I’m barely starting to paint again, which great because I’m getting tired of the framed works around our apartment. I think some new decor is in order.

On days off, I lounge around with my sweetie and take trips to anywhere close by.

I can’t wait til winter when I can come out of my cave and not fear the heat.

At least I’m finally putting the espresso maker that my brother gave me to good use with some homemade Americanos.

There are a few things that I have discovered this summer:

1. Chives.  I knew they existed before and have tasted them countless times. Somehow, this summer, I became obsessed with chives.
2. Garlic. I use garlic in most of my dishes. The problem is that I’m now starting to sweat garlic, or at least I think I am. I’m not sure when this started but this summer heat made me realize that my love for garlic may be a bit much.
3. My love for baking quiches. I’ve made more quiches this summer than any past summers.  All of them containing garlic, mushrooms, and CHIVES of course.
4. Yeo’s Soybean milk isn’t as good if it’s not ice cold.
5. The Pho place that Israel and I frequent is now too far from where we moved to. This was a very sad discovery as we are creatures of habit and miss visiting the nice little pho place around the corner.
6. The bakery around the corner makes fresh bread “mid-day.” I discovered this on one of my days off.
7. Passion Fruit Green Tea is ambrosia if you add ice to it.
8. I have too many books. Since my book collection has grown exponentially, I have taken to checking out books at the library. Even my constant check out did not solve the problem, so I’ve been recycling my books at the Half Priced Bookstore around the corner from me. This way, I can let a few go and gain a new collection (rare book not included).

Enjoy the rest of the summer let me know when it’s cold again.

-Ari

Back to the present time.

I woke up, got ready for work, and began my commute. I thought it would be a good time to stop for gas as I was five minutes away from work and in need of some serious fuel. Right as I parked, removed the nozzle, paid my dues, and it began to come down like a fury. It was so bad that my umbrella could not shield me from the sideways mayhem that splattered across my once dry face and clothing. I instantly thought, “oh no this rain did NOT just slap me in the face!” as I jumped into the car and sped to my destination. When at work, I swiftly headed towards the entrance but could not avoid the perilous puddles that muddied my path. I arrived wet from the knees down and drenched from the neck up. How did the rain completely miss the middle region of my body? “So much for great presentation,” I thought as I made an effort to undo the damage that the weather graced upon me.

If only I can crank up Adele at work, it would be the most acceptable imperfect day. To what do I owe this great mood for casting aside my cares, you might ask. WELL, it’s not going to rain on my parade this Saturday and THAT makes me smile, even with the mud on my favorite teal flats.

Hope your day is as great, or better.

-Ari

I must admit I was a little upset the other day when I found out that it might rain on our wedding day. I almost broke down at work when I read the weather report. With this drought, it really couldn’t wait to pour a day later? Knowing that I cannot control the weather, I’ve coped with the forecast and have my rain boots packed for our big day.

Tomorrow, I will physically at work but my mind will, of course, be on wedding things. I can’t believe I’m finally going to marry the love of my life. This seems so crazy and unreal. It seems like a lot to take in, especially regarding my past wish to stay independent and on top of the world forever. Things change when you meet the right person. I never imagined myself falling head over heels for a nerd-chic man like Israel. I thought I’d just be a fierce feminist and exist without the opposite sex in my life. How wrong was I? Very wrong indeed.

It’s nice to realize the change that takes place in your life, especially when it’s for the better. WELL, wish me luck as I walk down the aisle. I hope to God that my clumsy self doesn’t trip. Pictures will follow, don’t worry.

Ciao,

Ari

Fifteen minutes into the documentary, my dad pauses to discuss the imperialistic practices of the U.S. and how it differed from the Spain’s control of the Philippines. Everything always leads back to a discussion about the Philippines and how Filipinos don’t catch malaria because they ingeniously use mosquito nets. Halfway through the speech, a series of photographs pop onto the screen. I was so taken by the beautiful photographs, which led to a discussion about collodion prints.

John Frank Stevens, the engineer that worked on the project, reminded me of Alfred Barr, the founding director of The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).  John Frank Stevens was brilliant and advanced for his time. Not that I’m a big fan of Alfred Barr but I was secretly hoping that they were friends because in my world, everyone who I know should be friends. I had the same mindset as a child and was always ecstatic when two cartoons bled over into each other. It’s a small world after all, right. After watching the documentary, I realized that I am a hopeless nerd and that my family enables it. Art school, reinforced my odd knowledge and behavior. There is no cure.

Moving is never fun but starting a new life is. We got our marriage license last week. I was shocked at how the line for parking tickets strongly outnumbered the one for marriage licenses. I guess marriage is becoming less common, that or we skipped a ton of people in line.

We bought our first piece of furniture together. Being a designer, I am a huge fan of great design and unique furniture. The couch was something we both agreed on. It’s not the trophy couch but it’s new, nice, affordable, and OURS. It was delivered yesterday and I spent hours of back breaking work trying to put things together. Thank you IKEA for making me self sufficient and very sore. Our apartment is coming together nicely and I am counting down the days til the wedding. This freaks me out. It’s so soon. I still have to do little things before the big day. While not at work, I’ve been filling out dozens of job applications for positions in my field. This is what my post-graduate life looks like until I can make a decision about grad school. I feel old. Life is passing by too quickly, but thank God no wrinkles to show for it.

Back to this couch. I’m extremely ecstatic about it, even though it isn’t the most perfect thing in the world. I don’t think Israel, my soon to be hubby, was as excited about this couch as I was. Maybe it was because I did some hands-on assemblage and learned to appreciate it a bit more. The same goes for my life. I’m excited to embark on a new journey, even though things aren’t perfect. I’m happy. Granted, my ex-maid of honor threw a fit about not wanting to wear the bridesmaid dress and threw a tiny wrench in the system, but that didn’t get me down one bit. I am ultimately happy because for once, I’m doing something that I’m completely sure about. I don’t get many of those instances in life where I’m completely sure about something. This is one thing that I know is a step in the right direction. I’m sure there will be many more of those “steps” to come in the nearby future.

P.S. Did I mention I graduated with a BFA in Photography/Digital Media…business cards to follow soon.

Toodles,

Ari

I have four months to wrap up everything and much less to put together for an exhibition. Lucky me, I no longer feel confident in my work anymore. I need ideas and I fear the words “that’s been done” coming from the lips of others. Try having a professor stand before you and tell you that you’re lazy and your work is not that great. How’s that for a nice pick me up on a Monday morning?! No one will cry for you. No one will care about the hours you spent thinking things to make/photograph. No one will hold your hand through the creative blocks because you’re supposed to be “tough” and “different.” After all, that’s what Art School with a capital “A” is all about. Funny, the more discouraging words that are thrown my way, the more I want to have nothing to do with this major that I’m about to receive. I have to remind myself why I’m doing this…”for the love of art?” I don’t really know anymore. Why am I doing this? What do I hope to accomplish? It’s too late for those questions. I have a semester. Four months. I cannot wait to be done.

In better news, I have five more months before the wedding. Things are in the works. This is one thing that can drive me insane and make me cry tears of joy simultaneously. Planning is stressful but spending a lifetime with the love of my life is definitely worth all the stress. Now there’s one real thing in life that I can honestly say that I’m going in the right direction.

-Ari

It’s  August 29, 2010 [Three days before my actual birthday]

On a sunny Sunday morning, my wonderful Israel calls me up and tells me to get dressed-he’s taking me out to dinner to celebrate my birthday. I shower and put on a cute little dress and realize that the dress is too big. How could things be going wrong when I had planned in advance what to wear. I guess I should have tried on the dress before I bought it. After a while, he picks me up and we decide to make a have a nice little date.

Knowing my affinity for snow cones, he takes me to our favorite snow cone stand (Ma’s house of Ice) and we wait in a long line for the best snow cones in Houston. Right as we get to the window to order, it starts to rain. This makes me a bit sad because the snow cone hut is located on a sandy pit and the the sand turns into mud. I’m now starting to sink in mud while in my favorite teal open-toed shoes that I love dearly.

After we get our very red snow cones, he asks if I know of any nice parks around. Of course I knew of one around the corner with cute wooden castles and artsy tiles that trail around the entrance. It was a nice place to relax, cool off, and indulge in our treats.  We head over to the park and take an umbrella because it starts to drizzle again. As we’re sitting under the draw bridge, he asks if I want my birthday present. Excitedly, I say “YES” and he opens a cute cream-colored box and pulls out a necklace. Awestruck by the necklace, I put it on as quickly as I can. As I’m fastening the clasp, he says, “now I can give you your real gift” and drops to one knee and opens a white ring box. This gorgeous ring starts glistening in the half rainy/ sunny day and I am completely stunned. He gives this romantic speech and I, of course, start to cry.

With my red-stained lips, I say “YES” as mischievous children start charging in our direction. We relocate in haste to a bench under the trees and the rain stops. It was the most beautiful day. We walk back to the car with the umbrella in hand and the ring starts to sparkle as if it was just polished and buffed. We head over to Ruggles Green for supper  and end the day watching Scott Pilgrim vs. the world.

It was a perfect proposal, and now I have seven more months before the big day!

This was my beautiful engagement to the love of my life.

Proposal in the rain

The ring

Only 7 more months!

If I could make the perfect design of my life, it would be seamless, simplistic, but filled with new discoveries each day. The problem is that I can’t design my own life, it designs me.  This is a pickle.

I remember waking up and enjoying life. Nowadays, the alarm clock goes off and I’m saddened by the fact that my dream wasn’t reality. I drag my heels getting to work and  pray for vacations to make my escape. “Welcome to life as an adult,” my friends tell me. Still, life shouldn’t be this burden as if doing everything is an obligation. Life should be fun and exciting. I wish things could interest me like they used to. I could look at thinks with a vivacious attitude and make romantic stories out of simplistic ideas. I want that life again.

#1 Stomach pains that lead to 3-4 day stays at hospitals are not welcome in my life but was unavoidable about two weeks ago. An advantage was a nice tube of toothpaste that I stole as a “this is what you get for taking away my ice chips when I didn’t eat for 3 days!” YES, that was a way of sticking it to the man! In addition, phone calls to Germany-to Candice in particular-are great and should be done more often and not when I feel deathly ill.

#2 My nice little stay at Tomball Regional Hospital left me far behind in reference to Midterm Projects. This was definitely a burden too heavy for me to bear because right after I got out, I was immediately shooting, designing, drawing, printing, studying (all of which I was not supposed to do via doctor’s orders). Still what can the doctor do? Is he going to present a film for me or take a Post-Modernism exam? No.  Thankfully, my grueling hustle and bustle paid off because I finished early with time to sit back and enjoy a delightful read under the sun. Here is a photograph of a new series that I’m working on.As far as my next film titled Growing Up,  you’re just going to have to check out my Vimeo to see that click HERE. OH I have a film out at the Blaffer Gallery titled What a Blunder! which is NOT on  Vimeo. Make a trip out and see it, except you Candice…I can send it to you.

#3 It’s back to the drawing board for me, literally, as I work on my next illustrated cartoon, but I’ll hold off on all stressful tasks as it is finally my spring break.

#4

Good Reads:

I found a book at Kaboom, the bookstore next to Antidote Cafe in the Heights.  It’s called Letters From Siberia and Other Poems by Roger Mitchell. It’s a great book of poems and it only cost me $2.50. Aren’t you just jealous (you’re probably not). Anyways check it out.  WELL, this concludes my blog entry for the today. Please fasten your seat belts and keep all aisles clear. I’m off to have another adventure. I’m on a mission to catch up on sleep lost for the past five years.