Techno-mom

My mom and Corey have started a blog! Wow... what is this world coming to? I think it's impressive that they've started this and I'm looking forward to being able to keep up with them online now. You can now always find a link to their page at the right --->

Check them out from time to time...

Christmas is over already, eh?

Hi everyone,

Your favorite Disappearing Act here, reporting from Toronto. How was everyone's holiday?: Mine has been good, albeit a bit stressful. So it goes. I've been at Katy's parents' house for a week now and we're both itching to get back to our own routine. I guess it's like this for everyone at some point. We've had a great visit, though. It's been very nice having a family around for the holidays instead of just my cats and my books. Christmas breakfast with her parents sure beats the heck out of Starbucks (see 2005). So Katy's making pancakes this morning and I'm planning on going to see a friend who moved here from Ottawa several months ago. We have to take Katy's car in for repairs, find me a pair of ice skates and go to one more chiropractor appointment and then it's back to the grind in Ottawa. Four months left to finish my thesis. It's gonna go fast. Here comes insanity! Oooh... and here comes my pancakes! Ok, yummy pancakes calleth... more later.

More Parker! (and an early christmas present)

Here are some more pictures of Maury's newest son, Parker Ross. I can't tell you what an honor it is to have a kid named after you. I miss these guys alot...





And as for the second part, Katy and I opened one present on Christmas eve so I put a video together for Mom.

Early Christmas

So I'm writing this morning from Katy's parents' place in Toronto. Katy and I took advantage of the break between snowstorms to drive down last night. The night before we left, though, I went to Thomas' house and gave them their presents. I gave Suzy "The Man Who Smokes Asparagus," and Steven a few Manga books. I'll give Thomas and Peter their gifts when I get back from vacation. This year was Nicholas' year to get a big present. Last year Steven got my old Mac computer so this year I made Nicholas a hamster cage out of my old TV. I took videos for you, Jan. More later... merry christmas!

The Man Who Smokes Asparagus
24"x40" acrylic on canvas

The day after yesterday...

Well, yesterday was the most fantastic display of divine weather prowess I've ever seen! So much snow! It's like a completely different landscape out there. I tried to go to school but only made it as far as katy's. We sat around all evening and did nothing. I played video games and she studied for her GREs (graduate readiness exams) that she's taking today as part of her grad school application process. Tonight I get to go to Thomas' house and give Nicholas his present. I've made my old wooden TV into a hamster cage for his hamster. Can't wait to show pictures. It's one of my favorite things I've ever made.
For now I'm going to go outside where it's white and sunny... the day after a blizzard is beautifuly charged and exciting. Everyone's in good moods. I guess it's the sunshine amplified by the reflection on the snow. Anyway, off to school to paint!

Blizzard!

Today we are having what some are calling the worst blizzard to hit Ottawa in 40 years. It's amazing! You can't see two blocks down the street it's snowing so hard! I'd take pictures but my camera is at school. I tried to go to school but only made it as far as Katy's house where I gladly came inside for a cup of hot chocolate. Heck with school. More later. My hot chocolate is cooling.

...and breeeeathe

Well, crit day has come and gone and I have had time to take a deep breath and wash all my laundry and dishes. My crit went very well. After a slight hiccup to start things off (I forgot everything I wanted to say and turned to my critics and told them so) I made a clear and concise presentation and then we had a good 20 minute discussion about my project. They liked it and were critical of it also so in the end I got alot out of it. Here are some perspectives I rendered for this project. I taught myself to use another new program... well, my friend, Venk, helped alot. Anyway, these were created in a modeling program and then rendered in an animation program. Hopefully I will be making animations soon. Anyway, now I'm focusing for a few days on getting christmas cards and presents sent out. I never manage to do this on time so it will be interesting to see if I pull it off this year.

Otherwise, nothing to report. I have done nothing but studio for longer than I can remember... literally. I was working 20-30 hour days. It was grueling. But I'm over
that particular hump. Oh yeah, I put up a christmas tree! It's a tiny
thing I picked up for $5 at Michael's (yeah, they have those here, too). My camera is at school but I'll have pictures soon. I have a few decorations here and there and my stockings up. I'm listening to Christmas music now. I'm trying to be excited for Christmas this year... I'll let you know how that goes.

Alright, back to my book. Goodnight, everyone...