New Camera, Phone, and … Dragon just wants to say hi :)

So my boyfriend bought me a Nikon D3000. What can I say? Best camera I’ve ever had, plus it takes the most amazing pictures. Great starter camera for someone like me who has no experience in photography.

Such a pretty camera

Plus I got an upgrade for my phone. Moving up from a Samsung flip to a Motorola XT860 Android. Let me tell you, this is an AMAZING phone. The interface is beautiful. The quick contacts widget is just awesome, storing your favourite contacts at the top of your screen for easy access. Maybe it’s just me that’s amazed, though. Maybe I’m just overwhelmed because I’ve never had a smartphone before. :S

Oh yeah. Now that's a phone.

I like how I can access my facebook, wordpress, and so much more using this little gadget. It’s so much fun!

 

I also have some sad news. I think I will have to withdraw from NaNoWriMo. I haven’t written in two days and I feel like I won’t be writing any time soon, either. There’s just too much on my plate and I can’t eat it all, not even in small amounts. If only it were another year, a different year in the past or perhaps future. This year is just too much to handle. So good luck to everyone in the event! I wish you well on your writing journey and may you finish in triumph and not sheath your pencil in vain!

Anyway, it’s time for me to be off. I have studying to be done. Farewell for now!

p.s. Dragon would like to say hi!

So cute!

Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming, Swimming …

Hey November! Yeah, you! I don’t really think it was the best time to schedule NaNoWriMo. Do you think you could possibly change it to some other month? … No? … What if I gave you a cookie? … No? … Okay, fine. I guess I’ll suck it up.

I’m on 3,000 words so far, which isn’t bad, I guess. But I know I’m going to fall behind. I can feel it coming! I have loads of work on my hands with little time for writing. My work term is time consuming, unfortunately.

So what’s my solution, you may ask?

Well, running off to some quiet, remote location to write isn’t really the answer, so plan B … which is finding time to write.

Yes, we all have those moments in the day when we’re tired and worn out from work/school, etc., and those other times when you just don’t have the motivation to write. That’s fine. Take that time to relax. But don’t sit there all day watching TV reruns, being unproductive while your computer is making sad faces at you because you won’t spend some quality time with it.

I know I have several procrastinating problems. One is watching my favourite TV show until I reach the end of the season. Another would be social media sites, such as facebook. Even game shortcuts on my desktop are distracting.

 

Here’s some helpful advice for the struggling writer:

- Hide your TV remote and stay away from that evil box!

- Remove all game shortcuts from your desktop

- Try to stay away from media sites such as facebook, twitter, etc.

- Don’t put it off. Schedule a certain time/date to write and stick to it!

- Reward yourself for completing a page. “Here, Sandra. Have a cookie!” (remember to bake cookies beforehand)

- Music can be distracting, but it can also help depending on the writer. Choose songs that fit your story

- Take a break from time to time. Not a long one, but long enough to grab a snack or a relaxing bath

- Ask someone about your progress. A bit of encouragement goes a long way!

- Walks are good for collecting thoughts and clearing your mind of all negativity

- Finally, talk with other writers and share opinions. You’ll feel more motivated when you are surrounded by others with the same passion for writing!

 

This is going to be a hectic ride, but I’m strapped in and ready to go! Good luck to everyone competing and remember, as Dory says, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming …”

~ Sandra

Halloween Has Arrived

It’s that time of year again, when ghouls and goblins come out to play. Stock up on treats and stew up some tricks because it’s Halloween!

Sadly, I won’t be dressing up this year. *sadface* I live in an apartment building and I’m sure there won’t be any kids going from door to door here. If so, I apologize for the lack of candy at my home!

I really do love Halloween, though. This year I’ve developed some strange mental issue that won’t allow me to get excited about my favourite holiday. How odd.

Last year I was Lara Croft. It was such a fun idea, especially since I had to track down a gun holster and a cool pair of boots for the costume. You can see the pic just below.

Sometimes I love being a graphic designer, because I can do cool stuff like this. haha

Anyway, we all know creative costumes are the best. But what really irks me is those skanky costumes you see at various stores. You know the kind I’m talking about. Sexy nurses and cops and the whole works. Seriously, girls? Can’t you for once come up with an idea on your own instead of resorting to dressing up like this? Unless you’re a perverted guy, no one wants to see you in those costumes. Do me a favour and think!

Sigh. I’d like to rant about that some more, but I have more important things to do.

I’m heading out to pick up some paperwork soon. It’s going to be a busy, busy day. Hopefully I’ll see lots of people in creatively made costumes! I saw the Mad Hatter yesterday. Awesome work, whoever you were! haha

Anyway, time to go! I don’t like heading out into cold, rainy days, but I must!

NaNoWriMo tomorrow! Yikes!

~ Sandra