Hello, 2016

Here's what day 3 of this new year has been like:

READING

Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
A book picked purely because at one point in my life I'd been addicted to Season 1 of Veronica Mars in a way I hadn't felt about a TV series before. Currently about halfway through and the mystery and thrill levels are up.

Un-Fancy: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe and other posts
I'm not the most fashionable of girls and my wardrobe is a complete mess. I saw this linked on another person's Facebook wall and couldn't resist giving it a read to satisfy the Teen Vogue reader in me. Let's face it - some day I actually want to look more put together than I actually am.

Pitchfork: Albums of the Year 2015 Honorable Mentions mostly for future reference
I'm constantly trying to find new music. Semi-consciously, I tend to stray away from the mainstream and go for the indie or the underdog. Sometimes, that ends up with weird music and me listening to things for the wrong reason. This is a list from which I hope to find something new to love.

LISTENING

Galaxy Swim Team releases, in particular:
- into stardust by astroskeleton, which I listened to in full and found no harm in downloading
- lumine by bansheebeat, which I listened to in part, mostly only "lumine" and "polestar"
- [GST-01], because I wanted to get an idea of the label (I am mid-listen and liked "take me with you" by SYNCHRONICITY)
- a sentimental cry by clover & sealife, something I only got halfway through yesterday because I enjoyed the production but needed to get over the not-quite-as-satisfactory singing

Car Seat Headrest
"Something Soon" and "The Ending of Dramamine" in the first 11 minutes of this KEXP live session because someone on Tumblr posted some really well-shot photos of the frontman and, let's be honest, I have a weakness when it comes to those glasses and that kind of hair. Terrible, I know. Anyway, from what I've heard I am not quite into this kind of music. But I will probably give it another chance in another mood.

FEELING

I Skyped with Katherine earlier this evening and what lingered with me is the consideration of feeling lonely, after all these holidays are over and the rush of family time has passed. It's one thing to stay connected with all the people you know and love and a different thing to spend time in their physical presence. Even though absence is the lack of presence, "nothing", it can still be felt.

And it's that feeling which has settled into me as I've read the slightly chilling Veronica Mars mystery, as I've listened to the spacey sounds of astroskeleton, and the seemingly angsty and distanced vocals of Car Seat Headrest. Honestly, I've tried to move away from lingering in this weird place of loneliness and hyperawareness of the realities of life. I try as best as I can to listen to pop music, to chiptune that moves me emotionally to positive feelings. I avoid thinking about space because it reminds me of nothingness, death, and our fleeting existence. I drown myself in media so I don't drown myself in thoughts.

I know that it is up to me to make 2016 as good, emotionally, as I want it to be. I also know that fears are normal things to have and that they shouldn't constantly be ignored. There will be good in every day, as long as I choose to see it. Skyping with Katherine is a strong example, and will continue to be one in the months to come.

Some other great things from today: sharing Buca's with loved ones (even though amazingly, someone named Roman had reserved for exactly the same time as we had), hearing the youngest sister go through piano books to learn a little bit, and hearing from G about potential planner-things. It's all been encouraging me to do more, such as returning to this blog.

We'll see, 2016. Whatever you hold, I'm sure I'll find something I love, soon.

Me: Do you ever listen to music you dont particularly like cuz you think the artist is cute?? I was trying to find new vaporwave but 2016 music hasn't been satisfying enough...

G: That is literally Kpop

G: So much of the music is just trash

G: But I'm too deep it starts sounding good..... 

XO
R

Secret Santa 2015

What up homies!!! Another year has come and gone so I have returned to this blog for the sole purpose of putting some things I covet in a single place. If you're my Santa, just know that I will enjoy anything you get me, even if it's not on my list. New things are just a lot of fun.

~*Calendar preferences*~

• monthly calendar: wall or desk is fine
• size doesn't matter because I don't tend to write on calendars; only planners (bonus: small enough to carry around?)
• I really don't like having real people pictures on calendars. Pretty please don't force me under the gaze of a stranger ;_;
• art preferences: Monet, other impressionist artists, trees, nature, sunlight, cityscapes
• super bonus: handmade calendar with photos you chose (lol if it's of yourself. I guess you'd be the exception to the real people pictures)

~*2015 wishlist*~

MIX CD of music you like - dearest Santa, this is the only thing I really really really want for Christmas. If you can't make me a physical one, even an actual list of songs would suffice. I believe that the music we like, especially those we call our favorites, and especially those we share with others, creates strong bonds. Let me be bonded with you~ (but seriously; please help keep my music fresh and varied)

 

SHOULDER REST (~$20) - This is more a need than a want, exactly, but if you'd like to play it safe, I'd like a Kun shoulder rest, non-collapsible (original), for a 4/4 violin (full size) to replace my disintegrating one.

MUSIC STAND (~$30) - This is extremely practical but I would like a non-wire music stand such as this black Gearlux one, vented, because it has actually knobs to loosen and tighten at all the moving parts.

(A LIST OF) BOOKS - The thing about books is that there is little likelihood of me re-reading them, so sometimes these aren't the best investment. Doesn't mean I don't love reading them, though! A list of your favorites? Your TBR list?

MASSAGE - If you can get me a $30 massage somewhere, or a certificate for a massage, that would increase my happiness levels immensely. My shoulder/neck bothers me now and then.

CONTOURING - If you're good with make-up, I'd want a dark shade of something that is nice to my face and can put in the hollows of my cheeks. Is this called bronzer? I think it's bronzer.

SOYMILK - Vanilla flavored soymilk is my new coffee creamer because it doesn't cost me an extra $0.50 if I make a barely passing attempt at a latte at home and it also doesn't make me exhausted like cow milk does.

NERDERY & MISC - I like Gravity Falls, Over the Garden Wall, science themed kitchenware, Professor Layton, Ace Attorney, Kuragehime, and Doctor Who, somewhat? Polaroid instax mini film is useful. Jellyfish and cat motifs are A+++. I currently have been listening to Macklemore and Estelle though my heart goes to Fall Out Boy, the Hush Sound, and Bo-En. I like 80s shoujo, spring, and fall clothes/color schemes and would dare someone to buy me clothes lol. Please, do not get me celery under any circumstances.

Things I kind of already have too much of BUT would still make me happy:

• glittery eyeshadow - ($5 at The Face Shop) I'm not skilled with makeup at all but I kind of want this creamy glittery stick in brown or the pinkish/coralish or even the purplish color. (Over Girl Edge Stick Eyes) 

 

• deco/washi tape - ~$3-7 each; The washis I have are mostly simply patterned; I don't have a lot of solid color or thin washis like those in the pictured set, but I like cute things like animals, happy colors/patterns, and vintage/scrapbook-like designs... the MT brand in the Stickerrific store could easily drain my bank account.
• hair bows - $2-7 each; I wear these but also try to shy away from being super girly or have something that stands out immensely, like the color yellow. Also, if it doesn't have an alligator clip with teeth, it won't stay in my hair. Alternatively, you could buy me a ton of these clips so I can make my own bows. (:

• office/craft/art supplies - My greatest weakness. I'm starting to want pens with as thin of a nib (?) as possible, ~0.38 mm or less! If anything, maybe a set of  watercolor cakes with mixing pans (~$15-20; I already have watercolor pencils and waterbrushes...)? Or a book that can teach me how to do them?
• Lupicia tea - ~$6-10 for a bag of 10 teabags; Though really, I have too much tea.

• art prints - I tell myself not to purchase prints because they're not extremely useful. But I 've been eyeing out Crowd and Sea Uribo & Jellyfish amongst many other beautiful prints by maruti-bitamin.

When shopping gets tough:
Don't worry Santa. A Barnes and Nobles gift card, Amazon giftcard, Starbucks giftcard, or cash would be fine... as long as you give me a list of new tunes to listen to with it :P (please no iTunes cards though).

Thank you Santa!

All the 3DS games I currently desire

With the holiday season's bestowing of gift cards and money, I have been pondering what I'd like to spend them on. There's a list of things that I should buy -- a list that includes items such as no-show socks and blouses - and a list of things that I could buy. The latter is a list of splurges; It is a list of unneeded yet coveted things. The most notable type of item on that list is "3DS game".

When I got my 3DS about a year ago, that was a splurge within itself. I spent a good portion of my earnings from my first "real (ish) job" ever on buying that purple beauty. I didn't purchase it on sale - or even look to see if there were any sales. I just went to GameStop, swiped my card, and got it.

I currently own three games for the 3DS. Back then I purchased Pokémon Y so that I could play it on the flight and during down time on our quartet trip to New Mexico. I haven't made much progress on it since then so even now I haven't yet finished the main 8 gyms. I only went through the climax of the main storyline last month when I realized I had made such poor progress.

After the trip in January I purchased Animal Crossing: New Leaf because I really wanted to be a villager (or should I say hoarder?). We had an Animal Crossing game for the Nintendo GameCube but I couldn't get into that at all. However, I got stuck to this 3DS version and still enjoy it, but after I missed Toy Day festivities during the holiday season I have been sadly neglecting my poor town. My house, at least, has been fully expanded and I've completed my joke book, so I've been contented somewhat with my progress. Oh, I also probably stopped because things became a huge mess in my town there... Just like in real life.

For my sister's birthday in the summer I purchased her Rune Factory 4 (she was addicted to Harvest Moon and this just takes it to another level) which is the last of the three games I own for the 3DS. I don't play this game at all. My sister just sneaks my 3DS away and plays this when I'm not paying attention, which is just fine by me because at least it's being put to use.

Anyway, with this current collection of games, I keep feeling like I want something else to do. I enjoy the running around and the mundane tasks, such as shopping and collecting items, but I do want more adventure, battle, and conflict. More of a storyline! But anyway, here are the games I currently desire for the 3DS, but likely will purchase only one of if I purchase anything at all.

#1: Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Why I want it: I love Level-5. My collection of Professor Layton games for the DS is still growing. They are the only games that I have ever come close to finishing, and I love the style of them with such an ardor I can't bear to part with them (okay, that's kind of dramatic). I've only recently actually played a Phoenix Wright game (though I had understood the gist of them prior) and I enjoy the process of the trials. This game was the TRUE reason I told myself to buy a 3DS (other than the obvious reason of not wanting to be left behind by my other Nintendo-faithful friends), since I wanted to be able to own all Professor Layton games that were produced. Now that I've experienced Phoenix Wright somewhat, too, I definitely want this game. I just love the thrill of investigation and puzzles and finding out the TRUTH by using FACTS and REASONING (for the most part). Plus, sleuthing.

Why I shouldn't get it: I really don't need another puzzle game right now. I mean, I've finished most of the Layton games we own (I think?) but... I could spend money on the other Professor Layton games that I haven't purchased yet... (I lost count of what I own and how many there are that I could own).

#2: Pokémon Alpha Sapphire

Why I want it: I owned Sapphire for the GBA back in the day. I made a special connection to it because Sapphire is my birthstone! Plus, I had a Wailmer and a Wooper that I loved. Except one day, when the clunky metal-looking DS was out, my sister was using it to play Sapphire and lost the whole thing (DS and game cartridges) at some store. I wasn't with them at the time, so she just came home empty handed and I was heartbroken. I still kind of hold a grudge towards her. Anyway, I never got to finish that game so I'd like to take a new stab at it in a form that I hopefully can keep with me for many years to come. I haven't finished any Pokémon games so it hasn't grown old for me, yet!

Why I shouldn't get it: You know how I just said that I haven't finished a Pokémon game yet in my life? This definitely includes Pokémon Y and I probably should finish that game before buying any more Pokémon games. C'mon, I don't really need two of the same sort of thing (but they're so different, I know! That generation hits home!).

#3: Fantasy Life

Why I want it: Again, Level-5. It means my confidence level is super high for me enjoying this game. It looks super cute with RPG elements. And the BARS to fill. Boy do I love filling bars. It leads to a great feeling of progress for every little thing. We have Dokamon Kingdom for the Wii (by Atlus) and I enjoy that to an extent (its board-game movement gets kind of bothersome). I haven't actually played through an RPG game since the thought of putting in the time to level up skills is daunting, but I think the design and cuteness (CUTENESS!!!!!) would keep me hooked. Did I mention those bars? Oh, and ALCHEMIST? And getting to do everything because you don't have to be just one job ever??? I'm excited just thinking about it.

Why I shouldn't get it: RPGs and their bars are still RPGs and their bars no matter how cute it looks. I don't know if I would ever be able to reach a sense of satisfaction witht his game or even feel satisfied regularly with my progress. I got kind of bogged down in Animal Crossing due to the tedium of selling cleaning doing etc. so I don't know if I really truly could stick through an entire RPG. Did I mention that I tried one of the Final Fantasy games for GBA and, while entertained, kept getting tired out of it? This meant that I played it in spurts, with long breaks in between because I quickly got tired of what I needed to do. This was a problem because then when I'd get back to playing, I'd have no idea what I was supposed to be doing in terms of the storyline or what my next plan of action was.

#4: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Why I want it: I went to the Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses concert (tickets for my sisters were their Christmas gifts) and was really intrigued when they showed footage from this during the corresponding movement. While my sisters occasionally (more than occasionally?) play Zelda (which is why they really wanted to go to this concert) I, on the other hand, have hardly played more than the ten minute Windwaker demo that came along with some collectors edition thing. I'm even at a loss to what it's called. So, while aspects of the folklore that were shared were familiar to me, much of it was foreign and very very very enchanting. I'm up for trying a game with lots of plot and periodic boss battles. By battles I mean actual battles - not just turn based picking of moves or battling with the strength of mind. Do you see what kind of games I tend to play? The battles look cute and almost like puzzles within themselves, and from what I saw, the story is something that would draw me to continue with curiosity and a motivating eeriness.

Why I shouldn't get it: Would I really play it? What if purchasing it would just be a move akin to pulling out the wrong block in Jenga -- except the tower falling over is the one I erected to retain the self-control that has kept me from getting immersed in really large game storylines? Will I become like my sisters???

Anyway, I figured I'd get that all off my chest -- or rather, out of mind. I think I could be pleased if I purchased one just from the joy of having something new to experience but I know that at this time buying new videogames would not be the best use of resources for my purposes in life. Which is... to move on from the way I am now. No way am I giving up games of any sort, but I no longer feel like it is the wisest of decisions since there are so many other things I want to do. We'll see.

Secret Santa 2014

Dear Santa,

I don't know if you'd think I've been a good girl this year so I'll leave it to you to decide my future... which can be quite dependent on the physical items that may come into my possession.

I am a fairly practical type of person who has done enough excess collecting of necessary yet unnecessary items. Suffice to say that there are some things, though appealing to me, that I would advise you to stay away from because I think you would like to avoid feeding my increasing habit for hoarding. So please Santa, I suggest you save your money and  refrain from purchasing the following items for me:

no-no's:
- perfume (TT_TT ... though I wish for more of Philosophy's Falling in Love scent)
- notebooks/planners (I love them so much but... its getting out of hand)
- craft supplies such as washi tape, pens, sticky notes (though I wouldn't mind G2 ink refills)
- cups & tea (I swear... my collection... is not being brewed)
- hair accessories

If I wanted to continue nursing the lazy spoiled monster inside of me that knows money can probably be spent on other things...

super indulgents:
- [~$32] Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney  (for 3DS)
- [$15-30] Princess Jellyfish DVDs

practical & kind of reasonables:
- a long-handled eyeshadow brush (or multiple? I don't think I'll ever learn to use more than one)
- boooooooks? anything Haruki Murakami (maybes 1Q84) or John Green (maybe Paper Towns)
- [~$15] House of Leaves by Danielewski
- no-show socks! ** very much a necessity I think
- cutesy handmade (???) phone strap charm thing with a bell so I can locate it
- poem anthologies or Spanish-language novels/children's books
- cheapie headphones or cheapie fashion watches
- 1-5 lb weights or a pilates block or exercise ball or a jump rope!

CDs
- Relient K's Four Score and Seven Years Ago or Forget and Not Slow Down
- Motion City Soundtrack's GO
- a mix CD of your making (I would love this so much!!! TBH I don't care for anything else really!)

Finally, I'm sure time is short in your hands and I know I should be making my own decisions... so if you think I should take more responsibility...

money in various forms:
- Amazon gift card (no iTunes)
- Barnes & Nobles card
- things to get me closer to a Starbucks gold card

Anyway... Santa, I'm sure you have a better understanding of me than I have of myself. I just want a happy holiday season with lots of laughs and good times, so I would be content with whatever surprise you have in store for me. <3 p="">

Thank you Santa! To be edited after pondering...

Romee

Things I want to spend all my paychecks on but probably shouldn't:

1) Backpack by Audrey Jeanne, current Artist in Residence right now at Le Sportsac. The print is called Party Time and there are these dancing, music-playing, party animals having a downright good time. I WANT THIS SO BAD. But I keep telling myself there are more things that I could get with $150 that I actually need...

2) Tote from Helena Christensen x Kipling collection. I know I would use this a lot since it's so gigantic and that same, durable quality I like about Kipling... But do I really need it? (Tell me no!) The terrible fact about these limited-time things is that they really do encourage me to buy things now, while they're still available. 

3) Nintendo 3DS in Midnight Purple. It's purple! Purple. I haven't seen a purple Nintendo thing since the Gameboy Color! Need there be any more reason to buy it besides the fact that it's a glorious purple? I know there are reasons I shouldn't, like the fact that I already have at least three games that I would probably buy for this system. That would eat up a paycheck in a heartbeat.

4) Swatch - Random Ghost. I thought I wanted one of this Swatch series where you can see the cogs/gears some time ago, but I previously had made the decision not to get one, partially because I was content with the one I had and partially because my sister got a white one for her birthday from her friends. However, my interest is renewed because this one is TRANSPARENT. I kind of only want it now because I saw a cute guy was wearing it at the Colleges Against Cancer car wash this past weekend... But I'd better not get it just for that reason. That would probably be just as well, because I think my sister would call me a biter if I got one. I don't like it as much as I love my leather (I think?) watch, which is currently out of battery and sad and sitting on my dorm room desk. ):

2013 Secret Santa Wishlist

Yep, it has really been a year since I've touched this blog. At this point, it seems I only ever touch it for Secret Santa purposes, and that's only because I don't want to make it on Tumblr. Which is just as well, because right now I'm on a self-imposed Tumblr ban for the sake of grades (maybe? don't know if it's helping because I started using that Twitter account I created to post nonsense).

Anyway, here's my list of ever-practical wishes for Christmas. The order doesn't matter.

Santa, I'm okay if you don't get me anything on this list.

1. Make-up things:

• Clinique's Different Lipstick in TENDERHEART
• I got a sample of this in a Clinique bonus and I likeeeeeee it. It's probably going to be the only lipstick I will say that I want EVER, but to be honest, I don't necessarily need a $15 stick of stuff for my lips that just ends up disappearing when I stuff my face. If I do get one I'd only start using it after I finished the sample, and who knows when that'll happen?
• Brush(es) maybe? (no link)
• I was thinking I'd probably just buy an eyeshadow brush (and maybe other standard things) someday but I'm sure that you all potentially know more about this stuff better than me... So if you'd like to do me a favor and pick a nice, non-irritating, reasonable one for me that'd be cool but if not  -- that's okay, I feel ya. I also would then need to think about what product is in my possession that I would be applying with said brushes...
• NO:
• Nail polish. I seriously need to go through the bottles I have and use them up.

2. Reusable drink things:

• Some sort of WATER BOTTLE/thermos!
• I'd prefer that it not be of plastic and not have a built in straw or straw hole. I think I like glass over metal... But as long as the bottle can be opened to be cleaned, I'd be happy. It would be nice if the cap was attached in some way and was easier to open than a screw-cap, but I can deal~ I would ideally like this to be kind of "thin" like a water bottle rather than mug sized, diameter wise. I would like to be able to refrigerate this thing with ease.
• Handy Cooler half (any color)  or Handy Cooler (any color)
• So that I can put tea brewed in any of the other manners I am able to (tea bag, tea infuser, teapot press thing) into the fridge to cool. Or just make cold tea in it right away.
• One of Starbucks weird chunky mug/tumblr things
• I don't want a normal smooth cup. I only really need a grande in terms of Starbucks... I also kind of oppose the straws...

3. Reading material:

• Novels/etc. in Spanish:
• La Casa en Mango Street
• maybe something by Isabelle Allende?
• Cien años de Soledad by Garcia Gabriel Marquez
• Spanish poetry or magazine
• I need to brush up on my Spanish before next semester, so I might as well do it in an entertaining way.
• NONFICTION SCIENCE
• I'm not asking for something like a textbook or an instructional book, but something thought provoking on any kind of science. 
• Reading seeds suggested by our Genetic's Professor
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
• Genome
• Island of the Colorblind
• Biopunk: Solving Biotech's Biggest Problems in Kitchens and Garages (bought and purchased this -- very enthralling)
• I remember receiving "The Art of the Calculus" or something from Mr. Nagaoka for some reason and reading it and feeling mildly interested in it harhar.
• John Green
• The Fault in our Stars
• I would read this over and over again even if it makes me sob uncontrollably. I love this book so much despite the pain it causes me and despite how much criticism it has received. 
• Paper Towns
• I've read this, but I wouldn't mind lingering on the idea of paper towns and paper people more.
• Haruki Murakami
• I already own these thanks to Alyssa!
• The Wind Up Bird Chronicle
• Norwegian Wood
• I already read IQ84 but I would so read it again.
• I'm sure I would be entranced by anything from him.

4. Food:

• HOT POCKETS as of 12/19 my Hot Pocket craving is NO MORE
• No candy
• No soda
• No granola bars

5. Miscellany Fillers:

• G2 pen ink refills in non-standard colors (i.e. anything besides black, blue, or red). I like purple and maroon.
• Washi tape, deco tape, fabric washi tape.
• Normal film. Like, 35 mm film. 
• Warm things: socks, scarves, comfy sweaters, layer-able things. (:

2012 Secret Santa Wishlist

Hello Santa!

Things to know about me:

• Fave color: purple
• Fave motif: things that look nature-y: leaves, swirly vines, little flowers, jellyfish

I will really be happy with nearly anything for Christmas! I kind of just really want to spend time with people... family, friends, quartet people, dorm people... Yeah, so indulge me!

Things I may want:

• Reading material! I like... fiction. But not really fantasy/romance/drama any more... I don't know what you'd call them. I would like poetry anthrology... maybe The Joy Luck Club, something by Haruki Marukami (have not read any), or even one of John Green's books (The Fault in Our Stars had me sobbing). Any book would be great though. I guess if all fails I would not mind a B&N gift card, but I love physical things more! 
• Headphones maybe? My iPod earbud things are okay but I usually end up breaking them when using them in the dorms/doing work because they just get messed up in all my school stuff... I don't know how many half-working pairs I have now...
• Mix CD! or... iTunes, I guess. Probably would be last on my list, haha.
• ....makeup?
• $$$
• A back massage. @_@

Etc:

• ....Minecraft
• Hole puncher - for the half sheet of paper XD

Thanks Santa!