Tuesday, June 30

And It Opens!!

!!!!!!!!
I'm currently at internship, typing up a new cover letter. I start sales tomorrow, meaning today I need to make 50 copies of said cover letter, and then put together a whole mess of sample packages to send to various organizations and schools in the area over the next month and a half.
If all goes well, I have a new Canon.
If all goes so-so, I have a new point and shoot.
If all goes badly, I'm scanning B&H for my body-selling price ranges once again.

Saturday, June 27

I'm Ready So Don't Stop



HannerMuffin found me a vintage hat box. Via text I asked her haggle it down from $8 to $4 - huge win. I'm steadily building my prop list for my senior gallery project.
My peepshow boxes are built and all that's left to do is drill the peephole itself and then varnish them.
I'm very excited to get shooting, and bummed it hasn't started yet.

In other news, I have got to get out of here. I'm miserable 95% of the time.

Friday, June 26

Not Working

No intern today (I love Fridays), and surprisingly no Sears either. I was supposed to work 430-close but there is only one appointment at 6, so I've been told to not bother coming in.

This all means more time to clean up this house. My kitchen is embarrassingly gross, so I'm having at it.
2 loads of laundry down, one to go.
Dishes done, need to get put away.
Shoes have got to get picked up & the table needs to be utilized as a place to eat again ha

I'm boring.

Tuesday, June 23

Stand and Deliver

Last night's show was fantastic. The opener, as best as I can describe her, was the lovechild of Gwen Stefani and Little Richard, with Kanye as the god father, and Michael Jackson as the mentor. Couldn't understand a damn thing she was singing, but when I caught some words over the way too loud instrumentals, she had a Gwen-ish voice. Her pompadour was intense too.

Then Paramore. I went for Paramore more specifically than No Doubt, but I'm not nearly as fanatical as the 13 year old fan club Kyle and I had the honor of sitting behind. They had no interest whatesoever in No Doubt; I've been a ND fan since Sunday Morning came out. I couldn't believe their lack of respect for a band that can only be described as the flat out reason Paramore ever had a shot at becoming a well known and respected band. Face it, without No Doubt, with a funky-haired punky 'one of the boys' frontman girl with a band full of boys that isn't just a back up band to a solo singer, there'd be no Paramore.
And to pay credit where it's due, without Blondie there'd be no No Doubt <3debbie<3

For the first time ever, I was the "old fan" at a concert. Aside from the cougars and their saggy cleavage, I was surrounded by teeny boppers. I didn't realize I grew up, but my tastes in music never really did. I also couldn't believe that most of them weren't even born before No Doubt released their first single. Ouch.
No Doubt was fantastic. The set flew by, I couldn't even comprehend that nearly an hour and a half had passed when they left the stage. The stage had white coverall rolled over it and everything looked so seamless and squeaky and mod. They ran old home videos over the backdrop during Running, which even had Adrian Young (drummer, for those of you not up on your ND info) tearing up and shedding a tear (and needless to say, they didn't do any video closeups of him after that during the song). Solid show, I loved it.

3 encore songs later, No Doubt did a cover of Adam Ant's Stand and Deliver, and they brought Paramore onstage to have Hayley sing with them, which of course made my night. There are youtube videos online from other stops on the tour, but the sound quality is pretty awful on all of them (I did the leg work for you). You do get a good sense from the videos of the stage and outfits though.

I just whole heartedly appreciate concerts without singing tracks and good honest true vocals then and there. Everyone last night upheld my expectations.


---- oh in other news, I did data entry for intern this morning and at 3 I'm going on a softball shoot.
That is all for now.

Monday, June 22

Tell me why we live like this

I haven't been to internship since Thursday, so there's no news there. I didn't go today because he went golfing. It was a convenient day off since in about an hour I'll be hitting the highway with Kyle to see Paramore open for No Doubt. I think I'm more excited about seeing Paramore live than I am about No Doubt getting back together and actually seeing them - I've always loved opening acts; that's gotta be a tough job to do well.I have not been ok lately. I am in spurts, but I haven't been good on my own for the majority of this summer. I want to be happier about tonight but I have a feeling it's completely out of my control. I've been looking forward to this concert for months, and now...

Friday, June 19

Good Food

Not much to chit chat about. Sears has been increasingly less stressful since my revelation. I got to sleep in today since I have Fridays off from interning, so that was ridiculously refreshing. There has been little change in the regular rotation of work at internship - I apparently made a lot of mistakes on the last VCC league I did, which I feel bad about but can't understand; I didn't do anything different, but I guess I made the individuals too dark. Augh, still learning, I'll get it consistantly soon enough.

I cooked dinner for myself the other night. I made my own tomato basil and mushroom sauce; someone be proud of me. I'm finally learning how to cook!My friends and I went to the sushi restaurant Sake Tumi last night. I've never had sushi before, at least not real, good sushi. Yunhee made me try some she hand made once, and I was disgusted, so needless to say I was nervous about this adventure.Oh man. We got soy beans as an appetizer, which I didn't expect to love quite as much as I did. I got a Philadelphia Roll (crab, cream cheese, avocado, and something I can't pronounce rolled in sticky rice) and it was delicious. I couldn't have been happier with my first sushi choice. I tried a little bit of just about everyone elses' but mine was perfect.I can't wait to go back, the serving size was perfect and I felt good after eating it, like genuine energy and not just a sugar burst. If I could afford it, I'd make healthier decisions like this more often. Well made fresh stuff is defintely high on my list of favorite foods, but I don't usually get it unless my dad makes it. I'm dreading paying $3000 for Caz cafe food in the fall. I don't have that kind of money to just spend on food I don't want to eat in the first place.

Wednesday, June 17

For those of you keeping score at home

This is mostly for Anita--

Thusfar this summer I have interned for a combined total of 77 hours. I have finally gotten the hang of the Verify Crop and Correct functions, and I'm catching us up on a ton of data entry.
This hasn't been the soft of stuff I was planning on working on this summer, but I know I'll be doing more of the sales end and major billing of things during July, when the busy season of playing catch up and "hurry up and wait" is over with. Work will stop flowing in, and we'll be doing the side projects and business end of the work then. I'm looking forward to it.

This afternoon, should the rain hold off, I'm picking up the lumber for my senior project so I can start working on the peep-show boxes. I'm hoping it doesn't drain my account, but I have my doubts.

In other news, today I learned that goldfish don't mate in captivity.

Tuesday, June 16

I have nothing better to update about

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

These babies are what I've spent my money on this summer. I'm saving real cash for a camera, but in the meantime I'll take cheap shoes that I'm hardcore in love with. They've inspired me to update my wardrobe completely. I'm feeling ... creativer (oh yeah, my word now), when I actually take the time to get dressed. Between intern early with no dress code, and the black white and khaki I wear to Sears, my dressy-time is feeling much better.

Worked internship today, the typical VCC and UPS run. I was told today that the league I did this morning was my best yet, that my group shots matched my individuals, and the colors were corrected properly. Now that I know what I'm doing visually, I just need to speed it up a bit. Definitely a good feeling.

Monday, June 15

So what did you do today?

Oh nothing much, just spray painted a metal flamingo during internship:

Yeah.
Worked internship VCC (the usual), did bank and post office errands, and then painted a flamingo bright bright pink. My hands are not happy with being tyedied neon pink right now... not to mention I have to work Sears at 5. The kiddies are gonna love me.

In other news, I laughed my ass off at this the other day:
dbag alert.

Sunday, June 14

No News

I worked two open to close shifts in a row with Ashley two days in a row. To put this in perspective, I was only scheduled to work 530-7 on Friday, and 10-2 on Saturday. Both days there were supposed to be three people on throughout the day. Ha.

Today is my 5 year anniversary with Kyle. We are doing nothing in particular. My life is boring as hell.

Thursday, June 11

Oh and one more thing

For the sake of consistency: yesterday I worked in the afternoon (after my vintage fun) from 1-4, then we had a shoot in Bainbridge (little league). Almost as soon as we started shooting, the camera battery died. Not thinking twice, we went to the camera bag, only to find we left the two other batteries on the charger... 45 minutes the other direction at work. There was only one back up battery, and it hadn't been charged in probably a year because we didn't think it held a charge well. That one battery saved our asses. If it hadn't worked, we would have had to reschedule the whole thing. Thankfully, the last two tball teams didn't show up and we got done and booked before anyone could ask us to take more pictures.

Turns out the battery charger is completely shot, so we had to make a special stop to get a new one.

Also yesterday, Sears decided to call me last minute to cover a shift. I had a huge Office Space moment: no, I am not actually required to be there on their beck and call. As soon as I realized that I am totally allowed to have a life (oh and school-related priorites right now) outside of Sears, a huge weight lifted and I feel so much better about working there. I don't have to change my schedules, if they change them without warning, I don't have to be there at the drop of a hat. I had to be at the shoot last night because I made a commitment since I was't originally scheduled at Sears. I told them I'd never ditch a shift as long as I had it in the first place, and if I'm not doing anything, obviously I'd be willing to take on some extra hours.

This last minute stuff has got to stop, I did not sign up for it, and I refuse to play by those rules.

Old Odd and Unique

... is my new favorite vintage and antique store in all of Binghamton. I have yet to find one that I feel so invited into, and that I could get lost in for hours on end. There was stuff in every nook, there were even swords when you walk in the door! There were antique guns and old photo albums and oh my gosh an entire wardrobe of Brownie cameras and old chemicals (think: traveling dark rooms with intense "dangerous: do not inhale" chemicals and mercury) and other awesome stuff I couldn't get enough of. There was a piece of a gun that would make the most amazing paperweight / conversation piece that I want real bad. I also fell in in love with an old medical kit with the original bandaids and the like in it - it just smelled terrific!

But, what I really did splurge on (and by splurge, I mean haggled from $20 to $17) was the best vintage find I've found in probably years (not since my vintage black fancy-outting purse):It still works too! I cannot wait to shoot some pin up shots with this little baby. I couldn't be happier, and I certainly know where I'm doing the majority of my prop-shopping for the fall now.

If you're ever in Binghamton, check out Old, Odd, and Unique. (ps, their website advocates First Friday and the other little quirks of Bing that I adore - go figure! it was meant to be.)

Tuesday, June 9

Baby B!





Just need to state: they are small and low-res for a reason & completely copyrighted as a product of Shanna McKay Photography, so do not attempt to steal them. Thank you.

In other news, I'm more stressed, grouchy, and overwhelmed than I've been all summer for a multitude of reasons, one of which is thankfully not my internship. Past that, I'm quick to snap and a little sad almost all the time these days. Seeing Hannah on Sunday was a fantastic break from the norm but it ended altogether too soon. I can't stay in this town for any extended amount of time.

I'm thinking California...

Monday, June 8

Printer Interpretation

Today I learned how to change the printer ink and paper. It was ridiculously exciting.
The ink is heat sensitive and basically gets melted into the photo paper and then clearly covers it all in a photo-version of laminate. It's definitely more science than I particularly want to learn the details of. I like to think these sort of things are magic, and I don't like to question them.

The shoot went smoothly this afternoon, the weather wasn't bad but the lighting in the carousel was awful. I didn't get a single good shot on the horsies unfortunately because they were adorable; he was loving every second of it. Got some adorable shots though, I'll post them when I'm on my own computer -- I'm currently at the Station waiting for the Monday Meeting to start. Since I'm an official member (who just doesn't do anything involving the actual fire fighting...) I have to make it to 6 meetings a year (out of 12). Might as well get them out of the way.

Usually I don't mind being at the station on a Monday because I take pictures of the trainings... but meeting nights, honestly, I'd rather bang my head against the wall.

Sunday, June 7

Baby Booking!!

Weeee I booked photo session for tomorrow! I'll be shooting my hair stylist's little boy who is probably about 18 months now. I shot his 6-month pictures and then was at school for the year photos and couldn't take those. We have an arrangment that I shoot her son with a couple of prints and a cd, and she does my hair for free. Considering the cost of a professional cut and color, and the lack of disposable income I have these days for such a luxury, I'm quite excited with this deal.

Here are some of the 6 month photos to show you the cutie I'm working with:
I can't wait, the weather is supposed to be lovely and I want to take him to a carousel (since Binghamton is the Carousel Capital of America [I can't make thist stuff up.]) -- I think it would make an adorable backdrop.
(note the wetness, clearly from rain or flood.. both of which are regular occurances)

Saturday, June 6

First Friday


First Friday is one of the best events Binghamton ever puts on properly. It is when all of the artist galleries and studios of downtown open their doors for free shows (think Syracuse's Third Thursday). Binghamton honestly doesn't have much going for it the rest of the days of the month, but First Friday makes me feel good about being an artist here. Downtown renamed State Street "Artist's Row" because there are 6 galleries, work spaces, and one antique and arts shop side by side. It is also where the major gay bar of Bing (Merlins) is, so the whole road just feels quirky and open minded.

My favorite gallery is Orazio Salati's - he always has incredible paintings and mixed media shown in his two-part gallery, as well as his own work, which is usually full of color and motion.

Another amazing gallery, more for the preservation of history, is Anthony Brunelli. He does some of the most fantastic perspective paintings of Binghamton, both from photos of the past, and from current events. He makes this little city look like somewhere someone would actually like to live and experience. His paintings are featured both in his gallery and in Park Diner, located in Conklin (across the river looking into Binghamton) and they are rather proud of them.

If I have to stay in Bing more than 3 years post graduation, I'm getting studio space on Artist's Row to call my own. And I'll have wine and a popcorn machine at my First Friday openings.

Thursday, June 4

No Mess



Today was a no fuss sort of day. It was gorgeous out and we both wanted to leave - he wanted to fish, I wanted to buy shoes. To each his own.


I look a little like Elsie today, something I know Caroline and GracieLou will probably be the only ones to appreciate.


And these are the fantastical booties I got today (for $10!!) - I haven't figured out what to wear with them yet other than this outfit (which, to be honest, I'm not sure even matches at all quite yet). Suggestions?

Clearly I'm a little bored this afternoon.

Wednesday, June 3

Shipping and Receiving Coordinator

Each day I do the verify crop and correct I find myself getting a little bit better at some aspect of it. I got the density right on nearly all of the prints I worked on yesterday, so that's a solid plus. I'm still a little too slow, but at least I'm getting better at being slow rather than slow and still suck.

Today's title was Shipping and Receiving Coordinator. I got to do the mail.

Sears did not call today, and for that I'm incredibly grateful; I need today to sort of tie up all of my loose afternoon ends that I've been procrastinating on because I just assumed I'd have so much free time this summer.

Tuesday, June 2

Sears is Serious

I really wonder sometimes why I went back. I love the job, I do, I love my coworkers I love the happy kids I love making people happy with great pictures and good deals. I do. But... then there are days when no one cooperates, when the kids cry with no end in sight, when people buy deals that actually suck and won't allow me to convince them otherwise, and when scheduling conflicts make me want to kill everyone and or just walk away from the whole thing before I get sucked back in.

I would really love to love my job every day... I can't wait for that day. I really want that happiness in life, comparable to very few other things I could hope to achieve.

In other news, I think color correcting went much better today. I did a league of 160 in 3 hours, then did a few errand drop-offs and a post office run. This was all promptly followed by a call from my boss telling me I was being rehired as we spoke, and if I could come in to work that afternoon at 3. After a rough first day back, I had a lovely dinner at PS Restaurant with my parents, and worked on photos the rest of the night on the couch with my boy.

I really hope I don't have to work tomorrow night; I have (house)work I need to catch up on knowing I won't have afternoons free anymore...

Monday, June 1

Today was not a good day

Today I caused more work than I helped with I think. Literally every moment of my day thusfar has been a complete and totally "augh... really??" moment. I cannot color correct still, my data entry had a few off points, and I nearly crashed an entire file. Thankfully all was corrected by the time I left, but still, if I could just get this color correcting down the first time, no one would have to follow through and double check all my work, basically doing the work a second time because I couldn't get it right the first time.

Just an off day at the office I suppose.

After that, I attempted to get the final majorly broken piece of my car repaired. I was told I would be called when it was done, give or take an hour. Two and a half hours later with no phone call, I just went back and checked it out myself. The "customer service attendant" was a dbag, but at least apologetic for never calling me. I paid and tried to leave only to find my car trapped between a brick wall and a Penske moving truck. After finally moving the truck, I tried to leave a second time, making it not even a quarter mile down the road before realizing my car was making its own right hand turns without my consent. I U-turned back, and when I walked in again I was met with an "oh no, what's missing?" I told him my car was pulling drastically to the right, and he smacked his forehead and said "ohmygoshright, I knew there was a reason I meant to call you, and why you didn't get a timely phone call... you need an alignment, and we didn't want to do it without your consent." Keep in mind, please, that I had the exact same part replaced at the exact same Firestone in March but on the right rear of my car (today we fixed the left) and I did not need an alignment in March. The alignment was going to cost me the better part of $85, but beacuse it was his own fault that I didn't get it the first time (and nearly ran into a guardrail and a stopsign before getting back there) he gave me a discount. I couldn't understand why I needed an alignment this time, and why I had to pay for it when they clearly did it to my car - apparently the part I needed is standardized by the manufacturer, and there is a 50/50 chance that I would have needed an alignment the first time too, I just managed to only need the one this time. Awesome. After waiting another 45 minutes, I was informed that my car has an immoble part within the steering column, and my alignment would always pull just a little to the right (I was already well aware of that slight pull and it's never bothered me, yet always bothered Kyle when he drove my car) -- the only way to fix that and have a totally aligned car would be to replace the entire steering column system. No thank you. just over $200 lighter, my car is officially running just peachy for being 18 years old.

In other news, the Now Hiring is still a joke, but I was just offered my old job back at Sears, which, after dropping that much on my car, I am graciously accepting. I will now be interning mornings and weekends and working week nights. I need the cash, so I can't complain.

In other other news, Kyle is almost completely moved into the apartment. I promise a massive post of before and after pictures as soon as I get another free chance - right now I have to run to the firehouse to do my firefighting duty of photographing training night.