(no subject)
May. 6th, 2012 | 11:25 pm
As usual, they hung my paintings in the worst possible spots, where no paintings should have been hung. All other paintings are together in the main rooms, but mine are in the hallways, next to closets, behind pillars. A bummer to say the least. We spotted one after three rounds through the whole thing, basically draped in scarves, clothes, pots next to no other paintings. Seriously they hid it in that corner on purpose. It took us an hour, I am not kidding, to find the second painting, even though we were in its vicinity multiple times. They do this to me every year and I think on purpose. Because if you put my paintings next to the other paintings, the level of the show would be immediately apparent. Even though its supposed to be "fancy, juried and the biggest attraction". I probably will not enter this show again. Oh but I did make it into their facebook! Let's play a game called find Katerina's painting.

A friend of mine is having a garage sale so I have been hauling stuff out of closets in a super excited frenzied state. I can't stand clutter! And crap that is just there because its a thing and you feel bad about throwing it out. I came up with an old epson scanner, an old nikon camera, a bunch of books, three wallets, two once worn pairs of shoes, two decks of cards... And that's when I consistently throw things out. I had just gone through a major get rid of things fit a month ago!
That's just my bedroom. I have to go through my studio room, downstairs books, garage.
And I do keep things of sentimental value like my film camera, matryoshka dolls and many many books.
I want better storage spaces and closets so the exterior is minimalist clean. I am always jealous of other people's spaces when they are super clean, but yet homely and every single object is in a perfect spot. Aaaah I want it like that! What do they do with everyday crap that you need and therefore can't throw away? Like papers, and hand cream and vitamins? Like stuff that still needs to be out in plain sight? Reading glasses?
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(no subject)
Apr. 19th, 2012 | 09:28 pm
ANYWAY I finished the movie and really started wondering why I haven't read the book. So I went downstairs, found the book, read the first chapter and almost started crying. It was so sad and beautiful. I would provide the English translation here, but the original Russian is just so much more beautiful.
Why is it that when they translate things to English they must make it dense and complicated and hard to read? Packed with SAT words and classical sounding? When originally it is not like that at all!
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Earth hour is tonight.
Mar. 31st, 2012 | 03:55 pm
Find out what’s happening around the world and hear some inspiring stories from countries and territories that don't have electriciry to begin with.
I think its supposed to say something different then what my brain auto-completed. Anyway, who is turning their lights off?
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from the Ides of March Queen
Mar. 15th, 2012 | 11:48 am
As for the gifts that have been bestowed upon me, a lavish breakfast of smoked salmon and shrimp and dinner plans. A birthday card, $100 and flowers from Dad. And my mom took me shopping to Victoria's Secret.
So sweet.
And for those wondering how old am I exactly, I will come out and say it. Happy 26!
And I have discovered a new drink of choice, ALCOHOL FREE (this is what we come to when we turn 26) concord grape juice "champagne". It tastes AMAZING!
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because I actually liked the questions in this one aaand because I was mentioned :D
Mar. 7th, 2012 | 04:43 pm
That dang 100 question thing... taken from
calzstarheart
Closed. And closed door to room unless its cold.
2: Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
No. I am on a prolonged mission to declutter and that includes not taking anything "extra".
3: Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
Out. I need room to roam in my dreams.
4: Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
I was always tempted. But it was more for a sign in the subway I liked.
5: Do you like to use post-it notes?
I like post it notes, but don't use them.
6: Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
I don't cut out coupons.
7: Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
Ah those hypothetical questions where either choice is shit. So you know what, neither.
8: Do you have freckles?
No, but I have a special love for them!
9: Do you always smile for pictures?
No.
10: What is your biggest pet peeve?
I have so many... like when people cross the street diagonally say in a store parking lot. So not really a street, but there are a whole bunch of cars waiting for you! Is it so hard to walk straight across. Actually any kind of disregard for your surroundings is so annoying. But people don't seem to mind when the whole world stops and waits for them to move with their shopping cart.
11: Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Last time I went running I counted the number of times my right foot hit the ground for number of steps per minute. Its supposed to be ninety. I was twenty under.
12: Have you ever peed in the woods?
Peeing in the woods is my hobby.
13: What about pooped in the woods?
As Bill Bryson pointed out at the end of his book, "Yeah, I've shit in the woods" - while sporting that far away not here gaze of a nature man.
14: Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
I don't even dance if there is music playing.
15: Do you chew your pens and pencils?
No, but there was a short time in middle school when I did. Because everyone did. And then I realized how disgusting it was.
16: How many people have you slept with this week?
I don't sleep with people, I sleep with ghosts.
17: What size is your bed?
Same as KP's.
18: What is your Song of the week?
My song of the past two months is russian, guitarish and wailing - just how I like it.
19: Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
The answer to that question is beyond me.
20: Do you still watch cartoons?
Maybe if its something artsy and animation-esque. And not even then. But when I was littler I loved Scooby-Doo, the Flintstones, Jetsons, then there was one with a shark, Care Bears and that Robin Hood one. And Ghostbusters. And ninja turtles. Although that was the movie version. I basically watched everything that the Soviet TV transmitted. And then when I got to America, I watched everything. Even the Oprah Winfrey Show every-single-day.
21: Whats your least favorite movie?
Exorcist. Sixth Sense. ANY scary movie.
22: Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
In my underwear drawer.
23: What do you drink with dinner?
Green tea if I am having sushi. And then I drink tea afterwards. Every day I drink tea afterwards or not.
24: What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
If I had a chicken nugget I would dip it in ketchup.
25: What is your favorite food?
Sushi.
26: What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Moscow doesn't believe in tears. Office Romance. The return. ...Enjoy your bath. And then for some American ones: Duchess, Lost in Translation.
27: Last person you kissed/kissed you?
I'd rather not say.
28: Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
I almost joined, but then was like, "What a load of bull..They don't actually go anywhere, like camping."
29: Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
Yes.
30: When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
A long time ago and in another land.
31: Can you change the oil on a car?
Just a few days ago I found out that I have preheat seats. I put my bag on the buttons and then actually looked at what the symbols were. I've had this car for a year. And many times during that year I wished it had preheat seats. HOW COME NOONE TELLS ME THESE THINGS? So I think we all know the answer to the above question.
32: Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
No I am a goody two shoes.
33: Ever ran out of gas?
Yes. I was at work and my dad had to come with a gallon of gas and as he was pouring it in, some ladies I worked with walked by, saying in jest "Unbelievable! Unbelievable!" To which my dad responded. Believable! Believable!!!
34: Favorite kind of sandwich?
That grilled cheese with dill we used to make.
35: Best thing to eat for breakfast?
Pancakes Motherfucka!!!! As
36: What is your usual bedtime?
11 pm if I am being good.
37: Are you lazy?
Unbelievably.
38: When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
Some kind of witch.
39: What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Fire Tiger.
40: How many languages can you speak?
One or two.
41: Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Elle, Vogue and what I really want is the one to New American Paintings. Or something like that. I always forget what its called exactly.
42: Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
I don't know what lincoln logs are so I am going to pick legos.
43: Are you stubborn?
As one of my teachers once put it in a critique, "You are so stubborn, SO stubborn. So learn to use that to your own advantage."
44: Who is better; Leno or Letterman?
Letterman
45: Ever watch soap operas?
When I was little the Soviet TV showed many foreign soap operas with a one man voice over translation for all the characters. Among the absolute favorites was the 500+ episodes Brazilian saga about a beautiful blonde. Her child is taken away I think, she drowns, but then survives and gets bitten by a crocodile. Not necessarily in that order.
46: Are you afraid of heights?
Yes and No. I am afraid of falling off of those heights. Like really.
47: Do you sing in the car?
I am too busy adjusting my steering wheel (which too, just the other I finally found could be adjusted), and studying preheat seat buttons.
48: Do you sing in the shower?
Very rarely. And if I do that means I am very very happy. Like elated.
49: Do you dance in the car?
No. If I am really bored I start memorizing other people's license plate numbers. The other day I saw "You Fail". And know that I will never have a license plate with words on it. That's too easy to remember.
50: Ever used a gun?
No. And I have no attraction to them whatsoever.
51: Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
When I was two or three years old. School doesn't count because those just suck and I have erased them from my memory.
52: Do you think musicals are cheesy?
No, why would I ever? Except movie musicals. They just break out into a song and then I can't stop laughing.
53: Is Christmas stressful?
Christmas is amazing. And so is New Years, russian christmas and russian old new year.
54: Ever eat a pierogi?
Yes who doesn't eat or like pierogis?
55: Favorite type of fruit pie?
It would be apple if americans knew that apple pies can actually exist without cinammon. Berry pie. Or any fruit, any pie.
56: Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
I really really wanted to be a cash register person. My friend had a toy cash register and I thought it was the most amazing thing. I was attracted to buttons for some reason. I would have wanted to become a typewriter person (one of my grandmas was once), but I found it annoying to have to keep looking at the paper that you are typing from.
57: Do you believe in ghosts?
I wish I could say no. They paid me a visit recently and I freaked everybody out. I had resorted to sprinting from room to room, shaking in terror and generally living though unbearable ghost circumstances. After a week I realized I could not go on like this any longer and decided to be brave. The ghosts went away.
58: I accidentally hit delete and have no idea what this question was.
Sucks for you.
59: Take a vitamin daily?
No.
60: Wear slippers?
And wool socks, and regular socks and legwarmers.
61: Wear a bath robe?
No. Only when I make a sauna excursion. But our sauna broke and we've been suffering from russian sauna twig withdrawal.
62: What do you wear to bed?
Pyjamas and wool socks.
63: First concert?
Some radio concert thing my friend and I went to a long time ago.
64: Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
Target, only because its right next to Michaels where I work. But I really really hate target.
65: Nike or Adidas?
Nike of course!! Except for the adidas stripey swooshy pants. I need a new pair but the prices don't seem to do it justice. $50+ just for swooshy pants???
66: Cheetos Or Fritos?
Neither. I don't even understand how junk food is edible.
67: Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
BOTH. I love the peanuts raw and the sunflower seeds salted and roasted.
68: Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
No. But I've heard of Say Hi to Your Mom.
69: Ever take dance lessons?
Yes! Imagine that! It was horrid.
70: Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
I literally cannot think of an answer. Maybe that's not a good sign.
71: Can you curl your tongue?
Yes, I thought everybody could but then I read an article about a study that said its genetic.
72: Ever won a spelling bee?
In the soviet union where I come from we didn't have spelling bees.
73: Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Oh yes.
74: Own any record albums?
No.
75: Own a record player?
No. But I used too. In Russia AND in fifth grade here!
76: Regularly burn incense?
Very seldom, I did in college but I grew out of it.
77: Ever been in love?
Sadly, no. And I am pretty old to say the least.
78: Who would you like to see in concert?
GAGA. "'Alejandroooo, Alejandrooo' she loves Lady Gaga" (I almost typed Faga)
79: What was the last concert you saw?
I actually remembered! River City Extension.
80: Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot of course. My recent favorite was Duchess of Grey from Trader Joe's, but they discontinued. So I've been indulging in Republic of Tea's Blackberry Sage Black Tea. Yeah! My fave!
81: Tea or coffee?
Both. Although coffee is reserved for special treat out occasions and it has to be the fancy shmancy mocha shmoca type mix.
82: Sugar or snickerdoodles?
I can't believe I don't know. What are snickerdoodles?
83: Can you swim well?
No. But I swim okay enough to jump into the ocean at any given opportunity.
84: Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yes, why not?
85: Are you patient?
My sea of patience is infinite.
86: DJ or band, at a wedding?
I don't know.
87: Ever won a contest?
YES!
88: Ever have plastic surgery?
No.
89: Which are better black or green olives?
Black.
90: Can you knit or crochet?
Knit and for some reason I knit differently "just because its russian"
91: Best room for a fireplace?
Every room.
92: Do you want to get married?
Of course. Aren't women genetically wired to want to be married?
93: If married, how long have you been married?
My parents have been married for 30+ years.
94: Who was your HS crush?
I didn't have one.
95: Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
I cry and throw a fit and don't even know of my own way.
96: Do you have kids?
Noo.
97: Do you want kids?
I think three is a good number.
98. Pizza or burgers?
PIZZA!! PIIIIIIZZAAAAAA!
99. Do you play sports? If not, what sport would you want to play?
I like to watch world soccer. And ice skating.
100. Sleep?
I sleep every single night, guys. Every single night.
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Writer's Block: A La Mode
Mar. 1st, 2012 | 06:22 pm
But what I do like:
The main heroine Katerina Tihomirova from the movie Moscow Doesn't Believe in Tears
and... Kate Middleton
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A whole new you is about to be born, Pisces. February 2012
Feb. 13th, 2012 | 08:30 pm
MONTHLY OVERVIEW:
A huge cosmic moment arrives on February 3rd, when your ruling planet Neptune begins a 14-year visit to Pisces. Neptune is the ruler of healing, spirituality and the imagination. Its last time in Pisces was in the mid-1800s, so you have the rare fortune of experiencing this incredible time. Between now and 2026, you could become a leader in transforming the planet—forwarding the true intention of 2012, which is to bring people in tune with their souls and each other. If you’re an artist, a humanitarian or a healer (by any definition), you’ll gain a devoted following.
You may not feel Neptune’s impact fully until later in the month, especially when the February 21st Pisces new moon kicks it into gear. For the first three weeks of February, the Sun is in Aquarius, your twelfth house of rest and endings. (That said, both Neptune and Pisces rule the zodiac’s twelfth house, so you might actually feel the Neptunian effect after all.) Spend this time tying up loose ends, relaxing and preparing for a reset when your birthday rolls around. On the 19th, the Sun’s transit into Pisces wakes you up and energizes your personal projects and goals.
You got a sneak peek of what’s to come last year, when Neptune briefly entered Pisces from April-August 2011. Think back to something that started then; it could now pick up steam. Since 1998, Neptune has been in Aquarius, your hazy twelfth house. You may actually feel like the last 14 years passed in a bit of a fog. Many Pisces dealt with health issues or energy shortages as a result of Neptune’s placement in this difficult part of your chart. Or, you may have learned some jarring lessons about whom to trust, thanks to a shady, deceptive character or two. Life will become a lot less intangible now. Like a butterfly leaving the chrysalis, you’re ready to share your strength and beauty with the wider world.
LOVE & ROMANCE:
A whole new you is about to be born, Pisces. Glamorous, magical Neptune—your ruling planet—enters Pisces on February 3rd, staying until 2026. While you’ll still have the enchanting effect on people that you always have, you’ll adopt a certain direct or straightforward style that hasn’t always been there. Instead of being passive (then feeling like a victim), you’re moving more in the direction of “iron fist in a velvet glove,” gracefully but firmly stating your needs, desires and intentions. There’s no more settling or accepting whatever comes your way, Pisces. It’s time to be proactive and manifest exactly what you want.
This newfound assertiveness will help, since relationships might be a bit challenging for the next few months. On February 7th, restrictive Saturn goes retrograde in Libra, your eighth house of intimacy. A few trust issues could come up, or you may be feeling a need for “space.” Have you let a cobweb or two settle over your sex life, Pisces? Structured Saturn’s backspin could force you to deal with whatever resistance is happening here. Maybe you’re just not loving your body the way it deserves. Perhaps you’re withholding some resentment, or not saying what you need to feel safe and turned on. If something is causing a rift with your partner, Saturn retrograde is a good time to work on the core issue, possibly with the help of a couples’ therapist.
Single Pisces might need to unpack some legitimate fears around rejection, intimacy and sexuality. If you’ve let down your boundaries too quickly (and gotten burned as a result), you may need to do some redefining work around what’s appropriate for yourself. As long as you’re in a defensive posture, you’ll only keep repeating the same cycle. It’s time to move beyond reacting (and overreacting), and to make romantic choices from a sane, grounded space. (One of our favorite, easy-to-read books on this is The Power of Kabbalah by Yehuda Berg.) Reconnecting with your soul during Saturn retrograde will help you stay strong and centered, allowing you to open your heart.
Passionate, hotheaded Mars is also retrograde now (January 23-April 13), in your seventh house of relationships. An ex could resurface during this time, bringing exciting promises and stress in equal measures. Or, an old argument with your partner could flare, digging up old drama. Pisces, consider any “blasts from the past” a mirror reflecting all that’s unresolved in your life. This is just where work needs to be done—so do it!
Valentine’s Day is perfect for a VIP date or outing. That evening, the moon is in Sagittarius, your tenth house of public image and high-profile events. Think “black tie” if you want to do something special with your sweetie. Dress up and step out in style.
And if you’re single and looking, head to a charity ball or meet your friends at a posh hotel lounge—somewhere successful, ambitious people will be hanging out. Or, if you’re determined to swear off this holiday, treat yourself and a close friend to dinner and drinks at a chic, sophisticated spot, where you can indulge in the pricey-but-worth-it chef’s tasting menu or a mouth-watering prix-fixe special. No shame in keeping all the love and indulgence for yourself!
MONEY & CAREER:
Mixing business and pleasure is the way to go this month. Social, harmonious Venus is in Aries from February 7 on, bringing good vibes to your second house of work and money. When’s the last time you put energy into relationship building, or just appreciating the colleagues and business contacts you already have? Write someone a thoughtful LinkedIn testimonial. Send cute-but-classy Valentines to clients, thanking them for being special and devoted. Host an after-work meetup, where you can “pay it forward” by connecting great people you’ve always meant to introduce. You’ll be playing a different kind of Cupid, Pisces, and it will feel great to make a match.
On the flip side, your long-term finances might need a bit more scrutiny now. From February 7-June 25, tough Saturn goes retrograde (backward) in Libra, your eighth house of wealth, joint resources and shared property. There could be setbacks with your living situation, perhaps related to the structural integrity of your home or a slowdown if you’re trying to sell or buy. A real estate, tax or legal matter might cause you stress. If you have overwhelming bills or borrowed funds, it may be time to make a more aggressive payback plan—or to restructure your spending so you don’t feel like you’re drowning in debt. This would not be the time for high-risk loans, mortgages, investments or other financial moves, as Saturn is a conservative planet that pushes us to play by the rules. Wherever you’re cutting corners or not dealing with reality around your finances, now is the time to take a hard look and get things in order!
HEALTH: MIND, BODY & SOUL:
A long and sometimes difficult chapter is coming to an end. Since 1998, your ruler Neptune has been in Aquarius, your twelfth house of healing and the subconscious. During this time, you may have dealt with an illness or health problems. Or, you could have had a couple bouts with depression, trouble sleeping or emotional stress. Perhaps you had to leave a difficult relationship or escape from an untrustworthy or unstable person. A relative may have been ill, requiring your care and attention. As a result, the person who got left out of the shuffle is you.
On February 3rd, Neptune leaves Aquarius, never to return in your lifetime. Your martyr days are coming to an end. Neptune will spend the next 14 years in Pisces, bringing a healing and serendipitous energy to your life. You’ll start to find yourself experiencing a speedup of coincidences, and being at the right place at the right time. This synchronistic phase will also raise your powers of attraction.. If you’re not already steeped in knowledge of mysticism, chakras and the like, you could find yourself especially interested. You might even explore ayurvedic principles for your diet and lifestyle.
On February 7th, the Leo full moon falls in your sixth house of health and fitness. This is a good time for a checkup, or just a check-in. How’s your eating, sleeping and exercise? You’ll see the results of the last six months, for better or for worse, at this date. Now is an important time to make necessary changes, or to add things to keep yourself motivated if you find yourself nearing a plateau. This full moon can motivate you to clean, sort and organize—to put systems in place that help your life run more efficiently. You might want to switch to eco-friendly detergent, cleaning products and other non-toxic household goods.
Love Days: February 9, 14
Money Days: February 20, 2
Luck Days: February 18, 27
Off Days: February 12, 16
Filed under: Monthly Horoscopes, Pisces Monthly
- Horoscopes provided by The AstroTwins
from ELLE.com
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Writer's Block: School Ties
Feb. 3rd, 2012 | 04:55 pm
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PLUSHENKO IS BACK!
Feb. 1st, 2012 | 08:08 pm
And in an interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXtWEJlz1
"Get well my King!
kinkinham 3 days ago"
haha wooo!!!
P.S. I watched this like three times with my mouth open. And then two more times. Besides the whole thing and the jumps my ABSOLUTE favorite part is from 3:27 to 3:40 and on and on and then 4:44 to 5:07. Russia should publicly name him National Treasure.