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October 28, 2007

October 28, 2007


October 28, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
Day Two of Firefly/Serenity Con was as enjoyable as the first. We started the day with the graphic design and props panels. They lost me for a bit with endless slides of blueprints of Serenity, but it ended up being quite interesting. Next was Sean Maher's session. Simon always flew a little under my radar, but Sean was cute and endearing and I quite liked him.

The afternoon started with Summer Glau's session. I'd seen her at the Sarah Connor Chronicles panel at Comic-Con, and she's a very cool chick. I enjoyed listening to her again. Then, somewhat unsurprisingly (to us; Summer was caught off guard), Nathan Fillion again hijacked a session. He pulled up a chair and finished off Summer's panel with her, and then invited her to stay with him for his.

Nathan is something else. He earned major points by remembering people's names he'd met yesterday or even at past conventions. He has a tendency to take over, but in a way that's so entertaining that you don't mind. I don't think I stopped laughing once he took the stage! I was hoping Alan would return the favor, and he did; Alan Tudyk came and crashed Nathan's session. He showed up in the question line dressed sort of like Indiana Jones, and then hopped up on stage. After a while, Sean Maher joined the party. Great fun!

A quick note on today's picture: Gen dressed as Kaylee with her Simon!Bear in front of the ambulance from... the *mumble mumble* episode.

Posted by kate at 07:07 PM | | Comments (0)

October 27, 2007

October 27, 2007


October 27, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
My only recent experience with conventions was Comic-Con, with tens of thousands of people coming in from all over the world to geek out with dozens of panels and a vendor hall bigger than a football field. Which is why this little Firefly/Serenity con was an entirely different beast. There's one presentation room and about eight vendors, and we didn't so much 'wander' as 'pace'. A couple hundred people, at most, were in attendance. Which made it somewhat charming!

This picture is from Alan Tudyk's... panel? (Is it a panel when it's only one person?) That man is hilarious. Wash was always my favorite, so I was looking forward to seeing Alan. Apparently there was some misinformation he let out regarding a second movie, and he tried to blame it on Nathan Fillion. In the middle of Alan's session, Nathan called. After we listened to him talk on speaker phone through the mic, Nathan walked out onto the stage. (He's a guest tomorrow, and was not expected today!) He then went on to completely hijack Alan's session. The two of them together? Pure comic genius. They had us rolling. Near the end, Morena Baccarin, whose session we'd attended earlier, came out to join the boys. The three of them were worth way more than the price of admission, so tomorrow's just icing.

I do kind of hope they buddy up for each other's sessions again tomorrow, since it's more fun to see them play off each other and rib one another than just sit in a single chair in the middle of a stage and answer questions. Not that that's not cool, too, it's just a little more fun to have that back-and-forth.

Posted by kate at 09:48 PM | | Comments (0)

October 26, 2007


October 26, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
So, it's that time of year where candy is within arm's reach no matter where you go. It was also that kind of day. This particular bag did not fall victim to my chocoholism, but I do admit to raiding the bag of Special Dark at work. More than once.

It was a crazy morning. I tried going to lunch at 2:30, and phone calls and issues interrupted me at least half a dozen times before quarter to three. I swear, a girl can't eat lunch in peace around that place! At 3:00, something came up that I had to handle, and I didn't get back into the break room until after 4:00. My Lean Cuisine panini was cold and hard as a rock, and my television show was still paused on the frame I'd left it on.

Hence, the chocolate.

Posted by kate at 12:27 AM | | Comments (0)

October 25, 2007

October 25, 2007


October 25, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
Meet my new best buddy! Everyone, this is Magellan. Magellan, this is everybody. He's my carpool pal! Or, he should be, at least. I can talk to him, and he can talk to me. That qualifies for the carpool lane, doesn't it? My only complaint so far is that he has a woman's voice. Magellan, clearly, is a he. I'm hoping for some kind of software upgrade in the future to allow me to choose a new voice. I'll be all over that.

But, yes. I started setting up my new Magellan Maestro 4050, and so far, he is love. He responds to voice commands (whether or not that'll be useful is yet to be determined), has three months of free traffic updates, and is partnered with AAA, which I'm excited about. There are a lot of things I need to figure out still, but I've got the basic navigation tools down. Can't wait to be directed to work in the morning! *g*

Posted by kate at 10:14 PM | | Comments (0)

October 24, 2007


October 24, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
I've lived in this apartment going on three years, and one of the things I have always appreciated about it is the clean, inviting pool. Even if I rarely use it, and even if it's nothing fancy, it has always been well-kept. The apartment managers moved out a few weeks ago, and apparently the pool maintenance company disappeared with them. The pool has gotten increasingly *disgusting* over the past two weeks, and I kept hoping the pool guys were coming tomorrow. Or tomorrow. Or, perhaps, tomorrow. It looks like a Sims toilet, doesn't it? Seriously gross.

I finally broke down and called the property owner Wednesday (picture day), and would you know the pool was spic-n-spotless by the time I got home from work today? Thank goodness.

Posted by kate at 10:02 PM | | Comments (0)

October 23, 2007


October 23, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
We've been trying to revive our weekly game night, and we had a decent go at it on Tuesday. R had left by the time I remembered I needed a picture, but he joined these four lovely ladies and myself for a rowdy game of Munchkin. Okay, perhaps not rowdy, but there was backstabbing. And evil-doing. Also, pizza and breadsticks. A successful game night, in my book.

Posted by kate at 09:55 PM | | Comments (0)

October 22, 2007

October 22, 2007


October 22, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
Fire Season has officially started. (This picture, thankfully, is not of flames, but of the sun setting behind the smoke.) As soon as I got onto the 118 freeway this morning I could see the smoke, and the smell of campfire started around the Santa Susana Pass. The winds were so strong I was afraid to drive next to semi trucks for fear they'd topple over on me! The sky was this weird, sick color grey all day, and the burning smell was strong even inside the building. One of my employees had to leave to help her mother evacuate. We received an automated phone call at work informing us that the entire school system is closed tomorrow "due to high winds and unpredictable fires." All this, and none of the fires were actually burning in Simi Valley. I can't imagine what life is like nearer to them!

Here's another picture from earlier in the day.

Posted by kate at 07:40 PM | | Comments (0)

October 21, 2007

October 21, 2007


October 21, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
D-E-D. On less than four hours of sleep, I was up and out of the house at 6:30. Breakfast with coworkers at Solly's, then down to West Hollywood to meet up with the rest of the crew. In the midst of thousands upon thousands of people, I ran into A, who I walked with the first year, and J first thing. What are the chances?!

The walk itself was great. It was a beautiful day, if a bit on the warm side. We had a good-sized group of around 30 people from my company, a vast improvement upon the seven of last year. We pulled over at the West Hollywood office for a potty break, where, somewhat inexplicably, Faith Ford came in with us to use the bathroom. She was very sweet, even if I didn't have a clue who she was. *laugh* We also walked with the General Hospital gang for a while, none of whom I recognized, either. My only complaint about the walk is that they totally ran out of water. We were dying, and finally ran into Domino's to buy bottles. After the walk, and after an hour and a half of traffic getting back to the Valley, it was to BJ's for lunch/dinner, and then HOME TO DIE, OMG. It was a long, almost 12-hour day of going-going-going.

But, as always, I was SO GLAD I did it! It's such a cool experience to be there with so many people supporting the same cause. I surpassed my fundraising goal, which made me happy. Again, thank you so very much to those of you who donated. Much appreciated!

Posted by kate at 06:27 PM | | Comments (0)

October 20, 2007


October 20, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
This is a terrible picture, but it is how I spent my Saturday afternoon: watching the Michigan vs. Illinois game on my TV. It's very rare that I get to see my Illini play on my own television, so it was rather exciting (even if the ending was disappointing). It was the game I had really wanted to try and attend, but a handful of things just didn't allow for it this year. Maybe next time! I wore my Chief shirt, though, and proudly -- even through dinner with a die-hard Michigan fan friend. I bet for anyone paying attention, we were a sight in our rival t-shirts. Hee.

Posted by kate at 06:15 PM | | Comments (0)

October 20, 2007

October 19, 2007


October 19, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
I met Gen, Keri, JL, and a friend of theirs visiting from out of town after work for dinner and The Nightmare Before Christmas 3-D Sing-Along at the El Capitan. We spent the time between dinner and the movie in the courtyard area of the mall at Hollywood & Highland just chatting and people watching, which was enjoyable. The movie itself is not my favorite Disney creation, but it's always cool to see something at the El Capitan, and it was lots of fun in that setting.

Posted by kate at 02:05 PM | | Comments (0)

October 18, 2007


October 18, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
This was the view out the window at work as I was leaving Thursday. I was a little irritated with someone for keeping me there so late for no good reason when I had something I needed to be home for, but I got to see a pretty sunset, so.

Posted by kate at 01:54 PM | | Comments (0)

October 17, 2007


October 17, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
This week, our second homework assignment was due. Our second assignment since school started on August 20th, if that gives you any idea of the demands of the class. In my class of twenty students, do you know how many turned the assignment in? Four. I'm blown away by this! I have never taken a class where the students to blatantly and sweepingly blew off the assignments! Is this a community college vs. university thing? A California vs. Midwest thing? An art student vs. psych/communications thing? A students-these-days vs. in-my-day thing?

I don't get it! I'm given an assignment, I do the assignment. End of story. It's not as if we aren't given enough time. We have five hours every week in class to work on things, and they're not particularly complicated projects. If anyone doesn't need to turn in homework, it's probably me. I'm taking the class for fun. Most of the students are taking it towards a certificate or degree. I mean, WTF? Ah well. I'll just do my thing, and they can do theirs.

Posted by kate at 12:24 PM | | Comments (0)

October 16, 2007

October 16, 2007


October 16, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
This is a fancy trivet Gen got from Pampered Chef. It's hanging above our wee stove, and I just thought it looked cool.

Posted by kate at 11:24 PM | | Comments (0)

October 15, 2007


October 15, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
It's funny how different these kittens' personalities are. Cymbeline laid back to almost an absurd degree, while Monet has enough energy to make up for Cymbeline's lack thereof. And there is a definite Order to the world when it comes to the two of them. Take, for example, mealtime. Both cats race out to the kitchen when they sense one of us about to refresh the food dish. No matter who gets into the kitchen first, Monet is dancing around with her nose in the bowl before the food is even finished being poured, and Cymbeline hops up onto the stool to wait her turn. Monet always chows down first, and when she's had her fill and leaves, Cymbeline melts off of her perch and slinks up to the bowl for her turn. It goes like this every. single. time. I have never seen Cymbeline eat first. Never. Crazy felines!

Posted by kate at 11:22 PM | | Comments (0)

October 14, 2007


October 14, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
A few weekends ago, we had our Pampered Chef party. It actually ended up being pretty successful, with several orders. When we received the boxes, UPS (or FedEx, whichever) stacked them up right in front of the door, effectively blocking the entire entryway to our apartment. It's a good thing we weren't inside and just ignoring the doorbell, because we'd never have been able to get out, ever! The door would not have opened. As it was, neither of us was home, so it was just a case of having to move the tower, open the door, and haul everything inside.

But then came the sorting and bagging, which Gen handled wonderfully. Each person got their own bag with inventory list. This stage made our dining area look like a Pampered Chef warehouse. Pretty cool, eh? Next step: finish distribution.

Posted by kate at 11:15 PM | | Comments (0)

October 13, 2007

Homework


Peggy, Age 6 (?)
Originally uploaded by kayay1
Not a picture of the day, but this is what I've been working on for class. We had to restore and then colorize an old photo. It's my grandmother at about age six, I think, and I promised my mom I'd put it online so she can see.

Posted by kate at 09:24 PM | | Comments (0)

October 13, 2007


October 13, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
I don't consider myself a music person. I mean, I like music as much as the next girl, I suppose, but it's little more than something to fill up the background while doing other things, like driving. I am, however, really enjoying the XM radio! (I'm not sure I'm loving it $14 a month once the three-month free trial runs out, but still. Quite fun.) 80's on 8 and 90's on 9 have replaced NPR as my driving company.

One thing that bugs me, though: they only display the artist and song title at the very beginning of the song. Literally within the first few bars it's gone. Is this an XM thing in general, or just my car's stereo? I never, ever, ever know title and artist. As KC can attest, I'm constantly discovering that songs I've known and enjoyed for years are sung by artists I either didn't think I knew, or didn't think I liked.

The fact that this information is usually gone before I even register whether I know the song or not is rather annoying. It's maybe even more frustrating than not having it there at all, because I know I've missed it. The opportunity to know the title and artist presented itself, and I didn't seize it!

Posted by kate at 02:41 PM | | Comments (0)

October 12, 2007

October 12, 2007


October 12, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
What do you do with a B.A. in English,
What is my life going to be?
Four years of college and plenty of knowledge,
Have earned me this useless degree.

Last night, Gen, R, J and I went to see Avenue Q. SOGOOD! I think it may have been even better the second time around. It was fun to know what was coming and see the audience's reaction. It's such a wonderfully put together show. So much love.

Posted by kate at 08:16 AM | | Comments (0)

October 11, 2007


October 11, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
After Avenue Q, we went to get dinner (because OMG starving!) at the Astro Diner. I have confidence that normally, this is quite a good little diner, but when it was midnight and we were starving and the waiter was nowhere to be found, like, ever, it sadly didn't win a lot of points. Cute, though, in that 70's kind of way (what was that style of architecture, Gen?).

Posted by kate at 08:02 AM | | Comments (0)

October 10, 2007


October 10, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
This... is our meager liquor cabinet. It was one of those ack! I need a picture today! pictures, so I was opening and closing drawers and cabinets to see what I could see. Ta-da! I think we've had all of this since we moved in... One of these days, I'll get a real wine rack.

Posted by kate at 07:56 AM | | Comments (0)

October 9, 2007


October 9, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
We started decorating for Halloween at work. I was shocked by how many clients commented that usually the office is so festive for the holidays, and where are our decorations? I didn't realize people actually noticed those things beyond a passing 'oh, they decorated for the holiday'. So now we have decorated. Ghosts, pumpkins, spiders, witches, you name it. And, of course, this little candy dish J's grandkids painted with her.

Posted by kate at 07:42 AM | | Comments (0)

October 08, 2007

October 8, 2007


October 8, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
In fourteen-hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Today, I get a day off work because of it. Thanks, Chris!

I'm acting like I have a few extra zeros attached to the end of my salary. I bought a camera today, to replace the one that was destroyed broke. I'm researching portable navigation systems for my car. I bought a new suit for work. And I just, y'know, BOUGHT A CAR. WTF? Where do I think the money is coming from?? I might have to borrow from my Illinois savings account for the first time ever. Yikes. But really, what is a savings account for if you're not saving for something? I think these things qualify. They are all pretty necessary, and all on sale. So, yes.

Also, re: today's picture, we have a No Parking sign in the entryway to our building. Somehow, I find it funny. It's probably meant to refer to not blocking the driveway, but it's tucked away in a corner into which no one could fit a car. Anyway.

Posted by kate at 06:47 PM | | Comments (0)

October 07, 2007

October 7, 2007


October 7, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
Our assignment for class this week was to paint a photograph in Photoshop. I decided to combine the assignment with learning how to use the tablet I bought, oh, about a year ago. I still haven't quite figured it out, but I was getting more comfortable with it by the end.

For all the time and effort I put into this 'painting', I wish it wasn't on top of a photograph! It took several hours to do, and I can't even say it's original artwork. I can't pretend it took any extraordinary artistic talent, just a lot of layers and fiddling and playing with brushes and tools. Ah well. After it all, though, I kind of like the result.

(click for full image)
Posted by kate at 10:18 PM | | Comments (0)

October 06, 2007

October 6, 2007


October 6, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
It's been a sushi weekend. I met C for lunch at our favorite sushi restaurant, which admittedly has a far less colorful menu than last night's restaurant, but is a lot more affordable. Ha.

I know why I don't watch sports. Too stressful. Last I checked, the Kings were still winning, so I'm going to leave it at that and watch some of this week's recorded TV.

Posted by kate at 10:00 PM | | Comments (0)

October 5, 2007


October 5, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
I ended up going to dinner with some people from work (all from different offices) at Hadaka Sushi on Sunset. What an experience! Let me tell you. They apparently have a Naughty menu and a Nice menu (we were given the Naughty menu). It took a while to get past the titles of the sushi rolls, and it was difficult to order without giggling like a twelve-year-old. Even the waiter admitted he hadn't quite gotten used to the menu!

Needless to say, this was unlike anyplace I'd ever been before.

Posted by kate at 01:08 AM | | Comments (0)

October 04, 2007

October 4, 2007


October 4, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
The Animation building is, I think, my very favorite thing about Disneyland/California Adventure. Not only is there Turtle Talk with Crush (so totally adorable, dude!), but the Animation Academy has been a can't-miss for me. LOVE IT. I've learned Winnie the Pooh, Donald Duck, and Jiminy Cricket.

This most recent trip, I learned to draw Jack Skellington. As I really didn't have a real idea of what he looked like prior to drawing him, I was just trusting the instructor. But, y'know, fun! And I love that, so far, I haven't had a duplicate lesson.

Posted by kate at 09:43 PM | | Comments (0)

October 3, 2007


October 3, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
So, this is my new baby. Isn't it pretty? I am so in love. So smooth! So comfortable! And by the time I got home from work tonight, my average mpg was 28. Not bad for a little SUV. Now I just have to sell my little blue Malibu. *sniff* It was a good car, the Malibu. Lots of good memories. Here's to lots more in the CRV!

Posted by kate at 09:16 PM | | Comments (0)

October 02, 2007

October 2, 2007


October 2, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
So... I bought a car today. I would have taken a picture of the actual car, but by the time paperwork was signed, it was dark out. That'll be tomorrow. It has been one heck of a stressful few weeks, with the researching and then the test driving, the constant negotiation (which I hate, thankyouverymuch), the back and forth between navigation and no navigation... SO glad that's over! (I didn't go with the navigation, so I still have that to research.)

But new car! OMG! YAY!

Posted by kate at 08:54 PM | | Comments (0)

October 1, 2007


October 1, 2007
Originally uploaded by kayay1
Disneyland has been on the top of my sister's list of things to do since her supervisor canceled her one weekday off almost a year and a half ago and she failed to see Snow White's castle even once during her three-month internship. I joked that she was coming here to go to Disneyland, not to see me, but I'm glad we got to go!

We rode Nemo and learned to draw Jack Skellington and hit all the old favorites, and it was fun. It's Halloweentime, so there were dozens of miniature Princesses and Tiggers and Buzz Lightyears, and the cutest thing ever, ever, was watching these tiny Disney characters put on Jedi robes and learn to fight Darth Mall. Adorable! It was a full, busy, exhausting day of fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!

Posted by kate at 08:42 PM | | Comments (0)