Thursday, September 8, 2011

The beginning of the End



There are four weeks of official school left. Two this term and two after the holidays.
Exams will be soon.
It's really odd, that my twelve years of schooling are about to come to an end. I can still remember the first day of Prep and now its the end of year 12.
I feel like there's this large wave, big and dark and scary, looming above me. And as soon as I stumble out of my last exam, its going to swallow me whole. And I won't know what to do.
I know that I'm going to apply for TAFE , a graphic design course is the only bearable thing I can think of doing. And I'm applying for a job at Coles in the fresh food department (just like my older sister *sigh*) but still, everything feels unfinished and unsure and I have this distinct feeling that these expectations are going to fall short.
Everyone at school is sluggish. You can see it in class, when you talk to them, when you walk passed them.
I noticed it more today, that even with two weeks to finished everything, we can't summon the energy or the motivation to keep trucking along. Everyone is on the verge of getting sick. Coughing and sniffling and exhausted. Purple smudges under their eyes, like they don't sleep anymore, or like they're on drugs. There's no fighting, but don't get me wrong theres still gossip and snarky comments, but you can see the weariness just leeching out of them and they can't be bothered fighting.


It's like running:
You start off strong. You think you're going great. You can do this.
And then you're legs start to ache. But its fine, everyone gets a little sore. You keep on running.
You're pace is a little slower. It's no longer a race. Everyone just wants to get to the end.
You start taking breaks. You're legs are cramping up. You try to drag you're friends along with you, but they're just as tired.
In the end you can't run anymore. You can see the finish line.
You start crying. You don't want to do this anymore. You know you're going to fail.
You're walking now. Arms wrapped around yourself so you don't fall apart.
Out of breath and so very, very tired. You wonder if it will be worth it, in the end.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Indonesian Fried Rice

Indonesian Fried rice is probably one of my favorite things to cook, mostly because its so simple and easy and I can just chuck whatever is lying around int he fridge or pantry. Here's the basic recipe:


Indonesian Fried Rice

Ingredients:

* Vegetable: (optional and usually whatever is in the fridge)
Onions
Carrot
Capsicum
Mushrooms
Zuchini

* Sauces: (optional and depends on favorite flavors)
Garlic
Oyster Sauce
Soy Sauce/ Kecap Manis
Sweet Chilli sauce
Sambal Oelek

* Meat: (Optional and whatever is in the fridge)
Prawns
Bacon
Fish
Ham

Cooking:
Put rice on.
Cook all the vegetable and meat with the garlic, add flavors and sauces as desired. Leave to simmer while rice is cooking and then mix rice in.



Bloodborn Birthday Bash!



My entry for the Bloodborn Birthday Bash!


Drawing on my Bamboo Tablet in photoshop, it was really fun playing around with different ideas and this was what I came up with in the end. I think its okay, and better than some of the other ideas I had.

Original cover:

















Maggie Stievfater In Melbourne




Last night (Friday) my twin and I went to Dymocks in Melbourne to meet Maggie Stievfater!

We left straight after school, and arrived around 5:00. One of the Dymocks staff had made up a trivia for those attending, and the person who answered the most questions got to meet Maggie first and won some prizes.

I admired those girls for their memory ;)

Maggie herself was very very entertaining, and probably one of the most charismatic people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She told great little stories and wasn't afraid to laugh and interact with the crowd.


And then we waited about half an hour in line to get my book signed. It would have taken longer by Zoe and I were relatively close to the front of the que.



We got a badge and a bookmark and then we got to meet Maggie!

It was so much fun, and she was so nice, I look forward to the next author signing!

















Friday, September 2, 2011

Drawing Process





I had the opportunity to meet Maggie Stiefvater tonight! It was very exciting, but I'm going to blog about that tomorrow.

I drew a picture for Maggie, it was one of those spur of the moment things, and I drew a few ideas before settling onto this one. And I think I really like it :)


:)