Genmai Massage

Exhausted...

2010-06-02T21:58:00.002-04:00

Been going and going for awhile now, almost to the point of physical and mental exhaustion, but it's all been worth it, I'm in the studio space, and now it's time to make the necessary adjustments, which means designing a logo and putting a sign up, posting a bulletin board up for inspirational quotes and referral cards and such.

Making the changes I need made before I sign the lease. I've decided to pay month to month until they make those changes, I hope they don't think I'm too picky, but I want what I need that room to be.

And the next two weekends are filled with wedding stuff in NY and Jersey. So that should be fun, wish me luck! lol

Weekend of Celebration

2010-03-12T19:47:00.001-05:00

As Eden and Dave are driving down for a weekend visit, I’m getting together the packages for the Birthday people, and getting excited for the weekend of celebration! : D

Saturday evening is Juxta’s Birthday, I have collected a small amount of various sprinkles and will present them with a box full of cookies and perhaps a gift card or something else.

Looking forward to my time with Heather and Eden! : )

A new lap top : D

2010-03-09T23:26:00.001-05:00

Which apparently has a command to set up a blog from an existing account and be able to access it whenever without too much trouble, and I’m so excited I remembered my password for this account so that I didn’t have to start a new one.

Thanks to Eden, who left comments up in which I could follow to find all the info I needed in order to set it back up, sisters rock! :D

I’m so pleased with my new lappy, other than getting used to holding my hands in a certain way so that my Thenar Eminence doesn’t brush against the keypad and throw me into ‘history’ or ‘find’ and bounces me off the space I was on the computer : P

Well, gonna post this message and check on, then I’m off to bed, early client in the morning in Scotia.

Much love, McKenzie.

Brit's new video.

2009-11-04T21:09:00.001-05:00

Date on Friday

2009-11-04T19:59:00.002-05:00

Got a date on Friday with a beautiful woman. Woot woot!

Oops.

2009-10-29T10:30:00.003-04:00

'Car Crash' by Matt Nathanson starts to play as I'm about to upload this image... thanks Pandora Radio for being so ironic this morning.

Stiff neck, slightly cranky, and nothing to do. I wanted a day off, but this isn't how I wanted it to go.

And of course, wanted to upload images on FB, and what isn't working? The Uploader. Thanks, FB. You suck.

I think I might go back to sleep, no frustration in that beautiful act of unconsciousness.

Last Minute Fall Birthday Party

2009-10-08T00:18:00.002-04:00

So I posted an 'Event' on Facebook for a 'Shindig' to celebrate my 25th Birthday, crazy, right? O.o

And for the first night I only got a few people who said they couldn't do it but sent their early B-Day wishes & apologies... so after some serious disappointment I decided to cancel the party, but as I went to delete it on the 'Event' page I got the surprise I was secretly hoping for: some old friends they wanted to come, such as my old and now completely SEXY roommate, Rita (still deciding on her name, as she is still deciding on her chosen gender), woo hoo, I'm so excited *^_^*

So, its back on and now I'm gonna be in FULL SWING, getting everything ready (CLEANING like a mad woman) and what not...

Got money in my pocket, friends by my side, and I feel like there will be a fun relationship around the corner soon, I can't be going through all these people for nothing, right? I never realized I was so selective, and I'm sure I've injured some hearts... but I deserve what I deserve, right?

*^_^*

Dating deals.

2009-08-22T22:42:00.001-04:00

People are soo freakin' confusing... Gah.

Show was a success!

2009-08-16T09:22:00.004-04:00

The Show was a success! : D

Studio time in the morning & getting ready.

Jenny, Arianna & I looked FABULOUS *^_^*

Morocco performing, I didn't take too many pictures as I was mostly watching & cheering the performers on : )

The Plan.

2009-08-09T22:41:00.003-04:00

Apartment searching online is proving difficult and the $ tags are starting to freak me out, so tomorrow I'm in Scotia again tomorrow morning, I'm going to take a quick drive and see what I can see... wish me luck! : )

Stressors & relaxors

2009-08-07T21:21:00.005-04:00

I get to sit here in my room, chill out to some Lester Young without Heather bothering me (was dropped off at Christopher's yesterday), she hates Jazz of all sorts. Even good Jazz.

Had a disagreement with one of my best buddies last night, over of course nothing important and we just made our apologizes to one another, but it still brought me down all last night and this afternoon. Trying to shake that as best as possible.

Crystal is upset with me, sending me pictures of California and little notes depicting how sad and lonely she is.

Cancelled a get-together with Crystal & Wyatt today due to an appointment with a client, who later cancelled...

Habiba, my dance instructor, with the best intentions has asked me to perform in the performance next weekend and as much as I feel I'm getting better with every day I practice, I'm still thinking its too early to be put on the spot like that. But I have rehearsal with them tomorrow morning, so I'll make up my mind then, I suppose. But the reason I was going to dance with them was because I wasn't sure when the next performance was going to be and I didn't know where I was going to be.

I had filled my massage room with bags of winter clothes, thinking I could finally packed those heavy cottons & wools away for another year and it looks like I'm staying around for a bit longer. I just tried to call a friend of mine who has a friend who is selling her house out in Scotia, and of course, like all house sales its not moving in hopes she'll rent it out to me, the worst she could say was no, so there ya go. Waiting to hear about that.

The other massage therapist resigned yesterday, and will take her table next week. Even if my boss bought a OakWorks table tomorrow, it wouldn't get here for a couple of weeks, so during those couple of weeks I have to again lug this 35/40 pound table around, and it isn't nice & easy like a box, no this hip-hitting, akward carrying thing, is annoying and bad on my back... fabulous... perhaps I'll invest in a Table Cart...

Well there is my little rant, I believe I needed to get it out some way or another, so there we are *^_^*

I know your dealing with your own worries, my dearest sister and if you had the patience to read all of my whineing, I love you but of course no worries for me, it'll all pass, it always does.

Gonna go take a tub, listen to some jazz and hit the sack early... practice tomorrow morning at 10am at the Zuzu's studio. Love the name of that, hehe.

Shipping boxes.

2009-08-03T17:09:00.002-04:00

Took a drive (forgot to put DSi on for more stars *pout) to mail Crystal Ringler a small gift for her birthday, I debated just keeping it until I got there, but felt that its always more fun to open a package/gift on one's birthday than two months later.

They have these flat-rate shipping boxes now: $-$$ depending on size. The largest one is only $13.change to ship. So I'm sending over my glass food stuffs in order to save there: Mmm peanut butter & jelly. Weight limit of those boxes is 70 lbs, so far my food box (3/4ths filled) weighs a meer 12 lbs. Must fill to brim with heavy dried noodles *^_^*

A very helpful website for LMTs

2009-08-03T17:01:00.001-04:00

When moving, its best to find out the State Requirements for the state your moving to.
Obviously a National Certification is best.
And apparently CA doesn't require you to have any type of License... I'm not sure how I feel about this, of course. But I do have an educated edge over my competition.

Massage Register: State Requirements

Woot.

2009-08-01T00:36:00.001-04:00

Happy August!

2009-07-28T23:49:00.001-04:00

Adventures, Weddings, Visits, and Plans

2009-07-27T20:51:00.003-04:00

So much to update... how long as it been since my computer monitor died a slow white-out death?

Well, anywho!

Two of my lovely friends tied the knot on July 11th.
My friend, Meredith graduated from CNW on July 18th.
And I look a trip down to PA with my Da to help the sister & brother in law move on July 24th- July 27th.
New set plans for moving again. This time, for real. Scheduled: October.

Okay then.

2009-07-04T17:58:00.003-04:00

Apparently in this area's lesbian community, I'm not bisexual or lesbian until I move into a totally white apartment and buy a kitten, then I'll be official.

Dating women is bullshit here. Gonna try CA next lol

Gotta find out what's going on with Crystal & Uncle Jim, either one could use a couple extra bucks in their pockets if they rent me out a room... and now is the time to NYC-scale back on stuff.

Gonna go finish cleaning my room and baggin' up my stuff to be given to the Salvation Army or Goodwill (course, goodwill might win since they are closer, hehe)

Oh yeah, Happy Birthday, America! hehe *^_^*

Panda's 24th Birthday

2009-06-30T21:16:00.004-04:00

They ran up and down, up and down *drool* It was beautiful thing to see first thing in the morning.

Enjoying a morning walk on the Boardwalk.

Had our palms read, apparently I'm getting married to an all American this year... where is he?

Shopping after a day at the beach.

Mmmmmm, beach.

Slightly tipsy still.

Birthday party!

Snuggles & drinks.

Dancing and partying.

Eatting cake and taking taxis.

Hail, Daddy's Day, etc.

2009-06-25T09:43:00.008-04:00

Daddy liked his new pillow and uses it often : D

Your dress... Soooo purdy.

Shopping with Crystal.

The hail was ridiculous...

Love you!

hehehe

2009-06-06T23:38:00.001-04:00

Okay... maybe I should choose a different shirt than my soft yellow tribal Beaver shirt for my date at a Pride Miniature Golf Tournament tomorrow... lol

Oooh, and this totally cutie at Brugger's Bagels was eyeing me, as I was eyeing him back all afternoon while I sat with Lisa and discussed her make-up/wedding plans... so I'm gonna go back and get myself a bagel... and perhaps a phone number : D

I just wished I worked more at Verstandigs so that I have a reason to go down into Delmar... that sounds so stupid when ya think about it... but I actually want to go to Verstandings... Yup, I better get to bed, maybe I have a fever : P

Annywho- Lisa and I had a fabulous time, she was so happy, Eden, you should have seen her! She took direction well for application and what needed to be cleaned and how during and afterwards. She was pleasantly pleased with her results. And I must say, she looked stunningly fresh looking. Nothing too crazy, except we over did it with some black mascara- brown worked better for her, which I figured but couldn't help but try and she was willing to get what she needed (racking up a pretty sum), make-up that she'll be using for years to come, endless her color changes drastically... hell I still use some of the stuff I bought when I did Avon, and how long ago was that?! lol

Okies, I'm off to bed, gotta look good for my Minature Golf Day : )

This might be horribly cruel...

2009-06-02T23:11:00.002-04:00

... but when I stumbled upon an article about Sarah Jessica Parker wearing these, I figured since our last conversation these pairs of shoes are perfect... and when mom wins the lottery, I promise you will have them.

So, enjoy and try to contain the saliva. Love you! And Sorry!

Only Maison Martin Margiela can make such an awesome shoe.

Maison Martin Margiela's Split-Toe Booties

Da's 100 years of Song Concert & Greek Festival

2009-05-18T10:08:00.004-04:00

This Weekend was Fabulous! *^_^*

Greek Festival @ The Saint

Late snack @ 214 on Lark: Heather & Chris and Kev & I

The Mendelssohn Club of Albany, NY's 100 Years in Song Spring Concert, in the beautiful Education Building in Albany, NY.

Remarkably accurate forcast for Libras in 2009

2009-05-17T22:38:00.003-04:00

"You have useful strategies for staying balanced. But if some of these have become blocks to growth, it's time to let them go. 2009 is a year of going beyond your comfort zone. Watch for wonderfully odd new contacts whose way of life intrigues you. Areas of interest open doors of the mind, and may change your whole perspective.

You've got ample restless energy that could turn into anxiety, unless you find productive outlets. When you find an idea with substance, your fullest commitment leads to success. It's a great year for collaboration or to partner with another in business. Let your high ideals be your guide. What has value now is ideas, so discern what's needed and provide that. Protect your greatest asset, which is your clear mind.

You'll find risky business in love, if you're not careful. What's hot in the moment, may just be a passing wild card, meant to keep things interesting. If handled right, you can have fun, without losing your own center. If in doubt about the long term prospects with a friend or lover, keep a light hold, and enjoy yourself. It's a time for social web building, and each new contact has a role to play. Try to avoid a rush to conclusions, until you see how it plays out.

The theme this year is finding balance in chaos and risk-taking. Be vigilant with your health, and make sure you've got enough time alone. Build your spiritual strength, to deal with the shock of the new, in this time of change. Keep flexing those muscles, so you're confident that you can deal with any tempests that lie ahead."

from: About.com/Astrology.com

That is so accurate for me, it's not even funny... well, actually, yes, very funny indeed and equally as inspiring, I love reading things supposably about myself that makes me feel better, hurray! *^_^*

Will update tomorrow about Dad's Spring concert, 100 years in Song & The Greek Festival, which was a blast! Nighty night. M.

Somewhat disappointing day

2009-05-14T21:35:00.003-04:00

My full client schedule dwindled over the course of an afternoon until I only have two clients left, and one turned out to be a complete prick.

Nothing I did was right and he wasn't happy (why he felt the need to give me $10 tip, I'll never know, but felt I deserved it after dealing with his crap)... then he went and complained! It was so depressing, but not only did my secretary confirm that he was indeed a prick (and will never allow him to work with me again), then my chiropractor (who had sent him to me) apologized profusely and told me to pay him no mind, he's just 'Weird' lol

I felt when I met him in the lobby, upon being looked up and down, he gave off an air of: She won't be able to do it right... and my first perception was correct.

The man claimed he received several massages a month, but failed to do what I would expect a man who had received so many massage do for/with me during the massage (proper undress/table etiquette, etc), perhaps he was never taught the proper way to be a receiving client, but either way was quite taxing and left me fairly drained. I'm better prepared for these types of people for having met him. Perhaps no one could ever perform to his standards: so I take my secretary's advice, 'Ya just can't make everyone happy.'

But hurray: good news! My Chiropractor gave me three tickets to a Greek Festival, though apologizing that it might be more of a 'Meeeeeeattt- Event' (yes, she made it sound like a zombie, she's so awesome), but she said they have delicioius deserts and I should go. So I'm taking Da & Heather with me (Heather is paying for Christopher & Michelle to join in the Greek party)

And I might have failed to mention my new business cards made it and I had everyone cooing over them in the office, Laura (the lady who called the man a prick) said, 'Good upgrade!' (I had made the other ones with Avery and they didn't exactly print out straight)

Well, I'm off to bed, massage/chiro in the morning, then its off to work @ The V-shop (filling in for Kate, again)

Should have that package out to you tomorrow, E! *^_^*

A busy week.

2009-05-11T20:13:00.010-04:00

Thursday, full day at the Chiropractors
Friday, 12 hour day at Verstandig's
Saturday, 12 hour day at Verstandig's
Sunday, 4 hour morning helping last minute children make their mum's feel special.
Monday, 8 hour day at Verstandig's... then out for Sushi & Post-Tulip Festival walking.

Getting back into the swing

2009-05-03T08:02:00.003-04:00

So I've felt more than rusty when it comes to my note taking at work, my terminology is there but I fail to remember how to spell terms that should come easy. So I started studying. I took my books the other day and sat by the man-made-lake at The Crossings. I loved it, it was so peaceful.

Saw these little ducklings and took a few snaps.

Worked with Mama last night, for approximately 4 hours, elevating her legs, deep tissue, elevating, it was intense for her, but I see a vast improvement and we plan to do it again after I get home from work today.

I do so hope the setup went well, Eden! I'm sure that it did! And can not wait to see more pictures : D

Oh, I'm booked solid next Thursday, were as the other MT only has one scheduled, they joke that they are going to hide my sheet *slight cringe* But I hope to interest her in an exchange and we'll become MT buddies if nothing else.

Off to work! Love to you! *^^*

Gay Tastic Bread

2009-04-26T20:20:00.001-04:00

For me from Da, his way of saying he was cool if I ended up with a girl lol

Ah ha, a better day.

2009-04-26T12:15:00.002-04:00

Baking some granola, took a bath with fresh rose petals and almond oil, and once I'm tried off and the granola is finished, I'm taking my novel outside and laying in the sun for awhile, get that beautiful Vitamin D-covered look *^_^*

No friends where free today, but will be taking a bike ride in the Crossings later this week with some cycling friends. Tamara was talking logo jackets lol

No more emo.

2009-04-26T10:01:00.003-04:00

Since I have upset a handful of people recently with my overly emoish moods, I promise to no longer dwell on the depressing and past experiences, which in so many ways will help me.

So to the Good news:

Got a good, sweat producing workout in this morning: I did my measurements again this morning: woot! And you know what I mean!

Chatting it up with this Vegan Cutie : )

I'm planning a picnic for all my friends for next Monday, all vegetarian fare, we'll see how it goes, though its possible someone will find out and bring some kind of bucket of chicken parts *shrugs* It just wouldn't surprise me lol

It's going to be another BEAUTIFUL day *^_^* And I'll be spending a good part of the afternoon/evening helping dad out in the garden, planting the daffodils and tulips I stole- err, I mean, borrowed from work (no worries, they dry out and go to waste if I don't save them, so technically, its not Really stealing lol)

But, back to cleaning and calling a few friends to pester them before noon on a Sunday, it's fun.

Butterflies...

2009-04-15T19:46:00.002-04:00

I'm nervous about my audition tomorrow, but I'm sure I'll do fine; I know my skills are some of the best people have received, not that I've let this get to my head, it seems to be the only thing that I'm not certain of when people compliment me, isn't that strange?

So they are scheduled for tomorrow at One, and of course I pile on the interviews when I offer myself up to seeing my teacher from school to ask for assistant teaching position for the Shiatsu class... My two favorite teachers, Dagney & Mary head it, and they are such beautiful women to be around, I would do it for free, except I could be paid up to $25 an hour to do it! OOoh, do keep your fingers crossed for me, dear sister!

Starting the day off right.

2009-03-26T10:49:00.007-04:00

I was just informed I was accepted as a 'Certified' MT by the AMTA ... I could have gone with 'Professional' but for $30 dollars more a year, I could be highlighted, wootness : D

Oh and went to James Comstock's Farewell Party last weekend with Jag, he made a cute little speech, I caught:

Kristin, JaggyG, JimmyC, Me

There we are with about 15 other guys playing football, I love the action poses lol

My date, Jag, holds JimmyC with LOooooove *^_^* I love these guys.

Body Mods and Good times.

2009-03-10T09:01:00.008-04:00

Thanks for my Valentine, sister... other than it had me confused as to how to open it, I loveeed it *^_^*

Here are those pictures you requested. I love it and can't wait to put a diamond in next! Sorry for the not-so-smilie images, swimming in old memories this morning & no work to go to... might be a melancholy day, but I'm working on it not to be.

Had a lovely time in TarryTown, NY. Rocco & Panda showed me around, it's very much like Penn State, with quaint little shops and built entirely on large hills. My calves were definitely feeling it. They were telling me all the benefits of living there and commuting in, then I have a friend in CT trying to put his two cents in where I should live next, which of course, is CT. It would only take approx. 45 minutes from both areas to get into Penn Station. Also, Rocco knows land owners in NY & cheaper studios to rent, he told me just tell him when.

ooh and the Three Musketeers got back together- reunited!

A change/break

2009-03-04T10:31:00.002-05:00

I'm looking forward to spending a VERY long weekend with friends, Panda/Meg/Brian/Rocco down in the TerryTown, NY and Adler, in CT (Atlantic City for some casino, but I've only been shown poker once/twice and don't plan on losing any money I've made, but it should still be fun- I get to get all dressed up!)

Just wanted to say to E: I think what you will charge mom is totally and more than fair for the commission... sadly won't get Etsy up and going for her before I have to leave today, but I will upon my return! That way, we can go up with a bang and Lots to choose from. She's been working so hard and I'm so proud of her- check up on her during the week, yeah?

I'm suppose to be leaving around 12 to get down there sometime after 2 today, I'm so excited! My Passing-the-Boards present from Panda is to get my nose pierced, and I decided on the right side... trust me, this took forever to decide- gahh : P

Best be moving on.

Have a great Week/end, everyone!

Love, K.

Attempting not to whine

2009-02-26T22:39:00.004-05:00

...about my current emotions and thoughts right now, but I'm not sure I can even write a decent blog when I'm feeling like this, but I wanted to post an interesting piece of information which makes me happy and is one of the lights I'm keeping my focus on, even when my eyes begin to tear and my heart pains me, I keep looking into these lights, begging them to take me away, toward a new dawn.

Yay for light on dark days, I read that in a text message once, and it made me smile then.

Stuff and PreValentine's Day Visits

2009-02-05T18:50:00.016-05:00

Found and purchased what I believe will be a great cookie holder... though it might have been designed for little kitty treats- but I'll never tell anyone, with of course, the exception of you three *^_^*

What do you think?

Also new: matching (already had the shower curtain & toothbrush/soap holders) hand towels, bath mat, and wash cloths- will have to keep an eye out for teal/dark blue/spring green full towels.

New shoes got a test drive- LOOOOOoooove them. Good investment and the orange ones will be mine (in about a year).

Music

2009-02-03T09:34:00.003-05:00

Listening to and starting to enjoy: Death Cab for Cutie.

Laters!
Love, M.

Has just completed..

2009-02-01T22:02:00.003-05:00

Her first phase of cleaning is completed

M.

कुकिएस "Cookies!" in Hindu : )

2009-01-25T14:14:00.008-05:00

Woke up this morning, thinking... I should make cookies for when I go back to work- like surprise, sorry I left you guys for almost three weeks with no one to do all the grunt work- yeah, that sucks- but here's coooookkkiiiiessss, it's all better now, huh? hehe

Took some pictures at first until the time was getting later and I had to move-ass to get them all done before the brethren came. You should have seen how messy I made the kitchen, but I got it ALL cleaned, put away and even finished the Anise/Almond cookies with powdered sugar and some cinnamon for color- oh so purdy *^_^* And set out a plate of cookies as they were stepping into the house... oh yeah, I rock. I was a cookie steam demon, in a cute apron that Crystal made me for Christmas- pictures later *^_^*

Only problem, in my rush, I hadn't paid too much attention to my neck and now I'm fairly stiff, but that's why I'm sitting here, craning my neck to the left in order to leave a message... I really should have moved the monitor back to the center of my desk after finishing watching Ironman... ohhhh..... maybe I should go return that today, I just have no clue where it is lol- I better go look that up and figure out when they close.

Toootles!

Preparing the Coconut (added Mint clips) Cookies.

Pretty and tasty too!

The Almond/Anise/Nut cookies, Bella is nibbling on the fallen powdered sugar, yum!

*Update: Wow those pictures are huge, sorry- apparently neck is not allowing me to remember to resize... my bad- sorry!

An afternoon with the Strobeck family

2009-01-24T22:04:00.008-05:00

I just got a few great/fun pictures to share with you : )
That and I really enjoyed my outfit, it was simple but oh so comfy and stylish- I was just thinking the other day that I haven't opened a couple boxes of clothing still from school... I really should go check those out before I start to figure out what I would want to bring to NYC... I mean, with the amount of, well... crap, I own- I better get started sorting now. I'm honestly not sure how much I can/want to leave here. If I leave more than I should mom will never believe I'm leaving for good. And after I move out this time, I'm clipping all ties, as much fun as all this has been, I'm gone- one way or another- I'm gone for good.
Getting ready...

At a stop light, praying no one will rear-end me again... its such an odd feeling when I drive now, but I'm fighting it. It's not like they happen EVERY day.

Playing with my nephew at the restaurant.

Crystal and I, waiting for her car to get finished.

Still waiting but in this one you can see Nathan playing with Wyatt in the back.

Shopping with the family at Jo Ann's... I too miss Alfred's, Eden : (

I has cute shoes!

2009-01-24T10:09:00.011-05:00

Just looking for other colors, I found some on Nordstrom's website and several other sites where they claime they are not fakes but don't look to have the same stitching and styling. And now I totalllllly want the orange ones too *^_^* I thought this color (Alabaster/ Steel/ Midnight Fog)was good for you, Eden. Maybe from your first killing on Etsy, you could treat yourself to some hooves shoes.

Here zeh are:

Quick Break Blog

2009-01-17T17:12:00.003-05:00

Studied for my test.

Taking care of myself.

2009-01-13T19:19:00.002-05:00

Got a doctor's appointment- had xrays taken of my cervical & thoracic spine, & right ankle- results should be in tomorrow or soon after. But I'm okay to go back to see Lou Alpy, yay! He said there is a lot of work to do on me, sure knows how to make a Massage Therapist feel good about her body, eh?

Got a new set of paperwork coming tomorrow so that I can get into the room to take my test (apparently they sent it but it never got here, again)... but this time I have verbal & written eligibility to take the Boards- woot.

Almost over my cold- minor chest coughs left- woot on that too.

Everything is finally starting to fall into place.

More information as it arrives *^_^*

M.

Eeeeeeeee

2009-01-06T18:39:00.002-05:00

Who Adores the Eeeeeeden? M does *^_^*

Should be sleeping- Update ^_^

2009-01-05T00:40:00.001-05:00

Crystal & I were involved in a rear-end collision on our way to drop me off at the train station early afternoon, Friday... I had some serious neck pain the next morning but since then has reduced, except to possibly travel its way down my body, which isn't surprising really, since I was compensating for my in-ability to move my head back much...

Had made plans to move to NYC, and I will do this soon. *edit.

My only fear is that no one is going to visit me in NYC... would you be able to do NYC, E? ::pout:: Heather said she would, but even she is thinking about moving out and finding her own place, which means- little extra money for travel... and that's even if we'll have room for a blow-up mattress for the visitor *cringe*

Well, that said.. I'm off to bed!

2009

2008-12-31T21:19:00.001-05:00

I know this year is going to be F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S!

My Winter Predicament

2008-12-16T11:57:00.001-05:00

*edit, was all sorted, and I hate ice storms. Yuck!

A thank you.

2008-12-07T19:05:00.001-05:00

So, this is a thank you to my sister, Eden.

Offering the family an escape that we can all enjoy together.
-Only on occasion do we have a "dispute" about who's been playing longer and needs to get off so that others can play. But it's this wonderful peaceful to spend time together and I wanted to write a thank you, so if you ever needed to feel good- remember how happy you made this family during this stressful time for both the mother and father.

It's almost time for Christmas and I've attempted to do some shopping and so far have failed for the most part lol But next week I'll have time after work to pick up some things, so if there is something that pops up for Dave or for something you think might be good for either Heather, let me know.

Love to you *^_^*

Love, M.

Getting exctied for my Cruising Career!

2008-11-17T21:55:00.001-05:00

So I’m taking a break from my constant study schedule- but not for long, since if I don’t pass these tests, there won’t be a Cruising Career, at least not for another long wait : P

BUT that’s not going to happen.

I’ve been doing some more research on my 15 minute breaks and found some great companies and Cruise Lines I would love to work on. There are of course, the location they dock from and the interview process to worry about but that won’t be a consideration until my boards have been past. One thing at a time.

But I thought to throw these up because they make me all excited and giddy and I need some extra inspiration for all this studying- though of course, I need to know most of it to have a career in the first place, but since I don’t plan on practicing Shiatsu, I find myself frustrated with my lack of concentration and attention to the details that the boards will be asking about. Darn you- Meridians!

Cheers.

WindStar Cruises
The Yachts of Seabourn
SilverSea

Taking a moment

2008-11-15T21:51:00.000-05:00

... away from my studying to upload some great cloud pictures I took after I took a walk before the light totally faded, I got back in time to rush into the house for my camera and snap some pictures.

Enjoy! And I didn't re-size them, in case you wanted to use one for a background. I did *^_^*

Love, Friends, and Coming Out

2008-11-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend was filled to the brim with everything that makes me smile.

Driving down to see my Cadence is usually reward enough for any weekend trip, but we also had the profound pleasure of seeing two of my dearest friends from college as well, Megan and Amanda.

We had all matured so beautifully and with such grace, each of us having moved on in our prospective lives, making good choices and surrounding ourselves with beauty and vibrant people. I could not have been happier with who they have become since I last saw them. And can not wait to see what the years, as they pass, will bring to all of us. Being able to share these thoughts and my love with them makes my life as filled with love and laughter as I could hope for.

Perhaps I sound like some type of sappy postcard of a sort, but I am honestly blown away by the people I have surrounded myself with. Cadence, my girlfriend and I have had a beautiful conversation about who we surround ourselves with and the meanings of those choices. A select few we keep in contact with and those of them we are privileged to meet on a regular basis...

I had the vast pleasure of meeting a small gathering of Cadence's friends during one of their every-other-week poker game this past weekend and enjoyed listening and observing who Cadence is associated with and how delightful they all were and very comfortable and welcoming, though myself was shy and reclusive for the most part.

I will have to study up on poker and perhaps the next time I'm able to join them, I maybe able to play my own hand, though I fear I would slow the pace down to a crawl with my constant questions. But that's another thing I can add to my list of things to do this month, which of course seems to be growing with each passing hour.

My sister and I just finished watching Iris, Judi Dench and Kate Winslet as Iris Murdoch and several of the lines made we decide to write what I've written here, to make myself and feelings known. Nothing bad can come of it, only good and perhaps a few laughs from my friends. Because they know it's true and that will make them happy.

Education doesn't make you happy,
and nor does freedom.
We don't become happy just because we're free, if we are,
or because we've been educated, if we have,
but because education may be the means
by which we realize we are happy.
It opens our eyes, our ears...
tells us where delights are lurking...
convinces us that there is only one freedom
of any importance whatsoever... that of the mind...
and gives us the assurance,
the confidence, to walk the path our mind...
our educated mind... offers.

Over the past few months, you may say I've had a new kind of education afforded me by special people and events I've attended that have allowed me to explore, more in depth my feelings and thoughts as a friend, a lover, a sister, and a daughter.

Cadence once mentioned that I wrote beautifully and it reminded me that I used to write, perhaps never in novel forms or even in something someone would be willing to sit down and read, but just to write, to journal or to express how the wind felt on my cheek that moment, though no one would ever read it or even make much sense out of it, I enjoyed it for what it was, a form of release for the many thoughts or craziness that my mind wanders into from time to time.

Human beings love each other...
in sex, in friendship, and when they're in love.
And they cherish other beings...
humans, animals, plants, even stones.
The quest for happiness and the promotion of happiness
is in all of this
and the power of our imagination.

So I'm so very excited to let you all know how happy I am, with my choices in life, who I'm surrounded myself with and how things are turning out for me.

I hope you are happy in your life and perhaps if things aren't exactly how you want them, certain things not working out how you would wish them to work out... perhaps it's time to start making those changes that will produce the results you crave in your life.

I wish you, my dear friends and loved ones, all the happiness you can hold.

Your devoted, thoughtful, and deliriously happy friend, McKenzie.

Current updates

2008-10-28T20:03:00.000-04:00

So I'm officially twenty-four years old, to my parents chagrin. Who vow I can not possibly be over 13. Silly parents.

I'm absolutely head over heels for a beautiful male turning female named Cadence, who has helped me open my eyes and slowly open my heart to accept all things in my life. To embrace who I say I am and how to change the things I want to change. She just wants the best for me and is beyond supportive.

I'm sending my final paperwork for my State Boards out tomorrow, making sure to have a signature confirmation or something like that, whatever I can buy for it. I DON'T want another 9 months of waiting, I'm pretty sure I would go completely mad at that point.

I'm constantly craving baked goods and I'm doing my best to appease my appetite but find myself lacking in the creativity and ability to read and follow recipes in order to make all the things I attempt to make come out the "right" way. They are mostly edible, but I think it might be out of desperation from my family. They always smell good... but I lose something between preparing and baking *confused face* But like in all things, I'll make it work and keep working on it until I get something down pat.

So I'm off to exercise and work off some frustration due to the fact this weather kept me from driving into Kingston to visit Cadence and her family and join a PFLAG organization get-together. But once the snow falls and sticks, the parents are more comfortable because the roads will be plowed and salted and less of those crazy people will be on the roads, who still pretend the roads have no wet leaves and ice and drive as if its any other day.

I just found myself so frustrated having missed an opportunity to spend time with Cadence and her family, which are fairly wonderful people to hang out with as well and I have done so several times. But I'll be seeing her this weekend, but I laugh at myself when I think that time will be slow... I have so much studying, so many exercise ideas, massage opportunities and general life crap, that I'm sure the time will fly by me quickly. I'm just being silly, is all. Shocker there, eh?

P.S. I went Black and Orange for Halloween!

Take care *^_^*
M.

Long Day Adventures, of several kinds.

2008-09-14T17:33:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning I woke up at 6:30 to do some yoga and stretch for my up-coming day, thinking I knew exactly what was in store but sadly not even wrapping my head around what was to become of my next 26 hours.

We proceeded to The Vegetarian Expo in Saratoga Springs, their Expo is the first in the Capital Region area to bring together and promote the global health benefits of green sustainable living, environmental awareness, and compassion for animals and all beings while highlighting their relationship to a plant-based diet. There was free food sampling, numerous exhibitors, and an interesting selection of Vegan food in a mess-hall, type spots near the back.

Heather and I enjoyed tasting the various treats, meeting new and interesting people, and just enjoying the general spender of being surrounded with happy Vegans, Vegetarians, and Aspiring Vegetarians. There were the plenty of hippies, health nuts, the normal joes and everyone in between milling about. Heather and I personally met a fun Vegetarian man, who's name escapes me, when H noticed we have trying to eat his meal on a rolling table, being few tables and having an open seat at ours, she waved him over.

He traveled three hours from Pennsylvania, which of course we then had a mutual location to talk about. Food and joining support groups was the topic of the morning, and he was enjoyable, if not a little weird, to chat with. We promptly finished our tofu gumbo and vegan veggie pizza and heading back into the Center.

H and I picked up a few buttons, stickers, books, and other bits and pieces for a casual read later on. I signed up for VegMag, getting a free nifty tote bag to proudly support later on, hauling blankets, pillows and sweets into our next event. We Enjoyed meeting and trying new companies such as Purple Beverage Co. with their amazing tasty pomegranate, black currant, purple plum, cranberry and blueberry seriously purple beverage and Liz Lovely, Inc. Vegan cookies of deliciousness. And generally enjoyed ourselves *^_^*

Making our way to the It Came from Schenectady 24 Hour Science Fiction Movie Festival at the Proctors in Schenectady, we got there just in time to catch Enemy Mine, one I personally enjoy and hadn't seen in some years. Several proceeded such as the A Boy and His Dog, A Clockwork Orange (viewers choice), Tokyo Gore Police, and Barbarella. And a special visit from Barry B. Longyear (author of Enemy Mine and It Came from Schenectady) for some Q & A, which H prepared for with some good questions and it was just a fabulous time.

Around 5:40/6, Heather walked me out to the car, saw that I got situated and returned to the next movie. I slept for appromiately an hour and a half, off and on, with and without my iPod... only to finally fall into a deep sleep around 7am.

Waking up at 8am to male voices all around me, I became alert, checking to make sure my body was covered and I wasn't in some kind of weird position, crammed in the back of the tinted windowed car, to find out they were standing around the car but not watching me or the car but something down the road I couldn't see. I quickly put on my other pants and grabbed my camera. Stepping out and pointing my camera towards the location, only to shock me, having taken a picture before I realized what I was taking a picture of. A jumper. Young man, on the top of a four story parking lot, looking over the edge expectantly. I couldn't make out his face but I could see all the cops on the roof and the on-lookers hoping to see something to tell their buddies later on in the day. My stomach dropped.

Visions of falling images stuck me, as if watching 9-11 in my classroom all over again and I remember thinking... if you have to, just please don't do it as I'm walking back into the building, clutching my Cadence pillow tightly to my chest. Selfishness hit me and I just hoped he wouldn't jump down, just come down. I got H, because I didn't know what else to do, she followed me back into the hall and with a morbid curiosity slowly inched our way back outside, only to find they had talked him down and were then quickly putting him in an ambulance, making my hands stop shaking and my heart beat slow. I was glad we went back out, even though now I still don't know how I was able to walk back out through those doors. But at least now he'll receive the help he obviously needed.

The picture I took is slightly haunting, you can make out where the window-shield is on the lower left hand corner, not realized I pressed the button, the camera is in focus, on-lookers waiting a ways away, discussing amongst themselves the possibilities that lay before the young man. I won't ever put it up because it gives my heart an indescribable dark feeling but I can't get myself to delete it, thinking later on, that it might have been the last image of him taken.

But she and I made it home, to fall into bed and having now just woken up to tell my tale, visiting with the family and enjoy being in my own bed and stretched out. I think I'm permanently folded from sitting through all those movies and lectures for so long : P

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Love, M.

FaerieCon Updates

2008-08-21T09:29:00.000-04:00

So I found your Suzie wig on Ebay for $11.99 and figured give that a try first, and fortunately it was just about the only seller which excepted returns on costumes in case it's not good or you'd rather do the black, I can always return and go with the other company- and I lucked out and found a wig that will go perfectly with my color scheme thus far!! *^_^* Not going crazy at this point, just these two for now- if I like mine, I might grab another one for perhaps an extra outfit change during the Con : )

Da's Birthday!!

2008-08-17T21:07:00.001-04:00

It's Da's Birthday!!

I got him a wind-chime with cut glass bees, while H bought him two different irrigation systems for the gardens. He seemed to really like our choices *^_^*

Breakfast/lunch at the Crackel Barrel, his favorite and definitely not vegetarian friendly... but we made do : )

Saw the new Mini-van he wanted and they made an offer to buy it, so he got his big birthday present!

E, Da liked you card very much, its displayed on the kitchen table at the moment, along with a boutique of flowers I woke up early enough to get for him. I'm actually getting a lot better with my designs. Mum's lessons are finally paying off.

Speaking of designs, I found these images and automatically thought of you, E- tell me what you think. I'll practice the make-up later in the week.

Heather is trying to get the contacts ordered from Custom Color Contacts, along with the stockings- We Love Colors. Did you want a pair or two?

I'm also interested in getting some wigs from Best Wig Outlet, for the convention, maybe a blue for you, like in the image?

Also Mum is leaving at 11am tomorrow for MI, if you didn't already know. Will be there for a week+.

I'm off to give the parents their promised massages.

Enjoy the evening.

The Unfortunate MT

2008-08-14T00:02:00.000-04:00

So there has been some set backs in my pursuit of Licensure in Massage Therapy.
I'm certified and glad to be, having had a wonderful time in school... but now it's time to move this show on.

But now it turns out my Test-sitting papers never made it to their intended location- literally down town from me... *deep sigh*

So until January of next year, I am forced to keep on the study path I have been traveling for over a year and a half now, longer than most newly certified MT take. But perhaps it happened for a reason, it's true: I had some doubts about certain areas in my studies- Shiatsu to be sure was full of gray and practically black areas. So this time is solely allotted for Study and Working... and a few exciting days in-between!

Enough of that rant, I suppose.

On to good things:

1) My massage room is almost finished.
2) I'm able to use my Shiny new calender that started in August.
3) I have a new appreciation for good ideas gone bad.
4) I am happy with where I am in life, regardless of the what-seems-to-be constant setbacks.
5) I've been chatting with a super fine person online now and perhaps will meet soon.
6) I made Zucchini Bread that ROCKED.

That is all. *^_^*

2008-07-25T12:22:00.001-04:00

I forgot I already made one of these using my GenmaiMassage Email.... awesome *^_^*