Moving!

Last week Justin and I did a little test run of living together. I'm very happy to say that it went really well, and I'll be moving in with him in a couple of months. It was a really nice week. I got to cook (nothing fancy, but it was tasty!) and I set up a little sewing area (and found out that I can actually work on art projects while my cute boyfriend is in the room.) I love that the apartment is in Ghent (the "hip/artsy" neighborhood in Norfolk.) We're only a couple of blocks away from...well, everything. Great food, an awesome old movie theater (and their video store,) and lots of shops...basically everything I need (except for a fabric store...but I have to drive there anyway, so it's not a problem.)

Now comes the hard part...packing up my stuff and figuring out what I don't need to bring with me. I'm living at my parent's house now, and I have a room full of STUFF. The apartment is small (and only has one closet!) so I really need to let go of a lot. I've already started sorting through my clothes, and have a bunch of stuff to send to the thrift store. There's a bunch of junk in my closet but it should be easy to get rid of, since it really is junk.

Going through my art and craft supplies is next. That might be the hardest to get rid of. I'm kind of an art supply pack rat. I've been an artist/crafter my whole life, and I tend to hang on to supplies (even if I don't have a project in mind.) My fabric stash is a bit out of hand, and I have boxes full of collage papers...ugh! I can't get rid of it...what if I need it? ;)

I'm really excited!

Things to come

I've been a bad blogger lately. I've been really busy with commission work and some personal projects and I haven't been posting as much as I'd like.

I'll be reopening my plush commissions the first week in May. I'll post a link to my updated info on May 1 (including some new rules, and updated prices.)

I'm also working on some new plushes and dolls for my Etsy shop, and I'll be posting those throughout May.

After that, I'm going to be working on some new creations for FantaSci, a local scifi convention. I'll be sharing a table with Justin, who will be selling his new pulp novel, The Red Knight.

After that...well, I'm not sure just yet. I'll keep you all updated.

...
On a personal note, Justin and I have been talking about moving in together. It's kind of a scary, grown-up thing for me. I've never lived with anyone before (other than my parents.) We're going to do a trial run next week...just to make sure we can stand seeing each other every day :)

I may blog about it all week. Or at least tweet.

I'm melting...

There's currently a small heatwave here in Virginia. I don't like the heat. I feel like I can't do anything when it gets over 80 degrees. The official temperature today was 90, but I know it got up to 100 in Chesapeake (the official reading comes from the airport in Norfolk) I just don't think my body can handle the heat anymore. What's worse, I still live at home and my mom hates to turn on the air conditioner. Even when it's this hot, she just won't do it.

I want to live somewhere where it doesn't get so hot this soon in the spring. Maybe somewhere further North. Portland, Oregon sounds nice...or Seatle. Maybe Pittsburgh, my stepdad's mom lives there and she loves it.

I'm really tired of living here, but this is the only place I've ever lived. I wouldn't know where to go, really. Any suggestions? Somewhere that isn't too hot and humid in the summer, and is fairly cheap (for a starving artist) Maybe with a good art scene?

Happy Birthday to

ME!!!
Yup, I turn 27 today. It's a beautiful day, and tonight I'm having Chinese food and chocolate cake with Justin and my family.

I share my birthday with some nifty people...
Christopher Walken, Al Gore, Samantha Brown (Queen of the Travel Channel) and Liz Claiborne
Also, the Eiffel Tower was opened and the zipper was patented today in history. Neat!