shinnoai

stuff n things

2009-10-20T18:36:39Z

I really like autumn here. I think it makes memories stronger, when you can tie them to specific changes in climate. I went to the Portland Japanese Garden, and it was beautiful. It rained the entire time but it only seemed to add to the serenity of the garden. Chris took me there because I was feeling down, and it's little things like that he still does which makes me love him even more.

I'm missing home a lot lately, the fact that I will be missing both Thanksgiving and Christmas with them is making me feel pretty down. I will be coming down in February, but it just seems so far away. Living with Chris's parents has made me Hatch-family'd out. It doesn't help that his dad is looking for a new job and in the meantime is hanging around the house all day and blaming Chris for their disgusting messes (is it really so hard to scrape the garbage off the plates BEFORE putting them in/on/next to/in the vicinity of the sink?) Hopefully we will be getting our own place soon. My independence bug is itching, and it's making me a little less pleasant to be around.

I went to a reptile show and came home with a 3-foot milksnake that I certainly don't need but I really wanted. I'm still in the process of adopting out a leopard gecko that was thrust upon me in a PetCo after someone dropped it off. Frank the beardie might be going too, but I'm rather attached to him. So far the dog is safe.

Bank of America ate the entirety of my measly weekly paycheck through their predatory overdraft practices. I hate them, and no fuck you I'm not going to sign up for overdraft protection which you didn't even fucking advertise on your site AFTER you raped my account; I'm switching to my boyfriend's bank. I guarantee I needed that stupid paycheck more than you do.

To end this on a positive note, I have penguin-shaped teacup, and it is the best.

shinnoai @ 2009-07-28T10:39:00

2009-07-28T17:46:19Z

My beardy loves salad. I didn't think lizards could get "excited" over me walking in the room with greens but this one flips his shit. He eyeballs me while I'm on the computer too. Something's tickin in there and I'm not sure if I like it. My other lizard sucks and is dumb and boring but the Petco people suckered me into taking him (for free) after someone dropped him off.

It gets really hot here, and I'm really grateful we're living at his parents house right now - because most apartments in seattle/portland do NOT have AC. We would be dying with 103 degree highs. Luckily the humidity is low, but that doesn't help when I have to drive to work with no AC in my car (QQ).

I don't get cars, I never will, and I think all 4 precious Z's in the driveway are ugly. There, I said it.

A trip to the coast is in order soon. I haven't been yet, despite Chris's insistence that "Puget Sound IS the Pacific!" Pah!

shinnoai @ 2009-02-06T19:12:00

2009-02-07T03:31:07Z

Welp, I'm 24. Never thought I'd see the day. I miss home a lot, because I got a few calls/texts/messages wishing me a happy birthday from people I haven't seen in a while. My last trip home was a rushed 2-day Christmas trip (stupid freak snowstorm) and while I saw people I really wanted to see, I also didn't get to see other people I really wanted to. I'm hoping to get out there for a good week in early summer.

My financial situation is stabling finally, as my temp job called me (after three months) and I got some extra work, in addition to going full time at PetSmart (now there's a career!) It's a grind, but I like the dogs, and they're the ones I work with as opposed to annoying customers. Hopefully I can pay off my stupid credit card debt: my first ever, due to Christmas plane tickets and the dog's knee surgery. Debt blows, and Chris has enough for the both of us.

Chris and I are looking to move to Portland, since he's no longer going to school up here there's no real reason for us to be up here in Seattle. I like Portland better anyhow. For example, fun fact: his parents live five minutes away from the farm in Little People, Big World. Next October we're getting our pumpkins there :D ... It's also a lot cheaper to live in Hillsboro than in such an urban area like Kent.

We're getting along fantastically, but the shining star in my life right now is Banzai, my little dog. Since I first moved out of my parent's I had been itching for a dog, and now that we've been able to get one I feel complete. He's completely different from Bingo: he's an asshole, and an attention demander as opposed to attention whore. He growls at men and sometimes other dogs and inanimate objects he feels he must threaten. He eats anything he can reach and noses the garbage given half the chance. He's incredibly smart, but only listens when there's something in it for him. I signed up for it, adopting a Shiba, and really despite (or because of) his difficulties he's a great dog with a really unique personality and I love him.

I am a crazy dog lady now. I'm kind of glad I got a jerk dog, because this could easily turn into me adopting like eight dogs and living on a farm.

shinnoai @ 2008-12-13T19:59:00

2008-12-14T03:59:35Z

It's snowing! I'm so freakin excited...YAYYYYY!

Knee surgey and a lampshade head

2008-11-02T06:12:28Z

I haven't had him for a month and he's already thrown me into financial ruin.

Oh dog, oh dog.

shinnoai @ 2008-10-28T19:09:00

2008-10-29T02:16:34Z

Nothing makes me want to punch people more than when they're against gay marriage. No, I don't want to hear your goddamn side of things. You're a bigot, you are blinded by your religion, you are against equal rights, and 50 years from now people will look back on you with disgust.

There is absolutely no argument against gay marriage that doesn't involve you pushing your religion on everyone else. This is America, you stupid assholes. The sanctity of marriage is a bullshit argument as well, do you not believe in divorce either? If you are against gay marriage, sorry, but you've lost my respect.

This issue irks me more than abortion, more than war, more than immigration. And I will base my vote upon it. I will vote for the side that isn't full of archaic believes and blatant hypocrisies. I will vote for the leader that puts human rights and common sense over a millennia-old book.

shinnoai @ 2008-09-26T17:19:00

2008-09-27T00:22:30Z

seriously

what are the odds that a browse through a shelter on a trip to portland would turn up this guy:

Banzai Sewart

shibu inu/schipperke mix, amazing personality and fully trained..exactly the dog type we were looking for.

shinnoai @ 2008-09-22T14:43:00

2008-09-22T21:56:38Z

So we've moved into our new apartment, and it's pretty sweet. I got a part time job to supplement when I don't have any jobs from the temp company, and so far I love it. It's at the Petsmart PetsHotel, a boarding and day care place that's inside the store. I wanted to get back into a retail-type environment minus the salesperson/shitty customer bullshit, and this is perfect. I'm back on my feet, I get to interact with some awesome dogs and cats, and I feel like I actually do a day's work instead of browsing the internet all day sitting at a desk (not that that's bad, but I AM getting fatter because of it.)

I think it's funny how I make peanuts working about 10 times harder than I do at a receptionist job that pays way more, but I'm really enjoying it so far.

One of the dogs there was a little Shiba Inu that has completely stolen my heart. I've always thought they were cute, but I've heard a lot about them and their independent behavior and thought they would just be too much for me and Chris to handle. However, this little guy was an absolute sweetheart. He didn't like the other dogs much and only selectively listens, but his intelligence and personality were amazing. If Chris and I don't find the perfect dog at the shelter, then we're going to start looking for a Shiba breeder.

Class has started this semester which is going well so far. If I do well and maintain this pace I could get my BA by the time I'm 25. That sounds kind of sad, but considering what my future was looking like a year ago it's a freakin miracle. Overall, things are looking pretty good.

shinnoai @ 2008-08-26T12:54:00

2008-08-26T20:05:54Z

So Chris and I are moving into our one-bedroom this week which is REALLY exciting seeing as how this apartment and our roommates have been a complete shitstain on an otherwise enjoyable past few months. This new complex we're moving into has everything Skyline didn't: indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub, gym, indoor basketball court, a walking trail, all for LESS than what we are paying here where there's nothing amenities-wise. We are also getting a fantastic special on rent which we really lucked out on. We're talking about getting a cat which I'm excited about because I miss having warm fuzzy animals around (Chris doesn't count), and later on down the road getting a dog when we get a bigger place.

I'm enrolled this semester at South Seattle Community College where I found out that I have only a year left of school to finish my AA, which was surprising because I thought I fucked up a lot worse than that. After I get my AA I'm going to apply to UW and a few other big universities and see where that takes me. I am excited and I feel as though I really do have the personal drive this time around.

So as of right now we're broke as a joke and pretty happy about it.

the latent nerd

2008-08-07T05:57:12Z

Twilight is a terribly written book with a plot fit for anime fangirl fanfiction, the characters are dull, selfish, and sociopathic and there isn't even hot vampire sex in it. Is this what young adult literature amounts to these days? I used to read the Animorphs series when I was a kid and I remember the Andalite Chronicles being crazy heady for its target age group. Or maybe that's just cuz I was 12.

So I don't know what possessed me to go into an overheated Borders today, pick up the sequel to Twilight, browse the manga and anime, then bring my sweat-laden purchase to the counter.

I think I'm regressing.

And yes, the sequel is just as terrible.

life update

2008-07-23T19:55:56Z

So in the past week and a half I got fired (not my fault), Chris got fired AND kicked out of school (not his fault), got legal advice, I got a new job, he got a new job, I broke my car in the middle of bumfuck Washington, got it fixed, spent way too much on a rental car, plunged my boyfriend into over a grand of debt, got him out of it, and now I'm at home with shitcakes nothin to do until I start my new job next week except eat delicious leftover barbecue and update my livejournal. I am reappearing shortly to the Clearwater area in early August, which I'm looking forward to and am also apprehensive about because it'll be the first time I've spent time away from Chris for more than a day (that's kind of weird sounding but we live and [used to] work together).

This weekend I got to ride in Chris's dad's shiny Mazda Z convertible and it was pretty sweet, I've never been in such a nice car before. Between that, Chris's 85 Z, and the two Zs getting fixed up in the driveway, I might have to learn stick pretty soon. Especially if my car keeps crapping out. Also, the rental car had XM Radio. I wants.

Also, The Dark Knight is the best superhero movie ever. Ever. And the Watchmen trailer is completely amazing.

shinnoai @ 2008-06-19T17:01:00

2008-06-20T00:07:59Z

I'm not a doctor, I'm not a psychiatrist, I'm not a self-diagnoser nor do I run around throwing diagnoses on people who fit criteria I read on Wikipedia. But I just read a ton of testimonials about living with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, and man. I felt at home. Every symptom, every story, every psychotic episode, self-abuse, manipulation and emotional abuse struck a chord with me.

I lived with the Craziest Person I Have Ever Known, and I am thankful unto death for Chris who took me out of a two-year emotional nightmare. Every person told me I was living with a crazy person, but he was the first to say "and look what it's doing to you."

No one made me feel as guilty for living as she did, and the relief I feel at this point is immense. I also wonder if I'm someone's Craziest Person I Have Ever Known. >_>

shinnoai @ 2008-06-04T12:30:00

2008-06-04T19:39:36Z

It continually blows my mind how perfectly comfortable I am in this state, with this guy, at this job. Everything at the moment just seems to fit together right for the first time, and I am savoring it.

god bless you former gallbladder

2008-05-23T23:03:29Z

I am on the easiest diet ever: if I deviate from it and eat something greasy, fatty, and bad for me, I'll poop like I have cholera on the Oregon Trail.

-_-

shinnoai @ 2008-05-10T11:44:00

2008-05-10T19:01:57Z

Life's been pretty swell. Now that I've broken free from crazy incarnate (to whom I'm still paying bills for cable and electric I'm not using) I'm feeling very refreshed and, I daresay, happy. I got my car last week from the shipping people. I even quit smoking without even realizing it. I woke up one day and realized I hadn't had a butt in about two and a half weeks so I just kept it up. Almost a month strong now and boy do I smell good!

Spring in a state that has defined seasons is awesome. You feel the air warming, you see the trees come alive, there are even bunnies gettin busy in front of my work. One particularly nice weekend Chris and I went to a local park and I got to play photographer with Chris's nice camera.

I HAVE CRABS

Catchin crabs.

This is the little creek that flows into Puget Sound

My attempt at photography

Pretty flower!

Puget Sound

Bonus pics! My new lizard Hermes

And Chris hangin out with Frank

shinnoai @ 2008-05-01T14:18:00

2008-05-01T21:20:36Z

This is Frank. Or Francine. We don't know yet.

(also starring my strangely deformed-looking fathand)

This is Frank's tank.

This is Frank in his tank on his favorite rock.

Frank wants to know wtf I'm doing.

Frank's mealworm salad, today featuring carrots, banana, kiwi, and delicious squishy nutrient squares.

He only likes the carrots >.<

Here he is on the kitchen counter being very unsanitary.

He is very tiny now but should start growing soon! Then he'll look like this

Well, maybe more like this

Yay!

shinnoai @ 2008-04-26T09:42:00

2008-04-26T16:43:36Z

The problem with being a Tim and Eric fan is that not only does everyone think you're an idiot, you also can't find anyone to go with you to see T&E Live. Le sigh.

shinnoai @ 2008-04-19T13:42:00

2008-04-17T20:50:52Z

I am updating this from my desk. At work. I am sitting on the Internet at work. Mind is blown. I'm cautious to say how awesome this job is because I'm waiting for the other foot to drop, or something. I answer phones. I tappity-tap on the computer. I talk to people. And in my down time - DOWN TIME - I can read or internet or whatever.

I get paid more to do less in a relaxed environment with friendly people and a goddamned giant window. Not even counting the 80% tuition reduction and full health and dental.

Eat it, retail. Eat it hard.

shinnoai @ 2008-04-05T14:32:00

2008-04-05T18:55:17Z

I'm moving to Kent, Washington on April 8th. This past month I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I start my new job as a receptionist at ITT Tech on April 14. The girl who was supposed to sublet my room in Gainesville never showed, and now I have to pay rent for April for an apartment I don't live in with money I don't have. I'm nervous about giving my car to the shipping company. I don't know where to start with shipping my stuff, it's a lot, even though I threw away half of it. I'm scared to live with Chris, even if it's just for a couple months until I get the house with my new roommate.

I'm scared to move. But I'm psyched about starting a different life in a new place.

the great 20something migration

2008-03-05T08:16:12Z

On March 18 I'm flying to Seattle for a job interview.

I'm moving west. This is real.

Crazy.

shinnoai @ 2008-02-22T22:30:00

2008-02-23T03:38:55Z

So the fatalist in me has been expecting this thing with Chris to go down the shitter at any moment. However, it's only getting better, and that makes me deeply suspicious. And happy. Sushappy. Haspicious. Things are DEFINITELY going down the shitter with my roommate who decided to blame the fact that the cats shit everywhere because me and Chris stayed at the apartment for two days (what?) and we somehow traumatized them (not because she...wasn't at the apartment for three days? Not changing the litter box? Hellooooo.) And in her fit of totally unreasonable rage I had to squeeze in that I wasn't renewing the lease for fall...so I'm hiding out in my room atm.

She is scary. I should slide some Xanax under her door. Maybe the cats will eat it and die. Either way problem solved.

Anyway the other side of the country is looking especially delicious as a future residence.

My boyfriend is king shit. And the gov't gave me a thousand dollars. So despite being holed up in the seventh layer of hell ("THE AC CAN'T GO BELOW 75!!!!1111") I'm feelin' pretty alright.

you know, i've always loved v-day

2008-02-16T15:42:38Z

this one was just better than all the others.

23 dies

2008-02-06T01:49:40Z

shinnoai @ 2008-01-29T14:44:00

2008-01-29T20:02:06Z

So being a moody cuntress the past month has finally been assuaged by the fact that I have an interview this Thursday with LifeSouth. Originally I had applied for a call position where I do scheduling for donors and stuff but they were so impressed with my group interview they want to interview me for a supervisory position. Hell. Yes. I win at life. Anyway on with the show.

A. List seven habits/quirks/facts about yourself.
B. Tag seven people to do the same.
C. Do not tag the person who tagged you or say that you tag "whoever wants to do it".

1. I am ready to move out of this state. I hate Gainesville and refuse to go back home.
2. I actually don't really like meeting people and thank my lucky stars I have a natural tendency to get along with anyone pretty easily. Because chances are I don't like them.
3. I value my friends more then they think, and dwell on them often. Even though I'm a douche at keeping contact.
4. I believe I deserve what I get, good and bad. Karma is life's way of making you stfu and listen.
5. One of these days I will have an entire reptile menagerie no matter how much any roommate or boyfriend I have protests. I WILL HAVE ONE.
6. I play too much World of Warcraft. Way, way too much.
7. I am a complete ball of mush when it comes to my boyfriend. It's disgusting.

I tag all of you. GOGOGOGO

long distance baby

2008-01-19T11:25:17Z

I quit my job in med-December, filled out applications everywhere, skedaddled to Seattle and spent Christmas and New Years at home. I was three weeks unemployed with no callbacks from anywhere - even with my follow up calls. Now it's mid-January and although I've finally had a couple interviews I have no current income and am going absolutely insane playing the waiting game at the apartment. As a result, my sleeping habits are totally wacked, and I'm feeling pretty down.

From the brief time I've known him it seems that IT is the singularly most unappreciated job ever. One phone call I got the pleasure of overhearing myself:

"Yeah, Chris? You left work? You need to come in and work the entire weekend by yourself to fix this mass network issue."

"Uhh...my girlfriend just got here. You met her, I had to take her into work with me for a couple hours after I picked her up from her eight hour flight. That's why I told you I was taking the weekend off."

"Well, we need this taken care of."

"Yeah, she flew from Florida. And I clocked 60 hours this week."

"So what are we going to do? Not teach class?"

"Uh, for the weekend? Yeah."

"But the network issue..."

ad nauseum. Poor guy.

I miss him terribly. We talk every day and have been since before we even met, we send pictures and emails and stuff, but it doesn't change the fact that his in-person face and mannerisms and smell fade a little more from me every day and get replaced with a nasty dull ache, made all the more apparent by my sedentary days of doing jack shit as of late. I handle it with my usual style of compartmentalizing the pain and accessing it only at certain times, but it's much more difficult knowing that if he was there in the general vicinity of my state, he would be with me or I with him.

I don't resent this situation, however. It's difficult but if it wasn't then I wouldn't consider it real or serious; I don't trust things that come easily to me. 3000 miles aside I'm in a relationship with a ridiculously loyal, caring, honest guy who seems to be the calming, fiscally responsible yin to my insane, fly by the seat of my pants yang. I believe that both of us are patient and willing to wait and see how it pans out. And in the meantime, enjoy fully the precious few days we get together.