It's almost the New Year!

So, as I wait here to go to dinner and a movie with my fabulous assistant Kristen I am going to reflect on the past year. I have succeeded in doing the following (keep in mind this is only a partial list)...

I met Ann Curry.
I received a Masters degree.
I lived in New York for almost four months (I'm still not an artstar... maybe I'll become one in April or May?).
I went out on two coffee dates. (That's two more than 2006!)
I managed to answer phones at a law firm for a day and not get fired.
I made great art only to have it destroyed by Fedex.
I managed to keep from diving head first into a potato chip bag or cookie box every time I was stressed out or bored (don't get me wrong I still have my moments).
I started wearing makeup on a regular basis because I am cute and I need to flaunt it sometimes.
I have managed somehow to still be loved by my family - especially my momma considering how much money I've borrowed from her over the past year...

I am actually going out on New Years Eve! Okay, so I'll probably be in bed by 11:00 At least it's a start.

The one thing I have not succeeded in doing is getting paid for National Portfolio day. I guess you can't have everything.

Fedex is watching me...

I checked into my stats counter and someone who works at Fedex checked out my blog. Now don't get me wrong, I have never had any major problems with Fedex before - it's just that twice in one day having things be f'd up is just not right.

I will probably use them again but when they lose a box of yours and don't even tell you? That sucks.

The family get together was nice yesterday. I got pictures of my cousin Tracy's feet. They are beautiful in their own deformed way... I'm not going to post a picture of them, you'll just have to wait until I have a show.

Tonight I am supposed to go out with my lovely assistant Kristen. I haven't seen her since I got back from New York. We are most likely going to see a movie and have dinner. I've been into movies lately - Juno still is my favorite....

In case I don't get back here today - everyone have a safe New Year's Eve and I hope you all get lucky as the clock strikes midnight.

I want to be alone...

So, I'm house sitting for my friend Nancy. She has this big house in Edmonds and has recently had her upstairs remodeled. It is beautiful! I did some cleaning yesterday when I got here because her entire household was sick over the holidays... It kept me busy which was nice. It would be nice to have a house someday - but in reality I don't think it's going to feasible because how much can one make as an artist/legal temp?

Onto other things. I've been having a hard time staying up in the evenings. Last night I think I made it until 8:30 before I fell asleep on the sofa. I woke up at 9:30 to go to bed and this morning I was up at 5:30. I guess there are worse things that could be going on. I just have to figure out how I can stay up until midnight on New Years Eve. I suppose I don't have to stay up until midnight but it would be fun.

Today we are having a family get together - hey, I could take pictures of Hamilton Family feet! I have to get more batteries for my camera. This is exciting!

ummmm...

Not much to report today. I am watching Pirate the cat for a few weeks, I have to make artichoke dip for a family get together tomorrow and I have to do laundry.

I know, It sounds like fun doesn't it?

My "free" wifi is gone again. I guess I'll just have to suffer for my art.

Fedex sucks.

I tried tracking one of the boxes that I sent to myself from New York. It contained all my memorabilia from the Today Show plus some other personal items (my favorite raincoat, shoes etc...). When I went to put in the number there was no record of the box. I inquired about it online and when I got a response I was told that my package was damaged. I'm not exactly sure if it is no longer in existence or what. I am envisioning my things being strewn around the back of a truck and flying out onto the highway.

Considering that most of the frames were broken when I received them via Fedex AND they damaged/lost my research for I heart Ann I don't think I'm going to use them again. They suck.

I realize that it's just stuff, but it was my stuff collected over the period of three plus months. How can you put a value on that?

A receptionist I am not...

I only hung up on a few people yesterday. It was pretty slow as suspected though. No major catastrophes to report.

I am glad to be back to the world of unemployment today.

My photos arrived from New York yesterday... I'm going to open the boxes up today and see what the damage is. Hopefully not too great. When we packed our things I didn't have a lot of time and the bubble wrap I was reusing was a bit sketchy. We'll see if everything is in one piece. If the frames are broken that's okay - it's the photos that I worry about. They were not cheap.

Maybe I'll go do that now.

More later people.

Update... the small photos made it, the larger ones were not so lucky... the glass broke and the surface of the photos are scratched. There's 600 plus dollars down the drain... but I guess that I should look at this as an opportunity to do them better. Right?

Back to the hamster wheel of life...

I suppose answering phones for one day wouldn't be considered the hamster wheel of life but it's the best title I could come up with this morning.

I'm a bit concerned that I will hang up on someone - but I guess that stuff happens. I do suspect it will be really slow. What the hell, it's money.

Christmas went well. I think this is the first year I haven't been in the dumps about anything. I guess it's because I have been through the fire (grad school and New York) and I actually have no great stress overshadowing everything.

I am actually going to do something on New Years eve as well (I know, it's hard to believe isn't it?).

The reindeer in our front yard have been on the DL since their escapade Christmas eve... At least they're getting some action (insert smiley faced emoticon here)...

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Eve antics...

Here is a brief recap of last nights events...

Katie sat on Grandma's lap...



Bailey sat next to Grandpa...



Katie got a new sleeping bag from Grandma...



Some Christmas Merrymakers decided that our raindeer weren't having enough fun...





Merry Christmas everyone!

Winter white teeth...

In my never ending quest to better myself I bought teeth whitening strips yesterday (Target brand of course)... as I type I am sitting here with blue strips on my teeth trying to make my pearly whites a little less dingy... I suppose I could give up the coffee but what fun is that?

I am happy to report that I got my Christmas shopping done yesterday - I figured I'd just get people what they asked for (for the most part). I also went to church yesterday, the sermon was about the risk of giving gifts... basically what I took away is that when you give gifts you give a part of yourself with it - and that can be scary. What if what you give is not wanted? ... it's a risky situation... maybe I'll reflect more later, but for now I need to hose myself off and do some grocery shopping.

I took this picture yesterday - I look the lease deranged.

I'm here, really.

I realized that I didn't post yesterday and some of you may think that something happened to me.

No. I'm still around, just a bit disorganized (okay maybe disorganized is not the word...)...

You would be proud of me... I actually went out and saw a movie with my friend Margie on Friday. I saw Sweeney Todd. It's a bit gory but that Johnny Depp sure is cute even when he's wielding a razor.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I guess that means that I should start doing some Christmas shopping for my family. It's hard to buy things when you haven't been around them for a few years... I found the other day while I was looking at things that I would much rather be buying things for myself.

I was supposed to go to my best friends house tomorrow afternoon, but she has pneumonia and the flu so that's out of the question. It's off to my sisters house for prime rib (yummy) and then my other sisters house on Christmas day for tamales and ham... (yummy, yummy).

Did I happen to mention that I have a job the day after Christmas? Someone is impressed enough with my skills that they're willing to let me answer their phones.

Yesterday I worked at a wedding washing dishes... not that bad a job... they pay is good and the hours short...

I think I'm just rambling now... after Christmas is over I have to get back to the work of being an artist... I've got to start working on grant applications and applying for shows... I should just enjoy myself right now...

some photos...

It's been a while since I posted any photos so here is a selection from the past week.

This guy was at the airport in Newark. I was hoping that he would sit next to me on the airplane but no such luck.



These are his shoes (pretty nice!)



This is the view from my seat on the airplane. Sometimes I wish I could sit by the window, but considering I went to the bathroom eleven times during the flight it's sort of out of the question...



At Seatac Airport they have an Alasan Amber Lounge.... you know if it wasn't 10:45am and my mother wasn't waiting for me I would have been there!



This is Stinky - but you knew that. She gave me a Christmas card this morning.



Today I am having lunch with my old boss. I haven't seen her in almost two years - it will be nice. She's one of the best people I know.

I have a one day temp job next Wednesday. Someone is going to trust me answering their phones. It should be alright.... who's going to want to call their attorney on the day after Christmas anyway right? I'll just apologize in case I hang up on someone.

Since the holiday is fast approaching I was thinking that I should probably finish my Christmas shopping sometime soon.

Positive things about getting up at 4 am.

Okay, so I can't really think of anything significant at this moment, but I did find out that I DO have "free" wifi from my neighbors (at least for the time being).

Today I get to hang out with my niece Katie. She's a model you know... maybe we'll dress her up and start with some runway lessons. I've watched enough America's Next Top Model to know how to do it.

Yesterday I visited a bunch of my ex co-workers. I've spread the word that I need a job... hopefully something will come up.

I don't think I mentioned it but I did go on the NBC Studio tour my last day in New York...

This picture was in the NBC Experience Store by the line to get into the tour. Look! It's Ann on the right! (and that Katie person)...



I am beginning to miss my friends at the today show... I wonder how they're doing.

Now that I have wifi I will try to post more often.

Maybe I'll go to the gym and work on those thighs. Maybe I'll win the lottery.... If I can manage to clean up a little bit today that will be an accomplishment.

People are sick I tell you....

I have a stat counter on my blog which shows me what people search for in Google that somehow points them to my blog...

People recently have been searching for Ann Curry boobs.... now that's just wrong.

Okay, maybe it's a nice woman in middle America wanting to achieve the same look in cleavage but I doubt it.

Does anyone want to buy some art?

I have my first student loan installment due the day after tomorrow and I don't have any money to pay it with. I know where you can get some really good art for bargain prices... It's a good investment... someday I'm going to be big and you'll say to yourself - "Damn, I should of bought that work while it was still reasonably priced!"

Just throwing that out there...

Today I have a date with my chiropractor (yay)... then it's off to the gym and then some cleaning around the house. Maybe I'll see what things I have that I could try to sell on craigslist...

I'll keep you updated.

Dial up is slow, but it turns out that I have unlimited hours... reminds me of the old days back in Chicago when I would sit on the futon with my coffee and my laptop...

I better get going. Oh, if you have a job for me let me know. I have my Masters degree...

Stinky Dogbottom loves me.

Stinky and I cuddled together last night... she had her little wiener dog head on the pillow next to me and we both fell asleep before we could find out who won Survivor China (it was Todd).

This dial up is killing me.

Today is my dad's 81st birthday. We're going out to dinner at the Wedgewood Broiler... yum yum! I may have to have beef. I heart beef almost as much as the Today Show and Ann Curry.

I think I may also go to the gym and start working on getting my thin thighs... I have to start working on another project and it might as well be Jenerator Running.

I guess that's it for now. More later.

Welcome home.

I made it to Seattle without a hitch and everything is hunky dory except for the fact that the wifi I used to "borrow" from my neighbors is gone.

That sucks... so here I am via dial up. I'll try to find someplace tomorrow with wifi and do a more proper post.

It't time for me to watch Survivor and go to bed.

waiting

I'm sitting here waiting for the shuttle. They called around 3am to let me know that I was going to be the last pickup so I could sleep in another hour. I was awake when they called... I haven't really been back to sleep since then.

It's hailing/sleeting outside. The flight is still on as scheduled....

see you in Seattle.

I should go to bed now.

Considering I need to be up at 3ish I should go to bed now.

Today I weighed in (only up .8) wandered around, took the NBC Studio Tour (I used a coupon), did a bit of retail therapy and then went to dinner with Chad.

Here's some photos.







The next update should come from Seattle...

one more day...

Yesterday I managed to find a nice polka dot suitcase to pack my belongings in. I think everything should work out as long as the weather cooperates.

I'm trying to figure out what I should do on my last day. maybe I should go to the Met... I haven't been to a museum since I've been here (bad artist). Maybe I'll go to the Carnegie Deli and get a Rueben sandwich.... I'm not going to weigh in until next week because... oh hell, I should just weigh in this morning because it's good for me... and I'll have a realistic picture of what I've been doing to myself the past few weeks.

I do know that I have to get some batteries for my camera.

Here is a nice picture of Ann



Google Alerts is a great thing. You enter a certain search criteria and when someone posts something containing those parameters it lets you know. I got an alert this morning... someone liked my work in Miami. It's nice to be liked.... in fact I'm a positive affirmation slut. I want all the kudos and attention I can get... maybe it's because I never got attention when I was a lonely fat girl... I got some but not a lot.

Thinking about that leads me to another quick story related to body image. When we were flying back from Miami I sat in the middle seat. I sat next to a lady and we started talking a little bit. She said she was relieved when a "skinny woman" sat down next to her - me a skinny woman? yes, I guess I am... I still revert back to my fat girl thinking at time... I remember when I used to not quite fit in the airplane seats. I never needed a seatbelt extender but I was never comfortable...

Yesterday was my last day at the Today Show. It was kind of sad... I've made some friends there - Richie who lets the people into the building, Walter, who guards the revolving door, Dominic and Dennis... William who takes the pictures. Rick and all the guys at the entrance (Rick wasn't there all week - so I didn't get to say goodbye to him... he did give me a hug before I left for Miami though)... I found a weird little family at the Today show... I know that if I needed something I could go to them and they would help me... Linny, and Sonia - maybe even Meredith Vieira too.

I have to say overall I had a good time... I think if I had found a job I couldn't have experienced the show to the full extent required of my work.

Well, I guess that's it for now. More later.

I'm a liar.

I said that when I was done with
I heart Ann that I would spend more time doing quality blogging and I haven't been doing such a great job.

Yesterday I managed to get two boxes shipped to Seattle. I also went to see the movie Juno. It's the first movie since Little Miss Sunshine that I could see myself watching again. If it's not in your area you have something to look forward to.

These are photos from Title This on Monday.

This is Michele Gondry and Ornette Coleman



These are Ornette's shoes.



These are Michele's shoes.



On the agenda today is my last Today show appearance (I gave Meredith a postcard yesterday)... I'm having lunch with Chad and I need to buy a suitcase. There is also a pastel Christmas party at my friend Megan's place. If I can make it that long I will go... I have to see how the rest of the day goes.

It looks as though the weather will cooperate and I will make it back to Seattle... I've already started looking for jobs. I have to start paying those bills. If any of you know of anything keep me in mind.

Well, I better get going. I want to look cute today - my future benefactor/boyfriend may be watching today.

What do I do now?

I have been feeling a bit moody. I think it's a combination of the end of my time in New York, the holidays and missing my dog. (and others).

There's supposed to be a big storm brewing... hopefully it won't wreak havoc with my flight on Sunday. Not that I would mind staying here it's just that I would like to be home. I'm going to take a sign to the Today show tomorrow. It should be good. I'll have an I heart Ann update as well... then I'll have to get packing.

This is Miss Puerto Rico (after she was attacked with pepper spray)



These were her shoes...



This is me and Matt...



These photos were on a card that Sonia loaned me. They're a few weeks old.

Back to real life...

So, I've survived Miami and my whole New York experience which I can't really talk about just yet...

I'm tired and exhausted and don't want to face the challenge of packing and sending my things back to Seattle.

The positive side to all of this is that I keep seeing dogs on the street and know that soon enough I'll back in my Stinky's four little arms.

Maybe I'll take a nap.

Photos from Miami

A few photos from yesterdays activities.













I didn't end up selling anything but that's alright. I made some good contacts and I got free beer and some bacon.

After Title This today I am going to come home and take a nap.

Back in New York...

I must go to bed. I'm going to Today tomorrow and then I'm going to be a Jury member on Title This (the gameshow).

Will have a recap of Miami tomorrow.

The end is near...

Here is my report from Miami.

Yesterday we had a bit of freedom which was nice... The big news of the day is that Fi sold her piece to a gentleman from Milan. Here are some pictures of it... I'm sorry I don't have a full image - but that's how I roll.



Hey, Look! There's my work in the background!





Those would be James paintings on the left.



I met a gentleman named Duncan... he's an editor and these are his shoes



I also met his sister Karen... these are her shoes (you know I like converse!)



We also saw Zachary again and these are the shoes he wore...



He also had a really great red top on.

After my stint at the booth I walked down to Aqua Wynwood to see my friend's Anne and Isaac's work. They both show at Lawrimore Project in Seattle. Isaac has this great pool table c-print that's in the actual size of a pool table... (I think I got that right - but since I'm not a photo person we'll just have to add a margin of error).

I also visited the James Harris Gallery, Lisa Boyle, NavtaSchulz and met Luis from Luis De Jesus Seminal Projects in San Diego. Everyone at Aqua was very friendly and there seemed to be a more laid back feeling than Scope. Don't get me wrong, Scope is great - but Aqua seemed a bit more accessible in areas.

I really enjoyed the Lawrimore Project... interesting work - great space (who knew a loading dock could look so good?). I might be biased because I know a few of the artists there - but that's just the way I am.

I wish I had time to get to the Aqua Hotel but I don't think it's going to happen. I guess half of Aqua is better than none.

So.... to continue on with my report - as I returned from a short trip to Target to get Turkey Jerky and cookies I met a woman who is looking for high concept art for a new Comcast building... she really liked my work. I take this as a good sign - she gave me her card.

I have sort of resigned myself to going back to New York with all my work - I have gotten good response so I am a bit encouraged, but it doesn't pay my visa bill.

There is always today. Speaking of today we are flying back to New York tonight and then I can go back to the Today Show tomorrow... I really miss it when I'm not there. The other day I met a gentleman who used to work there and knows a segment producer... my dream of really being on the show may actually work out!

My only regret about Miami is that I didn't get a chance to put on my swimsuit... I guess I could go put it on right now and parade around the hotel room but that wouldn't have the same feel.

Here are some images of my work...







I'll try to take some better photos today for you all.

Everyone have a safe trip back to wherever you're from.... word to your mother!

Day 3???

I've begun to lose track of what day it is...

This is Sylvia... she's the one who takes care of the restrooms at Scope..



This is a look at what an excellent job she does...
(she held the door open for me so I could take the picture).



These are the sinks and the cushy hand towels.



This is the tip tub that I am going to put a big tip in if I sell something... I may put a big tip in there anyway (I got some spending money from my momma and the Big A - via little L...)



This is the mirror in the restroom (that would be me holding the new camera).



This is Lilah who sits at the VIP desk... she is very friendly and efficient.





This sign is on the door as you enter Scope... I wonder why?



This gentleman is from Artforum - he looks great... (I saw him on the way to visit Sylvia... I thought his outfit rocked - when I came back he was in our booth).



These are his shoes...



This is Dennis Oppenheim's shoe (or should I say sandal).



This is Bryan's shoe.



These are Fi's shoes.



These are Nate's shoes (nice choice - I own some myself).



These are Buki's shoes...



And this is my shoe.



Oh yeah, Travis sold a piece - to this gentleman.



This is his shoe.



This is the red dot that Travis put next to the piece.



We celebrated back at the hotel with Champagne, pizza and beer... oh yeah, I forgot - there was an SAIC reception. I had a few drinks there too...and a nice selection of appetizers... the bacon wrapped scallops were my favorite I think.

I took these pictures across the way from the balcony.



I felt like I was spying...







Mr. Artforum really liked Travis' work - he kept looking at it... he told us our booth looked good... I think it does too... a bit crowded, but considering we don't have a gallery behind us and have to accommodate six different types of work I think it's alright.

I better get a move on... I have the first shift today and then I want to go to Aqua Art and Aqua Wynwood and check out the Seattle galleries that are there. I actually get a free day today (sort of)... I'll see you all later.