As I'm sure some of you know, I'm heavily interested and attracted to cosplay. A lose term pretty much used for "those geeks you see at Star Wars conventions with 3450857308457 chicks dressed as slave girl Leias". I guess you can consider it a fetish, really. Not necessarily in a sexual way, but an intense attraction. Recently, I'm been striving to learn more in the seamstress ways and creating plans to role as favorite characters of mine. There's a small few of infamous cosplayers that I genuinely look up to. Ruby Rocket, Yaya Han, and my favorite: Adella.*
Since I have my Sailor Jupiter costume in the midst of 90% complete, I wanted to ask her a question in regards to recreating a bow that's "blossomed" or "stiff" instead of limp like a flaccid prepubescent weiner.

Via myspace:
As I initiate the conversation -
ME: "Quick question. What'd you do to your Helena bow so it sticks up and out like that? Instead of flat like a flaccid weiner =P "
(Helena reference photo of her cosplay)
ADELLA: "lol it's just interfaced XD"
ME:"With?!?! =P"
ADELLA: "interfacing O_O;;;;"
ME:"aka can you explain that because i'm a total n00b =)"
ADELLA: "lol.. if you don't know what interfacing is I don't think you'll be able to sew anything like Helena's costume. Its a really basic sewing notion that is used to make fabric stiffer."
ME:"That sounds like a challenge!!!!
(thanks btw lol)"
ADELLA: "not a challenge... just a fact based on skill level."
ME:"Well, thanks for that. Kind of makes me at least try."

Now, I kind of took offense to this but at the same time I feel a bit more of a push to get my butt moving if I want to take this seamstress stuff seriously. What sucks is that I'm stuck right now with a decision between following/finishing college in computers, or fashion design. Both are extremely awesome and has a future in each field. I also have "hobbies" or side projects as a photographer/graphic artist as I'm sure it will suffice for now =) However, as much as I love google tutorials, teaching myself, and learning from others, I'd really like to have that sense of completion that I permanently have proof that I have succeeded at something. However, I hate the college concept how so many are "in a rush to get in line" just to get that piece of paper that's the only boundary between teaching myself, and graduating with a degree in said fields. I also feel almost in a hurry to do so many things "before I get too old". But I'm in no rush! Age shouldn't matter when you're an artist! And a genius!
Right now, money is the problem. I can't afford to go back to school yet. Especially while I'm "supporting" my family. I hate having interests in so many things. I can't make up my mind on what I want to do. I can tell you that I have a WAY better idea than I used to. I know definitely computers is something I'm heavily interested in. Taught myself mild HTML, BBCode, I do graphic design, and have plans to get certified in Mac Specialist. At my job, I'm nicknamed "machine" on account of mindlessly how fast I type, but how fast I pick up learning information on internet, cable, phone, servers, networks, data input, etc. There's a department called the NOC. Network Outage Center. I got offered to work in that department (think 8 dollar raise lol). However, due to the ridiculous conspiracy theory back in April, I'm still on final warning and am not obligated to change departments or pretty much do anything but my repetitive drone work. Alas, I feel this company will look good on my resume =)

Anyway, sidetracked.
Adella's little "attitude" in her message, how I read it or intended as is, has given me an extra boost of eager to further more into costume and design. Nowadays seeing high fashion designers and what their signature lines have been, it's almost... a joke. Alright alright, joke more so meaning "what the hell, I can do that shit". I have so many things brewing around in my brain matter that I'm surprised my frustration at life hasn't pushed me to actually follow thru with anything. At the same time, it still comes right back down to financial reasons. A lot of my plans are quasi on hold until this shit blows over with my family. Where we don't have to worry who will have 2 bucks to grab 6 rolls of TP next at the dollar store.

I think I might go apply to the Mac store for a second job.
What am I doing with my life? Watching Smallville for hours a day is how I spend my free time. Taking photos of mediocre if not professional status models for free. Working at a job I have no plans to stay at forever.
By the way, I also want to get married. There's money in that, too =)


* - cosplayer contact: http://www.yayahan.com/, http://www.rocketsagogo.com/, http://www.adellacosplay.com/