tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78478427146437774652023-11-15T23:59:58.898-07:00neptulamaking it up as I go alongVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-62129588633971583852010-07-22T11:50:00.000-06:002010-07-22T11:50:22.378-06:00sheddingLiving in Edmonton I felt very out of place. I often longed to have friends that viewed the world in the same way that I did, and were ambitious, active, and loved having a good time. I'd usually find one or the other trait in a single person (sometimes, not all the time, don't get offended Edmonton friends). I'd divide my time up between groups and whenever I tried to merge it usually failed.<br />
Leaving Edmonton for Eindhoven I was SURE that I would be so much happier and find exactly what I was looking for. This wasn't the case either.<br />
Upon settling in Calgary for a couple months, I FINALLY feel like I've got it. I am happy. I have some amazing people around me and for the first time in a while I don't have the urge to get up and go, just to keep going in the direction that I am.<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to tying up the last of my loose ends.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-60930615116974975272010-06-25T10:58:00.000-06:002010-06-25T10:58:45.262-06:00Ch-ch-ch-changesFor those of you who do not know, I am back in Canada. I'm back re-assessing life and the next steps I'm planning to take.<br />
<br />
I do like keeping this blog, and after a bit of a hiatus from it, I plan on revamping it and finding new purpose for it. From here on in I want to focus on things I find interesting and inspiring, focusing a lot of art, design and fashion, because that is what is important to me these days. <br />
<br />
I have a few projects in the works, and I hope to document a bit of the process of those too.<br />
<br />
So I hope you stick around!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-19413488860780107672010-04-19T13:57:00.000-06:002010-04-19T13:57:18.697-06:00Things the Dutch eatIf you ask the average Dutch person to describe Dutch cuisine, they most often would have a difficult time picking out something that is truly unique to the Netherlands in terms of food. But based on my own personal observations the Dutch are masters of putting various things on bread. Lunch usually consists of a variety of sweet and savory "broodjes".<br />
<br />
Here are some uniquely Dutch examples of bread topping:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Savory</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Smeerkaas</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmgtcontent.ahold.com.kpnis.nl/cmgtcontent/media//000012200/000/000012252_002_33597_200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cmgtcontent.ahold.com.kpnis.nl/cmgtcontent/media//000012200/000/000012252_002_33597_200.jpg" /></a></div>This is a lot like Cheese Whiz, but comes in a wide varieties of flavors, like sambal (spicy), herbed, gouda, and ham. <br />
<br />
2. Ambachtelijk Salade<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmgtcontent.ahold.com.kpnis.nl/cmgtcontent/media//000411600/000/000411644_002_135746_200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cmgtcontent.ahold.com.kpnis.nl/cmgtcontent/media//000411600/000/000411644_002_135746_200.jpg" /></a></div>This category encompasses any "salad" constructed with the base ingredient of mayonnaise. You can get chicken curry, chicken satay, egg, cucumber, crab, tuna, salmon, probably others.<br />
<br />
3. Filet American<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dewebslager.nl/catalog/images/w.s%20file%20american.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.dewebslager.nl/catalog/images/w.s%20file%20american.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Raw. Meat. Spread. Pureed cow. Salty. Gross. Apparently can be found in different flavors as well.<br />
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They also have regular deli meat, a wide selection of thinly sliced 'wurst' (sausage), and of course lots and lots of cheese.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This category is a bit more delicious.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Hagel Slag</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.voeks.nl/Nieuws/200401/hagel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.voeks.nl/Nieuws/200401/hagel.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>Affectionately called a "candy sandy" by my friend Sarah, Hagel Slag is basically ice cream sprinkles for your toast. These can be dark or milk chocolate, sprinkle or shaving form, or even multi-coloured plain candy sprinkles. The key to these is to butter your toast prior to slag-ing it to make the candy stick.<br />
<br />
2. Appelstroop<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hollandsbest.com/on_a_sandwich/images/22444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hollandsbest.com/on_a_sandwich/images/22444.jpg" /></a></div>Like thick apple syrup for your bread. Often eaten with butter or even cheese.<br />
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3. Schuddebuikjes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dutchtaste.com/images/bb070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dutchtaste.com/images/bb070.jpg" /></a></div>A lot like hagel slag, but mini cinnamon cookies! Also requires butter.<br />
<br />
4. Kokosbrood<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dutchstore.ch/images/kokosbrood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://www.dutchstore.ch/images/kokosbrood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Think flat macaroon for your toast. Quite good on its own. I've only tried the plain kind, but it can also be found with fruit flavors like banana, or with raisins.<br />
<br />
5. Duo Penotti<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://piecesofme.punt.nl/upload/Duo-penotti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://piecesofme.punt.nl/upload/Duo-penotti.jpg" /></a></div>Nutella-like hazelnut/chocolate spread with some vanilla creamy stuff. Yummy.<br />
<br />
I also found this ad for Duo Penotti 'Solo'. A bit risque, no? Apparently sex also sells sandwich spread.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/317/duopenotti.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/317/duopenotti.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There are also many many other popular condiments, like some vegetable infused mayo called "sandwich spread", peanut butter with chocolate chips, curry ketchup, satay sauce (peanut-y), and lots of regular mayo. So much mayo.<br />
<br />
Another interesting thing I have yet to try is vla, which seems a lot like pudding to me. It's everywhere and looks tempting, but quite processed and more than likely unhealthy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sleeplessinkl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/vanille_vla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.sleeplessinkl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/vanille_vla.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><br />
Only one more week to try this stuff! Then back to good old Canadian predictability. Sigh.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-26320234734107849252010-04-14T15:15:00.001-06:002010-04-14T15:16:22.749-06:00I got blogged!Today I received a message from Gay Giordano letting me know that she included one of my pigeon paintings in a post on her blog, <a href="http://www.idreamedisaw.com/">I Dreamed I Saw</a><span style="color: #ff6600;"><b> <span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">in a feature about pigeons. </span></b></span><br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>I haven't had much chance to look around the site, but it looks pretty neat from what I saw. </b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>So thank you Gay! I'm really flattered by this!</b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b>I also want to mention that the painting that is featured there will be available in print form in the extremely near future.</b></div><div style="color: black;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: black;"><b>xo</b></div><span style="color: #ff6600;"><b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">v</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">ps I don't know what happened to the formatting of this post, but part way through it went orange and bold. I fixed the orange, but the bold seems to be sticking around. Oh well! </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">pps Here's a <a href="http://www.idreamedisaw.com/2010/04/14/pigeon-alert/">direct link to the post</a> </span></b></span>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-44062983601995486012010-04-09T05:08:00.000-06:002010-04-09T05:08:10.979-06:00Shameless Self PromotionIn my quest to become a self sustaining artist, I've making prints of my paintings!<br />
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The first of these prints is my horse cherub.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpSgsT4hDlKjgmWbA1A6_2UYYFV2Km_9EdGqwV3A2j8ur6WMQwL1PNucK6IsHtr1To6ghFXGajl0lQBmKYWl7a12o3otEdR7547Akx2vPif8l1XvcmpSQjYELsapVEALKFTnfS9hKaJI/s1600/for+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpSgsT4hDlKjgmWbA1A6_2UYYFV2Km_9EdGqwV3A2j8ur6WMQwL1PNucK6IsHtr1To6ghFXGajl0lQBmKYWl7a12o3otEdR7547Akx2vPif8l1XvcmpSQjYELsapVEALKFTnfS9hKaJI/s320/for+etsy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If you are interested, it can be purchased for 25$ off my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44425082">Esty page</a><br />
Or by contacting me personally.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-51890341420683250372010-04-07T05:00:00.000-06:002010-04-07T05:00:17.963-06:00Images 4 and updateSo I had the meeting with my boss, and they do <b>not</b> have consistent work for me. That being said, it looks like I will be returning to Canada and seeking out work there. I am ok with this. I'm really looking forward to coming home, being with family and friends, and hitting the reset button. So my plan for now is to come to Vancouver beginning of May to run the Vancouver 1/2 marathon and enjoy the coast for a week or so, then arrive in Calgary on May 11. I'll hopefully be able to come back to the Netherlands for Dana's graduation end of June (and maybe a little trip to Berlin again as Dana really wants to go, and I would love to see our friends that live there again before they move back to Australia), but that's still up in the air for now (money-wise).<br />
<br />
I have three weeks left here. The weather's been nice lately and I'm enjoying it, but I am really looking forward to coming home. Canada rules.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDcVJSuPon5tNLf-8g40UKz7cEOq2IkUzMexXytsua7nQUj_ViBZ6GthvuCPLk3Rfk4ockvcE_qtucXj774zZovocIbSX44tp6CPMV2IWSC0VkJrvlimoMGDWxBMk0AFcrEJ8d2kHL_4/s1600/animals_of_underground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDcVJSuPon5tNLf-8g40UKz7cEOq2IkUzMexXytsua7nQUj_ViBZ6GthvuCPLk3Rfk4ockvcE_qtucXj774zZovocIbSX44tp6CPMV2IWSC0VkJrvlimoMGDWxBMk0AFcrEJ8d2kHL_4/s320/animals_of_underground.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOmgo7qrKGjbeHus702jsNs1i9AJAfn79uSDTzTv0IocHyIHFO0trsb4a5jXRD3sbMG4XD_LqFVKV-X9lNR3CJe5lq83221T6mA0hiGCPztg5MKOVCBt9Zij84Upp4TehHs7RxvM7Bpg/s1600/Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOmgo7qrKGjbeHus702jsNs1i9AJAfn79uSDTzTv0IocHyIHFO0trsb4a5jXRD3sbMG4XD_LqFVKV-X9lNR3CJe5lq83221T6mA0hiGCPztg5MKOVCBt9Zij84Upp4TehHs7RxvM7Bpg/s320/Page_1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN1eA1RaHLF1pI6-3rHzp0nOV5uEDJHasyiHJuFxqIZpRI7_Nga7ILjEXtCYJJyMG0qozd40RC_OFQbwxP6p7C_e3t5QpPjTej5uGihzUOjKJGfz6ULF2BG2GpItms0VHGpmhQ2cYTnk/s1600/stuffed_Design_Academy_Eindhoven_milan_2009_yatzer_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN1eA1RaHLF1pI6-3rHzp0nOV5uEDJHasyiHJuFxqIZpRI7_Nga7ILjEXtCYJJyMG0qozd40RC_OFQbwxP6p7C_e3t5QpPjTej5uGihzUOjKJGfz6ULF2BG2GpItms0VHGpmhQ2cYTnk/s320/stuffed_Design_Academy_Eindhoven_milan_2009_yatzer_3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbX15nYoVrF1DV_08qaCHerTQemjr99GaOQ8-xKOQvU7e4m6umimIPHUg6nlp2dXUaKuqKTT9naLHKgK04k7aR4E_0vy8HV-H0IKmbVbVm8eL4Imt78RItrRBq02wNeLpqOFpkgYePcU/s1600/Physiology1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbX15nYoVrF1DV_08qaCHerTQemjr99GaOQ8-xKOQvU7e4m6umimIPHUg6nlp2dXUaKuqKTT9naLHKgK04k7aR4E_0vy8HV-H0IKmbVbVm8eL4Imt78RItrRBq02wNeLpqOFpkgYePcU/s320/Physiology1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB2MK7YD5a5hAne0WsU0KBqpHUM9MKD-QUXdxSIoy-0pWZ8yDrf72-1c24cRgnxW3l_5EIQ6BsHa9FokPY2QtBmC6_2cS9FoZ0z4Ub6OSm9rryRq0SNqwbXRsTh3KGn_rCVVMya6t_Lc/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB2MK7YD5a5hAne0WsU0KBqpHUM9MKD-QUXdxSIoy-0pWZ8yDrf72-1c24cRgnxW3l_5EIQ6BsHa9FokPY2QtBmC6_2cS9FoZ0z4Ub6OSm9rryRq0SNqwbXRsTh3KGn_rCVVMya6t_Lc/s320/Picture+4.png" /></a></div>These pictures seem to have an animal theme.<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-68353168879105539842010-04-02T07:31:00.000-06:002010-04-02T07:31:09.023-06:00Lunch!I love lunch. Almost as much as I love breakfast. But lunch has a special something about it, that nice little break through the day, and if you get to eat something special (even if it's some tasty leftovers) it gives you something to look forward to all morning.<br />
That said, I have always had an admiration for cleverly put-together lunches, like <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susankyuen/">this lady</a> and her cute bento boxes she constructs for her kids. I mean... how awesome would it be to open a lunch box and see something new and unexpected every day?!<br />
If/when I have kids, I totally plan on doing similarly awesome things. Maybe even for myself the next time I have a job/school where I have to take lunch everyday.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-63144801494499514152010-04-01T02:54:00.000-06:002010-04-01T02:54:16.268-06:00Images 3Woowoo! I hope you all are enjoying this. I am.<br />
What I find interesting is that now by grouping the pictures together in groups, I am seeing similarities and connections between the pictures. And since I'm posting them chronologically, it kind of shows where my head was at (or what was attracting me) at that particular moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwRaBnOdKA8VJJeOWWTF6YcLE88i6v71m_D-v7Wsl0Qdm-2SgKYCUzXgmpOjs_Qpeo_Dwo7VUb8O8jiAYceBT9TEj2gYMOxkA7YsNMhoOy11eYrKGF1IhRFC96w2SKJ2XSqzCDA9Q0oA/s1600/creepy_childrens_book_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwRaBnOdKA8VJJeOWWTF6YcLE88i6v71m_D-v7Wsl0Qdm-2SgKYCUzXgmpOjs_Qpeo_Dwo7VUb8O8jiAYceBT9TEj2gYMOxkA7YsNMhoOy11eYrKGF1IhRFC96w2SKJ2XSqzCDA9Q0oA/s320/creepy_childrens_book_10.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPzpJxIflFkLtETZDSGgzngctZLMNLnXkFO9QvT8Wb5P7sfz8BzHzMwS2SbpRWwnt03Vy1YrBya76yuIzw9p-sNiOCw6p7EVMtqA5EW6sWtgP0i8yqMRrY2DqeNYgrpSlpN4zL8AZGX8/s1600/koreanwarcombatjump1950d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPzpJxIflFkLtETZDSGgzngctZLMNLnXkFO9QvT8Wb5P7sfz8BzHzMwS2SbpRWwnt03Vy1YrBya76yuIzw9p-sNiOCw6p7EVMtqA5EW6sWtgP0i8yqMRrY2DqeNYgrpSlpN4zL8AZGX8/s320/koreanwarcombatjump1950d.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-T8ksAu0M7VJ7ze3BNHeK9xQ2gwFcjzdQuIki_KY13r2VsBZWAsuIksjFcYI55D7SY69RLlN5cUn4GNne6672QHXK8St6cVm8pXOobuqpIgwhoK0eyVpf_qNtSCl3-6EJhroUWUnlac/s1600/Mattew-with-Sousaphone-copy-772122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-T8ksAu0M7VJ7ze3BNHeK9xQ2gwFcjzdQuIki_KY13r2VsBZWAsuIksjFcYI55D7SY69RLlN5cUn4GNne6672QHXK8St6cVm8pXOobuqpIgwhoK0eyVpf_qNtSCl3-6EJhroUWUnlac/s320/Mattew-with-Sousaphone-copy-772122.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6GNIv-DaZ8NYOT_BaGp9UX4oKwF_UWhKspl6OfHu0Jv3Zr29tD9QG4js_qD-MkB0yxrQhUNNJmahjnVlPlp9PDb-_6_J55lWKM1JyscnVknDCmz5cdewetRD7mKXsUsU0k_zz5Fp6E8/s1600/square_earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6GNIv-DaZ8NYOT_BaGp9UX4oKwF_UWhKspl6OfHu0Jv3Zr29tD9QG4js_qD-MkB0yxrQhUNNJmahjnVlPlp9PDb-_6_J55lWKM1JyscnVknDCmz5cdewetRD7mKXsUsU0k_zz5Fp6E8/s320/square_earth.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESI_W7Mw5Z54Bm0yllt-obLaaQkajXfNo-OQZ6EAtd-Mwznweihrh-iF0YawVoUpAZqJVQRMMyeo2AKoSY13dGp6ZUDAjtDLK-xs515OI4OU_-1zTEvE3FsTbp1V5PRCOKD3kTO1eBlI/s1600/trex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESI_W7Mw5Z54Bm0yllt-obLaaQkajXfNo-OQZ6EAtd-Mwznweihrh-iF0YawVoUpAZqJVQRMMyeo2AKoSY13dGp6ZUDAjtDLK-xs515OI4OU_-1zTEvE3FsTbp1V5PRCOKD3kTO1eBlI/s320/trex.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For instance, I find this group all sort of humorous. Except for the parachute one. I don't know what's up with that. I quite like it though.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-76343622210494603272010-03-30T04:37:00.000-06:002010-03-30T04:37:38.235-06:00Images 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8tbXWXmjJpuwKsMejGhCasvXVSSq8muzjYQpBmsgnKP_UYuVfWfdjmzxon1BwzG3DjU7AJ3Ug4lhRe8i84mxEK_pzeQ0siaxflLDV5EnaQaFflX0uM22eYol6sntMQgpQ9SjlcYwUXQ/s1600/brassica_romanesco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8tbXWXmjJpuwKsMejGhCasvXVSSq8muzjYQpBmsgnKP_UYuVfWfdjmzxon1BwzG3DjU7AJ3Ug4lhRe8i84mxEK_pzeQ0siaxflLDV5EnaQaFflX0uM22eYol6sntMQgpQ9SjlcYwUXQ/s320/brassica_romanesco.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT9OA0BtP87EYW0RBS9Ccx9f96B023qEO0rVV2mLla25g-dVPpaJJm2EJAwXEic2owGn-t8UGvIi_ybrf32CiZBZz9ANkTWM-54M8-H5ujFZ1xiHbQLvrfqhTFmQGfXOOntbB-vv-pdA/s1600/l1freeflyer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT9OA0BtP87EYW0RBS9Ccx9f96B023qEO0rVV2mLla25g-dVPpaJJm2EJAwXEic2owGn-t8UGvIi_ybrf32CiZBZz9ANkTWM-54M8-H5ujFZ1xiHbQLvrfqhTFmQGfXOOntbB-vv-pdA/s320/l1freeflyer2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZatHH5uyUun6pdAjNweReBojpviHvLHGs3ngEc5if0e_QzI7ueT0WNszDtwPDe9y1JIiXG7RdiRH74C00jm11sR1vUhGkGP3YUcHBpawOeIHvdjvNSkBIWYB3Kd5l5YQjBzof3noeLk/s1600/simon-page-astronomy-posters-1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZatHH5uyUun6pdAjNweReBojpviHvLHGs3ngEc5if0e_QzI7ueT0WNszDtwPDe9y1JIiXG7RdiRH74C00jm11sR1vUhGkGP3YUcHBpawOeIHvdjvNSkBIWYB3Kd5l5YQjBzof3noeLk/s320/simon-page-astronomy-posters-1st.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6YpGTZgiKPFuolDidQ8Fgy9gxB9p5i0N94ReiydBCJsjLiCzRZ_LTiQE44zAc1kpz6jMcc-xhiGejAZpE3Ym2jby3OzhHWmQ6JqJLwcxnVxZ5V8ZLljcb_sw0uOKXQmIedhiT-PgTk8/s1600/simon-page-astronomy-posters1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6YpGTZgiKPFuolDidQ8Fgy9gxB9p5i0N94ReiydBCJsjLiCzRZ_LTiQE44zAc1kpz6jMcc-xhiGejAZpE3Ym2jby3OzhHWmQ6JqJLwcxnVxZ5V8ZLljcb_sw0uOKXQmIedhiT-PgTk8/s320/simon-page-astronomy-posters1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuX4emc9nI1Ocx4ecRIlbaZLEMoqoq742L4NStdRzuvg29OsHayXb6C2FX_pLaYw4_Xhgw8dCPCTfvkIWjcLX8UTovN51RpNJewnsZcNA8r90h4Vd8V549sL5fdjRgcRJbARFddRtLh8/s1600/tumblr_ku20fkVpAb1qzfjano1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuX4emc9nI1Ocx4ecRIlbaZLEMoqoq742L4NStdRzuvg29OsHayXb6C2FX_pLaYw4_Xhgw8dCPCTfvkIWjcLX8UTovN51RpNJewnsZcNA8r90h4Vd8V549sL5fdjRgcRJbARFddRtLh8/s320/tumblr_ku20fkVpAb1qzfjano1_500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have the final presentation for my project at work tomorrow, so today will be a long day and late night. I only wish I had enough sleep last night and more chewy ginger candies to power me through the day.<br />
I had a dream last night that I was sleep walking. One of those dreams within a dream. It was freaky.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-87397228984559145132010-03-28T14:09:00.000-06:002010-03-28T14:09:39.323-06:00ImagesDue to my internship/job, I have developed an addiction to saving random pictures I come across on the internet. It might be the subject matter, colors, or design that grab my eye, for whatever reason I save it. I've been using this image bank as inspiration for designs and at times just plain amusement.<br />
<br />
And I've decided that I should start sharing it. I'll post a few pictures every few days. Hope you enjoy it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyQ1U4TsRd2LiEp-O3u7JKTKb5UDA_G1BZvkcwo69qz_L6OdgOG_r_sIDJib09ykzztlMyurd1ToY1kY8TRPZSYmkiAqE3Z6Uem66gmjkinF7Y5CV5gPN7o8tg_aCpjrOSZrZKlSPJ-s/s1600/42_6Lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyQ1U4TsRd2LiEp-O3u7JKTKb5UDA_G1BZvkcwo69qz_L6OdgOG_r_sIDJib09ykzztlMyurd1ToY1kY8TRPZSYmkiAqE3Z6Uem66gmjkinF7Y5CV5gPN7o8tg_aCpjrOSZrZKlSPJ-s/s320/42_6Lg.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwLQ02nsmmNJRVeOUCNCzpgZlggkEk68-xaMguolpYJAgHBupBDZKJrvee1gS-Xi7eeIUNj-3N848Bog6ShUGo91dWzyHcGPlMqg0G13F1SfW5zJxDSm43G8YP8RgD2NCUmYDwGUGzZE/s1600/42_7Lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwLQ02nsmmNJRVeOUCNCzpgZlggkEk68-xaMguolpYJAgHBupBDZKJrvee1gS-Xi7eeIUNj-3N848Bog6ShUGo91dWzyHcGPlMqg0G13F1SfW5zJxDSm43G8YP8RgD2NCUmYDwGUGzZE/s320/42_7Lg.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYT6xUAC_x0-rsIOdP7weObUbpwGdGi-lPuPi1gq7jYCLPYEYj3UAu4yoKoLe9eKHlrReM88ygu3uiO_2EpNcJ_tUioH9V1pOkXBPhUT6TZl-T_w5MjIM6XsH_kZcGJcSA0Z5JGPIVY8/s1600/6_354x324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYT6xUAC_x0-rsIOdP7weObUbpwGdGi-lPuPi1gq7jYCLPYEYj3UAu4yoKoLe9eKHlrReM88ygu3uiO_2EpNcJ_tUioH9V1pOkXBPhUT6TZl-T_w5MjIM6XsH_kZcGJcSA0Z5JGPIVY8/s320/6_354x324.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07iWTSSFbJ6WU1cCWs-txFmFYyUoQQfN0YGXcdPcidEXujJLKRY68WVd4T4jH6NpgR90TYTBeZTdUREvujvam4-skQ8Q5tPHrK9IzoEGecLmBWgJJzAgAQd0eeys6XwUTgaJ9dRIwgNs/s1600/1251145503562_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07iWTSSFbJ6WU1cCWs-txFmFYyUoQQfN0YGXcdPcidEXujJLKRY68WVd4T4jH6NpgR90TYTBeZTdUREvujvam4-skQ8Q5tPHrK9IzoEGecLmBWgJJzAgAQd0eeys6XwUTgaJ9dRIwgNs/s320/1251145503562_f.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7h_NypWiYSUNWtMsLzUuHa1WYIiwVV4qxfnR03uXiluWu98jFDEPCXut2rAIPOFiEjIbxR2GgPO2sVyNF7NFSkN0fZfcSisPgNau7cpSYZdrDEa8jDBa8bO9ppCn_DrfLqEBHQE_yHE/s1600/tuinboek8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7h_NypWiYSUNWtMsLzUuHa1WYIiwVV4qxfnR03uXiluWu98jFDEPCXut2rAIPOFiEjIbxR2GgPO2sVyNF7NFSkN0fZfcSisPgNau7cpSYZdrDEa8jDBa8bO9ppCn_DrfLqEBHQE_yHE/s320/tuinboek8.jpg" /></a></div><br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-21848909133692547332010-03-23T09:45:00.000-06:002010-03-23T09:45:06.877-06:00SpringtimeIt has finally warmed up here. Although the thermometer didn't go down much past -5 it was a bitter, long winter. The sun is out longer, giving me light and scenery for my apres-work runs that were previously in the dark. When I leave work I feel awake and alive, and I no longer dread the cold bike ride home. Instead I enjoy the sounds of the birds and the springtimey smells. <br />
<br />
I've been brimming with ideas for my own projects. T-shirts for threadless. Prints of my paintings. Patterns to screen print. Bags to make. Last night I couldn't fall asleep because my mind was racing so I got up and sketched. This makes me sooooo sosososo happy. I spent the weekend laying on the couch, reading, sudoku-ing and going for a couple runs. It was fabulous. Last night I worked on Adobe Illustrator tutorials. I've updated my cirriculum vitae and portfolio and applied for some more jobs (in Canada). Being productive has been good.<br />
<br />
I am planning to come home, not sure for how long. At first it was for a visit, then possibly permanent, and now I'm unsure. I had a chat with work about my situation (visa and money running out, needing a more permanent/reliable job), and they were a bit bummed about me possible leaving Eindhoven. So we've set up a meeting next week to talk about my future. I have no idea what will be the outcome, as they need project managers and graphic designers not industrial designers, but it's nice to know that they are willing to talk about it and that they do like me and want me around. I've been hesitant asking for so long (language barriers bring out the shyness in me), but I'm glad I finally did. Ask and ye shall receive, so they say.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJfisS55ECviVgnlKvuN6elCFHK4nIh-F7c3qyHZOezERUI-L6_SSq_oyzsQeRIjDofZ8JWs_xiq7hGUEN3YDOAEoJLiqN3nKUw2J4aKJ9xq13bmcRiT9jhutuiW525GIVo_WMylnVzQ/s1600-h/Photo+283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJfisS55ECviVgnlKvuN6elCFHK4nIh-F7c3qyHZOezERUI-L6_SSq_oyzsQeRIjDofZ8JWs_xiq7hGUEN3YDOAEoJLiqN3nKUw2J4aKJ9xq13bmcRiT9jhutuiW525GIVo_WMylnVzQ/s320/Photo+283.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>upwards and onwards</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">xoxo</div><div style="text-align: left;">v</div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-80305763034936727932010-03-17T16:28:00.000-06:002010-03-17T16:28:35.065-06:00Happy St Patty's Day!After having a couple frustrating days at work while feeling on the brink of a cold and chronic shoulder pain, I've managed to concoct the perfect remedy (that surprisingly doesn't contain booze): exercise, cook, eat, chill. Maybe throw a power nap in there (I am the queen of power naps).<br />
Yesterday I went for a run and make a delicious, rich chicken curry with the little ingredients in our fridge. Curry is my fallback plan for any meal. It's so easy and good. Go ahead and try it out if you dare:<br />
<br />
1kg chicken thighs (bone in), about 7-8 pieces<br />
2 garlic cloves, chopped<br />
1/4 onion, chopped<br />
Some ginger, about a tbsp roughly chopped<br />
One leek, sliced<br />
One can of coconut milk<br />
1 - 1.5 tbsp green curry paste<br />
About 1.5 - 2 cups frozen peas<br />
<br />
Brown the chicken thighs in a little oil in a large pan or saucepan on high. Set aside and drain excess oil.<br />
Throw in a little more oil and brown up the garlic, onion and ginger. Throw in the leek and toss around a bit. Reduce heat to medium.<br />
Dump in the coconut milk and mix in curry paste until delightfully homogenous. <br />
Put in the chicken thighs and peas, mix around until everything is covered. Reduce heat to medium-low. Put a lid on the pan/pot and simmer (stirring occasionally) until the chicken falls off the bone with minimal effort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My cure for the blues today was trying my hand at Irish soda bread. I thought it appropriate, as it's St Patrick's Day and I don't feel like getting drunk. I'm really happy about the results. I couldn't help but try out a slice before snapping a picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq7F5Oy042ysu4oJqpW_aHUzDKiFLFAhXr8fhDAurmGXaaSY6WxGQcp_wJV_JQ5Br3ukXO9Fi4e7gyzlmLWMETMSOwgMOTIz954aO0K4SgE6PIj9Gj5qvLhcOaVBVu85s3kcoEfqzLYA/s1600-h/P1010829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq7F5Oy042ysu4oJqpW_aHUzDKiFLFAhXr8fhDAurmGXaaSY6WxGQcp_wJV_JQ5Br3ukXO9Fi4e7gyzlmLWMETMSOwgMOTIz954aO0K4SgE6PIj9Gj5qvLhcOaVBVu85s3kcoEfqzLYA/s320/P1010829.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It was warm, dense, and a bit tart. I hope it lasts till Saturday so I can make some french toast and use up the 1/2 container of mascapone cheese I have hanging out in the fridge. <br />
This bread is ridiculously easy to make.<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375F<br />
3 cups flour<br />
1.5 cups buttermilk<br />
1.5 tsp salt<br />
1.5 tsp baking soda<br />
<br />
Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a reservoir in the center for the milk. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk and set aside the other 1/2 cup. Mix ingredients together, stirring in the remaining 1/2 cup of milk. Mix until you have a soft dough.<br />
Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface. Knead dough on surface for no longer than 30 seconds to a minute, just enough to make the dough stick together. Pat into a flat circle and slice an X about 1/2" deep and plop it onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40 minutes or until the bread makes a hollow sound when you tap it on the bottom.<br />
IMPORTANT:<br />
DO NOT OVERKNEAD or else the carbon dioxide bubbles will collapse.<br />
Also apparently it's important to make sure the oven is fully preheated before putting the bread in.<br />
<br />
Voila! Enjoy your bread.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-63547173964128268382010-03-15T10:25:00.000-06:002010-03-15T10:25:57.476-06:00Applying myselfNow after a fantastic, exciting month of running around Europe (I believed Dana's mom once referred to me as a "whirling dervish" and that probably applies in this situation) it's back to business. Business being current work and also finding new work.<br />
<br />
Since I unfortunately have no steady income here, it looks like I will be heading back to Canada and have been looking for opportunities back home. There seems to be a lot of jobs and companies I'm interested in, so it's giving me some hope. I've been updating my resume and portfolio, and whenever I do that, it always seems like I end up rewriting or redesigning the whole thing. That's probably a good thing though, since after Edhv I have a better handle on graphic design. It just takes time! Ugh. Sometimes I feel like I'm subconsciously procrastinating when I do that. <br />
<br />
It's bittersweet. As I have been incredibly homesick lately and I would love to feel financially comfortable again, it's been such an adventure living here and I've learned a lot and met some incredible people. I am just so thankful for technology (ie skype and facebook) that I feel like I will keep in contact with those who've made such a good impact on my life. But still I feel sad that this experience didn't turn out as planned and I feel disappointed in myself for retreating into familiar home territory. I've been accused for "running away from my problems", but at the same time, I believe that generally people are afraid of changing their minds.<br />
<br />
But of course this doesn't mean I'm suck in Canada forever, always looking back to my 10 months abroad as the only adventurous event in my life. I'm looking at this experience as a trial run. I have all intentions on living outside Canada again, but I'll go about it differently next time. It may be for school, or for a job. Or possibly to set up my own company or work as a freelancer or just live as an artist. Whatever it is, next time I <b>will</b> have a solid plan. A big lesson I have learned is to not move to a new country during a global recession without a job lined up before hand. It's a bit of a challenge. I'll also be more choosy about which city I live in, and choose one based on not just who is living there or if I have work there. I will have to put serious thought into it and have a set of criteria to ensure I will stay there a while and be happy. <br />
<br />
Anyways, I was talking about procrastinating earlier and right now I'm double procrastinating so I should get to it!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-48287521767984414322010-03-05T03:25:00.000-07:002010-03-05T03:25:09.844-07:00CheerfulSome days you wake up and a small series of relatively insignificant events set the tone for the day.<br />
Today the tone of the day was set from the emails I got when I got to work this morning. I had a nice email from my Grandparents saying they saw the project I worked on in Milan, and they enjoyed the fudge I sent them from Scotland. I also got an email of cute animals from Mom and a quick hello from cousin Michelle, including a naked picture of Burt Reynolds.<br />
Good days always start with Burt Reynold's ass.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://prettyboring.com/files/images/dumbass_burt_reynolds_dumb_ass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://prettyboring.com/files/images/dumbass_burt_reynolds_dumb_ass.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>Thanks!<br />
xoxoVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-55644654060356016602010-02-16T07:42:00.000-07:002010-02-16T07:42:27.844-07:00When the unfortunate happens sometimes it doesn't matter how close of a friendship you had with a person, but the effect that person had on your life.<br />
<br />
This past Saturday the incredibly talented skateboarder, designer and artist <a href="http://www.nmatthews.com/">Nathan Matthews</a> passed away after battling brain cancer. We weren't particularly close friends, although we hung out with common friends occasionally and had a good time.<br />
<br />
I always highly valued his honesty and kindness, always a gentleman, with high morals and a healthy lifestyle. He obviously stuck to his guns in what he believed in and that sort of determination showed in his work and friendships. I often checked out his website to see any new work he posted, and was often left feeling awed and inspired when I did.<br />
<br />
I followed his cancer treatment on facebook and always hoped that he'd pull through. I felt sick on Sunday morning when I read that he didn't. His death has hit my friends that were quite close to him very hard, and it pains me to see them in pain. I know my role now is to, yes, be sad, but to be there for them first and foremost. My heart fully goes out to his family and girlfriend, as I can't imagine the loss they must be feeling.<br />
<br />
Rest In Peace Nathan. Your legacy lives on in your inspiration to others.Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-68340682649242364192010-02-08T08:42:00.002-07:002010-02-08T08:42:35.918-07:00Homesick!poutpoutpout.Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-10466016724072253532010-02-03T14:14:00.000-07:002010-02-03T14:14:50.418-07:00Mijn StageMijn = my<br />
Stage = internship<br />
<br />
See I'm learning Dutch!<br />
<br />
So yes, my internship/job/place I go every day and design.<br />
I am working at a graphic design firm, mostly designing identities (ie: logos and everything that goes along with it). It's quite interesting and different from what I've done before. Everything is heavily researched based to find what the company/topic is all about, then eventually that develops into some sort of visual identity.<br />
My job, as intern, is to be a machine. First a research machine, next an idea/sketch generating machine. It's quite draining. But, for the most part, quite rewarding to see your ideas develop into something fun and unique.<br />
It's been hard busting my ass for no pay, but there might be a light at the end of the tunnel. The project I'm working on now (to do with public transport transfer stations, more conceptual than graphics based) I will apparently be receiving some "compensation" for. I don't know when or how much, but hopefully I'll find that out soon. With this project I'm the only designer working on it so far, which I feel has really given me the opportunity to show my abilities, and the feedback has so far been positive. It's nice.<br />
I've also been asked to go to Milan to help build a "paper cave" for a few days in February. Everything is paid for, although I don't know if I'm getting paid per se, but still, I don't have to pay anything so why not?<br />
<br />
A big negative, or challenge, I should say, is the language barrier. I know some Dutch. Enough to buy groceries, order food in a restaurant, and few nouns and verbs here and there. I constantly ask how to say things. And everyone can hold a decent conversation in English as well. The tough part is lunch time. Everyone is speaking together, and in Dutch. So I have no chance in getting in on the conversation. And since I don't just stand around making a million sandwiches (more on the reason for that later in my next post) like everyone else, I just finish my crackers and cheese and veg and go back to my desk and check emails (that I usually don't have) or get back to work while everyone socializes. I feel like a bit of a loner at times. But on the other hand I am still making friends there and we hang out from time to time.<br />
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I had a nice conversation with my boss about a week ago. He wanted to know how I was doing. Not just work-performance wise, but life wise. How I was adjusting and managing to live in Eindhoven. I expressed my challenges and conflict about going back home. He said for the past few months he's been trying to figure me out, and that my work is quite different than the stuff in my portfolio. His perception of me was spot-on though. He said that I am quite intelligent and that is good in a world where everyone is trying to be trendy (I am aware that I'm not good at being trendy, I think), but I need some sort of push. Whether it be the right job or further schooling, I need to find something I feeling <b>passionate</b> about and pour myself into it. Which is so true.<br />
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I've found while I really enjoy designing and developing things, I don't really think I like typical product design. Most firms I see out there are not doing anything I am interested in, and it's a stretch for me to feel really excited about a great chair design or stuff like that. I think I'd really like to pursue more painting and illustration, at least for now. I feel happy doing it.<br />
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Well, that's it for now! Off to bed early so I can get up and run at 6am. Woo!<br />
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vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-1884859567200184882010-02-03T13:54:00.000-07:002010-02-03T13:54:08.965-07:00arg!I wrote a nice post about how my internship is going and saved it because I wasn't finished! And now it's gone! Arg.Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-82810361467974671692010-01-16T15:53:00.000-07:002010-01-16T15:53:16.274-07:00Next?So I finally feel stable enough to write on this thing again.<br />
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Lately I've been pretty frustrated. Which, I guess is understandable having moved to the other side of the world. It's taken me about a month or so to really wrap my head around my future and lay some plans. This whole move has really shaken my basis of reality, and made me really question my direction in life in terms of location, relationships, my work ethic, and career choices. It's been real tough trying to figure everything out.<br />
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I'm realizing that while I like living overseas, Eindhoven is not the place for me. It's been difficult finding work, and quite intimidating looking for restaurant jobs or anything of that like because I don't speak Dutch (well, the Dutch I speak is limited to ordering food and simple things, no conversations yet). No work means no money, leading to a feeling of helplessness and dependency. Not enjoyable. Also from traveling around quite a bit I would really like to live in a city with a bit more of an international feel. I'm not the happiest when I'm here. <br />
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I went home over Christmas holidays, and I didn't realize how much I missed Calgary. Edmonton is nice to visit, but Calgary will always have a special place in my heart, because it's home. And it's big enough to have a semi-large city feel to it, which I like. I also miss the close proximity to the mountains, and believe it makes winter that much more bearable.<br />
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A slight comparison to here, where it rained, then sleeted, then snowed, then rain tonight between 5pm and 11pm. And it's <b>chilly</b>. That humidity...<br />
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So as I enter into my second half of my year permit to live here, I have to start thinking about what to do next. If I don't have a job, I can't stay (I have to prove sufficient financial means to live here). So unless I find a job elsewhere, I'll probably head back to Canada. Which I am ok with. I wouldn't mind living there for a year, getting some coin, then thinking about heading out into the world again for work or for school. This has been a good test at living abroad and I definitely want to live outside of Canada again, but a bit of time back at home would be alright. At the very least I'll be able to look at potential places to live and work first before heading out, and go about moving in a different way.<br />
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I've got a lot of choices to make in the near-ish future. I like this freedom I have right now, but at the same time, I would really like to feel at least a little bit of comfort and direction in my life. A year ago all I was focused on was getting over here, and now I'm not sure where I should go, what I should do. I've been looking into a lot of possibilities and have a few good ideas so that's nice.<br />
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I know this post was a bit heavy, but it's a part of living over here and important to express. But if being over here has taught me anything, it's to jump into whatever I do with passion and ambition, and really go past what I feel is comfortable. And that makes me feel able to do anything.<br />
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Anyways, there is more going on in my life that I want to share, but I just wanted to get that off my chest for now. There'll be something more lighthearted next time, I promise.Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-24029804223181328892009-11-17T11:11:00.000-07:002009-11-17T11:11:48.156-07:00BerlinAfter an excitement lacking, anticipation filled 7 hour train ride, I made it to Berlin last night. I am staying with some friends, Guy and Kyo, in their neat little East Berlin apartment above a shisha bar and a cafe that sells doners and falafels for a euro. Food, and rent too apparently, is incredibly cheap here. Where they live there are a plethora of ethnic diners where three people can dine for under 10 euro. That is unheard of in good old Eindhoven.<br />
It has been grey and rainy so far, giving the city quite a melancolie atmosphere that I feel is appropriate as I check out the East Side Gallery and what not. It got dark around 5pm and this city is somewhat lacking in street lighting so I didnt get to see as much today as I would have liked, but it is still so so cool. <br />
East Side Gallery is the longest remaining stretch of the wall, and for the 20th anniversary of the collapse, artists that had painted works on the wall were invited to refinish their pieces. It was really beautiful. The pieces had so much emotion in them and understanding the social turmoil of Berlin at the time made it quite the experience. <br />
This morning Kyo and I went to a vintage shop called Colors where half the store sells clothes by the kg. Clothes are surprisingly light and I spent under 5 euro for three shirts. The other half of the store has more expensive vintage clothes but on Tuesdays everything is 30% off. I got a cardigan and shirt for Dana, and a fur hat for myself. I had been looking for a fur hat for a while now. Mostly in Paris where my search turned out fruitless as the French are quite petite folk. I am glad that Germans seem to have larger heads.<br />
On that note, there are quite of few rounder people here. Too much currywurst and beer.<br />
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I love the font used on the street signs and train stations. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/910/50428205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/910/50428205.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via Ask Meta Filter</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>The train stations are decorated in coloured tile, all different and very pretty. I like them.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">This city is huge. I already know that I will need a second visit.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">v<br />
</div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-66820316326497563862009-11-14T11:37:00.001-07:002009-11-14T11:37:43.264-07:00Currently...I'm making a playlist for African ladies.Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-16074875094555379472009-11-12T03:11:00.000-07:002009-11-12T03:11:07.303-07:00New StuffI've been putting off updating because I have so much to write about, but then I decided that I'll just get to it when I get to it. I'll just continue to post day-to-day things for now.<br />
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Since I've had some request for it, I've added a subscribe button. I know it works with such things as Google Reader (which you automatically have if you have a gmail account, but probably didn't know about), but there might be an email option (to get emails whenever I post something new), but I'm still figuring it out. Google Reader is actually pretty handy, especially if you check the same sites every day. The reader just keeps them all in one place. To subscribe just click on 'Posts' under 'Subscribe' (in the righthand column), and click on the Google logo. If you don't want to bother with that, there is a 'Subscribe by email' button right under that. <br />
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Moving on! I've started a series of paintings called the Dirty Birds of Paradise. I won't go into a full deal explanation but be sure to check it out (the link is in the column on the right).<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Work Situation</span><br />
This week I've been working evenings at a gallery called Design Huis as part of an exhibition called Glow. Glow is a city-wide demonstration of light and art (since Philips Electronics was started in Eindhoven and lots of light bulbs were made here) so people will wander around the city checking out the different installations. I worked at Design Huis during Dutch Design Week as well, which was pretty boring work. I just wandered around, telling people "neit aanraken astiblieft!" (don't touch please). This week isn't all that much different, but this time I either count how many people come into the exhibit, sell coffee, tea and gluhwijn (mulled wine), or stand at the doors saying "Here for Glow? Trop up en den links" (Here for Glow? Go up and then left) or "Toilette es duur door en den links" (bathroom is through the door and then left). See, I'm learning!<br />
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Although most of my emails to companies have resulted in fruitless "thanks for your interest but no thanks we have no vacancies" responses, I've managed to get myself an interview with a cool company called <a href="http://www.edhv.nl/edhv/">Edhv</a>. They do mostly graphic work, but have openings for freelance designers of all kinds. The interview is next Friday.<br />
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I also exchanged a few emails with a local furniture designer by the name of <a href="http://www.joostvanbleiswijk.com/">Joost van Bleiswijk</a> about possibly doing an internship with him.<br />
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So there are a few things going. I'm happy. Getting a serving job here isn't as easy as I had hoped, as everyone wants you to speak dutch (understandable), so I hopefully will get real work soon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life in General</span><br />
Next week Dana and most of his classmates head off to Namibia for two weeks. Dana's working on a project with a company called Penduka designing a tool to make embroidering leather easier (I'm actually helping him with it). On Monday I'm heading off to Berlin for a few days to visit friends and get out of Eindhoven for a bit. Other than that I just cook, clean, go for runs and do pilates. I feel so very housewifey sometimes.<br />
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vVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-6891610173689905862009-10-14T08:19:00.003-06:002009-10-14T08:31:03.968-06:00progressAfter two small breakdowns (from me feeling like I have nothing to show for working a year at a job that didn't particularly give me much design experience, moving here, not having a job, getting low on money and gaining weight), I woke up this morning and felt SO much better.<br /><br />I put in a full day of working on business cards and portfolio. I contacted a gallery called Design Huis to work part time during Dutch Design Week (which is next week... and I noticed that someone hasn't bought their plane ticket yet, COUGH Chris COUGH) and no joke, a minute after I sent the email, I got a call back asking me to come in on Saturday. Excellent.<br /><br />I have lots of stories to tell. I hope I get to it tonight somewhere after I go for a run and make stew, and between painting portraits of pigeons and crows.Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-56342843192568714072009-10-10T02:09:00.004-06:002009-10-10T02:16:16.871-06:00Paris and thingsHey folks! It's been two weeks but I haven't forgotten about this blog thing. I've just been busy with illustrations, portfolio making and hanging with my mom.<br /><br />We're in Paris right now, enjoying four days of walking, shopping, museums and <span style="font-weight: bold;">food</span>. I'm testing my body's capacity to pile on pounds. So far, so good. I do miss my collar and hip bones though... I'll find those later.<br /><br />It's my mom's birthday today, wish her a good one!Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847842714643777465.post-49705237299512488912009-09-25T09:49:00.003-06:002009-09-25T09:56:54.406-06:00Mom Time!My Mom got here today! Yay! Nothing feels more homey than when parents come to visit.<br /><br />I added some pictures to my previous post on Paris. Go check em out (they're on the next page).<br /><br />I'll hopefully post about Liane's visit and Normandy soon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">That is all. Have a good weekend!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHS_dY9KroxbbXLtVQVJxNamf4uxq9t3u4gqQ_IpAKo8kFNkjeZehgXRGyfx72E-Ti4_ayqmTxrH-8KOHfdCGpd35lFc83WzdpH3ZiWnbB3oI-BuUYIyjC7qwILCoVKZTEOIAqhp_qfI/s1600-h/P1020547.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHS_dY9KroxbbXLtVQVJxNamf4uxq9t3u4gqQ_IpAKo8kFNkjeZehgXRGyfx72E-Ti4_ayqmTxrH-8KOHfdCGpd35lFc83WzdpH3ZiWnbB3oI-BuUYIyjC7qwILCoVKZTEOIAqhp_qfI/s400/P1020547.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385433870913889682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Mums and I drunk in Mexico, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">trying to demonstrate what we would look like with eye lifts</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504138040179210162noreply@blogger.com0