chibi_pink's random mumblings

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:29:30 GMT

Sun, 17 May 2009 13:05:07 GMT

hey there! still alive. posting more on twitter now because it's easier when i have my mobile with me. check it out! twitter.com/chibipink

What Age Do You Act?

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:57:42 GMT

You Act Like You Are 22 Years Old

You are a twenty-something at heart. You feel like an adult, and you're optimistic about life.
You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

You're still figuring out your place in the world and how you want your life to shape up.
The world is full of possibilities, and you can't wait to explore many of them.

What Age Do You Act?

last weekend

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:53:22 GMT

As I type this, I am sitting on a packed commuter line.

Ah, the joys of commuting in Tokyo. Of course, personal space is non-existent. The person next to me insists that she can fit on the seat if she wedges her butt in. Sorry, it doesn't work that way. All it does is make us all feel more cramped and miserable than we already are. There are also the people that insist on leaning back, no matter who is behind them. One commuter fell asleep while standing up (not uncommon...) and used me as a wall. Another person was bending backwards over the edge of the bench so far that her (nasty tabacco-smelling) hair was getting in my face. First, I asked her to stop it. Then, I told her I wasn't her damn pillow. Then, I gave her a shove, but she didn't care. (on a side note: Japanese women are some of the rudest people I've ever met. Incredibly passive aggressive.) Cattle enjoy more of the luxury of space than Tokyo commuters (or anyone in the city, for that matter) do.

On a more positive note...

This Valentine's Day was very fun. I got dressed up, wore my new red paten leather boots, and went out to town with G. Well, we had a side trip to get my broken mobile and my cracked wedding ring repaired (grrrrr) but we eventually made it into town.

We went straight to Asakusabashi; a place known for its bead stores. I've started getting into this thing called “deco” (think beadazzler, but with glue) and heard that there are a few shops that sell parts. After picking up the shiniest gems I could find, we headed up to Uguisudani.

For those that don't know, Uguisudani is known for its love hotels. When G and I first met, we used to stay at them often since we were doing the long distance thing. We used to go so often that I was thinking of doing a LH blog. But now that we live closer to town, it's a rare occurance. Love Hotels are facinating. You go into a lobby and see a display of all the rooms available. Then, you touch the button of the one you want to stay in. Next, you pay for the fee at the counter. Sometimes you see the staff's face, other times you don't. In Uguisudani, it's more common to see them. The rate you pay is based on how long you stay. Most places have a 3 hour stay (for a little “rest”) and an overnight fee.

At this particular LH, we could choose our fav type of shampoo and conditioner to take up to the room. Once there, you are greeted with all the oddities of a LH: jet bath (with lights and a TV, if you're lucky!), a bed with sub woofers underneath, a huge TV with karaoke (and video games), vending machines for “toys”, and so on. There are two LH that rank high on my list:

In Uguisudani, there is a LH that looks like a Japanese garden... complete with a rock bath.
In Shibuya, check out the black light hotel!
We went to one that had S&M equipment. Unfortunately, I have no idea where it is. Or maybe fortunately for G... ;)

After the LH rest, we went back home and spent the rest of the weekend lumping. All in all, it was a very pleasant valentine's weekend! Best of all, I was spending it with my snuggle bear. xoxo

VACATION UPDATE!
It looks like G and I will be invading Australia for a family trip. If you have any recommendations on what to do in Melbourne, let us know. Dates still to be decided.

Comiket! (Day 1)

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:17:55 GMT

Yesterday was day 1 of 3 of Comiket. It was my 3rd time going and G's second. I think he is really starting to get the hang of it! The crowds, the mayhem, the cosplay, the rows and rows of manga and other obsessions... it's very ~~stressful~~ exciting. I'm at work and missing out day 2 of 3, but will be going back tomorrow (and dragging G with me?) for the last day.

I'll post details of the day 1 loot later, but for a teaser...
- manga about a person's travel diary
- reports on abandoned train lines
- photos from abandoned mines (absolutely gorgeous in an apocolypic sort of way)

hate seibu lines!

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:31:07 GMT

i hate that line. i cant tell you how many times ive been physically injured on there. how the hell am i going to get to work if i get pregnant? no one stands up in the reserved seat section especially business men. its times like this that i wish i werent in japan...

still alive

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:51:02 GMT

Hello all! Everything is going well here. Will do a more in depth post later.

I am sick of everyone asking me if I have a mixi account. So, I want to make one. Anyone out there have one and can send me an invite?

job update

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:16:11 GMT

Starting thursday, I will be in a new position! I got the promotion that I was after. It will be hard work, but different from what I am doing now; more along the lines of what I want to do. Worried, but super excited! Wish me luck!!

my week in summary

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:58:06 GMT

I'm old, I'm missing my convention (background info: used to me a GOP delegate for MN), and I have a huge management test on friday.

On the bright side, I have Capt. Crunch, NZ caramel chocolate, and the day off tomorrow to eat it all.

update post

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:58:27 GMT

Sorry! I know, I have been slack with updating.

- work is going well. The kids are off next week, so I get a little break from them. Management stuff is going pretty well. Been doing a lot of scheduling and salaries, but hopefully I can get into monitoring and mentoring soon.

- Glen and I got new phones!! His phone is sleek and red, but most importantly, he can use it overseas! So, I an get a hold of him (and his customers can get a hold of him...) when he is away. My phone is lovely and pink. I am discovering new features on it ever day. Yesterday, I found out that the screen has 4 points that can change the TV channels. Maybe I should just read the manual and get all the hints. Here is my phone (in pink, of course).

- Mom sent me a package. <3 <3 She sent me two new summer biz shirts, new shoes (I always love getting new shoes) and.... CAPT CRUNCH!!! Yes, I am slightly addicted, but they don't sell it here.

- On the crafting front, I am nearing the end of my crochet capelet!! Pics will come once it is finished. As for sewing, I finished my tea time corset. It is not bad at all, if I do say so myself. My next sewing project will probably be a sundress.

- Japan is too damn hot right now. A/C is my savior.

rabbits approve this post.

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:13:20 GMT

seriously the best site of the moment: http://www.disapprovingrabbits.com/ Still trying to convince G to let me get a bunny, but he says I have him to pet and take care of instead. :3 maybe he will let me have a wombat (see: http://wombatcountry.com/mammals/wombats.html) instead?

btw: http://glencandacewedding.shutterfly.com enjoy!

updating!!!

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:21:04 GMT

I got a nudge, so I guess I haven't updated in awhile. Sorry!

- weather has gotten HOT. I blame it on my Minnesotan-ness, because G thinks it is quite pleasant.

- Work is going well. Been so busy with the Kids Coordinator stuff (about time) not to mention more IS-type of stuff. My newest homework assignment is about salaries, which is very interesting. Little confusing at parts, I must admit, but I'll get there!

- I've been really tired lately. Not sure why, though... Perhaps it's the weather?

- A co-worker, his girl, and I went to see "yasukuni". Very interesting and worth a look if you're interested in Japanese-Asian relations.

And just so everyone knows...
I wasn't in Akihabara when the stabbing took place (and all my otaku friends and acquaintances are ok too) and I didn't feel the recent earthquake.

not at my convention!

Wed, 14 May 2008 02:52:06 GMT

Maybe it's a good thing I am not going to this year's convention:

http://www.startribune.com/18900229.html

I'll stick to my power suit TYVM.

(background not those just tuning in: used to be a delegate at the state convention before moving to Japan. Now MN is hosting the national con. And I'm missing it... AND it's on my birthday!! meh.)

Wedding World Tour comes to a end

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:52:30 GMT

That's right! The Wedding World Tour 08 is making it's final stop next weekend here in Tokyo. It's been a crazy, hectic, wonderful ride. I thank myself everyday for the wonderfully supportive family and friends we have, and especially for the man I married. If it wasn't for him, I think I would have gone insane.

The final event has had a few rough patches. People bailing, excuses, scheduling conflicts. There are some people I would love to have there, but for a variety of reasons, they can't make it. I'm trying not to let it get to me, but it's hard. I just have to keep thinking positively.

We have quite the crowd coming, though! A few people from my work (all of whom are awesome people!), some rugby players from G's team (I hope they stay well behaved...), photographers (friends, not hired), a few other foreigners in Japan, Grad students, etc etc. I think it will be a great time!!! So yeah, I'm hurt by some people's actions, but I won't let that stop me from having a wonderful time with the friends that have come out to support me and party hard with us in Roppongi.

With all this going on, I am back to HQ this week. For those that haven't heard, I was accepted to the IS Fast Track program. This means that I will be trained and groomed to one day hopefully be a supervisor at one of our language centers. Since coming home, I have been plugging away at the 300 pg manual I received and recording lessons in hope of finding one acceptable enough to be heard.

I have one from a low-level student with perhaps too much teacher talking time, but good PPP. The other I have is from a far-too-energetic student that would ask me off-topic questions at random times, but had good examples of activities. May turn in both if I can't get a better one. I still have monday!

Wish me luck next week. With 3 full days of intense training at HQ, figuring out friends and acquaintances relationship issues, and finalizing party stuff, I need all the luck I can get!

back in japan

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:30:19 GMT

G and I got back to Japan yesterday. As expected, he had to go to work almost right after he got home. And on his birthday, too!! I have today off and then back to work on Wednesday. It will be good to get back into a routine, but I did love the break. I hope it won't be too hard to get back into things!

News Highlights

- while I was away, I got the results from my IS (instructor supervisor) fast-track interview: I got it!! So, more training to come and a 300 page package waiting at my school to be read.

- Working on my first pair of socks. Turning out to be ok, but pretty basic. May do Jaywalkers if I can get a hand on a copy of the pattern (magknits closed down if you haven't heard, and the patterns are not there.)

Gotta get ready for the day; have to clean out the suitcases and get some laundry done.

a few wedding pics

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:21:34 GMT

Since everyone is asking for them, here are some wedding teasers. Bunches more will be posted after we get back to Japan.

Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!

Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!

Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!

in NZ!

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:11:01 GMT

Wedding #1 went smoothly! No major problems except for a little stain on my dress. I'll post more details when I have time because...

We are in NZ finishing preparations for wedding #2. NZ is wonderful; if you haven't been here, you should. We are staying in Glen's hometown of Hobbiton. Yes, I'm married to a hobbit. Seriously though, the hobbiton set is in his hometown. It is beautiful here and everyone is friendly. Still trying to find a decent yarn shop, though. You'd think with all the sheep here that I could find a great yarn shop.

The weather calls for rain on saturday, so cross your fingers and hope that the weatherman is wrong!

Traveling

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:10:23 GMT

Just an FYI: I will be leaving for the US tomorrow (wooooo!) and will be back to Japan via New Zealand (double wooooo!) on April 14th.

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:32:29 GMT

seriously, can this week get any worse? racism at the gym, poor service at the salon when getting my wedding hair done, and never enough sleep. i cant wait for vacation. im trying to stay positive, especially for G. he's had to deal with a bunch of his friends bailing out of the wedding. G is the type of guy that will walk through fire for people. when he was a grad student,no time and no money, he still found ways to travel across the world to attend weddings and be there for friends. seriously, the type of excuses we've heard from some have been laughable. G is constantly optimistic but this time, i can tell he's a bit hurt.

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:48:32 GMT

Today is a much needed day off. I had to run some errands this morning to prep for the trip. First, we went to get our international licenses. Get this: I have a driver's license in Japan, but my license in the US expired. So I have to get a license to drive in my own country. Go fig! After that, Glen dropped me off at the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. All was good! A few trouble spots, but nothing too major. More flossing, better brushing technique, etc etc.

In knitting news, I finished the long gloves!!! Well, I still have to tie off all the ends and hide them, but that won't take long at all.

In more wedding news: US invites are out! NZ invites will be out tomorrow, and Japan invites will be out... eh... sometime soon. :) Still no idea what to do with my hair. None of the veils have struck me as fantastic; they are all so plain. Hopefully I can think of something that will go with my dress. If anyone knows of something unique I could do that is still a bit classic, let me know.

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:36:44 GMT

The wedding parties are next month (eeeeeek!) and I still don't have something for my head (veil? headband?) or other accessories. At least I have my guy and that is the most important. <3

questionnaire for secret pal 5

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:29:59 GMT

Your Knitting/Crocheting Habits & Desires

[b]1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?[/b]: I do both! I have been knitting for many years and I taught myself how to crochet about a year or so ago. I used Japanese books and patterns, so I have no idea how to crochet in English and without graphs. I guess I should study the Happy Hooker book I got. ;)

[b]2. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?[/b]My aunt taught me how to knit when I was in university as a way to free my mind from the stress of studying and finals. I guess I would be intermediate, but could probably do advanced knitting. I pick up techniques very easily... it must be fear. ;)

[b]3. What are your favorite yarns or fibers to knit with? What yarns/fibers do you avoid, dislike or hate? Are you allergic to any fibers?[/b] I love all the new types of yarns out there. Sari yarn has got to be one of my favorites right now. I also love wool, especially on cold days. I hate yarns that are really scratchy, because I have very sensitive skin and they irritate my hands, and I really don't like synthetics. That squeaky sound they make is really annoying!

[b]4. Do you spin? Dye yarn? Are you looking to try any of these and, if so, which ones?[/b] I got a drop spindle to play around with spinning, but I have no idea how to use it. Maybe it's not that good, or maybe my technique is bad. I would love to try to do it, though! As for dying yarn, I would like to try it with natural materials. But for now, I would like to focus on my knitting and crocheting and worry about spinning and dying when I get a larger place.

[b]5. What do you use to store your needles/hooks? How about your other tools, like stitch holders and point protectors? Where do you store your yarn?[/b] My knitting needles are in a needle case, but I don't have anything for my growing number of crochet needles. My stitch holders are in a little bag, but I don't have a larger bag for my other tools.

[b]6. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Do you have a needle preference—bamboo, aluminum, plastic, etc.? Are there any needles you would like to try?[/b] The majority of my needles are bamboo. Not only are they light-weight and hold warmth (get for my carpel tunnel!) they are also really cheap in Japan. ;) When it comes to crochet, I mostly do lace, so my needles are metal with a larger plastic grip. I haven't needed to use circs before, but I do love DPNs. <3

[b]7. Do you own a ball winder and/or swift? Would you prefer to receive center-pull balls of yarn, if the person that has you owns a winder/swift and is so inclined?[/b] I don't own a ball winder/swift, but I don't care if the ball is center-pull or not.

[b]8. Are you a sock knitter? Do you want to learn?[/b] No, but I REALLY WANT TO BE. Again, must be the fear thing. ;) I also like longer socks, and I haven't seen too many in that type.

[b]9. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit and/or crochet?[/b] I like to do accessories. For examples, mittens, hats, gloves... As for crochet, I do doilies and little lace things.

[b]10. What is your current knitting/crocheting project? Do you have any current obsessions like socks, lace, felting, etc.?[/b] I'm currently making the psychedelic squares afghan and long opera gloves, both in knit. My crochet obsession is with doilies.

[b]11. Are there any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? What have you always wanted to try knitting/crocheting?[/b] I want to try knit socks as well as easy lace knit patterns.

[b]12. How old is your oldest UFO (UnFinished Object)?[/b] My afghan is come to 2 years old. I keep working and working on it, but it is just not big enough yet.

[b]13. Do you have any knitting/crocheting magazine subscriptions? Are there any that you love or buy regularly?[/b] Foreign magazines are soooo expensive to buy here, so any magazine I can get is a special treat. I enjoy vogue knitting and the occasional knit1. But those are the easiest to get. I don't really know of any other magazines.

[b]14. Do you have a ravelry account? If so, please list your username.[/b]: knittingmistress

[b]15. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?[/b] I love them!

[b]16. Would you like to receive hand knitted socks? If so, what are your foot measurements? (i.e. measure around the ball of your foot and also the length from heel to toe.) Of course, giving this information is no guarantee that you will actually receive knitted socks. It's just in case.[/b] I would rather not receive hand made socks.

Non-knitting Information

[b]1. Do you have an Amazon, Etsy or other online wish list? Please include a link.[/b] I did, but it is not updated. Now, they are full of stuff for my upcoming wedding that I have been comparing with my mom via the net. I will update the lists and give them to my pal via email.

[b]2. What is your favorite scent? (i.e. for candles, bath products, etc.) Are there any you can't stand?[/b] I love peppermint, vanilla, and sweet scents. Lush products are my obsession! However, I am not a fan of strong scents; very flowery, very fruity. Think Bath and Body Works.

[b]3. Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you have a favorite candy or snack? Is there anything you would hate to get?[/b] Don't get me started! There are so many sweets that I miss. Peppermint Paddies, Reese's Pieces, gummy bears. I also love Cadbury Creme Eggs (the caramel ones especially!)

[b]4. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (Just in case your pal wants to make you a CD.)[/b] I love all kinds of music, especially new stuff coming out of the US and Europe; I'm a little behind. I like all kinds of music, especially if it has a good beat, but especially rock and punk. Upbeat and perky is the best; it helps me during my commute. MP3s are great!

[b]5. What is your favorite holiday?[/b]: Any holiday where I can get off of work is fantastic. ;) May Day (may 1st) has always been one of my favs because of all the symbolism (spiritual and political) surrounding it. This May 1st will also be my first wedding anniversary. :)

[b]6. Do you have a favorite animated character, animal, etc.?[/b] I love elephants and bunnies.

[b]7. Are you into any fandoms? (Harry Potter, Buffy, etc.)[/b] I don't really have any fandoms. I love Harry Potter and Buffy (but who doesn't?! ) and also really like Dr House. One fandom is fashion and style. Tokyo is a fantastic place to experiment with fashon. One day I am wearing gothic lolita, the next I am punk or goth, and the next I am "gal". I also love to dress up in kimono (both with traditional and contemporary styles). My fashion changes with my mood.

[b]8. How do you decorate your room/house? Is there anything that you collect?[/b] Since we can't paint the walls, the apartment has minimal colors. The furniture is pine and metal, as well as red cloth.

[b]9. What is your favorite color(s)? Are there any colors you just can't stand? Is there a specific color family/palette that you enjoy knitting with or wearing?[/b] I like to wear black, pink and red. But I love knitting with jewel tones (plumb, burgundy).

[b]10. Would you like and use icons, layouts, banners or wallpapers? Anything specific?[/b] a knitting layout for my LJ would be nice, or a dark colored wallpaper.

Other Information About You

[b]1. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?[/b] I like sewing clothes, calligraphy, and photography

[b]2. What is your family/living situation? Do you have any pets?[/b] No pets, but a new husband! I'm newly married to Kiwi guy. We signed the papers, but will be having the official ceremonies in last march and April. 3 wedding parties, 3 different countries, in 3 weeks. Despite all that, I really love married life. :)

[b]3. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens/gloves, slippers or ponchos?[/b] I love all. I really want to have a caplet for those girly days.

[b]4. Do you make graphics? Do you have a paid Livejournal account?[/b] I do make graphics. I don't have a paid account.

[b]5. When is your birthday?[/b] September 3rd

[b]6. Is there anything else you would like to add for your pal?[/b] feel free to ask me anything :)

update post

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:58:49 GMT

Things have been going pretty well at work. I have been given more responsibilities besides keeping the kids program running smoothly. For example, we have a new teaching method that is being tested out, and I was asked to use my students as guinea pigs. I'll also been joining in with the staff meeting to discuss out center's goals for the year. Things to pack the resume with is never a bad thing. ;)

Although work has been going well, I have been really stressed. The main reason is because G is in the hospital. He has been in since Monday, but because of the location, he was told to stay in all week. Perhaps it's better than the US method of kicking patients out ASAP. He was supposed to come home today (took work off to get him), but the doc wants him to stay until Sunday or Monday to make sure there is no infection. But no worries! He is doing fantastic. It's really lonely at home. I never thought I would be so used to sleeping next to someone that I wouldn't be able to sleep without him there.

In more up-beat news, I got my wedding dress!! It is soooo beautiful! Now I am thinking of ways to accessorize it. Just a few more months until the wedding extravaganza. The US and NZ weddings are set-up, and the Tokyo party is about 80% done.

On the knitting front, I have been working on long opera gloves. I really like this pattern though they are tighter than I expected. But they are wonderful. :D The pics are on ravelry (knittingmistress).

Your album cover

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:07:20 GMT

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first article title on this page is the name of your band.

2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.

3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover. (I recommend cropping it square, naturally.)

4. Use your graphics program of choice to throw them together, and post/link to the result as a comment in this post. Also, pass it along in your own journal because it’s more amusing that way.

NH Politics

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:30:31 GMT

YAY MCCAIN!!

that's all. :)