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2/29/08 ~ Friday 1:40 am

Status: creative ~ Listening to: YNSH on tv

Happy belated b-day, Jenn-chan!

It's two days late, but I'm still doing this! *rolls up sleeves* ^^; As I did for others, I chose 3 Japanime characters that I felt would best pair up with Jenn-chan. Please disregard age since the shoujo characters are usually in highschool. ^^;

Suoh Tamaki is ranked second in Ouran Academy, highschool division. He is a passionate person, his expressions clearly shown. Even though he has a rough past, he never lets it show. That isn't to say he is wearing a mask to hide his sadness. He lives life fully, his thoughts are simplistic (though he isn't stupid) and he enjoys everything that occurs. His open mindedness and thoughtfulness towards others make him a 'natural host' to whomever he meets. He bestows the same courtesy and gentleness to everyone.

Pros: Tamaki is a fun loving person, always doing everything with 100% of his energy. Jenn-chan is also an energetic person that loves to play. With the randomness of Tamaki's ideas, they'll never get bored. Also, his princely nature is perfect since every girl needs pampering at times. ^.^ Also, being extremely rich doesn't hurt.... Cons: Though intelligent, Tamaki can be naive at times. Being uncertain about 'commoner' things, he might unknowingly make a scene over nothing if Jenn-chan and him have a date in a community setting. ^^; I'm sure Jenn-chan can handle it though.

Mong Ryong, occupation 'traveler'. He travels through cities on a secret mission known only to a select few as the Amenosa, the highest ranking government official in Korea who oversees Ryanban city officials. Whilst traveling, Mong always enjoys eating a variety of foods and has an appetite to go with it. He is clear on his mission and doesn't abuse his power, even though he has the physical strength, magical powers and fighting skills. He doesn't act or make decisions without looking at the situation carefully, which demonstrates wisdom. His gentleness and kindness shows through, especially when he comforts those who are sad.

Pros: His cheerful attitude isn't something to get tired of. He is also meaningful in his words when he is serious, something Jenn-chan can totally relate to: joking and seriousness in turn. Also, traveling all over and seeing the sights, eating good food is something Jenn-chan can enjoy. He also mentioned a surprise for his love during their journey.... ^-^ Cons: Mong likes to flirt. He isn't a womanizer and his words are truthful (not that he flatters people,) but he does have a smile for everyone. Though he be true to his love, Jenn-chan will have to be sure that he doesn't watch girls bathing in the river.... ^^;

Arisugawa Sorata is a gourmet, enjoying good food. But not only does he eat, he is a wonderful cook. Even with a Kansai dialect (that is usually typecasted as 'unrefined',) he is still a true gentlemen in every sense. Once he chose his girl, he will protect her with his life. That isn't to say he will smother her, but he notes the limits of someone and only steps in as needed. He knows that girls can also take care of themselves. ^-^ His perceptiveness of other people's thoughts show his sensitive nature.

Pros: He is always laughing and joking around, but he also has a serious side when the occasion calls for it. He is a type of person that can go into any situation and feel at ease. He goes with the flow which Jenn-chan can understand and appreciate. Cons: Sorata can call upon a spirit that can follow someone around...usually used to protect someone when he is unable to. Somehow, I consider that kinda stalkerish...perhaps Jenn-chan won't mind. ^^;

I chose guys for Jenn-chan that were fun, cheerful and open. All 3 males have a level of intelligence and wisdom that shows in their actions. I also chose guys that know how to care for her, showing their affections openly with a confidence since it's important for guys to be certain of their own thoughts, especially when it comes to love. (Though Tamaki can be confused sometimes.... ^^;) They are also guys who can take care of themselves, handling any situation thoughtfully. Jenn-chan would best be with someone who is aware of her strengths and can assist as needed, having fun and enjoying life. Eating is a big plus since Jenn-chan is also a gourmet. ^.^

2/28/08 ~ Thursday 12:50 am

Status: thankful ~ Listening to: my mp3 on repeat

spray paint fumes...are everywhere @.@

Finished the hairpiece...not the bell prop. Found better pics today of Mizuki Kaho's 'Moon Bell' (Sakura's teacher from Cardcaptors Sakura) which is essentially Tomoyo-hime's Moon Bell. I took time to spray paint my hairpiece again as well as my spearhead. Both are hanging outside on the porch so I'm hoping for no rain. <.<; I'll take on the Moon Bell tomorrow. ^.^ Tomorrow is also when I put the goldpice and hairpiece together along with hairclips so that I can figure out how it will stay on my head.

Although I would love to play around with photoshop in order to extract the symbol from Tomoyo-hime's dress, it would take to long for me to do it. I utilized the yaoi forum (that we all know and love...right Diana-chan and Pearl-chan? ^.^) and placed in a request with points compensation. By the time I got home, I have the exact pic I need. Even though they'll never see this message, arigato to Saski and FaiJon! ^.^ I will be printing out the symbol on iron-on paper and transfer it to the white strips...once I get around to sewing them up. *stares at fabric*

work is piling on

BTW, if any of you try reaching me at work, I've been running between meetings and working on a project with one of the directors. Should be done before I head out to Taiwan so that means that I'll be very busy. If I hear my cell ring, I will pick it up. But my cellphone is generally at my desk (bugging the hell out of my co-workers who sit nearby with my FFVII ringtone... *evil laughter*) so I might not be able to pick it up or call you back. Also, I'm usually asleep on the train ride home since I re-energize to take on my cosplay activity as soon as I reach home, so I don't call anyone on the train....

Bascially, I don't mean to not call anyone back and I will talk when I get the chance. ^.^ *runs away*

2/27/08 ~ Wednesday 1:05 am

Status: sleepy ~ Listening to: silence

headpiece done...everything else to go

I finished the gold headpiece. It wasn't exactly how I envisioned it (the 'stick' portion is different from any of the designs that Tomoyo actually has,) due to my inability to cut a smooth curve, but it is acceptable. I may redesign it in the future, but I know if I make another one now, it won't make a difference. The leaf charms on the headpiece are simple and I have concluded that the threads that I used for fringes are not the kind I want...but it will have to do until I hit a ropes store in Taiwan. (The kind that sells materials for Asian knots) In short, I may fix this in the future. Competition-wise, I believe this is acceptable.

Unfortunately, my hairpiece isn't done. I have made the loops by twisting a wig around wired loops and spray painted it black (to match my hair.) Unfortunately, the wig is still fraying and the loops might need to be modified into smaller loops. I can actually leave it as is (since big loops were my original intention,) but I think I'm starting to like smaller ones. Yes, Tomoyo-hime has different sized loops on her head depending on which pic you're staring at. Will finish the hairpiece by tomorrow along with the bell prop.

2/25/08 ~ Monday 11:35 pm

Status: ecstatic ~ Listening to: Tooi Kono Machi de - Minaya Naomi (CCS Movie OST)

And it's here!

My order of brass sheet is here! *plays around with it* Wow, it is just like paper. O.O With the super fast shipping, I'll be able to make my new headpiece before I leave for Taiwan. *dances around the room* Why are things going so slowly? It's because I'm working on the headpiece, hairpiece, props and the fabric is still in pieces. But once I get sewing, it should be quick...I hope. ^^; Props are important too! I'm spending lots of time on the headpiece since it's one of the most noticable things about Tomoyo-hime...must get it perfect! *runs back to work*

2/24/08 ~ Sunday 11:25 pm

Status: rushed ~ Listening to: I Hear You Everywhere - Chii (Chobits OST)

more cosplay shopping...

Bought lots of stuff that I needed after church. I'm about to give up any hope of finding organdy/chiffon fabric for the outer layor of my dress. >.< Still, I can do without it...but it'll be soooo much more prettier if I had it! *grumbles*

I'm planning to get the red beads from my co-worker who made my Chun Hyang earrings. ^.^ So...so far I have practically everything and am basically putting the pieces together. I'm almost done with the 'hair' portion of my headpiece. (If you know what Tomoyo-hime's outfit looks like, you'll know what I mean. ^^;) It is taking wiring, hair extensions and I'm planning to spray paint the whole thing to keep it from fraying. ^^; How this is going to stay on my head...I have a vague idea.

Must remember to get black hairclips tomorrow...lots of them. <.<;

2/23/08 ~ Saturday 12:30 am

Status: cold ~ Listening to: me typing

next step to cosplay: metalworks

Went to Home Depot and saw metal sheets and something that has to do with roofing...but everything was too thick to work with. The roofing material was thin enough but they only had it in aluminum (silver color) and copper (orange color.) So, I ordered the brass sheet along with an xacto knife. It's heavy duty so it should cut something. ^^; Due to USPS priority, I might actually receive it by next week. But as said, I'm continuing to work on my intial headpiece.

Part of my cosplay prep is sleeping more. I don't think I can put on the amount of makeup needed to cover the dark circles and pimples on my face. ^^; *goes to bed*

2/22/08 ~ Friday 1:10 am

Status: sleepy ~ Listening to: silence

should've went with the brass

I don't know how I could have missed it...a very good material to use for the my headpiece would be thin brass sheets, 44 guage which is .002" thick. If I order this now, I probably won't get it before I leave for Taiwan. I'll head to Home Depot tomorrow to see if they have any brass sheets available. I'm headdesking since I didn't think of this sooner. >.<

My plans: if I'm able to buy the brass sheet tomorrow, I'll be able to work on it on saturday. If I need to order the sheet, I'll continue to work on my foam headpiece which is actually coming along quite nicely. (I know that I'll have an even more difficult time cutting curves with a metal sheet. >.<) So, at least I'll have a headpiece even if I'm not able to make the metal one by I-CON. I definitely will have the headpiece I want by AnimeNEXT. *is hopeful*

2/19/08 ~ Tuesday 11:55 pm

Status: stressed ~ Listening to: me grumbling

X-Japan is a no-go

I won the ticket lottery for 3/28 concert. It means that I have the chance to buy the ticket. I also have the chance to buy a ticket for the 3/29 concert. As mentioned before, the average price for this detour into otaku-land will be about $300. Unfortunately, I won't be doing it. Reasons (so that I can make myself feel better,) is that I would be going into my savings if I go since I'm already over my yearly con budget (aka. budget for Japanime-type trips.) The time I would need to spend to plan this detour needs to be focused on my cosplay. Lastly, I'm not able to change the dates of my plane tickets. <.<;

I wish X-Japan the best. I hear they'll be doing international tour to a special few places (most likely somewhere in California, Yoshiki's US home) so hopefully I'll catch them then. *sigh* I'm slightly disappointed for many reasons, but I'll put this aside so I can concentrate on finishing my cosplay.

Only two weeks before I go!

I'm leaving for Taiwan on 3/6. That leaves about 2 weeks to finish my cosplay. I-CON (Stony convention) is on April 4-6. If any of yous want to sleepover my house, just let me know. ^^; So far, there doesn't seem to be any anime guests yet, but I-Con surprises me sometimes. *waits patiently*

2/18/08 ~ Monday 9:25 pm

Status: stupid ~ Listening to: Bon Voyage! - Bon-Bon Blanco (One Piece ED)

I blame the rain

Couple days ago, I spray painted my spearhead prop outside. I left it outside for a couple of days since it stunk of paint and due to the several layers did not dry very fast. It rained today and I didn't realize it so my prop got wet. More like the paint and the glue underlayer melted. ^^; Opst...now I have to do this all over again. >.<

On a different note, I didn't realize my spearhead could melt. ^^; Not much of a weapon.... lol

2:15 am ~ Status: sleepy ~ Listening to: wind blowing outside

one year later...an epilogue

In Dec. 2006, I wrote 'Chained'. When I finished the story, I was thinking about having writing an epilogue, forming an actual conclusion to the story, tying lose ends. But I knew any continuation would be sad. One year later (over a year really,) I wrote the epilogue, 'Namida' which means 'Tears'. I knew it won't be happy. ^^; Near the end of the story, it stops being coherent so I'm not uploading it onto the site. But I welcome feedback so if you're curious, let me know and I'll upload it anyway. ^.^ By itself, I think 'Chained' ended quite well. The main character is still alive and there is hope for her. I can't say much for the epilogue.... ^^;

house population: back to 2! *cheers*

My father came and went. He left for Taiwan this evening. His last few days with us have been uneventful in an uncomfortable kind of way, so I'm happy to see him go. I'll see him again when I go to Taiwan in March. Don't know if that is a good thing or bad thing.... <.<;

It's late so...oyasuminasai!

2/16/08 ~ Saturday 10:35 pm EDIT

Status: infuriated ~ Listening to: Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge on tv...and stuff

I wish my parents would shut up. >.<

If I could bury my parents in a hole, I would. I would stuff both of them into a room and leave them to yell at each other all they want until their voices give out. >.<

I have cosplay update!

Very small update...but due to the circumstances, at least I have one.

Since I haven't been able to make the dress beyond cutting up the cloth, I have been working on the headdress. So far, I have the pieces all cut up and am putting several layors of paint on it. So far, the pieces look okay. I probably will redo them another time once I find better material then foam paper. ^^; When I make cosplays, I try to think of what kind of materials would Tomoyo-hime's headdress really be...which is most likely thin gold plates. Since I can't work with metal or wood, this would be the best I can do.

2:30 am ~ Status: calm ~ Listening to: silence

not taking the package...

JRRevolution has given international X-Japan fans an actual option for purchasing tickets for the concert. Fans can purchase a land or air package and a concert package for the 3/28 opening concert. It is tempting and the price is reasonable for all the stuff that entails. However, $850 for the land package is still $850. You can't buy the concert package without one of the travel packages. After weighing the options, I forgo this chance.

If I win the lottery to just buy the ticket, I can opt to stay over at one of my friends' place for two days. This will not entail a real vacation in Japan (but that comes later so I can wait ^^;) so I shouldn't need to spend more then a couple hundred on the stuff I will most likely end up buying when I drop in on Akiba. ^^;

As mentioned before, this is a must-see concert, but I'm willing to give up this experience due to my budget. Wow, a reasonable decision. My co-workers would be surprised since I did spend $1000 on cels before. (Actually, when I thought about it, I rather use the $850 to buy cels. ^^;)

...but might try to buy the ticket

On the other hand, I might just try to buy the ticket itself even if I don't win the ticket lottery. X-Japan has named their Mar. 28 concert as 'Night of Destruction'. Mar. 30 is 'Night of Creation'. The newly announced Mar. 29 concert is 'Night of Reckless'. EINSOF will be selling tickets for the Mar. 29 concert. Tickets go on sale on monday, 2/18. It is a wonderful opportunity and this might be the one that I will take.

2/15/08 ~ Friday 1:30 am EDIT

Status: contemplative ~ Listening to: Hikari no Silhouette - Soichiro Hoshi (Shining Tears x Wind ED)

if I were to love...

O.o I know I usually don't breach the subject of romance willingly, but I have mentioned to some of you the possibilities if (and that is a big 'if') I ever venture into this area again. P-chan is probably laughing as she reads this. ^^;

I wanted to put this up since yesterday, but due to time constraints, it's going up now. Similar to what I did for P-chan and Alby-kun's b-days, I chose 3 Japanime guys. However, instead of 'best match', I chose guys that had qualities that I would look for in a significant other.

I chose Kurama a long time ago and the reasons why I chose him have not changed. The same reasons why P-chan would like him, the same reasons why he was part of my 2006 Bishie week...the reasons why I'm choosing him still: he is intelligent, gentle and strong (mentally and physically.) He is thoughtful of his friends and family, especially his mother. To make it clear, I consider his attachment to family a sign of weakness. He gave up his life in Makai to be with his mother. However, since this is Kurama, I'm willing to accept this.

Pros: Powers aside, he doesn't get flustered easily. He stays calm regardless what happens. He doesn't let people walk over him (as seen when he was with Yomi near the end of the series,) and he uses violence as needed. Cons: His attachment to his mother is a con for me. But as mentioned already, I'll accept this only from Kurama.

If I were to give him up, I'll give him up to Hiei. ^-^

Agatsuma Soubi is someone who knows what he wants. He gives up everything to the one he loves. And he loves singularly: no one in the entire world matters to him as long as he has that one person. Soubi has his share of weaknesses, but again, I'll only accept that from him.

Pros: Soubi is intelligent. It shows in his spell battles, his ability to twist words. His art is deep and meaningful, an interesting contrast to his thoughts in what he likes and don't like. (I'm referring to his comments about butterflies.) He is strong and able to withstand pressure. Cons: The first time I saw him break down (in vol. 6,) it was close to a total collapse. I don't know what else would break his resolve like that, but it is Soubi and I'll withstand it and be there. I'll tolerate his weaknesses since his strength is something I'll probably rely on constantly. He also smokes. >.<

If I were to give him up, I'll of course give him to Aoyagi Ritsuka.

Asami Ryuichi is my first choice in guys. He is physically strong, smart and dominating. Yes, I do consider domination as positive. He manages several highclass clubs in Shinjuku and is incredibly rich. His connections lead into violent activities, but the only violence he bestowed upon the object of his affection is sex. Yes, he rapes the one he likes. ^^; Although he is dominating, he doesn't like his target to be totally submissive.

Pros: He is physically and mentally strong. He makes his own choices and doesn't let issues bother him. Even in intense situations, he is able to think clearly and quickly. Cons: He is violent, possessive and dominating. The same reasons why I like him can become a problem. (In my line of work, these 3 qualities are what ppl watch out for and avoid. ^^;) For Asami, I am willing to accept that. As mentioned before, he exercises his dominance over his attended target, but he also wants him to think for himself. The only real problem I see his is his demeaning and teasing nature. (I'll probably be as pissed as Akihito if Asami looks down on me.) He is another one who smokes. >.<

If I were to give him up, I'll give him to Takaba Akihito.

retrospect

I chose guys that are mentally strong. I can't abide weakness. I may be dreaming (and incredibly foolish) to say that I want guys that are prone to violence, but they also know their limits and know when to use that strength. (Though in Asami's case, it is to rape someone. But that is yaoi.... ^^;) They stand strong on their own, handling anything that occurs. Physical strength is arbitrary to confidence.

The weaknesses that I picked out with Kurama and Soubi will never be accetable to me in real life. Human beings are falable and these characteristics will surely intensify. The main point is that I would like someone who is sure of himself and carries himself as such.

I understand that I may not be good enough for guys like them, but I'll deal with my own weaknesses. Yes, comparing Japanime guys to real guys is pointless, but it put things into a perspective that I can accept.

2/14/08 ~ Thursday 12:30 am

Status: awake ~ Listening to: silence

another evening at Jenn-chan's

I went over Jenn-chan's place this evening to give her a set of the Ouran dvds (that I made) so she won't be totally bored out of her mind and animeless. ^.^ Turns out, the dvds I created have not been converted very well since the top and bottom part of the screens are kinda cut off. We're hoping it's due to the smaller tv (so a bigger tv won't have this problem) but still, I need to modify this so it fits all screens. *thinks hard* Working on Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge dvds for her as well. ^^;

We had Italian for dinner tonight which gave me a huge calzone, filled with cheese and a bit of sausage. Oishi! The garlic knots were good and the baked ziti was yummy. Jenn-chan's friend came over and we read bits from her diary that go way way back. O.o It basically went through the different 'moments' when she met such and such a boy...some she didn't even remember until I reminded her. ^-^ It was a hilarious evening reminiscing.

too busy is not good sometimes

Which reminds me, I haven't talked to P-chan nor Pearl-chan for awhile. With all my mini-projects, I've been busy as hell and then some. Arigato to P-chan for sending me a txt yesterday about the incoming snowstorm. *hugs* I ended up getting home later then usual, but that was due to LIRR problems. ^^; I have this friday off, but I'm planning to stay at home so that I can work on my cosplay stuff. I've been studying too, but I won't go into details about that just yet. ^-^ For now, oyasumi!

2/12/08 ~ Tuesday 9:15 pm

Status: cold ~ Listening to: Synchronicity - Yuki Makino

I'm an uke!

Innocent Uke
Are you a Seme or an Uke?

Cute and sweet, and most gentle of all uke. Whips and chains are not for you - you just want someone to love you. You are often spotted in candy shops wearing furry kitty ears, where you are sure to be noticed by the Romantic Seme whose protective instincts will kick in and will only want to take you home and love and protect you. And you of course will be more than happy to spend the rest of your life baking cookies for your seme. Now you can get pins or t-shirts of your results here.

I was hoping for some chains, but oh well.... ^^;

12:30 am ~ Status: sneezy

X-Japan reunion concert!

The reunion concert for X-Japan is old news, though only a couple weeks old. Pianist Yoshiki-san has been writing about the reunion itself on his blog for some time already. J-rock fans should already know about the sadness and anxiousness that surrounds X-Japan's disband and current reunion. I even wrote it on my blog last year.

Explanations aside, the reunion concert will take place on March 28 and 30 at the Tokyo Dome, Japan. Tickets were sold via Japanese cellphone special access users to fans of Yoshiki. JrockRevolution and JaMe was able to obtain tickets for an international lottery. Meaning people who are not in Japan can submit their names/passport info/e-mails in hopes to get the chance to be picked and buy the tickets. Since I'll be in Taiwan in March (though I'm suppose to be back by the 26th) I submitted myself for the lottery. Of course, if I win, I'm going to be taking an extended vacation. ^^;

I won't be that disappointed if I don't win (but I'll be jumping around like crazy if I do ^^;) since I'm just thrilled to see Yoshiki and everyone together again. As mentioned before, Yoshiki and the rest of the members have been going through emotional turmoil over the last 10 years. That is a long time to be suffering. Not that this concert is their recovery (reading Yoshiki-san's blog shows that is not the case,) but in this concert the fans may show that we are suffering too. -.-

2/10/08 ~ Sunday 9:30 pm

Status: satisfied ~ Listening to: Florenscence - Kanon OST

highlights of yesterday and today

I went to visit Jenn-chan on Saturday with snacks and dinner. We had an enjoyable afternoon watching her fav. Taiwanese show and her 'love/star/singer' of the moment. We also took the opportunity to play around on our DS's. Both of us never used the pictochat function before. I wonder how far away can we chat? We were basically sitting next to each other as we typed/wrote away. lol

A friend from church gave me homemade greentea ice cream today. O.O It was so delicious! Creamy, smooth...a little over a pint just for me! *dances around the room with the container* Of course, I shared a couple bites with church friends. ^.^

It snowed! Yay! Alas, the snow died down before I could get home and start taking pics.... <.<; At least it snowed. *wishes for more and dodges carkeys from ppl who hate driving in snow* ^.^

Kamui or Subaru?

The girls whom I met in NYAF needs either a Kamui or Subaru (Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles: Tokyo Revolutions) for their group at AnimeNEXT. So...who should I be? Both characters require a short black wig (which I would need to buy) and a brand new outfit. They're simple enough that I should be able to pull it off once I'm done with my Tomoyo-hime outfit. Suggestions? Opinions? Comments? Both are guys so I would need athletic tape for my chest. ^^; Itai....

2/8/08 ~ Friday 11:55 pm

Status: happy ~ Listening to: Colors - FLOW (Code Geass OP)

Become an UFO catcher expert!

UFO catcher machines are tough to play in Japan (or anywhere for the matter.) Japan Probe features an article complete with vid clips detailing tips from UFO experts. O.o The 'sliding' move as well other techniques are demostrated in detail. I think I can do it too! *rolls up sleeves* Next time I'm in Japan, I won't have to worry about losing so much money on those things. ^^;

2/7/08 ~ Thursday 1:50 am (EDIT)

Status: sleepy ~ Listening to: silence

Happy Chinese New Year!

Not really a Chinese pic...not even a new year pic. However, it's Loveless and it's red so it'll do. ^-^ Time to sleep! Oyasuminasai!

I need cows! (and chickens....)

I decided to do an 'edit' instead of a new post since I want the Loveless pic to stay on top. ^-^

My non-sequitor subject is pertaining to the game I'm currently playing, Harvest Moon for DS. Arigato for lending it to me, Pearl-chan! ^-^ I'm still in the first two weeks, spending lots of time in the casino in hopes to win as many medals as I can. I'm concentrating on earning money and finding sprites before I get into the befriending the whole town and choosing who I want to marry. Anyway, I already decided that I want the mermaid. ^.^

My father arrived here on Tuesday, hence the lack of updates since that time. I've been in Qns. from Monday to Wednesday, which results me in getting home around 10pm so I don't have time to work on my cosplay. >.< Instead, I've been toting my DSlite around playing Harvest Moon. ^-^ Today, I'm going straight home so I should be able to continue working on my sewing.

2/4/08 ~ Monday 9:00 pm

Status: happy ~ Listening to: Shining Tears - Soichiro Hoshi (Shining Tears x Wind OP)

I got the cover!

Just last week, I posted about June Manga sending out the limited edition covers to their new manga, 'All Nippon Airlines'. I got the cover today. ^-^ Wow, new cover that is not even folded yet. *admires paper* There is an omake in the front flap as well as the back, which I'm sure is in the original cover as well. *drools* I don't know if being gay is a requirement for this plane, but you need to be a guy to get on. If I was a guy and I was gay, I would totally ride on this airline. ^-^

Now I have the cover, all I have to do is save for the book. Need to save money this month though, there are several releases in March that I want. Not to mention, my Taiwan trip is in March as well.... ^.^

2/3/08 ~ Sunday 9:30 pm

Status: amused ~ Listening to: FFXII on tv (yes again ^^;)

pay to get slapped by a girl!

Maid cafes are not uncommon in Japan, but Japanese blogger, Danny Choo reports in on a new cafe, Akiba Girls Dormitory. The setting are a series of 'bedrooms' (with no actual bed,) and the girls are in pjs. No food is served (though you can bring your own for a fee,) but guests can chat with the girls, request for massages, have the girls read renai (romance) manga to them and for 1,000 yen, get slapped. Who saids going out with a girl isn't fun? lol 'Normal' course for guys are 1,680 yen. There is even a 'Normal' course for girls, only 1,000 yen. There are more options that can be chosen listed on the site complete with prices and pics. The comments and rules are hilarious. One thing for sure, the socially inepted male otaku will no longer fear of never being able to see an inside of a girl's room. ^.^

Of course, the guy friends that I know will never have to worry, right? ^___^

2/2/08 ~ Saturday 10:20 pm

Status: super busy ~ Listening to: me typing

The floor...I see the floor!

Yesterday, my major to-do list was going to Book Off and heading to the fabric store. I sold my FMA vol. 18 manga, but forgot to bring the other stuff I wanted to sell. Next time.... ^.^ The fabric store yield no results. >.< I tried to get in touch with P-chan afterwards so that I can drop off her umbrella (which I borrowed last year, ^^;) but couldn't get through. I ended up dropping by Pearl-chan's house and had a cleaning spree. As we cleaned, we watched random episodes of Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge on her tv. Takenaga, Kyohei.... *fangirl squeals* Yuki is soooo cute, even dressed as a girl. ^_^

I have only one thing to say to Pearl-chan, how in the world did you play the Wii in your room? lol Whereever I moved, I bump into something. I finally got most of her stuff into piles (manga with manga, dvd with dvds, etc.) and filled 3 plastic bags with garbage. She has one more pile of papers on a small table in the middle of her room, which I hope she would get to on her own. However, her words when we parted was, "It'll probably stay like that." <.<;

Taiwanese Celebration at the Wang Center

Okaasan's friend is part of the Taiwanese Association so we ended up going to the performance and dinner that was at the Wang Center at Stony. I won't say much since the performances were medicore and the MCs weren't funny IMO. The main performance was one act from an opera which was well done, except I wish they had really sang instead of lip-synching. (My cosplay-centric minded kept on staring at the costumes ^^;) My fav act was the fan dance. The entire evening was very nationalistic that I facepalmed when the audience sang 'Gon Shi' in unison and the kids (Chinese and Caucasions) sang and spoke in Mandarin on stage. I'm all for the continued independence of Taiwan, but getting smacked with 'Taiwanese history is so much longer then Chinese history' was pretty thick. Yes, I'm typing something remotely about politics...something I hope to never do again. ^^;

and we have fabric!

The evening wasn't a total loss since before and after the show, I went to Walmart and in search of fabric. The return to these places were a good idea since I found fabric that I could accept that was the perfect dark shade of purple that I needed. I ended up buying the whole roll since I needed all of it. FYI, the saleswoman at the fabric store nearly gave me the evil eye after she saw that I had unrolled the entire thing. I told them that I needed to measure it precisely. They were polite, but I could tell they weren't happy. =P I bought foam board, brush and gold paint from Jo Ann's so that I may be able to make my headpiece and the gold leaf pieces. Don't know how that is going to be, but I'm working with an idea, so we'll see. ^-^

Yes, we have an update, but it's not much of an update. I may have the purple fabric, but I plan to buy chiffon fabric to make a an outer layor for my dress. It will only be for the skirt portion, not the top part. A top layor is not part of the original outfit, but the extra layor will make the dress as elegant as it should be. Problem is, trying to find the right shade of fabric is hard (again >.<) so I may forgo this. Will check out stores in Manhattan. This will delay me cutting the fabric for the skirt, but I will start with the white shirt portion anyway.

2/1/08 ~ Friday 2:40 am

Status: sleepy ~ Listening to: silence

Taiwanese goodies pt. 2

140 also recently came back from Taiwan. She bought me a really cute, black Doraemon tote (she got larkspur the same tote except that it is pink and blue. ^-^) She also bought me some clips (shaped as eighth notes) and...pads. The ones that are used for monthly periods. <.<; Her words, "They are very good!" lol Arigato, 140!

plans for the weekend

I have day off today (friday) so I'm considering heading out to the city so I can run a few errands. Also, there is a cloth shop in Flushing that I want to hit. Hopefully, they'll have what I want. I dunno if P-chan or Pearl-chan want to come out. It has been kinda cold lately...I don't even want to come out. ^^; We'll see what happens....

Plan to hit Bookoff so that I can sell my Japanese FMA book. Maybe. ^.^