Birthday~

Haha, my birthday (January 27th) was kind of uneventful, since I had work that day...but I got a lot of love and greetings nonetheless (^^)

My family surprised me with an amazing dinner of seafood pasta, and a nice cake!



I was pretty happy with how the celebration went but it kind of reminded me that I was a year older (obviously) and I'm still not close at all to accomplishing the goals I'd listed down last year (>_<)

I'm happy though for several things; one is that my family does love me, even though I often feel irritated with them and the rest of the world. Still though, I'm starting to realize that seriously, I have a long way to go regarding my goals and dreams (no matter how ridiculous they are) and even though I should be happy that I have a job, I really have to take a lot of things more seriously. Some people at work are saddled down with more things to do than me, and it makes me feel bad that I'm complaining about how my life is going and that I apparently have too little time to myself.

And I ask myself over and over again: "What am I doing with my life?"

The answer may as well be: "Nothing."

I need to bring myself out of being lazy and just do what it is I want to accomplish.

I have to work on the mini-projects that I promised myself I would work on, and I will finish them.

Let's see what I can do.

So, for now, I've been thinking about doing some character illustrations on book characters. There are certain books I read that always inspire me, and the Howl's Moving Castle series by Dianna Wynne Jones is one of them. Another is Ella Enchanted, so I'll be trying my hand at making illustrations of those. I've already started on Howl's Moving Castle, so I hope to have something to present by next week. I'm doing a bit of research on fashion and clothing in that era so hopefully something does strike me.

Oh, and I guess I'm missmysty's official fanfic illustrator for her Sekaiichi Hatsukoi fanfics now that we've done one project together. I illustrated her fanfiction "Morning Sun", a Sekaiichi Hatsukoi AU fic. I'm thankful to her since she got me started on this road (even if it was a very rocky process, hah), and I hope to continue.

She's starting a new AU fanfic for Sekaiichi Hatsukoi called "Idol", which I also hope to illustrate as it goes along.

I hope for the best!

頑張ります!

Happy New Year!

I really haven't updated in a long time. I've been so busy! (笑)

Or maybe a little too lazy? (>_<)

A new year has begun and I feel like I haven't accomplished enough in the past few months!

I'm very glad though, that I haven't been completely idle. I'm grateful for the chance to work and earn money, because a lot of people are really struggling.

I must admit, though, that I do want a steadier job, even though I know that being a cashier has improved my disposition and attitude towards working. I'm glad to know from others that I've made their days brighter, and that I make people happy. The work environment also appeals so much to me that I wish I could be here for much, much longer. But I know it probably won't be permanent, and I'll have to shift somewhere else after a while. I don't want to depend on retail jobs so much anymore, as it drains a lot from the soul. Plus, as a cashier, I'm so restricted to the cash register and don't get to help people with books or merchandise as much as I'd like to.

Also, since I started work, I feel like I really haven't had enough time to do the things I wanted to accomplish. Whenever I come home from the city, it ends up being quite late. Also, I have to accompany my mom to fetch my aunt almost every night, and the back-and-forth trip takes about an hour, so that's an hour of my time taken away almost every night. In addition, it drains me of a lot of energy especially since my aunt works so late. (>_<);; I know it's not her fault and I shouldn't really blame anyone for my lack of time, but seriously, I cannot help but feel as though my own family is draining me of every spare moment I desire to use for my own little projects and needs.

It doesn't help that every time I get a day off, that day gets filled with chores that they decide to bombard on me. So it's draining in every possible sense: physically, mentally, even emotionally, I guess.

I'm sorry to sound so whiny on my first post of the year, but I guess I haven't had much time to think about this, either.

I've been feeling a lot more headaches and pains lately, even double vision. and I'm starting to be afraid that I'm also sacrificing my health for all this. I've always believed in balancing things out and I've always been confident that I've handled stress well in the past. Now, I'm not so sure (T.T);

I can feel my head swimming, even now. (>_<)

I guess this means it's time for some New Year's Resolutions? (笑)

1.) I will eat properly.
By this I mean I will also cut costs and start eating more food at home than out in the city. And by eating food at home I don't mean making instant noodles. (笑) I've said I wanted to lower my sweet intake, and honestly, this is one of the most difficult things I've had to promise myself. I need to control myself more, considering how quickly I manage to consume a box of cookies. (笑)

2.) I will have some form of good exercise every day, even if it's just a few push-ups, some ballet exercises, or even jumping jacks.
Ideally, I would have music to dance to every morning. That would be a good way to start the day.

3.) Read more books.
And by this I mean actual books, like classics, bestsellers, et cetera. I bought an e-reader expressly for this purpose, and I think I've been getting some good use out of it (^^)

4.) Write and draw more.
At least once a week I should have a few drawings completed, and some more ideas jotted down for the stories in my head. I have three different genres to write for, and I know my manga has not been properly drawn or planned out! I have to accomplish something this year! Ideally, I should have a chapter of the manga out every month. I'll see how far I can go~

5.) Following that, I will need to study my Japanese in earnest.
I have everything at my fingertips and I should not hesitate to use them.

6.)All in all...I need to take care of myself.
Because looking back, I have been very lucky in life, even if I'm not exactly where I want to be. And even though I'm not, I have the ability to get to where I want to be, if I only pick myself up and go towards it.

So I will.

I think, in the middle of everything, I've forgotten what it means to be strong. And forgotten the source of my strength.

So I'm going back.

Music, words, prayers.

I need to bring it all back.

To anyone who still passes through and reads, and checks this blog, thank you and I love you.

明けましておめでとうございます！今年もよろしくおねがいします！
皆さん、一緒に頑張りましょう!

[Happy New Year! Please be kind to me this year as well. Everyone, let's work hard together!]

Today~

We are going apple picking! (笑)

I will try to take some photos (^^)

They said we are going to the mountains??

TO THE MOUNTAINS! (笑)

Sorry!

It's been a while (^^;)

I'm staying over at my grandparents' place for about a week~
So, I won't be online for a while.

I'll try to blog when I can though!

I just decided to take a few moments to think about a few things.
Since there's limited internet, it's possible to have time to work on some things if I can. I brought paper and my pencils for the manga I'm working on.

Dear self,
Please fix your sleeping schedule and try to sleep at a reasonable hour. (>_<)
You will have more time to work on manga and stories if you do.
Also, please focus. This is not the first time you have spaced out without thought or registering things in front of you.

Try harder to find a job, self. It's harder to make dreams come true when you have no money. Just throw yourself into this.

Work harder.
Dream higher.
Focus!
And make sure you have your road.

Love,
me. (笑)

I'm not sure about myself these days.
I've been unable to focus again and it's a little frustrating.
Time to start again?

頑張ります!(笑)

Atlantic City and Manhattan!

It was a pretty hectic two days for me (笑)

I honestly don't have too many photos from Atlantic City, but it was an enjoyable trip all the same~
It was a very long drive from home to there though!
It took us around three to four hours just to get there, so by the time we arrived, we were so hungry!(笑) We stuffed ourselves with food at a buffet. (^^)
We were also given some coupons worth ten dollars that we could use in the different slot machines.We didn't really win anything though. (笑) Oh well, it wasn't so bad~ I'm not a very big fan of gambling, really.

I was supposed to blog about it yesterday, but because we finished so late, and got home so late, we didn't have the energy left to do anything except go to bed. (笑)

Then, the very next day, we woke up to hit Manhattan~

We intended to go and see the Statue of Liberty, but, again, since we started so late, we ended up eating at Yoshinoya and just going around the city for interesting places to take photos at. Of course, I had to take some shots in the busy, busy Times Square. (^^)

We drove around and around the city, but I think most of our time was wasted on looking for a free parking space near any interesting area.(笑) We went to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts~

I really like their steps, it flashes "Welcome" in several different languages, including Tagalog (which is not in the photo, haha), as well as the different theaters, organizations and schools associated with it. I wonder if I'll ever make it here someday?(笑)

I would be more excited for ballet seasons if I could afford to watch them (笑) But really, I think it's great. Someday, someday!


I was actually quite excited to pose underneath this sign, but, because we thought we didn't fit the whole sign into the photo, I kind of got embarrassed and flailed around. (^^;) My dignity, lost forever! (笑) I am no longer the ballerina I used to be.

I'm still not sure how I will manage to continue living here in the United States, far from everything and everyone I love, but maybe my perspective will change after I have landed a job and started accomplishing the things I want to...well, accomplish. (笑)
Until then!

頑張ります!

I live on a farm?? (笑)

My family has been growing some vegetables lately (笑)

And we managed to harvest some green bell peppers and cherry tomatoes (^^)

We also have some eggplants and another variety of tomato growing on our property, but sadly, the squirrels and other animals seem to be eating them, even before they ripen! (>_<)

We set up a fence recently, so I hope it helps~ One of the white eggplants seems to be swelling up nicely, so if the squirrels leave it alone we might be able to harvest it. (笑)

We have some guests over at our house today, apparently some friends from my mom and aunts' childhood. They've been chatting nonstop since lunchtime, I guess they've been catching up on all those lost years. (笑)

Might be going someplace this weekend~

Hopefully it's interesting? (笑) I think we have plans to drive up to either Philadelphia or Atlantic City, whichever they decide to hit first. My aunt finally got some vacation time, so she's particularly cheerful today(^^)

Ja, I need to take a shower and sleep now (笑) It's gotten so late and I had to wash a lot of dishes from our meals today (^^;)

Until next time~

I will take photos! (笑)

Tension.

Right now, I'm basking in the aftermath of a family gathering.

Since some of my relatives heard that I might be called for a job interview soon, they gave me a lot of advice about it. There were a lot of laughs too, considering how much I banged my head on the desk in mock frustration at all the pressure.(笑)

Sometimes, I wonder what I really want in my life...

I'm very certain that I love the work involved in the major I studied, especially after my experience as an intern in an advertising company. I was quite happy about what I did and I honestly want to pursue a creative path...

But I think that Advertising might have been an excuse for me, to continue doing the things I love, like drawing. Sometimes I wonder if my path really lies in the Advertising world. I do love it, no matter how high-pressure it always seemed to be...

But after talking with my relatives, and after they pointed out how heavy the Japanese influence was on my resume, I started to wonder what was more important to me.

I mentioned the following things on my resume: that I could read, write and speak basic Japanese, that I headed a Japanese appreciation org, and even made a thesis based on Japanese culture in the Philippines. It almost very quickly overshadows the advertising experience, although in a creative aspect, I am very much inspired by Japanese art and culture.

I love the idea of a creative path, and I think I also mentioned somewhere that there were so many things I wanted to accomplish. But is it the idea of the creative path, or the creative path itself, that I want?

I'm just so drawn to Japanese culture as well that I also feel that I'm using advertising only as a means to pursue my dream of furthering Japanese culture studies. I mean, if your dreams need so much to fuel them, why not take a path to get that fuel, even if it's slightly off the dream path?

I'm really confused. (笑)

I feel bad for not seeing the road that leads to my goal, or the goal my road leads to.

One of my relatives suggested that since I was that involved in Japanese, I should try volunteering or looking for employment at a Japanese organization if I could find one. I could also work as a website maintainer, somehow.

On that whim, I looked up the Japan Society in New York, and while I didn't find any employment opportunities, I did find some nice internships. I was particularly interested in an internship on Performing Arts. There are so many events in the Japan Society that I wish I could go to, and programs I wish I could take, but I guess it will have to wait until they start employing again.

On another hunch, I looked up Japan organizations in my area, and I found the Japanese-American Society of New Jersey. Lo and behold, there were job opportunities, maybe even something I'm qualified for.

I got excited by the idea, surprisingly, a lot more excited than I ever was for the other interview that I may or may not have. My mother says I should try calling them to ask about the job openings.

Sometimes I wonder why I'm this excited for it...I hope I'm doing the right thing.

I'll give them a call this Monday.(笑)

Please wish me luck!

Good news~!

I think I have a job interview tomorrow~ （笑）

I'll be going to New York tomorrow on my own. Some family friends recommended me to a company and they'll be taking me there... (^^;)

I've been very nervous about finding a job since I started living here, since I feel like everything depends on it. There are so many things I want to accomplish in my life, and somehow, having a job makes it feel a lot more possible. (>_<)

All right!

This will be a fresh, fresh start! （笑）

These are the things I want to do:

1) Study graphic and web design. Whether it's by self-study or through lessons or a school, I want to study this and become more proficient. It takes time, so I will have to make time. I've started reading and picking up my pencils again.
I'm also going to start being active on the Toradora! Tumblr that I have, as an exercise in simple things like photo editing/arranging/whatnot. I hope to get better with time.

2) Learn dance. I know it's easy to find dance studios in the area. I will learn and persevere. Hiphop and ballet, anyone? （笑）

3) In case I find it difficult to get into a dance studio, (or in addition to learning dance) I want to study a martial art. Since it promotes discipline and inner strength, and sense of self, I want to pick up one. I saw several karate studios nearby, I think it will be fairly easy to get to one.

4) This is just a side note, but as a fourth thing, I want to pass my driving test on my first try. Because I want to show up my mom who failed the written test three times (although she didn't have to take a practical.)

5) I want a place of my own, and a kitchen of my own. This is self-explanatory. I want my own apaaatoooo.

6) I'm planning to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in December, so I'll be self-studying and translating manga and songs as a project within the next, er, 6 months?

I think this is it for now? （笑）
My dreams aren't impossible, are they? （笑）

頑張ります!

It's been a while(^^)

I've been posting so much on Tumblr (笑)
But I can't forget this blog (^^)

So far I've been preoccupied with a lot of things...
Honestly some parts of it make me really unhappy. (>_<)

I'm slowly starting to realize my own flaws, and possible reasons why I'm supposed to be here...I don't really mind so much anymore, although I miss everyone.

Whenever I start thinking things like "I need to change", I'm torn.

Because part of me says, "Why change?" and another continues to argue that "You're doing fine".

But I can't keep floating like this, and I'm very sad to say that maybe I just didn't grow up enough...

I have a very long way to go...and lots more things to work on...

まだまだだね。(笑)

I want to change, even if part of me does not want to.

Because maybe, it's in that change that I will finally find what I need to do...
What I need to accomplish.

I myself need to search for a higher goal, something that will always keep me going...

I think I lost my drive somewhere along the way.

And I need to find it again.

もっと頑張ります。絶対に負けない。

みんな、ありがとう。

Things are changing--

And sometimes it really bothers me.

Again, I don't blog about heavy things very often, but this needs to be let out, too.

I moved to New Jersey with a lot of aggression, a lot of sadness, and eventually, a lot of mixed emotions.

I always thought that I was the only one who was particularly problematic about my family. I've always had a rocky relationship with my mom. The fact that I was going to be surrounded by nothing but family for a long period of time, without my usual circle of friends, was a really big issue for me. Having a support circle outside my family really helped me, and the fact that none of them are within physical reach made me feel really bad.

Still though, some things bother me.

Right now, I'm staying at my grandparents' apartment. One of my aunts is staying over with me, and our job is basically to de-clutter and clean out the apartment. This belonged to my other aunt before she passed away, and it's about time that most of us moved on and started cleaning it out, making it a decent place to stay in.

But, more than anything, I'm seeing the greater conflict among the other members of my family.

1) Between my mom and her eldest sister.
Let's call her Aunt#1. She's the one staying over with me now. They tend to fight a lot now over so many little things, something that didn't really happen much back when we were staying in the Philippines.

2) Between Aunt #1 and my Grandmother.
Since Aunt#1 is finally handling my grandmother's finances, they tend to butt heads a lot, and there have been many angry phone conversations, and more often than not they hang up on each other rather rudely.

3) Between my mom's youngest sister (let's call her Aunt #3) and both my Grandparents.
As it is, my grandfather suffered a stroke around Dec 2009-Jan 2010, and he really hasn't been the same since. My grandmother has helped take care of him, but it's complicated. Aunt#3 has had to take on the role as a main breadwinner, and basically the boss of all of us. (by the way, my mom, Aunt#1, and I stay at Aunt#3's house.) Anyway, she argues a lot with my grandparents regarding the state of their apartment, which used to belong to Aunt #2. (my aunt who passed away will be regarded as Aunt #2. She is still significant in many ways.)

4) Finally, between my grandmother and grandfather.
Because of my grandfather's stroke, he needed a very drastic and very necessary change of lifestyle and diet. It's more difficult for him to walk and communicate, and what makes it even worse is that he is suffering from Alzheimer's, and diabetes, to boot. In addition, he seems to be going through what seems to be like a second childhood. He has become more of a hassle to deal with since he doesn't want to follow his diet, and just wants to go through life the way he always has. But he can't. It's impossible now. And he's being incredibly difficult, making it difficult for my grandmother to take care of him, and making it just as difficult for Aunt #3 to handle everything else. In a nutshell--he's uncooperative. And it's a big shame considering how much he'd achieved and how sharp he was before the stroke. Now he's almost gaga. Which is scary.

I am going through all this and I am just so overwhelmed by how badly my family ties are getting, how great the complications are, and just how much more intense things are getting here. I never expected a sweet and perfect family life, but I never expected the ties between my family members to grow this bad, either.

I hope I don't get caught in the middle, and I really hope I get through this.

I've been busy~

And I've come to realize a lot of things during the past couple of days (>_<)

Also I'm sick again (笑)

I spent quite a lot of time with the members of my family...

I'm a little shocked at myself too (笑)

Grocery shopping and preparations for Mother's day...then the celebration itself...

Amongst relatives, so many things just come to light, even if you sometimes feel that they can be a little bothersome by asking you so many things (笑)

But it was in the asking questions that I got my answers, no?

There are so many things I want to accomplish...

And sometimes I think I forget how much hard work needs to be put into them, or even the requirements for them...(^^;)

It's a little sad isn't it?

This is the first time I feel that I have been thrust forcibly into the world.

And I now realize how difficult it will be from now on (^^;)

I want to learn what it means to work hard, too.

Hopefully by setting more distinct goals for myself, I can finally start moving.

I won't give up hope!

I will pave my path, my life, and a way back to where I feel I belong.

I love you all (^^)

Finally in New Jersey!

Timestamp: 3.21AM @ NJ


God, that trip was maddening. (O_O)
Basically, we left the Philippines on Oct 17 at 6am, and the flight took us to Beijing first. From Beijing, we took another plane to New York where we were picked up, and that's the overview of the flight.

I'm not so sure I'm too thrilled about travelling this far. I was happier during the stopover in Beijing. (^_^;)

Here's a basic transcript of my thoughts during the flight.
----------
Oct.17: 8am Beijing Time

Breakfast was finally served on the plane. I was starving and basically didn't care anymore. Once again, China proves that mushrooms save my life.

Oct 17: 12:30pm Beijing Time

The flight to Beijing took longer than I'd expected. The moment I step off the plane, a blast of cold air hits my face. My first thought: "Where the hell is the aircon?" You can't tell from the picture, but it was that cold. (O_o)

Since I had some excess Chinese currency from my trip several years ago, my mom and I decided to spend it right then and there. Airport shopping!! Managed to get some nice things, actually.

Funny moment at the airport though--I left my jacket in one of the waiting areas! I realized it when we were in line to board the plane. I ran at full speed to get it and skidded like an idiot on the tiled floor.
One of the female maintenance staff saw the whole thing and laughed. It wasn't a mocking laugh, it was actually quite a nice laugh. I'm glad I made her day. I guess she doesn't see things like that often. It was actually the first time I felt good about the trip.

I had some misgivings when I heard some Americans complaining about a lot of things while we were in line, like how when we were called to board, they didn't call us by section. I distinctly heard one of them say, "Well, that's dumb." Hmm. Not a very good impression on me, really.

Though there was a nice story from some woman behind us in line. She was telling her companion about how some stranger was asking around and flashing a passport at them asking if they knew the person on the passport. It was apparently a lost item and the stranger was trying to get it back to the owner. The lady commented how lucky the person who lost the passport was. There were still tickets and other things inside. I would have to agree.

Oct. 17: 2pm Beijing Time

On the plane headed for New York. Lunch was just served and I am so glad I grabbed the seafood option, I don't think I'd felt this satisfied about a food choice in a while. Still have an unpleasant feeling in stomach though, that has nothing to do with food. Hm.
Being in a plane full of Americans is starting to make me feel uncomfortable. People all around keep either socializing (not too bad) or just butting in among others (kind of bad).

Oct 17: 5pm Beijing Time
Karate Kid just finished airing as an in-flight movie. I'm glad they cut out the bad parts though. I wasn't too fond of the movie, but hey, it reminded me of home nonetheless. Was thinking of doing some Tai Chi in the back of the plane but was worried that I would attract too much attention/get picked on by the Chinese on board the flight.

Oct 17: 9pm Beijing Time
Dinner was served. I got too lazy to take a photo, plus I was hungry and I couldn't find my phone. Muh. I had spaghetti then. It was surprisingly good. Or maybe I was just starving like whoah.

I also somehow got roped into a Tai Chi conversation with two foreigners in the back of the plane. I was amused.

Oct 18: 12mn Beijing time
Getting very close now to New York. Only two more hours from this point and then it's all bright and sunny 2pm instead of dark 2am. I'm getting a little more worried , definitely. It struck me again how much I missed everyone.

Also, about 90% of the Caucasians on board the flight were strangely overweight. Erm. Just an observation. A disturbing one.

Oct 17: 3pm NEW YORK TIME.

FINALLY got out of the airport. Getting rushed off into a car to my aunt's house now.


Driving wherever. I have no idea how this will turn out, but I hope it's going to be enjoyable at the very least.
----------
And there you have it. All my woe and all my nightmares during the flight.

I hope I blog about happier times in New Jersey.
Hope to hear from you all!

My bags are almost packed...

As most of you probably already know, my flight to the US is today, Oct. 17. I haven't been blogging lately due to all the preparations for finals and other problems!

So tiring~ I just came from a Toujin party, and I swam probably for about 5 hours. (^_^;)

It was a day filled with madness. This kind of madness, love and insanity, I would never exchange for anything. 東人! 大好き!本当にありがとう！

In addition, Ochibi came to visit, and we had our last moments of fangirling, and she gave me a gift for me to remember her and Kin-chan by.

There is only one thing I can say--THEY ARE INSANE. And I love them.

No rest for me tonight though. I have to finish packing the things most important to me, and finish certain forms.

To all my loves in the Philippines, I WILL MISS YOU ALL.

Please support me till the very end~

My next post will be made from NEW JERSEY!!! I will make sure to document my stay.

EDIT [10.20.2010/3.06AM @NJ]Last shot with Ochibi:

I don't like hospitals...(^^;)

We had to go to the hospital for a medical examination today (^^;)
I'm still bruising from the blood extraction they did (>_<) I don't like needles...

They say we need to come back for the immunization shots, so I'm expecting more needles (>o<)


Afterwards though, we had a nice dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and I finally got to order my buchi. (^^)

Overall, it wasn't too bad a day, but I was cranky for most of the morning and that in itself wasn't pleasant. (^^;)

Also, I have low blood pressure. (笑)

ALIVE~!

I was able to go out today, after two weeks of being confined to my bedroom!
It was great...I was a little paranoid at first about going out, but my mother insisted that I needed fresh air, so I went.
The chickenpox has faded away by now, and I was taken around Eastwood to go shopping for some clothes. I snuck off to one of my favorite stores to look for an accessory to buy as a souvenir, since I felt that I was in need of a new ring. Sadly, there weren't any nice rings on display, but I spotted a necklace I hadn't been able to buy once. So, I got it. I'll put up a photo sometime, haha.

We ate dinner at a Chinese restaurant before going home. I swear, as much as I love Japanese food, Chinese food really fills you up! It is my second favorite cuisine. I have never been so hungry before in my life, my mother and aunt were alarmed at the amount I was eating. I had pork dumplings, a beancurd roll, some noodles, and even char siu bao (siopao). Still though, one thing made me sad. Every time I go to a Chinese restaurant, I always make sure to order buchi for dessert. I really love it. However, this time, since my mom and aunt were picking on me for how much I was eating, I hesitated to order one.
This is the first time I have not ordered buchi at a Chinese restaurant. (T_T) I feel sad about it. I love buchi.

I have a bad feeling that this will be my next food craving. Before it was takoyaki, and now it's buchi!! Will it ever end~

P.S. Buying a frilly shirt merits this kind of randomness. ACE ATTORNEY FANS UNITE!

extremely tired

I know my mother only wants the best for me but this has gone too far. I'm honestly very tired of her attitude and I'm tired of having to argue with her. For one thing she did not have the right to look at my text messages, especially without my permission and without any good reason. And now she's raised hell about it.

I'm tired, angry and I am not ready for tomorrow.

Go and die in a fire, world. (>_<)

2010!

Happy New Year, everyone! (^o^)

My family and I went to Eastwood for their New Year Countdown. However, since we really just wanted to wait for the fireworks display, we waited in a nearby McDonald's Cafe. (>_<)

My last hour of 2009 was spent sipping a cup of tea, taking photos, and counting down to 2010 with a crowd.

2009's last cup of tea. It was good. (>_<)

My niece/godchild. I love her, she's so adorable. (>o<) She's growing up so beautifully, i hope she's a good kid, i rarely see her, honestly (she's my cousin's daughter and i rarely do see my cousin). I want to be a good godmother...

Of course once the countdown started we went back to the main event and watched the clock tick down the last few seconds of 2009, and then the chaos began.

Confetti showered down...

And fireworks went off.

It was fun. Fireworks at midnight, and of course konked out to sleep later that morning. Little did i expect Ochibi to invite me to a New year's party at their place. Even though i got there at around 10pm, i stayed till around 5am chatting with them, other people, and spazzing about Tenimyu. (^^;) We forgot to watch the sun rise (Though i don't think we would have seen it anyway)

I hope everyone's New Year was as good. (>o<) May 2010 be better for all of us, yeah? (^^)

Reunion Aftermath

The parties are over! I am recovering from the Christmas aftermath. (>o<)

My Christmas day was spent among relatives from a certain side of the family, at our annual Christmas reunion. Most of the time my generation takes the chance to put on a bit of a show, after which we get money and gifts as rewards. This year i played the violin for them for the first time, earning me a lot of awed expressions. (>_<)

Considering that i learned these Christmas carols only by ear and practiced for only two days before Christmas, I'd say I did pretty well. I've only had 4 violin lessons my whole life and that wasn't enough to learn the finer points of playing. in addition, I haven't picked up the instrument in a while. (^^;)

Christmas eve, on the other hand, is normally spent with yet another side of the family. we went to a cousin's house for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, where we had an unusual combination of food. Sure, we had creamy seafood pasta, roast pork and mashed potatoes (normal), but it kind of got weird when the tuna sashimi came out. (O_o) I certainly raised an eyebrow to that. My mother and i posed next to their Christmas tree later on--if you'll notice, it's decorated with a LOT of stuffed bears. (^^)

I was still tired from my reunion with my friends, so i kind of conked out sometime after dinner. thankfully my auntie allowed me to stay in a quiet room to rest. I woke up after gifts had been distributed--and i discovered a box of Earl Grey tea among some of our spoils. (^o^)/

slightly less pleasing was the pair of M&M patterned boxers that somehow made its way into my pile of gifts. No matter--they are comfortable for sleepwear or house clothes, albeit embarrassing. (^^;)

It always feels nice to lie down after a tiring day. I'm glad the holidays are over--I can finally have a good night of uninterrupted sleep! That is, unless my brain decides to creep me out with a weird dream. (>_<)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! I hope your Christmases have been as fulfilling as mine. (^o^)/

So uh.

I'm actually kinda confused now, LOL. (^^;) I'm still sick! But feeling slightly better. (^o^)/

Okay so last Friday, i went out with some friends to go to Gateway. We ate at Taco Bell, and this is what we found.

A packet of hot sauce looking for a mate. We cracked up. LOL. XDDD

We spent the day playing at Timezone and being random.

Now today was the baptism of one of my nephews, and my godchild, who is the most adorable thing on earth was there, of course, since her younger brother was the one being christened.

IS SHE NOT THE MOST ADORABLE THING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN. IS SHE NOT?! I ADORE HER (>o<) I WANT TO PICK HER UP AND HUG HER BUT I HAVE TO BE THE

GENTLEMANLY KIND AND WONDERFUL AND QUIET AND DISCIPLINED GODMOTHER.

...I'm not exactly the "bibbity bobbity boo" fairy godmother, but I guess I will be once she grows up a little bit. I would dote on her more if I had a job and money to spare. (>o<) I want to giveher pretty things~

I also present my other nephew, the cousin of my godchild. I wasn't named godmother for this one, but i find him so cute!

This little boy sure can pout. Eeeee. (<3)

Oh fine, i will stop spamming my blog with pictures of my adorable nieces and nephews. But eeeeeeee. (^o^)/