Happy Fall!

Hi Everyone,
Autumn is in full swing if you can believe it...well I can't mainly because it still feels like summer here in Santa Barbara. I'm not a summer bumpkin (is that a word..it sounds like something my Grandma would say) so I stay inside as much as possible. I actually don't think there is much of a temperature difference here...there is a rainy season but it only lasts for two weeks-it's very odd. Wow I should get the award for randomest thought of the day.
Well I saw "Paranormal Activity" last night-the movie not an actual ghost. For those of you who don't know it's about this couple who movies into a new house in San Diego when things go bump in the night. The entity (it's supposedly a demon) only comes out at night so it's supposed to be a movie where you can't fall asleep because you think you'll be attacked or something. It actually ended up being incredibly incredibly funny (if you've seen the movie you'd agree it deserves two incrediblies). It might be because it was filmed with a family camcorder so it looked like one of those cheesy family movies. Or it could be because the dialogue and acting were so cliche. It had all the elements of a classic horror movie but it just missed the mark...by a yard. I'm not quite sure if I enjoyed the ending because it was really the only scary part...although I've talked with other people (not strangers but friends) and they think the ending is incredibly dumb. So anyway I'm not quite sure why this movie has been called the scariest movie of all time-maybe people were on acid when they saw it (then it would be freaky).
Actually Juicebox refused to go because he can't stand scary movies. He played a prank on me yesterday and I'm a little mad at him. I accidentally left my computer on last night and he went online. He went on this website that imports Peach Iced Tea from Indonesia. He ordered 200 containers! He said it's going to be a surprise for Eduardo because his birthday is coming up in December. We are supposed to make invitations today and where does it say it's being held-my apartment. Now Juicebox is quite the popular Koala-he's planning on inviting 100 marsupials. There is no way all 400 could fit in my apartment but Juicebox sealed the envelopes and said he'd make it work (he even did a Tim Gunn impersonation). So I was in the middle today for shooting my architectural assignment (I had to shoot an interior room so it would look pretty ) and who knocked on my door but a black Koala (he's not African American, he just is actually black). He had a boom box with him which he put right in my living room. Then he went on the table and began dancing. I looked at Juicebox who was on the floor laughing. Apparently the invitations were not for guests but for surprise Go-Go Dancer auditions. Clearly I can't have a dancing koala in my picture (my teacher's more of a Grizzly Bear man) so I have an agreement with Juicebox that the auditions can take place after five. And that's an incredbly long story on how I was punk'd by Juicebox.

Website and fun adventures!

Hey Everyone out there in cyberland! How is everyone today? It's 8:30 am here in Santa Barbara. And why am I up so early? Well Eduardo entered himself and Juicebox in a dance contest. Since Eduardo is the more graceful of the two he came up with all the steps and let me tell you, I can barely do half of them. There's even a lift but everytime they do this, Juicebox giggles because Eduardo holds him by the love handles. So last night I heard "Lady Marmalade" played over and over again. Every once in a while I'd hear Juicebox's head bash against the wall because (don't tell him I said this) he has two left feet. The competition is going to be next Saturday. They are the only koalas entered. Eduardo thinks their biggest competition will be the giraffes because they can move their necks in ways that shouldn't even be possible. And Juicebox has been on a very strict diet. I've been ordered by Eduardo not to give him any Peach Iced tea and let me tell you-Juicebox without tea is not a pretty picture. Can you say cranky?
Other than this, I've been at work on my promo and creating my website. So here is the link-erydzikphotography.com I hope it works for all of you out there. And yes I realize it isn't anywhere near being finished (I plan on putting up the product section this week) so if you have absolutely no life except the internet feel free to check it monthly and something will be different.
Oh I nearly forgot, I spent the beginning of the week in Oxnard since my Dad had a business trip in Carpinteria. I know what you are thinking-Oxnard, that can't be pretty. The name alone sounds like something a cow might say. But it is right on the water and has a pretty nice harbor. It also has a very nice Maritime Museum (what can I say I'm a museum buff) where I learned all about scuttlebutts and the poop deck. (I couldn't resist) In addition we went to some great restaurants, I've already eaten half the leftovers! So I give Oxnard two thumbs up! I must go, more shooting, then finance, and then a fun afternoon of photoshop! Who knew computers could be sooooo fun!

Juicebox's new beau

Hey Everyone,
It's me again (in case you forgot it's Esther). So I have multiple movie reviews and I have come to the happy conclusion that entertainment and intelligence can go hand in hand. So perhaps Satan is not present everywhere in hollywood as I originally thought. So this weekend I was a tad lonely so I watched "30 days of night"-a wonderful vampire movie where vampires are back to being scary and they have their own language. The protagonist's name is Eben which is the strangest name I've heard. In addition, Josh Hartnett is in it but he dies in a very poetic way. Actually it was one of the best death scenes in a vampire movie I've ever seen. (sorry people but I doubt my readers watch vampire movies). Okay, then with much trepidation I saw the new Guy Ritchie movie (which isn't that new anymore since it's on DVD) called "RockNRolla." It was absolutely and positively incredible. I now am back to my belief that Mr. Ritchie just might be the cleverest director in terms of dialogue in hollywood today. This adds to my assumption that if you are depressed or single you are at your peak artistically. (He broke up with Madonna if you live under a rock or you have a life) Alright and today's movie was "Pandorum." It was nothing like I expected but in a good way. It is one of those movies that really makes you think just how dangerous our minds are and what would happen if our nightmares came to life. Wow-that was a long movie review but hey I just couldn't stop until I found a bad movie...I guess I'll have to see a chick flick.
Now why was I alone this weekend? Well, Juicebox went on a fun filled weekend to Catalina Island because he has a new boyfriend-Eduardo. Yes it is still the stripper. Juicebox has been going to his club every day for the past couple of weeks. This has been incredibly annoying because he keeps taking one dollar bills from my purse. (I didn't want to ask where he sticks them). And during the day they go wakeboarding at the beach. So in other words they've been inseperable. And Juicebox jumped up and down when Eduardo asked him to go to Catalina with him. I tried to remind Juicebox of his fear of boats (He doesn't get seasick, he's just afraid of being hit by an iceberg) but he's bringing a black blindfold and his IPOD shuffle filled with Bon Jovi. Don't worry he survived, he texted me. He was in the middle of his third peach iced tea. Now I know what you are all thinking, I made sure Juicebox will be safe in all departments. His suitcase is completely full with a first aid kit and clothes for every occasion, even snow. He also brought a hula skirt because there is going to be a hula competition tomorrow for all the marsupials. He's not competing but Eduardo is and he wants to support him-isn't that darling. Well I must go. Now that Juicebox is gone, I might actually get something accomplished...or watch another movie-lol.

Tarantino and Juicebox's new club

Hey out there everyone, it's me again. I always complain that people don't post enough and then I realized I haven't posted in over a month so I'll keep my mouth zipped (maybe not because I don't have a zipper aside from on my pants).
I am pretty pepped up right now. I just came from seeing "Inglourious Basterds." (I know what a weird spelling) And let me tell you it was wonderful with a capital W. I mean who doesn't love to see Americans scalping Nazis? (jk) I wanted to see this movie opening day but that was during my cold when I began hallucinating so I probably would've seen monkeys in the theatre or something. But while I was in bed coughing and doing other things, I watched interview after interview with Tarantino. (Let me tell you he has a huge ego with a capital E which leads me to believe he is compensating with something) After watching them though I enjoyed the movie and understood it alot better. I think if I ever see another Tarantino movie, I'll watch one of his interviews beforehand bc I generally don't like his stuff (sorry if there are any fans out there). One last thing I will say about the movie and then I'll get to Juicebox is there was Italian in the movie (by Brad Pitt no less-rather comical) and I didn't have to read the subtitles so as much as it pains me to say it-Tringali actually might be a good teacher (might being the operative word)-Does this mean I'm bilingual?
Alrighty roo-Juicebox did not go to the movies with me. It's not due to the "No Koalas" policy in Santa Barbara-I could easily smuggle him into my purse. He prefers chick flicks and he didn't like the title. He would've gone if it were called "Inglourious Illegitimate Men" to be politically correct. Instead he roamed State Street and found a Marsupial disco. And tonight they were serving Peach Smoothies for free because a kangaroo was having a bachelorette party. Juicebox thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only did they play "Elton John" and "Culture Club"(his favorite bands) but the party hired a Koala stripper. Apparently Juicebox was impressed by what he saw (I didn't ask him to go into details as much as he wanted to) because he gave the Koala his phone number....well actually my phone number bc Juicebox doesn't have a phone (that'll be another blog). He's been patiently waiting by the phone. We only got back twenty minutes ago so I'm sure it'll ring any second. I'll blog later to tell you what happens (hopefully it won't be a month).
I really should go to keep his mind off of the phone. He loves playing Monopoly, so we'll probably play that. I'll even let him be the thimble. See y'all later!

Hi again-it's been quite a while!

Hey Everyone,
I'm sure by now you all know I am back safe and sound from Korea. Sometimes I wish I were back there. (sigh). In any case, I returned to a very clean place, I was shocked. Juicebox, it seems, has decided he would like to be Susie (or the male version of Susie) homemaker. However, as you all know he has a fear of the microwave..and now the oven so he doesn't really cook but he makes a wonderful salad, even if it is all peaches with a peach smoothie for dressing (don't knock it till you try it).
He's so darling with his little dustbuster. He wanted to use the vaccuum...but then I informed him of the so-called accident with Snowball. You won't believe it but one day while I was school, Juicebox took the vaccuum out of the closet (he has been working out). Snowball was playing very nicely with my bell in the living room. Juicebox claims he was just cleaning, but when I returned home there were little white dustballs and the vaccuum bag was really white. Juicebox denies that he pretty much killed Snowball, but the cat has been gone for three weeks, ever since the incident. He still tells me Snowball went on a walk and never came back-a likely story.
Well that's all on the Santa Barbara front. I've started a class where we are taking pictures of small products. Juicebox wants to come in the studio with me but unfortunately Koalas are not allowed in there. Yet they do allow dogs and cats so maybe I can put Juicebox in a disguise. Hope everyone is doing well. I have to go, mind is slowly losing thoughts. I must catch them because they are so few. Adios, Sayonara, and Arrividerci!

Hey there everyone!

Hi again all you bloggers! How is life treating you? I hope you put on your smile today or at least wore a t-shirt with a smile (I actually don't have one so I am constantly smiling aside from when I sleep or am meditative).
Well my trip to South Korea is still teaming with excitement. Everyday, adventure is lurking (or maybe it's springing) around the corner. And I accept it's challenge head on. Now I know what you are thinking-no I have not jumped off any cliffs or gone skinnydipping. I haven't done anything nude aside from showering. No my adventures are more centered on exploring this great city everyone likes to call Seoul. I would tell you all of my adventures but then you might be at the computer for hours and then you would really have no life or you would need to go to the bathroom or you would need to eat and I don't want to keep you from that at all.
So I'll just tell you of my mini-adventure today. I went on my favorite subway line-the Green one to City Hall...and got married. It was a very quiet ceremony. Abby took the day off and served as the witness. Just Kidding!!!!!
I really did get off at the City Hall station where I took a nice walk to the Art Museum. On the lower level were Korean artists displaying monsters as humans-it was very interesting. In addition, there were english explanations of the paintings-thank goodness! On the second and third floor was their premier exhibition-Renoir. I've always been a fan of his nudes because they aren't the skinny minnies you see in today's culture. Every time I look at his nude paintings (this makes me sound like a pervert), I always think this gal finally ate something. There were over one hundred paintings in the museum of his, most of them weren't nude but that didn't make them any less interesting. However the explanations were in Korean (I know shocker)...and French. So I stared at the little white plaques for pretty much twenty minutes trying to figure out what the heck this dancing picture could mean.
After this, I went to the largest outdoor souvenior place in Seoul that I've been to and went crazy with gifts for the family. I think my Grandmother with love her gift-she uses them everyday. I wanted to buy something for everyone but one tiny drop fell on the ground and suddenly the street was in an uproar. The shops all closed up and people were running frantically to the subway station. I will probably go back because I still have to find something for a teenage boy, my father, and my grandfather. Although I might get something for Gramps at the Korean War memorial tomorrow.
So after this, I figured there's really no point in my staying here unless I'd like to recreate Gene Kelly's "Singing in the Rain." I decided might as well go on the subway back to Abby's and write this fabulous blog. Big Mistake! Every Korean in downtown Seould must've been in that subway stop and every Korean seemed to be going towards Incheon-oh joy! Now since I was feeling adventurous, I figured I'd join the mass of Koreans plow into the subway. Well, my body was pressed against the glass door (I got up close and personal with my Nikon) and I suddenly knew what Korean BO smelled like. Luckily about 1/4 of them got off at the next stop so then I could breathe. I was never so happy though when they called Sungnae (Abby's stop). I belted out of there. But on the bright side, I now know how many Koreans it takes to fill up a subway!
Hope everyone is peachy! I'll try to keep you posted on my life. I haven't heard from Juicebox yet so I hope he's okay.

Hello From Korea

Hi Everyone!
It's been such a long time since I've blogged that I'm sure everyone was in tears! Don't worry I'm okay. Actually I'm better than okay! I'm in Korea if you can believe it! Don't worry, Juicebox did not kick me out of my own apartment, although I did leave him in charge so I'm a tad worried. In any case, I'm typing to you now from Bucheon, South Korea (don't worry I don't plan on crossing the border-lol-that could be applied in America too). I arrived pretty late on Sunday night. Since then I've become quite familiar with the subway system-been riding and rolling. I've also become quite familiar with Seoul (the capital). Abby lives about an hour (not even) from the center. So I've been going on excursions there nearly everyday. Let me tell you it is such a great city. It has these fourteenth century palaces mixed with huge skyscrapers!
Aside from that, I visited a Buddhist Palace today. I actually got a private tour. I went into the tourism office (if you can call it that, it was tiny) requesting a brochure. This old cheerful woman that looked like a Korean troll asked where I was from and I said California. Then she kept saying orange and Hollywood. I nodded and a young woman came out from behind me (Koreans are very very quiet) and offered to give me a tour free of charge. The old woman came with us and the two of them explained the temple and all the practices. Afterwards she said I could walk around because that's what foreigners like to do (she had many odd stereotypes about foreigners) but don't disturb the Buddhists because they cannot be distracted. I really wanted to take pictures of the prayer and the four huge drums but I figured this would be disrupting their sacred space so I kept my Nikon in the backpack. As I left, the old tour guide (her name was Mi-Sa although she couldn't pronounce my name) asked if I was travelling alone. I then explained to her that Abby, my friend, is teaching in Bucheon. I really wanted to walk around Seoul some more and find some Buddhist souveniours (the hats are darling), but she took my hand and led me to the subway station. Of course as I thanked her in Korean (or my version of it-she kind of gave me this very odd look of why the heck does this foreigner even try) and she responded by showing me a picture of her son. That's another big thing in Korea I've discovered-random parents trying to set you up with their sons. (Somehow the language barrier would be a problem). I shook my head, thanked her (in English, she seemed to respond better to this), then headed on my way to the Station and back to Bucheon.
Oh and on a sidenote to any bookworms-English books are 20 bucks here in most bookstores because they are imported so I was shocked today to find "Little Women" for four dollars. Now I have to read it! Goodbye everyone and hope everyone is having a great summer!