goodbye October

oh October, where have you gone?

My favorite month is almost gone in a flash of brilliant orange and the freeze of the mountains above.

Fall is my favorite season you see.

And October is the epitome of autumn.

Seated between the end-of-summer September and the holiday-beginnings of November, October is the very-fall-fall-ness of autumn.

Like I said more eloquently, it's the epitome of fall.

It's writing and magic and changing.

The 2013 Fine Art's theme is "Finished".

Fall is a time of finishing. It's an ending.
But endings are just beginnings wrapped in strange packages.

Fall is like a phoenix, going out in a blaze of brilliant orange and leaves the shades of fire. And from this "death" comes the rebirth of spring after the time of freeze.

Autumn is the time of birth, for me, beyond my philosophical ramblings.
October first marks my birth.

I love temperate, chilly weather.
I'm not a tropical, hot weather type of person.
Sure, I like summer, but it's far from my favorite.

I'm sad to see the passing of October. It's ending coming on Wednesday.
But such ending breaks way for the beginning of winter.
Snow boots and frozen earth. Snow and frosty trees.

So here's to October, raise a glass of tea with me.
I'm going to drink it, wearing my Avengers t-shirt and my Elmo pajama pants; in celebration and toast to the wonderfulness of this ever passing October.

in which I have a new computer // the post of ten days

Day Zero

As I'm typing this, it is actually Friday October 12th 2012 and while I'm not going to be posting this for a while, I wanted to start now.

Because keeping this under my hat (to coin the phrase) is rather part of the excitement.

And I know it's going to kill me, but just waiting is already killing me.

I guess I should probably explain, huh?

As many of you may know, I've been working hard, and saving for a new computer. Because it's been computer woes, and even more computer woes with my poor little laptop.

Which means its been hard to even get a minimum of school done, let alone have the computer power for work as well...making earning money for a new computer all the more difficult.

For my birthday, just a couple weeks ago, I asked that anyone interested in sending me a gift, instead contribute to my computer fund.

Okay, cutting to the chase now......
I was able to order my computer this morning!!!!!!!

It all happened in a crazy turn of events of which I'm not entirely sure how it came about.

Basically I was very generously offered the opportunity to buy my computer now, and pay it off as I have the money. (I will have it mostly paid off by the end of the year.)

And since I will have it, that means I'll be able to do more computer reliant work and make more money that way!

Now, I just want to end this little-beginning with an expression of deep gratitude, and thankfulness, as well as surprise, and excitement.

God works in mysterious ways my friends.

Hopefully you'll be hearing from me more often, as with the arrival of a new computer (that I don't have to battle) is imminent.
Probably a new blog design in the future as well...going to have to get to know some special new programs! ;D

Day Four

So, it is now Tuesday, October 16th.

I think I've already drove my family crazy talking about my new computer.

Have I told you all that I've named it?

Yes...intensely weird and geeky of me...just wait.
Though, in my defense, I've had the name picked out for little more than a month.

On Sunday I asked someone if they'd like to see a picture of my youngest child...then showed them a picture of my computer.

Playing along good natured-ly, she asks "What's her name?"...I don't think she was actually expecting me to have an answer.

Any day now my extra RAM should arrive. My iMac is still due on Friday, and my Adobe Software should be in the mailbox on Saturday.

Day Six

Thursday October 18th.

I think I check the order status for my computer several BILLION times a day.
Okay...maybe not billion in all caps...but it's so much I can't actually be bothered with keeping count.

It's a lot.

Last night I checked the status of my order and became crazy excited because my computer's status had chanced to "shipping to store". (It was "processing order" for the first few days, followed by "preparing for shipment" late, late Tuesday.)

In the moment it was really exciting.

And I was thinking "YESSSS I'M GOING TO HAVE MY COMPUTER ON FRIDAY". Because that's when the "available at store" date said I would be able to pick it up.

Well, *sad face* I looked down and realized that the available-for-pickup date had also changed...to the 22nd.
Meaning Monday.

At first that really bummed me out. A lot. Because I want it now.
However, the patient, logical side of me was rather pleased.

Because on the scale of torture, it's better to wait two extra days to have it, than to get it and have to work for two days while it sits at home. That's way worse.

Now, at least this way it's a slightly nicer agony...and I'll have a few days to play with it *cough* I mean get it all set up and whatnot before I have to clean toilets (during the weekend) again.

And this way, I should have my extra RAM and my Adobe Software already at home, ready to go when I get my computer.

Is this what optimism feels like?

*squeals with excitement*

Day Waiting Over

Tuesday October 23rd, 2012

Yesterday was the super important day in which I picked up my iMac.

Everyone, I would like you to meet Excalibur!

Because, yes, I had to name my computer in an incredibly geeky manner.

I've been working on getting things installed and working; as well as just generally getting the hang of things as this is completely new to me!
You heard that right, this is my first Mac...in fact, I'd never even used a Mac before I got Excalibur up and running last night.

Which makes this quite a leap from PC to Mac.
But I do believe I rather like it.

Also, just a general impression, it's all screen and the screen is HUGE.
Not in a bad way, mind you. I just don't have a very good concept of 27" (or any other measurement...) so yeah, it's more than two feet of screen. Which is pretty massive in the way of screens.
And also amazing.

Which makes editing your first photo with Lightroom insanely gorgeous.

Makes me happy I invested in a camera this spring.

Good things to come my friends. Fantastic, creative things.

And with another mention of my intense gratefulness, I bid you all well, and a goodnight.

18 for 18

So, everyone, in case you didn't know...yesterday was my birthday!

Yeah, 18, wow, craziness.
Not as amazing as some people seem to think. Nothing in my opinion to particularly look forward to...
Anyways...for the last few years I've done a facts thing on my birthday, compiling as many facts as there are years for my life.

SO...here we go.

1.

tumblr

I am kind of completely obsessed with tumblr. this time last year, I was addicted to pinterest.

2.

I don't have a favorite tv show, movie, book, song, artist or album.

there's just too many I really like there's absolutely no way to pick

3.

I still really want to go to Scotland.

I don't feel that needs much explanation.

4.

I rather adore nail polish.

this time last year I was head over heels for blue nail polish...ironically, that hasn't gone away. while I wouldn't say "head over heels" for only blue nail polish, I do just love nail polish. though my current favorite color is blue...TARDIS blue to be exact (aka Mesmerize by ESSIE).

5.

I have a camera

this time last year I was longing for a Nikon camera...a good camera. this spring I finally had the funds to invest in one. and...I got even better than what I wished for in October of last year.

6.

TWLOHA is still the best organization ever

'nough said

7.

driving still freaks me out

in fact I still don't have my license...

8.

the last book I read the whole of was The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths

and that was a couple weeks ago. I have the next one...but because of my reading-heavy anthropology college class I haven't had time to crack the next one yet.

9.

I'm even geekier/nerdier/dorkier than I was last year.

it's grown so much I'm almost worried about frightening you lot away with all of it...that's why I love my tumblr.

10.

I long for a new computer.

I have the camera I've always dreamed of, and while short the lens I'm really needing for it, my little laptop of four years is dying. I need a new computer that isn't only going to fulfill my needs for processing photos and doing school but also be equal to the task of running intensive programs for web design as well.

11.

I would like to lose weight.

my brain and the rest of me disagree on when to exercise however...so that makes it difficult *cough*

12.

I need a new computer.

so badly that I had to post it twice...

13.

I bought my first lottery ticket yesterday.

I realized at about 5 in the evening that I was old enough to win the lottery...fingers crossed, eh?

14.

Doctor Who is fantastic!

um...no explanation needed

15.

I've considered sending my camera back.

yes. as slightly ashamed as I am to admit it, it's been considered. and seriously considered. and reconsidered. I need a new computer that bad people...

16.

I've had a fall blog design in the works since this spring.

my computer has been so crashy though I can barely run the program to finish some graphics for it which is why it has not come to be sooner...it was originally supposed to be the spring design.

17.

I don't do anything to celebrate my birthday.

...because...

18.

I don't want to grow up...

the birthday wishlist

Dear friends and family,

This coming Monday, October 1^st, marks the date as 18 years since my birth in the fall of 1994.

Many people find this to be an important birthday (turning 18) and I have been asked more often than not, what I’m doing to celebrate.

Not really anything has become my standing answer.

Just to get things straight, I’m not expecting gifts from anyone, nor am I asking for them.

But if any of you feel compelled to send a gift my way I would like you to know something.

As I have gotten older, I’ve learned the respect of earning my own money and working for things I want. I’ve come to understand and commit to the importance of investing in things that will be tools not only to my education, but also to my work.

A few years ago I took a course on the basics of web design; the end result was a not only a new outlet for design and creativity but also a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into building a website. I learned a lot and found myself surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

For years I’ve enjoyed photography and just this spring saved my money and invested in a good photography camera.

At this point in time I have had the same basic laptop for four years. It has served its purpose well and gotten me through many a college essay and project. But, my little laptop is reaching the end of its life. Sadly it’s becoming more of a problem than a help, and is barely up to the task of running one program at a time. This, in the realm of wanting to grow as a designer and photographer, makes doing so rather difficult.

It also makes all of my (online) college classes rather difficult when I don’t have a working computer.

Unfortunately, a computer that meets my needs for doing web and graphic design as well as photography professionally is rather pricey. Because of the few small job opportunities I have where I live, I’m working as much as I possibly can on top of school and family activities.

Therefore, if anyone is interested in knowing what I would like for a birthday gift, I would be ever so extremely thankful for contributions to the fund for my new computer.

Thanks so much for your time, support, and reading this little letter of mine.

Hope you’re all doing well, and thank you for the birthday wishes.

-Siri

17 Random Factoids

{1} I want to go to Scotland. Really Bad.

{2} Number two last year involved my statement that I'm "not a pink girl". I can now say while I'm still not big into girly pinks, I do like pink again...guess it just kind of came full circle.

{3} I'm currently head over heels for blue nailpolish. Yeah.

{4} I think with a British accent (still true and still weird...still don't know how it's possible)

{5} Last year M&M's were my favorite candy. They're not anymore. Now, its the good stuff. I'm talkin' Lindt's Lindor Truffles. Especially the one's with the light blue wrap.

{6} I long for a new camera. A better camera. More than a point - and - shoot camera. Preferably something with Nikon on it. (Specifically, this one)

{7} I don't read as much as I used to.

{8} I love the Disney show Phineas & Ferb.

{9} TWLOHA is the best organization ever. And I love them.

{10} The concept of driving freaks me out.

{11} Writing is a way of life.

{12} I am much nerdier / geekier / dorkier than I used to be. Thor, Captain America, The Avengers, Star Trek, LOTR. Totally. Loving It.

{13} I cannot live without my iPod Touch.

{14} I still don't wear dresses...though I do now own one...that I made...its kind of a dress.

{15} I am utterly addicted to Pinterest. Follow if you are too! pinterest.com/the_siriana.

{16} I have the most awesome and amazing best friends in the world.
I'm talkin about you guys, Lauren, Eric, Amanda and Nicole!

{17} I have the most amazing family and we live in the most gorgeous place.

Oh Yeah

I'm rather reveling in the fact that drivers ed is virtually over.

Had the last 2hr class session yesterday, with only a drive next week to pass and drivers ed will be behind me.

Strangely, I think I'm going to miss that class...

While I definitely won't be missing the curvy mountain pass drive and three days a week of classes and being away from home (and internet), it was a good class.

Had a lot of fun, learned a lot of stuff and I know I'm definitely a better driver now!

In other school - related topics, enjoying my college classes.

English and History are really the big one's right now.

In fact I'm supposed to be writing my English essay right now...but I was stuck...

I guess I could've better spend my stuck-ness time by studying for my History test I also need to have done before days end...



Oh Yeah!

Birthdays.

Those days that come around once a year as an anniversary of a birth.

Yep. It's that time of year again.

But I totally forgot. Well, until this last Sunday at least.

I was just sitting, pondering what the week held for me, thinking of the date.

When suddenly I realized.

Saturday is my birthday.

Yep, Saturday. As in tomorrow, Saturday.

Seventeen.

Crazy.

I think I'm the only teenager I know of that doesn't get super excited when their birthday comes around...well, that and actually forgets said birthday.

Not doing much. Just finished my birthday dinner tonight because my family will be busy tomorrow. I'm just gonna hang out at home, get some stuff done...that's it.

And that, is just about everything going on right now.

Jobs and iPods

Well...it seems like SO much has happened since I last blogged!

And yet it also seems like so little...hmmn...I wonder how that works? haha

Well, I think the most exciting thing (really its a God-Thing) is that I have a job!!!

        The wages are BEYOND fantastic, its something I have experience doing and, it actually only part time.

       I'm working about 5 hours every day, two days a week (weekends) and I'm getting paid little over minimum wage (minimum wage is currently $9 per hour) PLUS tips! For anyone who's wondering, I'm working at a food booth on the weekends during October. Essentially I am the one who takes orders and handles the money and that kind of thing...some would say waitressing, however I'm not actually really walking around or moving out of a small area much so I don't consider it to be waitressing. (What just occurred to me is that NO; "waitressing" is not a word let alone a proper term ;)

       So...because I have a job, I'm going to be making money that would (where I live, with the scarcity of jobs especially jobs for teenagers) take me FOUR YEARS to earn, I'm earning in ONE MONTH.
       AND (here's the God-Thing part) before my birthday I prayed and asked God for a really good job 'cause "it would be the perfect birthday gift".
       On my birthday, my mom informed me that the people would need my help the following day and I could start working!
       So, its been really an awesome opportunity I think.

       Because of the job...meaning because I'm actually going to have money for once (lol), I am going to be able to get what I've been saving for! While I'm originally more of a Microsoft person, Apple's new 64GB 4th Generation iPod Touch is just too much of an undeniable technological awesomeness that I want in on it. And so...by the end of the month, I will essentially have an iPod touch!!! SO EXCITING!

       For the past four or five years I've had my 1st Generation Zune 30GB which was an awesome first MP3 player. The bigger screen really nice for watching movies on. But, seeing as its begun showing signs of being on its last leg, I've been considering an upgrade for a while now. (I would also like to point out its a hard-drive based player [for those of you techies who know what the difference is ;) ] and tends to whirr and make noise...oh, and its the size of a small brick haha)

       Anyways...other than that, school is going good though I've kinda been stressing 'bout Spanish (which I think is definitely my worst subject...or at least the one I've come to kind of dread doing...). My favorite subject though is definitely Forensic Science 'cause...well...I'm good at that one.

I think its just about time to end this post! haha

Questions? Comments? I don't hate either ;)

blessings!

16 Random Things

Well...in the spirit of blogging and it being my birthday and all, I've decided to post the ever classic '16 Random Things About Me' so here goes!

{1} My favorite color is PURPLE because it is AWESOME! (coming close is black though...)

{2} I'm not a pink girl...if and when I wear pink, it has to be with black...preferably LOTS of black...

{4} I think with a British accent...(weird but true...)

{5} I always eat my (my favorite candy!) M&M's evenly...evenly with either side of my mouth

{6} I make awesome chocolate chip cookies...so what if its taken me 7 years to get a miraculously good turn out.

{7} I don't read as much as people think I do...I just read REALLY fast.

{8} I respect and enjoy all different kinds of music...but I can barely stand Country...or secular rap...

{9} JONES Soda is my favorite soda...and I LOVE the bubbles!!!

{10} IZZE's are the pinnacle of fruit juice drinks...and I LOVE them!!


{11} Writing isn't just a hobby...s'a way of life.

{12} I have been informed I don't make a very good nerd...I'm not huge on 'Star Trek' or 'Star Wars'...I took it as a compliment. XD

{13} I fall under 'Dork'...I LOVE 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy movies...and prolly know all the dialogue by heart.

{14} I don't wear dresses...in fact...I don't really even own one...

{15} I kinda have a thing for knives...I almost always have a pocket knife with me.

{16} I am awesome! ;) Just to letcha know...