Ass Chappage

What chaps your ass? I don't really have much ass, and that ticks me off. I've got a bike though, so a small one is growing.

When frustration sets in, it's tough to keep telling yourself to calm down. To remind yourself that if you don't take a breather in an uncomfy situation, you'll look like an idiot. Not to mention, all of that negative energy can actually hurt you. There are ways to bring down the boil, and I'm on a mission to find what will help in even the nastiest of emotional kitchen fires.

I started to write down the things that bothered me. What I found was that when I read over those notes again later, I would start to back my bitchy self up. I would literally agree with almost everything that my attitude-spewing self had been thinking when she shittily jotted down what made her upset. I made justifications for acting like a dick, and that's just not cool. So, I brainstormed a bit more, and discovered another way to combat the Cold-Ass-Bitchies.

What your ungrateful caboose will need: 

BBQ Skewers- as many as you feel like scoring to cut in half. Breaking them will result in splinters, and more ass-chapping.

Colorful scraps of paper- I have oodles, and you only need small strips, so you can take them from just about anything that you're not using.

A fun pen- one you love, that doodling feels goood with.

A small jar or cup- to place once-skewers, now Ass Chap Flags in.

Here's what to do:

This is incredibly easy- and feels awesome, so hush up about working for it.

1. Write things that you love on the scraps of paper. 

These could be things that make you happy about yourself, or just things that make you smile. Ex: Puppies.

Three of my Ass Chap Flags say puppies. Please, even Super Shredder smiles at puppies.

2. Dab some Elmer's on the wordless side of your strip of paper, and fold it around the end of your skewer. It should look like a flag, with your message on the outside.

3. Put said flag in jar. 

4. Repeat as many times as you can without wanting to scream.

Now you have a cool thing to go to when you're feeling down on yourself. Or about anything else. Like not being able to go out and get a puppy. 
STEVEN.

Wood, Metal, Paper... Oh My!

Last night I attended the 13th Annual Evening of Traditional Craft of the North Bennet Street School. Every year, students, alumni, and guests come together to thank sponsors for their donations throughout the season and to celebrate the schools programs, and this year Steven was asked to film the gathering. There are eight highly sought-after full time programs and when students apply, they can be wait listed for as long as two years. This year was the first that finished works were exhibited at the annual event, and they will be available for viewing for two weeks at 125 High Street in Boston's Financial District. 

The school proudly encourages people to follow their creative compasses. 
To do what you love everyday. So great.

The event was catered [the food is always my favorite part]. I spent a lot of time gawking at the wood work, it was incredible. So intricate. There were chairs, tables, and instruments. One of the programs offered by the school is Piano Technology. A beautiful piano was being played by one of the students before and after speeches given by students, directors, and alumni.

How awesome are these?
There were also Bookbinding and Jewelry exhibits. So cool! It makes me happy to work with my hands, too. Using a pen isn't nearly as demanding as building a cabinet, but all craftspeople are valuable. 


If you could sign up for a class in a craft, what would you choose?
I think I'll stick to illustrating. I tried to build a chair once. It wasn't pretty.