Mixed Bertie Botts bag sort of day

Looks like dA is getting into the Halloween spirit!
Unsuspecting, you browse the gallery page, but then
everything is shaken up and a deviation is replaced with
a ghost! Interesting scripting.  I would have been more
surprised, but... I kind of got distracted when the
shaking up thing happened...  xD

★★★★★★★★★★★★★CRAFT  STUFF ★★★★★★★

Despite not being in the best emotional or physical state today (having scary dreams/minor tiff with a good friend/stomach upset/sore eyes/bad headache at the moment, respectively), it was still a pretty productive day.  Today was the first day that I got to work at my new craft table, so I worked on things all day:

• A fleur de lis pendant keychain for my sister's upcoming 21st birthday next week, 
• A couple of cell phone strap keychains for my friend Mitsuki (going to have her choose which one she likes best), 
• A few necklaces and a keychain to possibly sell
• Finally started to glaze my chibi Hong Kong figurine that I haven't touched in a long time

  

Normally, I'd have more photos to show, but they're currently being recovered, which brings me to my next section...

★★★★★★★★★★★★★TECH  STUFF ★★★★★★★

PROGRAM:  PC INSPECTOR SMART RECOVERY

After a long day of working at my new craft table and taking photos AWESOME Halloween-ish moon, I went to lie in bed to look over all the photos before uploading them.  Cue:  series of unfortunate mishaps.  Next thing I know, half my photos from today are gone.  With a bad headache, I trudge online to look for information on how to recover accidentally deleted photos from memory cards.  The first two "free" programs that I found were trials where you could scan and recover the deleted files from your camera/card/disk, but would need to pay around $30-40 to actually save them.  

Simple line drawing, but so relateable   

A while later, I found a photography blog post that led me to cnet's (talk about a sight for literally sore eyes!) download page for PC Inspector Smart Recovery, "a data-recovery program for Flash Card, Smart Media, Sony Memory Stick, IBM Micro Drive, Multimedia Card, and Secure Digital Card. The software will bring back deleted pictures from any digital camera media."  HALLELUJAH~!

...but of course, I knew better than to celebrate just then.  With bated breath, I downloaded it, installed it, and oh?  fjdsjfglsjgsgajal.  " 'Run-time error 339 Component 'gif89.dll' or one of it's dependencies not correctly registered. File is missing or invalid' "  I then tried to re-download it, repair, uninstall, then re-install it... No dice.  Ready to give up, I decided to comb through the rating comments for answers.... BINGO!  

According to user johnplum, this error message appears... until you right click it and run as an administrator. Voila.  I'm currently in the process of recovering the files.  It's taking a while, but hey, it's working! (ok, so maybe I'm wishing that it wouldn't recover ALL of the files, but beggars can't be choosers... or choosy, for that matter.  So I'll take the slow process time in stride)  And now I know how to recover deleted files!  (Knowledge is power, right?)  So while the rest of the files are being recovered...

★★★★★★★★★★★★★GAMING  STUFF ★★★★★★★

SAMURAI WARRIORS: CHRONICLES

pwning feudal Japan from the comfort of my bed

Last night, I finally got to play one of the games that my friend was so kind as to include with the sale of his 3DS, Samurai Warriors: Chronicles.  Even with the 3D settings turned off on the top screen, I was happy to see that the graphics and gameplay were actually quite decent.  I haven't gotten past the 4th or so battle, so I still have to get used to having to be more strategic about alternating between several different characters to complete timed missions, but I'm pleased with the ability to merge weapons to improve their stats.  

-------------------------------------------

ANIMAL CROSSING: WIDE WORLD

It was a clear and starry sky.  Nookington and the Able Sister's shops were long closed, so I decided to get my brain into a more relaxed and sleepy (and non-Musou-ing) mode by simply walking around, listening to my favorite late night/early morning music while watering dying flowers, and.... ASDFGHJKL, a shooting star while I'm holding my watering can.  Ah, oh well.  After un-equipping it and waiting for a long time, nothing.  After giving up and going to water flowers again.... YEP.  JLDSAjjfjdlfjadlsaaljdjada.  

SO after that, I decided to just wait as long as it took for another shooting star, and just stood there by the ocean for a while, just gazing at the sky and listening to the music and the gentle lull of the waves...  and today, I got a letter from Wishy!  <3  Thanks for the blue dresser!  (can I have an exotic table next time, though...?)  

I snack on charcoal.

Open house across the street tomorrow...  *hint hint*  ;P

★★★★★★★★★★★★★SNACK  STUFF ★★★★★★★

I snack on [bamboo]charcoal [nuts].

And it's pretty good tasting, too.  (well, all things considering)

"Bamboo charcoal is extraordinary micro-structure produce. It has many pores, making it excellent for absorption. It can absorb and decompose fat, nitride, and other harmful substances. This product, using Maozhu bamboo charcoal and Macadamia Nut, has been approved by Industrial Technology Research Institute for food inspection."  

Who doesn't love Pocky?  Kids even love the taste of the box.
(Photo courtesy of my friend, Belle)

★★★★★★★★★★★★★CRAFT  STUFF ★★★★★★★


Today was the 29th, you know what that means!  Yep, I got to de-mold my resin casts!  Much to my relief, the mixing was done properly, so everything set! All that's left is to add some finishing touches, and I'll be able to make a nice sakura-themed (or colored) cell phone strap for Mitsuki's commission~!

After de-molding, I carefully clean off excess resin with my
diamond file

Not intended for the keychain, but I liked
how it turned out

Adding the finishing touches

BIG NEWS~!  My mom cleaned out a huge
part of my dad's mess to set up a crafting
table just for me!!!  <3  <3 <3

★★★★★★★★★★★★★TECH  STUFF ★★★★★★★

SKYPE

So.  Two mysterious things happened today, both involving Skype.  

1.)  Even though I didn't realize this until AFTER I was talking with my friend for a bit, he had actually requested me on Facebook messaging (I wasn't really on) to go on Skype at 5:01 PM (my time), but I logged in almost immediately after that, even though I rarely log in during the daytime. 

2.)  Aforementioned friend was creeped out because he was reading true urban myths and wanted company, but had to settle for video calling.  He felt a little better... until I we both noticed a mysterious ticking that sounded reminiscent of water/liquid dripping that would seem to grow closer and louder for a while before fading away and disappearing for a random interval of time. 

At first, I thought that it was a clock on HIS side, but then he asked me about the noise and we both freaked out because it was coming from neither of our sides, even though to each, the noise was coming from the other's side.  O_O  I must say, even though it was most likely something Skype-related... that was pretty creepy.  

Don't kill me, and no, this isn't revenge
for taking all those snapshots of me.
I just think that it's a cool shot.  c:

In less creepy news:

After months of wanting to do a video chat, me and Belle finally had a fun night talking.  And PingChatting.  On Skype.  Haha.  She sent me a picture of one of the most ...interesting... (not to mention ultra-sparkly) Halloween costumes.  

Skyping on our computers and PingChatting on our iTouches.
Cause we're just talented like that.

"I'm going as a SEA MONKEY for Halloween this year."
OHHHHH YEAAAAAH.

Being a dork is expensive

"Spatula?"  ... -thinks-  You don't mean "measuring spoons," right?...  
#justchecking

★★★★★★★★★★★★★PURCHASED  STUFF ★★★★★★★
Thanks to my friend Kamadashi, my goal of getting a 3DS was finally realized!  :,D  He sold me his like-new case, black 3DS, Samurai Warriors: Chronicles, and Pokemon White for $100.  (I'm reselling the Pokemon White to my sister for cheap, since I have Pokemon Black already.)  I decorated the DS with panda stickers, or as he put it...

awesomesauce deal= $100.  Having friends who give you those deals? Priceless.

I had a lot of fun taking the 3DS for a spin, I was quite impressed with the 3D screen (though it makes my eyes funny once in a while), the 3D photo capabilities, and the AR Games feature (I only tried 3 games on the ? card so far) in particular.  I can't wait to try playing Samurai Warriors and OMFGJGJDLKFJKD.  Animal Crossing when it comes out next year!!!  *________*

one of Kamadashi's photos  xD

I think that they look like us!  (Well, except for him
being shorter, lol!)

You can't tell in this picture, but the photo is in 3D  xD

ANIMAL CROSSING 3DS, YOU WILL BE MINE.  

★★★★★★★★★★★★★WISHLIST  STUFF ★★★★★★★

Since I first started reading the manga Fairy Tail, I always had a hunch that they existed, but I didn't bother to really look... until now.  Annnnnnd my otaku/dork wishlist just got longer.  I want the boxed set so badly if not, then I'll just settle with the few keys that I like best).   x__X

Now, do I want this or a set of laser cut acrylic Pokemon badges  more? 

Tough call.
(Image copyright of Belen Lazer designs)

Maple: Rise of Fellowship Update

  

My only getting five hours of sleep this morning is catching up to me...  x__x

[/I claim no ownership to any Memebon photos]

★★★★★★★★★★★★★PURCHASED  STUFF ★★★★★★★

I asked my sister to buy me a journal for my planned "Traveling Journal" penpal project, and she came back with a beautiful rose textured hardcover journal with shiny silver-lined pages... a gorgeous journal, to be sure,... but unfortunately, too large and heavy.  I may just keep this as my own personal diary.  <3

Not familiar with a traveling journal?  You can get the basic gist of it here:  http://www.thetravelingjournal.com/how-it-works/

Wanna sign up for the project?  Let me know!

★★★★★★★★★★★★★ONLINE  STUFF ★★★★★★★

GAIA ONLINE

The Halloween main event?  Pshhh.  I give up on it.  But I'm on 9/19 candies before I get my last item for shop Trick or Treating.  ...mm, but perhaps we can still go to the Masquerade?  Just find an emptier room in the flashspace and ... soak in the creepy ambiance?  haha.

Today, I posted the annual Halloween banner for my (now renamed) thread, featuring my main regulars.  This year, I also made a version for our secret Facebook group.  I can't believe that this is my friend thread's 3rd Halloween on Gaia!  I'm also very happy to be able to include ZeroGuilt (pictured on my right in the 1st and 3rd photos) in the banner again.  =^o^=

zOMG

Today is zOMG's 3rd birthday!  Happy birthday!  As someone in the birthday sticky said, "3 years uncompleted!"  But nevertheless, I've had many an adventure there with my good friends Habible, Random Acts of Monotony, Symbolism of number One, ZombieJehuty, not to mention a whole bunch of random fellow zOMGers.  <3

Me and Habib doing the impossible- felling a giant Stone Coatl!

★★★★★★★★★★★★★GAMING  STUFF ★★★★★★★

MAPLE STORY

So, for the last week or so, I've been trying to log on the Facebook Maple Story Adventures App more often in order to get the daily login bonus, and since I haven't been in the mood to play the real thing, I've been using it to ease my occasional Maple cravings.  When I have no energy, it's nice to mindlessly click to kill things and hear the music for a few minutes.

An example of the daily log-in perks that you
receive in Maple Story

                     

I logged in last night to travel all the way to Ludibrium and Korean Folk Town, since I remembered that I haven't explored the deep sea area of Aqua Road.  If possible, I'd like to explore it with someone in particular, but if not, I'll have to either ask KakkoiiChibi or just do it by myself.  I hope that I can play with someone again soon though, since Maple has a new "Rise of Fellowship" update and a whole bunch of events coming up.

~Upcoming Event Highlights:

Halloween Event:  Mansion of the Good Witch of the Left-Side  (10.27.2011 – 11.08.2011)

• Another annoying "dammit go away red envelope I don't wanna join the battle" quest, it seems

Magic Gachapon Wheel  (10.27.2011 – 11.22.2011)

• Wheel of Loot tokens can be obtained from monster drops.
• Open the Magic Gachapon Wheel window with the = key by default.
• Drag a wheel token from the ETC tab of your item inventory. 
• The rewards include recipes, mastery books, scrolls, recovery items, ETC items, equipment, and more.

Potted Maple Tree  (10.27.2011 – 11.08.2011)

• You can check your progress in the Mini Maple Tree Cultivation Journal in the ETC tab of your inventory.
• Double-click the Potted Mini Maple Tree or drag and drop it into the Item Pot and make it grow.
• Once it reaches maximum Fullness, it goes to sleep and wakes up in 30 minutes, completing its growth.
• Rewards include: Power Elixirs, Continental Return Scrolls, Secret Recipes, and Advanced Equip Enhancement Scrolls.

My conclusion?  Sounds annoying. Quest item takes up an ETC space.  Also, Item Pot items annoys me.  Worth a try?  We'll see.  The Continental Return scrolls sound awesome, though.

MapleStory Lifestyle Campaign ( 10.27.2011-12.06.11)

• When given four options, you will receive a title by choosing one
• The titles appear in the ETC tab of your item inventory. Double-click one to turn it on or off.
• Once you receive one of these titles, a new quest will become available from NPCs in various towns.
• Each NPC gives one of the following rewards at random.
  Return Scroll - Nearest Town, Scroll for Helmet for HP 100% ,Scroll for Shoes for Speed 100%, Scroll for Gloves for ATT 100% , Scroll for Shoes for Jump 10% ,Scroll for Shoes for Speed 10% , Clean Slate Scroll 

Not really sure what to think of this event.  

Golden Temple (11.09.2011-12.6.2011)

I WANNA DO THIS WITH SOMEONE!!!  Last time this event was up, I didn't get to.  :,(

Sidekick  (10.27.2011-12.06.2011)

• Requirement: Lv. 15 - Lv.120
• The new sidekick system gives you bonuses for teaming up with a player five or more levels above or below you.
• When a sidekick relationship is made, a lower level player receives a temporary stat and level increase effect based on the higher level player's level.
• The lower level sidekick’s primary and secondary Abilities will be temporarily increased.
• The lower level sidekick’s max HP and MP will be temporarily increased.
• Both people in a sidekick relationship receive a buff every hour.
• If a sidekick relationship is maintained for a long time, the higher level player's Fame increases once per day.
• Both people in a sidekick relationship receive bonus EXP similar to the party bonus EXP system.
• Each player in a sidekick relationship will receive a title corresponding to their level in comparison to the other player: Low Level Sidekick /High Level Sidekick 

Random LotR movie references = EPIC WIN

"This is why you are my friend" moment + not-so-inner LotR/dork spazzing
Yep, this came out of nowhere.  Crazy?  yes.  But in a good way.
He also says that Gimlum will have a metal beard.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★CRAFT  STUFF ★★★★★★★

Tools of the trade:  Latex gloves, bottle of rubbing alcohol, hot glue gun,
glitters, measuring spoons, iPod timer, chopsticks, popsicle sticks,
toothpicks, Q-tips, plastic containers, EasyCast resin,
scissors, resin molds, napkins, freezer paper underneath

A few days ago, my good friend (and penpal) Mitsuki requested that I make a cell phone keychain to match her sakura phone case.  Since everyone was busy today, I finally had time to set out to do that, PLUS test out my new resin molds~  I'll be having my fingers crossed (that the resin will harden properly) until I can de-cast the them in 72 hours, on 10/29 @ 3:30 PM.   o ~ o ;;   

★★★★★★★★★★★★★PURCHASED  STUFF ★★★★★★★

Proof that you CAN buy happiness

Today, I got my purchases from CutePaperEtc! They came very quickly, in a mailing envelope with cute deco tape and a cute shop stamp, the items in a cute plastic bag, a cute thank you note, and with a small bit of freebie stickers (pictured) .  ♥

★★★★★★★★★★★★★ONLINE  STUFF ★★★★★★★

GAIA ONLINE

Logging in today and seeing the new header, it was apparent that the REAL Halloween event had started. 

The event, Moonrise, is basically a humans vs werewolf battle, and users can do battle in two places,

the Masquerade flashspace and the event forum, where users can regain energy (but risk getting attacked), heal/revive their respective teammates in addition to attacking those from the other team.

It's said that you receive an alchemy item for making kills in the flashspace, though the frequency was uncertain at the time due to infamous event glitches and instability.  

So far, the general consensus is that this event is quite boring, and to many, frustrating.  I've made several easy kills in the flashspace, but there wasn't much more to clicking.  And in the forums, my level 1 attack, Jab, hasn't really accomplished much, and I ended up dying (I wasn't aware that attacks show up on static 

feed on the top of the page) before long.  

--------------------------------------------

YOUTUBE

My ultra crazy awesome  friend, Kamadashi (incidentally, the same friend who I was chatting with in that FB chat screenie at the start of this entry) made a video that stars a gift commission plush that I made for him, who he named Kakkoii Chibi.  Here's Kakkoii Chibi in my dA gallery, and his video of it:

★★★★★★★★★★★★★TECH  STUFF ★★★★★★★

iTOUCH/SMARTPHONE APPS

Remember my quest to find friends to talk to on PingChat?  Now I have 3 people on my contacts.  WOO!

Me and Belle spent a good part of the afternoon sending talking via voice clips and sending each other pictures.  >w<

This isn't really news, but one of my other apps that I enjoy using is Doodle buddy.  I think that I'd like it even more if their "draw with buddy" connection option worked.  I wanted to draw but didn't have the energy to go on the computer and do so on photoshop, so I did something quick there.  Drawing with a finger is harder than you'd think, though.

Empty hands are colder...