5 posts tagged “anniversary”
Exactly one year to this day, Vox made its public launch. The website opened its doors to the public and let thousands of people into one of the greatest blogging networks around. I'm so proud to be part of such a great community, and I'd like to dedicate this post to Vox and every single Voxer out there.
I've received countless gifts throughout the past year; Vox is to thank for many of them. I think my favorite gift of them all has been the opportunity to express myself to people I've never even met in person. To know that I can use my blog as a creative and personal outlet in so many ways is pretty extraordinary.
My passion for photography was strong before, but it's grown even more since I started posting photos here at my blog. I know that I've mainly focused on a small portion of my life (with dollies, my sisters, Shawn and things I come across in my everyday life), but I've been able to slowly pick up new photo subjects that catch my eye. I think that one of the great things about Vox is how willing to encourage every reader is. With the encouragement and small pushes in new directions from awesome friends here, I find that my confidence is building day by day. I don't consider myself a very social person outside of the internet, but blogging at Vox has made me feel a little stronger. The fact that I can step outside, taken in my surroundings, and then form new ideas about what images I want to capture is a confident step in the right direction. I no longer feel the need to socialize in the way that other college students do anymore. I've realized how great it is to strengthen what I do have and what I really enjoy-- and that's the quiet atmosphere of my blog in the company of people that I call close friends. (That's you.)
My blogging life extends to amazing highs, ones that I can really say I'm proud of. About two months after Vox made its public launch, I hosted my very first Kawaii at Vox raffle. Over 80 people participated at the time. I was ecstatic! Then, only eight months later, I threw my second raffle. By then, after Vox's community had grown even more, over 100 people joined in on my event. Knowing that people in just one community on the internet could have fun through such a simple event like a raffle really made me smile.
It was the events and the dedication Voxers had to their friends here that have made Vox what it is today. Like I've said before, the amount of community participation between each other and Team Vox is incredibly strong. I think that community is what makes Vox stand apart from every other blogging website out there. I've had the pleasure of being able to see both sides of the spectrum. On one hand, I was a simple blogger who enjoyed her occasional blog post, and on the other hand, I was given the opportunity to work with a great group of hard working people who have dedicated their working lives to better the entire idea and vision of Vox. I take a look at the leaps that I've made in my life thanks to every single ounce of luck (and fate) that has come my way, and I can only say one thing: thank you-- to Vox and to every Voxer who has been able to participate in this great blogging experience.
Vox, you are my favorite blogging place and I don't know where I'd be without you today. Watching you grow up into the strong and healthy community you are today makes me so, so proud. Happy anniversary, Vox!
Over 143 posts have been made, 488 photos have been uploaded, and 360 neighbors have been added to Kawaii in the past year. And in all the chaos of blogging, a lot of love has formed! Today (August 3rd) marks the one year anniversary of my Kawaii blog here at Vox, and to help celebrate the occasion, I've planned another fun event that any Voxer can join. ^___^ The event will take place from August 3rd to August 10th, so while the contest is running, I will not be making any new posts to my blog. In order to be eligible for this event, please read all of the rules provided below.
How to Enter
This is a raffle that I have put my whole heart into, so keep in mind that there is no cost or penalty to enter this event whatsoever. The only real "rules" for this event are that 1) you must be a Vox member, and 2) you must follow the steps below:
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Read the entire post over so you know exactly what's going on. ^^
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If you decide to participate, leave a comment in this post with your email address, and tell me that you're joining. (You can scramble your address if you want, since I know people worry about receiving spam mail.)
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Copy and paste this form and fill out the following information in an email to milkeyes@gmail.com
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Name (first and last):
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Vox URL:
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Are you in Kawaii's neighborhood?
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A raffle number (or numbers) will be sent to you, so keep track of what number(s) you have.
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Tell your friends about the raffle! (As more people enter the raffle, more prizes will be added to the first place winner's package.
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Watch for the results on August 10th.
I'll be keeping a list of those who enter with the comments that are left. (Please leave the requested comment. I want to make sure I get everyone's email and make sure none get sent into my junk box. I can keep a running tally this way.)
Every member of Vox may enter this raffle, whether he/she is in my neighborhood or not. Those of you who are in my neighborhood will have the special bonus of getting two raffle numbers entered just by following the directions. Even if you aren't interested in the prize itself, there's bound to be a relative or friend who would appreciate these gifts.
You will not be charged with any shipping. The only people who should be aware of putting money into this are those of you who are not within the United States. I am not responsible for any shipping taxes that outside countries give to those who receive packages. I will be shipping the prize out by Priority mail (if you're within the states) or EMS (if you're outside of the country). If you're not comfortable with accepting a gift that may hold you responsible for taxes, simply don't enter. ^_^
*Keep in mind that I will not ask for every person's personal address. I will only be asking for the winner's address and will contact him/her through email once the raffle is over. I am a respected and honorable member of the Vox community and I will in no way hand out your personal information to any other sources. I would never jeopardize my friendships with those here at Vox. Again, if you don't feel comfortable with the possibility of giving out your address, please do not enter. If you want some kawaii fun though, please read on!
What the Winners Will Receive
Unlike my past Kawaii at Vox events, this event has multiple winners. So, not only do you have a chance at winning free kawaii prizes with free entry, but you have an even better chance of winning because of the high number of winners there will be!
Every single winner will automatically win a <3 Vox hemp bracelet (handmade by Shawn himself ^_^). I will be asking the five winners their wrist sizes so I can tell Shawn exactly how big to make each bracelet. (The <3 Vox bracelets shown in the photos were made specifically for examples.)
The first place winner will not only receive every prize listed in the list below, but he/she also has the opportunity to get several other special prizes as more raffle participants submit entries into the event. For example, once I note that 75 people have entered, the first place winner will receive a very rare prize: a Tokidoki fan signed by the artist himself, Simone Legno. That's why it's important that you enter, but it's also key that you tell your friends about Kawaii's very first Vox anniversary-- the more, the merrier! ^^
Here's everything each winner will receive:
First Place:
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Blythe Petite Doll: Spring Chocolat
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Froggy photo album
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Short Cake + Cookie stationary set
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Happy!! Candy stationary book
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Mimippi bunny "checkbook" (notepad)
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Boo Boo Brothers piggy notepad
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Kawaii Boy sticker pack
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Blythe postcard
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Brown Sugar: Cute Girls tin case with goodies inside
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2 sheets of kawaii stickers
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Moo Stickers pack (NEW!)
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<3 Vox hemp bracelet
20 raffle entries made: 3 small photo prints of mine, all signed
50 raffle entries made: Unipo vinyl figure
75 raffle entries made: Signed Tokidoki fan
Second Place:
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Blythe Petite Doll: Perfect Bohemian Beat
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Hamster photo album
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Cute Animals multi-sticker pack
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Power Girls notepad
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Kawaii kitty notebook (with handles that make it look like a shopping bag!)
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Apple Town item
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<3 Vox hemp bracelet
Every winner will also receive a handwritten letter of congratulations (for winning) and thank you (for participating in) the event. ^__^
Third-Fifth Place:
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<3 Vox hemp bracelet
For a better look at all of the prizes, check out the special Kawaii Event collection I made. I will be turning off comments on the individual photo pages, so please leave all of your comments/questions in this post.
When the Raffle Ends
Once again, the raffle takes place from August 3rd to August 10th (which is one week). At midnight on August 10th, the last day to enter the raffle, I will be closing down the event. Any entries that come in after that time will not be counted.
At noon on August 11th, I will be announcing the winner of the Kawaii at Vox event in a new post at my blog. The five winners will each receive an email from me to notify him/her of her placement. They will be expected to reply within at least two days after receiving the notification email. If they choose not to respond, I will be drawing new winners. (No worries, no prize will be lost!)
Depending on how long it takes for me to wrap up all the packages and when I have the time to send everything out, the packages should be on their way to the winners within a week of the raffle's end.
Thankies to You!
I would like to thank everyone who has left me comments, written me messages, and let me have the chance to get to know them. I feel honored to know so many sweet and gifted Voxers. Seriously, you guys-- you rock!
Good luck, and have fun! *pumps fist in the air*
Update
For updates on what's going on with the Kawaii raffle, check out the comments I leave with "Updates!" at the beginning. For now, I'd just like to thank everyone that has already signed up for the event. You've helped promote the event so much that this post landed a spot on the Explore page. =D *dances*
The fun thing about online journals, or any journals really, is that you don't need a reason to make an entry. I can write about absolutely nothing and get away with it because, yeah, this is my journal. So deal with it. Mwa ha.
First off, I'd like to apologize to my Vox friends for not making a lot of comments in their wonderful journals in the past few days. I have a few excuses in mind so hear them out before wacking me over the head: 1) I've been extremely busy with school (which includes writing papers and reading); 2) I've been trying to cut down on my computer time because I found myself relying on the computer too much for entertainment; 3) The heat in my apartment isn't fully working yet, and the temperature in Wisconsin has been about 25 degrees, meaning most of my time is spent on the couch under layers of clothes and blankets in utter disbelief at my landlords; 4) I'm lazy.
Forgive me?
Shawn and I just barely remembered it was the 13th yesterday. He was over the night of the 12th, and a few minutes after midnight, I attacked him with hugs and happy anniversaries! We don't really celebrate month anniversaries anymore (because that can get expensive) but we do like to spend time together on the 13th of every month. That day always gives me something to look forward to. I guess our forgetting the day doesn't quite support that last statement but I'll use my excuse of life being hectic again.
I had a great Thursday this week. My classes covered a pretty light amount of material and I finally got some girl time in. I just met Kristin a few weeks ago in our Environmental Science class, but she's one of those people that I immediately clicked with. I don't have to worry so much about what I say or do, because yeah, we can just let loose and be goofy or serious around each other. I miss having more girlfriends around. I've drifted from most of them because I've found that we just don't have that thing that connects us anymore. I got tired of giving out advice that they didn't follow after they talked my ear off about problems-- followed by, "What should I do?" Kristin, thank god, is mature. She knows what she's doing. Plus, she's also in a serious relationship, which gives us a huge topic of discussion to talk about. We sat on the floor of the TV room for hours, just talking and laughing over stories. I need more of that. I love Shawn, and I love talking with Shawn, but sometimes I need that balance of what a girl thinks about random thoughts of mine. It's normal to need a friend like that... I don't know how I've survived without one for so long.
I'm going to go try to catch up with my Vox friends' lives on here now. If I don't get around to your journal, I apologize in advance. I'm going to try my best!
Yesterday went better than I ever thought it could. I like to keep special days simple. In the past, I've found that special events, like Homecoming and Prom dances, birthdays, holidays, etc... can get all muddled and easily forgettable if I try too hard. Last night was just right.
I made the apartment all pretty while Shawn was at work. I put all the junk on the floor, counters, and table away. I vacuumed the majority of the apartment. I went to the Union to buy extra treats to make the place look like I put some effort into the day-- candles, a picture frame (for the photo of us kissing that I took), some snacks, and a lighter (for the candles). After I got back, I pushed the table in the main room to the side so the entire carpeted area was open for when we opened each other's presents. I then put candles on the floor trailing from the front door to the main room. The table then had four larger candles (one for each year we've dated) that lined the front of it, and presents, the picture, and candy were in back of the lit candles.
Shawn came over after work and a shower. I turned off most of the lights so only the candles illuminated the room. When he walked in, he not only noticed the gentle lighting, but Shawn saw my new hair for the first time. His reaction was pretty much was I expected: surprise at how incredibly short my hair is now. After a while though, he told me how much he liked it. He loved the cinnamon candles I picked out. We're both cinnamon fanatics... mmm, and we always make a note of getting cinnamon candles for anniversaries. He opened his presents right away and I waited until we got back from going to Emperor's Kitchen, a Chinese restaurant we both love near my house, which is about 25 minutes away from Milwaukee.
This is how sneaky Shawn is. I figured that he had an idea that I was getting him an iPod Nano but he acted genuinely surprised when he first saw it. He even said, "Wow, is this real?" Later on that night, after thinking I had really shocked Shawn, I told him that I'd go with him to Best Buy to get a protective case for his new iPod. He then responded with, "Actually, I already have a case for it..." What?! So yes, Shawn had an idea of what his present would be but totally faked me out in believing I had surprised him.
Shawn got me exactly what I wanted and I still felt an element of surprise for some reason. He bought me the Tokidoki iPod Mini skin that I fell in love with AND he got me the huge Tokidoki poster I wanted, too. It was another Tokidoki day! I am so love with my iSkin... it's so chic and funky. The special pink earphones that he also specially ordered were defective though so he's going to try to have them replaced. Then my entire iPod experience will be totally spiffy. For now, I'm using my old earphones with a pair of new pink covers on 'em.
He also gave me a really personal letter that brought out even more emotions in me yesterday. It summed up how I've felt for a long time now: Shawn is just amazing. It was a great night.
My four year anniversary with Shawn is about a month away (September 13th). Eeeee! Shawn and I used to pay more attention to the numbers but we don't do that so much anymore.
The little month anniversaries aren't that big of a deal. Instead, we sometimes acknowledge that it's the 13th (also my lucky number) and give each other a happy little kiss. Sometimes he'll be the prince he's always been and bring me a few flowers as a surprise. I appreciate those times too.
For the past three anniversaries, Shawn and I have taken turns being the one to plan the 13th. Shawn did it the first and third times; I did it the second anniversary. For the first one, I was given three bouquets of red roses... one was sent to me earlier in the day when I woke up in the morning; another was given to me when he arrived; the last dozen was taken apart ever-so-gently and made into a trail that formed hearts and sweet words between the two of us. It was... breathtaking. That was only the beginning. Shawn then cooked a steak dinner for me and had engraved a silver heart anklet of mine. The other anniversaries were just as amazing. I won't get into too much detail. I will say that twinkle lights, candles, flowers, and more gifts were involved. <3
Now it's the final time we're going to go all out-- as far as I know. Anniversaries can get pretty expensive so I figure that it will be fair enough to stop after this year, now that we each prepared and planned out two big anniversaries each. I'm still trying to figure out a good plan. So far, I have a few things in mind. I'm not that worried though. Shawn seems to like whatever I plan out for year anniversaries. It's the birthdays that he doesn't... bode well with. (Another story.)
I'm excited though. Unfortunately, however, this is about the time I get all the questions from friends: You've been going out for how long? So when's the wedding? Why aren't you guys married yet? I don't understand why people are in such a rush to get married these days! I already know that young marriages don't work out most of the time. I'd rather take things slow, finish college, get a secure job that can support my family, and THEN consider a lifetime with Shawn. We're only 21; we have so much time. We care about each other enough to wait since we both know we're not ready for that type of commitment yet.
