So, as some of you know... Brett and I bought a house in Lower Burrell. I am loving every second of it. It is nice to be out of my parents' hair... and especially nice that they are out of mine. It isn't the first time I've moved away, but it is definitely the most permanent instance of it.
I love the neighborhood. It is a peaceful suburban place, and the neighbors keep to themselves mostly, although the ones that live closest either sent us a welcome card or introduced themselves to us.
The only thing that sucks is the commute to verona everyday. It isn't that difficult, just time consuming. Gimme the extra sleep please!
So anyhow, with all my business comes the unfortunate missing out on friendship stuff.
I am very angry at myself.
If I hurt you...(you know who ya are) I am sorry.
So... without furthur ado....
here is an open invitation to my housewarming party.
This would be an excellent time to catch up with my commrades

When: Saturday, August 26th @ 2:00
Where: 103 Violet Drive
Lower Burrell, PA 15068

Phone: 724-980-1423
E-mail: red_dress_golden_shoes@yahoo.com

Please RSVP by August 20th.
Call if ya need directions.
Hope ta see ya here!

There will be food, booze and good times....
Yer crazay if ya dont come...lol.

Okay, so there is a lot of stuff to catch up on here.

I got mugged, my cellphone was stolen

It was my Birthday on May 7th.

My grandpap died

I quit my job at Island Ink-Jet

I gained a full-time job as an administrator/assembly technician at Transportation Control Systems.

I am so lonely.

I miss everyone.


I seriously hope that everyone doesn't hate me for disappearing. I need to do that sometimes.

I need some comments. Please... outside world. Have something to do with me.

So, yeah. New job. New promises. New Let-downs.

Today I met the new guy. He's pretty cool. Very gay (its too obvious, not that I think its bad).

We get to talking about work and what he's been learning at the Forbes Ave. Ink-Jet.
Apparently, he's been learning Managerial duties.

My heart stopped. He told me that Tom, the operations manage told him that he wanted him to be the new manager for my store...

Tom told me that when I first started. He said "You're in the running for manangement if ya want it."

I'm so fucking pissed.

I haven't updated this in a while. There has been a lot of shit happening in my life. Most of its good though XD.
So, I got a new job at Island Ink Jet in Monroeville Mall. It's not the best job in the world, but I get at least 30 hrs a week, and that's way more than I was getting being a photographer. I must say, being a "Cartridge Technician" is pretty interesting. I like the fact that it saves on landfill waste, and the fact that it saves people money by refilling used printer cartridges instead of buying new ones. Those ink cartridges are fucking expensive.
I obtained my drivers license in February, finally! Sometimes I feel "experience retardation" because all of the milestones people experience happen to me way too late. I feel like things are changing for the better though, and that's all that matters.
I had pneumonia a couple weeks ago and almost died. I was waiting and waiting for the "cough" to go away, but it wouldn't. I finally said "I'll go to the doctor this week."(i dont like to go to the doctor unless i really have to, because I have no health insurance). It couldn't wait though. That Sunday, I was over at my fiancee's house and I was sitting on his bed, gasping for breath. (if any of you have ever suffocated, its not fun) so I said "Brett, I need to go to the emergency room... I can hardly breath."
So I went and the doctor lady took a chest x-ray, gave me breathing treatments that made me all hyper *good ol' albuterol* and gave me a prescription for an inhaler and an antibiotic. (which i paid almost 50 bucks for) and slowly but surely, i regained my health.
Now I have an ear infection. I think i might go to the free clinic this time, cuz my emergency room bill topped $500 and that's just scary.
A couple weeks ago, my mom threw Brett and I a surprise engagement party, in which I had no idea was happening. My mom played it off like we were going to a birthday party for her at the bar. We get to the bar and almost everyone Brett and I know were there, and they all yelled "Congratulations!". Stupid me still thought it was for my mom and I asked her "Well, are you surprised?" LMAO! I guess the shock of everything screwed up my judgment...lol. We got 500 bucks total in cards and things. It was so nice.
We were pissed cuz I wanted to sing at karaoke that night, but the DJ's CD's were fucked up, so we went to the bar up the street. My dad is totally shit-faced by then, but I wanted him to come hear me sing. I told him I would buy him a drink if he came... although what he really needed was a cup of strong coffee...lol.
I found a wedding dress for 50 bucks.. which is unheard of. Brett's mom has a family friend who used to have a bridal shop and now is trying to get rid of her remaining stock. It was the first one i tried on and it fit perfectly.
Last week I went and got the things I needed for Patricia's birthday present. I think she will like it. Its SO her...lol.
This week, just been working pretty much. It's nice to have a routine and know where my money is coming from... I opened a savings account. I will be moving out of my parent's house withing the next 6 months hopefully and I want to buy a car. Right now I am trying to pay off my debts. Bleh, stupid student loans.

Well, I think that's everything.
Geebus.

~Eryca

Just wanted to show everyone what the ring looks like. I hope it isn't annoying how I seem to be obsessing over it.

So, as my recent post mentioned, I am now engaged. I won't be getting married 'till 2007. Most likely in the fall.

Now to tell the wonderful story as to how Brett proposed to me. *tear*

It was Christmas eve, at his parents' house. I was opening gifts, and I got to the fourth gift. Inside was a clue. I read that clue, which took me to another gift location. I opened that present and inside was yet another clue leading me to another gift. In that gift was a clue that said "Since you have gotten this far, I'll make this one really easy. Look out the front window."
So, I went to look out the front window. Lo and behold, spelled out in Christmas lights on the house across the street were the words "Will you marry me?" I could have died from shock. So he opened the ring box and inside was a beautiful white gold engagement ring, with a princess cut diamond and two emeralds on either side (my birthstone). I was speechless, and so embarrassed that all i could do was hug him at first. Everyone was watching me, and asking "well what do you have to say?". I was like "YEs, of course!" and everyone was telling me that people were outside waiting to congratulate me. So I went outside and there was practically the whole neighborhood, ready to congratulate me. They asked "what did you say?" and I told them all yes, but then they asked... "Well lets see the ring". Stupid me forgot to put it on, so I had to go back in the house and put it on. What a night...lol. I am very happy. Now, on to picking those ugly bridesmaid gowns...lol. Just kidding.

Well, thats all for now. got to clean house and get ready for my party tomorrow night.

Bye!

Eryca

Ok, so Merry Christmas to all of those I still talk to. Sorry I haven't been around. Christmas kills people.

Anyhow... I am officially a fiancee'. I got engaged Christmas eve. More details on that later. I'm tired. Must sleep.

~Eryca

There have been many things running through my head recently. Much of it has to do with why I ever post in my journal. I get no response from any of you, and yes, that's why I never post comments in yours. Don't give a damn? Fine, that's great. Awesome... terrific. Why are we friends, again?

Anyhow, besides that trivial "Why aren't you caring about me?" bullshit... I love my new job. Working at The Picture People is a cool job, and the people there are really nice. They really haven't had the time to train me properly, with the Christmas rush n' all, but that's to be expected. I love the manager and most of my fellow employees. There are a few that I could do without, but I think that's a part of any place one may work.

In response to Jazzie Gal... I think your wishlist idea is a good one. Here is my wishlist:

1. A new camera so I can be a little more freelance with my photography.

2. Some type of jewlery with my birthstone in it. (emerald)

3. An unconditional friend

4. For all of the people in my life to find peace within themselves, at least once.

5. For someone to say, just once "Eryca, you're a great person." and mean it.

6. More art materials. God knows, they are expensive.

7. Cute socks!

8. Something hand-made.

9. Anything depicting a unicorn. I think that is what I collect now...lol.

10. Someone willing to model in the nude for my new art ideas (yes I am serious).


Ok, now that those things are out of the way.

So, the other day I had to pay 500 dollars to a collection agency. I am in debt from the brief time I went to college. I had to ask Brett for the loan to pay it. Otherwise, my ass was going to court. I have to pay another 500 by the end of next month. Couldn't come at a better time, eh? Oh well. It's my fault for putting it off for so long (Lauren, quit making fun of my typos).

So, hard times next month. I should be able to scrape together enough cash to make Christmas semi-nice for everyone. I think I might be making a lot of stuff. Being an artist comes in handy this time of year. hehe.

Well, I think that's all I feel like writing about.

~Eryca

Fuck you.

here's a new piece I drew on Photoshop. It's called "The Naughty Victorian"

~Eryca

I am currently learning how to customize and tweak my journal the way I want it. I am doing it step by step. I used a default layout but I am proud of the fact that I did so much for not knowing anything about this stuff. I actually succeeded in adding a header to my journal. Woo!

here is a link to my journal. I designed the header and the user pic myself. The android head is a drawing of mine. Hope you guys like it.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/ivy_and_ivory/

Rant Time...

I am one giant ball of exploding emotion and lethargic indifference all at once.

Things are getting better and getting worse all at the same fucking time and I can't stand it anymore.

A couple new things in my life:
I put in my two weeks notice at my job.
I got hired at The Picture People. I start the day after Thanksgiving.

Are these good things? Well, there are certainly pros and cons. On one hand, my current job is ridiculous. It pays less than I deserve, is controlled by glory-grubbing assholes that want everything for themselves (all the while ignoring the effort and excellence of their employees)and I get 10 hours a week on average. On the other hand, The props and backgrounds are excellent, the customers agree that pricing is fair, and I will miss it. I have been there for more than two years, so there is a bit of emotional attachment.

Why do I have to be a woman? Men can disassociate emotion from practicality. Why can't I do this? I don't know what my problem is. I guess the fact that I will be leaving my job under bad circumstances probably has something to do with it. The fact that I can't get a raise there, despite the thousands of dollars that I make that company every week, and the fact that I get cheated out of the hours I deserve because my boss decides to over-hire seasonal help. So, lets give all them the hours. They DESERVE it. Whatever. I am very glad that I am going to another portrait studio that appreciates my talents and wants to pay me more money, and possibly help in the advancement of my career.

The weekend was... interesting. It started out in fun and ended in fucked-up mode. Friday night, I did nothing. Saturday, I went to work at noon and was done at 6:30. After that, I went to my mother's friend's new house for a small gathering. As soon as I got to the door, instead of being greeted by a standard "Hello!" or "Welcome to my house!" by my mom's friend (Patsy), I get "There's no smoking in my house!". Fucking rude. She apologized for being rude... I don't fucking care. I socialized, drank some drinks, ate some snacks, smoked outside or in the basement, and had a pretty good time.
After a while, a few people, including my mother, decided to go to Karaoke. Everything started out innocently enough, I sang a few songs. We drank some more. Then the drunken drama set in. My mother was talking suicide, and that made me really upset, so I excused myself to the bathroom, and cried. My friend, Mary came in to console me. I was telling her how I hate when my mother talks like that. Blah blah blah.
Well, the emotions fell like rain that night. My mom started blubbering ridiculously in front of everyone, complaining about having no money and how nobody gives a shit about her. I miss the happy drunk days. So, my mom decides she is going to walk home (not a far walk at all) and leaves me the keys to the van. (Hello! Learner's Permit. Drunk over here). Mary said "Just leave her go. She needs to be alone." since people DID offer her a ride and asked her if she was okay. So Mary and I decided to go to Eat n' Park and have us some post-booze food. I called off from work the next day. Not like they are gonna fire me or anything. (chuckle).
After food, I come home to find a passed-out mom and a couple of angry-looking siblings. I shoulda just let her sleep, but I was so mad at her for making a scene and leaving us there for no good reason. (we would have left if she had asked to leave). As I come in, Mom says "See how much SHE cares about me." I lost it. That was it. After buying her drinks and smokes even though I am strapped for cash myself, and singing songs with her, and going to that stupid party even though I was exhausted and didn't feel like doing anything. Then I get shitty glances from my brother, who probably knew nothing about the situation, but he basically reiterated what my mother said to me. I was so pissed-off. I was crying hysterically, and my dad was on my side, which probably made things worse. So, I called Brett, and he picked me up, and I stayed over his house. Didn't even bring clothes. I just went in my kitty kat pajamas and shoes. LOL. So ended that scenario, but began a whole other issue with Brett, who seems to blame everything on the fact that I was drunk. I went to his house and passed out in a drunken stupor.

Not much happened between then and now. I went to work on Monday. Today, I cut Mary's hair and put some nifty layers in it. Then, we two went down to the bar. She bought my drinks, then when she left this old guy, who I think wanted in my pants...bought me drinks and a steak hoagie...lol. I coulda refused, but he insisted, so what the hell. He wasn't being creepy or anything. I felt bad for that lonely guy.

Spent the rest of the evening trying to figure out the best way of going about making a journal layout. Anyone know how to put a header image using the S2 system? I am behind all of you technological gods and need some assistance. I also need to know how to edit the friends view. The tutorials are for smart people who have microchips in their brain or some shit.

I am getting kinda mad that things I do for people aren't noticed or appreciated. People use my pictures that I took for their own benefit, and I would like that in the future people would ask, or at least give credit for things that other people were semi-involved in. Pictures to me are a form of artwork, and that should be respected. When things are depicted that I helped create, I would like credit. That's all I'm saying.

K well I am done bitching. Bye.

~Eryca

I'm sick of my life playing tug of war with me. I'm sick of people not giving a shit about me, when I am not around. Someone, remember me, just once. That's all I fucking ask. I remember you... all the time. That's what kills me.

Today is my Dad and Brother's birthday. I feel like an asshole because I couldn't afford to get them anything. I have a job interview at the Picture People. Hopefully that goes well because I can't fucking stand working at the portrait studio at Penney's anymore. I'm so fucking sick of my boss being a bitch.., no... make that a cunt. I don't usually use that word since I hate it, but it applies to her more than anything else. I just feel like I am never going to get anywhere. My boss keeps me down, and she never hesitates to point out how much of a fuck-up I am. Forget that I have probably the highest sales average at that place and I am the reason she gets bonuses. She's been nit-picking with me ever since I threatened to get another job. So much for that ploy. If this interview works out and it turns out to be a better place to work, I am leaving her ass... and we will see how fucked she is come Christmas time without a primary photographer. It's already getting crazy. I'm tired of being the nice person, the chump. I am ready to embark on something good for myself for a change.

Brett has been especially nice to me lately. He gave me a dozen roses the other day, and sent me a really beautiful e-card. I'm not really sure... what is going on here. Not that he isn't normally good to me, but he's been trying extra hard... I dunno what thats about... my mom says he might be ready to pop the question... which would be FUCKING AWESOME. But... yeah.

So thats all there is for now. I'm going to get ready for my interview.

~Eryca

So its been a while since I've had really anything much to say.
I went to ceremony on Saturday, with my bf and Jazz. Nothing really interesting, but I did have fun. I left early, cuz I was fucking tired. Didn't even feel like drinking. I danced my butt off for a few songs and Brett even danced with me... I have some pictures, which I will post later. I'm not much in the mood for anything today. Its almost 9 pm and I still need to wash my work clothes for tomorrow. Ugh... somebody shoot me.

ok so i just woke up with the most dreadful feeling in the world. My sister informed me that i sleepwalk, which i used to a while back when I was a teenager, but she told me that she watched me walk in the kitchen, say "Yes" and go back to where I was sleeping. That REALLY freaks me out, since I haven't sleepwalked in years.
i dont know why I woke up like that all of a sudden, and why I was so terribly afraid. I don't know if this cold medicine has got me wired or what, but whatever it is... it is wreaking havoc on me. I feel completely clogged up, I hate this...ugh. Stupid sinuses.
So, I have to do a bunch of people's make-up as well as my own tomorrow. I really like doing that stuff, I want to be a hollywood special effects makeup artist.... I think that is something id be good at.
Well... I don't know what else to say really.
Time to sleep...
~Eryca

Today, I must say... was completely amazing. I stayed over Brett's house. I was there late last night carving pumpkins... I will post pics later. I got home this afternoon, and took some money out of the bank to give my mother for car insurance.
I was so worried about having enough money for this weekend. I had to give my mom a little extra since we are all broke-ass motherfuckers. So, after that, I went to dollar general and got some flowers and other things to make my faerie headdress, which, thanks to Lauren's help, is completely gorgeous. Sorry for burning you with hot glue, Bunny!
I went to bingo with my mom, cuz she had a free pass. Her and I both one two games.. and I won $150!! I was so fucking happy! I actually won two games. My mom won $175, and she won two games also. I couldn't beleive it. Not bad for a free game. It was so much fun.
So I spent most of my time home this evening working on my costume. I customized my wig, by braiding burgundy and gold ribbon on both sides framing my face, then I curled the ribbon into spirals at the bottom and added pansies and leaves on the bottom as well.
The headdress is so sweet. Its actually a wreath, with burgundy, yellow and purple flowers... kinda like a crown. Everything is coming together beautifully. I feel kinda guilty spending so much on my costume, but it looks awesome. The outfit itself was bought, and I wish I would have had more time to make one myself, but resources havent been so good lately.
I actually got elvish looking ears for my own ears, and some spirit gum to attach them. My costume is so authentic looking... it feels like hollywood almost. I have to find some slippers tomorrow, i might just get some of those ballet-type house slippers that they sell, and dress them up.
I think I am getting sick. I took some sinus medicine, and its got me so wired right now. Ugh, I want to go to sleep. Its so late.
Well, thats all for now... gonna try to get some sleep.
~Eryca