| Thanksgiving, Friends' Wedding, Friend's Birthday and Drowning in Backlog... |
|
|
| 12:46am 02/12/2009 |
| |
i can't believe it's already December.
Thanksgiving holiday went by like a blur, which was a good thing because i really needed the distraction. Although, it took away from my time to translate... >.>;;;; (Will i be able to make the December 7th deadline?! Stay tuned to find out! XDDD )
A coworker of mine invited me over to his brother-in-law's Thanksgiving dinner. No, not as a date but as a "friend of family" type guest. ;P It was lots of fun; lots of food, playing Munchkin Cuthulu with my coworker's kids, etc.
Two days after Thanksgiving, i attended a wedding of two of my friends. They were legally married 4 years ago, but never had a ceremony. Well, they've finally settled down some to make time for a ceremony, and it was beautiful. ^^ i'm glad i got to go. Their reception was held at the same hotel we use for Anime Matsuri, which tickled me inside because the whole time i'm walking to the ballroom i was thinking "wow, it looks so different outside of the con environment..." The reception was lovely, too. Great food. Great music. Lots of dancing. XD
Happy birthday shout-outs to ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) hybrid_twist!! ^^
Thank you always for your comments on my LJ entries. They are always very thoughtful, or very thought-provoking. lol
Hope you and yours had a wonderful Birthday celebration.
And finally, i am drowning in backlog at work.
Helper is here again from Japan, and my to-do list had gone out the window, and i'm completely thrown off and distracted. It's driving me nuts. It's partially my fault for letting myself get distracted, though, i must admit. i'm doing my best to keep my professionalism, and get my tasks done.
Can y'all believe 2009 is almost over? (o.O;;; |
|
| |
|
Read 6 - Post |
| |
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY!! |
|
|
| 07:50pm 21/10/2009 |
| |
May this year be your best one yet!
Hope all is well.
...Must be really cold up there in Montreal now, huh? (o.O |
|
| |
|
Read 2 - Post |
| |
| PAX Report! |
|
|
| 11:28pm 07/09/2009 |
| |
Bilingual post for any Japanese friends out there reading...
（so that they won't see just a wall of incomprehensible text >.>;;; )
今回の日記は趣向を変えてバイリンガルで行きます。（毎度のように英語オンリーのコンベンションレポートで申し訳ないので。）
( cut for length and pictures )
Overall, i had a great time at PAX! i want to thank ACP again for giving me the opportunity to go! (i had to pay for my plane ticket, but heck it was worth it.)
振り返って見ると、PAXはすごくいい経験でした！この機会を与えてくれたアメリカン・コスプレ・パラダイスさんにお礼を言いたいです。（旅費は自己負担だったけど、でも無駄ではなかったと思う。） |
|
| |
|
Read 15 - Post |
| |
| More progress! |
|
|
| 01:06am 24/08/2009 |
| |
-spent some time on the side armors; cut out all foam pieces.
-Finished the urajuban (under-kimono)
-spent almost 2 days on JUST the sleeves of the kimono. (T-T
-finished half of the kimono
pics:
i'm actually very proud of myself for coloring the sleeves of the Kimono. It was sure worth the time i spent on it. ^.^
(with flash)
(without flash)
Oh yeah, i'm sure a number of you have already figured out, but i'm going to PAX next weekend (for, like, one day). ^^;;
Not the wisest financial decision, but i really wanted to go, so i'm splurging. =P
i know could've gone to Dragon*Con, but i'm going to PAX with a mission to cosplay, so i decided to do that instead. Wish me luck! XD |
|
| |
|
Read 14 - Post |
| |
| Latest costume construction... |
|
|
| 11:53pm 08/08/2009 |
| |
Only a select few may recognize what i'm trying to do...But just posting some progress pics.
This is pretty much all i can do at the moment...i'm too poor to do anything right now ($47 in my bank account wtf?) (T-T
 |
|
| |
|
Read 17 - Post |
| |
| Passport GET! |
|
|
| 02:46am 26/07/2009 |
| |
i'm still amazed at the sheer speed in which every process has gone through.
It's gotta be a Higher Authority that's helping... XD
Anyway, i just got my US passport in the mail today!
The post office clerk told me it would take somewhere upwards of 6 WEEKS for completion, but this has only been about 2!
Now, they have yet to return my Naturalization Certificate, which kinda worries me, but then again, this is week 2 out of 6...
i'm so happy ^^
...now to finish my freelance stuff i've been putting off for too long... (T-T |
|
| |
|
Read 4 - Post |
| |
| |
|
|
| 03:24am 22/07/2009 |
| |
... up at 3:30 AM because a guy calling from Japan asking for his money.
i'm only a translator.
Who volunteered at Anime Matsuri.
Please let me sleep. (T-T
(now i can't go to sleep...but my head aches... and i'm exhausted in the morning...)
[/end emo post at 3:30 in the morning] |
|
| |
|
Read 9 - Post |
| |
| AX Report!! |
|
|
| 08:29pm 13/07/2009 |
| |
Photo dump here!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2217083&id=22618072&l=df3eb97f79
And photos of mainly me in costume!
http://www.cosplay.com/gallery/155280/
http://www.cosplay.com/gallery/155277/
Annnnnd for a detailed Anime Expo Con report (...or more like a novel...? XDD ) with shout-outs!
(cut for length and lots of photos)
( Day 0: a.k.a. Daisy Row )
( Day 1: Karaoke Day )
( Day 2: Morning Musume Day )
( Day 3: Masquerade Day )
( Day 4:Chill Day )
( Day 5: Last-minute shopping day )
LJ shout-outs!
serephina_belli: Thank you SO MUCH for keeping me company at the con and afterwards! Also, thank you for listenening to me ramble about my problems and insecurities. >.<;;
katielovespink: Thank you for hooking us up with photoshoots and great friends! You are such a beautiful, lovable person, inside and out! i am definitely considering going back to an Atlanta con if not this year, then next year! >.<
koneko: Oh my gosh you are so cute! Like, you are GENUINELY cute where as i'm "cute" by default because of my height. (Am i making sense? ^^;;;; ) It was nice meeting you in person! Hope to see you in one of the Atlanta cons one of these days! (Oh, if you're going to AWA, look out for my sister. XDD She's going to be at an Artists Alley table, selling her drawings. She's about my size and kinda looks like me when she has glasses on. XD)
josshouse: You and your BF were AWESOME roommates! i am still amazed that you would fold away your sleeping area each morning! (That's what i needed to do last year to avoid getting stepped on! XDDD;;;; ) Hope to see you at a Texas con! (i'm thinking Oni-con...)
hybrid_twist: Your nurse joker costume was pretty intense! It was great seeing you again! You're very thoughtful and a great friend. ^^
luffyxii: You are such a nice gentleman! You are one of the very few guy friends of Katie's i met at a con that wasn't focused just on Katie and actually talked to me like a normal person. Even if i didn't have my makeup and contact lenses in! (Day 0) Thank you! You definitely made my con experience better.
darkfaeryqueen: It was good to see you again! You are such a sweetheart. ^^ And an amazing seamstress too. Still can't get over the fact that you created multiple cosumes in a matter of a couple of days. (*.*
Oh, random, i need to get in touch with you about my jacket that i left in your car (or Chris', actually,). >.>;;;
lionboogy (highly doubt he's reading this, but here goes anyway!): Thank you for the wonderful photos! You made us look like STARZ XDD
waynekaa: Thank you for taking our photos! ^^ Next year i'm going to try to enter the contests y'all have on ACP and try my chance to help at a dealer's booth! (although i'm already slated to get a free badge for next year for winning the Karaoke Contest...)
genjitsu: Thank you so much for filming our skit in its entirety! i'm so glad we got a chance to actually perform it, even if it's in the hallway of the Convention Center.
anelasama and strongest_shld: It was great seeing you again! Thank you for taking us to Santa Monica!
thefadingdream: It was great seeing you again! You looked great in your Ryu costume, and the baby oil... XDDD j/k Your hard work at the gym really paid off!
Highlights of the con:
* Winning first place in the Karaoke contest individual competition
* hanging out with friends that i haven't seen in a while
* making new friends at the con
* great hotel with after-hours events being held on premise
* Going to the LA Fabric/Fashion district after the con. (oh wait, that's not at the con... XDD )
Lowlights of the con:
* not being able to perform our skit because of AX staffer's screw-up
* not having enough pictures of me (and in general) taken at the con
A few of my friends are saying they're not coming back to AX, which is kinda sad. But i won't argue their decision. i'd be sick and tired of AX, too, if i had to deal with constantly writing skits, meeting harsh dealines and people who flake out/are unprofessional/are just plain jerks. >.>;;;;
i WILL be returning to AX next year, though. i was promised a free badge for winning 1st place in the Karaoke Contest, i'm obligated. =P (Now if only i could find a way to get free airfare and hotel... j/k)
Overall, i had a much better experience at the con this year than last! i had so much fun! ^.^ Thanks again to those that helped it be so enjoyable. i miss y'all already!! |
|
| |
|
Read 19 - Post |
| |
| Oath ceremony appointment! |
|
|
| 11:06pm 20/06/2009 |
| |
i finally got the official letter for my oath ceremony!
The appointment date is Wednesday, July 8th 2009
And i am to report promptly at...
... 7:00 AM. (o.O;;;;;;;;
Please pray that i can get up in time to get there. (T-T
Thank you all that congratulated me on the last Citizenship-related post! ^.^ |
|
| |
|
Read 4 - Post |
| |
| Do i give up my room? |
|
|
| 07:22pm 19/06/2009 |
| |
(and potentially give up sleeping in a bed for 5 days? (;_; )
Thank you to everyone who replied to katielovespink, velvy and darkfairyqueen's recruitment posts...
Except... the two offers we DID get were "No, you should come to MY room!" (T-T
Am i being too bourgeois? (;_;
Come on, spending less than $200 TOTAL at a swanky 5-star hotel is a STEAL. (i'm booked at the Westin...or wait, are they less than 5-star? Anyway, they're swanky! >.< )
i just need one person, at worst. Two would be great. Three would get us down to $151.00 per person (but we'll risk not being able to get wristbands, that won't give that person any ride/event privileges.)
*sigh*
i do appreciate the girls helping me with the recruitment... your actions have been really comforting.
Back to work for me. |
|
| |
|
Post |
| |
| Progress! (1 of 4)...and a plea |
|
|
| 01:39am 15/06/2009 |
| |
...Klan-Klan's pants.
i decided to make it a strapless body-suit type thing. It has a zipper on the side. The cuffs are too tight, so i had to keep them split. >.>;;;; Maybe i'll find some wide elastic to make it less obvious that the cuffs are open. i hate having fat thighs... (;_;
here's a picture! ^.^
Now to draft a pattern for her jacket (2 of 4). Her wig and extensions are to come in this Tuesday (3 of 4). i'm hoping the colors match... >.<;;;;; After all that's done, i'll work on her shoes/tights (4 of 4).
Oh yes, the plea is, we need roommates for AX. (;_;
Would anyone be willing to room with 3 girls (including me) at the Westin Bonaventure hotel? the cost will be $181.26 (this INCLUDES tax) if we have a total of 5 people, and $151.05 if we have a total of 6. Now, the first 4 people will be on the guestlist, but starting the 5th person you will NOT. So you'd have to buy a shuttle pass if you want to use the shuttle to and from the convention center. (i know, paying extra is no fun...but it's nice and air conditioned on those shuttle buses. It's totally worth it.)
If you're interested (and are financially capable to commit) please contact me via PM or email ( webmaster (at) arek-net.com ).
Thanks in advance! |
|
| |
|
Read 7 - Post |
| |
| OMG Citizenship Interview! |
|
|
| 04:02pm 11/06/2009 |
| |
i had an interview with the immigration officer on Tuesday (June 9th), and... I PASSED! *happy dance*
My current status is "You are recommended for approval."
Now all that's left is the Oath Ceremony next month, and i'm going to officially become a US Citizen!
Thank you all who sent me your prayers/good vibes/support on this! |
|
| |
|
Read 14 - Post |
| |
| Well, it's been done. |
|
|
| 12:48am 14/03/2009 |
| |
i put my Citizenship application in the mail.
i had made a big mistake in the past which basically disqualifies me and puts me at risk of Deportation, but i talked to an immigration lawyer (actually the 3rd one) and he said "It depends on who sees your application...you won't know unless you turn it in." Plus he specializes in defending those put under Removal. So i have something to fall back on. (Although it'd cost me $5000...which is a big nasty hit to my wallet. >.>;;; )
But if y'all could pray for me/wish me luck/send positive vibes my way, i would greatly appreciate it. And i think i need it. Lots of it.
i haven't told my parents yet. (If any of you on my friends list know/talk to my parents...please don't tell them! >.< i will let them know when the time is right.)
Thanks!
-Aimi |
|
| |
|
Read 14 - Post |
| |
| Friend's wedding, and Daylight Savings Time |
|
|
| 01:02am 08/03/2009 |
| |
i went to see one of my church friends get married this evening. ^^
It's always nice to see two people in love with each other celebrate a big event like this.
( image heavy, cut for space )
At the reception, i was sitting with another church friend and the brother-in-law of one of the bride's friends. We were all making small talk, and my friend would try to hype me up by saying "at your wedding reception, you can make a comic of how you got to know each other and pass it out" and whatnot. (At the church i go to, they strongly encourage "speaking thing out in faith"... i'm sure regardless of religion, y'all have had the experience where if you were very positive and optimistic in approaching a situation, it would come out well, no?)
Anyway, the subject shifted to "So how long have you been married?" and the two guys answer each others' questions, then it was my turn. The brother-in-law asked, "When's your wedding day?" to which i answered "i have yet to meet him." XD
For some reason it seemed funny to me. My church friend and i were so used to "speaking out in faith" that it gave someone the impression that it's already done. We're not lying, mind you.
There was an after-party after the reception, at the newlywed's home, but i didn't stay there very long. The group i followed got lost, and it took a long time to get to the destination. (--;
i watched the "first dance" with the bride and groom, and went home.
It was a very nice wedding/reception, though. ^^
On a totally unrelated note, Daylight Savings Time begins this evening. Remember to change your clocks! Not looking forward to losing one hour of sleep. (;_;
i'm glad Japanese church isn't until late in the afternoon.
Good night. |
|
| |
|
Read 1 - Post |
| |
| an LJ resolution |
|
|
| 06:37pm 05/03/2009 |
| |
i realized that i don't post very often.
And when i do, it's usually because i'm all emo and complainy.
So, i've decided that i'm going to change my tone.
i don't want to be a passive aggressive little girl.
Yes, i have lots of pent up negativity, but i'm a nice, pleasant person, really. >.<
My New Year's resolution is "To be more beautiful, inside and out," and i think that shifting my writing from "all negative and no positive" to "mostly positive and negative when i really really need the support" help me let go of the little things and appreciate what i do have. Not to mention it would be less stressful for both parties; me who's writing, and you who's reading.
My goal is to make this blog actually interesting.
Comments would be greatly appreciated. ^^
(And i need to remind myself that not getting comments does not mean that everyone hates me.)
i'm in the process of revamping my website, so i may eventually shift over to a blog on my homepage. But for now, i'm going to work on making my LJ a much nicer place to be. ^^ |
|
| |
|
Read 8 - Post |
| |
|
|
|
