Thoroughly Modern Michaela

A few nights ago, after a 13 hour shift, I bought an iPod touch. Here's why this is a big deal: I'm several decades behind.

I own one iPod nano, which is several generations old, and given to me by my old roommate when she acquired a new one. It works sometimes, and only holds 4GB, which really is like 3GB because it's always confused. Plus, most of my music collection is on vinyl. So I rely on the likes of Pandora and Groove Shark for more current music.

But after getting the emails from Apple about the new specs for the camera/video features, I figured it be nice to have something more portable than my Pentax or Canon Rebel. SLRs, film especially, are always my favorite. But they are bulky, and I get so impatient with downloading pictures to my computer, and developing film is expensive, with or without your own dark room. And I keep thinking about how few pictures I take nowadays. So this is a new option.

So while trying to figure out apps to be all modern, I downloaded just about everything that makes my photos look vintage and my videos look like Super 8. Maybe I'm doing this wrong.

I won't go on about apps I do or don't like, considering everyone else probably used them 2 years ago. But maybe, just maybe, I'll post more little projects on here. Later this week, I'll be leaving Nicholas again (we just can't stay in the same state!) to spend some time with my family in Detroit. Really, it's due to all this medical crap I'm dealing with, so they're gonna take care of me and get me to all the necessary doctors' appointments so I don't have to worry about passing out on the bus (oops). My job is really understanding, so I'll be taking time off from that, too. I'm sure I'll still be taking frequent naps, but I think a new batch of merit badges is long overdue.

Vanishing Act

I know I've been writing less and less here, and to be honest, I've been making less and less art. It has nothing to do with a lack of ideas or artist block. It's just that nowadays I have zero energy. The fatigue I always associated with my hardwork and art school, and months after saw as a post-art-school jet lag, turns out to be associated with the chronic pain I've been dealing with for quite awhile now. In the past 6 months, it seems to have gotten worse and worse, and while we have a pretty good idea what it is, it's the kind of thing that can only be diagnosed with surgery, or taking some crazy pill (with all sorts of weird side affects) that would cost $800 a month. Yikes. So for about 2 weeks, I had non-stop pain that seemed to top off the 1-10 scale they always ask about. I've been to the ER and an urgent care center and a specialist, trying to find a painkiller that will work, and for whatever reason, after about 3 days, my body tends to fight them off and make me miserable once again. It's hard enough to get through 12-hour shifts when all you want to do is crawl up in a ball, so on my days off, I haven't felt like doing much of anything except for sleeping and watching tv. We finally found some medicine that's helping with the pain for now. Unfortunately, it also makes me incredibly sleepy for a couple hours after taking the pill, and once the drowsiness wears off, I end up terribly nauseous and lightheaded. But I have to stick it out for another month before we think about surgery or expensive pills.

I really don't like posting too much personal stuff on here, especially anything negative. But I feel like I owe some sort of explanation. Hopefully we find a solution soon, and hopefully I get all my pep back. I have plenty of ideas for new projects once I find the energy. Until then, please don't worry.

Oh, and I've been having crazier dreams than usual lately. (My mom blames my meds.) The other day, I dreamt that I finally had a sheep named Beatrice, who was born in a golden egg. So I've been doing a few sketches during lunch breaks based on that, mostly because Beatrice was so beautiful in my dream.  I don't mind this side effect.

Lovely Weather

Charleston has finally cooled down enough where I could sit on the porch all day. And today, I just might. I've got some sketching to do for a collaborative project with an elementary school, some sewing that needs to get done, and a headful of whimsical ideas.

This lovely photo (one of maybe 6 I own that are in color) was found at a little antique store down the road from my old apartment in Cleveland. Everything looks absolutely glamorous (compared to hitting the pool nowadays, where everyone seems, well, fairly trashy), which is yet another reason I should have been born a few decades earlier.

Anywho, happy Wednesday, or Friendsday, as Lisa Frank says. Because I liked her on Facebook, and now have plenty of colorful goodness in my newsfeed.

And, most importantly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE RECIPIENT OF THE AWARD FOR RECEIVING MOST AWARDS, my wonderful friend Debbie, who recently rescued a baby squirrel and took him to work with her every day in a shoebox. She's the best squirrel mother ever!

Love ewe, girl! 

First Place

So a few weeks ago, before being employed, I made these little books of awards because, well, I thought they were funny. And they are funny! They're the perfect size to slip in your pocket, and blank on the back to add an extra sentiment or two, in case the award category doesn't quite make your point. Each book has 20 perforated pages for you to tear out & give to those who deserve them the most. Now available in my Etsy shop:

Congratulations! Awards for Winners

&

Congratulations! Awards for Losers

Earn Your Merit Badges

On the days I work, I think about wonderful things and drink as much free coffee as I want (all of it) (not really) (maybe). On my days off, I earn wonderful Whimsy Scout merit badges and make marvelous things. Work isn't bad, and the hours are great. Right now, my biggest goal is to save my pennies for wishes and an apartment, so I have plenty more space to make plenty more wonderful things. Oh, and to get a rabbit and a sheep and maybe a few animals.

Although, my mom isn't too appeased with the idea of a "grandsheep" as she called it.