Monster of Sea and Earth

NaNo again!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:09:41 GMT

WIN!!11!!!

I can't seem to upload the winner pic thingie. Oh well.

I won with another het story that has no sexy time in it, further proof that the '07 story used up all the pr0n-and-slash writing impulse by itself. This story is the perfect example of what happens when you let backstory get out of hand. It was just going to be one short story. It will be at least two novel-length chunks of nonsense.

The best thing is that I made it to 53,093. Well over 50,000. The worst thing is that it doesn't have a real title; the working title is 'Your Father - Tatran', which is descriptive, but hardly catchy. Perhaps 'Blood Crown', which is at least melodramatic enough to match the silly story.

Anyway, I won! Yay!

More NaNoWriMo Stuff

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:48:30 GMT

Remember how I scrapped the old idea and was suddenly almost 10k behind in the first week? The good news is, I'm not behind any more. The novel's really going... well, it's really going. That's the bad news. I'm at an unofficial 43,995 but this sucker is barely half done. AARGH!

At least it's fun to write. And I will definitely make it to 50k.

I'm planning to hold off on the actual verification until November 30th, even if I do write more than 50k, just because I think it'll be a good incentive to keep me writing until then. No purple bar or winning treats until the story is completely done!

The best part about this year's story is that I get to reference all my favorite and obscure fairytales. Fairytales referenced so far:

Sleeping Beauty
An Appointment in Samarrah
Three Tasks (I don't know what it's actually called, but it's a standard form)
The Goose Girl
As Shining as the Stars (not sure about the name of this one, either)
Boxes (the one about the box of feldspar vs. the box of diamonds)
Tam Lin

I tried to work in Cinderella, but I forgot that I'd left the 'hook' for it in there, and it didn't work out.

NaNoWriMo

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:06:11 GMT

Yeargh! I tossed the seal-girl idea because it was going exactly nowhere, even with a full complement of characters and ninjas. Am now writing the original idea, about what happens when destiny serves Prince Charming a kick in the balls: he turns out to be 100 years too early to save his princess.

I am 10k words behind, but hopefully not for long! Also, I have an exam tomorrow, and will take a 3rd try at passing the calculus gateway. Must remember to send investment assignment to group and print out copies to turn in.

Today I ordered a cool new watch for myself, having been watchless for nearly six months now -- it will be nice to be able to tell the time. I should also say that Sandpaper Face and I are now at 1 year, which is awesome.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:29:16 GMT

I'd just like to say:
Horn Section Bake Sale!!
Tuesday, September 8, 9am to 3pm at the UH Music Department.

All kinds of cookies and cakes and treats for sale! Help us cover incidental costs for our members!

Fan craft again; Alan's talisman

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:49:12 GMT

Dreamcatcher. Crystals. Tiny bones! It's all here, done in black and cream thread.

(click for giant version)

Nitpicker's Note: I know that Nick's talisman had bird bones. But I didn't read that part until after the bones were finished, and I was so proud of the jawbone, I had to include it. Maybe next time.

Thanks to:

zumie_ashlen, who suggested making the tiny bones. Rather than killing a small animal for them, or something.
All the guys that taught me to use a craft knife to carve plastic.

That's SF's Christmas Gift Sorted.

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:58:51 GMT

Check out this flip-top zombie shirt! Scary, and also scary awesome.

Zombie Shirt on Neatorama

It doesn't come in women's sizes though... Probably for the better.

On Trombone Vocabulary

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:33:25 GMT

One of the interesting things about low brass players is that, generally speaking, they have a unique way of viewing and describing the world. This makes for exciting and amusing conversations, particularly when the subject is other members of the section.

I only bring this up because today I have heard cheating (as in 'on a significant other') referred to as "hob-nobbing with other ding-dongs".

ETA: I find this a particularly appropriate choice of verb.

Happy Meme

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:49:40 GMT

DAY 2:
Went to potluck/party with Sandpaper Face and Co. Woohoo! Everyone loved my cake! Got home at three a.m. That was the best part (and the reason that I'm a day behind posting here).

duct tape wallet dorkery

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:06:17 GMT

I was looking at the pics of the two duct tape wallets that I have posted, and I realized that they look very different. Almost like they were made by two different people, given the differences in color and style of design. But the truth is that I can never remember how I made the wallet last time, so each one is a little different. And the two wallets offered unique challenges.

For Geoff's wallet, I used a method of construction that I made up myself, engineered for durability and making sure that the contents of the wallet were totally protected from adhesive transfer. This was the pattern that I used for four wallets previous, and it had worked well for me (and I really abuse my wallets). At the time, I told him I could make up to four pockets -- he acquiesced because he didn't need much space. It was done in the colors he requested. Frankly, I like it; I think a duct tape wallet should show some of the plain old grey color. Also, apart from the ID window, and a hidden strip of fabric reinforcement, it is entirely made of tape. The design is simple and it's easy to make, if a little confusing at first.

Sandpaper Face's wallet is another matter. It had to be cool, it had to be functional, and it had to have at least seven pockets and someplace to put an ID. And he asked for transparent and black tape. I thought it would be neat to cut the card slots at an angle, giving the inside of the wallet more visual impact, especially with the black edges. This was actually easier than it looks, though it required some creative thinking.

The main difficulty with this wallet was that the sheer number of pockets made it incredibly fat when constructed in the same way as the other wallets I made. The card pockets alone were three-eighths of an inch thick. So I chose to trim off the side seams and seal them wholesale, with just one piece of tape -- the method most common in published instructions. Another thing I did to keep it lean, and to add pocket space, was to use a piece of fabric as an inner lining rather than a sheet of black duct tape which would have been three times as thick. This had the added advantage of making the card section of the wallet opaque to the outside observer, reducing the visual clutter of the design and preventing a sharp-eyed thief from stealing his identity.

Another thing about this wallet was that it had to be neat. He squares the corners of his bills before putting them away. I gave up eyeballing for measuring, and speed for precision. I extended the card slots all the way to the edge, leaving no wide side seams.

Happy Meme

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:11:35 GMT

tagged by crystalusagi
The rule is you post something that made you happy that day, every day for eight days. Oh and you tag eight people.

Sadly, I know no people to tag, but I shall be glad to do the eight days!

DAY 1:
I finished the duct tape wallet I'm giving to Sandpaper-Face for late Christmas. Awesome accomplishment; it has eight card pockets, two inner pockets, and a bill holder, a removable ID/photo window, and a little ambigram logo of his nickname that I drew. I am so proud that I have posted pics here, if you are interested. Yes, it's made of transparent and black duct tape. And fabric. And freezer bag.

And just because I have to mention it...

DAY 0: (yesterday)
THE ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL. 4 ZOMG. THIS IS THE BEST PRESENT EVER. Sandpaper-Face also gave me the newest Ender book. Yes. Also. I yelled a lot; I was two seconds away from girly squealing. No joke -- this is Neil Gaiman's Sandman we're talking about. This is better than jewelry to me.

The only thing is now I'm a bit anxious about giving gifts, because what could possibly match this?

musak

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:05:17 GMT

My sister is afflicting us with 'sk8r boi' and some jpop song with outstanding lyrics that include: "tickles in my tummy, he's so yummy yummy." I wouldn't care, but I think I've heard each track ten times in the past two hours.

HOME NAO?

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:36:06 GMT

I realize that I am long overdue to post an update on this entry, and I guess I should, since I now have an answer, of sorts.

And the answer is this: Yes. But the test subject has not been deterred by anything else, either. Including the fact that I decided to go out with someone else. What the hell do you do with a christmas present from a guy like that?

And on the subject of going out with someone else, I think it should surprise no one that we are dorks. Seriously, we are lame beyond belief. Who else would be pleased to hear 'you emit my resonance frequency?' or 'Yes, I'd love to have a going concern.'

Also, I want to go home. Even though I have yet to complete his Christmas present. Oops.

Made of WIN again!!!

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:12:07 GMT

Now I'm going to sleep.

NaNoWriMo Post

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:31:08 GMT

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:38:19 GMT

This is just to say that I am insane, and though I am indeed very excited for June 2009, I would settle for turning the clock forward to the end of this semester first.

My schedule is crazy, I don't like my roommate, and I want to be entitled. That said,

... so much CAPSLOCK LOVE for Alan and his gun and his knives (and of course, for Nick and his sword, and Mae and Jamie), I cannot wait for June.

Nerd stuff

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:19:21 GMT

I have just come across a very interesting book called Everything You Know About God is Wrong at the University Library. It would have been nice if I'd found it about this time last year, in time for it to contribute to my NaNoWriMo novel. But it's really interesting and clever in any case It also has an article/section thing written (co-written) by Neil Gaiman, which is how I found it.

ME: *approaching the search computer* Slave of the Library! Show me books by Pratchett, Terry.
COMPUTER: *displays all of five results, only one of which is actually written by Pratchett.* All the good books are in Hilo, unfortunate patron! Look, even the play by Briggs, Stephen is in that collection. The Library dislikes you and your ilk.
ME: Then show me books by Gaiman, Neil. And be quick about it.
COMPUTER: Muhahahaha! The first result does not list him in the citation information! You must click to the summary to find out if you truly desire to read this book!
ME: Everything You Know About God is Wrong hmm... maybe there's something akin to "Murder Mysteries" I shall go and find it at once!

Having found the book, I got distracted by the first seven articles and had to leave (the Library is really cold) before reaching the one by Neil Gaiman. So I borrowed it. It is a big book, and I will probably forget to return it, but I will get to read it at my leisure, without freezing my non-existent bits off, so that's all right.

I have just made a journal post all about a book. Hands up anyone who's surprised.

Wondering...

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:55:33 GMT

is it possible for someone to date you out of sheer horrified fascination?

Would saying you were writing a story about roofies that turn people into zombies do it?

not writing

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:05:12 GMT

Sadly, I have no writing to share, though I have figured out an alternative to the 'coffin heir' idea that I had for the zombie story, which was terrible and confusing. This new idea seems far more promising. I spent much of the day studying and finishing my management assignment.

Considering how best to invest at this time. Am young, it should work out pretty well.

But of course, what this is really about is that today I watched "The Pirate Planet" arc of the old Dr. Who episodes, and was very taken with certain phrases.

"Why am I encumbered with incompetents!"
-"They slammed him into the wall with good vibrations?"
-"Affirmative."
"Then they will be obliterable!"

Previous episodes have included such gems as "Romana! You can't be a successful criminal with a dishonest face!"

Also, I bought a rather stunningly expensive purse this week, my first girly purchase in -- well, a really long time. And Mr.Di and AwesomeSauce may have been right about some things.... I shall have to investigate further.

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:19:08 GMT

The last time Atemiel had felt like this, he'd been twenty, and head-over-heels for a girl who worked as a lab assistant for his college physics course. It had turned him into the height of awkwardness then, and it was no better now, though he thought that he was better at hiding it. At least this time he knew it was happening, and was able to form coherent sentences when directly addressed.

This is how I felt today. I blame Mr. Di and AwesomeSauce for ditching me. Also, myself for essentially being twelve years old on the inside.

In other news, I have two exams tomorrow, plus a paper due, and one exam on Friday when our music has to be memorized for the game this Saturday. See you on the other side.

Falling off...

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:10:45 GMT

...the edge of the world.

I haven't posted much, because my days have been filled with cake (for others) and schoolwork and taiko. And fail, which is why I haven't written anything and am two days behind.

"Woe!" I cry, "And fail!" Because I also haven't got much sleeping done, either.

apropos of nothing...

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:14:38 GMT

This line in Twilight (by Stephenie Meyer) was just brought to my attention.

"Just because I'm resisting the wine doesn't mean I can't appreciate the bouquet," he whispered. "You have a very floral smell, like lavender. . . or freesia," he noted. "It's mouthwatering."

I WtF'd so hard. To paraphrase sarahtales's words: FREESIA? Have you ever tasted freesia? Freesia is not delicious!

HBP trailer

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:49:04 GMT

Found the HBP tailer online:

This is mostly just to say: what do those little memory container thingies look like? Aiya. Also, why doesn't little Tom have the crazed arrogance I saw in the books? He just sort of looks stoned when the wardrobe goes up. Alas, young actors. This is not a movie I'm really looking forward to.

Original fic: zombie boyfriend!

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:12:49 GMT

I'm not sure if anyone has done something like this before; I know that "American Gods" has a zombie wife in it. But read on -- this is just the start of an idea.

Title: Up in Smoke
Notes: sarahtales gets the credit for this idea, having championed the cause of the zombie boyfriend for many months. I offer this as proof of my conversion. Dedicated to crystalusagi; you'll understand when you read it.

Are you paying attention? This is a little hard to follow, because it happens so fast. We only had four days, and that's what makes it so confusing -- a lot can happen in four days, and in those four days, we found out just how much. I've slowed things down and added explanations so you can see what goes on a little better, but even this version might go by too quickly.

It's mostly a bunch of little moments, each one important, some more interesting than others. There's one that always comes back to me, when I think about those four days.

Jaye lighting a cigarette, the flare of his Zippo gilding the long, curled eyelashes that he was so proud of, smiling around the filter at me as he flicked the lighter shut. He took a drag and exhaled, holding the cigarette elegantly between the third and fourth fingers of his left hand. Tendrils of smoke rushed from his lips and wafted into the night sky, making signs across the full moon. Then he laughed, but not in a happy way.

"You know how I can tell I'm dead?" he asked. "This is how," he finished, before I could frame an answer. He held up the cigarette as though it were a toast glass, and took another long drag. The filter burned orange. "I would never do this if I were alive. I'd be too afraid." He laughed again, and I realized that the word for that sound was ironic, like he was laughing only because if he didn't he'd have to cuss.

I watched him, silent.

"It's amazing, how fast you can get good at smoking," he said. "Until three days ago, I'd never even held a cigarette; look at me now." Another drag -- I swear, sometimes he smoked those things like he had a grudge against them -- and he cupped the elbow of his smoking arm in his opposite palm holding the cig at shoulder-height as he breathed out the smoke. He stood in the moonlight, slender and languid, hip canted to one side, probably entirely unaware that he was posing. The dim light hid what his long-sleeved, high-collared shirts couldn't hide, and he looked as perfect as he had in my dreams.

"It's amazing what you can do when you have nothing to lose."

And I knew what he meant -- that he didn't necessarily mean that in a good way. Yes, you could accomplish all kinds of adventurous things, like intrepid detective work and apologizing for things that normally you'd never even admit to. But you could get away with murder, too.

That was when I knew; when I looked into his watery blue eyes, I knew. He was ready to go.

I don't really need my soul, do I?

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:39:16 GMT

I signed on at autumnwrite, and anticipate participating in NaNo, too.

I have sold my soul to the gods of writing! Or would that be the Muses? The bunnies?

I'd like to blame this on cryatalusagi, but she asked me to dissuade her (though she knew I wouldn't) and I failed. At any rate, it's only four months long. I can take it. (That's what all the addicts say: "I can quit any time I want.")

Already I am working on a to-do list of things I have to write/finish. The Graveyard Fic will be first. Then, it's a free-for-all, though the month of November will be devoted to my NaNo project, whatever it is.

This is just a post to say: If I die, you know why.

Also, I read the newest Artemis Fowl book, and it is totally obvious to me why Artemis is so much more deserving of Midnight Book Release Parties than Bella Swan (the heroine from Twilight). I mean, how can you say no to a snarky, ten-year-old criminal mastermind? No self-respecting straight boy is going to be caught dead (bad pun, sorry) reading about some girl's vampire romance. But a time-traveling, amoral super-genius? Hell yes.

Fic: The Flaming Sword

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:07:44 GMT

Title: The Flaming Sword
Fandom: Good Omens
Notes: crystalusagi forced me to type this out. Blame her. ("or give her virtual cookies! =D" she says)

"I never thought I'd have to use this again," Aziraphale said as he carefully extricated his well-worn sword and scabbard from the depths of his overcrowded closet. It wasn't a flaming sword -- or rather, it wasn't a flaming sword just now, as that would have been exceedingly inconvenient, liable to set both the closet and surrounding building (and indeed everything in said building) on fire.

Crowley gave an undignified, strangled yelp at the sight of it. "You keep that thing in your closet? Are you completely insane?"

"Not entirely, no," Aziraphale answered tartly. "Really, Crowley, where else would I keep it? In a safe? A safe large enough to hold this," he caressed the hilt in a way that made Crowley flush, "would certainly attract more attention than the blade itself. And a safe deposit box at the bank -- Well! I don't use it more than once or twice a millenia; it'd be more trouble than it's worth to keep changing names and making sure that my girl is still safe."

"Couldn't you-" Crowley paused, "-just send it back to H- back home? You know, for safe-keeping sort of thing?"

Aziraphale stared at Crowley as though he were insane. More so than usual, anyway. Like he'd just suggested destroying an orphanage.

"Send her back?" he asked, utterly scandalized. "After the way Michael and Raphael looked at her?"

Crowley didn't know whether he should laugh or apologize (not that he would have apologized). "Calm down angel. You'd think it was your wife or something. I thought angels didn't get covetous or jealous or any of that other stuff."

"You wouldn't understand," Aziraphale huffed, "You've never had one."