Technological Black Thumb

I love books. I lose track of the universe upon clearing the thresholds of libraries or booksellers. Growing up, I aspired to have a reading corner like my Uncle Gaëtan, complete with a broken-in chair, reading light, and refreshment table. However, my nomadic tendencies and lack of private real estate have hindered my ability to amass a private library. In an effort to resume flexing my thinking muscle, I’ve embraced electronic reading. Read the rest of this entry »

In November 2007, I bought a Mac Mini while I was living in Japan. I had been pushing myself for years to switch from Windows to Mac, and at the time, the availability of an English OS computer in Japan was extremely convenient.

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I’ve been thinking about rewards for my journey from Shetland Pony to Mustang Sally. Treating myself to things that would be counter productive to my progress are not permitted. As much as I would love to have a gorgeous dinner at Cheesecake Factory, I think items to keep my motivation would be more suitable. Read the rest of this entry »

As I sip my Dunkin’ Donuts Hazelnut coffee from a rather kitsch Mile 0: Key West mug, I feel inspired. No, inspired isn’t the right word for it. Invigorated would be a better word for it. After a recent visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, I feel like the mission control room leader– pacing about and overseeing the various technicians at their stations. I’m preparing for lift-off in Five…

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During an excited Tweetfest with my flock, Allyson suggested that I put my nervous energy about my new job to good use and start brainstorming design ideas for my new place in New York. For some reason, it seemed that the clouds parted and I was instantly enlightened as to the theme for my bathroom.

Asian Inspiration Turned Decoration
When I lived in Japan, I went to visit my pal Alex in Malaysia with my friend, Yuriko. We hit up some of the hottest tourist spots and I snapped up tons of photos like a good like globe trotter. Rifling through my library, I pulled a handful of images that just seemed to flawlessly complement one another. As my bathroom is a place where I do some of my best thinking, I figured defining my trifecta of serenity was essential: comfort, relaxation, and inspiration.

When I write my name in Japanese「華蓮」, the first character (“Ka”) means “flower”, and the second (“Ren”) means “lotus”. These are based upon the Chinese-style reading of the characters, as opposed to using the Japanese readings of the Chinese characters (「はな」＆「はす」). I have pictures of lotus flowers (and I love pink, green, and yellow), so I decided to lean to this palette for the bathroom. Before I left for Japan, I had a cherry blossom motif in my loo, but my refuse to copycat my gal pal Alison’s creativity.

The staple of the wall decor will be print outs of these photographs, but depending on wall space, I would like to add addition art by artists I have spotted on DeviantArt. Here are a couple that caught my eyes:

• “Water Lily” by AcidLullaby
• “Lotus Princess” by Starlight-Usagi
• “Princess Lotus” by Marumiyan
• “Lotus Pond” & “Lotus” by Hiliuyun

My concern is that I might end up overloading the walls with pictures. There were countless close up photographs of lotus flowers, all of which looked better than the photos I took. Also, I am wondering if digital and drawn art would clash with the photographs. I am quite certain that painting the walls will be out of the question, so I am looking for ways to brighten up the walls without doing anything permanent.

Once I resume learning Japanese calligraphy, I would like to make a piece that resembles this one, complete with gorgeous brushstrokes, precise balance, and natural elegance. This will be a  nice project to work on after I am settled in my new place. I’ll have plenty of time to practice, but I have a hunch it may take a while before I generate a piece I am comfortable displaying on my walls. I hope that I will be able to seek assistance from the art instructor or my neighbors on perfecting the perfect piece.

Ambiance, Shower Power & Counter Toppings
After watching excessive hours of HGTV, I am determined to have a fabulously accessorized diva lair. During my relaxing (and regularly scheduled), end-of-the-week soaks, I want to kick off the regular light and enjoy the soft glow of a koi printed paper lantern. Candles would be a lovely addition to this, however, I have an inkling that they may be verboten. Though this koi & water lily toilet seat could spell overkill, I think it would be a funky, final addition to the Throne of the Enlightened.

The sunny yellow transitioning to aquamarine of this flamenco shower curtain really makes me want to get up and boogie down in the shower. It reminds me of the yellow sun and the cool water, like looking at a lily pond in the early morning. To keep the ruffles in shape, I want to add this bamboo vinyl shower curtain as a liner on the inside, and fastening them together with these orchid & narcissus shower hooks. Matching the ruffly shower curtain could be good fun. I found these vivid colored towels , but the issue is selecting colors. I am torn between buttercup, honeydew, flamingo, or hibiscus. Should I mix and match or just select a single color? A reversible bath mat in one of these colors may be a smart idea, too.

Bringing a little woodsy flavor to the bath, I’d like to line the tub with an
orbz amber shower mat so as to prevent slipping in the shower, and this solid teak shower mat outside to towel off on. The spa salon effect can be enhanced with the matching shower caddy to keep me organized and my shower goods in a handy location (and preventing crowded tub corners). Depending on counter space, this teak folding shower bench may come in handy when getting ready for a night out (or just a place to keep items off the floor).

Depending on the availability of counter space, I may have to juggle my ever growing list of decor.
For a dash of color, this pink lotus soaps with ceramic lily pad set is adorable, as are these cherry almond soaps and this stunning lotus soap & body butter set. Fear not. I will have soap that one could actually use in the bathroom, despite my love for decorative, scented soaps. Kamini lotus bar soap in a cute bamboo soap dish from this bamboo slat bath ensemble is what I have in mind.  I’ll admit hesitation about ordering soaps and lotions online without being able to waft, whiff, and sniff to my heart’s content beforehand. I am a consummate fan of testers and samples, so I can make an informed decision.

Online boutiques and nifty blogs have really helped me collect my thoughts on planning for my new place. I am working on mapping out ideas for my living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Granted all these plans could be promptly discarded upon setting my eyes upon my new place, but I am enjoying the chance to play mini-Design Star. Stay tuned for the next project!

Last week, I started taking a digital photography with PhotoShop Elements course at the community school. Right out of the gates, I felt I was at a technological disadvantage as I have a point-and-shooter while the majority of my peers are hefting pricey single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. Though, my handy dandy Panasonic Lumix DMC FX-07 has been undoubtedly fantastic to me, I can’t help but wonder if I am truly at a disadvantage with my current hardware. I am one of the many denizens who follow Geek*Sugar on the Sugar Network. Being less techno-savvy, I value and respect her ability to mainline the pros and cons of tech stuff for her audience without drowning us in jargon.

Intentionally Lo-Fi? Enter Lomography!

When I was living in Tottori, I frequented some of the little shops along the main shopping drags in Tottori City and Yonago City. There was Chambre Ample inTottori City and Johnny Appleseed in Yonago. Both focused on kitsch accessories, home interior goods, and clothes. They have a diverse of “European” goods, namely higher end stationery and trinkets. Among the lush kitsch jungle of shabby-chic, I discovered the assortment of Lomo cameras, especially the FishEye and SuperSampler. Though I never had the courage to actually march up the counter with one, I find them truly fascinating.

I bought my first digital camera prior to my move to Japan in 2003. During university, I frequented the photo labs at Wal-mart and Publix until a peer introduced me to a “proper photography shop” near 34th Street and University Drive. I loved how this particular shop did matte prints with white photography borders. It was hard for me to part with my old 35mm camera.  I found it in a box the other day, untouched for almost six years with film still in it. For some reason, I opted to leave the film in it. Now that I have been a digital girl for nearly six years, I have almost a fear of returning to ‘lower’ machine.

It is really a ‘lower machine’? Gosh, that sounds completely opposite of what I mean. Perhaps, I’ve gotten too comfy with how good digital photography makes me appear creatively. No need to worry about f-stops, ISO, shutter speeds, lenses and all the adjustments necessary to make to make the pictures happen. My point-and-shoot has to an extent, made me lazy about the photographic process. It doesn’t require as much thought as I thought– or so I thought. Through the course, I’ve learned that I know very little about the little gadget which responsible for recording my exploits abroad since 2003.

Technologically speaking, Japan is a bit more ahead of the game than the US, hence we import their electronics from cameras and gaming systems to televisions and automobiles. Bigger. Faster. Stronger. How much bang can I get for my buck, yen, (insert currency here)… Whenever I finally hunker down and make an investment in an electronic appliance or device, without fail the newer generation pops out within a few months of purchase. The phrase “its not what you have but how you use it,” has been cycling through my mind as I write this. People apply it to countless things: cars, houses, electronics, an individual’s ‘performance’. There has been a long running (pardon my crass language) pissing contest to see whose going to emerge the top.

I hate to admit it, but I think that my reservations of purchasing a lomo or ‘traditional’ camera, stem for my insecurities as a photographer. I’ve seen the amazing work people generate though the bragging rights don’t come without a hefty price tag. As a novice photography this can be quite daunting to the point that I feel I should just slip my P-n-S in my pocket and just shuffle on home. Perhaps I am searching in the wrong communities, but I just don’t know where to look. I would love to learn from the elite, but I get the nagging sensation that my ‘greenness’ isn’t eco-friendly in their high art environment.

So why should I try to compete? Would my inexperience be met with the same raised brows, patronizing commentary, and jargon filled conversations if I straddled the fence and just picked up a lomo to satisfy my curiosity? Would I be breaking some unspoken rule or “us versus them” mentality of the purists on either side? Shouldn’t it be just about the pictures? Am I over thinking the entire situation and depriving myself of a potentially entertain medium to work with?

This year is the 25th Anniversary of Lomo, Though the shiny silver and chrome editions are quite shiny, my eyes have been drawn to the Diana F+ Clones: Mr. Pink, Tokyo Rising, and The Diana F+ Deluxe Kit. Their shop has so many different things to choose from. With a digital camera, these lenses are ridiculously expensive or non-existent. Many of the photographic options can be mimicked in PhotoShop, but would detract from the playful experience of these cameras. Wouldn’t it?

Mixed Media Alert! PSE 6 Conflict

Now, this conflict could be partially circumvented using my computer, a tablet, and a program like PhotoShop Elements. I previously used PhotoShop on my retired Sony Viao and finally got the hang of it after a while. Though I worked hard at tweeking my works in a ‘digital darkroom’ many pretentious artists and non-constructive critics in online art communities discount digital photography as genuine art as problematic items can be ‘photoshopped away’. I disagree with this, largely in part to the amount of work and finesse is necessary to make the work presentable for display.

In my final year at university, I studied the impact of electronic writing spaces had on creative writing as an independent study. Prior to this, I took a course focusing on Creative Writing Online, and another about Women and the World Wide Web. Both classes explored the pros and cons of computers and the internet as it pertained to the writer which completely fascinated me. I think photographers, digital and analog alike, are posed with similar conflicts.

I have many questions. Possibly too many…

• Does digital photo manipulation carry the same artistic weight as manual composition or composite lomography? Which artists receive more credibility as photographers or artists?
• Is it better to relinquish creative control and allow the device (lens, film, filter, etc) to take some creative license? Or should an artist keep their reins tight and maintain control without waiting for ’surprises’?
• Should paying for films and developing weight heavy on the decision to invest, or with the ability to get digital records (CD-R) not prevent the opportunity as additional manipulations could be done later without the need for a photo lab?
• Would it be a worthwhile investment in a lomo camera if only for the fun of going to back to one’s roots with uncomplicated photography which requires greater creative imagination?

I’ll stop the thought train for now. Its late and I want to do thinking that doesn’t require staring at a screen. Don’t think I am not thinking up follow-up questions. I am most certain that I will have more

Many of my friends have skills or talents they are gung ho or mastering. Whether its a martial art (several black belt holders in my social circle), a creative talent, or being totally craft-tastic (Knit-Wits, Holla!!), everyone has something they are bananas about. Despite my Virgo nature, I tend to dabble in a little bit of everything without truly mastering anything. It’s a bit frustrating really.

Does this make me a consummate niche seeker? Am I experimenting with my free-time? Could a need for variety be the driving force behind my commitment issues with hobbies and sports?

Sports: Unleashing the Inner Tomboy

When I was in high school, I lived and breathed volleyball for two years. I loved it, despite thebehind-the-scenes-team drama. I would have played through my senior year had I not injured myself at a cheerleading picnic (in a vain attempt to fit in). My coach never really forgave me for separating my ankle on a trampoline. I ended up quitting the team after my sophomore year because the pain and weakness of the ankle frustrated me more than losing nearly every single game. Part of me wonders if I should have gone to physical therapy once the cast came off. The doctor said it wasn’t necessary, and since he didn’t force the issue, I didn’t give it a second thought. However, even now I wear an ankle brace when I play sports because on cold & rainy days, I still get stiffness in the joint. I am thankful that it didn’t need to be surgically drained, but I wonder if I did enough for it to heal correctly.

For three years, I played tennis in Japan with my colleagues. Every Sunday night, we’d meet up for a couple of hours of smashing double fun. I loved it. I got to hang out with my friends and play a sport. It was the most  exercise I got on a regular basis since high school Gradually, I improved, though I remained one of the weaker membersof the team. Playing tennis with my friends became a routine, one I earnstly looked forward to. Now that I am back in Florida, I need to actively seek novice players looking for a partner or with space on their team. Being slightly overweight, limits my ability to play full sets without wanting to drop dead, so I need to find a healthy way to get in shape– and eventually be able to wear a tennis skirt with confidence.

Queen of the Kitchen! Maybe some day…

Upon returning home, I quickly became re-addicted to reality TV programs like Ace of Cakes and TOP CHEF: NY. Being an individual who severely lacks in the culinary department, I live vicariously through the  talented dynamos on these programs. After struggling with a single burner kitchenette for 5.5 years in Japan, I have lost what little command of cusine I previously had. Every now and then, I am attempting recipes my mom’s left for me in the house with very little success. I’ve contemplated culinary school, but my lack of style in the kitchen greatly stunts that endeavour.

However, I picked up a flyer from Joann Fabrics and Crafts last week during their open house. They have a series of cake decorating classes starting up in April & May. I am heavily considering the Wilton(c) Cake courses as something to help me gain a little confidence in the kitchen and keep me from becoming a total hermit.  If I can’t get a full-time job right away, perhaps I could at least work in a bakery to make some money. I love cake and want to make pretty ones!

Getting Literary, Baby!

I am attempting to climb back on the writing horse, especially with several failed attempts at NaNoWriMo and the impending doom that is Script Frenzy next month.  Last night, I was given my first writing timed challenge in years. After hashing out Noor Jawahir a bit last month, I came screeching to a halt. What I desperately need in regards to my writing is structure, a task master, and most importantly deadlines. The writing project on the table is Faviarti’s Tarot, one of my many incomplete NaNoWriMo stories. It’s a modern high fantasy that needs to be heavily planned out and researched, especially since there are references to majicks, tarot cards, and other magical things.

I have considered finding a writers’ group here or taking a course at the community college, but I often worry as most self-proclaimed writers have a tendency to be pretentious. After wasting years on GaiaOnline, I got burnt out on narcissistic prima donnas, drama llamas, and immature prats who consistently bitched and moaned about other people’s writing. There was little respect for creative identity, especially with the veil of anonymity. The destructive criticism dole out left and right proved to stifle my writing and stunted my confidence as a writer. Everyone had something to say, and without the pressure of face-to-face interaction, many harsh comments were made. I’m not saying that all writers on GO are horrible, bitter hermits out to exact revenge on others because they haev chips on their shoulders. It’s more of one or two rotten apples spoils the entire bushel. I made some great friends on GO, but for the most part the electronic interaction was merely that.

Real Life = Obstacle = Not an Excuse to too many people. It drove me away, and impacted my desire to write. I want to shake the dust off my writing and get back into it full swing.

After a year or so of fawning over the PSPs in just about every electronics store I happened upon, I caved and bought one. The latest generation (PSP-3000 in Pearl White). Though I really pined over the pastel colored ones, I figured if I am going to shell out the money for them, I might as well get my money’s worth.

Since Christmas Day (12/25/08) better known as the day Karen resumed hermit-hood, I have had been glued to the darn thing playing until my thumbs lose feeling. When I was a child, the boys in my neighborhood coined it as “Nintendo Numbness” because that was the only game system in my household at the time. I swear, somewhere in this body of mine there is a 14 year old Japanese fan boy chained up, but trying to claw his way out. The shiny new PSPs were on display beside the latest game releases by ‘SquEnix’, including Final Fantasy Dissidia (the ultimate FF Manics dream complete with all the heroes and main villians as playable characters). FFD won’t be available in the US until mid-2009, so I caved and bought the Japanese version as– It. Was. Right. There.

I really shouldn’t be allowed to step foot into an electronic store unattended, or able to contact any of “enablers”.

I’ve been really impressed by the lighter weight of the 3000 series PSP. Having a bag full of junk to schlep around all the time often prevented me from purchasing the Sony hand-held gaming device. I have a clear, (removable) plastic casing to keep all those pesky chips and fingerprints off my new Precioussss….

As for FFD, I haven’t figured out how to do any of the really fancy moves, nor have I figured out how to do the play against your friend option. With the DS, one’s friend didn’t need to have the game, but I am thinking that for the PSP, both players may need to have a copy.

Other games purchased: Itadaki Street! Dragon Quest vs. Final Fantasy, The Goddess of Jokes, I’ll Never Forgive You, and Suzumiya Haruhi’s Promise. I have been told that the UMD Disks play in all systems, much like the Nintendo DS games, however, I don’t know if this is true. I’ll need to chase up some of my friends back home and see if any of them are “in possession” of the goods and if we can arrange a trail deal.

The first one’s always free, right?

Good grief, it’s been nearly a year since I posted here @b.net. So many things have
happened, that I don’t even know where to possibly start.

*NEWS FLASH*

After 5.5 Years, I am parting ways with Japan for a while. My transition from public servant to corporate employee did not go as smooth as I had hoped, and living in Tokyo was far more expensive than I had anticipated. I’m emotionally exhausted, so I decided I need to pull the plug on my Tokyo adventure for the time being and return to the Sunshine State which I call home.

Internet/Blog: After failed attempts at maintaining a personal homepage (lack of programming knowledge made this rather frustrating), I decided to open a blog at site called “Team Sugar“– its a large community for women with tons of themes and discussion forums (don’t worry, men can join, too). If you join (or already have an account), chase me up under “karenpanna”

Sunshiney Side Up! is the name of my new blog. Its objective is to map the return to Florida as well as my re-adjustment into American society. At the moment, my main priorities are getting home in a safe and efficient manner, but not wasting too much time bumming around the house. I am looking for projects to keep my busy as well as ways to clear my debt and eventually jump start a new career.

Creative Projects: All are on-hold until I get home in January. I’ve been kicking around ideas for my current projects, and if I can get anything decent together, possibly enter some writing contests.

I look forward to being “back home” in Florida, especially since January in Miami is considerably warmer than that of Tokyo. I hope I can see my friends quickly upon returning home. I need hugs…. lots of hugs.