Here's my 'partridge' !

Current Mood : Happy for Dearest

Another medical appointment today, but for once, it wasn't mine. Dearest Son has been having headaches so bad, he asked us to schedule it for him. I think they're migraines. Today's appointment is mostly to get a referral, and move on from there.

In the meanwhile... Even though Hoarders is on hiatus until January, I decided to watch an old episode anyway. And I got to see a K-Mart ad featuring a little girl opening a Dead Tired Ghoulia doll, then beamingly holding it up to show whoever else is on set. So cute.

Most of the LiveJournal group defended Angelic Dreamz, saying they were just going above and beyond for their customers. Of course, they didn't care about everyone else AZ just wrecked Christmas for, guess they don't matter.

Maybe it's not Mattel and AZ I'm upset with - it's the fans ! (shakes head)

Moving on...we got the video card to replace Dearest's burned out one. He's happy as anyone can be, since he really missed his computer. We'll be able to do a few things for him for Christmas, but not very much. I'm not worried. Dearest knows this is a difficult time of year for everyone, and he's really easygoing and unselfish. He's a good kid. Don't know how, with his mother the way she is !

(sniffle) I'm more upset about it than he is...

Current Mood : Sad

(sigh) Not feeling too good today - so it was a good day to do something I was not one bit eager to do.

Dearest Son has a stable of Monster High dolls now, but it all started with a $5. bashed-box DracuLaura, from GoodWill. She had a weak arm that had serious trouble staying together at the elbow, but Dearest didn't care. Once he had her, and a Frankie, he was happy...until he, like me, wanted more. I think it's hereditary.

Somewhere between GWill and our last move, poor DLaura got two splotches of ink on her face. Dearest told me she'd gotten that in his toybox, it wasn't from the move, but he played with her still, driving the Barbie cars around, even as I occasionally tried to fix her arm again. And redid her hair.

Zip forward a few months, and I'm holding my own GoodWill DracuLaura, the Dead Tired one, still stapled and twist-tied into her box liner. She's missing a hand, but I couldn't leave her there ! Once I got her hair down, I saw how different her face was from my other DLauras, and wanted to keep her...but what was I gonna do about that hand ? While I debated, she sat on the shelf patiently, a quiet figure of doll tragedy that saddened me every time I saw her. 

I decided that I'd try to sell/trade my 'Fearleader' DLaura and sacrifice my 'Forbitten Romance' one, since she looked so much like all the others. I thought further that I could offer Dearest a straight-out trade for his damaged doll, or just replace his doll's arm, since I was gonna steal FR's hand. Same arm, too. It was up to him.

He spent a day thinking about it. He'd miss his first DLaura, but he really liked the new one... At day's end, he decided on an even swap, and was happy with his better-armed, fresh-faced doll. I just feel so bad for the old one ! I'm not sure what to do with her, so I have her tucked away. I decided to be happy that two dolls are being enjoyed, and hope that one day, I can find use for the third.

Hmm...which of the 'Create A Monster' sets are light pink...? 

Another year, another span when I'm upset about dolls as a hobby...

Current Mood : Annoyed

Didn't do much today either, but truthfully, I was kind of sick all day. Not really ill, just worn down and weary.

Could be the mess that Mattel's once again started and Angelic Dreamz has rolled around in, and shook off crap that's gone everywhere. (sigh) It's nearly enough to put me off Monster High dolls, it's that bad. I'm getting most of my intel from a letter sent to Angelic Dreamz's pre-order 'Sweet 1600' customers, reposted on the LiveJournal MH page, so let's dig in to another toy disaster together, shall we ?

A quick aside. Many doll fans praise AZ to the stars for customer service and expert packing. Personally, I look at the Gil doll I paid $14. for (tax and all) at Mal-Wart, and know I would have paid $35. (shipping and all) for the same doll from AZ. To me, $21. is a lot of difference, and I really can't believe it's all for bubble wrap. To me, AZ is just shy of scalping, and I won't deal with them. Especially when they cop to driving to every TRU store in a hundred miles and cleaning them out of '1600' stock for their customers, then whine about the cost. (more later) Ummm... anyway. I don't have a dog in this fight, so to speak, but I did want to mention that others seem to not mind so much, but these things really ticked me off.

OK. So. Angelic Dreamz, based in NY, took pre-orders for the upcoming 'Sweet 1600' line of MH dolls, under the assurance that Mattel would ship on Dec. 12th. Unfortunately, many other retail outlets, from Justice to Mal-Wart, started getting them early, leading many AZ customers to wonder why they'd bothered with a pre-order, especially considering AZ's prices and pre-order cancellation policies.

Anyway, as you may have guessed, when those who pre-ordered started seeing the dolls on eBay and in TRU, they began to wonder why they'd paid so much and were still waiting for their pre-orders. AZ called Mattel daily, and finally got someone to admit that they'd agreed to give TRU a first / early release of the dolls, something they hadn't told AZ about earlier, or AZ wouldn't have mucked with pre-orders in the first place.

So AZ, as mentioned earlier, drove around to every TRU within a hundred miles of them and scooped up all the '1600' dolls they could find off TRU's retail shelves. They even met a TRU manager who offered to go into their inventory system, check the numbers, and order for AZ, as many as AZ wanted. This kinda feels wrong to me, like AZ is going behind my back, and Mattel's back, but it's all good as long as AZ gets what they want. And I should praise AZ for going above and beyond for 'their' customers. Too bad if I can't get any dolls, I should have pre-ordered and paid an extra $10. or $15. for each of them.

Further down in the letter, AZ mentions that they know not everyone has access to a brick-and-bathroom TRU, and that the online site doesn't show any in stock, they know because they've tried to order that way, too. Plus many retail stores are also sold out. Umm...'cause you bought all the ones you could find, ya finks !

Still, they realize folks could be upset, so they offer a $10. AZ credit for each doll that pre-orders don't cancel, and further offer something else they can't promise - the Skull Shores greyscale Frankie, free to anyone who doesn't cancel their pre-order. If Mattel ships them any. They don't know when, or even if, but if they do miraculously get any, they'll ship a free one to everyone who doesn't cancel.

Gee, thanks, AZ. You scoop 'em off retail shelves so people - possibly parents shopping for Christmas ! - can't buy them at retail prices. You then go behind everyone's back and try to order using TRU's system, and when that doesn't work, you try to order online...but it gets cancelled when the numbers of dolls you want exceed their inventory. No wonder TRU jacked up their prices $3. on the '1600' line this week - they already know the demand is higher than ever !

(sigh) You can correct me if you wish, and say how wonderful AZ has been to you, since you've been their delighted customer in the past. And I'll smile and be happy for you. But for me, I'm having to really re-think about being any part of this mess, not to mention three companies - Mattel, TRU, and AZ - at all.

I like her little smile !

Current Mood : Bleh. 

Found another computer 'paper doll' website with Monster High characters. Some repeat from yesterday's link, but ya got Nefera, Abbey, Operetta, and Spectra dolls on this site -http://www.starsue.net/etikett/Monster+High.html. It's in German, but Google Chrome will translate if you like. You probably won't need it, though, it's pretty simple stuff.

Kind of another boring, quiet day. Played with giving my broken-arm Ghoulia more of a smile with a red Sharpie - then realized it probably wasn't a good idea, the ink would most likely seep into the plastic and spread, but taking it off would smear it everywhere. So for now, it's on, and that's what she looks like. I kind of like it - just wish I knew what 'real' paint was safe to use with her head vinyl.

It was time to change the filters and air tubes on my air machine, so I did that - then played with the usually-trashed old plastic tubing for a while. Made a couple bracelets from the slider that adjusts the hose's 'fit', but the other pieces didn't work as jewelry. But they do work wrapped around clothes !  You'll probably see it on some Monster High fashions soon, I've always been rather partial to those 'futuristic' tubes on clothes in Futurama, and I have yards of this stuff to play with. I've even come up with a way to attach it, just need to sew up some new dresses to play with.

And I don't know why I'm not doing that now. I'm being really lazy, for no reason. 

I have light and new computer paper dolls ! Yaay Saturday !

Current Mood : Giggly

Didn't get to sew today - instead, Beloved Hubby gave me the option of going with him while he did some work, or staying home. Since I already know he'll be home about half of next week, I decided to go with him, as I needed some time away for a bit.

His job was making three doll beds for a long-term client of his ! Her nieces each have American Girl (or clone) dolls, and none of them have beds yet. So he prototyped a really neat one, and the client happily approved. Sincerely, even the prototype looks really nice, I wasn't surprised she gave the design the nod. I kinda wished I still had the one I used to have - or a brand-new Molly !  It was fairly easy, but took some time and skill, and a woodshop we don't have anymore. Luckily, a friend of his has one, and kindly let us borrow it for an hour.

Said client won't be back in town until Wednesday night, so I asked if he could cut everything and get it all ready, and do the assembly at home. I was being a bit selfish, as the shop was very cold and without a bathroom. But he agreed, so we weren't gone long at all. I used the mileage funds from my appointments for lunch, and we got to stop by Hobby Lobby.

Turns out, you don't need to print off a copy of their coupon, if you have a web-enabled 'smart' phone. You can just go to Hobby Lobby's website, find the coupon, and bring it up on your screen big enough for the cashier to see the Coupon Code, a four-digit number. He or she can then type it into the register for the discount. Yaay !

We'd actually gone to Mal-Wart first, but the only sewing machine light bulb they had was in a useless-to-me 'Maintenance Kit', with an ugly plastic cover, screwdrivers and oil I already have several times over, and a combination Cracker Jack prize magnifying glass / needle threader that was already bent. Eight bucks, too. Forget it ! With my silly digital coupon, I got the bulb I needed for $1.61. Yess ! My meager efforts are once again illuminated !

Came back and snuggled in bed with a movie and Dearest Son, and all three of us fell asleep. If not for my medicine, I'd probably be in there still !

Beloved was joking with me a bit, saying he hadn't heard me wanting any other Monster High stuff since I got Gil. Well, since he brought it up...I'm probably gonna start savin' my pennies for 'Sweet 1600 Clawd' next. Those dolls are rather expensive - about $28. ! - so I hope they don't make sudden apperances around here while we're broke. Dearest has already laid claim to my original Clawd if I get the new one.

Thing is, while I like Clawd's new wrists and clothes, I'm not sure about his hair and face. I already know that, the more they look like their animated versions, the better I like them, and this new dude doesn't look a lot like him. But on the other hand, he doesn't have those bald spots in front of his ears, and with all that hair, new Clawde's ears look more 'right' to me. Arrrgh ! I really hate buying a second doll of a character I already have, and I'm trying to fight the Want, but it's here, all right. Darn it.

I'm curious about the Create A Monster sets, but not as much as I thought. Since the torso piece only matches one doll, it's not as appealing. And I certainly don't need more cats, werewolves, or vampires. Of course, I do want the not-yet-seen Gargoyle and Vampire Boy set - I always want more guys ! But aside from a now-removed TRU listing, I haven't heard or seen a thing about them. (sigh)

But, now that I think of it, Gil more or less appeared out of nowhere, I was truly surprised they made him a doll. While he is short-packed, (probably because traditionally, male dolls don't sell as well) he's the one who tends to sell out first. I've yet to hear anyone completely reject him, although I'm sure there are those of us who just don't like the guys. Still, Gil is amazing.

And...it's confession time. I gave my second Jackson Jekyll doll to Dearest. I never found the right paint to change his skin to Slow Moe grey, and I saw several justifiably abandoned attempts at repainting other MH dolls, and knew I'd do no better. So while I was considering finding Jackson's receipt, Dearest asked if he could have him, since he didn't have any of the guys at all. He's been deboxed and driving around a cherry-red My Scene convertible the last two times I saw him, so I think everyone's happiest this way. But if Mattel doesn't get off their duffs and make me a Slow Moe, I will take matters into my own claws again !

Oh, and today 's image comes from the Ghoulia dress-up game on http://www.dressupgamesite.com/dress/monster%20high . You'll find eight more characters and games on that page, including a 'Simon'-like one that's harder to follow than you might think. Hope you enjoy !

'The Girls' aren't even speaking to me ! Not that I blame them...

Current Mood : Whiny and annoyed.

Boy, what a day ! I thought my appointment was for a few more images of 'the girls', and I'd be in and outta there like lightning. Instead, the tech took so. many. images. My legs got tired from standing, not to mention the ridiculous poses I had to assume to keep my arms and head away from the device - and after a while, it hurt, getting shmooshed and flattened in every conceivable axis.

About 3/4 of the way in, the tech let me rest, and called a doctor - they could see something-or-other this way, but not that way. That led to a lengthy consult with unfamiliar terms over the phone, then she took a few more images, and led me to an ultrasound room.

Whaaa...? I wasn't scheduled for an ultrasound. Now I was starting to worry. Had they seen something ? What was wrong, for all this to be going on ? Oh, heavens, this is all I needed right now !

A few minutes later, the doctor came in - turned out there are some odd images, but it's nothing to be frightened of. For some reason, when I told the last folks about the 2001 cysts, they didn't write it down. Once I described where they were, bingo ! Right where they were seeing some anomaly. They want to have a look again in six months, but really, there was nothing to worry about. I was dressed and on the way to Starlight (with a very relieved Beloved Hubby) ten minutes later. And we got our mileage allowance, too !

I was happy, but was so strained, once we made lunch and Beloved left for work, I zonked right out. It felt sooo good. Got up, played with Abbey for a while, and did dishes. Stretched out a bit for some DVD before dinner - which I'd promised to make - and cuddled with Dearest Son for as long as he'd let me.

No time for sewing, and I'm simply not in a mood for it, either. Since Beloved's working tomorrow, I'll probably try that baby-doll dress, View C, to complete Abbey's new outfit. I'll have sunlight to help ! I'm hoping to find a replacement bulb this weekend.

Abbey really likes trees, and didn't mind posing at all !

Current Mood : Really, really tired.

I was thinking about my actions Monday night. When I got Gil. (happy sigh) Without even thinking, I pushed Starlight's keys in Beloved Hubby's hands, taking for granted he'd drive. Thing is, I can drive. I have a license and everything, and it's valid. I even know where my glasses are. And I sincerely doubt that my excitement would have impaired me that much. So I'm not sure why I simply didn't drive m'self. I think I'm so used to Beloved behind the wheel that I don't consider taking it m'self anymore. Well. Now that I'm aware of the behavior, I can change it. I need to drive !

Just not today. Did dishes, which necessitates cleaning the kitchen, since no one else does it when they do dishes. You know, the usual - wipe down the counters, clean the range surface, scrape the microwave type stuff. So an hour's worth of plate-scrubbing is actually about two and a half hours total. And I take breaks, because my oxygen hose doesn't reach to the kitchen sink, so I have to clean without it. So I'm wiped out, but it's much too early to turn in. Plus, I took an impromptu nap already, right here in my Arena chair. So I really have no reason to be as wiped out as I am...but I am.

Managed to stir around enough to cut out the pattern pieces for that ruffled-collar jacket in Simplicity #1955 - view D. Decided to go with the familiar 'star field' fabric, since it'll probably look good on nearly everybody. Leaned towards Abbey wearing it first, though. May make the matching skirt (view H or I) tomorrow, after my appointment.

Yup, got another one. But, except for another diabetes class I haven't been contacted about yet, that should be it for the month. Whew ! Tomorrow's just a follow-up to the one I had on the 18th - two images of 'the girls' didn't come out, so I gotta get squeezed again. (sigh) Not looking forward to it, but it's not so bad. Just hate having to do it twice.

Beloved came home and went straight to sleep after a light supper, and Dearest is happily occupied in his Wii Bakugan game. Time to sew ! But... I really didn't want to. I most wanted to go to sleep, but with the naps and slow day, and the fact that it was simply too early to crash. Even though now, my tummy was starting to churn up a bit. (sigh)

Still, I pushed through, and started on that jacket I've wanted ever since I've seen a similar one in Tabitha's (MeLoveGangrels) Flickr photostream. Got the fabric cut and ironed, had the directions up and the sewing surface primed, lowered the presser foot to take that first stitch...when my light suddenly flared and went out.

Well, shoot. KJ's very important light bulb blew. No mistaking it, when I swung that part of the head open, there it was, dark and silent. Can you even sew without that light right at the needle, precisely where you need it ? Yeah, but it ain't easy at 9pm, in a house already known for its cavelike darkness. Experimented with a mini-flashlight and some masking tape, but ended up just using it when I needed, by holding it in my teeth or under my chin.

So. I made the jacket, but it's nowhere near as awesome as Tabitha's. Had to redo the underarm seams several times to get it right, and it still doesn't 'hang' right at the shoulders. Not even parallel on both sides, either. I really should have tried the non-ruffled collar version first, since I *always* have trouble with collars, but if I'm gonna push myself to sew with minimal light and a slightly achy tummy, I'm gonna make something I like !

So. Maybe I'll try it again in a few days. Right now, though, I get to go to bed !