New Blog

Hi all! Just want to let you guys know that starting today, I'm going to be blogging at http://www.annoyedunicorn.com

I'm still going to keep this blog though the new one will be regularly updated as much as possible.

Thanks! Don't forget to check out the new one! It will be fun, I PROMISE!

Ciao!

-Denise

Book review: Deep Green by Trisha Haddad

Hello everyone! Hope you're having a great 2014 so far. I'm here again to happily share to you guys my first book review for the year. It's for the book Deep Green by Trisha Haddad.

Okay, so this book kind of reminded me of Life of Pi at first, up until that moment when they reached the island. I'm not really a fan of stories set in an island no matter how beautiful the place may seem both in reality and in my head, and I'm quite surprised that I liked this one.

As for the main character, Leah Taylor. I like the fact that she's not another one of those clichéd damsel in distress. I was able to relate to her, especially on problems with make up and other girly stuff.

Musir was great too, and though I found Blue Mcree appealing at first, there was something intriguing about Musir that made me want to get to know him more.

As for Kent Carson. Well. I have to agree with Blue. He's a schmuck.

The dialogues were great too, though was a little miffed with Blue's hippie-ness (is that even a word?), and I had a hard time trying to figure out if I liked him or not. Well, I did at first, but as the story progressed, he started to feel like a different character.

Overall, Deep Green is a good read. The romance didn't come off as over the top unlike the other stories that are popping out these days, and the chemistry between Musir and Leah is believable.

Go read this book! :)

Brand-Changing Day Book Review

Oh, look, another book review post!

I can't promise that this will become a regular thing here but I'll try my best.

For this post, I'll be reviewing Shawn Mihalik's upcoming book entitled, Brand-Changing Day which is set to be released on November 19, 2013. So without further ado, let's start with the blurb;

In the world of the casual American chain restaurant, brand-changing day signifies the start of something new—new menu items are rolled out, logos are redesigned, service procedures are updated, and old uniforms are traded for hipper, darker, flashier styles.

But for employees at The Grill in Youngstown, Ohio—including twenty-something server Scott Pelletier and forty-something general manager Geoffrey McCree—brand-changing day might be when everything changes. Forever.

I'm more of YA tearjerky junkie, though I also enjoy reading classics like Austen, Brontë and Salinger, (He's considered a classic, right? No? Eh?) and while I enjoyed Shawn's writing style, I wish I can say the same with the story itself.

Shawn is a terrific writer and I like the way he developed each of the characters, and their corresponding backstories. But these backstories also served as a distraction to the overall flow of the story. There were times that I felt that there were too much details that weren't really necessary. While I appreciate that Shawn was able to capture the mundane aspects of everyday life by giving us blow by blow accounts of characters doing something as simple as showering, or eating a greasy croissant, I'd rather concentrate on the bigger picture.

Brand-Changing Day started out real slow, it wasn't until the third part of the book that I truly understood the message it was trying to convey. It's all about change. Change can come in two ways. It can come gradually, giving you time to adjust and prepare yourself, or it can come in an instant. Leaving you flopping like a fish out of water as you try to figure out what went wrong and how you missed it. Shawn was able to connect these two, and I while I didn't particularly like the story itself, I appreciate the concept and the philosophical message behind it, especially after knowing that some parts of the book seemed to be derived from the author's actual experiences.

Overall, I'm giving this book 3 out of 5 stars.

While it's not particularly my cup of tea, I still recommend Brand-Changing Day to anyone looking for something different. If you're tired of reading badly written erotica, vampire related love triangles or a silly sci-fi novel forced to look like a dystopian series, this is a book for you.

A Short and Very Delayed Review of If I Stay

If you're like me who's a sucker for tearjerking books, you might have heard of Gayle Forman's novel, If I Stay and it's companion sequel, Where She Went. If you haven't then please go buy yourself a copy before proceeding below.

Bought your copy? I hope so.

But if you've already read it, then congratulations! I consider you my new friend.

I read this book about two years ago after browsing a list of tearjerking books. I downloaded the eBook format as I don't go around buying a physical book not unless I find it really great, into which I'd prefer having the book so I can caress its smooth pages. Book fetish much? Yeah.

Basically, If I Stay tells the story of a 17 year old music prodigy Mia Hall who lost her entire family in a fatal car accident. She herself is under comma as a result and she has to choose whether to stay, continue living as an orphan, or let go and join her family in heaven. It wasn't really pointed out that they're in Heaven, but her family is too perfect for hell. At least that's how I feel about it.

Along the way, Mia wanders the hospital in a ghost-like state as she watches her friends and relatives go about their lives after the accident, which would affect her decision of staying or not. We get to meet Mia's spunky best friend Kim, and Mia's emo-core-yet-softie boyfriend, Adam Wilde.

The story alternates between the present and flashbacks from Mia's childhood which gives us a concrete idea about Mia's life. 

If I Stay is a short yet emotionally packed novel that will make you smile and cry at the same time. It will make you fall in love while breaking your heart in the process. I remember crying out loud when I read it the first time, especially when Adam gives a heartfelt speech on why Mia should stay. I Remember thinking, "Damn you Gayle Forman! I love and hate you at the same time!"

This book is achingly perfect. I immediately downloaded the sequel once I finished it, and proceeded on buying the physical books afterwards. I even forced my Mom and my best friend to read it, it's just that good. The emotions Gayle Forman had created is raw and honest. Something that's hard to find in a YA book these days.

I also remember thinking that if this book turns into a movie, I would definitely watch it. I don't care who the actors they choose or how long I'd have to wait.

Fast forward two years later, (which is uh... Like now) they're actually filming the movie staring Chloë Grace Moretz (a.k.a Hit-Girl/Carrie) as Mia, and Jamie Blackley as Adam, and I couldn't ask for a more perfect cast than these two actors. Though I must admit that I didn't actually liked Jamie at first, but then after looking at some of his photos, I think I'm starting to like him. I actually felt the same way when it was announced that Ansel Elgort was cast as the great Augustus Waters for the upcoming The Fault In Our Stars movie, yet one of the greatest books I've ever read!

So there you go. I know this isn't really a good review, but I seldom do reviews not unless I really really liked the book, not to mention that thinking about the upcoming movie sends me to fan girl like crazy. I mean, I made a movie poster for crying out loud!

Granted it's not that great because I had a hard time looking for suitable photos that would represent the actors as the characters they're playing. But hey, I made an effort!

Writing again!

So I have decided to write again.

Not blogging, but write as in write a novel and go self-publish it. Because as much as I love making this world a better place by designing stuff, I couldn't stop myself from coming up with stories. I mean, I LOVE telling stories! Guess that's just normal with me being on the creative side or whatever. But yeah.

I currently have 3 ideas for great novels but I couldn't share them just yet since I practically want to finish them first.

So...I think that's for now. 

Ciao!

Monday blues

So I've become one of those people who hates Mondays.

Btw Technorati, here's your code.
EVDXTZCW6CA8

Like death warmed up

I hate having a cold.

I'm averaging ten sneezes per hour as of writing this, no shit. And my mucous drips out of my nose with the consistency of warm water. (Sorry for the mental image.) Here, have a graphic image instead.

On second thought, this looks like an ugly doodle of a crying Paul Frank

Anyway, my head and my face hurt from blowing my nose almost every five minutes. It's as if I'm perpetually producing mucous, like my entire body fluid is being automatically converted into this bacteria filled clear liquid. If a person could die from dehydration through this, I wouldn't be surprised if I suddenly drop on the floor dried and shriveled up like a raisin.

FYI: I hate raisins.

Also, I don't know about you, but having a cold makes me want to eat. It is as if I've developed an appetite similar to that of a hungry truck driver's, and I have to be constantly munching on food to feel better. And guess what, eating somehow calms my nose and even though I'm having a hard time tasting anything, the sneezing stops.

I don't know if it's stress eating or there's a scientific correlation between sinus relief and pigging out, but as it is, I need food 24/7.

Another annoying thing about having a cold, is the ensuing throat itchiness that follows. It's like having an annoying leprechaun tickling my throat for the sole purpose of annoying me. I know there are quick remedies for this, like gargling salt water or lozenges. But I'm too lazy to get my ass off my bed, or from the sofa, or wherever I've stationed myself to enjoy a good book.

Speaking of remedies, I also refuse to take any medication as I suffer through this ordeal. The reason for this is the fact that a study has been released claiming a certain ingredient found in cold medicines can cause brain hemorrhage. And I wouldn't want to subject my brain to any form of abuse considering I've probably fried up my brain cells from staying too long in front of a computer both at home and at work. Besides, I'm giving my anti-bodies a chance to prove how useful they are.

And natural is always good, right?

Oh, and if you're wondering about the title of this post, I took it from a line from the movie The Devil Wears Prada where Andy (Anne Hathaway) asked Emily (Emily Blunt) how her cold was doing, into which the latter, answered, "like death warmed up."

That's all for now.

Ciao

Goodbye SMASH

Originally posted from my personal site, denisewy.com on May 27,2013

So it has finally come to an end. Just two seasons and NBC have decided to close the curtain for perhaps one of the best musical series on television. (Haters gonna hate, but I freaking love this show.)

 

Photo Credit: NBC Smash

I can still remember the day I finally decided to watch SMASH back in early May 2012. It was after I listened to Katharine McPhee's version of Run by Snow Patrol. By the time I finished the first episode in which Kat and Megan was singing Let Me Be Your Star, I had goosebumps all over my body, and I know right then and there that I'm going to watch the whole series and that it's going to be my number one favorite TV show. A year later, it still is. And if you're wondering, here's my current top 5:

1. SMASH
2. Game of Thrones (I'm reading the book too!)
3. Once Upon A Time
4. How I Met Your Mother
5. Downton Abbey (this would've been 2nd if Julian Fellowes hand't decided to go on a killing spree!)

I guess what I really like about the show, aside from the big musical numbers and awesome original songs is the fact that it's not just focused on being a musical itself. Sure I knew nothing about Broadway, and some may even argue that SMASH's portrayal of the backstage drama isn't accurate, but then again, the show's main goal was to entertain us. It made us laugh and cry, forget about our problems and lose ourselves in this colorful musical world that reminds us that yes, bitches and jerks do exist, and that dreams do come true. (I sincerely apologize for the cliché.) 

The cast 

Regarding the characters and the actors/actresses who played them, it is kinda obvious that Karen Cartwright is my favorite character, that sort of changed when season 2 came and the writers had decided to make her a whiny giggly bitch paired up with Jimmy (played by Jeremy Jordan). 

Don't get me wrong, I love Jeremy, but I hated his character. I do get his tortured, rebel-without-a-cause attitude, but Karen getting head over heels for him wasn't believable. I was actually rooting for Cartwills, or even Dev to come back or whatever. But well, we saw what happened. As for Ivy, I hated her during the first season, most especially in the season 1 finale where she slept with Dev. I do admit she have a great voice and that she had proven herself as the better Marilyn as season 2 progressed. That's when I started liking her character, and I also came to accept that Derek was better off with her. That smexy hot playboy son of a bitch! 

 Perhaps also one of the reason why I loved this show was because of Tom and Julia's partnership. I mean there were a lot of times that I would tell myself that I freaking need a Tom Levitt in my life! (not to be confused with the  British Labour Party politician)

 

I'll miss this couple

Then who would forget Elis? The character we just love to hate. In fact, I even find Jerry more likeable than him. All in all, this show featured an all star cast, even casting real Broadway people alongside powerhouse guest stars such as Liza Minelli. 

The songs

Oh, the heart and soul of this amazing show! As I've mentioned earlier, Let Me Be Your Star gave me goosebumps, but so were the other songs like Don't Forget Me, I Heard Your Voice in a Dream, Broadway Here I come (both the solo Jimmy version and the finale acapela version) and Second Hand White Baby Grand.

But perhaps, the song that had elicited great emotions from me was Jimmy's The Love I Meant to Say. I wasn't a fan of Kyle (Andy Mientus), and though I was saddened by his death (which was unnecessary), Jimmy's performance left me broken in a puddle of tears. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uNpLclbNQc  

The Finale 

 Before the finale came out, it was pretty obvious that Ivy was the one who was going to win the at the Tony's. The spotlight was on Karen during season 1, so it's just fitting that Ivy gets this season, and she actually deserved it. But then, as a die-hard McPhee fan, Karen will forever be my Marilyn. And hey, her version of Don't Forget Me was waaaaaaaay better! (Let it be known that I do love Megan Hilty as well. I really do! I swear!) So despite the fact that I'm happy for Ivy, I felt really sad for Karen.

 

my sentiments exactly

And to put an icing on the cake, as Anna have said, they let Daisy won. Where's the justice in this world?! 

Anyway, I don't want to do a blow by blow recap of the whole finale since that isn't the primary reason why I wrote this post. 

 With all that being said, I'm really disappointed, not to mention heartbroken, that this will be the last time I'm going to see these talented people together. The ratings may not be as high as NBC wanted it to be, but they could've given SMASH a chance to prove itself. A lot of people love this show very much, that a facebook group was created solely for the purpose of saving this show!

In fact, this group is so determined, they went ahead sending emails to NBC executives asking them to reconsider renewing SMASH for another season, and they even reach out to other networks hoping they'd pick it up. I personally wouldn't mind it, as long as they don't change too much and they'd continue to entertain us. 

 

outpouring of love from fellow SMASH fans

I never loved a show as much as this one. In all the series I've watched, including the top 5 list I mentioned above, SMASH was the only series where I went to buy a DVD copy so I'd be able to watch it over and over again. 

I'm very passionate of this show that I urged my friends to watch it (yeah, I can be persistent if needed be) and I'm proud to say that they all loved it! SMASH has become a part of my life. Something I look forward to every week. And now that it's gone, it feels like saying goodbye to a close friend. It's sad and painful. 

I know it may sound selfish to say that I want this series to go on and on forever, seeing the characters we learned to either hate or love. But as it is, all things must come to an end, and it came too soon for SMASH. (Just like Kyle) But for whatever it's worth, I'll forever love this show and I'll continue belting out their awesome songs till the day I become sick and tired of it, which is...never.

 

I'm back! Again...

If  you've somehow followed my posts, you would know that I've repeatedly announce my departure and subsequent return in this blog. I know, I am fickle (did I just use that word??), and if I should really start being serious in maintaining a blog, I should better do it on my personal website. 

But then again, there's just something about this blogger account that keeps me from leaving for good. I don't know what it is. User interface? Free hosting? Brain wash? Whatever it is, I guess I'll never truly say goodbye. 

So with that being said, here's what I'm going to do. (If I have the time.)

• Redesign this blog
• Remove unwanted old posts
• Come up with more interesting posts.

What do you think?

Les Miserables could've been perfect but...

Les Miserables could've been perfect but they made Russell Crowe sing.

Don't get me wrong. The guy is a great actor, but singing is a big no no for him. It was like Pierce Brosnan on Mamma Mia all over again.

Again, like my previous post regarding the movie "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," this post is not a movie review post. So, again, I'll just post the things I find interesting.

1. Loved Anne Hathaway!
2. Loved Hugh Jackman!
3. Loved Amanda Seyfried!
4. Sacha Baron Cohen was good but I'm slightly annoyed whenever he shows up. I'm not really sure if it's because of his character or well... Whatever.
5. Samantha Barks (Eponine) was great! Wish she had more scenes.
6. Loved the finale song. :)
7. I think it would've been better if they had re-cast Geoffrey Rush as Javert.
8. Russell Crowe's suicide scene couldn't come soon enough.

That's all. What do you think?

-Den

We are infinite

I just finished watching The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and though I liked it, I'm a bit disappointed that they left out some details from the book. But then again, I had to remind myself that film adaptations of great books would always be produced like that, and somehow, that makes me feel a bit smug thinking that having read the book before watching the movie gives me an edge from those who didn't. Sorry.

Anyway, this is not a movie review post, so I wouldn't bore you with the details or give you my own version of the film's synopsis. But I do want to point out the things that I enjoyed, or rather found interesting.

1. Ezra Miller is cute. I know he's gay but I don't care.
2. Logan Lerman as Charlie is amazing.
3. I couldn't really concentrate on Emma Watson's dialogues considering the fact that I kept on waiting for her to slip into her English accent.
4. And lastly, I liked Charlie's monologue in the end. It was a bit different from the book but it almost made me cry.

That's all.

Ciao!

-Den

P.S I told you this wasn't a movie review post.

FINALLY, ROBIN AND BARNEY!

So about the same time last year, I remember being pissed on the HIMYM episode where it was revealed that Robin would never have a child.

Now, I just finished HIMYM's latest episode, a one hour special aptly titled, "The Final Page," and I must say that I'm quite impressed. Though it was quite obvious, (since we already know that Barney and Robin would eventually get married,) I still couldn't help but grip the edge of my seat as Robin tried to reason out to Ted on how she didn't want to make an ass out of herself again... well, we all know what happened next.

I'm honestly more interested about Robin and Barney than meeting Ted's wife, but let's see about that.

What are your thoughts?

SMASH SEASON 2 FEVER!

If you've been following this blog, I am sure that you're well aware of my obsession for this musical drama series. I loved everything about SMASH, and I couldn't wait to watch season 2 and fall in love with the awesome new song/dance numbers as well as new plot twists and new characters! (Goodbye, Elis!!)

So one could imagine my reaction while watching the trailer for the next season which will premiere on February 5, 2013. (Ahh, come sooner dammit!)

SMASH season 2 sneak peak

But then , as much as I loved the 4 minute pure awesomeness of what's about to come, I couldn't help but feel like I'm starting to like Ivy (Megan Hilty) better than Karen.

Anyway, let's just see what happens. :)

Lady Sybil is dead

I know that I've written yesterday that this blog would go on a temporary hiatus, but I decided to write a post since I couldn't accept what I just witnessed-or rather watched! Lady Sybil is dead! And yes, she's just a fictional character but dammit!

I began watching Downton Abbey last month after hearing about the fantastic reviews. I usually watch sitcoms like HIMYM and 30 Rock, though I watch dramas from time to time likewith SMASH and Once Upon A Time.

Anyway, I just finished watching the latest episode (season 3, episode 5) and I immediately logged in here to rant about what just happened! I knew that either Sybil or the baby would die the moment Sir Phillip and Dr. Clarkson were arguing about bringing Sybil to the hospital. But I still couldn't believe that Julian Fellowes really did decide to kill her!!!! It was unnecessary! Granted Jessica Brown Findlay had less airtime this season, but that wasn't enough to kill her off. Also, It was a horrible way to die. She could've died in her sleep. But where's the drama in that?

Anyway, it's done, and we all have to wait for next week's episode.

That's for now.

Oh, and before I forget, please check out my new blog at http://www.successilism.com

PS Still mourning for her death. :(

Ciao!

My Exile Lifestyle, a short review

Hello!

Today I'm going to write a book review of Colin Wright's book entitled, My Exile Lifestyle.

For those of you who do not know who Colin Wright is, check out his About page here. But if you're lazy to click that link then here's a short introduction.

Colin Wright is a designer/writer/full time traveler. What makes him different from the usual digital nomad is the fact that he lets his readers choose (or vote) where his next destination would be.

Anyway, that's about it for an introduction.

My Exile Lifestyle is a book that chronicles Colin's adventures, well, not entirely as there are some essays/musings that are really fun to read...and were not actually related to his travels.

What really got me into buying this book was its book cover.

See what I mean?

I don't want to spoil you guys of a great reading experience, so this review will be short and concise. (Okay, maybe not really concise...sorry. I'm not really good with writing book reviews. And it doesn't help that I've read this one last month.)

Throughout the book, Colin gives us a glimpse of what it’s like to be a traveler. A minimalist traveler to be exact. (Speaking of Minimalism, please do check out The Minimalist by Joshua Millburn)

I've always labeled myself as a minimalist, but after reading My Exile Lifestyle, I realized that I'm not even close at being one. Actually, I thought that minimalism only applies to art. I never imagined that it could become a lifestyle.

Quick trivia: Colin only owns about 51 (I have to check if this is still the exact number.) items in the whole world.

Anyway, this book is filled with guides and some tips on travelling, life lessons, and Colin's adventure from different countries like South America, New Zealand and Thailand. I personally enjoyed his Thailand adventures, especially the fish ball incident. (To Colin, if you're reading this, I couldn't stop laughing when I read that entry.)

I have learned a handful of things with this book, not to mention the urge of packing up my stuff and go on a backpack travel. But then I realized that 1. I don't own a backpack, and 2. I'm not financially ready.

I'm not really a fan of travelogues, but I honestly enjoyed reading My Exile Lifestyle. With that, I'm going to end this post by saying that I'm giving it 5 stars and that you should check it out.

That's for now.

Ciao!

-Den

PS. AFAWFAY WEEK 16 is out!

Decreased tax withholding rate on royalties for Non-US

Hello!

I received a letter in my mailbox today from IRS regarding my EIN application. I actually got my EIN the day I called up the IRS Philadelphia office (which was a month ago,) but I still got excited when I read the letter.

Anyway, as you may have guessed from the title of this post, I will be sharing how I got my EIN number, and why you should get one if you’re earning some royalties from the US. I’m not good with writing tutorials, so please bear with me. (I’m more of a creative writer, in fact, my YA novel, PLEASE STAY is now available in digital formats at AMAZON and SMASHWORDS!)

If you have questions, please feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you soon.

So to start…

I’ve been receiving some income from the US since 2008, and those income came from different streams like POD (print on demand business like Zazzle) and recently with self-publishing, (Smashwords and AMAZON KDP)

Since I’m not a US citizen, I am subjected to a 30% withholding rate. You’ve probably heard of this since you’re reading this post. So moving on, I’ve learned that I needed to submit a completed W-8BEN form indicating that I’m not a US citizen (I’m from the Philippines) and that an existing tax treaty between the US and my country states that I’m eligible to apply for a tax deduction. (in my case, my withholding rate decreased down from 30% to 15%, it depends on your country.)

Getting a W-8BEN form is easy, and you can download it from the IRS website here. But the tricky part is obtaining the ITIN that goes with your W-8BEN application. It’s a long process, and there are a bunch of requirements needed. Luckily, I learned that there’s a much easier way to do it. And this is how…

GET A US EIN INSTEAD

No, it’s different from ITIN since ITIN is a tax identification number, while an EIN is an employer identification number, but it will still get the job done.

SO WHAT DO I NEED TO OBTAIN AN EIN NUMBER?

1.       Download  an SS4 form from IRS here and fill it up.

SS4 form sample

(you don't have to print this)

2.       When you’re done, call the IRS office in Philadelphia. YES!! LONG DISTANCE!! It’s worth it, I SWEAR!

Internal Revenue Service

Attn:  EIN International Operation

Philadelphia, PA  19255

Tel # +1 267 941 1099 (I used my mobile phone and it took me about 15 min.)

Phone service available from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm (EST) M-F

You will then be asked some questions which are found in the SS4 form you just accomplished. And since this is a telephone exchange, you’ll have to spell out your name and address letter by letter.

You will then be asked for a reason why you’re applying for an EIN, in which case you’ll answer that it’s for online royalties. As for my own experience, I was asked for the kind of royalties I’m receiving and I said it was for e-books. (Though it can also apply for others such as selling shirts, apps etc.)

She then put me on hold for about a minute and she came back with my EIN number! Yes, that’s how fast it was!

After receiving your EIN, you will then proceed with filling up your W-8BEN Form.

W-8BEN form sample

(you have to print it)

Don’t forget to write “SELF” in the blank that says Capacity in which acting below beside the SIGN HERE portion and you’re done.

I haven’t yet submitted my form to Zazzle, but I already did with my Smashwords and Amazon KDP, and they already changed my withholding from 30% to 15%.

Again, the rate of your withholding depends on the tax treaty between your country and the US.

HOW DO I KNOW MY WITHHOLDING RATE?

Please visit. http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/International-Businesses/United-States-Income-Tax-Treaties---A-to-Z

So that’s it! I primarily wrote this post for people looking for a solution for the 30% withholding tax rate, and since there are a few of them, I thought that sharing my own experience would help a lot of people.

Again, if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. :D

Thank you and good day!

-DEN

P.S Don’t forget to checkout my novel PLEASE STAY.

P.P.S I’m on twitter too! @denisewy

AFAWFAY 13 And Some Musings

I know that I've announced on an earlier post that I wouldn't post updates regarding AFAWFAY in this blog. But I just want to share this week's challenge. :)

Hello,

Having read some interesting blogs and books these past few days had made me realize something. I WRITE CRAPPY POST along with my weekly design challenge. I know that it’s not an unobvious thing, but I couldn’t help but be ashamed of myself. So that’s why, I’ve decided to write something that would somehow share things that happened to me this week. (Which is something I should’ve done with my earlier posts!)

My week started okay, I finished a project (at work) and went on starting a new one. For some strange reason, there was something about the project that felt uncomfortable to me. I don’t know what it was, but anyway, I was able to pull it off. Then yesterday (Friday) the design came back with A LOT of revisions. Apparently, I wasn’t paying attention to the details that were important to the project. AND I FELT FREAKING BAD.

I wasn’t reprimanded, but that didn’t stop me from feeling bad about myself (as stated above,) and I began asking myself, “What the hell was I thinking?” Which eventually had me thinking if I’m really right for the job I’m currently in. (I do tend to over think stuff.)

My friends think highly of me, and they always think that I’m likely to succeed in whatever endeavors I take. But at that moment, on my way home, I couldn’t stop thinking that I’m nothing but a dreamer, who does nothing to make that dream come true. And I felt like a big fraud.

As for my job, I’m happy with it. I mean, sure I’m not designing products that will change the world, but I’ve learned a lot things both related to design and well… marketing? But I feel that there’s something missing, or perhaps, the problem is just me. I know I can do great things, but somehow, I’m not giving my all. And with that, I think it’s time that I start changing the way how I look at myself, at the world.

Maybe I should start becoming an optimist for a change.

Okay, with that out of the way, let’s move along with this week’s design.

It’s a bench. Well, I kind of envisioned it as a public bench found on a city, but I guess I would have to make some adjustment for the material if that’s the case.

Materials:

Metal

Weaved Rattan

Noticed something? No bamboo. :D

I planned on designing something inspired from a salmon. (My mom made a killer salmon sandwich the other day.) I started playing around with an organic shape until I decided to change the material then SHAZAM!

It’s actually nice, right? Okay, this is my work so I’m biased, but I like how simple it looks and I love designing furniture that feels just like this.

Anyhow… That’s for now, I got a lot of reading and writing stuff waiting for me. See you next week!

Ciao!

-Den

PS I’m on twitter too! @denisewy

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ALL DESIGNS POSTED IN THIS SITE ARE OWNED BY DENISE KIM WY.

Identity crisis or just plain uncertainty?

Hello,

Okay, so I'm not sure why I'm even writing this.

For those people who are following my blog, you may know me as the industrial designer/aspiring writer who is currently working as a graphic designer and had somehow self-published an eBook. That sounds kinda cool isn't it? Well, at least that's what I think...but that's not how I feel.

I mean, I love design, I sure do. Though I can't say that I'm 100% happy with my current job. I mean, I'm an Industrial Design degree holder but I'm working as a graphic designer. But then again, I have no one to blame but myself for choosing this career path. I know I could've gotten a decent job related to industrial design if I just waited. But as I've said in a post I’ve written months ago. Industrial design careers in the Philippines are mostly (Take note that I used the word mostly not entirely,) limited to shelf design and handicrafts. And I don't find that stuff interesting.

As for being an author of a self-published book. Well, I have this not so secret dream of becoming a New York Times Bestselling author, and I realized that it won't happen unless I write and publish a book...or books. And now that I have done it, I realized that I'm happy, but I'm not yet fulfilled. (No, I’m not a New York Times Bestselling author. I have yet to sell a thousand of books to achieve that dream.)

So what's the problem?

I'm not happy. Right now, I keep on fantasizing about my dream job, which happens to be the one Colin Wright is having. (Do check him out. He's awesome. And no, I don't know him personally.) Sure, I could easily pack my stuff and travel somewhere away from home. But I don't think I have enough finances to survive a month in a foreign country.

Then, I also have this other dream of working as a full time author and publish lots and lots of books.

My friends told me, "why not do both?" and my usual reply were either a shrug or a wry smile.

I thought about how I should brand myself. Should I make another website separate from the one I currently have? Or should I just identify myself as designer/author? (If you're wondering what kind of books I write, its fiction. I don't do self-help stuff. Not when I couldn't even help myself decide what I really want to do with my career.)

In the end, I chose the latter and I'm trying to figure out what my next move is going to be.

Sorry for wasting your time. I promise to write something that makes sense next time.

Ciao!

-Den