Various random musings
Oct. 2nd, 2009 09:14 pmFirst! Megfaun, Wolf's obi is not, repeat, NOT long enough. We think we've figured out a way to fake it, but I wanted to let you know. We need about another full yard, if you've got it. If not, well, we'll fake it.
Second! I have purchased tabi socks and sandals for Kenshin Costume. Another $50+, gods, when will it end? Oh well, at least I can trust J-List for quality schtuff.
Third! I have a daughter and she is Sensitive. There is a graveyard she and Wolf pass every time they drive to Mama A's. It's one of many in the area, but the only one, so far, that The Cuteness shrieks at when they pass it. She won't shriek at any other time during the drive. I opened myself on the way home, out of curiosity, and was promptly very creeped out. I haven't noticed it before. Maybe it's the season. Or maybe something's changed. I don't know. Still is very creepy, especially after what happened yesterday.
Fourth! Yesterday afternoon I went to PP, expecting to get my depo shot. Turned out I was about three weeks early and depo is time sensitive, so I made another appointment and headed back to my car. As I've been reading Labby fanfic for, oh, a week or so, I was trying to keep His Royal Sparkliness out of my head.
Until I saw something vaguely human shaped sitting in the driver's seat of my car. It wasn't visible in the photographic sense, but I knew something was there. Being concerned, I checked under my car and all the seats, making sure there wasn't a physical presence. So, grumbling to myself and raising shields, I got into the car.
And felt something hovering behind my head all the way home. Very unhappy with this, I ordered the thing out of the car. It left, but to be sure, I called Wolf and asked for a broom. I then swept the car three times, widdershins, declaring my property to be MINE, damn it all, and nothing I didn't want was going to get in. Then I went inside and cleansed myself and the broom.
Fifth! I intend to do some much needed house repairs this weekend, after I go snuggle up in bed alone, as Wolf is very interested in Stargate: Universe and I could care less.
Second! I have purchased tabi socks and sandals for Kenshin Costume. Another $50+, gods, when will it end? Oh well, at least I can trust J-List for quality schtuff.
Third! I have a daughter and she is Sensitive. There is a graveyard she and Wolf pass every time they drive to Mama A's. It's one of many in the area, but the only one, so far, that The Cuteness shrieks at when they pass it. She won't shriek at any other time during the drive. I opened myself on the way home, out of curiosity, and was promptly very creeped out. I haven't noticed it before. Maybe it's the season. Or maybe something's changed. I don't know. Still is very creepy, especially after what happened yesterday.
Fourth! Yesterday afternoon I went to PP, expecting to get my depo shot. Turned out I was about three weeks early and depo is time sensitive, so I made another appointment and headed back to my car. As I've been reading Labby fanfic for, oh, a week or so, I was trying to keep His Royal Sparkliness out of my head.
Until I saw something vaguely human shaped sitting in the driver's seat of my car. It wasn't visible in the photographic sense, but I knew something was there. Being concerned, I checked under my car and all the seats, making sure there wasn't a physical presence. So, grumbling to myself and raising shields, I got into the car.
And felt something hovering behind my head all the way home. Very unhappy with this, I ordered the thing out of the car. It left, but to be sure, I called Wolf and asked for a broom. I then swept the car three times, widdershins, declaring my property to be MINE, damn it all, and nothing I didn't want was going to get in. Then I went inside and cleansed myself and the broom.
Fifth! I intend to do some much needed house repairs this weekend, after I go snuggle up in bed alone, as Wolf is very interested in Stargate: Universe and I could care less.
Piiictures.
Aug. 27th, 2009 06:20 pmHere we are!
I'm starting to think my nose is too snub to be Kenshin. Oh well.
I checked with my wig company, they recommend finetooth combs with long tails for combing. Styling suggestions didn't get into teasing outside of using the comb mentioned above, and normal hairspray will work, as long as it's gentle. Test somewhere first to make sure it doesn't melt the fibers. Skin caps are again personal preference.
If I get another child support check, I'll invest in the necessary tools. If not, then I'll muddle through somehow.
I'm starting to think my nose is too snub to be Kenshin. Oh well.
I checked with my wig company, they recommend finetooth combs with long tails for combing. Styling suggestions didn't get into teasing outside of using the comb mentioned above, and normal hairspray will work, as long as it's gentle. Test somewhere first to make sure it doesn't melt the fibers. Skin caps are again personal preference.
If I get another child support check, I'll invest in the necessary tools. If not, then I'll muddle through somehow.
Wiiiiiiiiigggg
Aug. 27th, 2009 08:04 amMy precious is now complete! Wig came in yesterday. It's very long and very red and very unruly and I have NO idea on how to style the bloody thing.
I realize Kandy's on her Alaskan cruise (bloody 6 foot blonde has all the fun), is there anyone else out there in my Friend's List that knows how to wear, secure and otherwise make a wig do what you want? It is synthetic and I need to tease the bangs and other assorted top bits to high and messy. Can I use mousse? What about styling spray? Or regular old hair spray? Can you tell I'm not a girly girl?
I did confirm my hair's short enough not to be seen under this massive fake mop but said real hair is so fine and slippery, I'm not sure the all powerful bobby pin's going to work. Bobby pins do not like my hair.
Being the sensible Witch that I am, I bought liquid eyeliner in black for the cross scar last night before going home. I also paced the cosmetics aisle for way too long debating various foundations so I won't look, well, splotchy due to the extreme red of the wig. I asked an employee for advice and she suggested a liquid would be better then a powder or pressed powder.
My brief forays into makeup since "adulthood" have been the liquid-to-powder compacts by Cover Girl, as they're cheaper then the other name brands and my fingers don't get caked in foundation. (yes, I know there are sponges. Hush.) However, for this I wanted to spend as little money as possible. After picking up the basic liquid foundation and liquid eyeliner, I spotted an endcap of cheaper, generic makeup that were almost half of the Cover Girl's prices. I promptly put my first choices back. The generic had that white-color-bead foundation I've seen advertised by...Maybelline, I think, and it was $5andchange instead of $7-10. The eyeliner was $3 compared to $6. So I got out of the store with the necessary makeup at just over $10, instead of $15. Woot.
There will be pictures of wig and cross scar and costume at some point, I have to steal them from Wolf's phone. He didn't want to do it, saying the costume's not done, but I insisted. Bwha.
On a totally unrelated note, I took a good look at myself in the mirror last night and discovered the work-week-daily exercises are doing something to my arms. They look just a hint more defined. Must keep it up.
On a semi-related note, my skin is also clearing up nicely. Huzzah. I tried the foundation today and it seems to have evened my tones out. I'll confirm that in the bathroom mirror at some point today. (used a compact mirror that's on my desk for the application.)
I realize Kandy's on her Alaskan cruise (bloody 6 foot blonde has all the fun), is there anyone else out there in my Friend's List that knows how to wear, secure and otherwise make a wig do what you want? It is synthetic and I need to tease the bangs and other assorted top bits to high and messy. Can I use mousse? What about styling spray? Or regular old hair spray? Can you tell I'm not a girly girl?
I did confirm my hair's short enough not to be seen under this massive fake mop but said real hair is so fine and slippery, I'm not sure the all powerful bobby pin's going to work. Bobby pins do not like my hair.
Being the sensible Witch that I am, I bought liquid eyeliner in black for the cross scar last night before going home. I also paced the cosmetics aisle for way too long debating various foundations so I won't look, well, splotchy due to the extreme red of the wig. I asked an employee for advice and she suggested a liquid would be better then a powder or pressed powder.
My brief forays into makeup since "adulthood" have been the liquid-to-powder compacts by Cover Girl, as they're cheaper then the other name brands and my fingers don't get caked in foundation. (yes, I know there are sponges. Hush.) However, for this I wanted to spend as little money as possible. After picking up the basic liquid foundation and liquid eyeliner, I spotted an endcap of cheaper, generic makeup that were almost half of the Cover Girl's prices. I promptly put my first choices back. The generic had that white-color-bead foundation I've seen advertised by...Maybelline, I think, and it was $5andchange instead of $7-10. The eyeliner was $3 compared to $6. So I got out of the store with the necessary makeup at just over $10, instead of $15. Woot.
There will be pictures of wig and cross scar and costume at some point, I have to steal them from Wolf's phone. He didn't want to do it, saying the costume's not done, but I insisted. Bwha.
On a totally unrelated note, I took a good look at myself in the mirror last night and discovered the work-week-daily exercises are doing something to my arms. They look just a hint more defined. Must keep it up.
On a semi-related note, my skin is also clearing up nicely. Huzzah. I tried the foundation today and it seems to have evened my tones out. I'll confirm that in the bathroom mirror at some point today. (used a compact mirror that's on my desk for the application.)
Further random costume musings
Aug. 14th, 2009 04:42 pmFive seams repaired on my kimono. I'm hesitant to put on the hakama again, but sooner or later I must.
Kenshin wig ordered. Wolf continues to insist that the OMGBrightred is a must, as the more normal red is too normal and therefore is not Kenshin. I bought the XXL version in the OMGBrightred. It will take 15 business days, or 3 business weeks to make and ship. It's a good thing I did this now, I should have it by, oh, middle of September. Kenshin has too much hair. Must figure out how to make the top all spiky without sacrificing too much of the length.
Oh well, at least my braiding obsession will be pacified, as I can't braid my eldest nephew's shaggy mop. He is in high school and rapidly approaching driving age, so having an aunt half his height braid his hair is just too freaky for him. I warned him I am the freaky aunt and he'd better get used to it.
I'm trying to resist putting The Cuteness' strawberry blonde (STRAWBERRY BLONDE! HOW did I give birth to a strawberry blonde?!?) in pigtails with yellow ribbons to match her oh-so-cute yellow sundress. I am tempted to stop at Target tonight and drag my youngest nephew along for the ride, as he's supposed to be sleeping over. Note to self, call his parents again to confirm, because they do not answer their phones. Or just show up and kidnap the boy. That might be fun.
Kenshin wig ordered. Wolf continues to insist that the OMGBrightred is a must, as the more normal red is too normal and therefore is not Kenshin. I bought the XXL version in the OMGBrightred. It will take 15 business days, or 3 business weeks to make and ship. It's a good thing I did this now, I should have it by, oh, middle of September. Kenshin has too much hair. Must figure out how to make the top all spiky without sacrificing too much of the length.
Oh well, at least my braiding obsession will be pacified, as I can't braid my eldest nephew's shaggy mop. He is in high school and rapidly approaching driving age, so having an aunt half his height braid his hair is just too freaky for him. I warned him I am the freaky aunt and he'd better get used to it.
I'm trying to resist putting The Cuteness' strawberry blonde (STRAWBERRY BLONDE! HOW did I give birth to a strawberry blonde?!?) in pigtails with yellow ribbons to match her oh-so-cute yellow sundress. I am tempted to stop at Target tonight and drag my youngest nephew along for the ride, as he's supposed to be sleeping over. Note to self, call his parents again to confirm, because they do not answer their phones. Or just show up and kidnap the boy. That might be fun.
Totally random costume musings
Aug. 5th, 2009 07:56 amMy Kenshin costume has become even more official, as I've mended two seams already and there's a third demanding attention. I'm going to have to go find matching thread, as the red thread I do have is very red, not burgundy/maroon/whathaveyou and while the underarm seams don't show, the shoulder seam WILL.
Wolf keeps saying "Costume!" in a vaguely exasperated way, as if I should have already realized it's not made for daily wear.
Or weekly wear.
Or "whenever I come home too damn hot and need something comfy to cool down in."
Wolf: "Are you going to replace every seam?"
Me: "If I have to."
NO, Megfaun, this is not a condemnation of your sewing skills. This is me getting my money's worth out of your excellent clothes. But do keep in mind Wolf WILL be wearing his hakama for workouts, so you should probably double-stitch the seams.
I'm seriously toying with the idea of going down to NYCC. All it would cost me is the bus ticket and my share of room/food/fees. I know I'd be welcome, but gods, I haven't paid for a con in about 10 years. 'Course, it's been about half that time since I've BEEN to one and StarFest has always had a bit of suckiness to it. Bubonicon that one year doesn't count, as we so crashed it and were there less then 24 hours. Bwaha.
Where was I going with this?
Oh yeah, costumes.
So, if I get another support check, I'll pony up for the Kenshin wig and some black eyeliner and lo! I will be Kenshin. Must practice the Oro and the Sessha and the ...-dono and the de gozaru yo/ka.
Last night, however, my rent cat idea popped into my head.
Now, I've never been the kind of person who runs around a con in a different costume every day or more. (Saw a dude that did that, he wore FOUR costumes in the space of about six hours. WTF.) But NYCC would be a golden opportunity. Spend part of the time running around as Kenshin (no doubt getting asked for pictures, as I have real sword, even if it is peace-bonded ^_^) and then break out the Hatter suit w/red vest and no tie, strap on cat ears and tail and pin a card to my lapel that reads "Rent Cat, L50/hour", L being for pounds, natch, and see if ANYONE gets the joke. Must make sure to get leather gloves too and practice my British accent. I suspect if anyone is not familiar with the gay underground of Great Britian in the late 1800s-early 1900s or has read "Stickey Wicket" (online comic, google, you'll enjoy) will not get the joke. Still debating if a Rent Cat should have whiskers.
So, what do you all think?
Wolf keeps saying "Costume!" in a vaguely exasperated way, as if I should have already realized it's not made for daily wear.
Or weekly wear.
Or "whenever I come home too damn hot and need something comfy to cool down in."
Wolf: "Are you going to replace every seam?"
Me: "If I have to."
NO, Megfaun, this is not a condemnation of your sewing skills. This is me getting my money's worth out of your excellent clothes. But do keep in mind Wolf WILL be wearing his hakama for workouts, so you should probably double-stitch the seams.
I'm seriously toying with the idea of going down to NYCC. All it would cost me is the bus ticket and my share of room/food/fees. I know I'd be welcome, but gods, I haven't paid for a con in about 10 years. 'Course, it's been about half that time since I've BEEN to one and StarFest has always had a bit of suckiness to it. Bubonicon that one year doesn't count, as we so crashed it and were there less then 24 hours. Bwaha.
Where was I going with this?
Oh yeah, costumes.
So, if I get another support check, I'll pony up for the Kenshin wig and some black eyeliner and lo! I will be Kenshin. Must practice the Oro and the Sessha and the ...-dono and the de gozaru yo/ka.
Last night, however, my rent cat idea popped into my head.
Now, I've never been the kind of person who runs around a con in a different costume every day or more. (Saw a dude that did that, he wore FOUR costumes in the space of about six hours. WTF.) But NYCC would be a golden opportunity. Spend part of the time running around as Kenshin (no doubt getting asked for pictures, as I have real sword, even if it is peace-bonded ^_^) and then break out the Hatter suit w/red vest and no tie, strap on cat ears and tail and pin a card to my lapel that reads "Rent Cat, L50/hour", L being for pounds, natch, and see if ANYONE gets the joke. Must make sure to get leather gloves too and practice my British accent. I suspect if anyone is not familiar with the gay underground of Great Britian in the late 1800s-early 1900s or has read "Stickey Wicket" (online comic, google, you'll enjoy) will not get the joke. Still debating if a Rent Cat should have whiskers.
So, what do you all think?
I can has costume!
Jun. 2nd, 2008 12:52 pmI feel that I have had the most productive weekend in a very long time. Which is odd, considering the following.
Saturday was spent waiting for Wolf to get home from work (asked in for OT, um, yay?) so we could go to another cousin's birthday party. This is Leia (name spelled incorrectly on purpose), she's two. It was held at a park in Binghamton and there were about 30-35 people there. It's a nice park, very large, so we had the section by a pond mostly to ourselves. To keep IdK entertained I took him for a walk around the pond. We were about one quarter of the way when I spotted something moving slowly across the sidewalk.
( Queenie goes Austrailian )
After we got home there was costume drama. Wolf helped me measure my neck size with a cord (as we had no appropriate measuring tape). Then I grabbed the fabric for my cravat and used the cord to measure out where I needed to cut the narrow piece. I penciled it in, drew the curve, then sat back and looked at it.
"This is not going to work."
"Why not?"
"There's not enough to tie. See?" I picked up the fabric and showed Wolf.
"You doubled it. See? It's only supposed to go around your neck once, not twice."
"This is why I'm not a seamstress!" Said while snatching the fabric from Wolf. I remeasured, re-drew and cut out the narrow piece.
"I suck," I said while hemming the cravat. "It's ok to say I suck, you know."
"You don't suck, you're very brave attempting something new like this."
"I apologize for snatching the fabric. That was very rude of me."
"I love you."
So that was Saturday.
Sunday I drove around Vestal with Mama A to run some errands. I picked up make-up at Wallys (boo, hiss) as they are the cheapest place to go. We also found The Cuteness a new car seat for Mama A's car and a little pink shirt that read "I'm Guaranteed to make you smile". I had to get it. We found a matching skort and she wore it Sunday afternoon. She is adorable. I made everyone read her shirt.
We also stopped at a nearby craft store I hadn't been in. I found the right dye and paint. The paint was on clearance, 3 for $1.00. I got six bottles. That plus the dye equaled $5 and change, right on budget. Whoot!
After we got home (via Dunkin Donuts so I could get a vanilla chai as a reward for driving so well), I finished hemming the cravat and dyed it a nice, bright yellow. Huzzah for hot dye baths that go quickly! And thank you![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
jannyblue, as I remembered her tip for quick bucket dye jobs. ^_^
I also sucked it up and with Wolf's ever-patient help, got my pants tucked and hemmed. I tried the lovely red vest with the outfit, even going so far as to tie the cravat into a bow. I thought I looked like a riverboat blackjack dealer. Wolf agreed it was too normal, didn't clash enough, but it would be a fine Doctor costume. Whoot!
We suspect the green will work best. Of course, it's all about the hat. I get that Thursday. There was much discussion about the hatband. This top hat is white with a white band. Do we get more dye and dye the hatband yellow to match the cravat, or do we leave it white, or do we paint it burgundy?
Any suggestions?
Saturday was spent waiting for Wolf to get home from work (asked in for OT, um, yay?) so we could go to another cousin's birthday party. This is Leia (name spelled incorrectly on purpose), she's two. It was held at a park in Binghamton and there were about 30-35 people there. It's a nice park, very large, so we had the section by a pond mostly to ourselves. To keep IdK entertained I took him for a walk around the pond. We were about one quarter of the way when I spotted something moving slowly across the sidewalk.
( Queenie goes Austrailian )
After we got home there was costume drama. Wolf helped me measure my neck size with a cord (as we had no appropriate measuring tape). Then I grabbed the fabric for my cravat and used the cord to measure out where I needed to cut the narrow piece. I penciled it in, drew the curve, then sat back and looked at it.
"This is not going to work."
"Why not?"
"There's not enough to tie. See?" I picked up the fabric and showed Wolf.
"You doubled it. See? It's only supposed to go around your neck once, not twice."
"This is why I'm not a seamstress!" Said while snatching the fabric from Wolf. I remeasured, re-drew and cut out the narrow piece.
"I suck," I said while hemming the cravat. "It's ok to say I suck, you know."
"You don't suck, you're very brave attempting something new like this."
"I apologize for snatching the fabric. That was very rude of me."
"I love you."
So that was Saturday.
Sunday I drove around Vestal with Mama A to run some errands. I picked up make-up at Wallys (boo, hiss) as they are the cheapest place to go. We also found The Cuteness a new car seat for Mama A's car and a little pink shirt that read "I'm Guaranteed to make you smile". I had to get it. We found a matching skort and she wore it Sunday afternoon. She is adorable. I made everyone read her shirt.
We also stopped at a nearby craft store I hadn't been in. I found the right dye and paint. The paint was on clearance, 3 for $1.00. I got six bottles. That plus the dye equaled $5 and change, right on budget. Whoot!
After we got home (via Dunkin Donuts so I could get a vanilla chai as a reward for driving so well), I finished hemming the cravat and dyed it a nice, bright yellow. Huzzah for hot dye baths that go quickly! And thank you
jannyblue, as I remembered her tip for quick bucket dye jobs. ^_^I also sucked it up and with Wolf's ever-patient help, got my pants tucked and hemmed. I tried the lovely red vest with the outfit, even going so far as to tie the cravat into a bow. I thought I looked like a riverboat blackjack dealer. Wolf agreed it was too normal, didn't clash enough, but it would be a fine Doctor costume. Whoot!
We suspect the green will work best. Of course, it's all about the hat. I get that Thursday. There was much discussion about the hatband. This top hat is white with a white band. Do we get more dye and dye the hatband yellow to match the cravat, or do we leave it white, or do we paint it burgundy?
Any suggestions?
As Mama A has 28 bit dialup, which is teh suxxor and I don't like to use it unless absolutely necessary...
Mama A went through the surgery just fine. She didn't get home until almost 5 pm yesterday, which did not surprise me at all. The Cuteness and I had a lovely time; we showered together (she wasn't too keen on all this falling wet stuff at first and clung to me like a little wet leech, but by the time we were done, she was kicking at the spray. Didn't scream once, not even when I rinsed her hair, but oh, she was gearing up for one. Oka-san's too quick. ^_^), she took a very long morning nap, over three hours, and her afternoon nap was normal. There was also the obligatory barking at Jet Black, Mama A's little black dog. She's so cute, "Ah! Ah!" Hasn't quite gotten the "rf" sound yet.
I spun flax for about two hours, watching the History Channel and lamenting my complete lack of thread thickness symmetry. I get sections, sometimes a few feet worth, then I either thin out or thicken up. It is so sad. But! It's only my second serious attempt and flax is a pain. My kitties think it's great to nibble on and/or roll in.
I also got half a sewing project done re-installing a zipper on a jacket that used to belong to my boss. He wanted to throw it out, it fits Bronco, and all it needed was the zipper re-sewn. Silly boss man. This is also so not even, but I doubt Bronco will care.
Everyone got home about the same time. Mama A wasn't hungry, we had sloppy joes made from leftover pork and okonomiyaki sauce. OMG good, especially with a slice of cheese.
Still need to finish the jacket sewing and get started on my costume pants. I think I'll suck it up and hem the cuffs.
So, that was yesterday. Didn't get the dishes done as I kept reminding myself to do so Mama A wouldn't have to, I'm such a bad person. Now she's gonna do them. Oh well. She won't do them all, I'll finish them tonight.
There's baklava here from a customer. The shop boss asked me to "take those away". Bwha. I shall eat very well today.
Mama A went through the surgery just fine. She didn't get home until almost 5 pm yesterday, which did not surprise me at all. The Cuteness and I had a lovely time; we showered together (she wasn't too keen on all this falling wet stuff at first and clung to me like a little wet leech, but by the time we were done, she was kicking at the spray. Didn't scream once, not even when I rinsed her hair, but oh, she was gearing up for one. Oka-san's too quick. ^_^), she took a very long morning nap, over three hours, and her afternoon nap was normal. There was also the obligatory barking at Jet Black, Mama A's little black dog. She's so cute, "Ah! Ah!" Hasn't quite gotten the "rf" sound yet.
I spun flax for about two hours, watching the History Channel and lamenting my complete lack of thread thickness symmetry. I get sections, sometimes a few feet worth, then I either thin out or thicken up. It is so sad. But! It's only my second serious attempt and flax is a pain. My kitties think it's great to nibble on and/or roll in.
I also got half a sewing project done re-installing a zipper on a jacket that used to belong to my boss. He wanted to throw it out, it fits Bronco, and all it needed was the zipper re-sewn. Silly boss man. This is also so not even, but I doubt Bronco will care.
Everyone got home about the same time. Mama A wasn't hungry, we had sloppy joes made from leftover pork and okonomiyaki sauce. OMG good, especially with a slice of cheese.
Still need to finish the jacket sewing and get started on my costume pants. I think I'll suck it up and hem the cuffs.
So, that was yesterday. Didn't get the dishes done as I kept reminding myself to do so Mama A wouldn't have to, I'm such a bad person. Now she's gonna do them. Oh well. She won't do them all, I'll finish them tonight.
There's baklava here from a customer. The shop boss asked me to "take those away". Bwha. I shall eat very well today.
And I include myself in that.
Now for the real reason for this posting, the weekend! *Ben Stein voice* Yay. */Ben Stein voice*
Saturday Zahde came up. We went to the Rose Garden, which brings very different memories and ideas to our respective minds. Then we compared childhood reading material and discovered just how different our upbringings really were. For the record, the food was just as good as I remembered. ^_^
After lunch, we played with a little boy who lived in the same complex while discussing what to do next. I still had Mad Hatter on the brain, so we decided to trawl the Parkway for tuxedo shops in the hopes of finding a top hat and waistcoat.
The first one we found was Beau's and for $68 and change, I have a white top hat coming to me to keep and a kelly green vest to rent. Pick up everything June 5, returnt the vest June 9. That is the following Monday, right? I keep getting my dates mixed up. A very sweet older gentleman was running the store and he even volunteered to tie my cravat for me. *poing* (He gave me $10 off the hat cause I'm so small. ^_^)
Costume total so far: $181
Reusable: $90
Rental: $30
So, actual costume: $61
Whoot!
Jo-Ann was our next stop. I could not find any ribbon that was the right width and there was NO yellow in the scrap bin. So I settled for .8yd basic white cotton/poly blend. I'll have to cut it, it's bolt-wide which makes tying it AWKWARD!, and I'll have to dye it, but it was 83 cents! As for the fabric paint for my top hat, I could not find plain old flat fabric paint. I scoped out the acrylic selection and found THE perfect shade of burgundy. 50c/bottle.
Whoot!
So, come June 5, I'll go pick up my waistcoat and hat, swing by Jo-Ann for the paint, find the Rit dye sometime between now and then, and have a grand time painting and dying. I expect I'll get this all done for less then $100, especially if I just suck it up and hem the pants instead of trying to find boots.
Sunday was spent sleeping. No, I'm not kidding. I napped when The Cuteness napped, Wolf played GT 4 and we didn't get dressed until after 5 pm. Dragged ourselves out to get laundry and some grocery shopping done, then went home. Wolf put the kiddos down, I did the dishes and put all the clothes away. Go me!
Was in bed by 10:20.
Now for the real reason for this posting, the weekend! *Ben Stein voice* Yay. */Ben Stein voice*
Saturday Zahde came up. We went to the Rose Garden, which brings very different memories and ideas to our respective minds. Then we compared childhood reading material and discovered just how different our upbringings really were. For the record, the food was just as good as I remembered. ^_^
After lunch, we played with a little boy who lived in the same complex while discussing what to do next. I still had Mad Hatter on the brain, so we decided to trawl the Parkway for tuxedo shops in the hopes of finding a top hat and waistcoat.
The first one we found was Beau's and for $68 and change, I have a white top hat coming to me to keep and a kelly green vest to rent. Pick up everything June 5, returnt the vest June 9. That is the following Monday, right? I keep getting my dates mixed up. A very sweet older gentleman was running the store and he even volunteered to tie my cravat for me. *poing* (He gave me $10 off the hat cause I'm so small. ^_^)
Costume total so far: $181
Reusable: $90
Rental: $30
So, actual costume: $61
Whoot!
Jo-Ann was our next stop. I could not find any ribbon that was the right width and there was NO yellow in the scrap bin. So I settled for .8yd basic white cotton/poly blend. I'll have to cut it, it's bolt-wide which makes tying it AWKWARD!, and I'll have to dye it, but it was 83 cents! As for the fabric paint for my top hat, I could not find plain old flat fabric paint. I scoped out the acrylic selection and found THE perfect shade of burgundy. 50c/bottle.
Whoot!
So, come June 5, I'll go pick up my waistcoat and hat, swing by Jo-Ann for the paint, find the Rit dye sometime between now and then, and have a grand time painting and dying. I expect I'll get this all done for less then $100, especially if I just suck it up and hem the pants instead of trying to find boots.
Sunday was spent sleeping. No, I'm not kidding. I napped when The Cuteness napped, Wolf played GT 4 and we didn't get dressed until after 5 pm. Dragged ourselves out to get laundry and some grocery shopping done, then went home. Wolf put the kiddos down, I did the dishes and put all the clothes away. Go me!
Was in bed by 10:20.
Windfalls are good. Windfalls can get you an enormous sense of relief that you don't really have to scrimp for the next week. They can get you a nice dinner with some leftovers, your first manga purchases, half down on the Outlaw Star box set because apparently the price dropped nearly $30 and still have enough to get the kiddo his Halloween costume/first really good suit.
All of this AFTER spending the afternoon running around between Aurora and Cherry Creek looking for said suits (still can't find my Hellsing one in the right size, but it does exist!), talking about new bed linens that will actually go with the carpet-headboard that's so very Asian the current flowery linens clash horribly, finding the perfect set of bed linens, browsing through the biggest Bed Bath and Beyond we've ever seen, finding sheers for the living room because we're sick of the plastic horizontal blinds, and the hardware to put them up, debating over a candle centerpiece for the coffee table and finding lots and lots of nice mild scents.
Coming home to stay up until midnight watching "Time Bandits", leaving me very unimpressed and Wolf disappointed because he liked the film, "I've always found it charming." Sleeping in until almost 9 am.
The suit for the kiddo? Black, mandarin collar, buttons in groups of two all the way down. Japanese school uniform ALL THE WAY!! I wanted one.
The manga? Hellsssssssssssing, Volume 1, Inuyasha 1 & 2 and Howl's Moving Castle Volume 2. Now I can drool in peace. But the whole "virgin to be turned" thing is a bit much to me. I sincerely doubt Mahster Parker kept his hands off of MIna. Oh, yes, I will be going back to Gimme Anime for more books. I'm nearly halfway to my free one!
All of this AFTER spending the afternoon running around between Aurora and Cherry Creek looking for said suits (still can't find my Hellsing one in the right size, but it does exist!), talking about new bed linens that will actually go with the carpet-headboard that's so very Asian the current flowery linens clash horribly, finding the perfect set of bed linens, browsing through the biggest Bed Bath and Beyond we've ever seen, finding sheers for the living room because we're sick of the plastic horizontal blinds, and the hardware to put them up, debating over a candle centerpiece for the coffee table and finding lots and lots of nice mild scents.
Coming home to stay up until midnight watching "Time Bandits", leaving me very unimpressed and Wolf disappointed because he liked the film, "I've always found it charming." Sleeping in until almost 9 am.
The suit for the kiddo? Black, mandarin collar, buttons in groups of two all the way down. Japanese school uniform ALL THE WAY!! I wanted one.
The manga? Hellsssssssssssing, Volume 1, Inuyasha 1 & 2 and Howl's Moving Castle Volume 2. Now I can drool in peace. But the whole "virgin to be turned" thing is a bit much to me. I sincerely doubt Mahster Parker kept his hands off of MIna. Oh, yes, I will be going back to Gimme Anime for more books. I'm nearly halfway to my free one!
http://www.deviantart.com/view/20947215/
It took Wolf and I about two hours and a lot of driving, but we found the hat and scarf I needed. As you can see, I didn't go with the burgundy, mainly because the black looks better for the character.
Just ignore the red eye in that. ^^::
It took Wolf and I about two hours and a lot of driving, but we found the hat and scarf I needed. As you can see, I didn't go with the burgundy, mainly because the black looks better for the character.
Just ignore the red eye in that. ^^::
Stars in the eyes...
Jul. 24th, 2005 07:54 amQueenie is a sucker.
"Why, Queenie! What absurd project have you allowed yourself to be roped in this time? The IC bid?"
GODS NO!! Skipper wants me to plan the bloody masquerade ball without asking me to. He asked my opinion about a ball and I said I wanted to go to a masquerade. Dirty rotten...
Anyhew, no, this should prove to be shorter, easier and more fun.
I'm going to have a role in a fan-film based on "City of Heroes", the MMORPG pay game where you get to build up superheroes. It's coming across as rather "Sin City", but the director/producer/writer guy (also a ST fan, sucker) swears it's close to the game. I've never played it, not having the money or interest in allowing my soul to be sucked out by such games. I'm having a hard enough time staying out of FF6 and Legends of Mana (which Kyther and I spent 9 HOURS playing yesterday!)
Wolf is also in it. He plays one of three thugs, I'm The Shadow-esque mentalist that comes in and rescues the main character. *fistpump* Do you know what this means? DO YOU??
I get to go SHOPPING!!! For a FEDORA!!! *oversized anime star eyes*
Owie. *shakes head, eyes return to normal* That hurts. I am such a geek.
Wolf's arm may also have it's own role as a zombie arm. We're shooting this coming up Saturday up in Meade. Bright and early. I need to pick out one of my three suits. Would black or burgundy look better on camera?
"Why, Queenie! What absurd project have you allowed yourself to be roped in this time? The IC bid?"
GODS NO!! Skipper wants me to plan the bloody masquerade ball without asking me to. He asked my opinion about a ball and I said I wanted to go to a masquerade. Dirty rotten...
Anyhew, no, this should prove to be shorter, easier and more fun.
I'm going to have a role in a fan-film based on "City of Heroes", the MMORPG pay game where you get to build up superheroes. It's coming across as rather "Sin City", but the director/producer/writer guy (also a ST fan, sucker) swears it's close to the game. I've never played it, not having the money or interest in allowing my soul to be sucked out by such games. I'm having a hard enough time staying out of FF6 and Legends of Mana (which Kyther and I spent 9 HOURS playing yesterday!)
Wolf is also in it. He plays one of three thugs, I'm The Shadow-esque mentalist that comes in and rescues the main character. *fistpump* Do you know what this means? DO YOU??
I get to go SHOPPING!!! For a FEDORA!!! *oversized anime star eyes*
Owie. *shakes head, eyes return to normal* That hurts. I am such a geek.
Wolf's arm may also have it's own role as a zombie arm. We're shooting this coming up Saturday up in Meade. Bright and early. I need to pick out one of my three suits. Would black or burgundy look better on camera?
A non writing update
Jun. 8th, 2005 02:00 pmWhy? Because I feel the need.
Plu I'm still working diaolgue in my head. Ban and Alucard yelling at each other. Great fun.
Anyhew.
Work search not going well. Have had two phone calls asking to submit resumes and one just 20 minutes ago asking if I could work tonight. Hah! I TOLD you people I need 24 hours notice. Oh, how quickly these mortals forget their history. Tsk tsk.
*blinks, rubs eyes*
They're stripping and striping the parking lots this week. I think the dust and such is coming in through the A/C, my eyes are killing me. Or maybe it's too long on the comp reading Hellsing fanfiction and getting lots of naughty ideas.
"No! Bad Song! No adult Hellsing fic!"
"Who's the master here?"
*grumble*
Heeeheeehee! I love Sildar. We'll make a great Integral/Alucard team. Speaking of, I got a few prices on what I'll need for my Integral costume.
Suit: ~$50. I did find olive green that fit me, in the boy's section of Burlington Coat Factory. 16 regular, can you imagine! 18 was a bit too big. Sadly, they didn't have the suit in the right size, just the right style and color. *sigh* I'll be hunting around Men's Warehouse next. It's not like we have the money now, but I do intend to wear the suit to work if I end up with a dress code. There's so many nice suits in boys. Not like in women's, where half the styles insist on skirts. I hate skirts. Unless they're ankle length and broomstick style. (Side note, going to Ren Faire this weekend. Find out if you can borrow a dress from Goldie Friday so you can hem the bloody thing.)
Wig: ~$45. Thanks to Kandybar for giving me the weblink. I found one that looks pretty close and available in the right color. Since all wig sales are final on that site, I intend to do some hands-on shopping, find out appropriate size and such.
Gun: ~$25. Took me entirely too long to find the bloody thing, but there is one available in airsoft format and with the requiste orange muzzle to protect me from the Con staff. *grin* I'd prefer a real one, but that would cost more then everything else put together, I'm sure. PPKs are small!
Shirt, gloves, shoes and shoulder harness will take some doing. Well, not so much. Shirt, shoes and tie could probably be purchased with the suit for fairly cheap. Under $100, I hope. Gloves will be obtained at the Surplus store and the shoulder harness, hmmm. Not sure where to go with that. Have to ask Wolf. I'll also need cigars, and since I can't afford Holland imports, I'll settle for Acids. The ones in the black tin that taste like dark chocolate. Mmm.
Am I forgetting anything? *ponders* My glasses will have to do. They're not oversized or silver, but they are round enough. I could paint them silver, I suppose. Sildar didn't go for the fangirl idea, except to pose in pictures with real ones. I'll have to remember that. *eville grin*
Well, I have a year for this. At least. I'll buy pieces as I can and stash them away. Then, when it's complete, I'll put it all together and pose for pictures to wow my friends with. Yeah.
Plu I'm still working diaolgue in my head. Ban and Alucard yelling at each other. Great fun.
Anyhew.
Work search not going well. Have had two phone calls asking to submit resumes and one just 20 minutes ago asking if I could work tonight. Hah! I TOLD you people I need 24 hours notice. Oh, how quickly these mortals forget their history. Tsk tsk.
*blinks, rubs eyes*
They're stripping and striping the parking lots this week. I think the dust and such is coming in through the A/C, my eyes are killing me. Or maybe it's too long on the comp reading Hellsing fanfiction and getting lots of naughty ideas.
"No! Bad Song! No adult Hellsing fic!"
"Who's the master here?"
*grumble*
Heeeheeehee! I love Sildar. We'll make a great Integral/Alucard team. Speaking of, I got a few prices on what I'll need for my Integral costume.
Suit: ~$50. I did find olive green that fit me, in the boy's section of Burlington Coat Factory. 16 regular, can you imagine! 18 was a bit too big. Sadly, they didn't have the suit in the right size, just the right style and color. *sigh* I'll be hunting around Men's Warehouse next. It's not like we have the money now, but I do intend to wear the suit to work if I end up with a dress code. There's so many nice suits in boys. Not like in women's, where half the styles insist on skirts. I hate skirts. Unless they're ankle length and broomstick style. (Side note, going to Ren Faire this weekend. Find out if you can borrow a dress from Goldie Friday so you can hem the bloody thing.)
Wig: ~$45. Thanks to Kandybar for giving me the weblink. I found one that looks pretty close and available in the right color. Since all wig sales are final on that site, I intend to do some hands-on shopping, find out appropriate size and such.
Gun: ~$25. Took me entirely too long to find the bloody thing, but there is one available in airsoft format and with the requiste orange muzzle to protect me from the Con staff. *grin* I'd prefer a real one, but that would cost more then everything else put together, I'm sure. PPKs are small!
Shirt, gloves, shoes and shoulder harness will take some doing. Well, not so much. Shirt, shoes and tie could probably be purchased with the suit for fairly cheap. Under $100, I hope. Gloves will be obtained at the Surplus store and the shoulder harness, hmmm. Not sure where to go with that. Have to ask Wolf. I'll also need cigars, and since I can't afford Holland imports, I'll settle for Acids. The ones in the black tin that taste like dark chocolate. Mmm.
Am I forgetting anything? *ponders* My glasses will have to do. They're not oversized or silver, but they are round enough. I could paint them silver, I suppose. Sildar didn't go for the fangirl idea, except to pose in pictures with real ones. I'll have to remember that. *eville grin*
Well, I have a year for this. At least. I'll buy pieces as I can and stash them away. Then, when it's complete, I'll put it all together and pose for pictures to wow my friends with. Yeah.
Morning brings sunshine...
Apr. 30th, 2005 11:07 amand a lovely headache. Not sure if it's carryover from that bloody champagne or the 20 minute cryfest.
Probably the cryfest.
Still trying to figure out what to do today. We do need to do a tiny bit of shopping. I REALLY want to see Kandy and she'll be at SF any minute now. BUT! Keeping track of a five year old in such a place is another headache in its own right. And I've realized something else since last night. Con's aren't nearly as much fun without a costume. I want to wander around in something photo-worthy.
No, not my dress whites. They're filthy.
Don't have anything else that'll be comfy and/or warm.
Well, there is my B-5 fangirl Tshirt...
And my Klingon shirt, if I can find it.
Nothing for the kiddo, and as we were leaving last night I saw a cute mom/son Potter team. Son was younger then mine and in Slytherin robes. Mom looked like she was in Gryffindor. There were also a trio of furries.
Really need to learn how to sew. No, not furry costumes. I have all the furry I need in Wolf. But I still want that Integral suit. And Lady Poison from Getbackers.
Probably the cryfest.
Still trying to figure out what to do today. We do need to do a tiny bit of shopping. I REALLY want to see Kandy and she'll be at SF any minute now. BUT! Keeping track of a five year old in such a place is another headache in its own right. And I've realized something else since last night. Con's aren't nearly as much fun without a costume. I want to wander around in something photo-worthy.
No, not my dress whites. They're filthy.
Don't have anything else that'll be comfy and/or warm.
Well, there is my B-5 fangirl Tshirt...
And my Klingon shirt, if I can find it.
Nothing for the kiddo, and as we were leaving last night I saw a cute mom/son Potter team. Son was younger then mine and in Slytherin robes. Mom looked like she was in Gryffindor. There were also a trio of furries.
Really need to learn how to sew. No, not furry costumes. I have all the furry I need in Wolf. But I still want that Integral suit. And Lady Poison from Getbackers.
Halloween change of plans. Cannot afford Tuxie.
*waits for the groans of disappointment to die down.*
*Chirp chirp*
Fine, then. Instead it's going to be a Star Trek dress. You know, the one from the original series? All black too.
*waits for the whistles and cheers to die down.*
*chirp chirp*
Right. Yes, there will be webcamming involved, so if you're really THAT interested, I'll hook you up. *wonders how much trouble she'll get into*
On a more positive note, the bedroom is finished. Hooray! It feels homely, which I like. Now to get the kiddo set up.
Has it been five minutes yet? No? WhooT!
I miss my computer. I don't have time to sit online and chat for hours like I used to. Ok, I have the time, but I don't have the privacy. I'm using Fran-chan's comp and don't want to have anything damaging be discovered. *shifty eyes*
Erg. Freezing fingers. Must run and sit in sunshine. Hooray for CO Indian summers!
*runs away blowing on fingers.*
*waits for the groans of disappointment to die down.*
*Chirp chirp*
Fine, then. Instead it's going to be a Star Trek dress. You know, the one from the original series? All black too.
*waits for the whistles and cheers to die down.*
*chirp chirp*
Right. Yes, there will be webcamming involved, so if you're really THAT interested, I'll hook you up. *wonders how much trouble she'll get into*
On a more positive note, the bedroom is finished. Hooray! It feels homely, which I like. Now to get the kiddo set up.
Has it been five minutes yet? No? WhooT!
I miss my computer. I don't have time to sit online and chat for hours like I used to. Ok, I have the time, but I don't have the privacy. I'm using Fran-chan's comp and don't want to have anything damaging be discovered. *shifty eyes*
Erg. Freezing fingers. Must run and sit in sunshine. Hooray for CO Indian summers!
*runs away blowing on fingers.*
Home again, for what's left of the week
Sep. 8th, 2004 03:40 pmInteresting weekend, to say the least. Got drunk again, though not quite as bad as the first time and indulged in nekkid hottubbing with two other females and Wolf. It was fun. Sunday was spent sleeping, movie watching (I have seen Howard the Duck.) and getting the kiddo. Monday was more sleeping, shopping and hanging out. Tuesday was even more shopping and preparing the household for a showdown...that didn't happen. Word is, the guy in the basement will be forcibly evicted Friday, no questions asked and no quarter given. Wolf and I start moving this weekend if we want to. Oh yeah, and I steam-cleaned carpet Tuesday. That was most of the afternoon and early evening. Didn't sleep well last night and I"m not going to indulge in a nap right now cause I have stuff I want to do, so this is my sleepy rambling post. Fear Queenie without sleep and caffiene! And her spelling mistakes! Bwahahahahaa!
It has been officially decided. Tuxedo Mask arrives October 31, 2004, for one night only. No, it's not a con, it's a kickASS Halloween party. I'll be getting roses to pass out as party favors for all the ladies. Now to get my cloak done. Everything else will have to wait until October. September money is tied up in bills, moving expenses and a trip to Vegas. Booyah!! Fourth time's the charm. I WILL break this jinx!! Gotta call rental agencies, get truck reserved NOW. Yeah. Oh, and beg someone for a digital camera so I can send Aphie and Pikey and Sildar and Flesh and...anyone else want pics of Queen Tuxie?
Actually, I think I'm going to go veg out in the big comfy chair with a cuppa. (Hershey's kisses to whomever gets THAT reference). I really don't feel like doing anything right now and the kiddo's asleep.
*blink blink*
I can't breathe through my nose. Demned allergies. What was I saying? Cuppa. Right. bye.
It has been officially decided. Tuxedo Mask arrives October 31, 2004, for one night only. No, it's not a con, it's a kickASS Halloween party. I'll be getting roses to pass out as party favors for all the ladies. Now to get my cloak done. Everything else will have to wait until October. September money is tied up in bills, moving expenses and a trip to Vegas. Booyah!! Fourth time's the charm. I WILL break this jinx!! Gotta call rental agencies, get truck reserved NOW. Yeah. Oh, and beg someone for a digital camera so I can send Aphie and Pikey and Sildar and Flesh and...anyone else want pics of Queen Tuxie?
Actually, I think I'm going to go veg out in the big comfy chair with a cuppa. (Hershey's kisses to whomever gets THAT reference). I really don't feel like doing anything right now and the kiddo's asleep.
*blink blink*
I can't breathe through my nose. Demned allergies. What was I saying? Cuppa. Right. bye.
Well, the dye job part two is drying.
Sep. 1st, 2004 02:25 pmI managed to splash myself pretty well with the dyebath. Au revoir, mon Le Miserable shirt. I will miss you. I also have a really good streak on my right index fingers. And my shoes...well, they were starting to fall apart anyway. I'm going to have to buckle down and buy a good pair of cross-trainers in a few weeks. No point in spending 10 bucks on shoes that can't hold up.
*throws back head and howls in dismay*
Aug. 25th, 2004 07:23 pmIT'S GRAY!!!!
*breaks down sobbing*
It was supposed to be BLACK. TWO boxes of Rit dye in the washing machine. I did everything perfectly and it's GRAY! A smokey gray.
NO! NOW what am I supposed to do??? HELP!
*breaks down sobbing*
It was supposed to be BLACK. TWO boxes of Rit dye in the washing machine. I did everything perfectly and it's GRAY! A smokey gray.
NO! NOW what am I supposed to do??? HELP!
Question for all you creative types.
Aug. 19th, 2004 11:52 amI have my Tuxedo Mask...mask. Yeah. Um, anyway, it's shiny black plastic and a leetle big. I put plastic wrap in the eyeholes to get them more aligned with my face, but it needs to be white.
So! What kind of white paint will stick to plastic? I'm thinking spray paint, but I don't want cracking or peeling. Should I prime it first? Also, how should I attach it to my glasses? As I said, the eyeholes are about a third bigger then they should be. Should I find some white plastic to fill it in? What about cardboard? Or thick paper?
Let me know! Thanks guys!
So! What kind of white paint will stick to plastic? I'm thinking spray paint, but I don't want cracking or peeling. Should I prime it first? Also, how should I attach it to my glasses? As I said, the eyeholes are about a third bigger then they should be. Should I find some white plastic to fill it in? What about cardboard? Or thick paper?
Let me know! Thanks guys!
I am GOOD!
Aug. 5th, 2004 08:43 amThank you, Sil! I went home last night and took out the cloak that was made for me for my first wedding. After careful examination, I determined it would be fairly easy to remove the lining and hood, dye it and re-attach a red lining. So now all I need is about...3? 4? yards of red sateen, black thread (cause you can never have enough black thread), gold buttons to replace the silver ones falling off, and a box of Rit dye. WHOOT! I just saved myself money! *happy dance* It's already sized for me and when I held it to my shoulders it hung nearly perfectly. Yay! Something for me to do this winter, perhaps. Shouldn't take more then a day or two. REALLY need to wash it. *shudder* It's filthy.
