Nine days until Con. Costumes are not finished. However, progress is being made! As promised, here is a sneak peak of the claws in progress!

( Wolverine Claw Test )

It's been one of those kinds of days. My laptop is slowing breaking (Instead of blue screens of death, I get gray screens of nothing). The screen on my back-up cellphone has gone entirely white. There's been another university snafu regarding funding, loan money, and my class schedule. And my loan money might not come in on time.

After my phone stubbornly refused to turn itself on for the last time, I proceed to throw myself backwards onto my bed, kicking up my heels in (an exceedly mature and altogether very responsible sort of) tantrum and yell on the top of my lungs "Everything in my life is BROKEN!!!"

My roommate, who has up to this point been hanging his uT Vol colored clothing meticulously in his room pauses to watch my little show. He saunters to the doorway of my room and leans against the doorframe. Preening for all his 100 lbs (soaking wet) frame can muster, he declares "I'm not" in his most seductive sort of voice. Seductive is such a misleading word here.

I look at him, look back down at my broken phone and sigh. "I give up."

His response? "Finally." Along with beginning to strut just a little more (Let me tell you ladies, it isn't pretty.) At this point, I squeal inarticulately before laughing hysterically and hiding my eyes.

I really couldn't make this shit up. The moral of this story? At least my life is still funny.

25 days until Dragon*Con. I have so much left to do. So much. I kind of feel like running around in circles, flailing wildly. But that won't get my costumes finished or plans finalized.

Also, still working on that whole "ideal weight" thing. Fandom Girls photographer did comment on the weight I'd lost in this last photoshoot. Validation is a good thing. Still running. Still working out. Though last week was a bit more dancing wildly than running on my schedule. That's okay. I've got this week to make up for it. I know my body will never be exactly where I want it (because no matter how much I feel like a superhero, I'm not going to look like one) but I'm going to keep working until I am satisfied. If only my arms could decrease. Curse you muscular frame and genetics!


( Tentative D*C Costuming Schedule )

I love this so much.






This one's not bad either.

And this one might be my own personal theme song.

That is all.

(Expect a Bonnaroo update when I'm not drinking cider and singing at the top of my lungs.)

I have horribly neglected this blog for the past few months. How does that even happen?

Summer is here. Generally this means things slow down a bit for my student-self, right? Not so much. Before the ink was dry on my final papers (or in some cases even put to the page), I was in Michigan. Nine hours. In a car. By myself. I did not go crazy, thanks so much. It was actually quite therapeutic and a lot of fun. The best thing I encountered while driving was the Giant Roadside Jesus Statue in Monroe, Ohio (this really needs to be seen to be believed).

Spend a few days with some of my favoritest people ever (stevesbluegirl, oldboneclaws, and irishalias.) Ate lots of good food, played video games, and snuggled with my friends. Good times were had by all.

Drove back home, only to leave pretty much immediately for Chattanooga, where I participated in the first Fandom Girls 2010 Calender photoshoot! That's right, I'm going to be in a geek girl calender that I hope everyone will consider purchasing (as a portions of the proceeds go to breast cancer research)! I will have more on that as news becomes available, so stay tuned!

My last bit of fun was playing an extra in an entry for The 2009 Marble City Ten Hour Film Festival. That's right, ten hours to script, film, edit, and produce a three minute film to be shown for the judges the very same night. The result? A Vegetarian Zombie Musical that took first place AND won the Audience Choice Award!



We had so much fun making it! (Even if I ended up with Joe spitting blood on me as I "died"... and some fun new scrapes and bruises). I'm really happy for the cast and crew because I know they worked really hard on it.

Tomorrow, I am leaving for Bonnaroo. Four days of music, camping, and dirty hippies. So many dirty hippies. Really? Me? I still can't believe that I'm actually going. But The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are gonna be there! And my squealing over them cannot be contained! Not to mention Buffett, Elvis Costello, Mars Volta, Phish, Jenny Lewis, Citizen Cope, Nine Inch Nails, and Oakenfold. Cue my flailing at conflicting musical genres.

I really should do more packing... and less watching weird and random foreign films.

I interrupt this mid-finals writing session to bring to you the awesome (courtesy of notclownjoker).





I -heart- Deadpool.

That is all.



(Also, I am smart. I know stuff.)

Can I make a list?

The entirety of the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album It's Blitz, would be on there. But especially:

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons
The sorta sad and sweet love song. Awww.




( The Rest )

My updates have been sporadic and out of sorts because I've been too ADD to make a real entry. Instead, I've been playing on twitter. You can find me @ zombilicious if you want to follow along and/or play on twitter with me.

Today I drank almond chocolate milk out of a chocolate cup... then proceeded to take a bite of said cup. If only I could have made a brief soliloquy about paradise, then I would have been Willy Wonka. There was entirely too much chocolate at the Chocolate Fling. I went to Chattanooga to spend the weekend with friends and had a fabulous girl!date with Alma. Then we played badminton and volleyball for a few hours to work off our respective sugar rushes. Now I am stuck writing a paper of DOOM.

My have other big news for the general public in a few weeks, but we'll see how it goes first.

Still running. Still hate it. But it's good for me. Audio books are definitely the way to go. Made my way through A Brief History of Everything and now going through the Dune trilogy again. It's so much fun listening to them!

I got my rook pierced! It is still healing but there will be pictures at some point in time. It's probably been my most painful piercing to date but still preparing me for tattoo pain. The helix piercing is going to happen whenever Kat decides to get hers done. And I may get something else done with Shana in a couple of weeks. Any suggestions?

My (other) photographer friend, Lance King, did a photography shoot with me last weekend. I have this habit of standing in for real models when my friends need them. It went really well, even though I'm not entirely sure that I am pin-up material:

( Photos! )

Classes are over in two weeks. Two weeks! Then it's off the Michigan for a few days to visit with my bestie Shana (stevesbluegirl)! And my bro(oldboneclaws) and former roommate(irishalias). That is my prize to myself for making it through the semester. There's only two papers, a case report, two presentations, and ten pages of my thesis standing in my way. I can do it, right?

And my roommate has just informed me of a new study that has come to the conclusion that Coke and Diet Coke will kill sperm if used properly. Who knew? This is the same roommate who is, even now, regaling me with an impromptu fashion show of his new apparel from Nashville...to Lady Marmalade. My life is a sitcom.

Why is ABBA stuck in my brain? I want to watch Mamma Mia again, because it makes me ridiculously happy! And since they don't have the title song on youtube (youtube fail!), this one will have to do:

If anyone loved me, they would buy me these. (Just sayin')...




Iron fist zombie stomping heel.



Seriously though, those are awesome. I could destroy someone in those shoes. If I were so inclined, that is.

I am completely exhausted. Technically, it is Spring Break this week. I say technically because instead of enjoying it like the normal college student, I will be throwing myself into the task of writing about ten pages on my thesis project for my committee. And coming up with a term paper topic on American migration theory. And writing an academic paper about supernatural elements in modern comic books.

It's going to be a busy week.

Took the weekend off in preparation and drove down to Chattanooga for visitations. There was silly dinner conversations, a drunken parakeet, video games, and cookie parties. Oh, I succumbed to buying a new geeky purse with Alma (with Totoros and soot motes on it! They are Miyazaki marketing nightmares - but cute ones).

As many of you know, my friend Jessica (ballechic)has gotten into modeling over the last year. Please vote for her at Kitten Koffin Zombies Pin-Up Contest! It only takes a few minutes of your time and she's definitely worth the vote! Each user can vote once a day, so please take advantage of that!!

Also, my friend V has put together an Etsy Shop for her beaded jewelry and earrings. She's very talented and can do custom work should you ask. I own several pairs of her earrings and the pictures really don't do them justice.

Please support talent! It's rare and need cultivation. That is all.

Additionally, I do have a request! I am going to attempt a foray into the world of podcasts - but admit that I have no idea where to start. I've never downloaded one before but think it might be fun to listen to them while running. Luckily, I know that many of you out there in LJ-land are avid fans of this stuffs. Does anyone have any suggestions for fun ones that I might enjoy?

I've been procrastinating about posting because I've been so busy everything.

I did go to see Watchmen at the midnight premiere and although stevesbluegirl, speakerwiggin, and oryon have all presented their thoughts on the movie, I decided to throw in my own. I tried to view the movie objectively and without my own fangirl prejudice finding a squealing voice in there. That being said ( Here There Be Spoilers )
***

Running for the Apocalypse Continues:

• I've gone running the last four days straight and I think I'm beginning to see a minor improvement in my cardio strength.
  
• No carbonated beverages for three weeks.
  
• Ditto on fast food, although I did have a slice of pizza tonight. But no french fries!
  
• Started week three of my sit-up / push-up program and my arms are starting to feel more defined.

Overall, I am happy with my progress. Taking tomorrow off from running due to sheer amount of things to do. I'm meeting with another professor about some new directions for my thesis, after meeting with one today who gave me some positive feedback, job search advice, and some new questions to consider. I spent so much time away from the department over the last few years (not considering my needs for the needs of another person) that I'm spending all my time now making up for that. I'm still kicking myself for not applying for an assistantship this year. I think I had a pretty good chance of getting one. Ah, well. You live and you learn. I am considering making a filter for all my school stuff primarily because a lot of it isn't interesting to anyone other than me and that handful of people who think anthropology is interesting. Also, I've been spending a lot of updates on Twitter. ^.^ It's my new (old) internet playtoy.

I think I'm just happy in general - even with the stress of grad school, looming loans, and mechanic payments. It will work itself out in the end.

There cannot only be three more episodes of Battlestar Galactica yet. I refuse to accept this, especially after how much awesome was packed into last Friday's episode.


On a random note, anyone have a favorite fairytale?

Thus far, 2009 has been an eventful year. The usual chaos, craziness, and overall incoherency that characterizes my life has come into effect - full force. And yet? Things are good.

With a few exceptions.

In case you haven't heard, I wrecked my car. Okay, so technically the semi-truck wrecked my car when it decided it really wanted my lane on the interstate when I was still in it. I was unable to move out of its way. Immovable objects are, in fact, immovable when presented with much smaller objects. Unfortunately, I am missing a headlight and a good chunk of my fender. Fortunately, neither I or my passenger are dead, maimed, or even bearing psychological scars. I count that as a win. An expensive win once I get the mechanic bill but nevertheless, I'll take all the victories I can get.

Need more estrogen in my life. The boys are great and everything, but sometimes I just need a pint of ice cream and some girl time. I miss the college life of having three girls on call in case off emergencies or fun time. Girls night is just not happening. It's more difficult now that everyone has spread out so much. But it's good for me. Self-sufficiency is something not to be taken lightly.

Lent started today. The last few years I haven't been practicing but I think I missed it. Or the overwhelming guilt of being raised Catholic got the better of me. This year I'm giving up all forms of fast food, carbonated beverage, and generally trying to eat healthier. I started the 100pushups and the 100situps programs last week. I think that will keep me busy for a while, especially if I start running again. It's getting warm enough so that I don't squeal like a girl every time I go outdoors.

I think my new favorite video game blog is "Hey Ash, Whatcha Playing?" for the sheer geek factor of the two characters. Well, three if you count their father. Not to mention that Ashly is utterly adorable and exactly the kind of gamer girl I can relate to - bouncy, deadpan, and slightly psychotic. Not to mention the ridiculous Left4Dead segment. Or, the 2008 Video Game Review.

I am gauging interest in a possible costume group for Dragon*Con 2009. Okay, so I am totally doing it but could always use fun stuff to do as well. I want to finally do a gender-swapped X-Men group. Why? Because I really want to have claws. And a cigar.

Interest thus far:
Colossus - Melissa (maybe)
Beast - aminorplace
Angel - Kat
Wolverine - me

There are a lot of X-Men out there. And villains. We could use more. Like I said, gauging interest. Anyone? Also, which version of Wolverine should I do?

( Possible Costumes for Dragon*Con 2009 )


I love She & Him. I somehow managed to miss their debut music video for "Why do you let me stay here?" I am remedying this immediately. I love this song. And all their songs. And Zoey Deschanel.



(I promise I will stop posting videos in lieu of real posts soon. Just let me get through the Superbowl tonight)

"The world will cry out 'Save us!' and I will whisper 'No.'"


Viral videos are my friend. In honor of the actual release date being set for Watchmen, I have discovered this documentary on the creation of Dr. Manhattan.



And the theatrical trailer.

I just reread Watchmen last week for a class. And reading it critically gives you another appreciation for what Moore did to the comic industry and postmodern storytelling.

So my mom checked her email on my computer. And she gave it a virus. Then she did the same to my desktop. So it is has been primarily out of commission for the past week or so. Finally have one of the two working again and trying to keep it that way.

( Mission: Zombies in Love Party )

The next day was spent with other friends. I got Lupi's pizza (yum!), a memory card for my phone (so now I can have real ringtones!), and played The World of Goo for the first time. It was established that while I'm not an engineer, I'm pretty awesome at engineering video games. I'm already addicted. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out the trailer below. And if you are still not convinced, there's a free downloadable demo here.



This weekend we hosted our own shindig, which was a complete success. The Rodriguez/Tarantino Director's Cut Party was well received all around. My costume came together with stunning speed and looked pretty good if I do say so myself. I may be reprising Deadly Little Miho for Dragon*Con this year if I can get other Sin City characters in line as well. (Crossing fingers for Kat's Nancy Callahan to make an appearance there, if I can talk her into going). There will be pictures soon, I am sure. If only because there were plenty of ridiculous things to take pictures of going on through the evening.

Apparently if you give me a katana, I am going to spend a good part of the evening pretending to slice people's heads off. And then promptly attempting to balance it on my head with varying degrees of success.

It was great seeing everyone again, as both Chattanooga folk and DC folk managed to make this one. We were very geographically diverse. And I got more petting from MSG, who was gracious enough to make me purr for a bit while I played video games and everyone else fell asleep. What more can a girl ask for, really?

Holidays are over. I'm almost out of hiding. Almost. I guess I wanted to avoid the inevitable holiday season for as long as I could. The post-melancholy is still there but I'm working through it. I don't have any right to complain, seeing as how my friends are fantastic and amazing people who refused to let me feel badly about anything. They take care of me and are truly wonderful. Not to mention how awesome my Godzilla slippers are (Yes, I really did set small toys on the floor and crush them beneath my mighty rawring self. Fear me for I am mighty!) It was a Very Zatanna Christmas(tm) this year, as I was gifted with practically all Zatanna memorabilia known to man (that I didn't even know that I wanted) plus additional pieces to my costume for next year.

My mother has a tendency to disappear under mysterious circumstances during holidays. Last year she canceled Thanksgiving that very day. At least this year I had a few days notice. And let's not mention our "family" Christmas celebration. Or lack thereof. We're not very family oriented these days, though she does the best she can. I learned quickly to have a back-up plan. This year I spent Christmas day curled up on the couch in my Godzilla slippers, playing Left4Dead with a friend. It was kinda nice, really.

Buddha really delivered this year. I got a pony and a plastic rocket. Multiples of each, actually. Amazing how people actually took me seriously.

I've become more introspective of late, not at all helped by reading some books that seem to attract me these days. ( Reflections on time. )

Sometimes I'm so good at pretending that I scare myself.

The giant fuzzy green Buddha. It was discovered sitting out in the snow next to a dumpster in New York. It has lived in every apartment I've had and now resides in the living room and is currently covered in Christmas tree lights.

I have an Xbox Live Account! Feel free to add me at Zombiilicious. Come play with me!

Unfortunately, while Fallout3 isn't multi-player, it does seem to take up most of my gaming time at the moment. Left4Dead is coming in as a close second.

Interview by stevesbluegirl

1. On a serious analytic level, why do you think you like video games so much?

I remember becoming interested in playing video games at the time when playing through Zelda II was hugely popular. At the time, it was a novelty. I played occasionally but then put them aside for a book or to run around outside. It wasn't until later in life that they really appealed to me. Actually, it wasn't until after I'd been told time and time again that I had an overactive imagination that was a little "weird" and "slightly morbid." (I know what you are thinking. How could anyone think that about me? I'm so conventional in very way, right?)
Video games are the most interactive form of escapism. They combine visual, lingual, and motor coordination to achieve the designs of the game. Most of them are created with the sole purpose of immersing the player into the story or events of the game. I like genre fiction. It's little wonder that I would enjoy the opportunity to put myself in the place of the intrepid adventurer (even in the form of an avatar) and essentially complete the quest myself.

I'm not a very competitive person but I find that completing a game is really satisfying. And well, I really like shooting things. Or rolling around giant sticky balls.

2. In what ways do you feel you're like your mom and how do you feel about that?

You definitely don't pull any punches, do you? My mother and I have a tumultuous relationship at the best of times but I still respect many things about her. We both have the capacity to love the people who are capable of hurting us the most - to an unhealthy degree at times. I've actually become more aware of my unflattering similarities to her over the last year and done some serious work to rectify it. We can both be oversensitive about little things. She has a tendency to overreact about some really strange stuff and sometimes I see that in myself.
Like I said, it's something that I am working on. She can be very childish. That has translated into my own child-like qualities (although I often wonder if I'm not the true parent figure in the relationship.) Without going into too much detail, I'm going to say that I'm not always happy about the similarities that I see there.

3. At what age, if ever, do you think you'll stop attending Dragon*Con?

I couldn't begin to say. If I ever stop enjoying it, then I will stop going. Dragon*Con offers such a wealth of things to do, friends to see, and new experiences that I can't imagine not going. That might change when I grow older, stop living the student lifestyle, and cease to have free time or money for it. Or if I move far away. I don't know that I will always costume for conventions (because let's face it, there is a time in life when wearing spandex and/or corsets are simply not appropriate).
I have a sneaking suspicion that, in the unlikely event that I ever have children (or even the children of friends in my care), they were have the most awesome costumes ever.


4. What is your favorite book and book character?

This is probably the hardest question you could have asked. You're going to make me choose just one? That's just not fair.

I think I'm going to confess to Watership Down. It was the first book I read in the library and truly the first book I picked for myself. I was maybe in the third grade and my mother worked a lot of nights. She would drop me off at the library for a few hours during the summer while she got some things done. I had already gotten bored with anything in the kid's section by that point and had come across Richard Adams quite by accident. What can I say? It was love at first sight. The philosophical themes of the book still resonant with me. I spent afternoons there in front of that massive hardcover copy of the book(which I remember as being nearly overwhelming to my physical size) and hated being dragged away.

As for characters? There are several. Princess Cimmaron from the Enchanted Forest Chronicles taught me at a young age that it just wasn't practical to sit about and wait to be rescued (and that life with dragons was far more interesting than one with princes). For compelling characters, Iris Chase from Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin fits the bill. And Maud'Dib from Herbert's classic. Rudyard Kipling's RikiTikiTavi will always be a favorite. I loved that little mongoose.


5. If you could wear costumes everyday, would you?

Probably. If it were more socially acceptable. Some days I dress myself, catch a glance in the mirror, and then make myself change. Simply because I do look too much like I'm wearing a costume instead of actual clothes. And then there are the days that I feel as if I am wearing a costume when it is just normal clothes. I like to think I have a pretty personalized sense of style anyway, but maybe that can be contributed to conceit on my part.

If you'd like to be interviewed, comment away. . .