Welcome To My World

Goodbye Richmond

2010-04-15T15:29:00.002-04:00

The movers came in at 7:30 this morning, an hour earlier than they were supposed to come. Everything is packed and all that's left is to put my stuff in the car and drive on up to Delaware. It's been quite an adventure down here in Richmond, but I am ready to leave for a hopefully better job and hopefully better place - the no tax thing helps a lot :-)

I'm in Delaware!

2010-03-26T22:10:00.002-04:00

My goodness its been a while. In fact, it looks like its been long enough that I've finished some more pieces and yet have not posted them. What is wrong with me?

I'm getting ready to move onto my new job in NJ and am currently in Delaware looking for apartments. It's a lot harder than finding one in Richmond. They are a bit more expensive and I'm trying to find something with enough space that I can fit my office and art supplies. And it seems that there are quite a few that didn't have any openings. And its always hard to tell whether or not an apartment is worth it. But I think I've found some and plan on signing something tomorrow. Hopefully, there will be some good news.

What the New Year Brings

2010-01-10T17:06:00.003-05:00

Well, the new year has really brought me nothing so far.

I cleaned out my office and now it's so nice and neat. I even have a wall in my office dedicated to my paintings, as a gallery of sorts and I can even switch out painting when I want to. It brightens up my drab office.

The first movie I saw Transformers 2. It was 2.5 hours, so I thought I wasn't going to be able to sit through it since it's so long, but it was such an amazing movie! So much action, but my favorite part is still when they transform. I can't believe I waited this long to see it.

Next is GI Joe. Hope it's not a bust.

Snow in December. How it should be.

2009-12-20T14:51:00.003-05:00

It looks like we got another snow storm this year. It snowed for 2 days about, but now, on this Sunday, it is warm and sunny and the sky is so damn blue. I really thought there would be more snow then there was. We only got 6 inches and I was really hoping for maybe a foot. But here are some lovely pictures that I took along:

This was at around 5pm Friday, when it began to snow.
This is how it looked liked 20 hours later.
Another two hours have passed and it's time for me to start cleaning off the car. At least it was a powdery snow and not wet and icy.

I spent all day inside under a blanket and watching TV. Not like I could do anything else.

New Computer!

2009-12-02T20:20:00.002-05:00

I finally got my new computer today. An HP dv6t laptop. It's really pretty and a lot faster than my old toshiba. The best part is that the screen on this computer works. I just figure out what to do with my old laptop, probably a computer for other programs since it's starting to be slow as well. I absolutely love playing around with t.

Then there's my old desktop. It's 8 years old and I've been trying to find a way to recycle it, but all the information about recycling is not very clear. Is it really that hard?

Pink Waterlily

2009-11-21T16:01:00.001-05:00

Oil Pastels - 2009

So things have been a bit slow at work lately and it is driving me up a wall, so I decided to do something about it and do a little artwork on the side. This is what I came up with. Haven't used oil pastels in a while either, so it was a bit interesting. The ones I did have were old and almost nothing left. I guess I need to invest in a new set.

Ice Skating!

2009-11-05T08:21:00.002-05:00

I did it. Today, almost in impulse, I signed up for ice skating lessons. Now there are only two rinks in the area, owned by the same people, but the rinks aren’t bad. I made sure I signed up for the adult classes though since it would be really weird taking lessons with kids. It’s been a while since I’ve been skating, most of which I taught myself, but I figure now is as good a time as any to learn how to stop, since that’s the one thing I have not been able to figure out on my own and is probably important. Classes start on Wednesday with practice sessions available throughout the week, so it looks like I’m going to have to get my skates sharpened.

I also need to start on my painting. I have been putting it off for way too long.

More NY Goodness

2009-10-25T15:46:00.004-04:00

I found pictures of Central Park from the NY weekend. I miss it so much, but won't probably go back until March or so because it's going to get cold and nasty real soon, but I'm planning all my stops now (the first thing I'm going to do is get a haircut).

Also, did I mention we crashed a wedding?

Rainbows

2009-10-25T15:20:00.004-04:00

I found a rainbow this weekend. I couldn't get a good picture though since I found it while driving and couldn't find a good place to pull over and still see it well.

It was a slow day at work...

2009-09-19T15:11:00.003-04:00

I had some downtime at work and so decided to do some doodling. These were done in dry erase markers, highlighters, and sharpies. Something to pass the time.

As much as it is to have some downtime, I really hope things get to pick up soon because I hate sitting around and doing nothing.

Grr..

2009-09-16T11:35:00.002-04:00

I am currently at war with my work computer, but can't really tell who is winning

I'm Cleaning!

2009-09-10T15:40:00.002-04:00

It's weird, but I've been on an organizing binge lately. I'm doing my office and my apartment which is kinda odd. I guess we'll see how it comes out.

So sad...

2009-09-08T18:26:00.002-04:00

So the end of my vacation to PA is over, but it was not uneventful. I got to play with some kids, got some good shopping done, missed two days of work, and most importantly...found BACONNAISE! I have been looking for it for so long and finally found it up there in Wegman's. Now I can enjoy bacon without the meat part of it since it really is vegetarian!

I don't want to go back to work.

Why haven't I posted this one yet?

2009-08-16T18:40:00.002-04:00

Purple Gardenia - 2009
I forgot when I did this, but it was a while ago and I never posted it.
Maybe I should go update my online portfolio.

One of the best parts of NY is the dessert

2009-08-16T12:46:00.003-04:00

So I had craving for rainbow layer cookies - they are these Italian cookies that have three layers of marzipan, with raspberry jam and topped with chocolate. So good. Except I could not find any places around here that sold they, so I decided to make them myself. It takes a lot of work, but I am looking forward to them. So yummy.

It's amazing that people here don't know about them or a lot of other desserts - cannolis, napoleons. I guess it just shows the difference between NY and VA.

Man do I miss NY. I'm always going to be a NY girl, so matter where they put me in this assignment.

Pictures to come soon.

I may be losing it ... AKA - Told you exercise isn't all that necessary

2009-08-06T17:54:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day in quite a while that I've gotten to do some actual work. And boy was it work. And then towards the end of the day, something happened. My computer said that I was fat. Or at least I think it did. With my hate-hate but necessary to work with relationship with my computer, it may have very well said it. Or maybe it was just too much work in one day.

On a second note to the computer calling me fat, while I was looking at the news today, I found an interesting article on why exercise won't make you thin (thanks to TIME magazine). Hah to all! It's quite informative all about how though you exercise and we all spend so much money on it, it can actually make you bigger, mostly because you think you can eat more. It's still interesting.

My Strengths Are...

2009-08-05T17:57:00.000-04:00

I took this “What are your strengths” test today. It’s based on research that was gathered by a man named Tom Rath as part of his series on developing a person’s strengths in order to succeed as opposed to working on your weaknesses. From what I saw, the book really is a good read and makes you think.

After answering a bunch of questions, they give you your top 5 themes or strengths, Mine were:

Deliberative – take serious care in making choices

Analytical – search for reason and cause and think about all factors

Intellection – introspective and go for intellectual discussions

Competition – measure progress agasint other and want first place

Context – understand the present situation by looking at the past

Which are all very true about me. Now to put these babies to work – once I get some that is.

New Yorkers are the worst drivers

2009-05-22T20:27:00.001-04:00

Go New York. Suck it New Jersey.

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/993/where-the-worst-drivers-live/

Plumeria

2009-04-19T14:08:00.001-04:00

Plumeria - Oil Paint - 10"x10" - 2009

Steps to my next painting

2009-04-19T13:58:00.002-04:00

So I accomplished something this week - I did another painting. One of a plumeria. It's much smaller than what I'm used to, but I'm also thinking about making it part of a series.

I also thought it might be nice to show some of the steps I take to make it. So here:

I've come to a block

2009-03-24T20:53:00.002-04:00

I have finally hit another block in my art work. I'm not sure what I want to draw or paint anymore since it just seems tiresome. Blah.

What I really wish is for somehow to look into selling my art work or doing more commission work.

Random Sketch from some Saturday

2009-03-09T21:00:00.002-04:00

I think it's cute. Just something randoml y done while sitting outside one day.

Coqui

2009-03-09T20:58:00.002-04:00

Snow in VA!

2009-02-09T21:24:00.001-05:00

I forgot to put this picture up. But last week, or maybe the week before, we had snow. Not real snow (it was kinda slushy), but a good amount. How exciting!

And now this week, in the 60s?!

Black Orchid - 2009

2009-01-31T22:35:00.002-05:00

Black Orchid - In progress

It's snowing!!!

2009-01-27T17:48:00.001-05:00

Or at least for a little bit a some point today. It's not much though, but they're salting the streets.

Ladybug

2009-01-26T19:49:00.001-05:00

Isn't it cute? I'm trying some new types of painting - more illustration like. Lots of fun and works as a break.

Yay for Vacation!

2009-01-15T13:53:00.004-05:00

After a long and hard 2008, I've decided to take my vacation up to the northeast where it will be cold with plenty of snow - because its already snowed 2 while I was up here.

I love going to PA because its pretty and also because its generally the time where I don't do anything.

Then it was on my way to NY and I was so excited. Spent a few hundred dollars. Got my hair cut. And most importantly, ate really really really good food that I miss so much down in Virginia. I'll probably gain a few pounds (I'm thinking 5 lbs), but at the same time, you're walking all over NYC so I'm still getting my exercise. Anyways, can't wait for more food - oh, and more shopping now that there is no sales tax on clothing under 100 dollars! So much more to choose from than done in VA.

And only a few more days until the trip back. Sigh.

Portfolio

2009-01-12T17:27:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time, I had a website where I would publish my work, but soon decided it was too much work, so I've decided to use Google's free site. It's not bad for quick posts where I don't need things to be extra fancy, so please visit:

sites.google.com/site/marisapabon

Fried Turkey 2008! Pt. 2 (Read below post first please!)

2008-12-26T17:00:00.003-05:00

So now we see the turkey has been frying for some time and you gotta be careful cause that oil will go everywhere if its too hot

And when its ready, take out it and you got yourself a fried turkey. Doesn't take that long and was pretty exciting, but I still wouldn't eat it.

Fried Turkey 2008! Pt.1 (Because Blogger is acting funny)

2008-12-26T16:56:00.003-05:00

Up north, I've heard of fried turkey and it seemed to be a southern thing because I never heard of anyone who ever cooked a turkey with this method. Imagine my excitement when my friend said she was going to be making one for Christmas dinner. And so I continue to chronicle the journey of me in the south, here is making fried turkey (for those up north who've never actually seen it). It starts with the above setup. Real simple.

Then you have to poor a lot of peanut oil in the pot and let it boil up.

Then when it's nice and hot, place the turkey into the boiling oil.

Two more

2008-11-23T18:27:00.002-05:00

Two more pictures from high school (2002). My favorite one was the Hershey's chocolate one. What was even better was eating it after I was done though.

I can't believe I haven't posted these

2008-11-23T18:11:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I haven't posted these pictures. The bottom one is probably one of my best pieces - hangs right over my fireplace and is actually made of 4 pictures

NC State Wolfpack

2008-11-21T22:22:00.003-05:00

This was something I did for a co-worker who went to NC State

Quick Branch Sketch

2008-10-27T22:35:00.003-04:00

Quick sketch of a branch I did this weekend because I was bored!

New Art!

2008-07-12T16:43:00.003-04:00

It took a while, but it's done!
The first one was done for a friend. And the second, took a long time so I'm glad its done

Finally some justice

2008-06-26T21:09:00.002-04:00

So I read this story, I think it was Seattle, about cops actually ticketing people who drive below the speed limit in the left lane. The left lane is meant for passing, so when people are going slow, they are actually breaking the law since people need to pass them on the right just to get by. All states need to start this because one of the things I hate most is slow drivers in the left lane.

Not to mention that my friend from NY also complained about Virginia drivers.

Pictures of the South

2008-06-07T13:16:00.004-04:00

So I decided to try something new. Since I do some traveling, I want to document some of the things I see. Like the giant cars they give me when I ask for the smallest possible and all the great southern things that we used to joke about and never actually thought existed. This should be fun.

The first picture is from a trip to North Carolina. This is one of the only restaurants in the area.

Then came the car rental. Does one person really need such a big car when she first asks for the smallest available?

Piggly Wiggly actually exists and its a supermarket. Wow!

This is from my last trip. Better, but still bigger than I'm used to.

Fun link to waste time

2008-05-03T20:38:00.001-04:00

Go to this site. It's quite fun though odd. A friend sent it to me and I still play with it every day.

Link

My first day of workout

2008-03-17T19:17:00.002-04:00

So I finally decided to workout which I've been promising myself I would start since January.

January didn't work since I was traveling alot.

February didn't work either since I hurt my shoulder and could hardly move it.

So I finally started and how do I start? I first forget the code to get into the gym. Then some guy with his two kids are in there, the kids playing all over the machine which is just annoying. Then after working out for only 15 minutes, the elliptical machine stopped working and then 5 minutes later, the machine reset itself. I am not starting on a good foot.

Working Smart

2008-01-26T18:26:00.001-05:00

So during senior year at Cornell, we had two of the toughest classes on the campus - Unit Operations and Senior Design. These two classes kept us ChemEs locked in the basement computer lab (aka The Dungeon) and it took forever to get the assigment done because we followed the first column.

During MEng, the same professor gave us this sheet, which talks about working harder vs. working smarter. And I will say, the second column did work out better without sucking the life of me.

Still Life

2008-01-26T18:25:00.001-05:00

Oil paint (2003)

Square Fruit

2008-01-26T18:24:00.001-05:00

Oil pastels (2003)

Headache

2008-01-26T18:23:00.003-05:00

Headache in Oil Paint (2001(

Dove

2008-01-26T18:23:00.001-05:00

Oil Pastel (2002)

Cheetah

2008-01-26T18:22:00.001-05:00

Lily

2008-01-26T18:21:00.001-05:00

Lily in colored pencil (2007)

Cheerios

2008-01-26T18:20:00.001-05:00

My favorite breakfast

Snow on my car

2008-01-26T18:19:00.001-05:00

Snow on my car from when it snowed in NY. I miss this stuff.

New York. New York

2008-01-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

This past week could not have been any better.

It first started with the beginning of vacation. A 6 hour car trip and a few hours later, eating, drinking and be merry with some college friends like the good old college days where you get the munchies and order pizza at 11:30 at night and forget where to deliver it to. Then more hanging out a movies the next day.

Monday was spent food shopping and visiting a few of the good ole places of Westchester county - bubble tea, good food, and I forget what happened the rest of the day.

Tuesday was filled with more friends from school with more good food and good deserts and a hair cut in the making in the best city in the world - New York City!!! No place is better. Well, there are probably a few, but I haven't visited them yet.

I'm not sure what happened Wednesday.

Thursday was more family dinners.

Friday was once again filled more good food and NYC - I love the food and smells you can only find there.

Then Saturday was sadly packing and cleaning. It was so sad. I really didn't want to come back.

And then the best ending to the vacation was the fact that the Patriots and the Giants are both going to the superbowl!!! Go northeast US! And now, I don't know who to cheer for. I should cheer for my home state team but I also want to cheer for NE because they're a good team and they're doing so well it would be a shame for them to lose. What am I going to do?

I miss NY...

SNOW!!!

2007-12-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

It's finally happened. It snowed in Richmond. Though none of it stuck to the ground and it was only for like 1 minute, it was still exciting. I miss the snow

Sandals and socks don't mix

2007-11-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

So I saw someone today where sandals with socks. Explain to me why people do that and why it bothers me so much. You wear sandals when you're not supposed to where socks. If you want to wear socks, get some slip on shoes then. I will say though, sandals and socks are okay if maybe you're going out to get the paper or a trip to the car, but not when you're out shopping.

Water Lily

2007-11-24T15:28:00.003-05:00

Socks

2007-11-24T15:28:00.001-05:00

Lady in Shower

2007-11-24T15:22:00.003-05:00

Rose

2007-11-24T15:22:00.001-05:00

Park Landscape

2007-11-24T15:20:00.001-05:00

Fruit

2007-11-24T15:19:00.002-05:00

Candy

2007-11-24T15:19:00.001-05:00

Blue Rose

2007-11-24T15:18:00.001-05:00

Blue Eye

2007-11-24T15:17:00.003-05:00

Purplr Baby Shoes

2007-11-24T15:17:00.001-05:00

Almonds

2007-11-24T15:16:00.001-05:00

My Portfolio

2007-11-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

Officially Virginia

2007-08-08T22:52:00.000-04:00

Last Friday, I completed the last step in become a citizen of Virginia - I registered my car, which means no more New York license plates. It was so sad and so final. But I know I will always be a New Yorker at heart - even if I may not end up there with a job.

My apartment is finally coming together - got the bedroom furniture - soon the couch - and a coffee table and end table for only 20 dollars which is an amazing bargin. Yeah its a little beat up, but some paint will make it look amazing and this way, I can make it into what I really want.

The heat is coming here with a vengence and I am not very happy. I am not used to this weather and really miss NY for the bit cooler weather. But I guess when the winter seasons come, I will be a lot happier not having to deal with snow everywhere.

Another week in

2007-07-28T18:14:00.000-04:00

Another week in and everything seems to be fine. Got me a mattress and bedroom set and work is going just fine. I think I'm actually starting to learn things.

I went to the DMV today to get my new license and it was so sad. I was starting to give away part of my New York-ness to come to Virginia which is so much different. And let's not forget learning about yearly sales and use tax which is not cool at all. And there are even more fees on top of all of that. Wow they really want money. I guess that's one of the things I was scared of when I headed down south.

Two weeks in

2007-07-20T22:48:00.001-04:00

So I've been here in Richmond for about two weeks now. I got myself a nice 2 bed-2 bath apartment not far from all the main shopping centers and in a nice area. But let me say, it's no New York. It's more humid here and its cheaper. The area I live in is supposed to be the pricey part, but its nothing compared to what rent was at home.

Problem the one thing I don't enjoy is the way people drive around here. No one really moves and have issues turning and merging and I feel like I'm just way more aggressive than normal, even without going over the speed limit.

So I've been trying to get furniture together since I really don't have anything, and the best thing happened. These people who were moving in upstairs needed to get rid of some stuff and saw that I had nothing, so they offered some of their furniture. Now I am the proud owner of computer table and sleeper sofa. Hooray. It was just so nice!

Only a week left

2007-07-04T13:12:00.000-04:00

And I will officially start working and I can't wait.

Other than that, I saw this site today:

http://www.go4college.com

It's a site that will tell you the chances of getting into different colleges for a price. It's interesting and shows just how important getting into top colleges is getting. Weird.

Two things

2007-06-22T20:05:00.000-04:00

I don't want to sound disrespectful or anything, but I really don't like my apartment for two reasons. One is the fact that they seem to be doing yard work everyday or something that just doesn't makes sense and then charges up the ass for it. I mean a week ago they planted roses in front of the complex and they are already dead. The second thing is the people. The complex seems to have young families or old people. Young families are okay except for the screaming kids, but you can't really do anything about that. Now its the old people that are kinda weird. Most of them don't really have jobs of course, so they sit outside on the bench and just kinda stare at anyone who passes. Now the last thing you want is someone watching you park and take things out of your car...or more like stare at you. Then there is the fact that a few have handicap permits but never use them. Its more like a backup for them. So what exactly is their handicap if they don't even need the permit? Just lazy?

Then there is also the fact that I finally have a job location...or at least I think, hopefully. Its further than what I originally planned, but I figure that it's nice to get out of the area for at least a few years.

2007-06-13T16:33:00.000-04:00

Now its been two weeks since finishing school and I am still just as bored. There's nothing to really do by yourself or that doesn't cost money.

Not to mention the fact that they are still doing renovations in the apartment which are just annoying since they are always around doing something that just messes things around. Not to mention the constant gardening that always seems to be happening. I really hate this place.

2007-06-04T16:09:00.000-04:00

It's only been a week since I've gotten outta college and I have no idea what to do. I am already bored - sleeping until noon and then sitting around and really doing nothing because honestly, there isn't much to do around here without having, which like most students right out of college, money. There's also the fact that most of the people I would hang out with aren't around.

Hopefully once work starts, things will be better.

I'm done

2007-05-30T18:44:00.000-04:00

It's finally happened. I've officially graduated and will no longer be attending school. I left Cornell for the last time and it didn't quite hit me until I was an hour away and I realized that I wouldn't be coming back in a few months. But I'm so happy that its over. Except for the fact that now I have no idea what to do. I mean, I usually have a summer job which I don't have and am worrying about what's going to happen next semester. I also had to make my first payment on one of my undergraduate loans. What am I going to do with myself?

2007-05-16T19:44:00.000-04:00

Things are finally starting to wind down. Only two more days of finals then some other stuff I have to take care of. Ever since I finished my master's project, I have no motivation to work on the other paper I have to work on. All I really want to do is sit on my butt and do nothing.

It is also official that I am the only MEng left without a job offer and it sucks. What is so wrong with me that I haven't been able to find something but everyone else, including the seniors have been able to. I just want a job so at least I won't be poor during the summer as I start to pay off all my loans.

All-American Rejects

2007-04-23T17:41:00.000-04:00

So the year is finally ending and I am still without a job. I think I'm the only one left. And I still have my project to finish plus who knows what that I'm forgetting about. So instead of working, I went to the OKGO/All-American Rejects concert - and it was amazing.

The first group was The Whigs and they were okay.

OKGO was alot of fun just listening to the songs.

But I was really waiting for AAR. Though people complain about them, I don't care. I like their music and had fun jumping and dancing around since their songs are just meant for that. It was the break I really needed.

Now I just gotta finish a project for my energy class which I don't know how to accomplish it within a week, a another project paper for another class where I again have no idea where I'm going, and my final mini-thesis paper which would probably be easier if I had time to do it.

Less than two weeks until Slope Day and I can't wait...not so sure about the music there though

Working at the Service Center

2007-04-04T19:15:00.000-04:00

I must say that working at the service center in the dorms has its ups and downs.

Ups would have to be the fact that it is a rather lax job and is perfect for the everyday student.

The down can sometimes be the people outside the service center. As I sit here, I can't help but not listen. I guess everyone is just happy about eating because as soon as they stand before entrance, either before or after eating, all they do is talk and I'm pretty sure its not normal talking, but screaming type of talking. Maybe its not them, but the acoustics. Either way, I get a headache after work.

TMNT

2007-03-26T23:27:00.000-04:00

My friend and I went to see TMNT on Friday and at first, I wasn't all that excited about it. But I was like why not? It might be okay. I mean, I grew up when the turtles were big and I kinda wanted to see it just for the nostalgic feeling. So we sat through it and I was actually very surprised that it was good. It was funny and it made me remember when I was a kid and it didn't destroy the story of the turtles that we all grew up with. They actually continued the story line and didn't destroy any of the characters we grew to love. If you haven't seen it, I recommend you should.

2007-03-15T13:05:00.000-04:00

Get Fuzzy is one of my favorite comics I think. Here's one from today I think some would enjoy.

Snow Day

2007-02-16T18:25:00.000-05:00

On Valentine's Day 2007, Cornell officially shutdown at 12:05 and it was amazing! Cornell never has snow days unless its really bad, and boy was it. At least a foot of snow and more onto the next day. Ithaca even notified the town of a city of emergency the night before. It was amazing. And the next day, we had a delay. I loved it!

2007-02-04T18:02:00.000-05:00

I went to my first ever Cornell hockey game on Friday - after 5 years of waiting. While there, I was pretty bored for the first third though Cornell led 3 -1. What made things more interesting as the game went on was when players would ram other players against the walls or start fights and just be right down aggressive. That's what hockey's are about because honestly, all that happens is that they go back and forth on the ice like a million times.

What I also realized that us Cornellians are really mean to the other team. We taunght and scream and throw things at the opposing teams. I think that since we are in the middle of nowhere, this is really the only interesting thing. We need to find more interesting things to do... though I will admit, once I understood what people were saying when they taunghted the other team, it was quite fun.

Cornell on The Daily Show

2007-01-10T23:07:00.000-05:00

Jon Stewart today mentioned Cornell on the Daily Show - more specifically the time when he came and did an event where he did a routine I guess you can say for the community. There was a picture of him with the words Cornell in the background. Just another reason why Cornell is the best.

Cat Takes on a NINJA Chipmunk

2007-01-05T20:28:00.001-05:00


Cat vs. Chipmunk

Hamster Wheel Gone Wrong

2007-01-05T20:27:00.001-05:00


Don't run too quickly....

My first entry

2007-01-03T21:52:00.000-05:00

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