お久しぶり!

It's been a very long time (笑)

I've been busy! My job as a Halloween store sales associate is over, so I went around looking for a job around last week.

I'm extremely happy that I got employed again, this time at a bookstore! (笑) I think I'm only going to be hired for the holiday season, but I think they have a tendency to permanently keep their holiday temps, so I hope I do well (^^)

Today was actually my first day as a cashier there, and the process is very different, but I'm slowly getting used to it. I really want to stay for a long while, so I hope for the best.

Oh, and before I forget, here are some photos from our apple picking several weeks ago!


Here are all the apples we picked (笑)


And me with a pumpkin! Since it was that close to Halloween, there were so many pumpkins. And this one was heavy!

And speaking of Halloween, this was my Halloween costume on my last day of work (笑)


In other news, I have become an almost-regular customer at Kinokuniya! I have so many cute things now thanks to them, but I have to curb my spending now. I need to control my spending! But I'll show you guys what I got sometime, okay? (笑)

I've also been more active on Livejournal again lately; I've kind of turned it into my fangirling journal. I'm probably gonna pop a new little icon for the sidebar soon.(笑)

I've recently become a huge fan of the BL anime/manga Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, and clearly, it has impacted my life that heavily. (笑) For those of you who enjoy reading/watching BL, and enjoyed Shungiku Nakamura's Junjou Romantica, I encourage you to take a look at her spin-off, Sekaiichi Hatsukoi! Granted, there are no official licensed translations as of now, but there are scanlation groups working on it for now. I enjoyed this series a lot more than I did Junjou Romantica, and

I hope to update some more soon! I missed blogging, and I hope I have more things to post!

頑張ります!

Payday!

My first paycheck! (笑)

It actually isn't much, but I can expect a little bit more on my next payday, since I will have worked some more over that particular period of time.

I'm actually pretty happy about this (^^)v

Saa, let's keep moving forward, without hesitations!

Yudan sezu ni ikou. (笑)

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)

My haaaaair

The hairstylist didn't want to cut it at first (笑)

She kept saying, "But your hair! You have beautiful hair!"

I think I'm happy enough with this length (> <)

I might cut it very short someday, though!

We'll see. (笑)

Speaking of cutting it very short, the stylist also suggested that if I were to cut it short after growing it so long, I may as well donate my hair to make wigs for cancer patients. (笑)

I would actually be very glad to!

I would even consider shaving my head (笑)

Blog overhaul within the next few days!

As you can see, I finally managed to put the navigation links for previous and next posts (^^)

I'm still figuring out how to add another sidebar (^^;) and I'm thinking of making a new header...But yeah. Hopefully by the end of this week it'll be all finished, depending how long I have to stare at Blogspot HTML to fix this. (笑)

I'm finally home~

And I was just given a most expensive gift @_@

This little crystal Buddha is a Baccarat. It's a crystal glassware imported from Baccarat, France; it's known for its quality and its...well, price. According to the little pamphlet it came with, "Baccarat is a master of light, creates objects that infuse the everyday with a scintillating atmosphere of enchantment", and "light becomes substance in its purest form". So yes, I take that to mean that they're good at what they do, have been at it for generations, and that this crystal is major quality. (>_<)

I was given one by a family friend, telling me that she had heard that Buddhas should be given, not just bought, and that it was for good luck.

Of course, I appreciated the gesture, but I was really amazed. For those who have read the book Ella Enchanted (I stress: the book, not the movie), it was like receiving an Agulen work. Agulen is said to be the master of pottery among the elves, and his work is most coveted. So when Ella is simply given an Agulen work just by admiring it and appreciating it from the bottom of her heart, she is overwhelmed. I think it was that same feeling, the feeling that you can't accept such a valuable gift, but your hands close around the gift anyway.

Then after realizing what it is, it becomes that moment in The Princess Diaries where Mia is given the locket with the Genovian crest, along with a jewelry box that belonged to her grandmother's great-grandmother. That part where she's all, "I will keep this safe. I will take good care of it." And proceeds to stuff the jewelry box in her bag, with all the clanking and shaking and basically, mishandling. (@_@)

Of COURSE I knew better than to just stuff the Baccarat box in my bag, I fixed my stuff around it and everything. But still. An overwhelming moment for me, thank you. (@_@)

But yeah. I'm finally home from nearly four days of staying and cleaning out my grandparent's apartment with Aunt#1, so admittedly, I'm a little tired. But I have to do a little cleaning of my own, in my bedroom. My mom and Aunt#3 did some work in my closet, and now I'm clearing away most of the things. Also, I do need to make space for some stuff on my desk.

Also, the highlight of today: I FINALLY KNOW WHERE NINTENDO WORLD IS. YAAAY~

At the end of it all, I'm still alive, and that's what matters~

Adventure in Manhattan!

I'm surprised at my own daring!
Today, my mom and aunt were working at East 61st street in Manhattan, New York. They let me tag along, and told me that if I wanted to, I could go explore the city while they were working. So, I took the opportunity to have an adventure!

They probably expected me to look around Bloomingdale's or something. (笑)

I'd done a search on Google Maps of the area, and the thing was, I was looking for a new age or occult store, because I had been unable to buy a set of tarot cards for myself before. The nearest store, Enchantments, was on East 9th street, which is actually 2.6 miles from East 61st. I would need to walk down 1st Avenue, which was around the corner from my mom and aunt's working place. Still though, I had enough confidence in myself, so I prepared myself for the walk.

I was actually really shocked by the distance. I walked past so many things--by the time I'd hit East 46th street, I'd passed the UN Headquarters! I slowed down when walking past the Philippine flag...It really reminded me of home.

While I was doing that though, I noticed how empty the streets were and the number of NYPD officers out on the road. Then motorcycle officers passed, along with several black cars, and later, a limousine with the American flag on the hood.
I realized that all the security was because of President Obama! (笑) He was scheduled for a speech at Ground Zero that afternoon. I was amused that I was able to see his car pass by.

I walked on, and the rest of the walk was pretty uneventful until I reached 9th street. I found the store, but was dismayed since it would open at 1pm, and I had arrived at 12 noon. Still, I was there, so I waited. I hung around a nearby herb and root shop called Flower Power, which sold such a wide variety of herbs, spices and oils that I was fascinated. It reminded me a bit of an apothecary, or a potion ingredient shop. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if it catered to that, too. (笑)

Eventually though, I came back out to wait outside Enchantments, until a blonde girl came up to open the shop for me and another waiting customer, who said he was a beginner at magic. Of course, I immediately went to look at Tarot cards, and I was happy that the people who ran the shop were friendly and helpful. I suppose it really did come with the territory. They seemed very down to earth despite what they practiced, and I appreciated that very much.

I bought my own deck of tarot cards (at last). I decided to buy a smaller, pocket-sized deck, since my hands are pretty small. (笑) The shop also carried herbs and roots, like Flower Power, but I appreciated the staff here--back in Flower Power, the people there seemed rather stiff and unfriendly. Here in Enchantments, they were very accommodating and I didn't feel shy about asking things.

I took one of their cards for future reference. Perhaps I'll use a money order service to get another item from them someday! I hope to visit this shop again.

Still though, I had to make it back to East 61st, and there was little time. I had promised to be back by 2pm, and since I has waited and spent some time there, I needed a faster way to go back, and a taxicab was not an option. The blonde who had opened the shop for us told me about a bus that ran down 1st Avenue, and, since I didn't have a Metrocard, even offered to change my bills for quarters, so I would have fare for the bus.
But before I could hand over my money, the other customer who was waiting with me offered to give me his Metrocard. He said there were still a few dollars in it, and he was willing to give it to me. I was overwhelmed, of course, and was a little shy about accepting it, but he told me to take it anyway. After all, he said, it was good karma.
I thanked them profusely, left a a dollar in the shop's tip jar, and later took the bus back to East 61st. While I sat there in the bus, I reflected on how eventful my day in Manhattan had been, and just how accomplished I felt, even if all I had done was wander about on my own. My mom was impressed at how far I walked and how I had made it back without getting lost.

Overall, this day has been good. It's just one of those days that really make me believe that not all is lost in the world. Whenever I go out on my own, even when I am nervous, or even if it's my first time to be somewhere, I always feel like I am surrounded by angels who guide me. It's an oddly comforting feeling. It's a belief I've always held that even people who cross the street with you, so that you can cross with them safely, are like angels. People who help you when you are in trouble, too. People who pick up that thing you dropped. Really. I feel very blessed. It's these little things, every day.

I hope to have more days like these.

Aaaah!

Guess what I saw on a spontaneous trip to Gateway?



PIRATES 4~ ♪

I cannot wait to watch it! Although sadly, I will not be able to watch it with my usual movie-watching group--I will be in the United States by then. I hope I still have fun though!

UP Diliman!

Last week, one of my uncles took me out to UP Diliman, to talk about things, walk around, and take photographs.
It was actually a pretty fun day, and I'd never been able to walk around UP like this before, so it was really an experience.



We had dinner at Tomatokick afterwards. Up there is their stuffed tomatoes. You can't tell from the photo, but I think we ordered a little too much food. We were very full by the end and almost couldn't finish our orders. (笑)

I hope to go out with my uncle again soon, this was a very fun time.

Drinking~♪

Drinking with immersion mates~! (笑)


It took only two glasses of this cocktail to make me slightly uncoordinated. (笑)

My alcohol tolerance is so bad ♪

Sometimes I wonder if I should drink at all (笑)

Sorry for the lack of posts!

As it is, I can't seem to find my card reader for my phone's memory card.

I have a lot of things to share!!

But until I can find my card reader, the photos will have to wait. (笑)

For now, enjoy this cover of 1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou by FLOW! One of my favorite bands covering one of my favorite songs~ ♪ So happy~ (笑)




Had some drinks last night so a little crazy (笑) Also played Rockband yesterday! ♪

Will post pictures soon! Going out with friends today. (笑)

----------
Also heard about the tsunami that plagued Japan just yesterday. I sincerely hope that everything will turn out all right despite all the damage it caused. (>_<) Of all the places to get hit...
Hopefully all the people we love and admire are all right....

Thesis Defense!

I passed my thesis defense last monday~ ♪ This is me in my defense attire (笑)
Ironically more like a Von Karma?!

As of now, I've just finished making the final edits to my thesis (^^) I hope that I will be able to print and bind it soon~ ♪

Sunday~

Went to school in the morning to study for an exam that afternoon. The library was closed, but I studied by the fountain instead.

So peaceful~ and the still waters reflected the trees so clearly ♪

Tomorrow will most likely be a day of chaos, so this one day of peace is very good ♪

3rd Gig! Musikero Open Night~

Last night~

It was an acoustic performance~ ♪

Admittedly, I felt a lot less prepared for this gig than I ever had in my life. And for the first time, we sang an English song, "Drive" by Incubus.

But my favorite song to sing that evening was "Butterfly" by Wada Kouji. It's such an energetic song to sing, and even with just an acoustic set-up.

But i miss the whole band together! The sound is just so different, and more than ten times more awesome, with all of us together.

Here's Kae and me singing Butterfly. Sorry if the sound isn't too great.

Happy New Year!

明けましておめでとうございます、みなさん！

I spent January 1st at Ochibi and Kin-chan's house. (笑) We wore our yukatas and watched Dream Live 7th, fangirled, and basically had fun. All things considered, it was a wonderful day.

Thank you, Ochibi, Kin-chan. I hope this year started off well for you both, too.

For Narniaaaa!

Watched The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader last night!
Do I look like an awesome Captain for the Dawn Treader? (笑)

I really enjoyed the movie.
It helped me consider so many things about myself, particularly conquering my inner dark side. I could relate so well with Lucy and her wanting to be as beautiful as Susan; I get so insecure about these things, too.

It actually made me resolve to be more confident in my own self-worth. It's about time I picked myself up completely, yes? (笑)

THE NUTCRACKER!

Oh, ballet~! How I missed you~ ♪


I can't believe I was able to catch The Nutcracker last night! (笑)
The performance was amazing, to say the least. I'm really glad that Ochibi and Kin-chan invited me to watch, as I had nothing better to do anyway, and this felt like the chance of a lifetime. And I was glad, too. (^^)

Some random moments after the performance:


Me trying to pose against a backdrop of Lisa Macuja. I never made it to toe shoes back when I was still taking ballet, so this pose was difficult to hold, and had to be repeated several times. (笑) My ankles will never be the same way again. (^^;)


Kin-chan, Ochibi and me against one of the curtains of the ALIW Theater during one of the intermissions. Now that they had seen part of the ballet for themselves, my old ballet training was so much more evident, according to them. I kept getting teased all night.(笑)


After the performance, we went to CCP in order to buy Fanta from the gift shop. I had told Ochibi about it some time back and now that we had the opportunity, we got her the Fanta she always wanted. I ordered a Dr. Pepper, and regretted it: it really tasted like medicine! I will never drink it again. (>_<);;


One of the best moments of the evening: Kontra-Gapi's performance at the CCP Night Market! As it turns out, every first Saturday of the month, CCP holds a Night Market. Sometimes there are guests invited to perform, and we saw Kontra-Gapi that night. Kontra-Gapi stands for Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino, and they're an ethic music and dance ensemble from UP Diliman. Their music was wonderful, and it was a good end to a culture-ridden night. (笑)

Although they wanted to pressure me to dance. (笑)

And before I forget:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NIOU MASAHARU!
Your trickster ways will always live on in my heart.

WakuWaku's First Anniversary!

A big thank you to Kuya Joma for inviting us :D

We really enjoyed their tea time, snacks, and fun games.




It was really cool, despite the major pressure put on me (and pressure I put on Kae) to sing at the event. (笑) ごめん、けいーちゃん～

There were major moments of hilarity, like when Kae was thrust into a game of Pinoy Henyo with Miguel Mercado, a very popular cosplayer who had been invited to the event, along with Jin Joson. Our friend Leslie was incredibly starstruck. (笑) She's been a big fan of Jin since forever. She looked ready to pass out. :))

Some priceless moments of lulz during Kae's game of Pinoy Henyo with Miguel:

Miguel: "Does it have to do with Japanese culture?"
Kae: "Yes."
Miguel: "....porn?"
Everyone else: *bursts out laughing*

Miguel: "Does it have anything to do with food?"
Kae: Uhhhm. Pwede. Yes?
Miguel: "....Malaki? Masakit?" (...Big? Painful?)
Everyone else: *starts laughing again*
Kae: *while laughing* No!

When it was all over, we got to keep our teacups from the event. I had made a poster for Kuya Joma, and he asked everyone to sign it before they left. I'm pretty much proud of my handiwork.(笑)

Until the next event, Kuya Joma! Wakuwaku!

HARRY POTTER 7 PART 1!!

I have nothing else to say except: AWESOME.

I cannot wait for Part 2~

ALSO I GOT MY EARS PIERCED. ACHIEVEMENT!

FINALLY HOME.

I could not be happier to be back in the Philippines. ~♪

I missed the humidity, the water, the climate, everything.

Also the silliness that Toujin brings. (^o^)/

In the meantime, here is a fail picture of someone other than me. (笑)