A Bouquet of Memories

So I've been going through my old fanfics (and I mean ANCIENT-old from sixth grade to high school) and I stumbled upon this one particular fic that has been the longest and most worked on compared to the others. It was originally a two-part Yu Yu Hakusho crossover with some of my OC's that I've been developing for quite some time. Recently, I did some intense research on what makes a good quality original character and I found that mine did not quite meet with the criteria. I also found that not only her personality but her relationship with the other canon characters did not meet to my overall satisfaction; so I decided to completely re-do everything, no canon characters, no canon universe. Just my very own. (For the dignity of my characters and of the canon ones as well.) Now, I've been fleshing out each of my OC's and am still working on making them unique and interesting enough in their own way. I'm also in the process of linking all of my ideas together to form the story into what it will soon become, (hopefully that will be pretty soon, considering how slow my creative writing can be). I even have this idea of making a little soundtrack out of the story based on the characters' personalities and backround. Haah, I have so many ideas swimming through my head that it's a bit overwhelming. xD; But it makes me happy that I finally have motivation to work on the story I've left in the dark for so many years. ^^ I'm sure the fic itself is thinking, "JEEZ, TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH!"

I'm feeling quite melancholy right now because of the whole being a poor college student. Over the past couple of days, I've already spent some of the money I was planning on saving which is the only money I currently have (besides the one dollar in my wallet); so I felt, and still feel, foolish and regretful afterwards.

Now, I'm thankful that I have a roof over my head and a supportive mom but it's gotten to the point (for a while now) where I'm wanting to be able to take care of myself without constantly relying on someone else who is working really hard to make our lives prosperous. I'm just sick and tired of having little to no money, and the task of finding a job is not a walk in the park either. That doesn't mean I'll give up. No, I'll keep trying until I land myself a position and until then, I'll work my butt off to make my own living. Even if it doesn't pay so well, I'll take the job, maybe even throw in a second one to make up for it. When that time comes, I'll be the one who pays for school, meals, and other personal things. I sure hope that time comes really soon. I'm almost getting desperate.

So I woke up this morning from a dream about my mom, brother and I at DisneyLand. (It was a slightly different version where the rides and amusement park were altered but I digress.) Anyway, I awake and hear the faint sound of It's a Small World playing. I thought it was just in my head but I listened intently and realized it was my brother playing it in his room. Then I hear the next song come on and it was How do You Do/Splash Mountain theme... He was listening to the DisneyLand theme park soundtrack... Aside from being taken aback at the strange coincididence, I felt a sudden longing to go back to there. I didn't care for it as much before since I already went this year but now I feel my inner child wanting to go so badly!! I want to go with someone who will enjoy and appreciate it as much as me; so maybe with a friend or energetic family member this time instead of the whole family... Daw, I WANNA GOOO! ;u;

My, has it come and gone so fast~ I'm a bit sad that it's over but super happy about the wonderful experiences I had there! I haven't had a genuinely good time at a con in so long!! ;u;

First of all, I got to stay in my own hotel room for the first time ever which was simply divine~! >u< (Would have been even more if the room didn't reak of smoke, ew.) After picking up my pre-reg stuff (and getting a lot of attention from my casual Canada cosplay), I ran into my friend Raven whom I've been anticipating on meeting. It's cool because we stayed at the same hotel and our rooms were close to being above each others'! She introduced me to her sister who has never been to the states before since they live in BC; so that was cool! ^^ Anyway, we chatted briefly before I had to go and meet up with a friend.

Later on, I went back to my room and just relished the peaceful solitude. I kicked back on my bed and watched a marathon of That 70's Show while munching on the snacks my mom lovingly packed for me. It felt so nice!!!! <3

The next morning, I changed into my Child's Day!Canada and fortunately left my room at the same time as Raven did; so we (me as Canada and her as England, OTP ftw!!), along with her sister (Russia) and friend (Latvia) walked together to the con, and pretty much stuck together for the rest of the day (except Latvia kept wandering elsewhere, lol). We participated in the Hetalia photoshoot and afterwards, went to an Irish pub for lunch and drinks, and had a grand time~ I felt bad though because they insisted on treating me; so I didn't pay a penny for the meal! OTL They even invited me to stay up at their place anytime I wanted!! I couldn't believe their kindness!! ALKDSJGLSLSNH. QAQ

Later that evening, I changed into Rin and went to the rave with Raven who was dressed in a punk version of England, her friend who went as herself, and a Gakupo I already knew who was also staying at the same hotel as us. ^^ We raved hard and had fun but not as much as on the second day which was ten times better! I think I developed a new appreciation for the raves which I never really cared about until I got into it with Raven (she can really dance with those glowsticks!).

After that fun, we winded down and changed into our PJ's, and sat together outside on this open terrace along with other fellow cosplayers. We witnessed this fight of some sort happening at a nightclub right across from us. Then NINE (not exaggerating here) cop cars pulled into the street and were investigating the outbreak. It was quite a sight. o.o Gotta admire the Vancouver police for taking action like that! But yeah, we were goofing around the entire time like the sillies we were. (But I think Raven and I were the most closely sane ones out of the group.) xD

The next day didn't start out as awesome as the previous but I still enjoyed the rest of it nonetheless. For some reason, I woke up to the most terrifying high-pitched scream I've ever heard from this odd dream I had. That kept me on edge for the next ten minutes before looking over my schedule for the day and getting ready. I got into my fail!Maylene (couldn't make the dress on time) and headed on down to the Ouran Hosting Panel where I waited for about an hour in line. I thought I was running late too; so that goes to show how off-schedule they were. They didn't start until an hour later than they planned. (I was out of the line by then.) =u=; Luckily though, Fox happened to have been passing by and she invited me to chill in the Chibi room which she was in charge of; so I got to participate in making my own Japanese garden! That was way more fun than standing in line, plus I was happy to get to see her. ^u^ After that, I went to the Artist Alley to drop by Ellen's table where she gave me an England pillow she saved just for me! She's just too sweet!! I must do something for her in return!! ><

Shortly afterwards, I changed into my Sister Iceland and pretty much wandered around the con before heading to the second Hetalia photoshoot since there was supposed to be a Scandinavian and the World gathering after it. However, the heat was unbearable for me; especially since I was wearing a tight spandex top and a wig that was clinging to my skull and giving me a headache. Therefore, I ditched it and went to hang out some more with Raven and her sister who happened to have been watching the shoot at the time (lol, this con was full of conveniences!). We all agreed to head back to the hotel and just chill in their wonderfully cold room. xD

Not much happened after that (at least nothing that I can recall) but later in the evening, all four of us went out to dinner at the Hilton bistro. Since it was our last evening together (sniffle), we decided to go all out and have a full course meal! There, more shenanigans ensued and we had a great time and a lovely feast with Gelato for dessert! (I contributed to the check this time! >3) Then we (minus Raven's sister since she was the driver) went to the second rave which was an amazing turnout! The music was so much better (not repetitive like the first one) with remixes of well-known songs and harder beats that made us jump around and sing along! We were joined by other Hetalia cosplayers (I was Canada and Raven was England at the time) and we just had a blast with each other!! There was also a lonely America all by herself; so we went up and danced along with her. I'm glad we made her happy. ^U^

Afterwards, Raven and I went back to the hotel and hung out on the terrace again, soon followed by the same cosplayers we chatted with the other night. We were kind of hoping to have a more quiet time together but it wasn't too bad. (The guy next door brought out free pizza; so that was a score! Didn't eat any though.) xD So as it reached way past our bedtimes, we said our goodbyes since it was the last time we would see each other. ;_;

The next and last day had much sadness but also as much happiness. I was moping a bit as I was packing up all my stuff and changed into my casual Canada again. My train didn't leave until 5:20; so I had plenty of time to enjoy the remaining con where I took advantage of hanging out with Fox in the Chibi Room yet again (this time, she was teaching Basic Japanese! : D). Oh! I also bought this super adorable USCAN doujinshi in the dealer's hall! It's my current favorite out of my collection! I'm so glad I gave into the temptation of buying it! xD So, after some more wandering around and saying my farewells to the con, I spent the last minutes with Ellen and Fox in the staff room and finally left to catch my train. There were a few con-goers at the station and one of the girls said hi to me as Canada; so that was kind of cool. It was as if I never left. :3 I got a little teary-eyed after reading through my texts and reflecting back on all of the wonderful memories, haha.

(OMG I DID IT. I CAN BREATHE AGAIN. xD)

So, you know that one skirt I mentioned once upon a time? Yeah, it's done. Took a while, eh? xD

But OMG OMG, I'm so proud that I did it all by myself!! It's pretty much the first sewing project where I needed very little help (on the gathering mainly but that's it); so I'm really happy that my skills are improving!! ^u^

Anyway, here is the final result~! <3

So, since I couldn't make it to the premier yesterday, I decided to throw myself a little celebration by making cauldron cakes and butterbeer, and watching A Very Potter Musical. :3 And DANG, that butterbeer was the richest beverage I've ever drunk. One sip and it already feels like a one-course meal! X_X But despite not being able to drink the entire mug, it was yummy in a junky food way. ^^  

I was actually invited to go to the premier with Velaria and a couple of her other friends but the tickets were sold out before I could buy one. 3: But I was happy to know that I was welcomed. :3

Anyway, here's a pic of the butterbeer I made. I didn't have regular carbonated water; so I used a cherry cola instead. =u= 

I had a very special day today which doesn't happen as often as I wish it would. First of all, I woke up earlier than usual in order to enjoy a cup of green tea latte at Starbucks and wander around Borders until I had to leave to catch my bus to school. I had some time to spare by the time I arrvied at the downtown station; so I took the opportunity to browse around this super Bohemian store with a ton of incense and other spiritual accessories (this is a typical store in my town btw). I got myself this black onyx stone which symbolizes Strength, as well as the zodiac of Capricorn, my sign. ^u^ I also got my brother this mini handmade journal made from Nepal. I had to get it because it had the faces of Tintin and Milou which are characters we grew up loving as kids. :3 So I got those two items, stuck the onyx stone in my pocket for support and waited for the bus.

I also had the best class by far because the baking group I was assigned to was super friendly and easygoing compared to the previous ones. We each did our part in communicating about everything we did and enjoyed the baking process while chatting about whatever. We made blueberry crisp and lemon-blueberry bread. They both came out so perfect and tasted amazing; especially the bread~ ^u^

That's not all! I bused down to the university campus and dropped off something for a friend which I should have taken care of a long time ago; so it's been a procrastinating burden to me. I wrote her an apology letter to make up for the length of time it took... I hope she forgives me. T-T But yeah, I felt the weight lift off my shoulders after I dropped it off; so that put me in an even better mood.

So after that satisfactory accomplishment, I headed down to Deluxe (this fashion store) and found the most adorable sky-blue cardigan which I bought for only $7!! O: I had to take advantage of such a great deal. Another awesome thing happened which actually happened as I was browsing through the clothes: I overheard the cashier and her daughter discussing Miyazaki movies, as well as manga; so I was looking forward to mentioning something about that to them when I checked out. Just then, the daughter recognized my Mochimerica keychain that was on my purse! I also got compliments on the unicorn necklace I was wearing, as well as my Harajuku Lovers purse and wallet. They were so nice omg!! >u<

After that, I went to this little fabric store I just recently discovered via MapQuest and found so many cute patterns~ There were a couple of them that I thought would make cute Lolita dresses; especially this blue one with bows all over. <3 Then my mom, who was supposed to pick me up after her meeting, was so eager to get home that she sort of forgot about me... '_' She called me up to apologize and I kept whining in return which made her laugh in amusement. Oh mom. =u= So I had no choice but to take the bus home.

After dinner, we both took a trip to the mall (in order to make up for leaving me behind xD) and we had funnnn~ We came across some pretty nice deals and brought back five bags filled with stuff! Maaan, I feel so spoiled after today...... but it felt so good! >u<; And to make things worse (or better), I'm getting a perm later today! So I'm excited for that!! :'D 

So I was going through stuff in my room and stumbled across my old diary from middle school; so I decided to skim through some pages just for the fun of it. Man was I a pessimist. I had so much crap to complain about that wasn't even a big deal. Ahh, the lifestyle of a tweenager. I don't miss it at all. =u=

Aside from that, I got this super cute ring from the Saturday Market last weekend. I have nothing like it and I just love it~~ I've never been much of a jewelry wearer but I'm beginning to want to wear more nowadays. I'm turning into such a girly girl. xD

On that same day, I was wearing my Rin cosplay for this little meetup with a couple of girls. We met up at the library and from there, went to Voodoo Donuts and walked around the Saturday Market. After that, we wandered all over downtown: 5th Street Market, Starbucks, this little park next to the Hult Center, Nostalgic Collections comic book store, then Smith Family Book store. I had a really nice time! ^u^ Both girls were not crazy or out of control like some people I've seen at other meets; so that was nice for a change. :3 

Oh and on the 4th of July, my mom and I had a good time at the Lights of Liberty Celebration. We sort of cheated on our diet and feasted upon All-American hot dogs and large choco chip cookies; But it was a time of celebration; so we didn't care. GOD, that hot dog tasted AMAZING. <33 As for the fireworks display, it was pretty nice~ I got a little emotional when they played Proud to be American and the Star Spangled Banner. ;u; Oh and they also played Firework by Katy Perry which I totally sang along to. : D So yeah, it turned out to be a nice holiday. I'm glad we got to do something else besides light up fireworks in our backyard. ^^

Annnndd, that's that. Here's a pic of my girly accessories I wore one day. (And my new ring. <3 )

[YAYY~]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!!

For today's plans, my mom and I will be taking a bike trip to Jamba Juice (she told me they're using coconut water; so I've got to try that out!). Afterwards, we'll be making homemade coconut and vanilla ice cream, as well as eat a hearty meal before heading to this celebration which we got VIP passes for. Aaw yeeaah. B3 But yeah, there will be this huge fireworks extravaganza and live performances; so that's going to be awesome! ^^

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL~!! \(^u^)/

HAPPY 144'th, CANADA! <3

I love you so much, along with many others; so don't forget that! We never will!! ;u;