i am becoming one of those people

It's a new feeling to me, waking up on a Monday morning and feeling angry and annoyed that it's well, Monday.

I always thought I was a morning person.  Well ah, that's changed.

I couldn't help but wake up and do that half-groan half-cry of utter disgust this morning when my alarm screamed at me. I made mental notes to make sure next weekend to try sleep more/drink less, as I look at my puffy blood shot eyes. I curse myself for not doing that list of work I told myself I would do, knowing I will be up late doing it tonight. 

As I try to focus on my book and be soothed by my music on the subway, I can't help but feel myself get frustrated by the people bumping me and talking loudly to each other. I catch my reflection in the window and am shocked by the sour look on my face. Is that really me?? Am I morphing into a work-hating, complaining, mindless zombie? Oh crap.

Then I think about how incredible my weekend was, and reminded myself there's no reason why every day can be just as incredible. I also reminded myself I'm being a dick: I live in NYC, with cool friends, an amazing job–I'm pretty lucky. If my biggest issue on a Monday morning is that I'm tired, then crap, I have nothing to complain about it.

Being a new week, I think it's a perfect time to think of a few things to get done this week. Starting some new projects is right up there, along with finishing work I was supposed to do over the weekend. Contact family and friend's who are far-far away, yep that's on there. And I think I'm going to add learn to love Monday's on that,  I'm such a firm believer of each day is what you make of it. I guess I just need remind myself that sometimes.  

It's Monday, kick some ass.

i am brain storming.

Ohh yes gift making time for my best friend and her baby-to-be.
I refuse to buy a gift for someone to celebrate something so special as bringing a bundle of crying dribbling pooping in the world.


What better place to look for ideas for hand-rendered illustrations and textures than Doodler's Anonymous. This is always my go to place for ideas for visual diaries, different mediums or just to see what scribbles people come up with.
Time to start sketching shit out now myself.

i am sore.

The ocean at Fort Tilden pummeled me to the sandy floor again and again and I kicked my white pegs as hard as I could to fight against the waves. I swallowed so much salt water from laughing  I'm surprised I didn't turn into a fush.

It was a perfect day at the faraway beach, with a few specks of rain drops and with lots of greyhound drinks. You can't help but smile looking out across the sand to people getting their dose of Vit. D and basking like seals in the sun.

I learnt that I am not as flexible as I was when I was 8, me attempting cartwheels is..entertaining.

New found love : Delicate Steve, and this beautifully soft and minty toned photography of Kim Holtermand. Enjoy.

i am assured.

We all doubt our decisions every now and then, and have people believe in you and your choices is priceless.
I had one of those "yeah, you're right! Everything's going to be amazing!" moments after watching James Victore's helpful videos on his website. 
He's a ridaculously great designer, who's offering words of wisdom to budding designers.
Even if you're not a designer his videos leave you feeling more confident and ready to take on the big, wide world.

i am really lucky.

I'm surrounded by beautiful, caring, loving people.

My family and friends show me endless support and give me advice and listen when I whine,

they would give me the clothes off their back and expect nothing in return
I'm oh-so lucky to have you all in my life!
Thank you for motivating me and believing in my dreams.
I owe you all.

i am glad.

I'm so glad to have found Citizen Scholar Inc.

Effortless, beautiful, simple and wholesome design for a 

brighter future.

 

i am gritting my teeth.

Ok, so not everything is sunshine lollipops and rainbows in New York City.

I'm trying to knuckle down and research more design studios and agencies in NYC (the ones I've found though have made me do that whole "I'm shaking my head because I'm so amazed at what I'm seeing thing"), but it's hard to really focus when the library is bombarded by chubby little kids screaming at one end of the library to the next.

I wish they were yelling about kids stuff, like so-and-so smells, or laughing at lame jokes and TV, but these kiddies are talking about who's dating who, this girl has pashed everyone, and did you check out this girls short skirt? Come on. You're 10!
Being bumped and kicked and not apologized to has made me think of the other things that have annoyed me in NYC.

Lack of manners.

I say please, thank you, sorry and excuse me when necessary, and people look at you like your crazy. It's just being polite, why the shit is it so foreign?!

The rubbish, everywhere.

Oh it's not just packets, it's food scraps, it's broken glass, it's furniture and toys and clothes that are perfectly fine! And lack of caring. 

I guess coming from clean green NZ, I'm being ignorant and self-righteous, but it really irritates me when I see people just chuck their rubbish on the ground, 1/2 a metre from a bin. 

I almost threw a wobbly when some drunk fruitloop almost burned me with his cigarette butt he chucked on the footpath. Thank god I was listening to good music, I would have gone all kung-fu on his ass.

And that's it.
I totally love you New York.

Roosevelt Island is a sweet little solitude from the pulsating city

I may live in the hood, but I still see the same sun as everyone else

I am no longer a virgin to the Pastrami Sammich, where have you been when I was eating my average ham and cheese sandwiches?!