Senior Woes! A look back at my life.

Sorry for the lack of updates! If any of you are actually reading this I greatly appreciate you for you sticking through.

Today, I want to talk about all my anxiety, fears, and possibly regrets. In less than three week, I shall be finished with my undergraduate college years. I will receive a B.A. in Communication Studies and Fashion Merchandising. It has been a wonderful four years, and I did like most of my classes.  Well, it was more like three-and-a-half years. You see, I am finishing one semester early.  To be honest, I did not plan on graduating a semester early, but when my advisor said that I could, well I said why not? For one thing, that is a whole semester worth of tuition that I do not hope to pay.  So, here is to saving money!

Now, the number one question I have been asked all semester when I told people of me leaving has been “What are you planning to do?” Cue the awkward cricket sound! I have no clue. What is up with all this pressure to know what you are doing in the future?

Think about it. Society wants us to know what we want when we are seventeen. Do you remember what you were doing when you were 17? If you were an awkward teenager like me, then I think you were most worried about if someone was going to ask you to prom (no one did) or trying to get your driver’s license so your mom would not have to drive you to the mall (she still did anyway).  I did not know what I wanted to do during the weekend, let alone what I wanted to do in 4 years.

For example, choosing a college is one you have to make right away. I liked Albright College (well most of it), but I would not have gone to it if I understood the meaning of debt and research. That is one expensive school, and one can argue that it is my fault for not looking into it. But again, I WAS 17! Who thinks like that when you are 17? I doubt even Barack Obama was thinking about money when he was 17. That is what I am saying, the pressure to know what you want is too much.

I like to write, but I got looks from my parents, my teachers, and my high school guidance counselor saying that there is no future in it. Nonetheless, I stuck with my choice and I learned journalism writing. I met new people, and found my own style that works for me. From that perspective,  I think I made a good choice. Now, I have to make another choice.

I am 21 now. I still do not know what I want out of my life. A job? A career? A way to pay off my colossal debt?

My parents, my professors, even my friends keep asking me, and in all honestly, I just want to cry. It’s not like I am NOT looking for a job. I already applied to part-time places around my area, and have been looking for writing jobs since last January.

On top of that, I have been asked about going to graduate school. That is more money, more time, more decisions I don’t think I am ready to make.

What’s wrong with taking a break? I have finals next week, a class that I am about to beg my teacher to help me get a C, and all this pressure. STOP!

In short, to all those who are reading and are feeling the same as I am, then fret not. It is okay to take a break and make rational choices for your life. Do not feel pressured to make one right now. I’ll be that person that will tell you to take a break, breathe, maybe play some video games. It is okay not to know what you want in the future right now. You have a whole array of choices; just take some time to find something that you will be happy with.

That is all! Until next time!

Peace, Love, and Pokémon!

Geek Chic: Pokemon Pikachi

Geek Chic: Pokemon Pikachi by sushixuxaaaa featuring ballet flat shoes

Cheaters Never Win.

If you haven’t been reading tabloids, or actually  have a life other than celebrity gossip, then you haven;t heard how Twilight actress Kristen Stewart cheated on her boyfriend (and fellow Twilight co-star) Robert Pattinson with the director of Snow White and the Huntsmen, Rupert Sanders. The affair was outed when incriminating photos of the two were posted all over the Internet. Stewart has already issued an apology to Pattinson and I think it is safe to say that the relationship is over. Reportedly, Pattinson asked her to move out of the house they shared.  (Though I think the picture of U-Haul truck was a set up.

I don’t condone cheating. I think it is stupid and, while I know everyone has their reason, I think that it is a cowardly move. I don’t feel bad the photos were leaked, but it was bound to happen. Especially if you are a celebrity. How long did she think that would be a secret?

That being said, I feel sorry for Stewart. Yes, she cheated, but it takes two to cheat. I have seen more media coverage on Stewart’s cheating, but none on Sanders. I mean, he is 41-years-old with two young children and a wife! He is an adult. Kristen Stewart is 22-years-old and has stupid roles in stupid movies, she is still young and to be honest, maybe still a teenager (heck, I feel like I am still 17-years-old).

Does that make sense? Why is Stewart the one that gets most of the blame? There is still a horny 40-year-old in this picture. What did he get? Basically a slap on the wrist, because his wife, Liberty Ross, took him back. (For the kids, but still.) Can we talk about how messed up this is? Why isn’t anyone saying that Sanders is the home-wrecker? For all we know, it could have been him who started the affair. She is just 22-years-old, do you really think she knows any better? AND I AM NOT SAYING I SUPPORT KRISTEN STEWART, SHE IS JUST TO BLAME AS SANDERS. She has to learn from her mistakes, but come’on the dude is twice her age. This just screams horny man. It is just that it seems that Sanders got the easy way out.

On another note, thanks to ONTD comments, I have seen a bunch of pictures of young girls saying that they support Kristen Stewart……….. I mean how dumb can you be? SHE CHEATED ON HER BOYFRIEND! Yes, he cheated too, but I don’t see I support Rupert Sanders pictures anywhere. I hope that these girls know that cheating is not right. I mean, don’t they teach self-respect anymore? I saw one girl who wrote the “Sh** was Kristen’s favorite word.” Now, I am not Saint in the cussing department, but I know that it is not cute.

In short, cheating is bad. It takes two to cheat, so they should both be equally in trouble. And little girls should think before they post pictures of themselves, because it makes them look dumb.

What do you guys think? Comment below and tell me! I’d love to hear it.

Go go Olympics!

I know I am pretty late to comment on the Olympics, but oh well. This is going to be a super short post.

My favorite part of all the Olympics is the Opening Ceremonies. No matter which country gets to host the Olympics, it is always the same feeling., that something amazing is going to happen. However, my ultimate favorite part is when the countries all walk in with their “champions.”

I mean, the look on their faces says it all, they are excited to be here. There is so much hope, and excitement you can’t help but be excited as well. And I know, that when they called out your country, wherever you were, you were most likely screaming along with them. I adored that they had outfits that reflected their country. In my opinion, Mexico had the best one. Look at all the colors. But all of the countries looked good.

That is what I like about international events like these. The feeling of good old sportsmanship. Weather we know it or not, we are all rooting for our country. We take pride when we win, and cry when we lose.

It’s times like these when I feel inspired. Like the World Cup, I feel like if the Olympics can last forever, then the world can be a better place.

I’ll stop here. I don’t want to get too mushy. So what did you think of the Opening Ceremonies? Today’s games? Comment below! I’d love to hear it!

 

 

Sailor Moon Returns! Where are my moonies?

I know that I am late to the party, but I just recetnly got excited about the announcement of the new Sailor Moon Anime. You can read about it in my article for SoulfulJapan. They are a new site that is all about Japanese Culture, and for now I am contributing my vast anime knowledge. So go and check them out. They are looking for writers in other departments if you are interested. They don’t pay (because they are new) but it is worth a shot.

Anyways, enough with the shameless self-promotion. It’s time to dicuss my Sailor Moon feels.

I forget how old I was when Sailor Moon came to the United States. However, all I can say is that I was hooked on to it so bad. Even with the horrible English dub, I thought that Usagi/Serena was pretty cool, and I totally wanted to be her.

I really wished that the “magical girl” genre was popular in the US today. The only magical girl show that is currently airing is “Winx Club” on Nick. And believe me, it is horrible.

Compare and contrast, folks. Sailor Moon was a cry baby, yes, and she was self-centered, but when the time came to fight she did what she had to do. She was strong, fierce, and defeated all the bad guys! All while wearing a cute sailor suit.

And she wasn’t the only one! There were other fierce ladies in that show as well, good and bad. And, they did what normal girls do! They slack off, hang out, go shopping, dream about romance! I felt a connection to these characters right from the start.

I never really got into the manga, till I got to the Internet. There I found the manga scans and even the Japanese dub of Sailor Moon. I even got to see the undubbed episodes and season (Sailor Moon Stars). Once I get enough money (remember poor college student) I want to buy the manga that was re-released. I saw it at the comic book store, and I wanted every copy!

What do you guys think? Who is up for the new anime? Don’t forget to check out SoulfulJapan, and why not comment below? I would love to hear it.

Dance Moms? More Like Sit-Back-Moms.

I don’t usually watch shows like this. Really, I don’t. But, I blame my younger sister for introducing me to Lifetime’s Dance Moms. If you haven’t seen or heard of this, let me tell you a little bit about it. In Pittsburgh, Pa, there is a dance studio called “Abby Lee Dance Company,” run by Abby Lee herself (apparently she is a famous dance coordinator. I’ve never heard of her till now).

Anyways, there are these 6 moms with little girls that want to dance. Basically, it is a dance reality television show. These girls are trained by the mean, yet good at her job, Abby Lee. And the moms sit back and complain/moan/bitch/be the reason why I watch this show.

I just started this show over the summer, so I don’t really know much of anything, but from what I see, I am quite appalled. I know that if you are serious about being a dancer, you basically have no childhood. Just like training for the Olympics, you have to train super hard. I just think that during the show, they are too hard on the girls. Both the parents and Abby Lee.

Moms will be moms, and they want whats best for their children, but sometimes, they don’t want all that attention. For example, why are the moms always picking fights with Abby in FRONT of the girls? Your babies don’t want to see that. It is embarrassing and it makes you look stupid.

And Abby Lee? Yeah, she is good at what she does, but her favoritism is shining in every episode. CoughMADDIECough.

Now, tonight’s episode was wrong in so many ways. Yes, it is not surprise the Maddie got the part (honestly who didn’t expect that?) and  that is good for her. However, Abby, was it really classy for you to make her bring her crowns to show off to the rest of the girls? I mean, come’on!  Poor Maddie was trying to be humble and classy and you had to make her look like she was showing off. Maddie does not need to jump around and act superior. Yes, she got the part, but there is a fine line between showing off and being excited.

Nia and Holly are my favorite mother/daughter pair. I am always rooting for Nia to do good. And, while she might not be the best, she is always trying and that is what makes her a good dancer.  I felt bad for Nia when Abby basically dissed her hair.  Nia, you go girl! Don’t give up.

You know, I think Abby needs to stop paying attention to one girl and focus on all of them. I mean, why does Maddie get all the training? Help the other girls out, Abby! Maybe if you would help with the basics, then they can get better. I just think that if they are paying you good money then focus on the girls more. A little attention might mean more medals/crowns/trophies for you.

Oh! And Jill, I know you are looking out for Kendall, and I can appreciate that, but maybe ask what your daughter wants once in a while.I think Abby should pay attention to all the girls too, but you have to be loyal to one company. And, none of the other moms are going to stick up for you because they all care about themselves and their daughter(s) just like you.

Abby! Stop screaming! Well, that can go to the rest of the moms too. Stop screaming!

What do you guys think? Watch the show? I’d love to hear.

 

Get the Brass Ring!

So, since styling my Saki look the other day, I’ve been obsessed with trying to find a brass ring. What is a brass ring? Well, let me tell you.

Brass Rings are just what it’s names implies, a small ring made out of brass. The catch with these rings is how you can obtain one.

Back in the day, when carousels were the biggest  thing since sliced bread, carousels use to have these little dispensers at the side that had these brass rings. If you were lucky enough to catch one, you either got a  prize or more than likely a free ride. Some carousels only had one brass ring per ride and a whole bunch of steel ones, that made it more of a competition.  You might think this would be an easy task, but it is not. I mean, you only have a real chance if you can get the luck of the draw. And, I know that some carousels go pretty fast.

Another fun fact is that the expression “go for the brass ring” or “grab the brass ring” came from this carousel game.  A free ride is a free ride, so I think I would try to go for one of them too! The brass ring is also mentioned in several books, like J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye.”

Unfortunately, there are only a handful of carousels in the United States that actually still use the brass ring concept. A quick Google search said that due to many accidents involving children, it became unfavorable.

Today, I went to Coney Island, my birthplace and hometown, to see the changes. I know that the B&B Carousel had been bought by the City of New York, but they have yet to put it somewhere.  Articles say they want to put it somewhere closer to Luna Park. I remember riding that carousel when I was a child. I really wished I knew of that brass ring at the time, I know my dare-devil self would have wanted to get that prize. My wish is that if they do restore the B&B Carousel, that they do include the brass ring game. I think it would be so much fun, and I would hate to see this game die out.  My Coney Island is amazing. Don’t you think so? My whole childhood is there.

What do you guys think? Have you ever gotten a brass ring? Want to give me one to complete my Saki look?

If you are reading this, comment below and let’s discuss! I would love to hear it.

Polyvore Fun: Eden of the East

Eden of the East Saki look by sushixuxaaaa featuring slip on shoes

I got really bored today, and I finally opened a Polyvore account. For this look, I was inspired by Eden of the East: Paradise Lost.  This is Saki’s costume. I really loved her pink dress in this movie. It was simple yet very pretty. And the same with the shoes. In the movie she had red shoes, and I thought it went well with her pink dress (which normally I wouldn’t match red and pink together.) However, I thought that the shoes looked better as flats as apposed to the sneakers, like in the movie.  Then I chose to have a simple brown sling bag, to match the one in the movie. Finally, the hardest thing I had to look for was the green jacket. I know the one in the movie was shorter and lighter in color, but I liked this one better.

Oh yeah, you can’t forget the accessories. In the movie, Saki has a brass ring from a carousel around her neck. While these brass rings are rare today, why not accessorize this look with a accessorize brass necklace? The one I picked was a vintage bullet, but anything can work for this look.

the reason I love this look, and not not because this anime is awesome, is because its so simple, yet cute.

Tell me what you think! Have you seen this anime before? Comment!

There are some sick people in this world.

I was going to write something about fashion today, but I felt like this was way more important. If you haven’t watched the news then I suggest you read this article right here.

During the midnight premier of Christoper Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, 24-year-old James Holmes snuck into a Colorado movie theater and starting shooting people without saying nothing.  The article also stated that Holmes was wearing a costume, but it was a midnight premier, so many people were in costume that night.

What sickens me even more is the fact that there were so many children present at the primer. imagine, sending your child to a seemingly harmless movie showing, and only to find out that a shooting occurred. I don’t know how I would act to something like that. It makes me sad.  According to the article, the youngest person present was about 4-months old and the oldest was 45-years-old. There were a lot of accounts of a little girl laying lifeless on the floor.

The article also stated that he used tear-gas before he started shooting. And witnesses said that he started shooting people who were trying to escape.

Currently, the death toll is at 12 people and many of the victims were taken to local hospitals for injuries, some in critical condition.

Another thing that bothers me, is how young the shooter is. Maybe it’s because we are close in age, but it frightens me that anyone, regardless what age, can do something as horrible as this.

I know that the world isn’t perfect, nor that all people are good. However, it still shocks me whenever I hear news like this. I mean, you think something as innocent and a movie premier would be okay, and then something like this happens. Still, I want to believe that there are more good people than bad.

My heart and prayers go out to the people affected by this tragedy, especially to those with kids or those whose loved ones have died. I hope that James Holmes gets what he deserves when he is in court.

What about you guys? Tell me what you think.

Baccano! I want more!

I did mention I was a bored student, right? It is even a deadlier combination when you are bored and have a Netflix account. Mix in a Roku box and big screen TV (all belonging to my wonderful parents), you’ve got yourself a couch potato.

I’ve been meaning to watch Baccano! ever since I heard that it was by the same guy who did Durarara!. Right from the opening song (Guns &Roses by Paradise Lunch), I knew that this was going to be good.

Set in the the Big Apple, this anime is told in a non-linear fashion. Which mean, that if you do not watch every episode you are going to be confused the whole time. There are a lot of elements to this story. Basically, without giving too much away, it’s about these group of people who drink an elixir giving them an immortal life. The characters, who have never met before hand, begin to meet and start making a ruckus all around Manhattan during the 1930s. (Fun fact! Baccano actually means ruckus in Italian!)

What I love most about this show are the characters. Baccano! has a plethora of them, it is hard to choose who is your favorite. You have alchemist, mafia, bootleggers, crazy killers, thieves, thugs, and just plan weird ones. And, to make it better, the story-line all fits. It did not drag nor was the plot line too confusing.

The dub was made by FUNinmation, and they did a phenomenal job. Again, the setting was in the 1930s, but they nailed it with all of the talented voice actors. The accents were on point and the dialogue was flawless. I liked that they included some slang terms as well, it made it much more believable and realistic. They also had wonderful accents (Everything from New Yorker to Italian Mobster.) I love it!

My only complaint, is that it was way too short. Sure, the main story-line was resolved (?) but there are so many questions left unanswered. So many characters that I want to see more. And, this is not so spoilery, but there is this scene in the first episode with all the characters in one room, and that’s it. We never see half of those characters again. Who are they? What do they do to the story?

Well, the light novels are still going one, maybe I’ll read those. What do you guys think? I’d love to hear it!

And as an extra treat, here is the opening to the anime. It is really cool and it fits it so perfectly. Baccano OP 

I hope you guys check it out if you haven’t seen it.