73. Rant of the Day

A new mall opened up near where I live today... or rather it was renovated. Apparently, a lot of money was invested into renovating this mall and now it's the biggest one in the area. So, a lot of the shops were doing promotions, but I only restocked on Clinque's Acne Solutions (clearing concealer) from Sephora. The price went up for it again... before it used to be $17 and today I bought it for $19 (not including tax). At least I got a free Sephora tote with it. After that, my mom and I just walked around the mall, looking for the food court because we left before eating anything. We got to the food court and because the stores were pressed for time, some of them weren't even open yet (like Fresh Slice and Qoola). However, there was KFC, except their light wasn't open yet, so I asked one of the employees for when they would open and they said around thirty minutes. After waiting for at least twenty minutes, I asked again and they said twenty to forty minutes. By now, all I ate was three pieces of cracker I brought along just in case for situations like these. So, we gave up waiting and KFC lost a lot of customers that day. A lot. Especially because it was opening day as well. Too bad for them. So, we headed off to Walmart because I remembered that usually at every Walmart there is McDonald's. And joy to the world, there was. I got in line, ordered my food (it was a pretty quick queue), and waited for it to arrive. The people that ordered after me got their food already and I was still waiting, so I asked an employee that I think my order might have been cancelled because I waited for a long time already. And this other girl overhears me talking and says that my order was on the OTHER SIDE of the cashier when usually (and for the other orders), it's placed on the side where I was waiting. Stupid customer service. I hate places with crappy customer service. It was a horrible way to end off the day. Although the mall is close by, some of the stores had really bad customer service. And you'll think they'll be at least somewhat decent considering it's now the biggest mall in the area and it was just renovated and on top of that, on opening day! But no. It's like they don't even want to keep their business open anymore.

72. Interrogation from the Police

Okay, it wasn't as dramatic as I made the title sound, but it was somewhat of an interrogation! Talking... quick chat... same thing. But, first things first, an important note to keep in mind is that both my parents are not fluent in English. My dad is alright (more like mumbles with Chinese and English mixed together) and my mom is just... barely passing. Anyways, I went to do a little back to school shopping at the Outlet in the States with my mom (my dad just drove us there and slept during the time we shopped) and on the way back, because of my dad's weak English, he couldn't say what he wanted to say properly so Customs Canada guard got suspicious and had us go inside.

Once inside, we were sat down outside with phones taken away. First, they called my dad in and asked him some questions. I could hear bits and pieces from outside and although his English was broken, they could somewhat understand him (or what I assume). Then, after around three minutes or so, they called me in.

I walk in pretty calmly because I know I have nothing to hide because I didn't do anything wrong. So, the guard lady (woman guard?) asked me to empty out my pockets and pull them out, and I followed her instructions. I asked her if I needed to show her my back pockets as well and she said no (I wanted to make sure). After that she asked for my little bag and I passed it to her to inspect. And of all things, the first things she pulls out is my little pouch where I keep my sanitary supplies. I was wide eyed and whispered "that's where I kept my pads" because right in front of us was a male guard!! Then, she said loudly "Oh, I'm not scared." Inside my head: "Obviously you wouldn't be. But, I'll be embarrassed!! Geez." Whatever. It's not like I'll be seeing them again and if I didn't, they probably wouldn't remember something like that (hopefully). But, basically, she was searching for receipts and when she asked me for the receipt for the new sunglasses I bought, I told her I threw it out. She asked me skeptically "you threw it out?" Well, obviously I would have. It's highly unlikely I'll drive this long way back just to return something that's final sale?! Of course I didn't say that so I just said "Yea". Then she confidently claimed "Well, these must have been at least $100." And I said "No, I remember they were less for that because I had gotten a 30% coupon from the store." And she retorted back saying "But you don't have the receipt to show that." Damn.

Then, she continued to ask my questions and asking me when I arrived. Well, if I wasn't sleeping, I would know. Of course, I just said "I was sleeping so I'm not sure." Then she checked my wallet and counted my money and just asked some really rhetorical questions. I don't even. Like, seriously? This is a waste of both her and my family's time. As well as the tax (which I also pay for like the rest of the hardworking Canadian citizens who expect it to be used accordingly for useful purposes) that goes into paying for the facility, the equipment, and their wage. But I didn't want to get hurt by their 150 pound bodies (no idea, just guessing) so I kept my mouth shut; I value my life and goodness knows what "right" they have that they can pull up to use against me. Anyways, the whole point of this little "interrogation" was to scare me a bit hoping I would reveal something. But alas, I was not scared. Maybe if I was in middle school or early high school and have not been exposed to the real world/working society, then this little scaring trick might have worked. Unfortunately for them, I kept my cool. I have had to break out of my shy shell many times while working, talking to strangers (mostly adults and elders) and of course I have had the chance to talk to those with authority because I have volunteered for the city I used to live in as part of the Youth Council (where we associated with the Mayor of the City, various people working for the Government, which includes the police force). So no lady, you did not scare me. She even tried the old "we can seize your vehicle at anytime, but we won't today. But just know that we can." Inside my head, I was just thinking "who would want our sad, little, old caravan??? What would be the point??? Your superior probably would have been very disappointed."

Either way, it was quite an experience and although more happened, it's mostly just the "nod your head and go with what they say". Oh, and my poor mother with her poor, poor English skills. I was in the room for what felt like more than five minutes (but definitely longer than both my parents because of my English skills and they could probably get more out of me than trying for two hours pulling out their hair with my parents) and my mom was in there for less than two. Truthfully, it was quite funny (my mother that is) and the experience itself is definitely rewarding and one that I'll be able to pass along to my children and their children.

I will do a haul on what I bought sometime soon!

71. Early Morning Ramblings

I couldn't sleep properly again last night... and this morning. Sometimes insomnia hits me, and although it happens more when University is in session, I experienced it today as well. I know I'm tired, as well as my body and eyes, but I just cannot sleep. So I just end up reading books and comics for the night. So last night, and early this morning (it is currently 6:15 am as I type this), I tried reading my "The Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm" and "A kiss before you go" by Danny Gregory I borrowed. It didn't really work. In fact, "A kiss before you go" got me near to tears because you can just feel his raw emotions through the handwritten art journals. Anyways, I also usually read some Garfield comics on my phone before I sleep, but it didn't work this time. So, in the end, I actually slept for about an hour and a half at the most so far today. I do have some melatonin pills that I could take, but I'll rather not because I took some menstrual crap pills earlier. I don't have enough chemistry knowledge to say for sure that mixing the two is safe so I'll rather be safe than sorry.

70. Vancouver Outing

I went out to good ol' Vancouver today, near Gastown and it seemed as if time just flew by. I went with Pumpkin and because last time we went on a Sunday, everywhere was closed. However, not today! We could finally go check out some of the really cool stores and boutiques, and although they're all so expensive, it was really cool being able to check out these places! We first went to a cafe called Lost + Found and had some quick brunch. I just ordered soup because I had some homegrown corn in the morning. I really liked the cafe because it was just a wide open space, somewhat like a studio. The decorations were really cool and here's just one little section of the cafe.

After that, we just walked around and checked out some of the boutiques. We went into one called Artemisia and it was like a mix of Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters in a Topshop setting. The clothes and home decoration pieces were beautiful and really antique-like, but alas, it was expensive (hence the Urban Outfitters and Topshop reference). Either way, it was fun walking through the store and checking the products and clothes out.

Then, we went to Opus where they sell legitimate art supplies (not like Michael's). We both bought a large roll of craft paper because it was on sale for $2.20!! I should have bought another roll. Oh well, maybe next time when I finish the roll up and they have another sale for it. There is so many things I can do with it, like make wrapping paper, or my own notebook, or cute envelopes aside from just drawing on it! I'm so excited to use it!

Our last stop of the day was to the Vancouver Public Library. I borrowed three art books. They're mostly drawings or sketches by other artists. I like flipping through the pages and looking at other people's art. It can really motivate me. I borrowed Danny Gregory's "A Kiss Before You Go", David Shrigley's "What the hell are you doing?", and "Sketchtravel", a compilation of art from various artists. So far, I finished David Shrigley's "What the hell are you doing?" and I must say, viewer discretion is definitely advised. It is not meant for weak hearts and people who can't take sarcasm well. A lot of the pages made me go "Oh what." or "Oh my goodness" and make big eyed expressions because they were really unexpected. But, some of the pages were quite interesting and made me think. But, it was still mostly pretty sad and gruesome.

Overall, I feel that I accomplished a lot today and had a lot of fun (and exercise)! Unfortunately, I took most of my pictures on my Vivitar so I can only show you pictures once I get the film processed and printed. I can't wait to see how they turned out!

11 / 52

Making up for last week 'cause it took me a while to choose my favourite place. At first, I thought about drawing Krause Berry Farm, but if I did, then I would have to draw it from pictures (which is something I'll rather not do because it won't seem as realistic). Then, I thought about my room, but that would be way too hard and I would have to clean up if I did, so I rejected that idea as well. So, just last night, I thought about some of my favourite places when I was a child, and I bet most kids (even today) has had this experience - playing with the TV box! Or any big box really. I remember getting all excited when my parents bought big appliances, because I could play with the box! A box is definitely where a child's imagination runs wild.

69. Dreams: Fruit Contest

Before I forget the dream that I just had, I am going to write it down to share with you all. The setting seemed to be in some kind of stadium and around us were people from different clubs, promoting themselves. I remember the club that went before us was an all Korean (mostly girls) Tae Kwon Do club and they were doing some simply punches and just shouting their club names. After that it was us. I think there were four of us and we had no idea what we were going to do. But suddenly, who I assume is our leader, gave me pre-chopped fruits and handed the others, including himself, a flat basket with some rim. When we got out "on stage" (basically just in the middle of the stadium with people staring down), he told me to place the fruits on each of the three baskets. The first fruit was watermelon. So I just one-by-one placed a watermelon slice on each of the basket until I was out of it. Next were the pineapples slices. Then the blueberries. At this point, it was getting harder and harder for the basket to hold the fruits so the blueberries kept falling off. But, I guess that's the whole point of the "game", to see how many fruits a basket can hold, and the person with the most fruits on his or her basket wins the game. While I was placing the fruits, I remember feeling anxious, and thinking who in the world would be interested in watching a slow game like this? But, as I looked up, I was proven wrong, for many people had left their seats to gather around us for a better look. Then, realizing it was just a dream, I woke up.

68. Recent Art

I felt like drawing something yesterday, so I just drew what was in front of me.

I didn't finish filling in the colour for the bud yet, so I'm using a dried flower bunch to hide it. I'll take another picture of it after I'm done. Unfortunately, because I'm taking pictures of art with not a really amazing camera, the close up shots tend to look gray, rather than true to colour.

67. Freedom and Pumpkins

I finally finished my summer course two days ago with the final exam, so now I'm just waiting for the results to be out. Ever since I finished my exam and course, it feels like a heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. There was no more bringing the textbook wherever and whenever I went out, no more writing notes, no more racking my head to remember all the details, and most importantly, no more will I not have a life anymore! Now, my summer has truly started. And what happens the day (and the rest of the week) after my exam? Why, of course some summer rain. Of all things. Of all days. Of all places. I can't even laugh about it.

And that is why I haven't been really enthusiastic in sketching, much less doodling. Hence, the lack of art on my blog. However, I am getting an interest in taking pictures with my Vivitar Ultra Slim and Wide since I finally bought some film for it! I can't wait to finish the first film up and print out my pictures so I can see what my first attempt look like!

(Credit: Pumpkin)

To make up for the lack of art here, here is an amazing and pretty cool friend of mine whose art and photography are pretty darn awesome. Definitely check her out! She goes by the cute nickname Pumpkin, and here is some of her art pieces that are my favourite.

 

As you can see, she has a lot of skills and works in different media. These are simply some of my favourites! Head on over to her Tumblr and her Blog for more! You will not be disappointed!

66. Cosmo

Here is a watercolour drawing I did recently. I tried scanning it twice, but both times the lighter colours wouldn't show up and I couldn't edit them back either, so I had to take a picture instead. I guess it's better than nothing.

65. Weekend Wonders #5

I haven't been blogging as much this week because I just have a lot on my hands. I have this To-Do List constantly hanging over my head and bothering me in my sleep, and I have a final exam coming up very, very, insanely soon. However, once that exam is over, I will be free. Yesterday, I went to get a haircut, scan in my artworks, and finally bought films for my Vivitar camera! I can't wait to try it out (after my final exam). I also studied for a while at the library, and did it again today when I got a ride. I was just about to finish up the notes for the final chapter when the library shooed us out. Oh well. After writing notes for the last chapter of the textbook, I realized that I should have done it throughout the whole textbook readings. Now, I totally regret it. I think I'll try to cram as many notes as I can before the exam of the chapters that I'm not too confident in. It's a good thing I took geography classes in both grade eleven and twelve, as well as in the first semester of the University so I already know the basic outline of some of the things we have to learn.

On a happier note, last night, after I uploaded some of my artworks onto Tumblr, I went to bed (after checking repeatedly for any new likes, re-blogs, or new followers), I had this crazy dream where I woke up and checked my Tumblr again and I had 70 new followers. Crazy, right? I guess your true desires come out in your dreams. But, when I checked just now, my total number of followers is just a sad goose egg accompanied by a stick (in other words, 10). Soon, I will get my hands on an amazing scanner and be able to scan my artwork like a boss. For now, I'll just have to settle and do the best with what the scanner at the library offers.

64. And We Have Liftoff!

I have completed my Round 1 of scanning my artworks up on Tumblr today! Please go check them out as I will be uploading everyday until I run out of art to upload. Here is a little peak of what you might expect.

I'm sorry if the quality isn't that good, but I only have the local library scanner to use. But, once I get back to the University, there should be better scanners (hopefully)! Until then, please click here to see more and support! Thank you!

63. Art Journal #1

Big credit to Chenyue (blog) for sharing with me the cutest idea of taking pictures of my art along with a little something on the side to cover up that awkward blank page, and for starting a journal in my sketchbook!

10 / 52

My dreams and fantasies inspire me.

(I can't wait to scan all my art because the quality and details can be seen better.)

62. Weekend Wonders #4

Now that I'm in a much better mood than yesterday, here are some of the pictures I took while walking to the beach and at the beach.

This is on the way to the beach from inside a forest trail.

This tree arched path looked so gorgeous! I wanted to take a picture with no one in it, so I tried waiting for the man in front to be out of view, but there was a group of people coming up from behind us, so I couldn't. This is the best I could do.

Just look at that arch! It's so beautiful! Especially with that cute, small bridge at the back!

I really like these cute winding paths, but I wouldn't want to walk across it any more than I have to because I don't know how sturdy it actually is.

Then we saw this cute dog. I wanted to pet it, but it was wet from playing in the river.

Arrived at the beach after a forty to forty-five minute walk! It didn't seem that long because I was walking with a friend and we had fun talking about a lot of things!

That's my brave friend in the cold ocean water.

The beach was yesterday, and before I went off to Ikea today with some friends, I had some berry and tomato waffle with maple syrup for breakfast! Maple syrup went really well with the wild blackberries!

At Ikea!

I really like the lights hanging up from the ceiling! Looks like a bundle of snow!

Then, I had some Swedish meatballs that Ikea is known for being so cheap for my lunch.

I took a lot of pictures of the artwork Ikea had for inspiration, and here is one of them! Isn't it so cute?

And, of course, I can't leave Ikea empty handed. I saw these cute beige coloured pots for 79 cents and knew I had to get some. So, I bought three of them, as well as two (empty) milk glass bottles. I haven't thought of what I want to do with the pots (like what flowers or succulents), but I'm planning on using the glass bottles for flower decorations at the Hermit Hole!

Look at that gorgeous wrapping, done by yours truly with some help. Ikea didn't have any bags, aside from the ugly big bags they sold (which I really don't want nor need), so I had to carry them on the bus and home like this.

Unwrapping done!

This is what I did with the glass bottles. I can finally put those flowers I bought from Michael's a while back to good use now!

To like my pictures and share, please visit my Tumblr! Thank you!