I just wanted to thank all the people who take more than a glance at my blog. I didn't think that I would have been able to keep it up for this long without knowing that some people appreciate it. So here is a picture for all of you! More shall be forthcoming! Thank you for your patronage!!!

Tora-Con! The Final Update

Hello! Tora-Con is now behind us and I've come to post the fun and merriments! The first day was sooo busy; lines to the artist alleys and vendors were, for lack of a better word, LOOOOOONG! But so worth it. So VERY worth it. 

I bought so many cool pictures! The artists are just so good! They give me something to aspire to. My favorite poster is one with Supergirl on it, flying in space, with the earth far below her in the backround. I love waking up to that poster. Most of the pictures I bought have a similar theme to them: strong women. When I look at them, I'm inspired to try to do better each day; to try and be a strong woman like Supergirl, or CatWoman, or Yoruichi from Bleach.

And now, for the pictures you all have been waiting for. The cosplay pictures! So many people had cool outfits. And thankyou, to my dear friend for sending me all the pictures she took! My silly phone won't let me take pictures!! 

All amazing! Can you guess which one I am? And if someone says Sailor Moon, I'm gonna cyber-smack them. 

My favorite part of the whole Convention was meeting Mike McFarland. He voices such well-known characters as Master Roshi and, my personal favorite, Lt. Jean Havoc. He's a hilarious guy and we all got to shake hands with him after a question and answer panel. When I asked him where the voice for Ritsu Sohma came from, he responded: "A soft-spoken, quiet place that screams!" 

My other favorite part was the 'Name That Anime Image' panel. It was so energetic and fun. I was so bad at it, though! I always prided myself on how much anime and manga I though I knew. But after that one panel, I must admit, I feel completely and utterly inadequate. Lesson taken away from the panel? I must watch more anime. I think that if I don't sleep for the next few months I can catch up.

Most awesome thing I bought? A Durarara! wall scroll and the complete collection of E'S Otherwise. Creepiest cosplay there? A weeping angel from Doctor Who that had it's sights set on me. Seriously scary. I tried my best not to look away or blink! I finally hid behind my friend and the angel stopped. EEK! Cutest thing I bought? A round, yellow kitty plushie that I named Shizuo. Lol.

Well, I shall close this post for now. IF ANY OF YOU WERE THERE, PLEASE TELL ME! Let me know what fun you had and if you cosplayed! Thanks!!! 

UPDATE TORACON!!!!

Before I begin, let me just say: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! 

The amazing CosplayHouse has been with me from the hard beginning! They have put up with my anxious calls and worrisome inquiries. Then, finally today, the costume arrived. Not only did it arrive, but it arrived EXPRESS mail directly from China. Which means that the company's costumer satisfaction comes before the usual protocols of just sending it through Priority Mail. 

This would have been enough to cause me to celebrate, but then I opened the beautifully packaged outfit and discovered that not only had the costume exceeded my previous expectations, but that it also looks super cute on me!!! I won't have any pictures of myself in it yet, but I'm going to post a pic below this of the character I'm going as.

Noel Vermillion. Blazblue for PSVita. Main character other than Ragna. Check out the game for yourselves; it's amazing. 

I literally called CosplayHouse in California again just to thank them profusely. The girl on the phone knows me by name at this point and has helped me through all my calls. I think I startled her by calling just to thank her...

Anywho. This post is at it's end for now, but I have one more thing to say: Choco-chan, YOU WERE SO RIGHT ABOUT AMNESIA. That anime is one for the books. Anybody who hasn't seen it, look it up on Animecrazy.net. They have eleven out of the twelve episodes posted so far.

SOOOO BUSY! >< SORRY!

Sorry I haven't posted in quite a while. I've been fluctuating between being busy and being sick. Let me just say this simple truism: making a resume is tedious. And I'm glad that I now have one that I can just copy and paste. BUT! There has been movement on the job front! I am excited to say that I may have a job really soon. I'll just be substitute starting out but the way I hear it, I may have a real position soon! AHHH!

On the ToraCon front: I ordered an outfit quite some time ago and just called today to verify the progress on it. IT'S A GOOD THING I DID. I would've been sooooo worried and sad! The date that I thought the outfit was being delivered by wasn't going to be when I received it! Thankfully, they say that I can call back tomorrow and find out if they can send it by the time I really need it. HOPEFULLY, everything will work out! This is the first time I'm cosplaying and I really want it to go well.

Other than that, I at least know that my entry into ToraCon is set. I got my confirmation email about a week ago saying that my badge is ready!!! I'm going with a few friends and I'm so excited!!! If things go well with my friends' cosplay order, I'll be accompanied by Cloud Strife and Monkey D. Luffy. The friend who is going as Monkey says he may go as The Doctor instead, so I can't say for sure on that one.

Okay, so that all accounts for the busy half. The other half is SICK. But I have to say, I earned it. I just recently started babysitting for some family and friends and two of those times included a three month old cutie. (Yes, changing diapers for the first time was... interesting.) He's such a cutie!! Seriously, this is the best baby in the world! He is so quiet! Anyway, bottom line? I f you're going to be around kids, expect to get sick. Oh, I should clarify that it wasn't the little three month old who got me sick. Although, he did sneeze into my hair once. It would've been cute if it weren't me. LOL.

ANYWHO! I shall post soon. I have lots of stuff to update you all on... after I find out myself the results.

Liebster Award Update! River nominated me!

SOOOO here we go! Thank you River for nominating me back!! I feel so loved. Anywho- I'm going to answer her eleven questions here.

1.) If you could have named yourself(not given name by parents), what name would you have chosen?

Hmmm... this is tough one. I used to hate my name, but now I've kinda grown into it. People kept telling me how pretty it was and I guess I finally started believing them. But if I had to choose a different name, I think I would choose... DeAnna. I think that name is pretty. And it's from Star Trek (even though it's from Generations).

2.) Your dream job/career?

A Mangaka. For sure. Not everyone knows what that is so I'll define it here: a creator of manga. I've always loved to draw and it's my dream to finally draw out a whole series and have it published. My dream is to have my ideas brought to life, you know? First as a manga and then in an anime.

3.) What types of books do you like reading? (Like, romance or adventure? List a few.)

OoOoOooo! I love reading manga! And when it comes to the type of books/manga, I like adventures and romance put together. I like drama and suspense. I like... Well, I guess it all depends on my mood. Lately, I've been into the abnormal. I like stories that seem normal, but then BAM! Sudden shock! I DON'T like stupid stories about vampires, ghosts, and all that. I prefer aliens and zombies.

4.) What do you think you were in a previous life?

Well, I don't believe in reincarnation, so this is a tough question to answer. But I think if I could be anything, I would like to be a cat.

5.) Did you start your blog to write stories or keep track of the events in your life? In other words, why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I wanted to have a place to share my work. I love getting feedback on my art and I thought this would be an easy way to get many peoples' opinions. I had been disappointed with previous attempts to get my art out there and judged, so I finally designed a website. All this, and my cat Sapphire demanded that the world be known of her existence. 

6.) What is the question you find silliest that you have asked someone? Describe the reaction of the other party!

Hmmm. I've asked a lot of silly and stupid questions. More stupid than silly... let's see if I can remember one. Hmmm.... OH! Oh my gosh! This was the silliest question ever! It was stupid too. I was in elementary school and we took a field trip to a place in town that had helped hide slaves way back when. The tour guide asked us if we had any questions and I asked: "Did you help hide the slaves?" It was a totally serious question and I didn't realize at the time that I was a little off time wise. Everyone laughed. Even my teacher.

7.) What would you do if you only have 24 hours left to live?

I would pray and hope that God forgives me for my mistakes enough so that I wake up on the other side of Paradise. I would tell everyone I love them and I'll see them soon.

8.) You are to be sent off to another livable world with other creatures in it. If you could take only one thing along, just one, what would it be?

An awesome translator.

9.) Describe your imaginary friend/character. (I'm pretty sure everyone has one, right? If not, describe the personality of a person you would like to meet someday.)

Oddly enough, I never had an imaginary friend. Even when I was little. So, I guess I'd want to meet someone who has the same values as me and who can understand me. Someone who doesn't take stuff personally when I'm cranky. And who is there for me when I need them, even if I don't know when that is.

10.) Do you LOVE the moon? *Holds shotgun at your head* Choose your answer wisely...

Sure I do. I take a lot of pictures of the moon. It's so pretty when it's full or a crescent. I love looking at the sky. Oh, and holding a shotgun at my head didn't make me nervous at all! *Nervous laughter*

11.) (I'm gonna copy this question from Sabrina because I love it lots!) Will you be my friend? *Puppy eyes looks up pleadingly at you*

Why not? Who can resist those eyes?

And that is all, my friends! Until next time! Please continue reading my blog!!!!

LIEBSTER AWARD!!!! AAAHHHHH!

EEEEEEE! I've been nominated for something! This is the first time I've been nominated for anything! I feel so honored  *tear*. Okay, so this is for the Liebster Award. The rules are:

1. 11 facts about yourself 
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger who nominated you left.
3. Ask 11 new questions for those who you nominate.
4. Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate.
5. Go to each blogger's page and let them know about the award.
6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

Thank you so much for nominating me Chibiko!!!!! You've always been there for me as a helping hand! And now I guess I'll tell you all a little about me. :)  hmmm....

1.)   As you all can probably tell from my blog, I LOVE cats! They are just so cute. I mean, come on, who doesn't love this face? 

They're independent and have such personalities! And nothing is better than when you wake up one cold morning and there is a ball of fur nestled into your side, purring.

2.)    I love to draw. This is also seen on my blog. I've been drawing for a long time; ever since I discovered the beauty of anime/manga. Odd fact about me: before I started drawing in manga style, the only thing I would draw was horses. So much so that my nickname in sign-language is the sign for horses with the letter "B". 

3.)     It's kind of weird, but I love to sing Disney movie songs. I love to sing in general, but  if you ever hear me singing in the shower (THE best place to sing, btw. Love those acoustics!) you'll hear me belting out The Little Mermaid. Or Pocahontas. Love the classics; even Snow White. 

4.)     My favorite music is alternative. I think I like it most because it has a wide range to choose from. I get bored easily and if you ever share earphones with me while listening to my IPod, you'll prolly get annoyed. I change songs randomly and at any time. My favorite station to listen to is 90.5 WBER. They are the bomb. My favorite band is Florence and The Machine and Radiohead.

5.)     It's a weird hobby, but I love watching cheesy B movies. These are the movies that the sci-fi channel are always playing during the day when I'm busy *sigh of frustration*. I like cheesy horror movies that are still a little scary but are so cheesy and fake looking that you just laugh throughout the whole thing. I WILL NOT watch any movies that are demonic in nature! EVER. I love zombie movies.

6.)     I love to read. I devour manga like it's going out of style (which would never happen). My favorite series in manga is currently Bakuman. In novels: The Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. 

7.)     I love anything by Hiyao Miyazaki. Also anything by Akira Kurosawa. He directed the original Seven Samurai which The Magnificent Seven was based on. It is SO worth it to watch, even though the movie is so long that they have a literal intermission in the middle.

8.)     My Little Pony is amazing. I am an avid lover of Fluttershy and DJ Pon3. I am also proud to say that I do an excellent Pinkie Pie impersonation. If anyone is going to Toracon this year, look for the girl in a Wonderbolts hoodie with pony ears on the top.

9.)      When I was little, after my sisters and I saw Legally Blonde, we all wanted to become lawyers.  HA.  On an unrelated note, my mom said that whenever she went shopping, people thought she was feeding a family of boys. I love having a good metabolism. :)

10.)      I have two sisters. They are both older than me; I'm the baby of the family. I am taller than them now. *Internal laughter*

11.)      Uuuuuummmm.... I once participated in a public library hosted Fear Factor for kids. It entailed three grueling rounds of eating bugs. LIVE ONES. I signed a waiver and got third place.  

OKAY!!!!! Now to answer the 11 questions that Chibiko left for me on her site.

1.) Why did you start blogging and how long?

Well, I originally started blogging because I wanted a place to get my art out there in the world. I've been blogging for maybe 2 months now? I also love to get people's opinions on things and this seemed the best way.

2.) Who is your dream man and describe in great detail!!

Tall, dark, and handsome. LOL. True, but I also want to find a man that is spiritually strong and active. That way I know he has the same standards as me and treats people the way God teaches us to treat each other. Someone who's going to put Jehovah ahead of me. I know that sounds weird, but if he puts God ahead of me, then he'll always treat me right and have the right priorities. We'll get to paradise together.

3.) Any pets?

Hee Hee. I have my darling baby Sapphire. She is the Queen of the house. She is a gorgeous american shorthair calico. She has 'tude. The family I live with also have cats. There's Sweetie, Big Boy, Mama, Tippy, and Baby Girl. There is also one random dog in the mix; a puppy named Madison. It's a crazy house.

4.) If you are a manga freak, what if your favorite manga/anime out there? If not, what is your favorite book and why?

OOPS. I accidentally answered this one already. But I guess I could elaborate. I love the manga Bakuman. It's about a duo of manga enthusiasts who are determined to make it in the mangaka world. I love it because it's true to the way things really are. It's written and drawn by two manga pros: Tsugumi Ohba(author) and Takeshi Obata(artist). You may recognize these two from the popular title of Death Note.

5.) Favorite food when you were a kid and why.

My favorite food when I was a kid is still my favorite food today. It's my mom's homemade macaroni and cheese. This is no ordinary mac 'n cheese. This has THREE different kinds of cheese in it. Not to mention the layer of shredded cheese melted over the top. Not to mention the layer of crumbled Ritz crackers on the top of that. When you break the surface of this baked mac 'n cheese, steam rolls out to meet you. The cheese inside stretches as you pull out a spoonful of deliciousness. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

6.) Be serious, if you could describe a perfect life, how would you?

Psalms 37: 10,11. Isaiah 65: 21-23. Revelation 21: 4 'And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain by anymore. The former things have passed away.' Acts 24: 15 'And I have hope toward God, which hope these men themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.' I fully believe this life is attainable in the near future. Who wouldn't want to see their dead loved ones or live in peace?

7.) Speak any second languages??? :D

Sure do! Hablo espanol un pocito. Sacas puntas! I can't find the little accents to put above the letters or the upsidedown exclamation point.... :'( 

8.) What would your definition of beautiful be?

Hmmmm. My cat. Lol. JK. Beauty isn't something you can buy or pretend to have. It isn't something that you can identify at first glance. Beauty is being happy with who you are and being able to see who others are. It isn't how much makeup you wear or don't wear. And it's not only noticing the beauty in others, but in the world around you.

9.) What would your ideal date be if you had a boyfriend?

Hmmm. Hanging out with friends, seeing a movie and having dinner. The restuarant doesn't have to be special or anything; it's the company that makes it special. But if it were in the more serious stages of the relationship, I'd want him to take me somewhere nice.

10.) Do you like DARK or MILK chocolate? 

OOOOO! DARK!!!! I love chocolate! I could not live without it! And after my first taste of dark chocolate all those years ago, I haven't been able to go back. I don't even like the taste of milk chocolate anymore.

11.) What's your most embarrassing moments?

Hm. How many moments do I have to name? *Nervous laughter*  Well, let's see. When I was in elementary school, I walked into the boys bathroom by accident once. And to make matters worse, the boy I had a crush on was in there. Don't worry, he wasn't doing anything. *More nervous laughter* 

 I once passed out in gym class after a rigorous Pilates training.... I can only laugh at this one. One minute I'm standing next to my friend, the next, she's standing over me asking if I'm okay. 

More recently, a ten year old made fun of me because I can't snowboard to save my life. We were on the bunny hill conveyor belt lift and there was snow under my friend's board. She started to slide backwards into me and I started sliding into the ten year old behind me. We were all knocked down like Dominoes and they had to stop the lift. "Jeez," the snarky ten year old said, "I've only been doing this for three days and I'm better than that." Well, well, Mr. Smarty-Pants, that was my and my friend's FIRST day snowboarding! SO THERE!

Well, that's it! I hope you learned a bit more about me! NOW to nominate 11 others! The question are:

1.) Who is your favorite superhero and why? (Don't forget the girl ones!)

2.) If you could go anywhere in the world, and money was no issue, where would you go and why? (Bonus: who would you take with you?)

3.) There's a huge hurricane coming and you only have room for one more in your car. There's your best friend, who also saved your life. An old woman who needs to get to the hospital. And the love of your life. What would you do?

4.) If you could fly, would you do it Superman style, or would you have wings?

5.) What is your guilty pleasure that no one would guess?

6.) Where would you rather live? In the city, the woods, the countryside, or suburbia?

7.) What was your favorite movie as a kid? 

8.) What is your favorite, tried and true, cold remedy for when you are sick? I.E.:What do you like to do to make yourself comfortable? Who do you want around?

9.) Have you ever been in love?

10.) If you had to choose, would you rather be on Wipeout!, Fear Factor, or Lights Out!?

11.) Would you rather be raised by lions or wolves? Why?

I know my questions are strange... please answer them with all honesty! I look forward to responses. I hope you all have fun! :) 

These are my nominees!!!

1. ~River~  (Because you're my third follower!!! Thank you!)

2. DaqwanKoenig

3.) ThiaHarrisHan!!!!!

4.) Azalea

5.) Choco-chan Chibiko

Annnnd, that's all I have right now. I don't know many people online. T.T  (I'm really kinda choosy about who I talk to online...) Hopefully with this I'll get to know more people, though! THANK YOU!!!!