kawaii

2013 - I took a long break from Swap-Bot, but now I'm back, joining swaps when time permits.

6-12 -- I believe I have rated all received swaps.

I have degrees in International Affairs and Management Information Systems. I did IT consulting for several years, but now I work as a budget and policy analyst for the state legislature. I feel the need to balance my career with low-tech hobbies such as snail mail and old-timey crafts like candlemaking and sewing.

Turning 40 kicked my butt to get in shape. Since the summer of 2011 I've lost 50lbs using MyFitnessPal to track calories/exercise and my Fitbit gadget to track daily activity. No shakes, crazy P90X, or expensive food programs! Daily journaling and having online friends for support has really worked to keep me motivated. Always looking for new fitness friends. If you use these apps, please add me, and I'll support you, too. I transformed from a size 14/16 to a 4/6. If I can do it, you can too!

I like...

birds, kawaii, gadgets, dark humor, nerds/geeks, the weird, supernatural, and the fantastic

I enjoy...

taking pictures, people watching, succulent plants, deltiology, thrifting, research, candlemaking

My Postcard Swaps

I am not one to send out cards immediately after partners are assigned. My enjoyment in swapping postcards includes reading partner profiles to get to know each person, and then lingering in my collection to find the right ones to send. I usually send closer to the swap date and always before the deadline.

I try to rate received swaps as soon as possible. If for any reason you have not received any of my swaps or my rating for you, please contact me.

Suggest...

• MAPS!...I really love map postcards of anything! State, country, city, regional, even vintage maps. My map collection on Flickr. While I'd love a new map to add to my collection, I do also appreciate duplicates, since a lot of these are used maps, and I like to trade.
• scenic view or multiview souvenirs of your town, country, region, etc.
• historical buildings, churches, landmarks
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• birds
• vintage linen and chrome cards
• recipe cards
• die-cuts and odd shapes
• more suggestions are on my Postcrossing profile. I am not easily offended.

Prefer...

store-bought, interesting stamps, trivia about your location, anecdotes about yourself, information about the postcard subject. Maps and die-cuts/odd shapes in an envelope, if possible.

If you have the option, my preference would be cards sent unwritten in an envelope, instead of written/stamped. I would be so grateful! If you can't, no worries!

Anything weird or unusual, Japanese or Korean, especially San-X, Kamio, Crux, Mindwave, Q-Lia, & classic Sanrio. I also love any Dark Horse stationery, both the kawaii and the unusual art.

I am also in love with envelopes! I love teeny-tiny ones, vellum, metallic, odd shaped, anything out of the ordinary. Seeing one in my mailbox makes my day.

Not a huge fan of really girlie stuff, pink, or hearts -- except the ratings kind

Candlemaking

I'm a candlemaker. For many years, I had a studio downtown in Tallahassee's Railroad Square art park. I sold candles regularly and taught candlemaking classes/workshops. In 2000 I was fortunate to author Candlemaking for Fun & Profit, a technical candlemaking guide - re-published in 2010 by Random House as an e-book for all digital platforms. I wrote all the candlemaking and candle shop how-to and an craft business guru Barbara Brabec wrote the general craft business stuff at the end.

It was a great hobby when I had hours of time to devote to melting wax and finishing candles. Now my two little girls take up much of my "spare" time. 2013 is my year to start over. I made candle gifts for Christmas, and now I try to make some candle batches at least once a month.

Sewing

I liked to sew before I had kids...but I hadn't had time to sew for quite a while! But now my youngest has taken an interest. I love showing her how to sew, mainly making quick stuffed animals and tiny kawaii dolls to keep her interested. When my husband was performing I made him lots of sparkly pants...he is too tall for anything cool off-the-rack...

Postcards

So lately I've come to enjoy collecting and sending postcards. This is why I'm on swap-bot. I have very little time to devote to crafts nowadays and so this pastime is great for me because it doesn't take too long and I can work on cards while multitasking everything else. I also like to file and categorize them...I'm just weird that way.

Gardening

Ok...It's not technically "crafty" but another big pastime of mine is gardening, indoors and out. Bought a great house in summer 2010 on a rare acre lot inside of town. Some nice trees around the edges and a few old camellias, but for the most part, a big blank empty space that I will transform into my gardening wonderland. When it's not 100 degrees outside, I'm working on veggie patches, chicken coop, butterfly garden, annual beds, and kids' gardens. Inside, I work on seed starting and babying my houseplants.

I love the Daily Show, Colbert Report, The Walking Dead, All in the Family, Project Runway, Double Divas, Falling Skies, Hot in Cleveland, Jimmy Fallon, SNL, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. I also love everything Monster High, including the webisodes and TV specials.

Jack Black, Will Ferrell, Tim Burton, Hitchcock, Wes Anderson, Peter Jackson, Monty Python, Coen brothers, sci-fi & space movies, James Bond, & disaster flicks. Not a big fan of chick flicks and drama, but sometimes I am compelled to watch.

Billie Holiday, the Beatles, Queen, Prince, Duran Duran, Ween, the blues, and whatever my husband is performing or listening to...I love his taste in music!