Dragon: A Parable

In other random news, I totally want this netbook skin for Christmas. Also this necklace (which is actually a one-off that has already been sold, but I still want it ;P). So maybe this pendant instead. I really want one with Hawk's Eye incorporated into it somehow, but I suspect that would be a custom job. Also a friend recommended Electric Wizard to me (specifically the eponymous album and Come My Fanatics), based on the fact that the only metal I truly enjoy is Black Sabbath.

My parents (being more observant than I) have noticed that they failed to give me a birthday present this year. So they've got a budget of approximately $100 with which to get me something(s) while I'm down here. I have very little idea what to ask for - go on a book buying spree? Hunt down something electronic? Ask for it as cash?

Got any advice on what I should ask for? Alternatively, what would you do in my position?

I have officially fallen in love with these thin moleskines. They're awesome for studying (I copy the relevant notes into them and then carry them around to look at whenever I have a few minutes) and they're cheap (Borders has them for $11 per pack of 3) so I don't feel bad when I don't fill them up (because I never fill up my random scratchpads ;P). Even though they're cheap they feel good to hold and write in, and have thus far held up to my abuse. I'm guessing they'll make great journeywork/tarot notebooks as well.

Literally.

I was at GBM yesterday and saw they had some lids I'd never heard of - Shark helmets. They fit me better than my current Shoei (apparently my head is not so round as I thought ;P) and they have an XS in stock (and all their in-stock Sharks are 15% off right now). It's a little girly (OTOH, I appreciate the tai-chi-symbol-with-koi graphic ;), but that particular model has a good review from webBikeWorld (apparently Sharks are quite popular and respected over the pond). I'm thinking it's about time to replace my lid. . .

I found myself thumbing through one of those goth/pagan/hippie catalogs the other day and happened across this skirt. That picture isn't nearly as vibrant as the one in the catalog. This skirt is freakin' gorgeous and made of the same stuff as my favorite set of sheets to boot (comfiest material EVAR). I might have to devote a portion of my upcoming paycheck to obtaining this item. . .

My latest pair of Harley boots have finally bitten the dust - the left boot is actually coming apart at the seam just above the strap in the back (it's a modified engineer boot). But I got paid today so I'm looking for a new pair. I found some nice engineer boots, but these buckle boots are also kinda appealing. These officer boots win in the comfort and waterproof department, but aren't a style I like. Maybe I'll go into the Big Blue Room this weekend to find a pair. . .

WANT TOY

Hey, it'd be perfect for zipping down to school and back, right?

. . .

*sigh*

I have been inspired to get for myself some artwork of the only female paladin that ever graced this earth[1], Joan of Arc. Finding such is proving to be surprisingly difficult - I'd be perfectly satisfied with a simple poster, but I haven't found any artwork that is really appealing as of yet other than this Wikipedia image which started my search (I blame finding_rowan). I really want the image to be of her in armor (by which I mean real armor, not chainmail-bikini crap; thankfully almost all of the images of her in armor are not prey to that sort of stupidity) being all knightly and stuff. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

[1] AFAIK; if there are others, please let me know. Also some people argue that she was really a genetic male with testicular feminization but frankly her breasts just don't seem large enough.