Memos from the Bat Cave

2011-08-24T00:27:00.000-04:00

Testing?

2011-08-23T08:39:00.001-04:00

Mobile blogging? Yes, please!

Sent from the FUTURE!

09.01.09

2009-09-01T18:10:00.001-04:00

09.01.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

This dress would look so much better with a belt. I think I have a red one that would work. I "slept in" this morning and got dressed in a hurry again so I nixed accessories. These boots are beautiful but murdered me. I'm sticking to my rule of little to no heels at work. Ouchie.

Dress: Lane Bryant
Tights: We Love Colors
Boots: Gift from Mum
Tattoos: The best accessory ever...you can't forget them at home!

08.31.09

2009-08-31T19:15:00.005-04:00

A hum-drum outfit for a hum-drum day. I thought I'd experiment with black and brown together as it's something I'd had the mindset just didn't go together. Wrong. I rather like it now.

Shirt, Cami & Pants- Lane Bryant
MJs- Doc Martens
Recycled leather cuff- local incense/jewelry/water pipe shop

08.28.09

2009-08-28T18:14:00.002-04:00

It's painfully mainstream tattoo garbage but I had to have it. It's so goofy I love it.

leppy flats
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

It was "Dressy Jeans" day at school...so i took it literally and wore both. The secretaries got a kick out of it.

Jeans- LB Right Fit Blue
Dress- Lane Bryant (Last summer)
Belt- Lane Bryant
Satin Leopard Print Flats- Mossimo
Feathered headband and Tattoo Cuff Watch- Hell-Mart

08.27.09

2009-08-27T21:24:00.002-04:00

08.27.09.two
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I overslept by an hour this morning. Stupid alarm. >.< Sooo...I grabbed whatever was handy that I hadn't already worn this week (save the trousers). I love this shirt; it has little metallic threads runnign through the fabric and cute little puff sleeves with sparkly buttons. Unfortunately I have to cover some of my tattoos so the cardigan is a necessity. It's the same as the teal one I wore earlier this week. A little shapeless but it's got some nice details.

Cardigan: Mossimo
Shirt and trousers: Lane Bryant
Fave MJs: Doc Martens

08.26.09

2009-08-26T19:08:00.001-04:00

08.26.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I finally got my hair cut today, hence the extra poofiness.
I've had this dress since January and only worn it twice. Not sure why...it's super comfy and fits relatively well. *shrugs* I'll be keeping it in a higher rotation since I got so many compliments on it at work. ^_^

Dress- Chelsea Studio
Belt- Gift
Tights- We Love Colors
MJs- Doc Martens

08.25.09

2009-08-25T18:11:00.002-04:00

flower brooch
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I got approval to wear my denim trousers to work! Woo-hoo! My school has a no-jeans policy for staff/teachers but I was relieved to find out that these are okay to wear. So comfy and great for crawling around under tables after wires and cables.
This blouse had an issue when I bought it but I quickly remedied it with a brooch. The self-ties do not like to stay in place in the slide without the brooch pinning them together. It's a nice little decorative touch that is functional too.

Blouse-Cato
Denim Trousers- Lane Bryant
MJs- Doc Martens
Adorable Fluffbutt- Freyja Mouse

08.24.09

2009-08-24T19:25:00.002-04:00

08.24.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Simple enough. Shaker knit sweater and a pencil skirt. The tights and scarf keep it from being too boring, I think.

Sweater- Cato
Skirt- Lane Bryant (clearance summer 09)
Scarf- Wal-Mart ( I think)
Tights- Gift (my Mum found them on clearance a few years ago and bought me 3 pairs)
MJs- Doc Martens

Today was a good day at school. I got a lot accomplished but uncovered more things that will have to be dealt with. I survived lunch duty and dismissal!

08.22.09

2009-08-22T12:38:00.002-04:00

08.22.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

All gussied up for a cookout with some people from work. There's supposedly a pool involved but I won't be partaking.

Skirt and Top: Lane Bryant (Recent clearance)
Sandals: Earth Shoes (2-3 years ago...on clearance of course)

I normally don't go out of the house in sleeveless tops because I hate my upper arms but 1. it's too hot not to and 2. I have awesome tattoos that make me care less and less about my jiggly bits. Body modification for the positive!

08.20.09

2009-08-20T19:14:00.001-04:00

08.20.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Both the weather and my wellness have been questionable all day. Storms have come and gone and I've been fighting a summer cold. I think the cold and the storms might win.

This blouse doesn't look nearly as bad as I thought it did all day. I don't own a full length mirror so it's nice to know I look better than I imagined.

Blouse: Mossimo (super-duper clearance last fall)
Cami: Lane Bryant
Pants: LB Right Fit Blue
Ugly but comfy shoes: Brooks
Funny look on my face: Letting the wind blow through my hair

08.19.09

2009-08-19T21:33:00.003-04:00

081909
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Shirt, Tank, and Skirt: Lane Bryant (various clearance sales over the past couple of years)
Tights: We Love Colors
MJs: Doc Marten

Today was a good day at work. I got a lot done but still have alist waiting for me in the morning.
I love the details on this skirt! The back has a strap and buttons that create a gather at the hem. It makes me feel a little saucy when I wear it with heels (which I will never wear to work again...omg.)

08.17.09

2009-08-17T19:30:00.002-04:00

08.17.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

My first Monday at the new job with the kids. I started 2 weeks ago and the kids started back last week. So far so good!

Cardigan: Target
Dress: Apt. 9
Tights: We Love Colors (<3)
Shoes: Doc Marten (new...found them on super clearance this weekend. DM + maryjanes=love.)

I love the screw and grommet details on them.

Long TIme No Art...

2009-08-01T13:00:00.002-04:00

I've been so busy with work the past few months that I haven't taken time out to make art. This...is bad. I discovered that it makes me kinda sick in a way. Bad stuff. So, I've started working on my shrinky-dink jewelry when I have time and it's given me a great outlet and I'm pleased with the results. My latest batch is now finished and uploaded on DeviantArt and I'm taking them down to the tattoo studio today to put in the sale case.
I started a new job officially this week. I'm now a school technology coordinator at an elementary school in the city just north of us. I'm very excited about this and it will give me more time to create and work on art. The downside is I don't get to see my husband much through the week as our schedules are opposite each other. Things will work out somehow though.

I am still alive...I think...

2009-06-22T02:40:00.002-04:00

100_3261
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

The depression had me down but I'm winning, I swear! I've been gainfully employed for a month and a half now and am quite happy on that front. I haven't been blogging much or taking outfit shots because it's a very jeans-and-tshirt kind of environment but I'm trying to step it up a little and dress nicer than I have to. Blogging should get me back into the spirit of things!

I went to a friend's wedding over the weekend. Here's a few shots from that, although I didn't manage to get a full-body shot of my dress. Maybe Maggie did...I'll have to check.

Maggie and Me at the reception.

I found these gorgeous wedges on clearance at Target on the way to the wedding. They were great except for the left one cut into my big toe. It's not pretty and I'll probably be wearing toe-less shoes for a few days. That said, I'll probably wear these shoes again once I'm healed up. >.<

One of my favourite rings ever. It was a Christmas present from Mum and Dad a few years ago. It's a Mystic Topaz and looks soooo fake but it's a certified piece. <3

light and dark

2009-04-09T11:54:00.002-04:00

My BFF Mags and I went crazy and tried to relive my college years which were filled with mohawks and liberty spikes. My hair is a little too long for it now and I was left feeling slightly depressed and feeling old. I miss having purple hair. This responsible adult stuff is for the birds.

light and dark
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

He's just in it for the devil lock.

04.01.09

2009-04-01T14:21:00.003-04:00

red necklace
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Super comfy for chilly morning errands but the long sleeves won't be necessary the rest of the day I can tell. I never thought I'd wear leggings and flats again (post childhood that is...oh early 90's...) but I can't pass up the comfort level of both.

Thermal shirt: American Apparel
Dress: Apt. 9 @ Kohl's (several years ago now)
Leggings: Family Dollar
Leopard Print Flats (<3): Mossimo Supply Co.
Necklace: LB (clearnace for $4!)
Dandelion: the first signs of Spring!
Fluffy head: Mr. Bowen

03.25.09

2009-03-25T17:20:00.003-04:00

03.25.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

New hair cut and colour!
Worn to take my Aunt out to lunch for her birthday. Some new stuff courtesy of Mum! We hit up Cato's yesterday in search of some short-sleeved tops for her since she's so much smaller now than this time last year. I'm so proud of her!

Hoodie: Cato's
Tank: LB
Capris (rolled up to bermuda-length)- Cato's
MJs- Cato's

Ha! Normally my outfits are predominantly LB. A nice little reversal. Now if only I could find thrifted and vintage goodies in my size around here...

More DM

2009-03-23T08:40:00.001-04:00

Dear Dave-
Marry me? Please?
Most Sincerely,
A Not-Crazy-I-Swear Fan

03.16.09

2009-03-16T15:18:00.001-04:00

03.16.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I look pretty vacant today. Feel it too. This gray weather is starting to get to me. At least I have new chest tattoos to cheer me up. (They're mechanical bats flying out of my clockwork heart)

Dress- WW catalog (Go clearance!)
Belt- Wrangler
Tights- We Love Colors
Mary Janes- Cato
New Tattoos- Renee

03.09.09

2009-03-09T14:52:00.002-04:00

030909
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I wore this to get out of the house. I went to Hell-Mart and the greeter told me I looked very nice. I was very surprised.

Dress- apt. 9 (umpteen years ago)
waistcoat- Mossimo
Tights- We Love Colors
Shoes- Aerosoles
Scarf- Hell-Mart
Nosey fluffbutt- Freyja Mouse

My Favorite shoes. They make me feel like Wonder Woman.

2009-03-07T16:02:00.004-05:00

Today I love:
Depeche Mode. I've rotated through their greatest hits this morning and it's been superb. Fits my mood perfectly. Plus, they've a new video out from the new album due out 04/21/09. Said video:

Also, I love my dogs. I'd be lost without them.

I'm also in love with the new U2 album. <3 I've been alternating that and DM today and feel pretty good because of it.

I have my first training for Mary Kay tonight. Yeah...I'm not your typical MK lady, that's for sure...but I'm walking testimony for their products so why not try my hand at it? We'll see how it goes.

2009-03-06T16:50:00.002-05:00

You know what? Depression sucks ass and blows chunks. Duh, right? I've not been this depressed since...well, I guess since I ruptured a disk in my back the semester I was supposed to graduate from college. Hell, even then I at least had pain pills to make me not care so much. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook overall but shit just keeps happening. My husband is having trouble with school, I'm having no luck with my grievance OR finding a new job and I'm just plain unhappy and pissed off at life right now. You hear that life? You can go eat something big and nasty right now.
I've dealt with depression my whole life and taken pills for it since I was 15. Most of the time the pills work just fine. Perfectly even. But when I get too stressed BAM! I want to hide in bed and not eat for weeks (when I hit bad rock-bottom depression status I quit eating entirely). This time though...I'm fighting it tooth and nail. I'm making myself get up around 8 every morning, I'm making myself do housework, I'm getting out of the house with Mum and I'm making myself eat(mostly healthy...).
On an upswing, I traveled to Maryland last weekend to see some friends I've not seen in too long. My best friend Savy was offered a job in Fredrick and is moving this weekend. I am eternally jealous. She's getting out of Richmond (and KY altogether), she's getting a decently paying job and she gets to live near some of my favourite people on Earth. If I didn't have a house (and husband) to contend with I'd be joining her. I'm going to miss her like mad. My other best friend, Mags, is leaving in August for the Disney intern program at DisneyWorld. I'm going to be all alone and I'm frightened of that. Not that I'm codependent but it's nice to have people to talk to outside of my husband and Mum sometimes.
Another high note...I go to get my chest tattoo worked on next week. It's the little things in life that keep me from choking someone...

03.05.09

2009-03-05T11:56:00.001-05:00

03.05.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

So, here I am, fighting the wind in my back yard. Back to blonde again. Probably for good this time.
I wore this for a meeting on campus about my grievance. I felt a little too casual with the jeans but I was comfortable at least and that eased my nerves.

Sweater- Daisy Fuentes (Clearance for 10.00)
White polo- Faded Glory
Jeans- Levi's 515 (Super cheap at Sam's Club)
Black Peep-toe Wedges- Nine West (thrifted for 3.00)
Faux pearls- thrifted (1.00!!)

02.24.09

2009-02-24T09:56:00.002-05:00

Last Friday I was forcefully terminated from my job.
Since then I've been angry, sad, depressed and delirious. Sometimes all at once. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook, like this is a catalyst for a good change in my life. Time will tell I suppose. But for now, I'm applying for jobs and working on a case against my former employers. More about that as it comes to fruition.
I'm going to still try to post outfits for interviews and meetings. Or if I feel especially cute and confident. Perhaps I need to make myself post everyday so I'll get out of my pajamas...

02.17.09

2009-02-17T16:37:00.001-05:00

02.17.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

The Freyja Mouse makes an appearance today. She's my mischievous youngest child. Today was a long day at work to say the least. At least I was comfortable!

Dress- LB (Clearance racks, yeah!)
Sweater- LB
Belt- Cato (I really need more belts...)
Scarf- Vintage (Hand-rolled in Japan)
Wedding boots- My Vintage Sole
The Black Blur- Freyja Mouse

02.16.09\02

2009-02-16T16:36:00.001-05:00

02.16.09\02
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

My husband rearranged the living room and the couch is in front of where I normally take my photo. So, I'm outside until I can find another spot. The pups decided to make an appearance today.

Dress- Apt. 9
Vest- Mossimo
Tights- We Love Colors
Flats- Mossimo Supply

Not sure if I'm in love with this brown hair colour. It's darker than what I'd imagined. We'll see how it washes up.

02.13.09

2009-02-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

02.13.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

Casual Friday a.k.a. The boss is out of the office today. It so tempting to not cover any of my tattoos and not fli up my septum ring but I have to be out on campus today representing the department. *sigh*

Mini trench- LB
Stripey shirt- Abney Park band tee (www.abneypark.com)
Wide leg, high-waist jeans-LB
Ugly but comfy shoes- Brooks

02.12.09

2009-02-12T08:47:00.003-05:00

02.12.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

This is the only turtleneck I own. I've been very anti-turtleneck for years but this one isn't so bad.

Dress- LB
Turtleneck- American Apparel
Jeans- LB Right Fit Blue
Flats- Mossimo supply
Fluffy head- Mr. Bowen

02.10.09

2009-02-10T06:45:00.001-05:00

02.10.09
Originally uploaded by bataleigh

I feel very patriotic in this. It's a little out of my normal comfort zone as the only black I'm wearing is the belt and shoes. ACK!

Dress- WW Catalog
Tights- We Love Colors
Belt and Shoes- Cato

02.09.09

2009-02-09T06:58:00.003-05:00

02.09.09, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

I have no feet it seems. Ha!

Scarf- Vintage (Lot off of eBay)
Sweater- LB
Denim trousers- LB
Invisible but trust me they're ugly shoes- Brooks
Silver Halloween charm bracelet- Gift from Mum

helloraiser kitty

2009-02-07T15:31:00.003-05:00

helloraiser kitty, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

The newest (and fresh!) tattoo. It amuses me to no end and I think that's important sometimes.
I go back in 2 weeks for some more work on my chest.

I'll hopefully return to outfit blogging next week. I've been lazy the past few days after returning to work post-ice storm and didn't put much thought into my clothes so I didn't photograph them. I realized how much I actually enjoy putting outfits together now! I kinda missed it.

Off to pick up my Mary Kay order then to a baby shower for the cutest couple I know.

02.04.09

2009-02-04T09:20:00.001-05:00

020409, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

A wonky morning picture! My tripod was crooked it seems, much like my belt. Oh well.

Baby blue thermal- American Apparel
Brown sweater- Sonoma
Wide Leg Trouser Jeans- LB
Belt- LB
Shoes- >.> These are my husband's Skechers...I thought they'd make good snow-going shoes. I was right. And yes, we wear the same shoe size. >.<

I've finally got power and heat back after the big ice storm last week. We were without power at our house for 6 days and I was off work for 4 of those, thankfully. Sunday it was 65 and melted the last of the snow and ice away. Tuesday it snowed all day and this mornign I awoke to 2+ inces of snow on the ground and it's still going strong. Work was on a 2 hour delay but the roads were still a mess. It took me 5 tries to get up the hill on my street and the rest of the drive was not the easiest either. I doubt they'd call school off again after beign closed all last week but it would be nice to not have to be out in this all day and evening, as I've class tonight.

On a better note, I get to get tattooed again on Friday! It gives me something to look forward to thus it helps me get through the week.

Full Colour

2009-01-24T08:28:00.001-05:00

Full Colour, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

A non-blurry, fully-healed shot of the first part of my chest tattoo. I'll be adding more to it soon, mostly tiny bats flying out of the 'arteries' and connecting to my left shoulder, which has bats on it already. Yup, I'm a geek for chiroptera.

Some things I love

2009-01-23T06:25:00.009-05:00

As I was getting ready this morning, I realized there are a lot of products I use on a daily basis that I just love. So, I thought I'd throw together a list of things that keep me feeling presentable and maybe just plain pretty sometimes. ^_^

1. Organix Shampoo and Conditioner (Shea Butter formula)- The smell and the feel of my hair when I use these makes me so happy. Plus they're organic and free of sulfides so theyr'e better for me and the environment!

2. Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Facial Scrub and Lotion- The one set of products I've found that I'm not allergic to and they make my skin look great! Fewer breakouts, more even tones, smoother complexion...etc. Plus a bottle lasts me forever (4-5 months on average with daily use). It's pricier than everything else I've tried BUT it works better and by the time I buy 2 or 3 tubes of stuff that makes me itchy I could pay for one tube of something that works! <3 MK

3. Mary Kay TimeWise Day and Night Solutions- Last year I noticed the beginnings of crow's feet around my eyes and laugh lines around my mouth. I panicked...I was only 26! Ack! I joke about feeling old (because my body is in such bad shape) but to have visible evidence ON MY FACE? OMG NO! So, I talked to my MK consultant and she recommended this set of serums that work to undo all the crap your face goes through during the day. The daytime " Think of it as a veil of defense. With an SPF of 25, this innovative product helps prevent lines and discoloration before they occur by blocking damaging UVA/UVB rays. A calming peptide helps relax expression lines." (MaryKay.com) The nighttime formula is "A unique delivery system of encapsulated vitamins and antioxidants combined with collagen-enhancing peptides help fade away deep lines and wrinkles. Nutribeads® microcapsules are vitamin-packed. Rest assured your skin is being revitalized while you sleep." And I think they work! Those early-onset crow's feet are receding and the laugh lines are only there when I laugh! Take that old age!

4. Nexxus Headress Leave-in Conditioner- This stuff makes me love my hair. It's not only a leave-in conditioner, it heps your hair retain styling with heat tools (hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, etc.) So, I don't have to put extra crap in my hair, always a bonus since I seem to be allergic to everything coming and going like gel, hair spray, mousse...either my face breaks out or my scalp breaks out. But this leav-in conditioner allows me to heat style my hair and go without extra crap and it leave my hair feeling smooth and silky while keeping it protected.

5. Almay Triple Effects Mascara- One of the few non-MK cosmetics I use. (I've not had luck with MK's mascaras as of yet...I've one more to try and it's on order.) Almay's products are known for their 'hypoallergenic' qualities and this is no exception. It curls, lengthens and volumizes my long-but-blonde lashes. It doesn't irritate my eyes since it's not waterproof, which I've found to be one culprit of my eye irritation woes. It does what it says- it makes my lashes appear long, thick and curled.

6. Mary Kay Eye Primer- I won't wear eye makeup without it. It really does the trick keeping shadows in place through the day (or night). It also helps weaker pigmented shadows go on smoother.

7. Vidal Sassoon Ceramic Ionic Hair Dryer- I don't know how I ever dried my hair without this thing. Before I lopped off all my hair and before I got this wonderful thing it would take me up to 30 minutes to get my hair mostly dry. Now with my shirter hair and the ionic beast- 8-10 minutes and it's fully dry. YES!!!! It's also great for styling too. <3 <3 <3

8. Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm- I'm a sucker for anything pomegranate. It's my second favorite lip balm (after my own homemade formula) and my favorite tube balm.

9. Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover- Again, I'm not allergic to it and it does it's job very well.

01.22.09

2009-01-22T16:32:00.001-05:00

012209, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

New boots again and what little bit of school spirit I have is covered by my scarf. Ha!

Scarf- gift from Mum
Sweater- College bookstore (The college I work at and attend)
Skirt- LB
Leggings- Cuddle duds
Boots- LB
Pretty Kitty- Laurel

WoW Geekery...

2009-01-22T15:31:00.002-05:00

My friend Reid showed me this awesome WoW video at work today. <3

It is one of the best WoW videos I've seen. Ever.

01.21.09

2009-01-21T17:16:00.001-05:00

01.21.09, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Some new goodies from LB online. Simple and warm. This would look better with a nice coloured belt and tights. Now I just need to acquire said accessories...

Sweater Dress, belt and boots- LB
Leggings- Cuddle Duds

I darkened my hair again. I think this is as close to my natural colour as I will ever get out of a box. the boy says I'm a turtleneck sweater and a pleated skirt away form being Velma form Scooby Doo and I'm quite alright with that.

A brief Interlude...

2009-01-21T09:29:00.002-05:00

...featuring one of my favourite shows of all time "The Young Ones", a BBC production from the 1980's. I adore it and I found some clips on YouTube!

01.20.09

2009-01-20T21:18:00.001-05:00

012009, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Cozy warm sweaters are so nice.

Sweater- Sonoma
Belt- Cato
Dress- Lane Bryant
Tights- We Love Colors
Boots- Demonia
Scarf- VIntage, eBay lot

Happy Inauguration Day! ^_^

Also...REPO! The Genetic Opera was released on DVD today and I can't wait to get my copy (once my paycheck shows up...)

Mum has ordered me some new boots (2 pairs) and a few new dresses and I'm very excited for them to come in! New stuff on the cheap; I love catalog clearance shopping!

01.15.09

2009-01-15T16:37:00.002-05:00

011509, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

I must be charging my lasers...
It was cold and I felt horrible all day. So I went for comfy.

Dress- Apt. 9
Silk thermal shirt- Wal-Mart (forever ago)
Jeans- Right fit blue, Lane Bryant
Ugly ugly ugly orthopedic shoes- Brooks
Scarf- Vintage, eBay lot

My spine is broken.

2009-01-15T08:07:00.004-05:00

So 3 years ago (as of last week actually) on a Friday night I was doing yoga, trying to stretch out what I thought was a tight muscle in my back. I finally got a good stretch going and when I stood up I felt something sort of pop in my lower back. I went to move toward the couch and found I couldn't move my legs. I started to panic. I managed to penguin-waddle over to the couch and sit down when I felt another pop and the pain started. It was the absolute worst pain I have ever experienced in my life and I hope I never have to go through that ever again. So, I called my Mum and told her what had happened. She told me to call Ask-a-nurse. I called them and they said I had pulled a muscle in my back and need to take some aspirin or ibuprofen and lay on a heating pad. So I did. It did no good whatsoever. I was confined to the couch and my boyfriend (now husband) had to help me take baby steps to get to the bathroom. The next day I went to Instant Care who said they thought I had a ruptured disc and promptly sent me to the emergency room. The doctor in the emergency room told me I had pulled a muscle, despite the burning pain running down to my foot in my right leg, gave me a prescription for narcotics and sent me on my way. I was frustrated to say the least. Monday morning I called my doctor's office as soon as they opened and got an appointment to see my doctor. He said he thought it was a ruptured disc and sent me off for an MRI immediately. The MRI showed that my L5-S1 disc had indeed ruptured and was pinching my sciatic nerve on the right side (hence not being able to use my leg) so I was sent off to a Neurosurgeon for evaluation for surgery. I should mention that I was in my last semester of finishing my BA and had a 12 hour load, including 2 art studio classes. SO I tried to put off surgery until the end of the semester. I used a tens unit (electronic muscle stimulation) and narcotics to help me get thorough until May but I couldn't make it. I had to drop all but 2 of my classes since I couldn't drive or walk to class. In March of 2006 I went in for surgery, survived and went home 2 days later after a reaction to the morphine that made me hallucinate and try to rip my skin off. (Now I know...morphine bad...) I healed up thanks to my awesome husband, Mum, and future mother-in-law taking care of me. I was doing fine until the following February when I started having severe pain again. I saw my neurosurgeon and he diagnosed me with osteoarthritis, told me to move someplace warm and gave me 800mg ibuprofen to take. I did so and started PT to help my muscles regain their strength. I've struggled with the arthritis for the past 2 1/2 years, fearing cold weather and long work days. I've cried myself to sleep at night a few times because the pain was so bad. I get charlie horses in my legs constantly, more frequently at night. I finally couldn't take it any more and went to see my PA about the pain. I wanted arthritis medicine rather than pain killers since they weren't working. She prescribed me Mobic to help with the arthritis and sent me to PT again.
I had my first PT appointment on Tuesday (1/13) and it was a life-changing event. The therapist said there was no way arthritis alone was causing all of my symptoms, especially the pain in my leg. She said my disc had to be bulging again. I tried to do some simple exercises and was shaking with pain. She had me stop and hooked me up to an E-Stim machine (Electronic stimulation to help ease the pain) and gave me a heating pad (one of the best things on the face of the planet in my opinion). 15 minutes later I was feeling better. She did some traction on my leg to help take some pressure off the disc and it felt good. I left with a sense of happiness form the pain relief but also a sense of dread. She put me on restrictions of no lifting and no bending over (if I can help it). So I have to learn to ask for help, which is the hardest part for me. I'm quite independent. I'm now paranoid about rupturing the disc again, praying the PT can help me reverse some of the damage done. I don't know if I can go through the pain of the injury and the surgery again. I only have 40% of that disc left and if it were to rupture...well...the remedies for that are not pleasant. Spinal fusion or rods and plates in my back. Not options I want think about at age 27 and I want to have children. So many things to think about.
At any rate, that's my current situation. I muddle through the day and look forward to layign down on my super comfy bed (pillow top + memory foam= OMG comfy) and relaxing with my husband and animals.

01.14.09

2009-01-14T16:12:00.001-05:00

011409, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

I wanted to utilize this great linen summer dress so I layered a v-neck sweater over it. I'm very happy with the results and will definitely do this with the red version of this dress that I own!

Linen embroidered dress- Lane Bryant
V-neck sweater with poufy sleeves- Lane Bryant
Tights- ?
Old battered boots- Demonia
Halloween charm bracelet- gift from Mum

01.13.09

2009-01-13T16:28:00.001-05:00

011309, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

A new sweater vest and modified turtleneck, both 70% off at Kohl's! <3

V-neck turtleneck: Chaps (omg cheap!)
Long cardigan- Sonoma (also omg cheap!)
Belt- Cato's
Froggy Brooch- Kohl's
Skirt- Via Ebay, lace added by me
Red MJs- Sanitas
Fluffy head- Mr. Bowen

I decided to follow some good advice (thanks Sheila!) and wear the skirt shorter. Rather than take it up I simply pulled it up under my bust and this made it a better length!

01.12.09

2009-01-12T15:58:00.001-05:00

011209, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

One of my other dresses from Lane Bryant. I love these! I decided it was too chilly for tights today and went with jeans and my favorite heels instead. My shoes and belt don't match...oh heavens...

Dress- Lane Bryant
Belt- Lane Bryant
Jeans- Right Fit Blue (Lane Bryant)
Brown and Gold heels- Aerosoles via the local antique mall ($8 and brand new!)
Recycled leather cuffs- Local head shop
Fluffy butt- Mr. Bowen

01.09.09

2009-01-09T18:48:00.002-05:00

010909, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

I overslept again today. I woke up 20 minutes before I was supposed to be there but I was only 10 minutes late when I walked through the door. I grabbed what was handy and threw it on. I went after work and got my hair cut and I love it!

Hooded cardigan- gift from Mum
Tunic/dress- No Boundaries
Right Fit Blue jeans- LB
Red MJs- Sanitas
Lavender scarf- Vintage (EBay lot)

Mobic

2009-01-08T20:26:00.002-05:00

I was a lamepants today and stayed home from work due to my osteoarthritis acting up. I went to the doctor and she started me on a new osteoarthritis medication (Mobic) so hopefully that will start helping soon. The cold weather murders me and I can't afford to not be able to go to work because of it.
Back to the grindstone tomorrow, then the weekend! Huzzah!

01.07.09

2009-01-07T18:18:00.002-05:00

010709, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

I froze to death today whereas I burned up yesterday in fewer layers. I knew I should have taken a sweater to work.

Black shirt dress - LB (I own 3 of these and love them.)
Belt- Cato
Black tights- ??
Red MJs- Sanitas
Red, black, white and yellow striped scarf- Vintage (from an Ebay lot)
Blue recycled leather cuff- Local Head Shop

I'm working on getting my hair closer to my natural colour. This is a step in the right direction.

Freyja Mousekin <3 <3 <3

01.06.09

2009-01-06T17:17:00.002-05:00

010609 with my new jacket, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Mr. Bowen was inspecting my boots. This is the new blazer I got for christmas. It's a nice stretch moleskin with belt detailing.

Purple Blazer: Necessities, gift from Mum
Stripey Shirt: Abney park <3
Thin-wale corduroy skirt: Necessary Objects (via Ebay years and years ago, lace added by me)
Purple skull scarf: Gift
Purple tights: Gift ( I think they came from the LB catalog a few years back)
Boots: Ol' battered Demonias

Sans jacket, smiling at my dancing puppies.

01.05.09

2009-01-05T23:32:00.002-05:00

010509, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

First day back at work after the break and my first day on first shift. Daylight...not my friend...I nearly overslept and just grabbed what I could to get ready for work. I got this jacket from Mum and Dad for Christmas and love it! I too this pic after I got home form work and I realize now I look a little worse for the wear. Running on 4 hours of sleep will do that I suppose. >.<

Black jacket- Gift from Mum
Teal LS tee- LB
Wide leg denim trousers- LB
Red MJs- Sanitas
Fluffybutt-Mr. Bowen

It's that time of the year when everyone asks about Resolutions. I got asked that at least 4 times at work today and I hadn't actually thought about it. It's probably the first year in more than I care to count that I haven't automatically said "Lose weight". After giving it some thought I decided my resolution this year is to be careful who I trust (especially at work) and cultivate the friendships I know not to be detrimental to my well-being. A lot of times I trust far too easily, openly, blindly and in the end that is not always a good thing. A lot of things that happened last year really opened my eyes up to that. I think of myself as pretty cynical but in reality I'm only half as cynical as I make out to be. I need to toughen up my barriers on a lot of fronts. As for losing weight? Well...that's just a given but I'm not going to beat myself up over it any longer. Things will start happening soon that will aid me in this endeavor and my health will improve because of it. I realize I'll never be a size 6 or 8. I'd be lam blasted at a 14 or...dare-I-say-it...a size 12. BUT I'll not be analyzing and criticizing myself on a daily basis looking for marked weight loss. As long as I don't gain I'm happy.
Simple Resolutions for 2009:
1. Be more cautious in who I trust.
2. Get finances in order. (Ha!)
3. Start dancing again.
4. Start walking my dogs as many days a week as possible. (This will depend on weather, class work and arthritis pain.)
5. Get the house organized. (HaHa!)
6. Get B's or better in both my courses this term.

blink

2008-12-30T17:38:00.002-05:00

I had an excellent Christmas/Yule, despite waking up on Christmas Eve sick. I muddled through the holidays and went to the doctor yesterday and found out I have yet another sinus infection coupled with a respiratory infection. Bollocks. So, I'm on another round of antibiotics and Mucinex is my new bestest friend.
Besides the illness, I got loads of fantastic stuff from all my favorite people. The boy got me Left4Dead, which we've been playing together and a Japanese language program for my DS. I'm excited about learning Japanese! My brother got me a gorgeous Barbie. (I'm a Barbie collector >.> What of it?) Mum and Dad paid for my chest tattoo and got me loads of new scarves (YAY!), a collector's set of Star Trek Barbies (!!!), some new leggings, a gorgeous green Nine West Shirt and a rich purple blazer. Oh, and a cute bag with my initials embroidered on it. I'm probably forgetting something...it was a big box full of goodies! My Mum-in-law got me a gorgeous Tiffany-style lamp with Lilies and dragonflies (<3) and the extended family gave us gift cards galore and I got a gift certificate to get a pedicure, which is badly needed! My grandparents-in-law (Is that the proper terminology?) gifted me a gorgeous fuzzy warm house coat, which I have been putting to good use while I've been sick. I also got a big fuzzy warm throw from my cousin and his wife. Mmmmm...warm fuzzy things to keep me toasty. Now I just need some house shoes. Freyja chewed my last pair to pieces >.<
All in all this has been a good holiday so far. We'll probably stay in for New Year's Eve since I'm all sickly, which is fine by me.
Oh, and no wardrobe pictures because I didn't think the world needed to see my robe-sleepy pants-tshirt combos for days on end. I did dress up for Christmas at my Grandmother's house but I was too busy to get a picture. I go back to work next week on first shift {hooray!} so the wardrobe documentation will begin anew then!

12.19.08

2008-12-21T10:58:00.001-05:00

121908, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

What I wore to the department Holiday Luncheon/Potluck. I was the only one dressed up. :( But, I got a lot of compliments. :)

Dress: Dress Barn (a while ago)
Belt: Cato (Clearance)
Leggings: Cuddle Duds
Boots: My Vintage Sole
Hat: Target
Ascot to cover my chest tattoo: Ebay

I bought 2 lots of vintage scarves off of Ebay to use for work to help cover my tattoo. I'm having fun trying to incorporate them into my wardrobe. There's a plethora of colors and patterns I wouldn't otherwise choose but I take that as a challenge.

121608

2008-12-16T18:22:00.001-05:00

121608, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

The weather has taken a turn for the worst, hence my messy kitchen as a backdrop and the pups joining me.

Black button-up: LB (hand-me-down from Mum)
Teal long sleeve tee: LB (I own several of these in various colors and will be breaking them out for work a lot now to cover my new chest tattoo.)
RightFit Blue pants: LB
Red MJ's: Santos
Funny thing you can't see: My khaki men's dress socks. It's really time to do laundry when you get down to the dregs of the sock drawer. I should have dug around for any of my stripey socks instead.

Today has been an interesting day. I made a discovery about my new car that I shall not soon forget. If the key is in the ignition, the keyless entry remote will not work. I discovered this after I started the car and ran back in the house to grab something. The doors locked and I was stuck with a locked, running car and no extra key. (The previous owners only had one key when we bought it and dealer replacements are expensive.) Bollocks. So, I called the locksmith and a nice guy came and opened it up for me and I followed him to the shop and got an extra door key made. I got my car manual out when I got to work and sure enough, it says that the remote will not work if the ignition is on. Gah! I was 45 minutes late to work but the boss had a good chuckle over it so I don't feel too horrid for it.

My tattoo is now at the itchy/peeling stage. I'm mastering the art of inconspicuously scratching my chest. And I'm not truly scratching, so much as rubbing to relieve the itch since scratching can be detrimental to the tattoo. It probably looks like I have terrible, constant heartburn! Ha!

Clockwork heart

2008-12-12T23:04:00.001-05:00

Clockwork heart, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Session One: Done!

Renee is BLOODY AWESOME. She's got a light touch with the machine and she works lightning fast. Entire outline done in under an hour. Holy crap.

I am so very pleased. I go back in a week for colour and shading. ^_^

120908

2008-12-09T21:41:00.002-05:00

120908, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

I gotta remember to keep my chin up. what a face i was making... >.<

Cardigan- Mossimo
Dress- Kohl's (2 years ago)
Leggings- Cuddle Duds (oh so warm)
Belt- Cato (Clearance)
Boots- My Vintage Sole (custom made for my wedding)
Scarf- Gift
Death Cameo- Strychnine Sisters

I wear this scarf a lot....I mean A LOT. It's soft, it's purple and it has skulls on it: 3 of my favorite attributes!

I had been spinning around letting the rain hit my face.

skelly vignette

2008-12-05T16:35:00.001-05:00

skelly vignette, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Little skeletons representing Travis and me. (I'm the one with the glow-in-the-dark bat ring)

I pulled out the decorations and set up our new, much much smaller, Yule tree today. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. We have enough decorations for a 2nd tree now that we're not putting up the gargantuan tree!

clockworkheartlinework

2008-12-04T20:14:00.001-05:00

clockworkheartlinework, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

The preliminary linework for my chest piece. Kinda rough. My artist has the fully shaded version, prepping it for my first session on 12/12/08

I need a new alarm...

2008-12-04T12:39:00.003-05:00

I overslept today and just threw on what was first to be seen in my groggy state.

Dress/tunic-No boundaries
Cardigan-George
Denim Trousers- LB
Scarf- Gift
Red Mary janes- Sanita

I found these great shoes at a local shoe store on a clearance aisle. They had been $80+ but were greatly reduced (75% off!!!) so I bought both pairs they had in my size. I'm glad I did because I love them; comfort for my finicky feet and I love mary janes. After searching up the company name I found out they're known for their comfort and durability.

My boss is gone until next Wednesday! Hooray! I don't have to hide my septum ring and I can wear jeans a few extra days!

I was just thinking too that after next week I won't be able to wear this dress to work like this anymore. I'm starting my chestpiece next Friday and move into the world of sneaky tattoo covering. I think camisoles and scarves should do the trick and it's probably best since this dress might be a little too low-cut for my workplace. I have to become much more conscious of this with all my tops!

I have to share

2008-12-03T19:07:00.002-05:00

MoveOn.org is offering free stickers to commemorate President-elect Obama's election win. They're available by going here:
http://pol.moveon.org/shepstickers/?id=15204-6979643-bYBpKFx&t=1

You get one free or they're $3 for 5.
I can't wait for mine to come in the mail! I ordered it when they first announced they were offering them right after the election.

More about MoveOn.org

12.03.08

2008-12-03T17:47:00.005-05:00

What I wore out with Mum before work.We were going to the local antique mall to pick up some things she'd found yesterday. They were definitely 2-person purchases! She bought me a great cabinet to put in the kitchen and a nice filing cabinet for herself.

Skull thermal top: Gift
Red camisole: LB
Dark rinse, wide leg, high waist denim trousers: LB (clearance racks)
Platform Maryjane Sneakers: Volatile <3

And to work:

My boss has a no-jeans policy so I can only sneak and wear my denim trousers once a week. She's leaving on vacation tomorrow though...

Skull thermal top: Gift
Red camisole: LB
Black pants: LB
Cardigan: George
Maryjanes: Cato

So, outfit blogging...I've been watching a reading numerous fashion blogs for a few months now and decided to give it a try myself. After struggling with body dysmorphia most of my life (or as long as I can remember), I'm forcing myself to look at pictures of said body almost every day (that I have time to snap pictures). So far that nagging little voice in my head (you know, the one who screams about guts and butts and saddlebags and thunder thighs) has been easy enough to quell. I'm looking for the positive. I'm becoming more conscious of my appearance and finding out what looks good on me and what needs...adjustment. And posting it on my blog and fashion Flickr groups? That's my way of forcing myself to realize "This is me, take it or leave it." The feedback has been great too and flipping through Fatshionista and Wardrobe remix has opened me up to lots of new ideas that I'd never have tried before.

Daily Outfit 12/01/08

2008-12-01T17:35:00.004-05:00

Daily Outfit 12/01/08, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

I feel very proto-military when I wear my big boots with capris. I love it.

Boots: Demonia
Everything Else: Lane Bryant
Necklace: Me
Fluffy Butt: Mr. Bowen

I tried styling my bangs differently too. I think I like them this way. Nice to have options.

2008-11-30T20:20:00.001-05:00

This amazes me. Just watching Eugene Hutz play the guitar is mesmerizing.

Geek Out

2008-11-30T15:48:00.004-05:00

The weather has murdered me, I swear it! It's raining and somewhat dreary and I awoke to a face full of doom a.k.a. a stuffy nose. Bleah. I'm drinking tea for the caffeine to stay awake at work and to hopefully clear my nose up some. I need some mint tea but that's at home so I settle for P.G.Tips and some Bigelow Pumpkin Spice, which is amazing! Too bad it's seasonal.
I finished the preliminary design for my chest tattoo to cover my lumpectomy scar. I need to go out and scan it. That would require moving...I'll think about it. Anyway, it's a clockwork heart and I'm pretty proud of it. I'm not normally a 2-D person but I'm happy with how this came out. We'll have to see what Renee the tattoo queen says about it's do-ability. I haven't been tattooed in almost 3 years now. I feel so lost! My Magtar and A-train are supposed to take me to Berea where Renee's new shop is so we can meet and talk about my designs. Exciting!
My parents are supposed to bring the desk for my new computer today. I'll finally be able to get my gorgeous machine out of the living room and make it more usable. It's been set up on top of the boxes it came in since I got it since I had no place to put it properly. I'm excited about getting to use my new baby and play WoW and Half-Life2 in a comfortable position (meaning not sitting on an ottoman with the keyboard on the tower and mousing on my knee)! It's a pretty blue box with blue LEDs and a temperature gauge on the front and a plexiglass side panel. <3 <3 <3

Growing up?

2008-11-23T18:22:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was great. Mum had a post-wedding shower for me and it was a lot of fun. Most of my aunts were there as well as a few of my friends and my awesome mother-in-law. Nice gifts, door prizes and some amazing homemade barbecue. An atomic clock mistaken for a doomsday clock ^_^ A great time was had by all.
After the shower my brothers Ryan and Bryson and Bryson's girlfriend Kelli and I went to see The Dropkick Murphys in Lousiville. The opening bands were pretty good. I hadn't been out to a show of any sort in years...about 4 years actually. I'd forgotten how amusing the punk scene can be. How people can be categorized. I guess it's like that in any subculture but "punk" is the one I'm probably most familiar with. There were the underage kids, the straight-edgers, the hipsters, the hardcore kids, the skinheads (not too many of those out last night), the metal-heads, the Irish music fans (who looked slightly put-off by mohawks and spikes), a couple of rednecks and some hippies. And me, nowhere in between any more. I used to fall somewhere in the hardcore/goth category. One day long ago. Now I'm somewhere else, not sure where anymore. It was rather strange to watch the crowd from the outside now. I have more ink than a lot of the people trying hard to show off what they had, I can identify bands on patches on black leather jackets from 20 paces and I know the best ways to get your hair pink, blue or orange. I guess I'm getting old? I still desire to dress up outrageously and go jump in the mosh pit but my budget calls for suits and dresses and my broken back calls for a bar stool. When did I become so boring?? Did I ever think this day would come? No. Call it Peter Pan syndrome but I never thought I'd be so lame. Not that I'm unhappy with how my life is now but it's just so strange. Recently my mechanic's jacket with leopard-print fur collar and my pin and patch collection suffered irreparable damage. Maybe that was a sign? An end of an epoch for me perhaps.
At any rate, the DM were BLOODY AWESOME and I'm so excited still that I got to see them live finally. I've been a fan since 2000 or so and I'd never caught them live due to living in BFE. The energy from the band was amazing. Simply awesome.

BlogSpew

2008-11-17T22:33:00.003-05:00

Since Thursday I have:
~Sliced my finger open with a band saw
~Broken a blade on said band saw
~Bent steel at 7:30 in the AM
~Gotten a tetanus shot for said incident with band saw (thanks Mum!)
~Finished a totem pendant
~Breathed though one nostril more than 90% of 3 days
~Played Trivial Pursuit with 2 of the smartest people I know and we won!
~Contemplated quitting my job more than once but I decided I like my house too much to lose it over someone's power trip
~Snuggled with puppies x 1000
~Hung out with my Mum and Aunt Gloria and had fun despite being hungry and sick
~Snuggled with my husband (yes, that's still weird to say)
~Made sketches for my next major metals project. And MAJOR it is. I may be setting myself up for failure.
~Officially changed my name.
~Rearranged the office all by myself! Woo! I hope the boys don't mind...
~Got a copy of the new D&D player's guide and read a good portion of it.
~Realized I'm still losing weight despite eating like a college student.
~Redyed my hair after the secretary said it looked funny. I like it better now but hate the motivation.
~Realized I love my in-laws (real and adopted) again.
~Missed my brother. I haven't seen him since the wedding more than 2 minutes in passing. However, we are going to see the Dropkick Murphys this weekend!!! w00t! He surprised me with a ticket last week. ^_^
~Finally posted some stuff on ETSY that I've had made for a long time and hadn't gotten around to posting. I'm a procrastinator.
~Ordered a ton of wedding prints. They'll be in any day now...
~Shipped out some lip gloss to the lovely Erin. I've been blog-stalking her for a while now and she bought some of my lip gloss on ETSY. ^_^ Danke!

New hair!

Questions, introspection?

2008-11-13T12:37:00.003-05:00

Stolen from the amazing Lady Smaggle
1. Were you named after anyone? Yes. My Mum's eldest sister, Anna Lee. They changed the spelling, of course.

2. Do you still have your tonsils? Yup.

3. Would you bungee jump? No, I'm not rather fond of puking.

4. What is your favorite cereal? Quaker Oat Squares.

5. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Not if I can get them off without doing so.

6. What is your favourite ice cream? Spumoni or Rainbow Sherbet.

7. What is the first thing you notice about people? Facial structure. It's the physical anthropologist in me...

8. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? Mental illnesses. But, who would I be without them?

9. What was the last thing you ate? Real food- Corn Pops and Soy Milk. Junk- Runts Candy. >.<

10. What are you listening to right now? Just this second it's Everlong by the Foo Fighters <3 <3 <3

11. Last movie you watched? Run Fatboy Run. OMG <3

12. What did you dream about last night? I never remember my dreams. :(

13. What book are you reading? The Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

14. Summer or winter? Fall! Screw the heat and bugger the cold.

15. Do you have any special talents? Not particularly. I can move my glutei independently...I guess that's "talent"?

Well, that was fun.

Things I've discovered today:
-I can listen to Layla by Eric Clapton on repeat and be very happy about it for up to an hour. Eric Clapton's music does something to me and it tickles.
-Swiffer dusters are a godsend in this office.
-Someone left a cultural anthropology book in the lab and I hope they don't come back to claim it. I wants it.
-I like my short hair. And if I had any doubts about the color they were abated by my fellow art students on Tuesday. Finally somebody else got the 'gradient' thing!
-Start wearing purple!
-I'm broke beyond belief. UGH. >.<

Well that settles that.

2008-11-06T22:28:00.002-05:00

OMG.
Abilify will definitely be a night drug for me. I've been like the living dead since noon or so. I fell asleep standing up at work. Jeebus.

Playing catch up

2008-11-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

I’m officially married now. I don’t think it’s sunk in completely yet. I’m still reeling from the weekend I think. Everything was just kind of a blur. Thank the gods for pictures! It was beautiful and everything I’d hoped for.

I chopped off all my hair. It’s nice, I like the cut but I feel a little naked without all the length. I have to remember not to use a handful of shampoo and conditioner anymore and I don’t have to pull the bulk out from under shirts and jackets. I’m also blonde now too. Big change there, trying to get back to my “natural color”. It’s is SO tempting to dye it lavender…must resist temptation…

I started Abilify today to help with the stress and depression I’ve been trying to overcome. Only minor side effects thus far. A little trouble swallowing and I feel high. Having a cold doesn’t help that much I’m sure. So I’m a mouth-breather for the time being and I have an overwhelming urge to go home and watch cartoons in my pajamas. But I cannot. Responsibility calls, no…it walks up and slaps me in the face. This being a grown-up business is bullshit. I really wish I could go home. Being high at work is not cool. It’s the polar opposite of cool. Argh!

Our former foster puppy, Lily, was put to sleep Tuesday. She was attacked by coyotes and they did irreparable damage to her. She was such a sweet thing but at least I know she’s at peace now and not suffering. Emily, our friend and the rescue organizer, was very upset about the whole ordeal (of course) and I tried to comfort her via text message as much as I could. It is such a tragedy. It is just horrible to lose such a sweet little puppy (only 6 months old) in such a terrible monstrous way. Requiescat in Pace LilyBug.

In better news(?), I’m finally starting on my wood carving project today! I have some pieces of purpleheart, padauk, pink ivory, Indian ebony, and redheart to play around with. I’m hoping to create a bracelet and a couple of pendants for a cohesive series.

2008-11-04T23:15:00.000-05:00

Dear America-

Thank you.

Love,

L-A

Reluctant resignation

2008-10-07T11:21:00.003-04:00

I finally got to talk to the cop about the accident and she refuses to change her report. Says I was supposed to yield to the old lady because she was in the driving area. I asked her how I could yield any more than sitting still. She had no answer to that. I reminded her I was still in my parking space. She said "Exactly, so she had the right of way." I said "But what if I had been parked instead of just sitting there with my foot on the brake?" Again, no answer aside from the fact that she was not going to alter the report and I could only dispute it with my insurance company. The insurance company says that they have to go by what is on the report as that's the legal thing. SO...I'm stuck having insurance pay for the old mole's car and my own. Go Go $500 deductible...

In other news our foster pup Lily is going to her new home in Cincy! She left our home last night and will be headed north soon. I hope to get some pictures from her new home. I know she'll be happy wherever she goes.

Also...my hair is no longer red. >.>

Not in MY America, damnitall.

2008-09-30T10:43:00.003-04:00

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/28/203016/697/536/613742

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/09/26/ddn092608evacweb.html?cxntlid=inform_artr

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/09/27/ddn092708islamicweb.html?cxntlid=inform_artr

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/09/27/ddn092608evacweb.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=16

If this incident is related to the release of that DVD, then it's true that John McCain kills babies to live! My theory will be proven!

Joking aside, this scares the hell out of me. How can people be so callous as to try and harm a room full of babies and children? I thought we were past the times of religious persecution in this country; past the time of witch hunts and torture for not believing the way of the majority. Am I mistaken in thinking that America was founded on the basis of religious freedom?

2008-09-28T13:26:00.002-04:00

I spoke too soon. The RPD officer messed up the report and has it listed that I somehow hit the old lady. Yes...I made my car drive sideways and tore my entire bumper off with only minor damage to her fender. WTF?!?!?!?!?!!!!!
So...I have to try and contact the officer and see if we can clarify the report. As it is now I have to pay for everything. Fuck that and a bag of biscuits.

Wedding planning is moving along. Just 4 weeks left. So much to do but we can get it done. We finalized things down at Cumberland on Friday; the menu, table arrangements, etc. are all good to go. The menu:
Salad
Fresh Fruit
Rolls
Herb Baked Chicken
DeepFried Catfish
Mashed Potatoes
Honey-Glazed Carrots (hahaha)
Green Beans
Banana Pudding
Iced Tea, Water, and Coffee
Cake and Punch

Everything is being catered by the lodge restaurant and having eaten there several times since we've been planning the wedding, it will be DELICIOUS. There will be pudding for those who don't like cake and they've agreed to us my grandmother's punch recipe to serve with the cake (which Mum and I are making). As I said, still lots to do but I thnk we're on track.

I am never leaving the house again. period. (and extra periods........)

2008-09-19T15:43:00.004-04:00

So, after being sick the past couple of days with fluid in my ear I decide to make the best of things and get out of the house. I went to the local Hell-Mart to get seat covers for my new car. I checked out and put my purchases in the trunk. I got in, checked my mirrors, turned on the air, looked both ways behind me twice and proceeded to back out very slowly. Fat lot of good that did me as an old lady with a bouffant backed into me and tore my damn bumper off. THE WHOLE DAMN BUMPER. It was one of those slow-motion horror moments. I screamed "No, stop, no no no Oh fuck" to no avail. She hit me and kept right on going. I got out of the car and it was hanging off of one side by a piece of liner felt, sitting at a 45 degree angle from the back of my car. Foam and bits were everywhere. I made sure the old lady was fine. Her car? Yeah,some smudges of yellow paint on the rear fender. She didn't stop once she hit me,hence tearing my entire bumper off. I picked my bumper up so no one would run over it and started making the necessary calls. RPD, insurance, Mum, Trav and Ryan (who got texted since he's in Mississippi for work). I was doing alright until I heard her say to a friend who showed up that it was my fault. I couldn't sucker punch an old lady so I bit my tongue and sat in the divers seat. Waited around for the cop to show up, luckily she was one of the nicest RPD officers I've met thus far. I heard her tell the lady she was at fault while I was using my multi-tool to cut the felt loose so I could pick my bumper up and put it in my trunk. Mum showed up right after the cop left and the old lay pulled away. She helped me maneuver the bumper through the trunk and back seats.

I give up. I've not even had the car a week and this happens. WTF? *sigh* I know things could be A LOT worse ut seriously? An old lady tore my bumer off, said it was my fault and wouldn't look me in the eye?

Some photos after I got home:

w00t

2008-09-15T21:21:00.003-04:00

New car=awesome.
It's been a few years since I drove a standard but it's coming back to me pretty well.

Scarefest and a new car

2008-09-14T23:06:00.003-04:00

I went to Scarefest (horror and paranormal convention) today with my bff Magtar and her adorable hubby Aaron. I was so much fun. we went in our Toy Soldier uniforms (representing the Good Doctor) and had our pictures taken a billion times. We met and got signatures and memorabilia from Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Tony Todd, Tom Savini, Michael Berryman and Victor Miller. All of them were awesome! Victor Miller, you are now my hero. This was my first convention experience and I loved it! Mags, Aaron and I are hopefully going to go to some more things of this type and spread the good word of Dr. Steel! Being in uniform made me feel More comfortable somehow.
Evidence of the Awesome:

With Bill Moseley (Choptop, Otis Firefly, Luigi Lago)

With Shannon Sylvia of Ghost Hunters International

With Victor Miller (writer of Friday the 13th)

I go get my new car tomorrow. It's a 2003 Ford Focus ZX hatchback. So excited!!! Some stock photos (same colour):

I can't wait!

We survived!

2008-09-02T12:17:00.000-04:00

Mum and I survived our surgeries just fine. She has 6 incisions and 22+ staples. I came away with a 2 inch half-circle scar just off center from my sternum. (tattoo designs in the works...) No staples or stitches, just Steri-strips. I'm at work today and it's been a struggle not to walk around cradling my breast like I have been at home. I've a rather nasty bruise that aches down to the bone and in my arm pit and my whole arm is acting funny (tingly, weak), as expected. I slept 17 hours yesterday thanks to vicodin.

Mum is adjusting to her new diet or lack thereof. Protein drinks and lots of water. She's on pureed food now, a couple of weeks before solids. She's so happy though and it's contagious. I'm happy for her and hope she can move forward with her life now, slowly but steadily.

We're learning to make roman chain and granulation/fusing. I'm going to make a sweater chain I think. We've to make 2 pieces for the granulation project and a length of chain so I'm going to combine the two and make something I've wanted for years now.
I'm making a half-mask for my first sculpture project (casting in bronze). Rather excited about that.

Lookit the earsss!

2008-09-02T10:34:00.001-04:00

Lookit the earsss!, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Lily, with her radar on as Dad says. She likes snuggling and burrowing in the blankets for a nap.

Waves a white flag

2008-08-26T14:08:00.005-04:00

I'm having surgery this Friday to remove a mass/lump/cyst from my left breast. They don't think it is cancerous or anything, thankfully, it's just sore as hell. It will be a minor outpatient procedure and I'll just be sore for a while. I've decided if the scar is too big or unsightly I'll just design a tattoo to go over it. New plan: scar I don't like=new tattoo to cover it.
Mum is having Bariatric surgery Thursday. The Gastric Bypass procedure to be precise. We're all nervous for her as it will be an enormous change in lifestyle for the rest of her life. But, I think she'll do just fine. She'll be at the hospital right next to the surgery center I'm going to Friday so I'll spend the rest of the day after my surgery with her.
I've grown to despise my job. Not necessarily the job itself but several...elements...I have to contend with. To cut to the chase, I'm pretty sure my bosses hate me. Well, maybe hate is a rather strong term. I'm sure I come in rather low on their lists. The red-headed step child of the department, so-to-speak. I've been really down the past week because of my schedule. I should be excited about classes starting but instead I am full of dread. My work schedule is thus:
Sunday 1pm-9pm
Monday- (workout 10am-12pm) 3:30pm-12am
Tuesday-10am-3pm,(Class) 9pm-12am
Wednesday- (workout 10am-12pm) 3:30pm-12am
Thursday-10am-3pm, (Class) 9pm-12am
The kink is that getting off at 12am and being back to work at 10am is tough, especially for someone with sleep issues and bipolar disorder. It's hard to get straight to sleep, I'm lucky if I fall asleep by 2 am (usually more like 3 or so) and I have to get back up at 8:30 am in order to take care of the dogs and get dressed for work, find a parking space, etc. A week or so of this and I may well be off my rocker, not to mention when the hell am I supposed to get studio time in? I can't exactly sculpt at my office desk now can I? I may very well just haul in my alcohol lamp and do wax work. If I had been moved to first shift (Like I've requested for the second year in a row only to be shot down for various not-HR approved reasons), I'd work 7:30 am-4:00 pm, missing only 30min. of work twice a week to go to class. Instead I have to pull 2 14 hour days a week to make up the difference. Not to be a fatalist, but this may well eat away at the last little bit of sanity I have. I give it a month before I'm visiting my shrink or drinking myself to sleep. (Ah...NyQuil...)
Also...planning a wedding on top of all this? *sigh* I'm even more masochistic than I realized.

This applies.

2008-08-26T13:54:00.002-04:00

I love this woman and this song really hits home, especially right now.

random

2008-08-11T09:38:00.002-04:00

I did precisely nothing this weekend. Unless you count catching up on sleep, which I did plenty of. I always make grand plans to get things accomplished on my days off but when the time comes I'm too tired to do much of anything except sleep and play WoW, which sometimes is about as engaging as sleeping, wherein I have fallen asleep while playing.
I did make it out to buy some storage tubs to put away my dance garb since I won't be needing it for a while. Now to actually go through the 7 or so years of accumulated garb, clean it and lovingly pack it away until I feel ready to dance again. Dunno if/when that will be. I'm still smarting from that fallout. I just want to cry at the mention of the troupe and what they're doing or not doing and that's ridiculous. I try no to dwell on it. I've lost 2 very close friends in the same manner; I tolerate personality quirks until I can't take it any more because they're hurting other people. I take a stand and end up losing a friend over it. Maybe I'm better for it but at this point it still stings. I feel very alone outside of that close-knit group. But from the outside I see more flaws than I ever did from the inside. That's the way it usually goes. Disillusioned but now lonely.
I've got to get cracking on these wedding invitations. Like this week. >.< DIY is sometimes a PITA.

Barooo!

2008-08-07T11:19:00.001-04:00

barooo!, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Mr. Bowen, you are one of the best dogs ever.

I want to hate myself for this but I can't.

2008-08-07T10:19:00.000-04:00

http://www.ksnt.com/home/ticker/26210264.html
http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/731280.html

My only regret is that Mr. Phelps wasn't in the building. I want to feel bad for hating the bastard so much but I can't. He's a pariah, a waste of human flesh, a carbuncle on the ass of society. Unfortunately even if he were put out of our misery some other fucknut would just take his place. These people frustrate me to no end.

Lily Bug

2008-08-05T12:32:00.001-04:00

Lily Bug, originally uploaded by bataleigh.

Lily, our foster puppy for the time being. She's been through a lot in her 10 weeks of life. Being dropped off at the Estill Co. shelter, living there for a week, a week in rescue and now almost 2 weeks with us. She's survived worms, a probable spider bite, a sever leg infection, a massive flea infestation and scabies. She's on her way to being healthy but all this hasn't kept her from being a rambunctious puppy. She loves Freyja and mum's dogs love her too. If we can't keep her I hope we can find a super loving home for her with another dog or two for company.

2008-08-05T12:19:00.000-04:00

I'm glaring with contempt at a new Windows Vista machine as I chew on some beef jerky. I'm supposed to install some Windows98-era software (on floppy disks, mind you), make it functional and pull an image for a lab of 40 machines. Balls.
It is so tempting to log into WoW and glare at the Vista machine out of the corner of my eye for the remainder of the day. But...I know better...I think.

Flickr

2008-08-05T12:17:00.001-04:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

On wedding planning...

2008-04-24T19:45:00.000-04:00

So, when we finally decided to get married, set a date and started planning, it was my intention to keep this as low-stress and low-key as possible. I've done pretty well thus far but I'm behind schedule according to "official wedding planners" or whathaveyou.

What I have done so far:

Booked the wedding and reception areas. Deposits will go down next week.
Decided on catering options. (OMG deliciouness)
Changed my mind about making my own dress and started shopping around for a pre-made one
Purchased materials for decorations (flowers, etc.)
Designed the cake (Now to find someone to make it...)
A tiny start on hand-making the invitations.
A rough draft guest list
Got the boy to agree to marry me in a ceremony...not at the court house

Still to do:

Decide on a dress, get measured, buy it, loathe myself for being fat, etc.
Finalize guest list to get a ballpark figure for number of invitations to make
Favors??
Finish Invitations
Make the boy decide what he will wear
Make room reservations at the lodge/cabins (within the next week)
Find someone to make the cake
Talk parents into rum punch a the reception (LOL...I crack myself up)
Plan/buy remainder of decorations for ceremony and reception
Call and confirm maid of honor...doh!
I'm sure I'll think of more...

My close friend Mags is getting married 3 months before we do and is letting the nice folks at Disney handle most of the details. Sometimes I think that might be a good thing but on the other hand, our budget is a couple thousand smaller than hers. It looks like with lodging and everything we'll slide in under $4000 for everything (food, rooms, dress, etc.) Being semi-DIY helps, along with taking advantage of our state park system and using nature as our backdrop.