Work & that's it...

So it has been a while and I have definitely changed since my last post.

Almost halfway into 2015 and I realized my entire 2015 year so far...is all about work.
My life is work and that is it.

Having a full-time job, I realized I have to schedule everything around my work.
The time I get to meet people? For dinner or the weekends.
I end up having to schedule people early on and feel like a snob when I realize I am fully booked.
No hard feelings, but I really don't have time.

At the end of it all, I end up being too tired and just pass out for the night.
So much for anime and drama catch up :(

Anyways, I am really enjoying my co-op though.

I will probably go in-depth about it another time...but definitely need to get use to blogging more often again! :)

Time to get back to work!

J

Pet Peeves 2015

I almost typed 2014...

So pet peeves.  Just now, I realized one of my biggest pet peeve...something that would trigger my mood and alter my thoughts on people too.
I know I had many in the past, but now I can barely remember them.  Maybe I got over them...or they're now insignificant.
However, what I realized that really bothers me is when people (friends & family) can't stand up for me.  Whether it's something big or small...I do expect those who are close to me to defend me and be on my side...at least just to show I have their support.  By defending me, I don't mean they need to agree with what I think or do, but at least it shows they care for me.  (And then they can let me know what they think afterwards and I'll be okay...)

Ugh, my thinking is kind of incoherent due to the steam, but yeah.

I also realized I really can't stand people ignoring me.  Especially when we're arguing or fighting.  When they just drop the conversation and act as if I'm not even there - when I am still talking to them - it just sends me off.  I feel like, at that point, I'm not angry because of the disagreement, but at the lack of respect being shown to me.

-sigh- Just a quick rant before I go to sleep.  I really don't want go to bed angry or I won't be able to get up for work.
Family arguments really take a toll on you...mainly because you face them all the time. =_='''

At least it's long weekend, so that's good!

Good Night,

J

Sick Feelings

So March is coming to an end soon and this month...it seems like everyone around me is sick.

Surprisingly, I, who always have some sort of health issue, is totally fine.
My brother was dead the week before his Spring Break...dying at home.  My coworkers were having the coughs and all.  And the friends, half were dead in bed and the other seems to be very prone to contracting whatever is out there in the next few days as well.

Maybe it's because I'm getting healthier and going to the gym and all? Yes.  I am sticking to my goal and consistently going to the gym.  I have also gained some weight (muscle weight, I hope) and eat like a dinosaur.  Of course, after my dear papa bear left, my weight dropped since I was very upset.  Also, I started feeling like I was getting contaminated as well so I stopped going to the gym for a week to not spread anything to anyone.

Right now I actually feel like I am getting sick.  Day 2 of gym and was hoping to go later before noon on Monday to make it to Day 3, but I have no idea how it will work.

The feeling of being sick makes it feel like everything is so surreal.  Just the act of blowing my nose earlier in the washroom, I felt this weird "Whoa, deja vu? No." and this is all really silly and sound silly.  I think the whole Steins;Gate is getting into my head.  Too much time travelling for one night (4 eps of thriller intensity).

So yes, continuing, I have been just working and going to the gym.  Recenly, I have also started going back to shoujo manga as well.  Mainly collections of one shot and shorter, completed series.  I also love josei since shoujo always takes place in high school.  Makes me feel so old since I am in third year now.
Anime obsession is back again and I finally feel like the me in grade 6-8 (and maybe up till 10?).  I have also found a new obsession with Modern Family; this is a great break from the intense Steins;Gate whacky trips.  Of course, the good old Vampire Diaries and White Collar...although I haven't watched White Collar in a bit due to the other stuff.

Currently feeling gross and sick, but totally craving for some good Earnest Ice Cream...

Tomorrow's game plan? Do research.  Do some design. Go gym. Anime. Drama. Read?
Hopefully a chill day since I need one after being out this entire weekend.

Good night,

J

Things Have Happened

So sadly, I haven't blogged a lot...and I just wanted to let some things out today through this post.

Lots of things have happened recently and what I really want to blog about today is my health. :(
I was thinking back on my 20 years on Earth and realized my health hasn't been the greatest.  I remember when I was younger, I never got sick...colds, fevers, or flues.
I think there was a summer I started getting a lot of nosebleeds and felt faint-ish due to the loss of blood.  After that, that it kind of just all came at me a bit.

I have Bell's Palsy twice...in elementary grade 4 or 5 once and again in grade 7 or 8.
And then I had the shingles...and not at the typical area on your back, but on my neck and near-ish my face which scared the heck out of my dad.
And now...sadly, I have an infection with my eye and is currently half-blind as I type this.

Of course, all is good, but made me realize how I really need to take care of myself.  The twenties are usually everyone's prime, but in the years when I should have been super healthy, my immune system is weakening.  My colds and fevers lasts weeks and the symptoms of my colds lasts months (you would know when you take courses with me!).

Anyways, just wanted to mope about my health.
I am still committed to going to the gym and eating more.  In fact, I eat like a pig.  Large size for pho? Yes, please.
Of course, this week, I can't really make it to the gym since I need to keep my right eye clean...and I can't wear contacts or anything so I probably can't do my running and weights routine.

Working from home to do do some apps review so I will resume that (since I woke up late/started late).

J

New Beginnings

First blog post in the New Year!

As cliche as it is...and although I know the New Year tends to be over rated, I am excited to start all over.
This is all just kind of an excuse for people, like me, to tell ourselves we have a fresh start when every next day is technically a new start anyways. I am a little derpy at the moment, so hopefully whatever I type will still be sort of coherent.

I was and am excited for what 2015 will hold for me. Oh, Happy New Year!
I haven't blogged for a while...still sort of out of it.
I tried tumblr-ing, but that didn't work out well.  I also tried just writing in a journal...and that didn't work out well either.  So, I will try and blog here once in a while.

Already, the new year has been amazing.

I decided to set New Year Resolutions for myself and so far...I've completed two?  I feel very blessed and happy I got to celebrate the last day with friends & loved ones and counted down with family (ish).  That was amazing and definitely different from my usual stay-at-home-in-bed-by-myself routine I do during Christmas and New Years.  In these last four days of the New Year...I learned to snowboard and I got to meet someone new.

I discovered how fun, refreshing, and thrilling night boarding is.  It's amazing how not only did I learn to snowboard and did it during the morning (taking a morning bus and seeing the sunrise with friends...felt like a field trip in elementary!), but I got to snowboard at night.  The view was spectacular and the people...the people were amazing.  It was fun: filled with laughter and bruises!

While I am still suffering from a sore body and bruises covering everywhere...I got to meet someone important today.  One of my close friend introduced me to someone special and I still can't stop smiling.  It's such an honor I got to spend the day with them, getting to know them better and not just hear about her from him.  Played monopoly deal, Wii Mario Party, ate xlb and shanghai food, got bubble tea, and watched one of my favorite movies.  Made me so happy how much they enjoyed my recommendation and that they enjoy hearing my movie rant and all that! (I feel cool, yay! Reputation intact!) Today was just awesome.  All my nerves I had building up yesterday died.

I know school starts soon, but I just can't wait to see what happens.  Already, I have a few dates made for the upcoming few days and I just can't help but feel excitement! I also can't stop thinking about night boarding and feeling honored.  Gahh!!
I also need to stop my shopaholic-ness though.  Oh my gosh, don't get me started! ...I did another haul last night and now I am patiently looking out for a snowboarding jacket, goggles, gloves, and some base layers!
-sigh- That is definitely an issue! Must save up!

I just want to express my appreciation for everyone (who will not read this blog, haha) for making my winter break so amazing.  I learned a lot of about the magic of the Christmas atmosphere and the importance of giving! This year was definitely focused on giving and my attempt to make things more personalized.  Hopefully, my goal to reach everyone's feels worked. (:

Time for a new start to this year! Going to be crazy, but I can't wait to stack myself with lots of work and snowboard + be healthy (since I fat this winter!).


Good night,

J

Finals & Relfecting

So it's finals season and I have two more left until freedom...well, freedom from an educational institutional.  I will be stuck working almost full time since it's that time of the year! Unfortunately, I think none of the other employees are taking a break either...so no subs, stuck to working five days a week! There goes my hibernation plan...and many of the "hang-outs" I was originally going to have to catch up with people.

The last few blog posts have been 'meh' and I think it will continue to be.

I have been reflecting, as I notice everyone around me is entering a new stage of their lives.  We're slowly hitting our 20s and soon after I do, everyone will be 21...legal.
But maybe it's because of work or what not, I noticed as we grow older...it's a given that we experience new things and lose the old.  I have already realized that people around me have been experiencing losses or almost have.

...And it's scary.

Never really thought about it and use to always dream of getting older quicker, but now, I dread it more.  Not only because I need to start taking responsibilities for my own actions (no more kiddy excuses), but also...my parents will start to grow old.
After losing the old granny I knew since I was young, I realized I still haven't really fully have it in my head what it means to lose someone entirely.  I know some people around me have already...
And all these thoughts came to me when I saw a friend's status on Facebook on her loss of a childhood friend.  It just got my head turning and yeah...
I still can't imagine and I am fortunate that I still haven't experienced something like that.  ):

Don't really know where I'm getting at with this...but I guess I have come to a conclusion that I still look forward to getting older.
Except now, rather than imagining this ideal future I have for myself and how I want things to be, I also need to focus on the present.  Despite hearing all the cliche quotes on living life now, YOLO and all that, I didn't really want to follow them. Or I thought I was and realized I was sort of just trailing along.  If I died now, I know I would have so much regrets.

These last few weeks, I started planning out the things I really want to do.  No excuses. And now, I'm super stoked to do things I always dreamed of doing.
I also decided to just pucker up some courage and go for the opportunities out there.  As much as failure can bring color to my cheeks and make me want to crawl in a hole and die, whatever. :)
Super psyched!

Really appreciate the friends (who probably aren't reading this) who has been with me through my indecisiveness.  I keep asking the same thing on whether I should apply for this, or whether I should do that...I know it's annoying, especially since I ask again and again.
I also have to apologize to the three good friends who took care of me while I was tipsy or slightly drunk.  I wasn't exactly drunk (since I went to washroom by my self and was still able to think with a sober mind), I know I was a handful when I am too talkative and happy.  I also know I caused you guys to worry (or surprised you) since you guys have never seen me drink before.
        (Japan has trained me well, haha).

Anyways, this winter break, gotta work hard to earn some moola! Gotta make time to spend with loved ones! And I gotta put my goals I set (few blog posts down about the changes I want to make) into action...AKA go to the freakin' gym :'( And clean my room...

Time to study (and watch anime, and read my fanfictions while snacking on potatoes). Peaceeeee

Someone sent me this...

So I am tipsy from Wings Wednesday.  Had a mojito, vodka martini and margarita.
I think my tolerance has increased due to Japan!

My good friend sent me this song just because she had the album; I finally opened it to listen to it to calm the mind! >< And it works...plus the effects of a clay mask!
I got my box and finally have another Korean mask to try aside from the Innisfree one (which I really, absolutely hate the packaging of...).  Anyways, done Kiehl's too!

I think I will go wash it off...but yeah, I miss my Lana Del Rey so I think I will put the other replayed song up soon.  Way too busy with work and SEY and co-op search! My thinking is all weird and fragmented so I will just end this.

I have been so in love with her voice, so it's on replay.
Brings out this feel in me; I can't seem to explain.


Haven't blogged much since midterms are over, meaning it's crunch time for SEY! Some issues came up and just made me so stressed, but it's all worked out! Sadly, I notice my time spent with people I care about is reduced since I am occupied 6 days a week for sure, with exception of Sunday being my only homework day...

Now that midterms are over though...it also means my final papers are due soon, while starting next Saturday, I will be having to commit to the semi-final and final rounds for SEY.  -sigh-
Can't believe this semester is just blowing by so quickly...

(I still find myself caught it drama! Just my luck ): but at least now, I am a neutral party!)

Good Things The Happen

Trying to blog more.  More about good things that happen!

So this semester, aside from that amazing A+ on my midterm that I got (and will totally frame) and broadcasted to the world + spammed on Snapchat, there are a few other things.
If you don't know, I have made a new girl friend! -cheers- and getting closer to a team mate as well; went shopping with her last weekend!

For today, I actually have a feeling I am getting sick...had headache and all that (which sucks 'cause I just heard from others that they are getting sick and I was trying my best to dress layers upon layers to prevent it), thus, I missed my tutorial.  Missed the first class ever this semester! Yes, I have been maintaining a perfect attendance...
Well, I made it to my second tutorial of the day (now, sitting in my lecture) which I thought I will miss and this brings us to something awesome today...

On the skytrain heading downtown to Waterfront station, a kind old woman offered her seat to another elderly man which prompted me (who was way to occupied doing SEY stuff on my cellphone, sorting out some issues that came up this morning.  That resulted me to delay my shower and morning routine so I was late to board the train) to offer my seat.  He kindly declined and preferred to stand instead so I sat down again.

The lady, after a stop or two, started talking to me.  I found out she's actually from Moscow and she was super friendly.  We talked about Canada, Moscow and people, briefly.  I would have loved to talk to her more, but I had to get off and turned out...she missed her stop at Broadway City Hall.  She was going for a walk! :)

Anyways, that conversation made my day; it was so lovely to meet her. Love these fate meetings!

RIP Oscar De La Renta

My heart just died a little to hear the news that Oscar De La Renta has passed away at 82.

Being a periodic fashion follower, I only have a selected few designers I really love and he was one of them.  He was one of the few legendary designers whose design I fall in love with.  I love the silhouettes, the intricate details, and the way his designs look on a woman.  He was amazing and brought such beauty to this world; it breaks my heart to think about the loss.

Very appreciative of the work and the legacy he has left behind in the fashion world.  Hopefully, in the future, I will have the honor to meet one of his works.

May your soul rest in peace.

flicker

song that is keeping me up - porter is too good.
hu hu hu.
私はちょうど何が重要か見つけようとしている
"I'm just trying to find what is important.
It is a way to lose track of life of their own."

more music

To take a break from my sudden constant listening of the soundtrack from The Fault in Our Stars, I suddenly remembered this song I saw a while ago...and now, I think this will be in my head.


Definitely better than songs that reminds me of a tear-jerking movie during stressful time! ):
Totally been remember how I cried three manly tears in the theater when I went to watch The Fault in Our Stars with N. -sigh- And Amsterdam....
Okay, no more feels..

been a while again

So these last few weeks has been the most stressful time ever.  Lots have been happening and lots of emotional feelings.
I found myself, unexpectedly, getting very caught up with the protest in Hong Kong.  I have some very strong opinions regarding my position on this issue and a few political matters.  This whole situation made me realize that although I have always not want to be involved in politics, I should. be more involved and do something about it, rather than being the bystander (a position I really don't like) and neutral about the matter.  I don't think we should sit around and complain about things, not doing anything, and expect others to do it.

Not to sure what my move next will be, but my dreams and goals have definitely shifted from personal (to have a happy family, married and all) to something bigger (wanted to make a difference and help others).  Still generic, but...baby steps, haha. Of course, I still want what I wanted before, just I think I shouldn't be so selfish and thinking about only myself when there is so many things out there I can do.

attempting progress

so it's been a while since my last blog post...

After that has happened, I won't lie, but death has been on my mind for a while.  I thought about what it means to live and to die.  And just a whole bunch of random junk, haha.  I was depressed, especially since before, I was sort of going through an identity crisis...trying to figure (as usual, like everyone) what I want out of life...what I want to do.

trying to commit to this once in a while

I still see my draft for my Japan: Day 3 blog post.  I have no idea when I will get back to it and it sorta sucks 'cause I don't remember as clearly anymore (definitely not day 3 since I had my first hangover).  I also already have my Japan photos installed in my laptop or my external, so I will eventually upload those on Facebook or something.  Been wanting to change my profile picture to a Japan one, but it will make me miss Japan -cries-

Just recently changed my lock screen to the scenery from Skytree and I already feel like I want to go back, but the blue is just too pretty for me to change back. ><

I woke up at 3AM and then forced myself to sleep some more (after tossing and turning until 3AM so I don't know if that's counted as sleeping), and finally, I woke at 7AM.  I found my brother awake downstairs and wondered if he wanted to gym...but he was uncertain and I told myself to go back to sleep.  As you can probably assume, I couldn't fall back asleep and ended up showering.

Now I am faced with the dilemma of whether I should watch anime or do my reading. -sigh- Class at 4:30 so I have around 6 hours before I need to get ready and transit.  Thank gosh readings for tutorial today is short...but I have no idea how I'll deal with tomorrow's...I am so doomed for tomorrow.


life. D:

finally, i decided to blog...

So I have been really lazy, exhausted and too preoccupied to blog (but that's just a load of bs to cover my procrastination).  I finally decided to blog 'cause just a few minutes ago, as I proceeded to wash off my clay mask (as a part of my relaxing day) and put on a sheet mask, I learned from the sister I do not speak with anymore that someone we knew passed away.

She passed away three months ago.

Still sort of registering in my mind since I don't exactly know how to feel about it.  She wasn't someone close, but it still upsets and gets me because just in June, I saw her...we had dim sum. The news is both good and bad since this old lady was already 99 years old and was trying her best to go through daily life (she has a hard time being away from her daughter).  For her age, it was amazing how alert she was, but at the same time, she had her health difficulties.

I think it really gets to me because it will be her 100th birthday in two months and just in June, my family and I were thinking of celebrating for her.  Her family was excited that she would turn 100 and the Queen would write her a letter to congratulate her. She had always been nice to my siblings and I when we were younger, her and her family.

May she rest in peace.

Travel Diary: Japan - Day 2

So today I ended a tad bit later and it is one of the best days ever! Despite not following what was planned (waking up early..), everything I wanted to do went smoothly aside from dinner at Tsukiji area which I am okay with since dinner turned out amazing.  The day started breakfast-less and both my godmother and I had to ask for directions to take the yamanote line! We were heading to Oedo Onsen Monogatari.  The night before, we researched and figured everything out, but the change in train (companies) was a tad bit confusing...changing from the JR line to the Yurikamome line.  We went from Shinjuku to Shimbashi, then transferred trains to arrive at Tokyo Telecom...and to figure this out, two super nice guys at the information booth of the Shinjuku station helped us figure it out, plus, insert money into our Suica cards (they gave us a map and even drew cartoon characters LOL). Despite the lack of English vocab for them, and my Japanese vocab, we were able to figure things us since I know "sukoshi nihongo", haha.

On the way to Oedo onsen, we found out our next stop was on the way which was Odaiba (Daiba) where the giant Gundam figurine is located + the well-known ferris wheel of Palette Town was.  First, Oedo onsen was smaller than I thought, but still awesome.  The Edo styled interior design made me feel way too hyper since it was like I was in a festival at night (it was lightly dimmed).  I love that we walked around barefoot too.

First, when you arrive at Oedo, you lock up your shoes in a shoe locker and go into the reception desk to receive a key/tag bracelet (along with maps and we got a coupon for a free drink as part of a promotion).  You are then suppose to go to next to the reception to where you will pick and receive a yukata you like (approximately 5 designs or so) and matching it with the obi (sash) you prefer.  After, you go to the separated gender change room to put on the yukata (undergarments on underneath) and then head to the "main area" where the food and souvenir shops are.  There are a lot of authentic games you play at festivals like the balloon catching game in the water, buying masks and cute Japanese knick-knacks.  You walk around barefoot and look at food, purchasing what you want with your bracelet code (which you pay for at the very end when you check out).  There was a lot of food choices, two restaurants I believe, and desserts! It was just awesome walking around, the music and atmosphere made everything feel so authentic!

So after eating, we were ready to head to the onsen!  I had a takoyaki which was surprisingly delicious (I really like!) and my godmother had a clam ramen.  This was technically our breakfast...We chilled and tourist ourselves around (taking pics and stuff) before we decided we were ready for the onsen.

In the onsen area, you enter the change room and you're greeted by friendly staff who hands you a small towel and large towel.  You strip down to your birthday suit (yukata, underwear and all) and lock it in a locker provided.  You can only bring the small towel (which doesn't really hide anything) with you into the bath area.  Note, if you have tattoos, you're not really welcomed to use the facility.  The big bath towel is also stored in the locker and not allowed in the bath area, used only when you finish showering and come out.  The small towel, in the bath area, cannot touch the hot spring water as well.

I'm all over the place today, but yeah.  So after you enter the bath area, you have to first wash yourself with hot water.  A plastic version of the wooden basin is there for you to fill with the hot water and then you pour it on yourself.  In the onsen area, there are three 38 degrees bath, two 40 degrees, three connected 41 degrees and a 39 degrees jacuzzi massage bath.  Next to these indoor baths is also the shower area where you sit on a stool to wash yourselves, scrub each others back and yeah...bareskin bonding! To be really honest, I was super awkward...but after seeing eight/nine naked bodies...it becomes normal - facepalm-. Inside, there is also a wet sauna and a dry sauna (where the interior is bamboo wood I believe).  There is also a spa area which I didn't really go to since I peeked in a saw naked people lay there and was told it's essentially someone scrubbing and washing you for you...

The outdoor bath is half opened and half semi covered (from rain and sunshine).  There is one big and one smaller outdoor hot springs and five individual tub ones which are adorable!  I really enjoyed the dry sauna (went in twice) and the outdoor bath, especially with the breeze since it helped the heat build up.  I should explain that the tiny towel provided is meant to be soaked with cooler water, rung out, and then placed on your head to cool you off.  The baths and sauna was nice and I felt like a hard boiled egg after...so smooth with all the dead skin off.  I enjoyed the onsen a lot and it made me feel a bit sleepy too (that feeling!).  After onsen, you shower and head back to the changing room (yes, naked) to your locker to dry off with the towel.  You put on your yukata again and have option to blow dry your hair and such, a lot of moisturizer, hair heat treatment and toner is provided.  The sign also says shaving razors, shower hair caps and such is also available upon request to the staffs.  You return the towel to the staffs before you head out (oh, there are also hair brushes that are provided...each sterilized).  After heading out, I walked around a bit to skype and get the free drink (I had oolong tea while my godmother had ginger ale).  We got shaved snow (milk with mango) and then went to check out the outdoor foot bath.  It was peaceful and super nice with the service of trying the fish treatment (where fishes eat the dead skin of your feet).  It was just so peaceful and nice there...

We spent a few hours there before deciding to head out and go to Odaiba!  At Odaiba, we went to the Diversity outlet as well as the one next to Palette Town.  Diversity had a lot of food and we did snack on the Pretzel fastfood chain (American, I believe...with Japanese twist to it) and had one-bite gyoza (shrimp one and pork too). This was later though, to hide from the rain that poured after thunder and lightning.  Before the snacking and rain, we took pictures of the Gundam figurine and headed over to the ferris wheel.  We went through Toyota garage display (which was HUGE) and played the Nascar game before riding the ferris wheel.  For the ferris wheel, you had the option of a transparent or colored gondola (and we chose transparent).  It was quite affordable.  After, we went to the arcade next to the ferris wheel and got reeled in to play those claw-catching games.  Did not win and spent probably 1000 yen on that -facepalm-. After that, we went through the outlet and the sky got darker, preparing to rain.  It was awesome because before that, we saw sunset on the ferris wheel! The rain also finally forced us to pick up the classic transparent umbrellas everyone has!  We snacked at the Diversity outlet as well, before purchasing the pretzel (and hot dog cheese pretzel) and umbrella.

We headed back to Shimbashi to take the JR Yamanote line to go to Shibuya! Shibuya was overwhelming...I knew right away the Hachiko exit was the place to go.  The Shibuya crossing was as awesome as I thought and the Hachiko statue! Them tourists spot, easiest place to see where the foreigners are.  There was a lot of people there too, meeting others (more beautiful Japanese teens). We decided to hunt for food in Shibuya and found this sushi shop (which I love so much!) and it was a standing one.  Some people ate with there hands (a hot wet towel is provided at first) and the sushi chef makes the sushi in front of you as you order.  He place the sushi on a leaf (not a plate!) on the counter in front and you just order as much as you want.  We ate a total of 30 pieces of sushi, plus me a cup of sake.  It was awesome and I got a little tipsy, feeling the buzz and became very talkative.  Thanks to this, I was able to meet two local Japanese people and became friends with them! We chatted (my Japanese skills kicking in) more later on, initially talking when they asked me which sushi we were eating and they helped us with the Line QR code discount.  It was awesome, making friends at the sushi shop.  I should mention, I was told that I was 18, 16, and 15 years old today.  I shocked everyone, as usual, when they found out I was turning 20 at the end of the year (story of my life). The sushi was so fresh and delicious, and the sake made it better!  It was one of my better experiences, where the sushi chef told me: "See your tomorrow" and I hugged my newly-made friend goodbye (after inviting her to Canada).  The alcohol really made me more sociable (haha) and anyways, yeah...the shop was also having line-ups and was just amazing.  Must upload them photos! Sadly, I also got too caught up talking I didn't photograph all the sushi we ate.  We ate a total of 6,480 yen.

After that, we walked around Shibuya and went in another arcade to watch people play a more advanced version of DDR.  That dude (yes, a guy) was a perfect 100 at the game...those hand gestures, dang!  Restaurants were close to closing (it was 10 something, I believe) and so we just walked around, hoping to head back to Shinjuku. There was a lot of drunk people, puking on the side in a bag or even laying on the floor asleep.  There was a lot of tipsy people who couldn't walk straight and was being carried.  Anyways, we headed back in the packed train (it was packed around 8pm, trains were full of men in suits) to our hotel...never finding the ice cream we searched for.  I also want to mention that there are A LOT of men in suit...like, A LOT - Japan lifestyle seems to be very pressuring as well..or tense.

Anyways, I should head to bed. I really enjoyed today, that feeling when you come out of the onsen and wear a yukata to sip on cold oolong tea!  Meeting a new friend from Philly, USA, two new friends from Hong Kong and another new Japanese friend here! The sushi was delicious and I just really feel even more psyched to see more! Off to Skytree and maybe Akihabara tomorrow! Good night!

Travel Diary: Japan - Day 1

Day 1 just went by in a blur.  I should be sleeping, but obviously, I am still awake despite walking around all day.  I will probably fill in photos a little later (put them on facebook and stuff) when I go back to Hong Kong.  Unfortunately, I didn't take much photos day 1 since it was raining and also, I need a new camera strap to put it around my neck since strapping it to my wrist really isn't that convenient for shopping and trying to hold my phone to google map everything.

First, I took Delta Airline's transfer flight to go to Japan since it was a part of a pretty decent deal with the hotel.  As a Japan-tourist newbie, I now know to do something different next time I come.  Legit, the hotel isn't that nice and it's really small...but in the end, most of the time is spent walking around so I did agree beforehand to spend less on accommodations and more on shopping and such.  The flight was 3.5 hours and when we landed, it was starting to rain.  Japan is quite chilly, especially in contrast with the Hong Kong humid and stormy weather. Wearing my Zara cardigan is actually appropriate (I also had on a pair of tights with my heavier weighted skirt). We took the Narita Express directly from Terminal 1 of Narita airport to Shinjuku station.  The train was so awesome! That food, the cleanliness and dang...it might just be because extra awesome in contrast to the train ride from Guang Zhou to Gui Zhou. Everything is so high tech, I feel so stupid like I was from the countryside and never seen a train before.  (To be honest, I might've been extra derpy because I was so overwhelmed and it's really not as high tech as I make it seem...) I also love how on time everything is.  The train left exactly at 14:18!

After that, the rain started pouring...my derp side came out even more and I lost all my ability to comprehend Japanese or even say anything.  In the end, it was English, pointing and I lot of trouble navigating the stupid GPS.  Google map trolled us (turn left, walk straight, turn right, walk straight, turn left again...to get to a place you can get to without turning...).  My godmother and I got lost in the rain with our two luggages and it was kind of funny 'cause some people saw us walking by twice...

We found our hotel and the manager working spoke fluent Cantonese! Surprised us, my godmother and I, and he was able to teach us how to walk to the train stations with a shortcut and yeah, made us feel better.  Also, one good thing and bad thing about the hotel is that it's in Shinjuku...kind of like living in Mong Kok, there's clubs...hosts clubs...karaoke bars and LOTS of pachinko parlours downstairs!  A little awkward at night with lots of people standing on the street trying to get you to go (like what you see in anime and dramas!), and they obviously didn't ask me ): offended. Until this one guy came up to me and asked me to go to this karaoke bar, but I kind of like...refused and then my godmother came he hid the sign! (LOL) She was totally offended 'cause he was pulling out the sign and saw her and put the sign away >< I probably made it less funny, but yeah...

A whole different experience...and seeing them Japanese prostitutes on the streets (a little awkward).  There is A LOT of men in suits who were off work and just going out to eat, lots of adult cosplay stuff and yeah...to sum it up, I don't hate it.  A whole different experience...but yeah, don't worry, I won't go to a host club (hahahaha!) too intense. Even a butler cafe I'm starting to be hesitant. That's pervy fangirl feels arising!

So where did I go shopping? I walked around the Shinjuku district around my area...went through the department store above the Shinjuku East side and it was awesome already.  Since right now isn't the time for sales, the prices are just decent, not ridiculously worth it and around the same as Hong Kong or even Canada.  I went to Uniqlo (a huge one) and bought some basics, GU (to pick up some socks), a cute random shop for stockings, and HMV to pick up a GazettE CD, and that's about it for now.  Hoping to probably shop more for little gifts and maybe a pair of shoes.  Dad says I can splurge, but honestly, seeing this massive amount of skincare stuff plus clothing, makes me wish my sister is around to help me focus!

Oh, I would also like to bring up that for the washrooms in Japan, Mr. A did not troll me...there is like automatic public washrooms that gives you the option to clean your parts (front and behind).  The washrooms are quite clean...with toilet seat wipers, the disposable sheets, and yeah.  I lost my first time using the one in the hotel room and it was...weird.  I do appreciate the toilet seat warmer though :) Also, I still find it so awesome how the Japanese tubs are so small, but deep! Sadly, I'm too paranoid to use the tubs and don't have enough time.

As for food, first meal was RAMEN! We went to a random chain store and the ramen, you order through a machine (prepay) before it spits out a receipt for the chef to cook the ramen. Very convenient and efficient indeed, but the ramen was just okay (I'm using Nanchu, Santarou, and the other ones I've had in Hong Kong years ago as markers).  It was just really unique with the machine and buttons! We also had ice cream treat at the 7th floor of the Shinjuku Station department where it's a little like marble slab, they "fry" your ice cream...my godmother had her red berries flavor mixed with slightly almond flavored tofu pudding and it was yummy! I had a mint oreo yogurt drink where a scoop of mint ice cream freshly mixed with an oreo cookie is placed on top of a calpis-like drink.  It was good :) They also sing you a song while they make it which was soo cute! For dinner, we had this udon which is also a fast-food-like one and it was fairly good for a simple meal (400 yen). Lastly, I did the most tourist-y thing and bought a drink from the legendary, amazing vending machines (taking a photo after) and indeed...it was awesome!!

In general, I'm falling more and more in love with Japan than I already have.  I have come to a strong conclusion that Japanese people are very, very polite.  They are very courteous and kind (especially to derpy tourists like me), giving us directions despite the language barriers, helping me figure out which coin is 50 yen and 10 yen and 1 yen (picking the coins from my stash!), and how I see they act so politely, even when talking on the phone they still bow.  Things you purchased are handed to you with such care (and your change), with both hands, and especially at Uniqlo, they bowed slightly after you received your purchase.  I love this place...and this is just Shinjuku!

Oh, before I forget...everyone is so beautiful.  Both male and female look so fabulous, I look like a sack of potatoes with my make-up-less face and disgusting blackheads & etc.. I saw such beautiful, long lashed male (who are definitely male...not like they look womanly, but they're just beautiful), it make me feel so sad. I noticed everyone wears make-up and dress up in such cute clothing with amazing hair.  Just dang, them beautiful people here...guess I'll put on some foundation to cover them blackheads and scars at least...thank gosh I brought it! (I see all my friends' types errwhere!)

Tomorrow's adventure is to an onsen for a day, and others! :D Super pysched.  I can't wait for my next Japan trip already! Thanks for reading - Oyasuminasai! 

odd day for no reason in particular

All of a sudden, probably an hour or so ago, I felt so suffocated.  I legit felt like I couldn't breathe and that the air wasn't getting into my lungs...so unfresh.  I had to open my window bigger and just...all my blankets just made me felt so claustrophobic.  I don't recall this happening to me...at least not for a while in years...

I mean I had a panic ish attack where I felt so much fear and anxiety around September or so...where my paranoia creeped up on me and I was home alone.  I have no idea if I blogged about this or not, but it was the first time I started physically shaking and crouched into a fetal position against my door, unable to undress into home clothing, and started crying.  I was so scared and ending up calling someone to talk for hours and after a while, I was able to get up and stop shaking.  That night was probably the longest night...

Anyways, well, yeah, earlier I wasn't shaking...but ended up crying a bit although it wasn't out of sadness.  It wasn't stress about the upcoming midterms either...and surprisingly, despite being unprepared, I am not panicking about that yet.  I don't know...I just feel sort of numb.  -sigh- I can't wait until my trip and to get out of here for a bit...

The pressure society puts on our post-secondary education...and just the competitive atmosphere where my fellow classmates and friends are so driven in their faculty with what they do (not that there's anything wrong with that...in fact, I'm envious), but it just makes me feel so behind.  I just want to get down on what faculty I want to be in...not even about what I want to do.  Or what my hobby is...? Anyways, before I waste time and go off on a tangent like I always do, I should go back to studying. 

My obsession with this song is just insane.

the good luck in the bad luck?

So today and yesterday, I have been experiencing the worse of luck since a very long time.

If you know me well, you would know that I always misplace things all the time (my room is insanely messy and cluttered), especially my upass to bus.  Just my upass, I had four or five scares..."losing" it to find that I dropped it in the car when I got off the car or even just leaving it in my room. Oh, the failure.  I would end up frantically calling my dad and retracing my steps for twenty minutes or so to hear from my dad that it was on my desk or on the car seat. -facepalm-

Anyways, so as you can sort of tell from the foreshadowing...yesterday, on my way to the mountain to take my midterm, I dropped both my student ID and upass (and I just spontaneously bought a vinyl and was about to purchase another...wow...). An identification is required to take the exam so thank gosh for my driver's! That morning, I was also woken up 7 AM for no reason by my mom in panic.  She scared me like crazy to a point where I legit just shot up from my bed, thinking I overslept my midterm! (Which isn't a possibility since it's in the evening)
I also only had two eggs that day...since I spent the night with a grumbling stomach from having cheese...

As for today,  I overslept my tutorial, the only one of the two days I go to school.  I was also still sore all over my body, just aching (probably from stress and anxiety).

So what is the good luck in this bad luck?

Well, for yesterday, I managed to finish my midterm early and made it to the student registrar to get a new student ID.  There is also only two days left of February so I didn't really lose much, plus, I was able to get my upass without going up the mountain once more to get it.  I also finished the same time around as my friends and had some bus buddies to go home with. They waited for me to grab a sandwich as well so I got some food in me before going home to an empty house with an empty fridge (grocery shopping took place after, much later).

For today, turns out, tutorial was cancelled!  I actually forgot and just e-mailed my prof about the absence.  As embarrassing as that may be, at least I didn't bus all the way up to find out about that news!

Time for go finish up a lab! Good night with some sweet music :)