotions music evokes.  I listen to it in the car, at work, at home, set it as background noise, or sing along to it.  Lately, I've been stuck on the band "Keane" :)  Music is definitely something I try not to take for granted.

I'm digging on this train of thoughts.  As I walk around, I'm more aware of what I'm thankful for, and I decide what I'll be writing about for the day.  I have yet to post the sketches, but I'll go back and do so soon.

November Appreciation: Days 1-7

Many people on Facebook or Twitter are posting something they're thankful for each day in November.  I've seen this done in the past, but never participated.  So this year, I'm gonna do the same in this blog.  Hopefully I'll incorporate lil sketches to go along with these.

Of course, my procrastinating ass is already 7 days behind.  Better late than never, though :)  Here are the days I missed, and what I'm thankful for.

Day 1:  Health

I'm thankful for my health in general.  Even though I have a long way to go, I still appreciate and love my body.  It's the only one I have, and when I see people with serious ailments or disabilities it puts my stress and issues into perspective.  There are people that have it so much harder than I do, and they manage much better than I do!  I thank those people for inspiring me to better myself and teaching me to appreciate what I have to work with.

Day 2:  Tea

I drink this stuff every day, and it sure beats water when I want some flavor or sweetness.  Tea helped me break my soda habit, too.  I was always drinking soda as my first beverage of choice, never anything remotely good for me such as juice or water.  As I replaced soda with tea, I reaped the health benefits, and it helped me consume more water as well.  Now I use tea as a pick-me-up, on a physical and mental level.  The stuff just makes me feel good!

Day 3:  Daylight Savings

One extra hour of sleep is always good to me.

Day 4:  Sushi

It can get expensive, but it's definitely my preferred way to eat fish / seafood.  I could consume this daily and not get tired of it.  This food also makes me feel good, and it usually results in a satisfying sushi coma.

Day 5:  Soup

Canned or fresh, ramen or stew, I love soup all year round.  Yes, even in the blazing summer heat, I will eat soup.  It's so nostalgic for me, just like tea, so I always feel better after eating it.

Day 6:  Voting

It's our civil right that people fought and died for, so I am very thankful for this.  Some people think it doesn't make a difference, or it's a pain in the ass to wait in line to vote.  It's a freedom we have, why not exercise it just because you simply can?  Don't get caught up in the complications, just vote because you can.  This is one way you can show your American "arrogance" in an acceptable manner :)

Day 7:  Freedom of Speech

In particular, I'm referring to people voicing their opinions through various channels.  It's important for me to absorb people's opinions objectively, whether I agree or not.  For the election yesterday, I specifically avoided Facebook because I didn't want to see everyone's (negative) opinions on the candidates.  Twitter seemed to be a lil easier to stomach, which I think is due to the character constraint in the tweets.  Short and sweet!  I thank everyone for standing on their soapbox and having the courage to shout out their views.

Ah, all caught up :).  I'm sure I'll fall behind again, but it's not from a lack of interest.  Quite the opposite, actually.  I want to express the various facets of life that I appreciate.

Just Like Pre-Production Work

Well, it's almost been a year since I've last posted on here. I was using this blog for a class at AiLV. Since then, I have been on hiatus from school. I will reapply in March and hopefully be accepted again to return for Summer Quarter.

It's almost been a year since I have touched any of my art supplies, or even sketched anything. I had so much anxiety regarding my artwork and education. I was truly scared of the career path I chose, wondering if I could really hack it and achieve something worthwhile. My designated spot for all my art stuff was caked in dust and pushed out of reach. It's all in need of some serious attention from me. Since I have neglected my precious art stuff for so long, I used my weekend to do some deep cleaning and soul searching. How cheesy!

I'm really putting myself out there by posting these pics. They truly show how much of a piggie I am, and just how long all this stuff was sitting there. Here goes the panoramic view:

This was the original spot for all my art supplies. Behind my bedroom door and crammed in every way possible.

My lovely computer desk.

To the right of the TV is my drawing desk, buried in my class artwork and notes.

A little further to the right reveals the rest of my artwork (on the floor). The empty bookcase was supposed to be used for my class notes. The full bookcase has all my personal books.

It was definitely time to rearrange my room and reorganize. Here are the final results of approximately 12 hours spent moving, cleaning, and organizing:

My drawing desk is the only work in progress.

I have relocated my art supplies to the small bookcase, and I'm using the large bookcase for my textbooks and class binders.

For the most part I'm satisfied with the work I've done. I'll feel much better when I organize all my notes in binders, and stow my artwork in a better manner. Once my drawing desk is free, I can work on big projects again!

My next goal for this blog: post some sketches so it can be considered a legitimate art blog. :)