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Nikira

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Blog Entries posted by Nikira

  1. Nikira

    College Run-on

    By Nikira,

    Packing stuff for college...
     
    *inhale*
     
    ...but holy jeez there's so much stuff and I don't have many containers left to put stuff in and I have way too many clothes and I really need bigger suitcases and why in the world do I have 19 freakin' books this year and why in the world do I have over 50 academic books in general and man I really need to sell books so I can buy books and my printer is still being a brat and I still need to find a job on campus and I'm nervous about forgetting something at home and I'm nervous about my classes and I'm nervous about planning out my senior project for next year and I'm really nervous about the winter musical and wait is college on Saturday and holy jeez college is on Saturday and I can't wait to see my roommate and I can't wait to see other BZPers and I really miss other BZPers and darnit I can't find Pohatu!
     
    *cries*
     
    This run-on sentence is brought to you by Niki's school stress and lack of motivation to finish packing.
     
    -Nikira
  3. Nikira

    Hh

    By Nikira,

    HAHLI HUSKY AND SENJO AND FRIAR TUCK ARE IN OHIO AND THEY'RE GONNA BE AT MY HOUSE IN LIKE 2 HOURS AUGH!!!
     
    *screams and runs around*
     
    Also, Brickfair yay!

    -Nikira
  4. Nikira

    Back From Brickfair

    By Nikira,

    It feels kinda good to be able to sit at my own computer and chop away at some reports for once. XD
     
    It's been a really long day of driving, but I'm home, and I miss everyone horribly. There were so many people there this year - over twice as many that came last year - and man, we had so many staff and members that showed up, it was crazy. I'm sorry that I didn't get to meet people who arrived on Sunday, since I didn't arrive until after public hours were over!
     
    I also got lots of sets, the largest one as a gift from InnerRayg, who is incredible andand... asdfasgdasgf I still can't believe it. ;____; Thank you so much!
     
    But yeah, the weekend was boatloads of fun, we all had a great time and always had a place of awesome to hang out at with Smeag. I thank him bunches and bunches for his hospitality this weekend, even though so many things weren't going his way. I hope you had a good birthday!
     
    Also, I didn't get to meet Waffles one-on-one, but I saw him plenty of times, running around in a BZP tee. You're pretty cool, kid! :]
     
    *sigh*
     
    Anyways, I have to go unpack and have a little bit of awesome people withdrawal. Pardon me! XD
     
    -Nikira
  5. Nikira

    Party!

    By Nikira,

    It's Smeag's birthday!
     
    And I'm at his house for his birthday!
     
    *party time*
     
    Also, Janus and Kohaku and LehvakLah just left.

    -Nikira
  6. Nikira

    Reviewing How-to

    By Nikira,

    Bumped 7/4/09, cause I really feel this point needs to be addressed yet again.
     
    These are guidelines from my personal experience, not BZP rules. This is what I as an artist particularly enjoy to see in thorough reviews, small or large, but they are not required to post a review on BZPower.
     
    I've been glancing around random topics in General Art, and now that the Art Contest is over, I've noticed a decline in the number of really decent reviews. Yes, yes, a pop in to say "wow that looks nice" is always nice, but heartier reviews are really appreciated.
     
    So here's a few tips on how to review to the upmost.
     
    Overall, a review is supposed to encourage an artist/author and help them improve - something that a lot of recent reviews do not do.
     
    In my opinion, a good and interesting review consists of three things:

    Encouraging CommentsConstructive CritiqueHelpful Questions Repeat that list three times.
     
    Got it?
     
    Good.
     
    Now let's confirm that only doing one of these three things does not necessarily make a good review. I have seen good reviews that consist of just encouraging comments, but the lack of saying what could improve can be bothersome. Similarly, I have seen reviews that consisted entirely of critique, but many times they can be major mood-killers and make said artist feel rather bad about themselves (thus the reason for encouraging comments.) Questions are the only thing that I don't have a problem with, as they usually need to have some kind of comment or critique behind them for them to make any sense.
     
    Got that?
     
    Alrighty.
     
    Now let's break it down a little.
     
    The first thing most people do (and the first thing you should do) is provide Encouraging Comments - really point out the major strengths of the picture (or MOC, story, etc.) and comment on things that positively stood out to you. If you like the choice of colors, let the artist know. If you liked how a certain part of a story was laid out, go ahead and share it. The comments are the main sell-esteem booster for the artist and it makes us feel good (not to mention keeping us from falling into a self-denial art rut ). Just don't go so far as to be dishonest. Lying about how you really feel doesn't help matters - your goal is to help the artist/author improve, not to give them a false sense of triumph. Just find something you truly like about the art (or story, etc.) and let that be known first.
     
    Second and most important is Constructive Critique.
     
    Let me repeat: Constructive Critique. Not destructive. CONstructive. There is a difference.
     
    In its most basic sense, constructive critique is going through and saying what you know can improve and/or what you think could improve (this usually involves either personal opinion or uncertainty), and then - extremely important - explaining WHY. Saying "I don't like this" isn't critique. If something looks off, be specific about it and, if you can, offer a suggestion to help improve said offness. You can say 'the arm looks weird', or (even better), you can use specifics and say 'the left arm looks like it's bending the wrong way, but maybe you could do this to improve it: *insert suggestion here*' Just mentioning which arm or which paragraph or which part of the art/story/MOC seems off to you can help, and suggesting a way to improve can help even more.
     
    It also helps if you don't rub a mistake in the artist/author's face. Rather, just make a point about it, giving enough emphasis that the artist/author knows that it's something they need to work on, but not so much that you rip their self-esteem apart. That is inconsiderate and, in some cases, very rude.
     
    Now, onto the fun part of every review: Helpful Questions. This is getting rarer nowadays in the art forum. Questions can be a less harsh way of doing criticism, and IMO, there is never anything as 'too many questions', especially if you are confused about something - don't automatically assume that the artist/author figured something out one way. Instead, stop, think, and then ask a question about it. Inserting questions here and there can help you and other members to better understand the picture/story/MOC (especially if there is a story behind it or how certain parts of it were made).
     
    It also gives us artists/authors something interesting to reply to!
     
    Again, a review is supposed to encourage an artist/author and help them improve.
     
    So go out there and help us improve encouragingly.
     
    -Nikira
  7. Nikira

    Nine Year Spinny

    By Nikira,

    I loooove the nine year spinny. It's so beautiful. <3
     
    If you haven't seen it, go find one of Black Six's posts, now!
     
    Also going to BRICKFAIR tomorrow.

    -Nikira
  8. Nikira
    Since I'm leaving for Brickfair in like 9 days:
     
    If you're interested in HB Nuva bookmarks, please let me know! My printer is finally cleaned up and I'm printing sets out for some members who've already ordered them. If you're coming to Brickfair and would like one or more of the bookmarks ($5 a piece, $22 for the whole set), then let me know so I can get them ready before I leave! XD
     
    -Nikira
  11. Nikira

    Hf In Oh?

    By Nikira,

    So I saw Hero Factory sets at my TRU today.
     
    I didn't get one cause I am out of money cause I get sick too much and medicine is expensive.
     
    Knowing my TRU (I worked there, so I've seen this happen!), those sets were put up by a new employee and will be back in storage by the end of this week.
     
    Niki is sad.
     
    -Nikira
  12. Nikira
    EDIT: Updated with Kanto/Johto Pokemon and full list of inaccessible Pokemon still needed. Updated with Pokemon available for trade.
     
    Fellow Pokemon Players!
     
    I'm working on my HeartGold PokeDex and I need some help. My list is a little short, as I'm only going to work on one or two regions at a time + Pokemon I have absolutely no access to from other games or the Global WFC. Trading would be to me and then straight back to you - I have no intention of keeping the Pokemon, I merely want to finish my PokeDex (plus, if I want it later, I can always look for one on the GTS).
     
    I am available for Wi-Fi from noon-1pm and anytime after 5pm, Eastern Standard Time.
     
    I do not EV train ATM, so stats and natures of the Pokemon do not matter to me. Again, this is only for my PokeDex!
     
    I NEED (in National# order - Red means that I am unable to catch one from my previous games, Blue means I need to breed or evolve currently-owned Pokemon, and Green means I have access to the Pokemon in other games, but have not caught them and/or transferred them over:
    Mew - trade planned Totodile OR either of its evolutions (Totodile is preferred) - waiting on a breeder Tyranitar Celebi - trade planned Lunatone - waiting on a breeder Latios - trade planned Sheildon OR its evolution (Sheildon is preferred) - trade planned Darkrai - trade planned Shaymin - trade planned Arceus - trade planned Pokemon I have available for trade (if you need natures or any other stats, just let me know):Aerodactyl, lvl20 Bonsly, lvl1 Butterfree, lvl15 Cleffa, lvl1 Deoxys, lvl100 (from a previous trade - has had Pokerus, Timid nature, Speed form w/433 speed stat, 243 Att, 211 Def., 241 Sp. Att., and 207 Sp. Def.) Donphan, lvl42 Dunsparce, lvl4 Elekid, lvl1 Flareon, lvl1 Furret, lvl15 Graveler, lvl17 Goldeen, lvl9 Happiny, lvl1 Honchkrow, lvl11 Horsea, lvl5 Jumpluff, lvl27 Kabuto, lvl1 Kangaskan, lvl11 Lileep, lvl20 Magby, lvl1 Mewtwo, lvl70 Mismagius, lvl19 Mudkip (5), lvl1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Noctowl, lvl17 Pidgeot, lvl36 Pikachu, lvl13 Sableye, lvl10 Sandslash, lvl15 Sentret, lvl3 Skarmory, lvl5 Smeargle, lvl17 Snorlax, lvl50 Squirtle (3), lvl1, 1, 1 Stantler, lvl15 Starly, lvl2 Sunflora, lvl6 Sudowoodo(2), lvl7, 21 Tauros, lvl13 Treeko (4), lvl1, 1, 1, 1 All 28 Unown Vaporeon, lvl16 Zapdos, lvl50 Thanks to anyone who helps out! 
    -Nikira
  15. Nikira

    Garage Sale

    By Nikira,

    I'm manning a garage sale right now.
     
    If not for online radio and a funny younger sibling, I'd be chewing off my own foot in boredom.
     
    ;___;

    -Nikira
  16. Nikira

    Claws

    By Nikira,

    Ok, so I like having long fingernails (4mm/almost a half a centimeter long, wooo new record - yes, they're natural) as much as the next girl, but...
     
    My fingers can't feel the keys as I type.
     
    It's like wearing prosthetic fingers or something. o___<
     
    But they're so pretty~
     
    Hmm.
     
    ...
     
    Smeag says they are like lady-claws. I think he is just scared of my built-in weapons of awesomeness.
     
    -Nikira
  18. Nikira

    Oral Hygiene Update

    By Nikira,

    Saw the dentist this morning.
     
    Apparently, my concern about my jaw pain and shifting bite were not all that paranoid after all.
     
    I'm seeing an oral surgeon in about a month (July the 12th).
     
    Jaw rearrangement is imminent. :\
     
    In the meantime, I'm getting these wicked painkillers that are supposed to help but might make me feel like I'm floating from time to time. Whee~
     
    -Nikira
  19. Nikira
    You diss my Smeagol, you get yo legs ripped off. >:[
     
    *meanface*
     
    ...
     
    *sigh*
     
    Seriously guys, what is up with all the BBCC hate? It's just a contest, there will be others - if you're not liking the theme, then wait for another contest (you'll have another one, what, at the end of the summer or something?).
     
    If you don't want to wait for another contest, then do a teeny bit of research and build something, for gosh sake. Artists have gotta do it for art contests when the theme isn't in our range of inspiration, so why can't MoCers do the same thing and take a little more effort into their building process?
     
    ...
     
    -Nikira
  21. Nikira

    The Right Me

    By Nikira,

    So, Niki really needed to re-publish this, more for herself that anything else.
     
    ~*~
     
    Living life and doing stuff at school is harder this year, for multiple reasons. It took me a while to remember that the hectic pace of life won't stop just because inconvenient or seemingly unfair things happen to me or to people I know. It's difficult, and sometimes it's hard to realize that all I can do is keep trekking and aim for the main promises I gave to myself and to other people. I have no reason to mope about it - in fact, that often just makes it worse. I have people I know who love me, so even if I feel alone, I can't use the excuse of being alone.
     
    I may not be able to do things I used to for whatever reason, but I can still encourage, train, chide, listen, understand, and love. I can still be me, even when it feels like life is trying to turn me into someone else.
     
    That's really, really hard to do some days, but it's always true.
     
    The current me wants to be kind, compassionate, honest, understanding of other people and putting them before myself. I'll take that any day over being negative, self-centered, snappy, rude, and deceitful, simply because life is taking a turn I am scared about or that I do not want.
     
    I'd rather be a person other people enjoy, and more importantly I'd like to be someone I can enjoy looking back at in the mirror every day. Wouldn't you agree?
     
    -Nikira
  22. Nikira
    Some of you may remember this entry from like, four years ago.
     
    For those that don't care to read it: I was supposed to have reconstructive jaw surgery back in 2004 to fix a Class 3 malocclusion (underbite) and teeth that are curving inwards towards the inside of my mouth (which is my mouth compensating for a bad bite). This would involve having all my wisdom teeth removed, as well as braces, and then surgery to cut both my jaws and realign them.
     
    Fun, I know.
     
    It's 2010, and I still haven't had said surgery because of insurance problems. A new development has come up in the last couple weeks, however.
     
    Since about 2007, I've had a popping noise right under my right ear. It almost sounds like bubble wrap. This popping noise comes from my jaw joint. It hurts only occasionally and comes and goes, particularly when I eat meats or chewy things like gum.
     
    Nowadays, this noise happens every day, almost. The last time I went to the dentist, he expressed concern at this fact, but didn't say much else. We also discovered that my bite is slowly moving farther to the side, putting more pressure on my jaw joints.
     
    A couple weeks ago, my other jaw joint started popping as well. This one is always accompanied by pain and muscle weakness, though. It's not very fun. :|
     
    So I go in on Monday for X-Rays to see what my jaw's up to now.
     
    If it results in surgery, I have to drop out of school for a least a semester, if not longer.
     
    Merp. :[
     
    -Nikira
  23. Nikira

    Rain

    By Nikira,

    Today is the 3rd day in a row where it's rained and thundered and lightning-ed, all day long.
     
    ...
     
    I thought it was summer. What happened to the sun? :[
     
    shush lightninged is SO a word
     
    -Nikira
  24. Nikira
    My computer is fixed and free from the mystery cannibal virus, yaaaaay!
     
    Note to self - Internet Explorer is a evil zombie machine that is out to kill me.
     
    *cough*
     
    Now I can focus on drawing. Finally! :happydance:
     
    SPEAKING OF DRAWING...
     
    I'll be opening up my commissions list in the near future. =D Finally done rearranging and unpacking and un...virusing? Er, or whatever I just did with my computer. XD So my art desk is finally all set up and I get to crank out my last few commissions, starting Tuesday. I'd start tomorrow, but holiday = plans with the family, so I have no time. :[ Wheeeee~
     
    I need to draw some Bionicle art to soothe my brain on top of all this. Frankly, I am fresh out of ideas for brain-soothing Bionicle, though. ( Senjo, no, I can't draw Ackar right now. Long story. I fail at life! *cries*) HINT: IDEAS WILL BE REWARDED WITH COOKIES AND MAYBE SOME OTHER STUFF.
     
    I'll prolly be popping MoL in tomorrow in between family stuff, so maybe I can draw something from that? I dunno~
     
    *brain sizzles*
     
    Anyhow - two months 'till Brickfair, and I've got work to do! Help me out with some ideas - I'd like to bring something cool with me in August.
     
    ...Smeag, if you say anything close to "But you're cool enough by yourself!", I will feed you to Janus.
     
    -Nikira
  25. Nikira

    Returning!

    By Nikira,

    Euuuugugh.
     
    *slumps into armchair*
     
    Hi guys. I am back from my travel fun. I miss a certain Moderator very much, but I'm sooosooso glad he let me bug him for two weeks. Now I feel a little more relaxed and ready for work.
     
    Er, after I get a little sleep, that is. XD I've been in and out of cars nonstop since 8:30 this morning (I got home at around 10pm my time).
     
    Looking forward very much to Brickfair in a couple months, but I've got a boatload of work to do between now and then, oi. ]: Work means food money, though, so work hard we shall. I don't want to starve to death. Yep.
     
    Anyways, errrrr hi guys, how ya doing? :]
     
    Also, am I the only one experiencing a teeny tiny itty bitty bit of art contest withdrawal?
     
    -Nikira
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