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Où est mon maître, le prince rebelle? [entries|archive|friends|userinfo]
The Jenna

[ website | The largely empty DeviantArt Account of Ms. L. Borden ]
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(no subject) [Nov. 17th, 2009|03:34 pm]
Quicky update since I've been totally lacking in any words!

Alternating working on NaNoWriMo and JET application. The former takes so much time, but the latter is so much more important. Today is a JET application day. Right now I'm finishing filling out the actual application, then to work on my Statement of Purpose letter, which I am super nervous about. Oh, well, I'm nervous about everything about this, so whatever. I've got most of my paperwork assembled, waiting on the letter of recommendation from Sean and my SoP, and... I think that's it, but I'll check it off like, a billion times before I send it in.

NaNo is going alright. I'm getting nervous that I won't have enough material to write 50,000 words about! I guess I shouldn't worry till I run out of plot, but I can't help but think about it.

What else is news? Pretty much nothing... telephone-interviewing-job is ridiculously boring, but it pays... or should, on the 23th. The last pay-period ended the 16, but we don't get checks for a week! I thought that was pretty crazy, probably because I could certainly use the cashes.

Speaking of cashes, it's Christmas time! I really want to start doing my shopping for the year, but of course I can't till I start getting money, which I guess won't be for a while...

I also want to get my NaNo done soon, because I've turned my mind towards starting to submit my poetry for publication. Terrifying! And time consuming! Right now I'm in the find-magazines-to-submit-to mode and shaping up a couple prized poems, then it's go-time! JET first, though. One thing at a time.

Okay, enough distraction, back to the application! Wish me luck!
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(no subject) [Oct. 26th, 2009|12:13 pm]
Finished knitting a fab-o hat last night. I KNOW I should be working on my Halloween project, but knitting is so fun and I can do it in front of the TV while watching scary movies. Last night; Diabolique and part of The Innocents, which is an amazing movie on way too late, and I feel asleep.

Carl and I beat Okami last night, and were rewarded with a kitten! I have named her Cybele. She is adoooorable and tiny, everything a kitten should be. Palin, the oldest cat, is taking it really really poorly. Understandably! We bring in this big slobbery dog-thing and now this tiny, precious kitten-thing, and what about Palin and Pujols? Pujols hasn't seen the kitten yet, but I'm sure she'll freak out when she does.

I'm on my way to the shower, after which I will begin drafting my kimono, I believe. Mom's crafting in the basement right now, so I have to wait. We sew in shifts!

Alright, back to the grindstone.
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Halloween project! [Sep. 23rd, 2009|02:06 pm]
Got my feathers in today! Well, some of them. The macaw feathers that will be the top, most visible part, anyway. They are absolutely gorgeous, and also about twice as big as I thought they would be. So! I'm not sure if I'm going to use them this size, or maybe try to trim them. I don't want to trim them, 'cause they're so pretty and that seems like a waste. I've got to get some more, less fancy feathers to make up the main face-part of the mask, so I'm looking at tryinng to match the colors on that.

The mask itself is going nicely. I'm cutting out the eye-holes right now. I had to trim the whole thing down, given the bulk the clay is going to add on. And OH, the clay. I was trying to experiment with blending a little bit of white into the beak, so it wasn't all black. Make it more natural-like. I ended up with a bunch of gray clay, so... I don't know how that's going to go.

Also, the claw-pieces are full of fail as well. I can't find the first claw I made, which I wanted to sandpaper and seal up to see how it looks. So I made up two more claws. However, neither of them baked all the way- they're still a little flexible. More flexible than they should be. I'm going to have to experiment with some more baking techniques. Baking the actual mask piece is going to be the most unnerving part of this, so I want to make sure I've got it right before I go about that.

I wanna try to get as much on this finished while I'm sickly, so it's not a total waste of time. So, that's how I'm spending my cold-induced vacation!

How are YOUR Halloween costumes going?
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Being Crafty! [Sep. 17th, 2009|09:24 am]
[Tags|, , ]
[Current Mood | creative]

Updates on my various projects:

Rose Tyler Scarf:
Got all the supplies, but I'm hesitant to start until I have a really good pattern. The pattern I have looks really close, but I know it's not dead-on. I've got a close-up picture of a very similar/the same scarf, so I SHOULD be able to engineer an exact pattern. So far, all my attempts in this line have been unfruitful. So I can't decide if I want to continue trying, or just use the pattern I have.

Halloween Project:
This is going really well! I was panicked for a while, due to a problem with the basis of the mask. I'm doing a wire frame with polyclay on top, which is exactly what I wanted to do from the start. However, there was a while there where I thought the wire frame might melt the clay in the baking process, and it won't be strong enough, etc. However, I got some craft wire and I've got a pretty neat looking frame set up. Still working on the beak, but it looks nice! If I can find batteries, I will take pictures.

I have to start buying feathers, which is tricky. I've been scouring ebay and the internets to find nice blue feathers, and it is hard! Most look too uniformly-dyed. Hopefully I can get some sweet parrot feathers or something for the front part, and make up the rest with dyed feathers. The hard part is, I need a lot of different lengths, sizes, and strengths. I'm a little worried that I won't order these in time, but that why I'm on top of it now!

The claws, too, are giving me a little trouble. I haven't settled on a design I like, so now I'm just messing with the wire/clay, seeing what shapes I can get. I made up a prototype claw, which looks pretty cool. I'm gunna sand and gloss it, see what it looks like done up right.


Other Stuff
Well, other than my TARDIS plush (which can wait till I'm less busy!), I don't have many open projects (by the way, I finished my mini tophat! Pictures to follow if I find batteries, etc.). BUT I do want to make myself some sort of classy bag. I've got a messenger bag I started, but had to stop because I couldn't figure out how to nicely attach a closure at the top. I want a tote bag too, and a little clutch I can be classy with. Not having a huge bag with notebooks and books and stuff in it is really bumming me out. By this time, I'd have my school backpack in use.

Also thinking about a cool sort of apron, maybe something geeky (of course).

Oh! And my summer dress, remember that? I got stuck due to a problem with the ribbon I got to edge it. But I got new ribbon! So hopefully I can finish it soonish.

Incidentally, polyclay is totally awesome. I've been looking at some of the things people are doing with it, and it's soooo cool. I'm definitely buying more, see what I can get out of it.




Hmm, that was a nice long post. I feel good, getting that all down. I'm just killing time till Ninja Warrior is over, so I can get some work done on my mask. There's this British (?) Olympian dude on, and he is both gorgeous AND kicking butt. He's one of two people going onto the fourth stage!

(This isn't a craft project, but I think I might want to re-do my Vala mood set. It's not as awesome as it could be, and I think I could totally devote some time to looking at pictures of Vala.)
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(no subject) [Sep. 9th, 2009|12:00 am]
[Current Mood | achy]

I think I only ever post when I'm angsty! Well, I don't have much of that going on, but I'll post what angst I have.

The left side of my face is all swollen! Can't eat solid food on that side; most of my diet has become liquid (thank you, Green Earth!). I'm not sure yet what's causing it. It could be something's wrong with my wisdom teeth, or it could be a crazy freak-out reaction to a detox tea I've been drinking recently, or maybe something else entirely unrelated. Whatever it is, I want it gone NOW.

Things with Carl are going well! He is very sweet and funny and I am enjoying him immensely. He can do crazy fantastic ninja flips and is very cuddly. So, dating win!

Work's alright.

Everybody's been talking about Halloween costumes already... Ya'll are getting the jump on me! WELL. I'll have to put a stop to this IMMEDIATELY. By reveling what my costume will be this year! Which is... ah... well... A SECRET. I'm dressing as a secret- no, what I'm dressing as is a secret. SEEEEECRET.

Been working on poetry a bit, reading a bit, watching all of X-men Evolution a bit. All good! I went out of my way to do absolutely nothing productive today, with the promise that I will be SUPER productive next week, when I feel better. So, there's that to look forward to.

OKAY. That's good. Later, gang!
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(no subject) [Aug. 17th, 2009|04:09 pm]
[Tags|]
[Current Music |Margot and the Nuclear So & So's - As Tall As Cliffs]

I just read this via somebody else's LJ, and it pretty much the funniest, saddest thing I've read all month. It's from an interview with Tom Baker, the Fourth Doctor. And yes, it IS Doctor Who related. It's also short and wonderful. So check it out, please, fellow Whovians!

http://hradzka.livejournal.com/333184.html
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(no subject) [Aug. 6th, 2009|09:12 pm]
I am having a snack of nutella on homemade honey-and-oatmeal bread, and a tall cold glass of lavender lemonade.

C L A S S Y.
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(no subject) [Jul. 29th, 2009|07:47 pm]
[Current Mood | mellow]
[Current Music |"How it Ends" Devotchka]

I just need to kill about 15 more minutes before returning home, so I figure I'd update! There's truly not much to say. Been working more this week than usual, therefore I have fewer wacky hijinks to post about.

I wrote some poetries! They are rough, but there's a good foundation there. I think I might also be ready to start tearing apart and re-building my chapbook.

Have a wedding to go to on Saturday, which I am really really excited about! Mostly 'cause, like, a ton of my friends are going to be there. Also, I feel good about this coupling- Lauren and Kyle are two fantastically smart people, and I totally trust them to take care of each other. So yay classy dress-up party! Still have to hit up Bed, Bath, and Beyond to get 'em a gift, but that's for tomorrow.

In unsurprising news, I haven't finished my summer dress yet! I guess I will work on that tonight, or maybe read or something? I know it's terribly pathetic, but I don't know what to do without the Internet. I don't just mean for entertainment- I mean, I always have youtube up while I'm sewing, so I can listen to my Jammin' Songs mix, or I'm watching Lost, or reading something. Educating myself, in fact! It's just bothersome not to have this essential world link, especially after I got used to having it again!

Incidentally, in that vein, my mother is having internet installed at the house tomorrow, so I promise this will be the one and only time I complain about it. She lasted even less time than I did!

I can already see that this post could go on rambling for quite a while, so I'm going to cut myself off now. LATER.
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(no subject) [Jul. 18th, 2009|07:57 pm]
[Tags|]
[Current Mood | energetic]

My LJ main page informed me I hadn't updated for six days, so I thought a progress report was due.

I'm writing in between Doctor Who episodes 4.03 and 4.04. I've had these episodes at my disposal for over a week now, and I just haven't had the time to sit and watch them. Mostly this is because I have been working on my time-chasm sundress. Which is going well, actually! Well, I mean, the zipper I got was way shorter than I had allowed for (my fault!), so there may be some design-changes in my future. Also, I have a ton of work more to do on it. Doesn't matter how long it takes, as long as it turns out, I guess!

Also, won some very fab boots of eBay today (part of my winning-$140-at-the-casino-congratulatory-shoe-spree). They will go with my very fab socks, and very fab/difficult sundress.

Am planning on attending a matinee of the Harry Potter movie tomorrow, and also will probably cook up a big batch of falafel in the evening, as I have a huge craving for it. Bought pita bread and cucumber-yogurt-dip fixin's and everything!

AND I'm still working on the cuddly TARDIS. I have, of course, already run into problems, owing to the fact that the floor is notably larger than the ceiling. I don't have a great feeling about how the sides are going to turn out at this rate, but the only way of finding out is by doing it!

Also percolating on some poems, specifically on the ones I wrote for my chapbook. Trying to get them in better, tighter form so I can send it off to some chapbook contests (of which there are many!)

Okay, okay, this was a pretty energetic post, probably owing to a large consumption of snack food within the past hour or two, but now it's time to cuddle up with some yarn and some Doctor Who. See ya!
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(no subject) [Jul. 12th, 2009|01:06 pm]
I always get really nervous before I start cutting fabric because I get so attached to it, and the whole potentiality of a huge, uncut swatch of cloth. I psych myself out (which is, incidentally, the only way I ever get psyched out) and end up postponing the project, which is why I never get costume/clothing projects finished unless I'm on a timeline.

Also, this is why I spent the last hour-and-a-half updating my LJ icons, finding knitted-cardigan patterns, and trying to find some cute granny boots on eBay. Incidentally, I found many cute granny boots (perhaps even a pair I might buy), a couple amaaaazing cardigan patterns, and about a billion awesome LJ icons. I had to fight really hard not to have an unbalanced amount of Doctor-Who icons. I think I managed, but only 'cause I found some Vala <3.

Perhaps I will go to the library- No! No! Must finish adorable sundress! Okay, I'm going to the basement/workshop/sewing room RIGHT NOW. I will not even check my yahoo e-mail until I get some serious work done.

OKAY. Going now.
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(no subject) [Jul. 7th, 2009|08:09 pm]
Apparently there is a TARDIS money box that has the Ninth Doctor and Rose on the inside instead of the Tenth Doctor and Martha! I... I kind-of want it. Is it weird to have two TARDIS money boxes? Like, too weird?
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Convergence 2009! [Jul. 6th, 2009|04:53 pm]
Back from Convergence! Unpacked, and pictures posted:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70922136@N00/sets/72157620917174031/

Also, Jackie, Vickie, post your pictures too! I wanna see 'em.

Taking the rest of today and tomorrow the chill out and detox. I had unbelievable amounts of fun, but it's back to the real life, and I have a lot of important/lame decisions to make!

Doing some writing again, which is excellent! I have a script idea I'm finally ready to start hammering away at (it involves time travel!) and a poem or two. It goes like this:

First coupled with and then devour'd.
First lover and then lunch.


It's about cannibalism! Well, like, emotional cannibalism. Metaphorical cannibalism.

In addition, I have one season of Doctor Who to watch, and about a billion seasons of Lost, plus all those books I didn't finish on the train. And Jumanji's on TV (remember Jumanji?!) so I totally have to watch that. Luckily, I don't have any big costume projects to work on. No excuse not to write.

Alright, to the pen, then! Be back- OH! Wait! I forgot about my fantastic TARDIS money bank! It DOES talk. All sorts of Martha-Jones-and-the-Doctor quotes! And when I close the doors, it totally does the VWOOOP VWOOOOP VWOOOOOP thing and the light at the top flashes. <3333. I am going to save SO MANY coins with this bank!
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(no subject) [Jun. 25th, 2009|12:01 pm]
[Current Mood | busy]

I'm only posting because I uploaded a new mood theme and I'm really excited about it! It's totally Vala Mal Doran flavored. WIN.

In other news, I just wasted a lot of my very precious time uploading a new theme when I should be working on the BILLIONS of projects I need to get done. Most of them - all of them? - are for Convergence, which is in LESS THAN A WEEK YAAAAAAY!

So that's all the update you get, because I am way rushed. BYE!
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Costuming post! [Jun. 13th, 2009|05:07 pm]
All sorts of costuming things to say!
for Vala: Found pants for the costume! This was harder than I expected, because she doesn't really wear regulation military clothes for a huge chunk of the show, even while she's working at Stargate Command. Luckily, I have a pair of old green cargo pants that look JUST right. I've had them for, like, 8 years and I was *finally* going to throw them away (they were even in my going-to-Goodwill bag). This is good news, because it means they were free, but bad news because now that my hording clothes has been justified, it will NEVER STOP.

Next thing to find is the jacket, which is also non-regulation. I will be getting a BDU jacket and doing things to it, though, so it'll be alright.

Steampunkery:
Got my watch case/watch parts today. Very exciting! I need to find sometime to make up some solid perfume (now that I have everything I need!)

Also, I have made literally NO progress on my mini top hat. Well, I bought some brown ribbon and red-orange-brown feathers, but I haven't yet attached them. I need a neat button or something to add to the back, as well as some hot-glue-gun sticks to attach it. It looks really good, though! Will post photos upon completion (soon, hopefully).

Secret steampunkery project:
Still secret! The plans for it have changed a LOT, so I'm still working on the construction. It's kind-of hard to do alone, but I'll have to have my mom help (sigh).



The mom-thing is a big bummer, still. She's slowly pushing me out, but at least I don't think it's on purpose. She keeps talking about things she's going to do to the house- add an island in the kitchen, buy a sofa (done). She also wants to get a classy bar, and a big screen TV, and a fancy desk, and... where is she going to PUT all of it? I don't think she's thought it through, because the only place for a desk is the room I'm living in right now. So, slowly but surely...

Man, what a depressing note to end such a happy post on. How about this for an ending: I totally have Flight of the Conchords stuck in my head:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FArZxLj6DLk
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like Flowers for Algernon [Jun. 3rd, 2009|09:37 pm]
Instead of returning from Yellowstone in November, like my mother said she would, she will be moving back Sunday. For good, for keeps. It just wasn't working out, she said, I'm coming back SUNDAY, she said. I'm welcome to stay- but only because she needs someone to be an emotional crutch for her, which I just I just can't do. And I know living with her will be like, because it will be just like before. I'll be a burden. I'll be a guest. I was a guest in my own home for my entire life, and I thought I'd finally gotten a break. I thought I had months. I just finished updating my address in all my ebay/etsy/paypal sites. I STILL haven't finished unpacking, which I guess is good.

I have literally been nauseous about it since I heard. I'm so very, very, very tired of this.
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(no subject) [Jun. 2nd, 2009|05:42 pm]
Just to get this out of the way, Plants vs Zombies is unbearably addictive! If it didn't jerk my computer around, I would TOTALLY have bought it after the free trial.

Today has been lovely. I have crafted a little- just need to attach the straps to my re-conned goggles and they will be DONE- watched some TV, internet'd, and hung oooout. Waited for a break in the rain to bike up to Sacred Grounds and grab some falafel. Also stopped by la boucherie, and got some classy italian sausages and twice-baked potatoes and fresh cheese. Then back home for Doctor Who!

As for my car, which was successfully towed yesterday, the repairs will cost $330, for labor and a new fuel injection pump. Could be worse! I should have it back tomorrow, Thursday at the latest.

Now, to kick back and be awesooooome.
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(no subject) [May. 25th, 2009|11:25 pm]
Watching Dr. Who on the internets! It is part of my Convergence prep. I'm only on the second episode, but I'm really enjoying it so far! Christopher Eccleston is like a poor man's Huge Laurie.
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(no subject) [May. 25th, 2009|03:35 pm]
He's FINALLY FINALLY GONE.


Sunday Barbecue was truly, truly epic. We grilled for about six hours, and then we went and saw Wolverine, then we came back and ate some more. It was ridiculous! We had burgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken, grilled pineapple, and kabobs. And that was just on the grill! In short, I have a LOOOT of leftovers.

Also, in sad-but-true news, I almost scheduled an intern-meeting with Sean on Friday. Collin had to remind me that I had plans that day. Birthday plans. Because Friday's my birthday. Plans are still being formed- everything from Ren Faire to Flashlight Night at City Museum to a double showing of UP and Drag Me To Hell. Nothing 100% for-sure yet.

Cable is wonderful; I am watching the end of Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, which will be followed by Star Wars: Return of the Jedi! Exciting evening, Y/Y?
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(no subject) [May. 24th, 2009|01:54 pm]
I bought fresh homegrown strawberries for the lady two doors down! They're small, but they're TASTY. And she sells fresh flowers at the Farmer's Market, which I am *so* going to next week. Fresh flowers in my own house! I feel like a GROWN UP PERSON.
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(no subject) [May. 23rd, 2009|04:37 pm]
Collin told Hilary that he's still in love with me.

I am fucking exhausted.
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