D-E-F-E-N-E-S-T-R-A-T-E

The Prodigal Blogger Returns!

2011-08-11T12:04:00.000-04:00

So lets disregard the fact that I haven't posted since christmas...I let out a gasp when I looked at my last post.

Just wanted to let you know I'm alive and kicking. After winter vacation in texas HTB and I have hit the ground running non-stop.

Did I mention we bought a house?

yea we did.

And before you ask if I'm insane for planning a wedding and buying a house within a 4 month span of each other--- I'll just tell you.

The answer is YES! I'm nuts!

But look how pretty the house is!

WHO CAN SAY NO TO THIS?!

Now that the dust has settled and life is slowing down (A+ for getting all the wedding planning done well in advance), I thought I'd poke into my sad, lonely and abandonned blog to kick off my new vigor for posting about my life with a quilt-along!

I'm not sure how long you've known me but even if it's for just a little while you'll know I have a SLIGHT obsession with all things star-like so this quilt is riiiight up my alley. Melissa at Happy Quilting is hosting it and I can't wait to get posting again!

I've got my Fig Tree's Breakfast at Tiffany's that I have been DYING to use and need to make a run to joanns for some kona solid and I'll be good to go!

You'll see a couple catch up posts about what I've been up to these past couple months (My quilting has not slowed down! I've got tons to show you.)

happy to be stepping out of lurkdom,

Dre

O Christmas Tree

2010-11-26T15:31:00.000-05:00

Come hell, high water or, in my case, a messy house and laundry--

I'M PUTTING MY CHRISTMAS TREE UP!!

(This christmas tree was brought to my house with the generous donation of my favorite pumpkin patch owner)

--leaving work with plans of raiding Joann's before getting home--

dre

CAN'T WAIT!

2010-11-17T09:10:00.001-05:00

It's coming! The End is near!

and I have tickets to the midnight showing.

MWHAHAHAAHAHAHA

--dusting off her slytherin scarf so she'll be up to no good--

dre

Quilt Market

2010-11-16T19:21:00.000-05:00

*insert one of the following as a valid excuse for me dropping off the face of the web*
a. I'm exhausted when I get home with my new schedule at work
b. I am STILL trying to get everything settled in at my house
c. It's too cold up north
d. I haven't had a weekend to call my own since I've moved
e. all of the above and whatever else you can imagine.

ok, now that THAT is done with--guess where I was 2 weekend ago!?!?
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ok, ok, given the fact I haven't posted in a while the options are endless so I'll not keep you in suspense but I will show you!!!

That's right! I was at the Houston International Quilt market with my aunt and mother. We were there representing our favorite pumpkin patch and had a great time!

I flew in on Thursday evening and started friday with what is called "School house" where you can attend various panels throughout the day about new lines of fabric, notions, ways to improve business and marketing ideas. It was very enlightening to learn about th industry itself and really openned my eyes to how broad this industry is defined as.

I got this really cool hancherkief from moda and some beautiful samples of fabric being used in the michael miller clubhouse project.

At the end of Friday was sample spree--or those who don't know what this is my description is that it's like black friday and fashion week combined for quilt shop owners. This is not only the opportunity to see what's coming up for the next couple months but to also BUY samples.
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Guys, this can get really ugly. I saw fabric lines sell out faster than black friday door buster deals and I saw women hauling 3 times their weight in fabric back to their hotel rooms----oh wait, that was me!--- my aunt is a serious shopper and I was delegated as Team Pumpkin Patch's pack mule.

Saturday is when the exhibit as well as the wholesale vendor booths were open. As someone who has really only been exposed to the retail side of quilting I couldn't believe the amount of wholesalers out there. I met the designer of Miss Rosies quilts--her new book is wonderful and she was so sweet! I also took a candid picture of Ty Pennington--I did not realize that he was every quilt shops owner's dream man until I saw many a owner blush at the prospect of meeting him.

I ended my last day looking at some incredible quilts. I still can not believe that these pieces of art are made of bits of fabric!!!!

This one is the show-stopper for me though. At a distance this is a gorgeous mural quilt

however, upon closer inspection THIS is what you see.

and this

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?

I stared at this quilt for a ridiculous amount of time in awe of this quilt. There was some pretty fantastic ones there but this is the highlight that I wanted to share.

I came back home to contemplate my mediocre quilts. Then totally psyched myself into getting done with my own projects.

I've been working since then and look what I have to show for that!!!

My walking foot is now set up and ready to go!

Many more project to complete to come!

--watching stargate atlantis until Glee is on tonight--

dre

So Much Has Happened!!!!!

2010-09-24T09:47:00.003-04:00

You are currently looking at the future reception site of my wedding next year! :) Planning has gotten into full swing here. There's been lots of sitting down and looking at HTB and getting the information that really matters.
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like wedding colors.

The move into our new town home was painful but successful and since we've settled life has been non-stop.

(don't judge the hair! I was sick at the time!)

My first weekend in New Hampshire was filled with doctor appointments and hacking my lungs out--this sucked exceptionally so because it was my birthday weekend. I was deemed contagious for a while when they didn't know what I had and gave me surgical masks. HTB called me a ninja for a week.

(be jealous of my awesome seats)

The weekend after that HTB and I celebrated my birthday belatedly and our anniversary. This resulted in one of the best weekends ever. I went to my first Red Sox Game, toured the Sam Adams brewery, and spent the night in boston close to Faneuil Hall. XD

Weekends following that I've been running around getting those things for the house that you never thought you needed and researching some wedding venues.
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In short I have not had me time to do anything artsy crafty. D:

Last weekend and this weekend will be no different. DM is in town so I'm having a great time trying on wedding dresses and watching season premiers of fall shows (ie: Glee and Grey's Anatomy)

This weekend is pretty awesome since I'll be driving down to New York and going to *drumroll* Kleinfelds!!! Getting out of work early today and trying to get the NYC early so I can have dinner with my cousin, Sydle. I haven't seen her in a reeeeaaallly long time--so I hope everything works out!!

--wondering why her change oil light is still on--
dre

Help Help Help!

2010-08-23T14:49:00.000-04:00

All the smiley moving face images are lies

I've been moving and internet is still getting set up

move in post soon to be shown of my new snazzy place.

--in search of the aleve--

dre

I Think I'll Keep Him

2010-07-27T23:35:00.000-04:00

My personal countdown has begun, T-minus 3 weeks to go, is D-day. (D-day=daunting drive across the country).

As I am planning this I can help but feel really lucky to have not only the support of my family and their never ending string of good advice during this move (yes, I won't pack all my books in one big box, I know not to be stingy when I buy my first mattress and that futons may not be the answer). I can't forget that my co-conspirator in this journey is pretty awesome-------and can drive long distances with little stops.

Beyond my personal planning (ie: packing my junk). I'm also working with HTB on all the logistics of the move itself. He is a schedule guy and I'm a list person, so you can imagine that while I'm creating lists of things that need to be done he's behind me with the same question--"when are we supposed to have that done".

In a way it's a great partnership but my list making tendencies know no bounds--(ie: time frames). But I've been kept in check with realistic time frames. I originally put furniture shopping, unpacking, grocery shopping and opening joint bank accounts on "things that need to be done the weekend we arrive" I received silence on the other end of the phone when I initially proposed this with a heavy sigh afterwards.

This trip is gonna be an exciting one and I'm so happy to be doing this with him-----did I mention he drives long distances with little stops?

Just wanted to take a chance to share how planning is going on the moving side of things, and share a pic I found of HTB and I

ok and maybe gush a bit about how awesome HTB is.

what do you think? I'm pretty lucky huh? I think I'll keep him. :)

--feeling lovey dovey--

dre

Quick Report--Friday Night Sew-in

2010-07-24T09:06:00.000-04:00

I've got work today. So I'll have to post about Friday Night Sew-In after I get out (or around lunch time) take a look though! I definately sat infront of my machine! *whoop!*

-Sad she's at work on a Saturday--
dre

Friday Night Sew-In

2010-07-23T14:31:00.001-04:00

***the following post was done at the last 5 minutes of my lunch hour at work--please read at your own risk!--this has been a public service announcement for the readers of DEFENESTRATE***

(flee! I tell you, flee!)

I have been so busy! here's a quick list of my life for the past week or so.

I bought boxes to start packing up my junk. (I leave August 18th--it's only 3 weeks away!)
I sewed on most of the border on the Green Monstah--only 2 more strips to go!
Dropped off clothing with the tailor (2 dresses and 1 pair of soon to be capri pants)
called venues--only to discover that none of the ones on my short list are not available on the date I have
Called dress boutique--only to discover that the dress shop that will be local to be does not have the dress I want (even if it doesn't have the dress)
Started calling dress boutiques in dallas to try and find the dress--incidentally scheduled approximately 2 appointments (one of them doesn't even have my dress)
Started sewing a dress (because I need to learn before I leave)
Hosted 2 Mercado quilting clan classes (AKA I'n trying to learn as much from my mother as possible)--I can now sew hexagons and know the basics to cutting and reading patterns.
Started Packing... (2 boxes packed and my room is still full)

I decided that I need to finish starting stuff and finish it for a change!!! So I've joined the band wagon--

My mother just joined so we'll make a night out of it. :)

tonight--I will finish my green monstah, and the dress that I have started.

CURRENT PROJECTS
-green monstah-piecing
-ugly fabric challenge (plume)-piecing
-shiloh-piecing
-school yard tunic-piecing
-stash buster-binding
-pineapple table runner-label

I am determined to cut that list in half before I leave!!

Completed projects!

2010-07-04T17:11:00.000-04:00

errr.....almost completed projects.

Last night I put the final stitch in my Wild Things from Oz quilt and tossed it in the wash to shrink and be happy. :D

It's beautiful. I love it. I curled up on top of it I was so excited it was done!! The red binding was exactly what it needed.

Here's the view of the pieced backing.

Those swirls look so great on the black fabric!!

So this morning, straight from my bed I started getting ready for the finishing touches for the green monster quilt I am working on.

I had a whole bunch of green fabric just sitting around without a home. So I decided to adventure off into Wonky-territory and made myself wonky 9-patch blocks. Now, my green pile is still significantly larger than all other colors in my stash--but it's a whole lot less. Here's what I have done so far.

This quilt, sans border and binding, is 70.25X88.25--isn't that ridiculous!? I never EVER thought this quilt would end up this large! I worked on it in pieces so I never realized how big it was until I sewed it all together.

I spent a lot of my afternoon ironing this quilt, in short......

NIGHT MARE!!!

I'm not sure if I ever mentioned this but I absolutely HATE ironing. So doing this quilt on the small ironing board was a challenge and a half! My arm was sore after doing JUST the back seams.

So you can appreciate how big of an undertaking this quilt has been post construction allow me to compare this Green Monstah, to my Wild Things.

It makes my Wild Things quilt look like a baby quilt!!! It's so friggin HUGE! This is without borders or anything!!

I just finished piecing the border and now am about to put it all together. >.<

--dreading the Green Monstah--

dre

Struggle Bus

2010-06-18T11:02:00.000-04:00

So, I would say about two years ago I attended a closing ceremony of RIT's Leadership Institute where the Evolution of Dance guy gave some really good bits of advice to leaders on campus as well as provided us the treat of his dance in person.

One of the anecdotes that he shared with us is accepting that as leaders sometimes we aren't going to be on out A-game. Sometimes, as he shared with us, we'll be driving the struggle bus.
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He also mentioned that on those exceptionally bad days, we'll be running to catch up with the struggle bus.
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Today, I am struggling to catch the struggle bus. I woke up 3-4 times, had to get up early to get pretty (we had team pictures today), had to grab potluck whoopie pies I made last night and pack a personal cheese plate (in case my co-worker, have less than savory culinary skills).

I am at work and have discovered my ability to compose sentences have escaped me, I have well over 2 pages of trade logs to catch up on and that I left the bread for my fall back cheese plate plan on top of the counter.

Thought I'd share my crappy day, and let you know that I'm still gonna keep my head held high.
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Also, pray for my team picture to turn out well--I'm really bad with pictures.
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to everyone who is having a day similiar to mine.........I feel you.

we just gotta keep on dancing!!!!!!

--really REALLY sleepy--
dre

Awesome Long "Weekend"

2010-06-13T17:45:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, HTB was here for a visit. He'll be starting a training in NC next week and had a week to fly down and have a fun time before it's back to work work work!

HTB and I are in the process of looking at places in Southern NH to move in so the first day he was here we pretty much ran around going to the bank and checking mortgage information. It's pretty exciting!!!

The day after that though, we went to the Ft. Worth Zoo. I haven't been to a zoo in about 3 years so I was pumped! Here's a few pictures.

This little guy was awesome, he started honking when we left

This picture reminded me of my ugly fabric challenge.

Needless to say, it was great to see HTB and have him around for 5 days! After a year of constantly flying back and forth to see each other, we are happy that soon we are going to not have to do this. *hallelujah*

note: Wild Things from Oz made it home in time for some fun pictures.

Like the picture at the beginning of this post Ryan and I are pretty much opposites but somehow we still work together. :)

I'm a little sad I had to leave him at the airport today but I know that soon (SOON) we're going to be together!

--feeling a lovey after the mushy post--

dre

There's no place like home!

2010-06-07T18:02:00.000-04:00

What a crazy weekend!!

I attended a Harriet Hargrave Machine Quilting class/retreat. I learned so much that I'm a bit overwhelmed!!

But I definately know more about machine quilting than I did before I get there (ALOT more).

I was increadible to hear from the ultimate heirloom machine quilting pro the basics as well as tips to make my quilts from beginning to end--at least the small ones that I have to start with.(I'm not THAT ambitious!!!)

As exciting as this weekend was--what's even more exciting is that, thanks to Margaret (the quilter I send my babies to) my Wild Things from Oz is going into the mail tomorrow!!!

Omg, it is so beautiful!!!!! I can't wait to bind it and see the final product! (the binding is a red from the same fabric line).

Even more exciting than my Fab quilt?!

I know it's hard to believe that there is anything more exciting than a brand spanking new quilt at my doorstep

but there is!

*drumroll please*

HTB Is flying in tomorrow!!!!

Yeah, I'm pretty excited about that.

--one more day of work and then she's home free for 3 days--

dre

Shiloh

2010-06-03T22:11:00.000-04:00

Say hello to Shiloh! So you;ve seen peeks here and there so here's the pattern that I'll be using. It's from Bonnie Blue quilts.

I'm using a Looking Back by Moda fat quarter bundle as well as scraps from quilts I have already made (mostly from my blue and cream Stash Buster quilt). As you can tell by the first picture I haven't gotten far into the project (only 11 out of 36 blocks!!!)

In my defense, allow me to show you some photographic evidence to prove that I couldn't just sew any old block to another!!!

Because of the dark golds I am using for this quilt are being used as both a light fabric and a dark fabric I had to pretty much plan out the color scheme of each block before even thinking about sewing anything together.

So now! I am well on my way!

I'm really excited to see how this one turns out. It's the first time I've ever sewn flying geese and I'm trying to be as precise as possible with my blocks. (No eaten up points for me!)

This weekend, DM and I are headed o a quilt retreat/class. I'll be dabbling at machine quilting in the class hosted by connecting threads and taught by Harriet Hargrave.

It's a first time for me taking a class!

Wish me luck!!!

--packed and ready to go--

dre

Ugly Fabric Challenge

2010-06-01T01:34:00.000-04:00

Something else I forgot to mention that happened this past weekend was my visit to a new quilt shop. and while I did not find anything that I needed (I was looking for a specific gray and a specific solid) I did discover a challenge that I immediately went for.

The Ugly fabric challenge starts with a fabric that hasn't been loved by many of the shops customer. You pick a yard of "ugly" fabric from a grab bag pile and have to make something with it by October where all participants will have their quilts on display. *note* when the term "ugly" is used in relations to this challenge it actually means yardage that hasn't been moving quickly in the shop.

This will be the first time I've put my quilt out into a physical public forum. So I had DM pick out a bag from the pack and sighed a breath of relief with what I got.

I got a yard of Plume by Tula Pink for $2!!! I immediately scoured the place for a pink to start my palette and above is what I left with.

I've been auditioning a few patterns and sketching a few out in my handy Moleskine but decided for further inspiration I just NEEDED to head over to Cabbage Rose and see what they got.

I now have a full palette to sink my teeth into and start designing something. DM keeps on saying "you don't need to use the initial yardage as your focus fabric" but I'm determined to keep in the spirit of the challenge and really focus on the "ugly" fabric. Instead of the browns that are in the plume line I decided to add some deep plum purples to the mix for some variety.

Wish me luck!!

--dreaming of what she'll make as she types--
dre

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-01T01:19:00.001-04:00

was a busy busy weekend for my sewing machine!!

This upcoming Friday, DM and I will be attending a Harriet Hargrave--Machine Quilting workshop and quilt retreat hosted by Connecting Threads.

This means we had not only a list of materials to get but also had to prep some blocks to practice the new found skills.

Disregard the 7 blocks of another project I'm working on (shiloh--more of that later in this posts!)

We needed two simple pieced blocks and an applique..... Bet you can't guess which ones are mine and which one belongs to DM!!!

I wasn't feeling the applique bug so I designed cut and sewed this guy up in about 2 hours (I didn't even bother giving the sheep or bird eyes yet!)

After making sure all the required pieces for the retreat was done, I went on to cut up an new project as a back up to Shiloh during the retreat. Here's a peek at the cutting station after I was done.

I'll give you one hint to describe my next project it starts with "g" and ends in "reen".

Once I finished cutting up all that I moved forward and made another 4 blocks of Shiloh and started another 3.

it's coming together so well!! If only the pile of blocks to be finished wasn't so intimidating!

It feels like I'll never finish!!!!!!

--feeling accomplished--

dre

He GRADUATED!!!!!

2010-05-23T20:56:00.001-04:00

Look at him go!!!!

This is where I spent my weekend, watching HTB walk across a stage and receive the holder for the diploma he's had for the past two months (He's good like that).

I'm so happy I could share the day with him and his family.

CONGRATS RYAN!!

(doesn't he look so happy!?)

--Flying back in less than 36 hours to make it to work on Monday--

Dre

**note: images of him and I together will not be posted until my in-house photo editor fixes it---I squint***

I have a condition

2010-05-07T11:42:00.000-04:00

So the cleaning lady came to our house on Wednesday.

This normally means that the family room that my mother and I have converted to a craft area needs to get cleared up. With my Pineapple Hospitality quilt finished I was able to clear everything. (I haven't gone through my scraps to get the pieces of fabric that are salvageable for scrap quilts.)

This is just a quick pic of what it normally looks like. However with the pineappe hospitality frustrating me I had started also cutting the fabric for my next project.

It's called Shiloh. I'm using not only the fat quarter pack of Civil War Homefront by Moda but also scraps that I had from my stash buster quilt and creams that I had laying around.

Needless to say this only meant that I had a whole bunch of fabric in my craft room and a whole bunch of fabric in my closet that was not being used. On top of all this I went through a week of accumulation where I bought some more fabric.

At the top is fabric from JoAnns, the Owl print and greens came from Fabric Worm and the purples to the right are from my favorite Pumpkin Patch.

Needless to say I wasn't aware that the size of my stash had increased significantly.

It wasn't until this wednesday

when I had to move my fabric out of the craft room

This is the sight that greeted me in my room thursday when I moved the fabrics in my closet out to re-organize.

I was shocked. How did I let my stash grow so uncontrolled!?! I started going through every trip to cabbage rose, every call and visit to my Pumpkin Patch and came to a disturbing conclusion.

I'm a fabric hoarder!

Don't worry, I'm not talking hoarder like the TV show, just that I have been buying fabric in some cases because I just want to have it.

So I started pulling everything out and taking proper stock of what I had.

these are my fabrics that are over 1/2 yard. I have another 2 yards of cream fabric in the craft room that I didn't bring in.

I have used a whole ton of blues and not enough greens. I'm working on that, just got to find the right pattern.

note the french general fabric that it behind this stack--I have a whole bunch of red.

In my defense, I use cream in just about EVERY project I do, this means it's the color I need the most of but run out of the fastest. :/

This is all my kits and precuts. I have a whooolleee bunch of Rouenneries by French General. It's part of their quilt kit but I have been auditioning them for another project.

These are the flannels that I looked at when finding the backing to Ryan's Quilt.

I went through all the cigar boxes I use for scrap storage and the bigger pieces went here.

not quite sure what I'm going to do for the stringy left overs--but I've read you can have so much fun using them for a certain technique. I'll be saving them for whenever I find out what it is and take a class on it. :P

that and I can't bring myself to throw anything away quite yet.

Now all m stash is organized and it will prevent me from buying fabric I already own (it happened with a fat quarter of brown fabric).

Now, it's back to the drawing board to see what I can use all this fabric for!!! I already have all the stuff I need for Shiloh, I didn't even include THAT stack of fabrics.

My only comfort is that this condition is normal and hereditary.

This is my mother's stash. (note, two of the uhaul boxes are just non quilt related books.) My thought process is that she's had a head start for accumulating her stash. :P

--thinking she needs alternative storage for her fabric needs.--

dre

Pineapples. nummy-ness.

2010-05-03T13:37:00.000-04:00

So, I mentioned a few weeks back that I was working on an anti-OCD buggy barn project.

HERE'S WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!!!!

I will confess to everyone of the 3-4 people reading this that I was sure that this was going to be my first UFO.

Let me walk you through the whole traumatic but in the end very satisfying process.

First I had to slash into a few layers of fabric then swap everything around. This was no trouble for me! It's the next step that drove me crazy. Once I had swapped everything around, based on the order the book gave me, I had to sew these un-even pieces together!

This is when everything went down hill.
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If you like all your blocks looking the same then a buggy barn quilt is NOT for you. >.< (*note the very different widths shown above*)
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not only was it frustrating to not have everything line up but it was also frustrating that I could chain piece ANYTHING. I had to work a whole block from beginning to end.
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This gets very old, very quickly with 24 tops and bottoms.

So 48 blocks later I had bottoms and tops of pineapples. Now it was time to organize them.

So right now then they didn't quite have the pineapple roundness but they looked pretty friggin cool right? The whole point of this step leads me to the next step in my frustration.

Once I had the matching tops I had to sew rectangles that I had already cut to the corners of my pineapples.

This would be simple enough if it:

a. didn't take so long

b. wasn't so confusing to understand the first time around

c. didn't involve cutting only one piece of fabric from between two other one. (you won't understand this reason unless you make this quilt)

after 4 rectangles were sewn afore mentioned pieces were cut and the block ironed it was then smooth sailing.

sew tops to bottoms (even if they aren't the same width), trim, and sew into rows of seven.

it's only after almost 2 months of struggling with this quilt to finally see it accomplished today. *sniff sniff*

I would like to thank the academy for making this moment possible *sniff*

This is quilt 6 of 13 for my bridal quilt set. My intention is to slap a border on this sucker and applique "welcome" to the bottom with some pretty embellished vines and call it done!

-making progress, and planning her next project--
dre

Pinwheel Quilt Along: Block One

2010-03-30T21:47:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, I made PS I Quilt Pinwheel Quilt Along Block one!

It's beautiful!

but I learned something very important......

while the points may all match...the stretching that was done to accomplimsh it isn't the best.

I might be taking DM's advice and start over cutting the blocks then trimming them to guarantee that everything is the same measurements.
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But it's so much work!!!!!

*sigh*

STRAWBERRY UPDATE: Does anyone know what to do when your strawberry plants wilt like this?

I'm having some issues, on Monday I left them out in the sun but for one reason or another in a matter of an hour or so they went from reaching all the way up to he sky to link stems. D:

I transferred them to different containers and I'm using the plant food mixed with water every other day (when I replanted them I realized they were being over-watered.)

what else can I do?!!?!??

--signing off for now--
dre

Say hello to my little friend

2010-03-28T23:03:00.000-04:00

I used one of my fat quarters from the Arcadia fabric line to make this cutie.

there was much room left for improvement.

but I love him anyways

don't let the orange color fool you

this little guy is a boy.

name is yet to be determined.

I'm testing out VooDude (Voo for short).

Don't laugh! He's gonna end up with a whole bunch of needles anyways, why ignore the elephant in the room?!!?

Oh wow, I just made a pun. >.<

--signing off before people realize how out there she is--

dre

Pinwheel Happiness

2010-03-28T17:11:00.000-04:00

So one of the blogs I follow, PS I quilt, is hosting a Pinwheel quilt along . I'm absolutely in love with pinwheels, they're so happy and whimsical.
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I almost like them more than stars.
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almost
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I've been behind on my projects and I hadn't picked up the layer cake and solids needed to quilt along, so now (2 block tutorials away from finishing the whole pinwheel sampler).

I'm catching up.

What's my poison for this project?

Freebird anyone?!

Now, I'm going to put off my not-OCD-friendly buggy barn project and catch up to the end of this pinwheel sampler!!

After I make lemon bars and cupcakes. (who doesn't love lemon bars and cup cakes?!)

--signing off to mess up a kitchen--

dre

Strawberries!!

2010-03-28T14:48:00.000-04:00

So, I went with la familia to a few plant places in search of our future lawn superstars. In our search I was sidetracked. I have always wanted to grow my own flowers/herbs/veggies/fruits/(insert produce here).My grandmother's garden in PR is the provider of much tasty-ness so I decided to try my own hand at it!

Let me preface this whole post with saying one very key character flaw, I kill flowers. No really! Carnations on friendship day in high school was a day of reckoning for all carnations that were gifted to me. (how was I supposed to know that a paper clip splint and scotch tape doesn't save a flower!!)

I was not blessed with the green thumb both my aunt and grandmother have.

So with very careful steps I decided to try and grow my own strawberries. The nice lady at Lowe's garden center told me it was one of the best starters for a container garden.

So wish me luck! I'll need it.

UPDATE: So....after 2 weeks of having my strawberries growing well, I left them outside for some direct sunlight and the texas wind messed up 5 of my 10 strawberry plants. I'm replanting them today. :(

Cursed Nine-Patches--AKA the Surf n'Turf Incident (Back-dated for your entertainment)

2010-03-28T14:41:00.000-04:00

Opening Note: I was pulling up my strawberry post when I realized I forgot to post this when I got home! I am just letting everyone know now that this was meant to be posted on 2/2/2010.

Remember these from my last post?

I feel the need to explain--*mumbles* so that you people don't think that Series 7 Studying has completely wiped all sane thought processes from my brain.

So, about 2 weekends ago I went with DM to a Quilt retreat. During that time in the process of laying out my Wild Things From Oz quilt I snapped at the task of laying out the windmill-esque squares out. The isses was that I was having issues interspersing colors and patterns in a random-esque fashion (do you like my use of the ~esque to describe things? I do to).

In a cry of frustration I left Wild Things prone on the floor to think about it's insubordination--ie: not looking right when I laid out the blocks. And pulled out my back up project. It was a disappearing nine-patch project that cleverly dubbed surf and turf because the fabric lines I used had flowers and butterflies with fishes and seaweed.
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get it?
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Surf n' Turf
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*crickets chirp* *sigh* w/e
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I angrily turned on my shiny new sewing machine (which currently has no name--will be rectified soon enough), and started sewing away. I was ironing out my seams still fuming about my Wild Things when DM brought to my attention that my seams looked awfully big. I scoffed at the thought that my *brand new* sewing maching would be messing up my seams. Then I realized something that made me curse few time.
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My brand new sewing machine HAD been messing up my seams. BUT IT WAS ALL MY FAULT!! I took a deep breath, looked at the wild things on the floor and decided I would try my seams once more with a second block with a different way of measuring my seam allowance.
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success!!
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until I lined it up with the first one
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
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This happened 2 more times, then, after 2 seam rippings, a change of presser foot and a bent needle (the bent needle is a whole other nightmare). None of the blocks match and I STILL don't know why!!! This is why I've concluded that the nine-patch is cursed and has been banished from my sight until further notice.

Good bye cute-ness.

Until I forget that I have to rip a multitude of seams to start all over.

--signing off for now--

dre

Reporting above the clouds.

2010-03-23T18:39:00.002-04:00

:D

I'm 15 minutes away from landing on terra firma in Dallas. Thanks to Airtran's credit card promotion I got free gogo wifi service--web surfing was fab.

Just thought it would be cool to have an Up in the Air Post.

I will report my misadventures in New England once I'm fed and at home. (I'll also post a grossly forgotten draft of a post that I feel compelled to share)
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but here's a sneak peek.
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IT WAS FRIGGIN AWESOME!
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now onto other news, the pilot is telling me to put away my lap top.

looking forward to watching a movie and tasty food with DM, but missing HTB like I didn't see him all weekend. D:

--signing off for now (they're getting serious about me putting away the lap top)--

dre

Post Exam Happiness

2010-03-14T20:08:00.001-04:00

After partaking in new beers and finding my way out of the haze of "is it really over?" post exam doubt, I got down to business and finished two quilts, started a new one and in general started finding other things to do with the time I now had for fun rather than reading one of three phonebook-sized books.
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First of all, in the euphoric haze after my exam, I solidified plans with HTB for a trip to Boston. Which I'm going to in less than a week! *happy dance* He's officially done with school and we're celebrating!
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after plans were settled, I busied myself with the usual.
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This means I pieced a whoooollleee bunch of quilts.

Wild Things is officially done!! I floated both the pieced center AND the pieced border. (that's three borders if you weren't counting--in my opinion, while this is beautiful, my patience told me that it was two borders too many).

I then finished trimming my Piece of Life blocks and sewed those suckers together too!!!! Here's the finished product.

Please take note of one singularly important thing about this super cute quilt. It is not the simple layout and fabric design nor is it that your truly finished it in 2 hours.

Take note that there is no border!!! (didn't you just pay attention to what I told you about my Wild Things project?!)

After these two simple projects, I decided that I was ready for my next challenge. It's a pattern from Buggy Barn's Gone Crazy book.

I think it's complicated enough to work on. *nod* not to mention it has challenged my OCD tendencies to keep blocks squared up. I've only pieced 2 blocks of 21, so I'll share more details about it in a future post.

Beyond quilting, I've also started accumulating DVD/Blu-rays, here's what I've gotten so far.

First I got Ponyo, I've already mentioned in a previous post, my obsession with Miyazaki films. So not long after this was purchased I got Kiki's Delivery Service.

I first watched kiki's on Toonami movie Friday's back in the "good ol'days" where anime was played for 4 hours straight on cartoon network. *sigh* what happened?!

What ever it was it happened to FOX Kids, when they started phasing out Season's one and two of Digimon.

I'm not bitter *cough*

Along the same vein of Kiki's recent special edition release, I thought I might as well purchase My Neighbor Totoro. Alas, Walmart and Target decided that this 1988 animated feature wasn't worth being put into inventory. So today, to pacify my indignation that one of Miyazaki's masterpieces wasn't deemed worth on making it on to super store chain's inventory list.

I went a bought myself The Last Unicorn.

yes, I now have this in my DVD collection.

yes, I may or may not have an authographed cast of characters.

yes, I'm still a 5 year old dressed up as a 22 year-old woman. >.<

--going to watch the last unicorn tonight no matter what you think :P --

--signing off for now--

dre

Much Has Happened!!!

2010-03-14T18:59:00.000-04:00

first of all.... drum roll please.... *ahem*

*drum roll*

I passed my series 7 and 63 exams !!! This means that I keep my job and I am officially a stock broker! (did I mention that comes with a raise?....no?.....well it does. :P)

Since my last post much has happened!

I got this beautiful display for valentines day from HTB and had a dinner and movie date with DM.

(there's balloons too, but the teddy bear is soo cute!)

I got into an accident. (my mom posted on it on her blog.)

I bought a new car (it's the same model, just 2010)...I dubbed it Ni, it means two in Japanese...I also chuckled at the Monty Python reference. (anyone who gets that reference gets a cyber hug from me)

Did I mention I passed my Series 7 and 63?

I did?

Did I mention I get a raise?

That too?

Well I do!

--happy and moving onto a second post she has for today--

--signing off for now---

Dre

Flash Update--and some empty promises to return. XD

2010-01-31T20:48:00.001-05:00

You missed me and you know it!!!

So I've been incredibly busy--I know I know, that is no excuse! but I have decided that after much busy-ness, I should sit down, enjoy a can of coke and type away to all my loving readers (you heard me! all four of you!!).

In all honesty, I've been lurking the webs and not putting any time into writing on here. (sorry)

So what have I been up to since the last REAL update, you ask?

I got a new job that is soOoOoOo much more satisfying. I'm not going to share where for reasons of not wanting to be on the news as one of those people who talk about their jobs on their blog and get fired for it. (I'm not being paranoid....just being careful)

My current job, (which is in the finance industry--who knew!), involves me passing the Series 7 and 63 exams to be a registered representative.

Now, that means only one thing...

Sometimes, I forget how to speak because there's too much information floating in my brain.

So on my down time, to blow off the frustration over short and long margin accounts, and to prevent damage of company computer equipment. I've been living recklessly!!!!

ok, I lie, I've been quilting.

As you can see from my opening picture I have officially upgraded from Mom's singer, I was clunking away on, to a nearly silent brother sewing machine.

(This is me working on the stash buster in December-on Mom's Singer)

go ahead, scroll up and look at the shiny white machine on the left.

I'll wait

Ok, now that's we're back lets focus on what I've done!

remember this? my stash buster? where I proved that post-it notes reign supreme in my whole scheme of things?

well it's been upgraded---I mean, quilted.

A HUUUGGGEEE thanks goes to Margaret Gunn, who quilted this beautifully. She also did Ryan's quilt but I'm not posting it until it's been bound and sent to him.

On top of getting 2 of my big projects of 2009 quilted I also started a few others.

So, my obsession with fabric and all things crafty is genetic. So I'm well aware that when I see something pretty (like oh, lets just throw Sanae's new fabric line called Oz) I want it and I want to do something with it quick!

So off I went, grabbed myself 2 charm packs and a yard and a half of white fabric, and joined Mom at the Dallas Quilt Guild's retreat.

The results you ask?

These suckers were a hit at the retreat, everyone asked me who was the designer and I was more than happy to share my love of Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms' pattern Wild Things. (Honestly, I think they were more surprised to see that I was at the retreat and excited to get a move on).

All it's missing is the border that I am planning on piecing. But I was super lazy......and I haven't worked it out yet.

Instead, I moved on....and decided to work on a disappearing nine-patch that was born of frustration and therefore cursed (more on my theory about quilts born of anger in the future)

Quilts can be cursed. (don't let anyone tell you otherwise)

So after some anger issues being managed, Surf n' Turf was put back in it's ziplock bag, yelled at, and banished for an unforseeable amount of time from my thoughts.

Here it is, don't let it's sickeningly looks fool you....it's cursed and banished.

mourn it......

moving on...

like I did. (at least until I look at it again and think how cute it is)

Thank you to SweetWaters' Make Life Fabric Line, I was able to erase the nasty memory with the smooth execution of a beautiful Piece of Cake Pattern.

Doesn't it feel great when everything works out like you plan? can you hear my happy sigh when I see this super cute project executed with no anger? You can can't you...

So here's what's left to be done,

Wild Things, border

Stash Buster, binding

Ryan's Quilt, binding

Piece of Life, Piecing

Surf n' Turf (not thinking about it)

aren't they just precious?

--signing off for now-- (promise to return soon! <---see? I told you about the empty promise!)

dre

Must Make one of these!!!!!!

2009-11-17T10:54:00.003-05:00

So in the arena of Quilting I have been a busy bee!! Not necessarily as busy as my mother however, I've been making a good solid dent on my "quilts-to-make-before-I-get-married" list.

This is my most recent "finished top", I just got the flannel backing for it from my favorite pumpkin patch. I should be done in the next two weeks or so--depending on how my current project is going.

This is my current project on the design wall my mom made. It involves a whole lot more piecing than the first one but I think that using the indigo, pewter and honey line I got from the houston quilt festival with a few more blue fabrics will look great.

Here's the picture in the book

(I inverted it sideways so it matches the designwall above)

However, the reason I have posted today is not for a quilt update. it's for these suckers!!!

I know a certain person in my life would love to find one of these on her doorstep. Oh heck....and I might just make one for myself too--My own pin cushion. :D I love how they look all stacked up!!! You can find the instructions on how to make them HERE. Thanks design*sponge for the great find.

--off to do more productive things other than sewing--

dre

These Boots are Made for Walking

2009-11-04T13:05:00.001-05:00

So with the Fall Fashion Season well underway I have been in search of the perfect pair of boots. I have fantastical images of my fashionista alter ego wearing a great pair of boots and leggings and a super cool plaid tunic. *sigh* I had just about convinced myself that with a great pair of boots that I too could be a smooth fashionista. So a month ago my search for these magic boots began. You'd think that with the fact that I work at a fashion retailer that I would immediately find these perfect boots. LIES! and the reasons are as follows:

I had to remember to check our boot section religiously every day I came in and during my lunch break.
I'm super picky about my footwear. I didn't want pointy boots or squared toe....I wanted the perfect arc at my toe.
What I wore to work normally didn't complement me trying on boots.

So, after a month of desperately searching for these boots. There we're instances where I would check people out and I'd see the boot-type I wanted...I just hadn't checked that day. I found myself becoming increasingly jealous of our customers who now had the boots that I had been searching for. LUCKY THEM!!!!

Then...this past Sunday....I found not one! but TWO! (Which lead to me returning the Juicy Couture dress that I had bought the week prior--my credit card bill couldn't take it!!)

So drumroll please!!!

these are now my brown Steve Madden motorcycle boots!! (Just think of them with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans!!!)

And for the next awesome pair!!!

These sleek Franco boots were just what I wanted for really great boots to wear to work! Think about them with a cute black dress and thick sweater tights.

I was so excited about these boots!! I was so excited that I didn't realize that I don't own any skinny jeans...or tunic shirts....or thick tights. >.<

whoops....

--looking for some cheap yet stylish clothes for her boots--

dre

New Project

2009-11-04T11:42:00.002-05:00

:D I've been working on this quilt project.

It's called Little Bits from last minute patchwork and quilted gift. I loved the modern look of this project.

Here's the strip that takes the longest to make!

isn't it cuuuuttteee?

--harassing my aunt for flannels this morning---

dre

UPDATE: Samples of possible flannels for this project are on their way!! The rest of this quilt top will be finished tomorrow!! (I'll add a pic to this post)

sigh why?!

2009-10-30T00:15:00.002-04:00

It is a well known fact amongst my friends and family that I have a disturbing weird *ahem* unique habit of giving inanimate objects names, personalities, feelings.....one or all of the above.

There was that one incident with Spot the daffodil....

. *cough* anyways.....

Meet Akai. Kai (kah-yee) for short. This is what I got during the Cash for Clunkers hysteria. Akai means Red in Japanese--I thought it would be appropriate. I mean, look at it! Shiny, Unused, most definately red, and until last Wednesday unblemished.

That was when I had the sad and unfortunate event of getting into an accident. I got rear-ended at a yield (is it just me or does rear-ended just sound raunchy? I had to stop from giggling or feeling dirty whenever I had to explain what happened)

THIS was the result of the altercation. *whimper* All I thought was--my poor baby car!! After the accident and getting home, I felt the urge to hug my car, apologize for the guy that didn't stop or at least slow down at the yield and of course--use duct tape (a car's version of a bandaid in my opinion) to make it all better. My mom convinced me not to do the last of those things. After a quick patch up and re-attachment of the bumper, I drove my car until Monday when I left it at the body shop to get all shiny again. Geico was great about taking care of everything and even got my rental lined up by the time I arrived on Monday. They're also making sure that my case of whip lash is for sure undercontrol before closing the incident. (bless all doctors and their perscription of muscle relaxants, perscription aleve and souped up bengay)--back to my car.

Now I don't proclaim to be omniscient and all powerful in the way of cars-- but two seconds after getting into my rental, a PT cruiser, I decided that despite the cute exterior--the PT cruiser is one of the worst rides ever (that sounds raunchy too now--doesn't it?!).

[No PT Cruiser picture available since seeing it, never mind documenting it, was a waste of time and effort for the very , in my opinion, evil car]

Thankfully, I got a call this morning to pick up my baby and have it happily parked out front. :D

(picture of the happy jeep parked out front coming soon)

--happy to never see a PT cruiser again--
dre

Give Away At The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-23T11:36:00.001-04:00

this is not a picture of a the pumpkin patch--I took it in Houston, but I still thought I could share. :P

My Aunt is hosting a giveaway at her blog, Pumpkin Patch Primitives. She's giving away these fat quarters.

This is an actual picture of the Pumpkin Patch.

So here's the deal, you must post about this giveaway on your blog and give a proper link to it before October 31. If there are more than 250 entrants then she's adding another fat quarter bundle to the fray and giving out two fat quarter packs, more than 350....she's giving a $100 gift certificate to her store.

So head on over to her blog and let her know that you posted and that I sent you there!!! I've spent enough more on fabrics....now I have to get 'em from a give-away. I promised myself no more fabric purchases until next year.

except for the backing of Ryan's quilt.

oh! and the border!

or the cream for the stash buster quilt on my list.

I better add the backing to that one as well.

Who am I kidding?

--going broke--

dre

Houston Quilt Festival: Day 2

2009-10-23T11:18:00.003-04:00

So I'm going to preface this parade of beautiful pictures from the exhibits with a mission I had going to the festival (beyond losing copious amounts of money to quilt vendors).

The day before we set off on our adventure, I was excitedly telling everyone my plans for the weekend at my work's break room. Beyond the initial shock that I was excited to go to a quilt show, everyone thought it was pretty cool. Except for one person who chuckled at me and mocked quilting as square patches being sewn together. I believe the words "What's the challenge in that?" came out of his mouth (of course it has to be a guy who thinks that).

As the daughter of a quilter and a quilter myself now, I took offense and decided I would take magnificent photos and return to prove him wrong. This years exhibitions were excellent and I definitely proved him wrong *cackles*

Sometimes, I was so shocked that what these people used was actually fabric and thread (sometimes a dab of fabric paint) and not a canvas with pens, pencils and oils.

I loved this one because it looked like a clear picture but the piecing was so simple.

That's a little white felt-like fiber in the eye to make it look real!

This traditional quilt with some crazy attention to detail. At a distance you think, a medallion quilt that has an ohio star. but upon closer inspection.....

There's also stars in the patchwork. And that scalloped edge that you think is applique....try again my friend.

Those are itty bitty pieces of fabric laid juuuussst right for there to be that illusion.

The talent that was displayed in the exhibits was incredible. I'll let them speak for themselves. These were some of my favorites.

There was this bedazzled beauty.

Fabric! That was the only medium used for this quilt.

I'm so impressed! Look at the teeth close up.

Wow....The attention to detail of this one just blew me away.

This one triggered a whole bunch of high school memories since my favorite teacher's classroom had this as a poster on her wall. The triangles on the girls dress actually are not sewn into the quilt. What a great idea!

This one really stuck with me because it reminded me of the modern art piece in a sea of traditional. You never think about the close up of a quilt block. I think this was too cool.

This is so beautiful. I thought about how great it was to capture this moment on a quilt.

I'm closing this post with my favorite entry from the doll exhibit. Who doesn't want these cuties crawling out of their Grim's book. :)

I had a great time and I can't wait to go next year! (I'm determined to go.)

--signing off for now--

dre

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to Houston we go!

2009-10-17T00:04:00.001-04:00

There once was a girl with no stash,

her mother's closet she would crash,

So off to the festival she went,

and look at the money she spent!

And now she's got fabrics gallore.

--love, Dre

(I know it's the wrong rhyme scheme--but I was too excited to figure it out.)

Check out my acquisitions!! My goals for this festival trip? Finish the fabric selections for Ryan's quilt. (All I'm missing is the brown yardage and flannel backing) and make a more robust fabric collection. I only have 2 charm packs of Momo's Wonderland and 4 fat quarters of Sanae's Arcadia (pretty sad, huh?)

So here's the close up of the accent batik fabrics for Ryan's quilts.

Then I got a few different collections of fabrics for stashing...

This was some bits of fabric from various asian specialty booths. My favorite is the fishy one at the top.

I have no clue what to do with this charm pack but how can I say no to Momo's new line Odyssea? I just happened to come across a matching brown in a pile of fat quarters.

These are just some cute staple pieces to have.

This is happy purple themed collection that I picked from 2-4 booths.

This Last one was my most prized acquisition though....

The picture doesn't do it justice! It's a gold green, cream and navy blue. I have like...3 potential projects from these great finds. (1/2 yard for $2.50!!!)

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It was friggin' fantastic. I'll let you know tomorrow about the actual exhibits.....and maybe some more acquisitions?

--signing off for now--

Dre

I just HAD to share this

2009-10-02T10:32:00.003-04:00

Tell me this isn't the coolest watch you've ever seen.

You can order it here.

--signing off for now---

dre

Oh to be 5-years old again......

2009-09-28T16:00:00.010-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posts. I find that all I want to talk about is my job--however, we all know that writing about your job on a blog is bad news. So I was waiting for inspiration. It came in the form of a "Where the Wild Things Are" trailer.

Words cannot describe how ecstatic I was upon seeing just the title of this movie on comingsoon.net. No really--I'm pretty sure there was crazy screaming from my room when I saw it (Tweens getting Hannah Montana tickets had nothing on me). My HTB came into the room asking me what happened. After telling him the exciting news all he did was shake his head and murmur what he tells me all the time.

"You're such a little kid"

After seeing the previews for WTWTA on TV for the first time I thought about this. I am always so happy about children's films. So my question to myself was, why do I get so excited about certain film's that are obviously made for children. My first thought about this was--what type of films am I talking about? I'm not talking about your disney movies like Enchanted or Hannah Montana the Movie. I'm talking about timeless ones. So here's my list of movies that I feel bring out the 5-year old in me.

I'm starting off with my most recent viewing, Ponyo. This was one of the most memorable ones for me right now because I watched it with HTB on my birthday, and I also was in Japan when it came out in theaters there.

From there, I go to all of the Miyazaki films-- Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, and My Neighbor Totoro.

After that I go to my Disney vintages, Lion King, The Rescuers, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and, Fox and the Hound. I'm throwing in Lilo and Stitch as well (because I think it's the best thing that Disney has done in years).

There are many more but these will be enough to satisfy my argument.

These films without a doubt, no matter how many times you watch it have that moment. In Ponyo this is the moment where (*********spoiler alert*********) Sosuke is looking for his mom, but you know that Ponyo's life is on the line (***********end of spoiler************)

Another non-spoiler moment to use as an example would be my Neighbor Totoro when Mei goes missing and Satsuki is desperately looking for her.

These are moments that grip your heart, the first time you watch it you're hooked. After that, you just watch it over and over to get that same rush. It makes me jump up and down when Chihiro realizes Kohaku's real identity. It makes me sing along with your favorite disney characters (Tale as old as time....). It teaches me that ohana means family. It makes feel like I can do anything and forget about all the trouble that I'm currently dealing with. Suddenly, I'm 5-years old again and completely moved by that feeling.

I can't wait till October 16th. Maybe you'll see this version of me in theaters....

Thanks T-brenda for the e-mail. (isn't that easter bunny creepy? notice my ariel couture sweater.)

What makes you feel like you're 5-year old again?

Projects :D

2009-07-26T15:24:00.006-04:00

I woke up super early and have gotten this far. :)

Incredibly, I've also been quilting (now that I can abscond my mother's elna sewing machine regularly). This is my current project, a super "pint-sized wild thing" quilt from Camille Roskelley's collection. They're 4inch blocks--super hard to get together and sew. I'm in a rush to finish this one so I can get onto my surprise project for HTB! Gotta get it done before I go to Rochester to see him!!

Now I'm off to find some delicious-ness from my fridge, we went to Central Market in South Lake and the thought of fresh produce in my fridge is making me drool. Now if only I could make up my damn mind!!!!

I promise I'll be posting much more often! The Craziness is FINALLY dying down.

Hallelujah!! :D

--signing off for now--

dre*

PS: Drop by my Aunt's blog to check out her awesome give away! it's a super cute and simple quilt kit.

2009-07-13T16:04:00.006-04:00

So... *saunters back in**whistles* it's been a while, ne?

I'm so sorry for dropping the ball on my blog. I got home from PR only to go running around like a crazy woman with interviews, driving stuff, grandparents, and a trip to boston. (crazy huh?)

However, how better to kick off my new design and a renewed desire to post than with some awesome news?

I am an official employee of Nordstrom!

There is a new store, Nordstrom:The Rack, opening in Southlake on August 21!

So I've been brushing up on my fashion and accessory knowledge, and getting my paperwork done the past few days.

I just got back from an awesome weekend in my hubby-to-be (HTB-for short).

isn't he cute? This is an old picture from Spring, but I like it a lot. :)

I flew down to Logan for a quick two day trip about 2 Friday's ago. Friday was a trip to Boston for a visit to the MFA, Faneuil Hall and a view of the tall ships in the harbor. Then on Saturday it was a Nolette Family trip to New Bedford for a look at the Whaling Museum and the Forts that were on the coast (I'm a sucker for Museum trips, can't ya tell?).

I got home late on Sunday only to hit the floor running yet again. Although it's been pretty successful! I've gone to a few training sessions, worked 2 days at the Nordstrom at the North East Mall (pay check happiness), and *drumroll please*

I FINALLY GOT MY LICENSE!!

Freedom could not have come any sooner since I start work this Wednesday officially at The Rack in South Lake. I went and got gas for my car this morning as well as a bucket of paint for my room. (my next post will have pictures--I don't know why my computer won't upload it)

Expect a second posting today!! :) with pictures and some more goodness. I'm having some formatting issues and think if I start a new post it'll be resolved.

--signing off for now--

dre*

The End of a Chapter

2009-06-04T13:54:00.008-04:00

As you can see from the picture above--you guessed it! I graduated last week (with honors, thank you very much). It was so great to finally reach an endpoint I've been working towards for four years. Even better, I got to celebrate it with my whole family (we're a pretty big group aren't we?). It's pretty great to have such an awesome support system. My grandmother of my father's side couldn't make it because she was not feeling well (but I surprised her by heading to PR right after graduation)

I can't believe how much I've accomplished in the past four years!! When I came to college I was determined to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way and I would make the best of this time. I can proudly say that while it was tiresome--my time in college was fun and taught me more than textbooks could ever. :)

I'm currently in Puerto Rico getting some much needed R&R, and perfecting then sending out my resume.

I'm currently waiting for a call from the National Staff of Phi Sigma Pi (I applied to be a Regional Consultant). I hope I get it! I believe that if you are passionate about a job, no matter how inexperienced you might be, you'll learn along the way and possibly, make a difference.

I should be back in Texas by the 23rd and then I'll really kick start the job searching and studying for GMATs.

--signing off for now--

dre

I solemly swear, I'm up to no good--in memory of Prongs

2009-05-06T09:38:00.007-04:00

Sometimes you put off getting in contact with someone in your life, and then it's too late.

My mom once told me that it was hard to keep your friends you made in high school all the way through my college years.

But I'm sure she wasn't talking about my Marauders. The 5 people you see above are people that no matter how long ago I haven't spoken with them, no matter when's the last time I saw them...no matter what--will always be my best friends.

As some put it--These are my people.

We all went different ways, drifted apart in varying degrees--but once we'd get talking it was like we were in the same yellow colored room where we had all our "HQ meetings" (AKA, Sleep over at Dre's).

Brad, also known as Prongs (we all had Harry Potter aliases), was an ex-boyfriend turned best friend. He was the only boy of our group and also the only self declared Griffindor. He was shy when you first met him but once you got him in a group, hilarity ensued. In general Brad was one of those people who you know deserved way more than life gave him and you wanted to make everything better.

I haven't spoken with Brad since his Birthday in September. He was down in corpus christi, Texas living with some family he's got down there. Yesterday, I received a phone call from his cell from his siblings letting me know that Brad passed away last week from a seizure in his sleep.

Brad was only 22 years old.

Keep Brad in your prayers...I want to say he's in a better place but honestly, it's too soon for me to believe that.

As Jessie (Padfoot) posted on his wall;

"Don't Worry Prongs, We'll get Wormtail for you. Love you, Miss you."

--signing off for now--

Dre (Pigwidgeon)

5 things I could not do without....

2009-04-26T17:20:00.011-04:00

So, I see this 5 thing application on facebook but I decided to bring it to my lovely blog instead. (I'm a facebook purist--no applications on my profile, please)

So here it goes:

1. My Agenda--Moleskine Agenda:

There is not a time where I am not carrying my trusty agenda. It has this fabulous pouch where I just dump ridiculous amounts of stuff. the Left side has no free space since I write lists for my lists and the calendar side (the right) looks like ink vomitted on it with all the different colors indicating due dates and assignments.

In lieu of discussing I can't mention these suckers. they're stuck everywhere. I have two packs in my aforementioned agenda. I give them to people with assignments, numbers, love notes and smileys.

my job search would not be possible without postit notes. I write the date, person, phone numbers, and any important info then stick it to my agenda for future reference.

I'll write notes to my future self and place it on the week that I need to tell myself that.

3.

My Crackber--I mean, Black Berry Storm

So, Ryan for valentines day got me this sucker. Now, fully equiped with a data plan, I am a crackberry addict.

My email, calendar, contacts, music (8gB) and twitter is accessible through this. >.<

4.
You're not seeing double. I also have an Ipod Touch. While my BB is fab with all the business side of my life my Ipod satisfies the geek in me.

The games I play on this are innumerable and with the new genius application that they do isawesome for lazy playlist makers like me.

My brothers have them to so we have a running score of various games that we play and see who is better at it. Not to mention that when my bb acts up or dies (I forget to charge it a lot) I can still rely on my Ipod to send out emails, check my schedule and write notes.

5. Google Applications: You name it I've used it at least once. I would be incredibly lost with out my gmail, igoogle, google reader, google docs, google calendar....google...google...----you get the point right?

--signing off for now--
dre

Proof that Rochester has broken the weather...

2009-04-06T19:07:00.003-04:00

So, besides the fact that it was a beautiful day on Saturday and we're now on a winter weather advisory. I would like to say that it is fairly evident that Rochester's chaotic weather forecast has finally broken my igoogle weather widget.

How you ask do I know that?

Because according to said widget, for the past 3 days, the end of the world it occuring! This is what I see!!

There is no way I would be going outside if it was 999mph winds between me and my classes.

Last week was ridiculous and the closer I get to graduation the higher my blood pressure seems to get.

On the plus side? I rocked my two tests from last week! How about these for 2 awesome numbers!!

102 score on my Data Analysis II exam

95 score on my Human Diseases Exam

WOOHOO!!

Also, Consolidated Graphics, e-mailed me for a second interview as well as a plant tour! If hired, *crossing fingers* I would be working in Rochester at Tucker Printers. I would be a part of their leadership development program.

I'm meeting them tomorrow--so we'll see how everything goes. :)

--signing off for now--

dre

2009-03-31T17:34:00.003-04:00

sorry for the crappy lack of posting lately, graduation is coming up and I've been battling senioritis since last quarter (Gotta keep myself focused on the final goal).

I decided I'd attempt to make a comeback by letting you know about my life so far--I use my igoogle image above to share with you some important numbers.

165- number of companies at the career fair last week.
121-the number of unread messages in my inbox (mostly spam--but there's important stuff in their too!) My new phone has a data plan so I read stuff from there--> this equates to a very VERY full inbox.
52-days till I graduate (this includes weekends!!)
52+- number of things I have to do before graduation
43- number of Rushes that I had become candidates since I've been rush advisor. (GO ME!)
22- number of resumes I gave out at last week's job fair.
20 degrees +- the regular difference between the temperature outside and and the temperature in Puerto Rico and Roanoke, TX. :( It was snowing yesterday.
18- credits that I'm taking this quarter.
13- number of Rushes that became Candidates this quarter.
8- number of hours I lost when NOVA Academy ended.
4- number of hours I currently can work in the office.
3.4- GPA in order to graduate with honors
3.35-my current GPA
3- number of job opportunities I have to follow up with this week.
2- the amount of classes I'm retaking to get rid of C's (see numbers above for reason)
2--the number of agenda's I've gone through since Christmas Vacation (I lost and then found my original one)
0- number of job offers after I graduate. (Oh wait! I lied, it's 1--I was offered to work for Summer's NOVA Academy--1 week of work--if I was in the area.)

So, I'm off to drown my sorrows in the Tandoor event tonight with some PSP brothers and then I have to study--why?

because I have 2 Tests this week, 2 business simulation decisions, 1 Kanji Quiz, 1 marketing report, 1 review packet, 1 Venture group situation analysis and 1 lab writeup to do before the weeks end! :)

keeping myself busy!

--signing off for now--
dre

ps: look at this beautiful surprise that I got at my doorstep yesterday! Thanks T-Brenda

What I hate most about winter...

2009-01-24T14:36:00.004-05:00

So after 2 years of living in my apartment, I have determined what I abhor from the season...of course this is beyond the cold, wet, windy climate that graces Rochester. It's my enterance way...This is the condition of if after 3 days (it was cleaned before that). This is also after a preliminary sweep with our broom.

3 swiffer wipes and another sweep later---

I have my beautiful entrance way back--sad thing is, two days later and it looks like my first picture again. :(

Have a good laugh!

2009-01-20T23:47:00.004-05:00

So I watched this a few days ago--I decided I needed to bring it to the masses!

Lanie Jane is giving away fabrics!!

2009-01-14T20:56:00.007-05:00

Lanie Jane left me a post about a give-away on her blog. I decided to look more into the fabrics that she had. They're GORGEOUS!!!

Take a look at them yourself.

I'm in love with her Sugar snap prints on the main page. :) it reminds me of my new duvet cover from Ikea.

Christmas Time

2009-01-14T16:58:00.012-05:00

:) So Christmas totally rocked. My family is very big on the Christmas thing--the family is always together and we make a great mess of things. I think Ryan had a minor coronary with all the attention.( :P) I had to explain that normally closed doors and laptop time is not quite as sacred in my house when my grandparents are over. So every 15 minutes there were questions--"what are you up to?"

haha--I was so used to it I never thought much about it but it's generally dif

ficult to get 15 minutes without have someone be "up in your business". I like ot think it'

s because we're all so close anyways. haha.

I had already gotten tickets to Transiberian Orchestra from Ryan and went to that in

November, so I got one of my presents early. Some of the stuff I got was great...

the big purchase of the season? A sony E-book reader. My mom got one a while ago. I was only a bit jealous

Now I have my own pretty blue one! I recently did a project for my Marketing research clas

s discussing student's willingness to adopt E-books and I know that eventually these babies will be owned by most book worms world wide. (Although nothing can give you that "new/old book smell" *sigh*).

I also got a 4Gb memory stick which now has ton

s of music and movies on it for my PSP. (I appreciated this since I had no Ipod Touch for my trips fro

m Rochester to Dallas and back.) I was ridiculously excited about

getting it. :)

I also got a 500Gb hard

drive--after my mom visited me for brickcity I was terrified by her comment of my hard drive sounding similiar to the one she used to have before it died. (I really thought the whirring noise was natural for the porr thing).

So I got this new one and was in for a scare when I turned it on and heard-------nothing. no joke, I thought it was broken. >.<

Amongst the other awesome things is was burberry the beat perfume. :) I've just gotten into the burberry scent (I always get the little piece of paper with the sampler to keep in my purse--it smells so nice!)

I also got bento box accesories--note to self: get a bento box. I also got stemless wine glasses and a super cozy hoodie...mmmm.

Then I went to ryan's for New Years and hit the present jackpot!!

A cook book I've been lusting after since Fall because of the pretty pictures and a crock pot! I haven't decided what I want to make first!!

New Years was supposed to be going to First Night--however unlike my T-brenda I did not brave the storm--I got a reaaaallyyy bad cold. :(

Now I'm bad at school enjoying all my new presents--mmmm :)

addendum: I also got crazy bling from T-brenda in the form of green peridot earrings. They be shiny on my ears. :D

Aliens vs. Vampires

2009-01-08T22:29:00.011-05:00

So over vacation Ryan and I watched a show on Discovery Channel discussing Alien technology--sort of like evaluating laser guns and such. The show was funny but I asked him slightly panicky to change the channel before turning the TV off. (it's like watching a sickeningly sweet anime after watching Silence of the Lambs). He looked at me very weird but knowing that my overactive imagination causes me nightmares he agreed and we watched someother silly show. Two night's later I woke with a fever (I'll let you know baout my vacation once I get the pics on to my computer) in order to keep my mind off my night terror I pulled up the first episode of True Blood (It was a crappy version but it's a good view). I told Ryan that morning and he looked at me weird "you need to stay up a little later because of an alien show but vampires are good for watching?" wass along the lines of what he said.

That got me thinking--why would I be more afraid of Aliens in stead of Vampires--both are a sort of monster, both possess a certain inhuman quality, according to the pictures above they have pointy teeth and I would totally lose to fight against them in a dark alley. after thinking about it I figured out why I'm more afraid of Aliens than vampires, scientifically speaking the probability of Vampires existing versus the probability of Aliens existing is pretty low. Aliens hit a little to close to home for me (and I think I had been watching too much X-files) and I'm predispositioned for Aliens to be some unkillable forde of nature while vampires...well...in general you are very capable of killing one.

pretty weird huh? (I wasn't kidding about the over active imagination)

I brought it to the lunch table as a conversation topic and then I realized how geeky my friends are.

what do you guys think?

Grad School Update

2009-01-08T22:16:00.003-05:00

up to date check list:

Biz Gov't Mini Paper writing
Storytelling responses for the past 2 weeks
McNair's Final Report
Coop Report to Kathy Ozminkowski
getting my Ipod Touch replaced (UPDATE: I'm in a stack of 30 people to get my stuff--2 weeks tops)

ok... so not much was accomplished. >.<

So, the only thing that I need to do for my grad school's is to take my GMAT. If you knew me in High School, I was pretty much locked into studying for my SATs for a good 3-4 months (thanks mom *sarcasm*). Last quarter I was very good with my studying but because of the lack of calculators used in the test I was still very weak in the Math section (details of an event I can do--of geometry? not so much). So I have not take my GMAT's basically meaning that my applications that I have are pretty useless and I will not make my Round 2 deadline. >.<

My strategy now is to get back into the hang of studying, take my exam and hand in my applications for the final round-defer acceptance for a year-apply for next years financial aid-attend school. (this is of course hinging on the fact that I get accepted since a majority (3/5) of the schools are "strongly recommending" 2 years of experience prior to enrollment.

So now I'm on the look for a good Job for anyone with a major in Marketing and minor in Japanese Language and Culture. *crosses fingers*

It's hard to believe but I'm graduating in 134 days. >.< The stress is kicking in. Now's the time to buckle up and make that final dash to the finish line. Wish me luck!!

crickets chirp

2009-01-07T10:37:00.002-05:00

Heya!

I'm sorry for my disappearing act. I've been so freaking busy since my Week 2 post that I really have not even had an opportunity to breathe until now (I'm in the middle of my Business Government and Society class break)

Here's upcoming posts--

Grad School Update (uuuggggghhhh)
Christmas Presents inventory (It rocked btw)
The Enduring question we always ask....Aliens vs. Vampires
My Google obsession

However, you will have to wait until a little later in the week.

Now I'm off to

Biz Gov't Mini Paper writing (fun fun)
Storytelling responses for the past 2 weeks (yeah...I slacked off a bit on that >.<)
Candidate Retreat (always a good time)
Apologizing the Mike for missing E-council yesterday (Sorry!)
McNair's Final Report (almost there!)
Coop Report to Kathy Ozminkowski
Strategy and Policy Project follow-ups
getting my Ipod Touch replaced (the Insurance company is about to send me the check)
reporting my broken Ipod (yup! the screen cracked)
oh...

and lunch (yum)

(I'm sure I'm forgetting other stuff--but I'll make do with this list for now)

Dre the Champion of Romance!!

2008-12-13T10:10:00.004-05:00

Have you ever read an article and paper/ anything that states an opinion and while reading it you are formulating the counter argument?

this is an assigned reading I had for my Storytelling class this week. let me tell you--the first article "Explorations and Formulas" was too much for me to not write about. The weekly discussion topic had nothing (and I mean NOTHING) to do with this essay--rather it was the role of the women in the two following stories. However, this essay was too much for me to NOT mention something.

My mom runs a blog that reviews various romance novels so--I would say that while I am no expert I feel experienced enough to look at this and want to argue against it--

so here's what I wrote--

"Before I delve into the women characters that were portrayed in both stories .I’d wanted to talk about this formula fiction essay; specifically the formula fiction that was portrayed for romance novels. As someone who reads both classics and the romance novels published today—what I feel the writer of “Explorations and Formulas” did not realize is that there are always exceptions to the rules that the tip sheet formulated. My mother is a part of a romance novel community as a reviewer for various authors—the “Do not interject murder, extortion, international intrigue, horror or the supernatural elements in the plot” was the most shocking “rule” that I saw. Especially because some of the best sellers of romance are in fact ones that have the murder, or intrigue…so on and so forth—It is what keeps the book moving. While I understand that, yes,—some women are looking for the quick read (boy meets girl, girl leaves boy to sacrifice herself, boy saves girl, and they live happily ever after) however a lot of the authors that are popular or seen as “classics” or “must reads” in the romance fandom are actually stories that do have a plot that drives the romance forward. There are whole series of romance novels solely dedicated into creating a fantastical universe of political intrigue and great action scenes.

I’ll use one of my favorites for an example, J.R Ward has written multiple books based of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, these are books that you will find in the romance section, one of her most recent books ended with the heroine actually dying. It was with the hero’s mother’s great sacrifice that the heroine still exists as a mere ghost/projection. This is not the “and everyone lives happily ever after” ending—even in following books the guilt that the hero feels in failing his “beloved” is an ongoing theme in the next few books. Or another is the Historical romances Diana Gibaldon spends 3-4 books where everything is not “hunky dory-press-the-female-character-against-studly-scots-chest”. There is sacrifice, death and even some really great historical facts.

True there are many authors of books that do follow the formula to satisfy their readers—however on the flip side, I feel that there is an equal amount of authors who don’t care what their readers want—they are going to write whatever they feel is best for their characters or their story lines. As a writer I don’t want to take into account what someone else wants in my stories—I’m writing as an art form. No one ever told Picasso—“hey, why don’t you make Guernica look a bit more realistic.”

Katie MacAlister, a romance best seller, writes as Katie Maxwell for her Young Adult books and as Katie Marsh when writing mysteries—something that many romance authors have to do since being a “romance author” has become synonymous with poor literature.

Now that I’ve proclaimed myself the champion of Romance novels—let’s move on to the actual stories that we covered."

(from here I talked about the actual assignment--I totally had to get this off my chest and post it on my classes discussion board.)

SIMPLIFY IS GIVING AWAY A QUILT!

2008-11-10T21:02:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my T-brenda, I have been getting into looking at designers of quilts--I'm now moving into "designers in general". One of my favorite quilt designers is Camille Roskelley from Thimble Blossoms. On her Blog Simplify she is giving away a quilt of your choosing. :) pretty awesome huh?

This post get's me 3 more entries!! :D

--signing off

dre

VOTE!

2008-11-03T08:25:00.002-05:00

This is your friendly Dre-approved reminder to VOTE TOMORROW!!!

This year there has been an outpouring of registrants to get to the polls on November 4th. For what some people are saying is one of the most important elections in our history. However statistically speaking, according to historical data, only 40-60% of Americans who register to vote indeed vote.

Do you know how many people in Iraq voted? 100% of the population able to vote in Iraq did.

People always complain about the lines and "how long it takes". Women in a country where their children can be a casualty of war just by going to school one day, in a country that doesn't view them as equals came out and stood in lines that took hours--not minutes--HOURS!

So everyone who has registered to vote--I'm telling you a day in advance so you can mark it in your schedule!!!--VOTE!

RECAP! :)

2008-10-29T10:19:00.019-04:00

Isn't he so handsome? lol. So since the last time I've posted my mom has visited, I had the weekend of insanity that included Nova Academy, 2 banquets, an E-board meeting and a business meeting, and last week where I traversed back to New England for the scenery, my aunt's trip to Keene's Pumpkin Festival and My best friend/sister's 21st birthday.

While mom was here we sought out some colorful foliage (Texas doesn't get the shiny colored trees we get up here). Alas--this is what we got instead. It was great to show my mom around campus and introduce her to people and places that I have familiarized myself with since she last came (Brickcity--my Freshman year).

I also had the dreaded "Parent's Dinner" with Ryan and his folks. It went painless. We ate at Edoya--yummy! and for dessert sent the men folk out for something tasty--AKA Wegman's fruit tart pastry (note to self--get one for myself at a later date).

The picture at the top is one from Phi Sigma Pi's Banquet--it was our 10th Year aniversary so people went all out! We had delicious cake from Jon John's, a local rochester bakery that makes delicious goodies, and champagne during the toast. It was a great success and I commend our Alumni Committee and Social Committee for getting this all set up. (it was great guys!)
Here's a picture of my family line. :)The Day after PSP's Banquet I had the Orientation Assistants Reunion Banquet and got my 3 years of service pin. (GO ME!)

After a hellish weekend composed of 3 tests (uuuuuuggghhhh). I left for New England.

I went to Keene Pumpkin festival with both my Aunts, cousin and grandmother and saw these cool pumpkins!!!!

So after fabulous Pumpkin viewing these AWESOME pumpkins I traversed for an celebratory 21st drink at Midnight with Jessie.

(Happy Birthday girlie!)

--signing off for now
dre

CUPCAKES!!!

2008-10-29T09:41:00.004-04:00

So I have a tendency to love all things crafty--perchance I get it from my mom and aunt--right? I found this little do dad in search of a new blog to check out. This is from the blog Portabello Pixie--check out the cool stuff she has!!! :)

Ok--now I'm gonna get all my pictures off my camera from the past 3 weeks--wish me luck!!! >.<

I've been tagged!!!! :D

2008-10-28T14:43:00.003-04:00

So I just got back from an IRG (International Resource Group) Luncheon, where I gave a small presentation with 3 other College of Business Students about studying abroad. It was pretty great!

I'll post a blog later today about my weekend and what I have been up to since my last post. My mom reviews books on her blog. I was catching up with her when I realized that she "tagged" me to write 7 random things about myself. So, here it goes.

1. I am an introvert. I know that for someone that is so involved in the school community this sounds insane but after a long day of E-board meetings, classes, project meetings and networking I'm exhausted to the core of my being. I don't get energy from a group of people. I love meeting people and putting myself out there--but If you gave me the choice to spend a weekend alone reading good books with no human interaction or a weekend filled with friends parties and events--I'd go for the book reading in solitude. It's probably why my best friend and I get along so well.

2. While I love anime and going to conventions--I hate the fans. I realize that I was one of those people when I first got into anime but my tastes matured and so did the way I show my enjoyment. I go to anime cons in cosplay (damn good ones too!), but I'm not running around like a 2 year old on a bag of pixie sticks. And I am most definately not asking dumb questions to voice actors as if they were the legit 2D character. >.< I can not STAND some of the people that go to anime con who are older than me but act like 6 year old, "Oh my god! like, you like (insert pairing here) well I like (insert inverse pairing here) I totally hate you and, like, we can't be friends."

3. I love to write. Limericks help me pass the time. If you look at my note books or napkins you can discern how bored I was by the quantity of limericks or poems that are written there (You should look a handout my Japanese Culture teacher gave me in Japan--the popor thing never had a chance). Now I said I love writing--not that I was good at it. My writing is pretty raw and unrefined--I think it and I write it. I refuse to go back and fix anything. On this train of though it leads to my next one...

4. I'm doing NaNoWriMo in November. Wish me luck!!! :)

5. I will listen to anything--any genre of music has a good chance of being on my Ipod. I have filled my whole entire 16gig Ipod with audio books, rap, country, wizard rock, j-pop, j-rock, emo, hard rock, classic rock...and it goes on, and on.

6. I hibernate. While I'm sure many of you thought that this was only done by bears and other wildlife--I also participate in this. I hate hate HATE the cold. This is pretty weird since I lived in New England for most of my life, and I go to school in Rochester, NY (where hell has legitimately frozen over). I will disappear off the face of the social scene starting winter quarter and not ending till the middle of spring quarter. I show up for classes, and the occasional meeting--but if it involves me walking in cold temperatures I have a tendency to skip it.

7. I have never attended a wedding, or at least I don't remember attending one (I was told that I attended my uncle's 2nd wedding). This is funnier even now because I'm engaged and besides some basic knowledge that you learn from TLC's bridezillas and A wedding story--I don't know where to start. Last year Jessie and Eleanor walked me through the whole "wedding dates" and my head spun. @.@

That's it!!!

Request for "7 random things" is to Jessie's blog (Dazed and Confused) and Eleanor (Dammit Universe)

That's it!!

: D

2008-10-06T09:02:00.015-04:00

So this is my with my boyfriend about 2 years ago at a friend's Christmas Party.

This is the beginning of Ryan and my fourth year of dating. We met on our dorm floor freshman year and since then we've been entertaining our near and dear ones with our banter. :)

Ryan and I are pretty much the opposite in every sense of the word. But for some reason we have always been able to get along really well.

Since I'm graduating this year-- and Ryan is a five year major. We've been discussing what to do. Never in these conversations was there a hint of engagements or getting married. It was more like--if I go to school here we could drive back and forth. Or--I'm in a semester system so I can visit during my breaks.

So imagine my surprise when Ryan and I made dinner Saturday evening and over dinner Ryan pulled this out. \/

Needless to say, I really couldn't think of a reason to say no.

Ryan despite his rough exterior--is really sweet with me (as my roommate/best friend/sister said to me once). And honestly--there was no one else I could imagine spending the rest of my life with. :)

I ,of course, had to get over the initial shock before Ryan asked if it was a yes. For the rest of the evening I spent my time staring at the ring and looking back at Ryan and going "Are you sure?" "Do you really know what this means?" "Are you crazy?" "You're crazy."

The rest of the evening was me telling my roommate/bestfriend/sister the news. I have never heard the phrase "Oh my gawd" used so repeatedly in a half hour.

The next day in celebration, Ryan and I went with some friends to Darien Lake Amusement Park.

It was Fright Fest so there was a Halloween theme to the whole place. (Did I mention Halloween is my favorite holiday?) After watching everyone go on The Predator (Rollercoasters aren't my thing) while everyone else went on the Ride of Steel(no way) Ryan took me to the pumpkin patch for some pumpkin painting. Guess which one belongs to me. :)

So after fun pumpkin painting and one of our friends loosing her cell to the Ride of Steel's pond. We continued through other rides. Now, I'm pretty much a wreck whenever I think about getting on a roller coaster. I'm always jealous of people who can get on them without having a panic attack in the line. I decided I'd try this roller coaster think one more time. So I found the tamest rollercoaster in the park. Called the Motocoaster (check it out here). I got on and now have a T-shirt. I'm still scared of rollercoasters--but I found one that I'm not THAT scared of. :) we played some games, got some tasty funnel cake (yum) and then for the closing events got to watch a great "Laser Spooktacular". It was a great ending to a pretty awesome weekend.

Next weekend is promising to be just as cool too! My mom is coming up for Brickcity Homecoming. WooHoo!!!

--extatic and signing off for now
dre :)

On another note. (haha I made a pun!)

2008-10-01T10:55:00.003-04:00

I have been absolutely gushing over my mama mia! soundtrack but I have discovered a new artist!! I used ruckus to legally download her first album Rockferry. This is some serious study music. It's got enough of a beat that I tap my foot to it but not so distracting that I can't focus on what I'm doing in the first place. You definately have to check her out! This is my favorite song (go figure its the most popular).

In an effort to delay more studying and GMAT prep

2008-10-01T09:36:00.015-04:00

So as I've been running around finishing up or preparing for midterms I have decided to give myself a break to post here. Although if you want more upto date info on what I'm doing follow me here. (yes, I'm addicted.)

Lately I have spent my waking hours studying for my GMAT (I'm focusing on math right now), taking midterms (damn you Weeks 4-5), and doing TONS of research on Grad Schools.

I initially thought that I was not going to be able to actually apply this year as I didn't think I would be ready to take the GMAT in time for all the rounds of application deadlines that I had to fulfill. However thanks to the awesome people in the McNair's Scholar's program I have gotten all the info and support to continue my education right after graduation. (Thanks guys!) .

So without further ado! here are my 5 choices. (in no particular order)

University of Texas at Autin-McComb's School of Business: I REALLLY like the instate tuition for this place. Not to mention they have this really interesting Double Degree MBA program that would let me get not only my UT MBA but also a MBA from another accredited school abroad. This means I could get an MBA at a University in China, Argentina....etc. Since I'm all about the international programs you know I was super excited to read about this! plus! beautiful weather all year round!

2. University of Virginia-Darden School of Business:
So I have always liked UVA. I actually applied to UVA when I was looking for a place to study my Undergrad (I was waitlisted). So UVA was a school that IMMEDIATELY came to when I started considering Grad Schools. IT helps that I can get an MBA and an MA in East Asian Studies at the same time--did I mention that the weather in Virginia has gotta be better that RIT temperatures?

3. Cornell University-Johnson Graduate School of Management
I have a few brothers up in Cornell who can only say good things about their lovely campus. Looking into the Business School tipped me off on to the AWESOME study aboard opportunities that are specifically business oriented--the best part is that it's over vacations that these are normally happening. I could go to Prague to look at the budding economy or even do a tour of South Korea and Japan. downside--I'm sure it has the possibility of being colder than RIT. :(

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Sloan School of Management: Ok, so MIT kinda sold me on the fact that it's in BOSTON! :) I decided I should look more into schools where everything is accesible to me. RIT is kinda in the middle of nowhere. I want to be able to Bike to a museum or take a bus across town with little to no hassle. MIT's business School is one of the best in the country and I think I like the environment that Tech schools have a tendency to exude. :) They also have this G-lab program in the MBA that lets me do a project over seas with a company.

5. Georgetown-McDonough School of Business:

I'm a bit concerned about this school as I realize that I am "strongly recommended" to have 2 years of experience under my belt in order to be eligible for application. I visited this school about a year ago to see my step sister. She is in their undergrad program. I really like the location of Georgetown--the opportunities to network would be endless and I really like that. So far I haven't finished looking into it since I need to talk with someone from admissions about the "2 years work experience".

I'm thinking if Georgetown is a no go I will have to start all over to find a fifth school to apply for. :(

I can't believe that it's only Wednesday! It feels like the week should be over rather than only halfway through. >.<

I shall now return to my treacherous study session (I hate reading my text books!) But I shall return with tales of my late week/weekend adventures!!

--signing off for now!
dre

Just another tool to stalk people.

2008-09-29T13:23:00.003-04:00

Check this out!!! I've been sitting at the lunch table watching my friend Mike use his twitter account. I remember hearing about this in my Internet Marketing and decided that since I have some friends in this network I might as well join too! I've now posted twice and I can forsee tons of future "micro-blog posts". ESPECIALLY, because I can text those babies in!!!

And now....to address the elephant in the room.

So the last time that I posted was a REALLLYYY long time ago. I apologize for the lack of posts. :( I will resume my weekly postings from now on.

<--Thanks to this baby.

I would like to mark the Ipod touch the best purchase I have made for this whole school year. since it is equipped with fabulous wifi and my campus is just one giant wireless area. I pretty much get all my emails quickly. My apps range from the absolutely useless (bubble wrap) to the increadibly awesome (google maps). Not to mention I will be able to post on my blog from it. :D this is pretty much my 16 gigs of heaven

October is on it's way and I can't wait for Halloween (my favorite holiday of all time!). You can see that it runs in the family if you read my Aunt's blog. She makes the coolest halloween quilts ever!!! :)

Now I'm off to class, studying for two midterms this week and getting interpreter for Winter Rush. :)

--signing off for now
dre

My Hearts Devotion! (Let it sink back in the ocean!--jk)

2008-08-19T00:01:00.003-04:00

I got back from Puerto Rico last Monday after a quick trip to la isla with my mom, who had not been for the past 11 years!!

It was awesome (as usual) and eye opening. I didn't realize that my Mom, Dad, Step Mom, sisters, grandparents and aunt would equate to 10 people!! And that isn't counting my aunts and cousin on mom's side of the family!

I always liked thinking that I was blessed with the best of both worlds. When I'm with my dad I get to be with my sisters and be the "older sister" but when I'm with my mom I have the whole "only child" thing going for me (or not). Since I was mostly raised with my mother, I always though--my immediate family isn't that big. This is primarily because I have never seen my whole entire immediate family in one location.

So as I sat and had dinner with most of my family I realized just how crazy graduation was going to be (everyone is coming--yay!). And then along those lines I realized--OH MY GOODNESS!! I'M GRADUATING THIS YEAR! what on earth am I going to do?.

This is a question that if I had my way I would be putting answering it off till....let's say May 2009. >.<

As much stress normally ensues when this thought occurs I have decided to focus on more present issues...Orientation...Research...Rush. (I think I've gone cross eyed).

--signing off for now!--
dre

And I'm leaving on a jet plane!!

2008-06-01T11:35:00.002-04:00

*bows* sorry for the lack of posting last week--I've been packing, running errands, and doing that tourist thing in Dallas.

I never realized how much stuff in general I was going to need for my up and coming study abroad to Japan. holy smokes! thank goodness I've been saving for this trip for the past two years or I don't think I'd have enough money to make it there in time!!

Anyways...there are a few things that I am thankful for and I would like to give them a round of applause.

Skype <-- I don't know under what rock I have been living under but I can't believe that I never used this before! for those who had no idea what Skype is take a look at their website This is what I am planning on using for communication while I'm in Japan--my skype name is ndrea.abreu

Airplane AC adapters <-- saving me from the insanity of a 12 hour and 55 minute flight

Awesome Texas Paraphanelia <-- I have been blessed with being from or identified by states that have an exceeding about of pride in their statehood (Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Texas) For my host family I was given the job of figuring out what to get them, It should be something regional and related to where you live (think of it as a souvenir from where you come from). I give this a round of applause because there was SO MUCH stuff that I could've gotten. I opted for a small horse shoe door hanger thing with the Texas flag on it and a sampler set of all Texas Barbecues. :)

My Wallet <-- it's really put up a good fight. I don't know about anyone else but I alway find that going on a trip big or small gives me an excuse to buy exorbitant amounts of things that at that moment I "need" >.< I've been very good about this so far. *deep breaths* there were some stressful times but I believe my wallet deserves a round of applause for surviving. -yay!-

Lists <-- of which I have many.

as for now I'm signing off of this blog and posting till I get back on this one this'll be my travel blog where I'll be posting pictures and cool things I've done so far. :) see ya there til July 29th!!!

--signing off for now--
dre

It's increadible what a a Walt Whitman class can do

2008-05-16T13:31:00.003-04:00

">

So...about 2 weeks ago my room mate took me aside and asked me a question I wasn't expecting her to ask.

"so....Dylan and I are gonna get married in about a week--can you be my witness/maid of honor?"

To give my room mate adn her fiancee now husband credit she really thought things through--I watched her and her fiancee go through the required motions of getting everything set up and organized as well as their planning for the future.

I personally would not be able to do this--but you need to know my roommate and her husband to understand that they are well capable of making this decision and probably making it work.

So yesterday they got married--I unfortunately could not attend but I found my replacement in the form of my best friend (thanks Jessie). I did however make a pretty wedding cake and the reception at B-dubs was a great reunion of my fraternity brothers to celebrate (to give them credit they were only moderately shocked at the news when I emailed then yesterday afternoon).

Congratulations Kristin and Dylan. :) hope the future is promising for both of you.

Rising Tied

2008-05-14T18:55:00.005-04:00

I was initially introduced to Fort Minor through my best friend/sister who is a big fan of Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park (big fan is an understatement). I heard what she had and agreed that it was a great job. However I came across a few other songs that I liked from their Rising Tied album. I decided that 3 years after it's release I should take a look at it. To summarize the experience in one word--WOW!.

I am not a big fan of Rap--something about most people's rhyming annoying (some things were never meant to rhyme no matter how you mispronounce a word). However I have always loved LOVED Linkin Park's ability to put forth more than just words--rather a whole mood is projected. I don't believe I have ever skipped a single Linkin Park song because it's "not worth listening to".

Fort Minor has been added to one of the few albums that I can listen to from beginning to end without feeling that I need to skip a song, joining the ranks of Alanis Morisetts Under Rug Swept, and Jagged Little pill as well as Christina Aguilera's Dirrty Album and WElcome to the Circus album to name some of the few.

If you are looking for some really deep lyrics intersperse with a great beat that has you tapping your feet check out this Album--I definitely loved it. my favorite song? a tie between Kenji and Where'd you go?

--signing off for now--
dre

To Be a Mother...

2008-05-11T08:49:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there. <3

This Friday I touched on the subject of mothers with my boss and found out something very interesting about the Ethiopian culture.

There are many types of relationships that you can have in a certain degree with people who aren't your parents. there's the acquaintance, friend, close friend, best friend, brother/sister, and mother.

mother--you ask. Isn't that the woman that carried me in her womb for nine months, gave birth me be, and still to this day worries that I'm not eating my vegetables? Yes but there's more.

What my boss explained to me is that you are blessed with more than one mother.

These are people in your life that hold the characteristics of mothers. This is someone who is going to give you advice when you seek it, someone who is willing to nurture you body and soul, and displays a great love for you and who you have become. A mother in your life is someone who has contributed to the person that you are today.

It's very hard to consider someone your mother--as my boss explained using the term is usually used when someone has passed and when you mourn you cry "that person wasn't just a friend--they were my mother". It is also used in terms of you finding the perfect partner in life "You have a mother there, don't make them unhappy". The term mother is used regardless of gender.

Leaving the office that day I thought about the various mothers that I have been blessed with.

I have my actual mother who let's face it--is pretty incredible on her own. I have learned so much from her! She has raised me to know no boundaries. I have never been told I can't do anything...rather my mom makes it hard for me to quit something I have started. Without her being there I don't think I'd be the person I am today.

On top of my mother there were many other women in my life that I have to thank for where I am today; both my grandmothers, T-brenda, T-Jessy, Titi Awilda. Each of these women have continuously supported me and my endeavors and for that I'm grateful.

So today thank your mother, and all the other people who have been mothers to you throughout your life. :)

I feel like taking over the world....

2008-05-09T10:29:00.002-04:00

(anyone like to join me?) btw...24 more days till I'm in Japan.

So, I've had a pretty insane week. 2 Papers, 2 tests, Form 110 due, Retreat, Nova Academy and a spattering of E-board meetings and dinners. Most importantly--I have been trying to get into contact with my faculty adviser.

Let's step back to get the whole picture for a second...about 3 weeks ago i received a "invitation" to take part in a McNair's Scholars Program. This is a program dedicated to helping undergrad students with background that don't pursue a higher education after their bachelors and helps fund and teach research, something that most undergrads don't get a chance to participate in until they get into grad school. The purpose of this program is to help students be more marketable to schools.

If you asked me a year ago whether or not I was interested in conducting research I would've said no way. However now that I have been doing my research about Grad schools I realized that research and a topic that I was truly passionate about was going to be important. What better time to get my researching legs running than next year? So I decided that the McNair's Scholars program was for me. I also had an idea of what I'd research--over the summer I could do research in Japan and study the effectiveness of various marketing techniques used in the age demographics of 14-22

Only on kink in the whole issue. I was studying abroad this summer and therefore wouldn't be on campus for the summer start up program required. After speaking with some people and running around like a mad woman I was allowed to apply--however I needed a faculty member to sign as my adviser and supervisor of research. In my mind there was only one person that could do this--Dr. Neil Hair.

I've taken two of Professor Hair's classes and they truly changed my perspective of what I wanted to do after graduation. I gained an appreciation of business journals and the people who were published in them. I also got real experience working with clients. All in all I thought the person I wanted to go through this with would be Professor Hair.

Unfortunately he only has an online class this quarter and no office hours. We played email tag for a while and every time I passed the college of business I specifically knocked on his door to speak with him.I understood that e was really busy and that getting time this late in the quarter was going to be hard. After two weeks I was about to give up. However after my business ethics test I decided I should try one last time...I knocked...

"who is it" answered.

YAY! He was in.

Needless to say Dr. Hair has said he will be glad to help me and in fact has already started advising me. I've lowered my target age group from Japanese students from 14-22 to 18-22. I've also been looking into focusing more on a single industry rather than a broad "marketing techniques" as a whole.

I was so excited I think I did a happy dance when I left the building. :P

--signing off for now--
dre

3 in one day...I'm on a roll--yes?

2008-04-28T20:57:00.007-04:00

I've decided that from now one I am going to read one article from the newspaper everyday. Thanks to the fact that Pepper, my shih-tzu, was potty trained when I lived at home in New Hampshire I would end up reading an article a day just because I was always around it.

When I first came to RIT I never read the news unless I HAD to for a class. when I eventually got my Co-op last summer I also started to read the news again, this time in the mornings and during lunch to keep myself up to date. (during that time my aunt called me her personal news anchor since I would tell her about whatever had happened that day).

Upon returning to RIT the college readership program was kicked off. FREE NEWSPAPERS!! however I used this luxury for the wrong reasons--ie: sudoku and crossword when I was going into a long meeting. Today the front head line struck me and I decided for the first time that I will take one just to read.

This Article is what I read today. I found it so disheartening to see such a good cause getting such a bad name.

there have been times in my life that I believe I could make a difference and ended up only hitting a brick wall. It's upsetting to read about something like this and someone else with a bigger and greater cause not being able to succeed.

To think that If I hadn't decided to pick up the paper today I would not have been able to read about this--thus my newest goal to read an article a day.

--signing off for now--
dre

Just another reason to hate Data Analysis homework....

2008-04-28T12:53:00.003-04:00

Create a Matrix Plot--write a few sentences summarizing the display. describe any relationships that are apparent and look for outliers.

BAH!

KAREN'S WALK!! more shameless plugging

2008-04-28T12:21:00.003-04:00

Yup! it's that time of year again--the Sunday that starts are 4am before the sun is out and ends around 2-3pm. Just thought I'd share this event with everyone. XD

Karen's Walk/5K run is hosted by PSP (my fraternity). The purpose is to raise money to research cardiomyopathy (heart failure). It started about 6 years back when Karen Decker, a FoF (Friend of the Fraternity), gave birth to a baby girl named Hannah. It was a few months later that she was diagnosed with Post partum cardiomyopathy. She would need a heart transplant. Karen ended up passing away being transported to receive her transplant.

In response to what occurred, the Delta Alpha chapter of Phi Sigma Pi created "Walk for Hannah" to raise money to create a trust fund for Hannah, Karen's daughter. The year after it became Karen's Walk and the funds raised were given to researchers who are discovering new ways to cure cardiomyopathy as well as looking for early symptoms.

Karen's Walk is special to me because it was the first glimpse that I had into PSP as a non brother/rush/candidate.

My Freshman year at RIT had me volunteering through the College of Business club called Lowenthal Group. I received an email requesting assistance for this "Karen's Walk" event and decided that it sounded like fun. I ended up standing in the rain for 2 hours waving a flag for runners who needed to know how the course went. Now, I wasn't too thrilled about the standing in the rain bit but at the end of the day I watched one of Karen's Friends step up and thank PSP for the dedication and effort that they put in--in fact she started crying. I was so touched by her speech and the following one from the committee chair that year that I decided that my pre-disposition about greek life needed to be re-looked at.

The next fall I was invited to join the honors fraternity responsible for running Karen's Walk. and I go in :)

Once in I worked for Karen's Walk committee and saw how much work goes into this 2-3 hour event. Months and months, I also met the doctors that are conducting the research we pay for. It's some pretty incredible discoveries that they have found.

so If you're interested in donating or reading more about karen's walk visit our beautiful website www.karenswalk.com.

or even better--

drop by this Sunday @ 9 and walk to fight Heart Failure. :)

--signing off for now--
dre

to agree....or disagree... that is the question

2008-04-24T18:08:00.010-04:00

I apologize for my lack of posting last week (midterms kinda blow) XP

surprisingly enough with Presentations going on in Professional Selling rather than be inspired by this class I have found inspiration outside of the classroom. (ooohhhh ahhhh)

*sigh*

This week started off with a rather tired start, especially since Midterms last week kicked my sorry bum. So imagine as I'm walking in my post-midterm haze and I notice students (as in plural) wearing obnoxiously green shirts with the white text on it proudly proclaiming "I agree with Josh"

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

Initially I shrug it off...maybe this is a weird frat this that greek council is doing...I didn't know and basically I was too tired and needed to get to Japanese as soon as possible to care.

Then...I saw more people....by god, they were congregating EVERYWHERE!! By Tuesday I was practically foaming at the mouth to figuring out what these T-shirts were--who's Josh? why do you agree with him? does he like puppies over kittens? if so, I gotta get one of them shirts.

So finally in Business Ethics during our break I lasso'd myself a green "I agree with Josh" T-shirt clad boy and asked what it meant.

Josh is an RA at RIT who is a very religious baptist. The T-shirts were proclaiming his testimonial that is set yo be read tomorrow behind Gracies.

Go figure that this just happens to coincide with the GLBT community's "day of silence". >.<

I believe in one true God,
Existing as three in the Father, Son and Spirit.
Sin separates us from God,
Yet God loves all.
His Son Jesus Christ lived a sinless life,
Died on a cross to pay for our sins,
And rose from the dead, conquering sin and death
To make relationship with God possible.
Humans cannot earn salvation.
It is a gift of God's grace
Through faith in Christ alone.

I almost choked when I read this....isn't this basically a "cliffnotes" of the Nicene creed?the classic "profession of faith"? what is this person going to say that hasn't already been told to me in scripture, church, and ccd? If this is it...the what is the big deal with this so called Josh movement?

I immediately became a non-fan of "i agree with Josh" T-shirts--which were being sold for the discounted price of $3.

This is when I was introduced to the "I disagree with Josh" campaign...alas...no cool T-shirt just a facebook group. However I found that I disliked what they were saying as well.

I understood that some people were upset with this primarily because of the manner this group of Christian Fellowships chose to set about "spreading the light of the lord"(quoted from a blog of the organizers of this campaign. However, as a marketing major I can only see the pure gold this group struck upon--my fraternity has been trying to get their major event as a well known name on campus, here this group managed to singly in under a week make everyone on campus wonder and eventually ask the one question "who is josh?". I cannot be upset with this since I think our PR director od phi sigma pi would kill to have thought of this shirt, first.

Some people are upset that this "I agree with Josh" was put on the "Day of Silence" supported by GLBT clubs on campus. Understandable, however as a student leader I understand that RIT's system for reservations of rooms and services can easily have overlaps--I mean there are over 130 clubs on campus--their events are bound to overlap. It just happened that two direcly opposing groups had their major events on the same day--it is not the first time this has happened (*cough* Global Union and AALANA Collegiate Associtation *cough*).

I don't like that this "I disagree..." group is filled with people who are only disagreeing because of it is hip to not be a zealous believer of your faith.

In the end I decided I would join neither group...the agree with Josh camp was too centered around what this josh person had to say rather than what Christianity is. The disagree with Jsh camp was too ignorant and only used the bits of scripture that would make the I agree campaign look bad.

I decided I'd join another cause.....

'nuff said. : P

--signing off for now--
dre

From Good to Great.

2008-04-11T08:40:00.004-04:00

Current Music: My room mates African music (it's africa week--so she's rehearsing for the show tonight--I'll be helping the with lighting and sound.)

This musing on the last day of week 5 is brought to you by--yup, you guessed it! Professional Selling.

This Tuesday we talked about a Lou Holtz video that eventually led to me talking about my fraternity (PSP). Last year we had a president who's motto for the whole year was that we were going to go from good to great.--G2G for short. His presentation of this concept was simple and set a great pace for me as a new initiate. So, follow what I say now...

Raise your hand as high as you can.

Go ahead

.

.

.

Keep it raised!!
.

.

Ok, now go ahead and raise it a little higher.

.

.

.

.

.

see that?! you just went from good to great! I asked you to raise your hand the highest you could, but there was still that little bit that when asked for a higher hand you succeeded.

There's many people that do the "best they could" but in reality a whole lot more can be done about that . I'm well aware that I'm amongst those. However whenever this saying comes to mind (and it's a lot) I feel an extra burst of energy. I say to myself--"Dre, you're only raising your hand--you're not raising it any higher".

I don't think the president of my fraternity will ever be able to understand how important his words were to me. Especially since the saying (being said so many times) is a running joke to remind us about his time as a president.

:) I got to thinking about this saying and decided that it would be one of my motto's or words to live by. It's been added to the list of 2 other mottos:

1. Be the change you want in the world. (Inspired by Ghandi at a time in my prior E-board positions where I realized that what was going on was flawed, and needed something to be done.)

2. Bold and Beautiful. (taken from a Vogue magazine article--I can't name it anymore-- but it was a letter to the editor)

And now as a closing, here's a story my Professor came across and shared with the class.

During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one way or another. One man was Butch O'Hare.

He was a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. One time his entire squadron was assigned to fly a particular mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. Because of this, he would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to leave formation and return.

As he was returning to the mother ship, he could see a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. And with all the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost defenseless. His was the only opportunity to distract and divert them.

Single-handedly, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes and attacked them. The American fighter planes were rigged with cameras, so that as they flew and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more about the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc. Butch dove at them and shot until all his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try to clip off a wing or tail or anything that would make the enemy planes unfit to fly. He did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships.

Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another direction, and Butch O'Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to the carrier. He told his story, but not until the film from the camera on his plane was developed, did they realize the extent he really went to to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation's highest military honors.

The O'Hare Airport in Chicago was also named after him.

Prior to this time in Chicago, there was a man named Easy Eddie. He was working for a man you've all heard about, Al Capone. Al Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the murders he'd committed and the illegal things he'd done. Easy Eddie was Al Capone's lawyer and he was very good. In fact, because of his skill, he was able to keep Al Capone out of jail. To show his appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well. He not only earned big money, he would get extra things, like a residence that filled an entire Chicago City block. The house was fenced, and he had live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day.

Easy Eddie had a son. He loved his son and gave him all the best things while he was growing up; clothes, cars, and a good education. And because he loved his son, he tried to teach him right from wrong. But one thing he couldn't give his son was a good name, and a good example. Easy Eddie decided that this was much more important than all the riches he had given him. So, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he had done.

In order to tell the truth, it meant he must testify against Al Capone, and he knew that Al Capone would do his best to have him killed. But he wanted most of all to try to be an example and to do the best he could to give back to his son, a good name. So he testified. Within the year, he was shot and killed on a lonely street in Chicago.

This sounds like two unrelated stories.

But, you see, Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.
--signing off for now!--
dre

Pictures and Shameless Plugging

2008-04-02T12:37:00.002-04:00

Check out one of my campaign photo's! I'm really excited about the team created for Global Union elections! Meet Sayali (to my right) and Diego (to my left); vice president candidate and secretary candidate respectfully.

Global Union is a Major Student Organization (MSO) it is primarily dedicated to representing International Students on Campus as well as supporting the various culture clubs on campus.

I have actually known about Global Union for the past 3 years having known members of it's E-board since then. A close friend of mine was President of Global Union last year. 2 weeks ago I was hired as the Director of Internal Relations. I'm in the unique position of being both in the organization and understanding all the nuts and bolts but new enough to it to still bring in new ideas. XD

We just got permission to start campaigning. Posters and Flyers are in the making. YAY!

Beyond the politics but still slightly within them -- as stated in my previous post, I attended a military ball last Saturday.
One of my closest friends here at RIT is in the Army ROTC program and I was honored with being his escort. More than seeing all the guys dressed in their uniforms -- I was excited about getting all dressed up (cut me some slack--I'm a girl after all).

DM (Dear Mother) sent me my dress, I got some hair doo-dads and got the dress rehemmed (I tore it on my senior prom night).

After countless hours ironing the dress and then suckering Eleanor into finishing it, I looked great.

Check it out!

Thank you BEAUTY TEAM

How to Build a Bridge...

2008-03-31T19:12:00.001-04:00

This weekends activities is enough to fill up TWO blogs. I had Nova Academy (dealt with angry and rude professor), a military ball (I escorted Paul), global union gala (missed because of the ball, however I did get an award--go me) and homework. >.<

For some reason my Professional Selling Class is prompting more thoughts and ideas than my Business Ethics Class.

On the First day of class I discovered that we were required to spend a whole day with a sales representative then write a report on it. Now I'm sure you're all wondering, "But Dre, what's the big deal with this?"
True, I was initially planning on just calling who ever I could get my hands on but here's the catch -- this day with a rep must "Build a Bridge to my Future"

dun dun dun

To my future? But Dr. Tyler, how does this work if I'm not sure what my future is exactly going to be? I will be 7 classes away from graduating this Fall, so a lot of my thoughts have been on this exact concern; my future.

However lets get back to this bridge building... so I was left with the task of figuring out what on earth would build a bridge to my future! Ack. So after much thought and a half hour meeting with my professor my goal in mind was one thing and one thing only... I have gotta find myself a beer/liquor sales rep. This choice came up because I look up to what my Godmother has done and decided that spending a day with a rep in this field was like seeing another perspective to it. It helps that last quarter I wrote an analysis on the online advertising of brewing and liquor companies.

So moving on, I initially had no clue where to start. My plan of action was to call my godmother, ask VERRRYY nicely if she still knew someone who could get me to not go through the insanity of finding a rep in my area. Then it occurred to me, Macgregor's is right off campus! Of course! I'll ask them who provides their beverages and get their number. They'd be local, they'd be available (I hoped). The one problem with my plan--I'm not 21 and I don't have a car to get me there. >.<

Now I just had to find the time. I JUST got the times down with Eleanor. In celebration I decided to get a green tea and rice crispy treat at the RITz, then go to my office hours in the Global Union office. As I was paying for the odd combo I looked at the sports bar. That's when it hits me.

I've spent to past two weeks trying to find time to go to Macgregors.

meanwhile...

THERE'S A BLOODY BAR ON CAMPUS. -duh-

Needless to say after a happy conversation with the Sports Bar people at the RITz I am well on my way to getting a rep to shadow before the end of April.

geez-- I was so blinded by what was RIGHT in front of me!

In other news--I'm running for Global Union President. Our Slogan? Bridging the Gaps.

I guess you can say I was inspired...huh?

signing off for now--

dre

--Giving Back--

2008-03-26T13:31:00.002-04:00

My mission when I created this blog was that starting Spring Quarter I will post once a week about what I'm learning in class and such.

Obviously, as this is week 3 of the quarter-- I'm not up to a good start. >.<

"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want"

For those who know me, they merely see me as the crazy girl who seems to be everywhere volunteering time that could be used for studying to help out. However, I assure people there is method to my madness--my proof is in the quote given in class shown above.

I understand that this concept was shown as a principle to Professional Selling in class. That it is in reference getting oneself out there. Basically if you believe in your product and you know it will help others then you will get those sales after going out on a limb for them. I see this as also relating slightly to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)--getting involved in the community or being shown as being environmentally friendly can really help companies looking to improve their image. They technically "get what they want" (business) by helping others get what they want.

Time and time again my theory of putting yourself out there and helping others always gives back ten-fold.

I'll stay awake till the wee hours of the morning of Orientation--but down the road I've got a certificate that is practically complete from the leadership institute, an experience of a life time under my belt, 28 new students who know who I am, and the ever sought-after ability to think under pressure and about 4 hours of sleep.

Going that extra mile can sometimes be exactly what you need to get what you want.

So my challenge to who ever is reading this,go that extra mile and spend that extra hour doing something someone else needs (tutoring, proof reading, stage managing) and see if later on (remember this can be WAAAAYYY down the road) if it helped you in anyway.

To me, in the end, no matter what activity, at least appreciate the new perspective you get on a group, organization or person after spending that extra time.

--signing off for now--
dre

D-E-F-E-N-E-S-T-R-A-T-E

The Prodigal Blogger Returns!

O Christmas Tree

CAN'T WAIT!

Quilt Market

So Much Has Happened!!!!!

Help Help Help!

I Think I'll Keep Him

Quick Report--Friday Night Sew-in

Friday Night Sew-In

Completed projects!

Struggle Bus

Awesome Long "Weekend"

There's no place like home!

Shiloh

Ugly Fabric Challenge

Memorial Day Weekend

He GRADUATED!!!!!

I have a condition

Pineapples. nummy-ness.

Pinwheel Quilt Along: Block One

Say hello to my little friend

Pinwheel Happiness

Strawberries!!

Cursed Nine-Patches--AKA the Surf n'Turf Incident (Back-dated for your entertainment)

Reporting above the clouds.

Post Exam Happiness

Much Has Happened!!!

Flash Update--and some empty promises to return. XD

Must Make one of these!!!!!!

These Boots are Made for Walking

New Project

*sigh* why?!

Give Away At The Pumpkin Patch

Houston Quilt Festival: Day 2

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to Houston we go!

I just HAD to share this

Oh to be 5-years old again......

Projects :D

The End of a Chapter

I solemly swear, I'm up to no good--in memory of Prongs

5 things I could not do without....

Proof that Rochester has broken the weather...

What I hate most about winter...

Have a good laugh!

Lanie Jane is giving away fabrics!!

Christmas Time

Aliens vs. Vampires

Grad School Update

*crickets chirp*

Dre the Champion of Romance!!

SIMPLIFY IS GIVING AWAY A QUILT!

VOTE!

RECAP! :)

CUPCAKES!!!

I've been tagged!!!! :D

: D

On another note. (haha I made a pun!)

In an effort to delay more studying and GMAT prep

Just another tool to stalk people.

My Hearts Devotion! (Let it sink back in the ocean!--jk)

And I'm leaving on a jet plane!!

It's increadible what a a Walt Whitman class can do

Rising Tied

To Be a Mother...

I feel like taking over the world....

3 in one day...I'm on a roll--yes?

Just another reason to hate Data Analysis homework....

KAREN'S WALK!! *more shameless plugging*

to agree....or disagree... that is the question

From Good to Great.

Pictures and Shameless Plugging

How to Build a Bridge...

--Giving Back--

sigh why?!

crickets chirp

KAREN'S WALK!! more shameless plugging