An update on this entry for those I have not already told.

On 27 July 2009, Mike Silva (Yukanojo, Floor_, Solipse) shot and killed himself in an apparent suicide. I can find no news articles of this, but his sister and best friend have both confirmed this with me. The last time I spoke to him was the 6th of June, 2009 and is documented in that last entry. He last posted on the something awful forums on the 29th of June in a New Hampshire gun-meet thread. I don't know if he ever made it there. This chapter of my life ended a long time ago but this is the worst possible outcome.

I am so angry at him. It is several layers deep; that he chose this way out instead of seeking the help he obviously and desperately needed, that he ended up being so selfish. I can't and won't beat myself up over it though. He chose his own path. I hope, somehow, he finds the peace he never found in life. If you believe in any higher power, please keep him in your prayers. At the very least, his friends and family will need them. I have no other words.

EDIT: I'm making this entry public now at the request of his best friend and former roommate to tell his online friends what has happened. Please pass on the news to anyone who might have known him.

To get my creative juices flowing once again, Andrew ( wombat74 ) and I have started a webcomic about Bella. We've named it "La Bella Vita".

The home page for the comic can be found here.

You can also add the syndication to show up on your friends page on livejournal by going here. We only update it twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays at midnight AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) so there's no spam from us.

If you're on twitter, we've dedicated an account for "Bella" to tweet when the comic updates here.

I've completed about 15 strips so far, with 7 more scripted and queued and 5 live at the moment.

I'd love feedback or ideas!

As observed by a Gen X.

In 1929, the Stock Market suffered its biggest ever one day crash. This led to an extended period of economic and social deprivation known as, as I'm sure you're aware, the Great Depression. Children born during these years grew up frankly, without much. Not much to eat, not much to play with, not much to really call their own. When they had children, for quite often after coming back from World War II, they wanted to give their children the very best that they could. Everything that they didn't have growing up. Those children, the Baby Boomers, are for the most part, the parents of our beloved Generation Y.

Never having suffered extended periods of poverty as a generation, the Baby Boomers gave their children even more than they had growing up. Generation Y has been given everything, and they don't know how to cope when they're told "No." So what happens when an adult has never experienced the word "No" their entire life? What happens to those adults whose entire childhood has been reinforced that participation is reward enough? Generation Y is now in the workforce, at universities and now facing one of the largest recessions since the Great Depression... and they're throwing tantrums. They're not getting everything handed to them on a silver platter, they're not getting their immediate gratification, they're not getting their gold stars. They are being the spoiled rotten brats that their parents raised.

"Why shouldn't everyone get a gold star? That's the politically correct way!" Why not? I'll tell you why. There's no character building, no drive to better oneself, to aim higher from that low of not succeeding, from not getting that gold star. A gold star, or anything like it, should be a reward. It's a recognition of performance or effort above the norm. If everyone gets a gold star, then the gold star is the norm and it completely devalues the point of issuing gold stars to begin with.

Generation Y needs to stop whining. Life is a challenge. Not everything is going to be handed to you the way it was during your childhood. If life doesn't challenge you, you will become a lazy, driveless zombie – consumer and trend whores who throw tanties until you get your way. Wake up to the real world. You are not unique butterflies. You are just like everyone else on this planet until you strive to be better.

You cannot richly reward yourself for a job half-done. The job is not done. No cookies. No, you will not get your pony. Not yours.

The leading edge of Generation Y are now starting to have children, and they are keeping up with their stereotypical selfishness by being extremely selfish parents. They're demanding everything be catered to their needs. They NEED "parents with prams parking", first home-buyers grants, even though that's driving up the average price being sold by the Baby Boomers who didn't save up for their retirement to begin with!!

Disclaimer: This is not aimed at anyone in particular nor any of the Gen Y's on my list. After all, not all Gen Y-ers act like selfish children.

...is amazing.

I love this version.

I think everyone was surprised when the cake was sliced.

Originally published at annie's tea room. You can comment here or there.

I made these for Andrew to take in to work tomorrow (Friday) for Valentine’s Day.  They are very simple and incredibly tasty!

Here’s the recipe for the Brown Sugar Cookies:

125g unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or essence (I used imitation because it’s actually BETTER than real vanilla extract.)
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon golden syrup (or you can use honey or a thick maple syrup)
1¼ cups self-raising flour

Cream butter, vanilla, sugar and honey until light and creamy. Mix in flour and blend until doughy.  Very lightly flour a wooden rolling board and hand flatten the dough very carefully.  The dough is too delicate to roll with a pin.  Then cut out your shapes, place on a flat cookie sheet lined with baking paper and cook at 150ºC (or 130ºC Fan Forced which is what I did) for 30 minutes or until firm.  Remove and let cool.  Once cool, roll out your icing using sifted caster sugar as a flouring agent on your rolling board and cut using the same shapes you used for the cookies.  Brush some golden syrup (like a glue) onto the inner portion of the cookie, and place the icing on top and in the center.

That’s it!  So simple and tasty and perfect for people with egg allergies.

Originally published at tea makes everything that much better. You can comment here or there.

I made some pirate cupcakes in honour of “Talk like a Pirate Day!” last November.

Banana Nut Bread is next on the baking list.. as soon as it cools down a little bit.

Originally published at tea makes everything that much better. You can comment here or there.

( The Secret Names Meme )

Has anyone else noticed wonky things going on with lj? One of my entries is completely missing; the one with the lemon meringue recipe. It's very bizarre. I opened a support request and someone from lj got back to me finally basically saying "It appears you may have deleted it yourself.. somehow OR someone else did, but we can't tell who or anything else about it, tough cookies it's gone forever." (If anyone wants that recipe again, let me know and I'll put it back up.) I'm annoyed though.

I was thinking about going back to being a paid user (for some of the features) as I was for years and years, but not if things like this are happening. Has anyone else been having problems? I've been getting Internal Server Request Errors all night and randomly all week, plus people getting their icons replaced with images that are not their own. LiveJournal needs to get their act together.

In other news, I have no exciting news. Thrilling, isn't it!

Actually, something exciting to me, I've ordered some pretty return address labels for letters and packages. It's silly, but I've always wanted my own address labels.

Fashion from the 20's (not the flapper girl, but the nicer clothes) should come back. Frills, lace, skirts, beads, old fashioned sailor collars, the beautiful hair and red lipstick and matching nailpolish.

My parents were here last week for a visit and it was absolutely wonderful having them here. My dad said that he's so proud of me because I keep this place so clean and running smoothly (with Andrew's help.) They brought us a ton of food that we simply can't get here or import easily. 4 boxes of hostess products, 4 cans of Cheese Whiz and a 30 pack of giant california tortillas. *_* Thinking about that.. nothing says American food than hostess products, tortillas and cheese in a can.

I really wish they could have stayed longer. I told them I would love for them to move out here, because they already love it.

We rearranged the bedroom and treated ourselves to some frilly, pretty bed linens and a new accent pillow. I love showcase bedrooms, someday I will have my dream bedroom and bathroom, but it's close for now!

Bonus kitty feet:


We've both got a nasty cold right now, though it is kinda neat blowing your nose to the Australian national sports colors!

Andrew may have a rant on the judging for the Olympics this year. Something is as wonky as the voting for Eurovision.

And... I'm in the mood for some 80's music. Youtube-link/embed your favorite 80's videos plz.

Remember that papier-mâché mask I was working on? I've done more work on it.



I added gold leaf to the border, coated the entire mask with a satin finish and finally, weaved some gold thread and applied it to the border. I don't know if I'm done with it now, or if I want to do more. I need to find some black ribbon for the tie.

Other news, I am officially now an Australian Resident! I am very excited about this, it means I can start looking for work here. I'm also stressing over that fact - my eye is micro-twitching again. It's a new country, new set of work laws and rules and I don't know what employers are like or what I should be looking for as far as employee packages or super-annuation or if I'll even be hired in my desired field!

We're heading for Tasmania at the end of next week to spend some time with Andrew's mum. We are putting Bella up in her vet's cattery. I am sure she'll be ok, but I will still worry.

I need to work on laundry and do the damn dishes. Since I strained my back last weekend, (carrying too many groceries at once up to the third floor) it's been piling up. I have been on a constant supply of NSAIDS / Nurofen Plus with lots of bed rest, but the more rest I seem to get, the worse my back feels when I first get up, so I'm trying to keep busy. Sometimes I wish the laundry and dishes would do themselves. It never ends!

Starting from the most recent, backwards - Andrew took some extra time off over the long holiday this last weekend, it's been great having him home. We went to dinner tonight at Presse. They have the most delicious chicken, spinach, mushroom and cream gnocchi with a white cabernet sauvignon.

We went shopping yesterday and when we came back to our flat, our front door was wide open. That really freaked us out. There is a security door at the bottom of the stairwell, but sometimes neighbors leave it open. We were gone for several hours, so we got up and there was a definite "oh fuck" moment. Andrew was awesome and told me to "wait there" but when I saw the door, my heart almost leapt out of my chest from beating so fast. Nothing was stolen as far as we can tell, and Bella was sound asleep on the bed, so two major "phew's" there. The only thing we can guess was that we may not have closed the door properly and it swung open with the wind. I have noticed that sometimes when closing the door, we have to push on it until we hear the latch go in - we simply may not have done it properly this time. It's a damn good thing there's a security door at the bottom and that we live on the third floor.

This weekend was a long holiday as stated above - and I baked a chocolate cake in honor of the Queen's Birthday (observed!) It was tasty. It had chrome colored sprinkles.

gizmometer, I got your package, thank you so much - so cute! I read your letter and am replying to you in a letter as well so please keep an eye out for it? Actually, I need your new address!

I got my hair cut. I had gotten it down to the small of my back once again, but that told me it was time for a change. It was heavily damaged and breaking and was simply limp, lifeless and flat and looked terrible. I now have a cute, short cut - a "long bob" If you're on my facebook friends list, you can see it there if you haven't already.

We were finally able to get my medical and x-ray out of the way for immigration, and the australian federal police check. Just waiting for them to come back and then those are the last two pieces of the puzzle. It's been a long road and we had to budget for the medical - prepaid when booking the appointment for just under $300 which is why it took us so long to get it done.

Wii Fit is really, really fun.

Bella says:

VROPP;;;;;

This is a really effective website: http://imvotingrepublican.com

I'm drawing again. I haven't drawn anything significant since 2005.

I'm doing her in paperdoll style.

Some of you may recognize who this is by her features and characteristics.



I'm still working on the skin, jeans and shirt design. The ink on her arm is temporary and probably not the final. I need to design a tattoo for her neck, arm, back and body. I'm not sure where to go from here. Most of it won't be seen when she's fully clothed, but that's just part of the paper doll effect.

Anyone good at designing tattoos? I'm also not sure where to go with the background, perhaps a night time city scape. I may go into the city this weekend and take some reference photos.

Meme stolen from gygaxis

( Meme )

Made more cupcakes this month for Andrew's work. I need to do something better next month. Not sure what, something custard or cream filled maybe.. but also cute. :3







Edit: Fuck, my mom just told me my uncle has passed away.

How cute is this!! ; ^ ;







--

I was thinking something earlier, since NKOTB has released news of their upcoming reunion tour... only 10 more years until 'N Sync does one!!

I just received the most hilarious email from one of my best friends since 2nd grade on facebook.

--

"Raquel sent you a message.

--------------------
Subject: ANSWER ME!

ANNE! I am about to faint! You have to come home the minute this event happens. You and I have to be the first ones in line at the first concert, in the first row.

http://music.msn.com/music/blockwatch?GT1=7702

I think I just peed a little!"

--


She's talking about The New Kids on the Block Reunion Tour, haha. It's so tempting to go. After all, I dragged her to 'N Sync back in 1999 :V



Please, don't go giiiiiirrrrllll o/~

I made some cupcakes for Andrew’s once a month Thursday Morning Tea event that is in the morning. This week, I made themed cupcakes. It’s the first time I’ve used rolled icing and it’s really neat.

Next time I think I will spend more time with making the shapes neater, but we didn’t remember until it was after 9PM.

I think they came out pretty darn well!

I ran out of ideas about halfway through. The fondant is pretty flavorful the way icing should be. I had avoided it in the past due to people saying it was a bit floury or cakey.

This is me trying to makeup for baking cookies that melted last week. (I used margarine instead of butter, oops.)

Originally published at tea makes everything that much better. You can comment here or there.

Tagged by stormry

( 20 questions meme )

Tagging: Anyone who reads this and wants to do it.

--

The people in the next apartment complex (their balconies face our windows) were having a party until 4:30am last night. Drunk, loud, rowdy people. Poor Andrew didn't get enough sleep. This irks me.

I used to love ceramics and I think I've discovered something just as fun. Back in high school I made a little black piggy jar that was on display until the end of the year. At the end of the year, when I went to collect it and it was missing. I was told it was being held in the Principals' office. It mysteriously wound up on her desk and filled with paper clips. I got it back in the end though!

I'm now creating and sculpting again and had forgotten just how much fun it was, and how rusty I am.

Wombat bought me some sculptamold and I'm making a mask. Ever since seeing that Stone Temple Pilots video, Interstate Love Song in high school ( http://youtube.com/watch?v=eGVobPA6b4Q ) I've been obsessed with those Italian/Venetian masks with the long noses.

I found some really nice ones online that I am modelling mine after.

First attempt, armature building.





See what I've done wrong yet?



I didn't realize until I had completed it, that while worn, the nose would hang straight down. D'oh! I tried to correct the mistake but it cracked right off. I then attempted to build off, but realized it'd be quicker and more stable in the end if I just started over. I took all the clay/plaster stuff off and rebuilt it thicker, stronger, better. :V





The next step, after it dries for a day or so, is to sandpaper it to make it smooth and even, prime it and then paint. I plan on using some cream/black and white acrylics and gold leaf, and then a lacquer. I'll drill holes in the sides and add some black ribbon to tie it.

I'm making this for something wombat and I are participating in next month. Now to just find him a gas mask.

Edit: Bella thread on SA in Pet Island http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=2773001

Bella is, well... Bella. She has a few quirks that are painful and hilarious. She's still clawing me between 4 and 7 in the morning. I'm not sure what she wants all the time, but it's either food or room on the bed. For a while, I thought she was just clawing THAT side of the bed, until Andrew and I switched sides, and she started coming around to MY side and continued to claw at the bed with me in it.

That aside, she can be very sweet. She demands a morning nap with me, by coming into the office and meowing, then going back to the bedroom and waiting. If I don't go, then she repeats this (sometimes with desk hopping and keyboard walking) until I acquiesce. While she's napping, she'll find the spot on the bed warmed by sun rays. When the sun has moved and is no longer shining through the window, she'll move closer to me and slowly push me over until she has the spot I've just warmed.

A video...



( and some pics )

I am revisiting this old entry: http://annes.livejournal.com/174562.html

If anyone can name the title to all of the following film photos, I'll mail them a gift. Comments will be screened. First person to name them all will receive some goodies from Australia. :V This is open to everyone.


( Movie Images )

Edit: I switched hosting for the pics, so they should be showing up now.

Edit 2: I'm opening this up to the forums, so hurry and make your guesses.