7 posts tagged “birthday”
Being away from Vox for so long has caused a very unnatural feeling to settle in. I don't know why, but I let the guilt consume me even when I know that I have a perfectly good reason why blogging has to be put on hold. Yet, through the weeks of extreme labor put towards projects, papers, my dreaded exam, and no blogging, I've survived. I think that all the panic and stress built up over the whole semester are the reasons why I feel like I almost don't exist anymore. My life for the past few months has consisted of two things, and two things only: school and work. In my mind, I keep thinking, "Am I really here right now? What work do I have to do next? What is going on?" In fact, I still feel somewhat confused about the sudden amount of time I have for myself for actual relaxation. And then the best part happens; I take a step back, just like Mom taught me to, and I let that ever-so-natural feeling-- the one I know I deserve-- take the place of that unsettling feeling. I'm finally, finally home.
Despite the stress, the last few weeks' worth of work I put into my classes paid off. I didn't think that I'd be able to keep my grade point average (GPA) as high as I normally do, but shockingly enough, it's about as high as I normally get it: three A's and one B. Needless to say, I'm relieved that I can multi-task up until a certain point. One thing I have learned, however, is that sometimes the job of multi-tasking means dropping one of the important tasks in order to really pull through. And you know what? I've also learned that not being perfect makes living life one step closer to perfection in happiness and satisfaction.
As the exam period started to take over my life even more, I just knew that I'd need some time for myself. I decided to request for some time off as a little vacation reward for all the work I've put in to the last year of my life. There were some major landmarks that took place in 2007 for me, personally, and I thought that deserved some recognition. Here are some of the personal goals that I reached, ones that I'm totally and completely proud of:
- Shawn and I had our five year anniversary in September, and I've almost known him for half my life. I realize that not many couples are as lucky as we've been so I'm really proud of how far we've come.
- I finally got a job that I'm content with. I used to get "made fun of" (or teased, I guess) by Mom, Beth and Kathleen because of how, er, lazy I was with being responsible. I think I'm still considered the least mature out of my sisters, ironically enough. Either way, I have a job and I'm finally making my own money.
- I've chosen a major and a career path that completely suits my skills and passions in life.
- I found out when I'll be graduating college. *jumps for joy*
- I've maintained a blog (for the most part) that I'm happy with and pretty consistent with.
- Kitties have finally entered my family, after years and years of waiting and wanting.
- My toy army has grown to amazing numbers! It's made up of dolls, plushies, vinyl toys, plastic toys, paper products, oodles of Sanrio products.
Speaking of my kawaii army, its numbers have especially grown in the past few weeks. Thanks to the holidays and my birthday, I received some really awesome gifts from family and friends. I haven't been able to take photos of everything they gave me, but I did get the opportunity to capture a few. Shawn's family surprised me with a huge box stuffed with vinyl toys (Dunnys, toy ink cartridges, Moofia figures, etc.); Mom gave me ten Dunnys; Kathleen gave me six huge sheets of Sanrio wall decals (which now adorn my room) and a Gloomy Bear puppet; Shawn gave me ten more Dunnys and my new white fawn plushie, Purin; Beth gave me six Re-Ment sets (accessories for my dollies); Celena sent me two adorable Maffy figures and a bunch of clothes for quite a few of my Blythes. It's been an exciting few weeks!
Like I've mentioned in the past, I'm a firm believer in rewarding myself. (Everyone should feel that way once in a while. ^__~) I wanted to have something to look forward to so I decided to splurge on a huge birthday present for myself by using some of the money I received from Mom and Grandma. With their money combined, and a little of my own, I was able to buy a dream ball-joined doll (BJD). I've waited a couple weeks and I was just notified that she's on her way to me this very moment. I haven't looked forward to a new doll in such a long time. I'm anxious to see if the faceup I requested is done the way I'm hoping for. *crosses fingers*
Today was my last day of work for a whole week. It's the first time in about a year that I have more than a weekend to do anything I want. I don't have a schedule to live by or a deadline to get work done by. I just get to relax and spend time the way I want to. I think a lot of naps, reading and dollies will be involved. This is what life should always be like.
Happy birthday, Yukimo! I've been thinking that over and over now for the past few days. I know that the "anniversary" of Yukimo joining my little family is coming up in early November, but then I started realizing that her actual birthday has probably already happened. After all, she was already a few weeks old when I bought her last year.
I don't think I've ever shared the small story of how Yuki came to be in my family, so I thought it would be appropriate to share it on her first birthday. *snuggles Yukimo*
This time last year was a bit rough for me as far as friendships go. Beth and I had always been close, but she had recently fallen into a complicated relationship with a guy. The relationship between the two dramatically hurt what Beth and I had, so the only real person I could turn to was Shawn. One of the ways he helped me was supporting my decision to get a hamster. Since my apartment (at the time) didn't allow cats, I thought a hamster would be the friend I really needed when Beth wasn't around.
One cold night last November, Shawn and I drove back to a pet store near his house. (We wanted to go to a place with a wide selection of hamsters to choose from.) I had made sure to clean my entire apartment, including the table where the new hammy's cage would go, before we left. I had hamsters when I was little and remembered how sensitive they were to germs and small spaces. I wanted to make sure my new hammy would be completely healthy and comfortable in her new home.
Shawn and I spent quite a while in the "rodent room" looking at all the hamsters. I started off browsing the regular-sized hamsters. I hadn't planned on considering a dwarf hamster. Shawn, however, was already a little freaked out by the size of hamsters but for some reason wanted me to consider getting a dwarf instead. I figured that since Shawn and I had decided on getting a hamster together, I would make sure that he was as equally happy with our sweetie as I was.
I went over to the two or three cages with the dwarf hammies and found two that I was drawn to. I was either going to get a grey and white boy or an all white girl. Ironically enough, I found that I wanted to get the all white girl, even though I told Shawn that I didn't want a hammy that was all white right before we went into the pet store. I never really liked all white rodents for some reason. This hamster was different though, so I had the pet store employee come over and "wrap her up" for me to take home!
The thing about dwarf hamsters is that their life spans are short; they usually only live to be one to one and a half years old. My goal for my hamster was for her to live to be at least one year old. I wanted to prove to myself that I could take care of a pet on my own (with a little help from Shawn) and help her live a happy life. Now that Yukimo is a year old, I really feel like I've helped make her time with me special. After all, Yukimo is special to me in so many ways. And even though I've fulfilled my dream of having a cat (or two), I still find that Yuki and I share a strong connection. At times, I've even put Yukimo's health and happiness before my own. (An example of this would be keeping my apartment's temperature at 60 degrees while Beth and I freeze. Yuki absolutely loves the cold air!)
I really wanted to share Yukimo with the rest of the world. She's affected my life in so many ways... So here she is, at age one, exploring the vast world in front of her. I have to admit-- she has never looked so fluffy, white and happy before, tee hee. She even starts wiggling around at one point. o___O (I narrate during most of the video by giving tidbits of information about Yuki.)
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!
One thing that has always remained and been with me on that day is using sparklers. When I was little, I kind of felt like sparklers were mini fireworks that I could hold in my hands. I mean, seriously, those are even better than the real thing! Every time I hold one, a thrill goes through me-- the very idea that I'm that close to something that's seemingly "out of control" is exciting.
I surprised Mom and Kathleen on Tuesday night, figuring that Kathleen and I would be able to catch up by staying up a good amount of the night. I have the worst timing though, because when I got home, I found out that Kathleen had gone to Summerfest with her friends and wouldn't be back until midnight. When she got home, we were only able to talk for a little while until she fell asleep. I was disappointed, but we were able to talk and be crazy together the entire next day. After waking up at two in the afternoon (I needed to catch up on my sleep), I quickly got ready to head over to Kelly's house. Kelly and I rarely get a chance to just sit down and have some girl talk, so like I said in the card I gave her, seeing her on her birthday is like a birthday gift for me, not just her. ^__^
Kathleen and I danced around the front yard taking a good mix of funny and serious photos. The hardest part about taking photos of sparklers is getting them close enough to me without getting too burnt from all the sparks. I think Kathleen and I pulled that trick off pretty well, although, I did hear some complaining coming from Kathleen every once in a while. *giggle* I've never been able to photo log a nostalgic piece of my life like that before so I'm really happy with how they turned out. (The photo to the left makes me look a bit cheeky, but I love the angle-- Kathleen took that one.)
While Shawn had been grilling, I took photos of miscellaneous objects outside: orchids (that Mom made me photograph-- not my idea); Beth's Blythe, Jillian; and my little Laramie. I think taking photos while Shawn grills can be another new tradition that Shawn and I start together for this holiday. Now I have something else to look forward to every year on this day. ^^
There are two groups of people: those who are unaware of dollies in their lives, and those who revolve their lives around dollies. I fall into the latter group (obviously). This entry is a special dedication of love to a very important doll in my life. Dolls are not just toys. They are not meant to be memories for just children. Dolls, especially Blythe dolls, are landmarks in a person's life. They give meaning to many of us, and they bring more memories and happiness to me than I ever thought was possible. Every Blythe has a story, and this happens to be Plum's story.
For those of you who are unaware of what a doll collector's life is like, here is a story that will explain a lot-- a lot of answers may finally be revealed about the mysterious life of a Blythe collector!
The beginning.
I first started collecting and truly falling in love with Blythe dolls in 2004. My main goal, like a lot of people who reside over at the TIB forum, was to own a Kenner Blythe one day. I thought that their rareness was attractive and couldn't help but drool over photos that other people took of their 1970 vintage dolls. I then started to notice another Blythe doll mold, the BL mold. BL Blythes were the second types of Blythes ever to be released. After the 1970 girls failed, there was little hope for Blythe dolls. Well, Gina Garan, the famous Blythe photographer, shed new light on the dolly and fashion scene in Japan, and before anyone else could take in what was happening, BL Blythes were released, and Kozy Kape (Plum's Blythe type) was released. Kozy was the first BL that I fell for. I liked her simplicity, and the fact that her baby face was so sweet really melted my heart. I knew I would have to have her one day. BL Blythes have become extremely rare, sometimes even more rare than Kenners, and this is one reason that I find them so much more loveable than Kenner dolls. Because Kozys were quite pricey at the time (or so I thought), I had to put off my want for one for a few years. I took in many other girls to my Blythe family, and I loved them all very much. I still, however, yearned for something more, a Blythe that I could fall in love with, one that I would want to take with me everywhere. Kozy, you were meant to be.
The search.
Finally, in 2005, I realized that Kozy was the Blythe for me. Even though I knew I had my first ball-jointed doll (Swiss) on her way to me, Kozy was still in the back of my mind. I started looking for a Kozy on Ebay and in the TIB Buy and Sell section in about September that year. Kozys were then starting to get extremely rare and even more expensive than a few months previous to the start of my search. I began to panic. In December, I posted a "Want to Buy" (WTB) thread in the Buy and Sell section, and after posting, I realized that there were three other people looking for a Kozy at the exact same time. My heart sank, because I knew how desperate we all were, especially with the holidays approaching so quickly.
One night (in January, 2006), I received an email from a fellow TIB member regarding a Kozy she was putting up for sale. She said that she had remembered my thread and asked if I would like to put an offer in for her Kozy. This girl's Kozy was so beautiful, and I instantly knew I had to have her. Well, I immediately replied to her email with a rather high offer. Soon afterwards, I received a response with some very sad news. Just five minutes before I responded, another person put a high offer in, and the girl promised the other person the Kozy. I think I started to cry that night. It's hard when I have my heart set on something with so much excitement and passion. I felt like an evil trick had been played on me.
A new hope.
About a week later, I was online at about 2 a.m. when I noticed a thread that was selling a Bohemian Beat Blythe. I had always thought about taking one into my doll family, and with the disappointment over the Kozy, I thought I'd see if the seller would have a fair price for the BB. I messaged the seller and received a response a few minutes later. Then a feeling sunk in, a very familiar feeling: regret. In the past, I had rebounded off of a Blythe disappointment and bought a girl I was only semi-in love with, and I really didn't want to experience that regret again. (I ended up selling my rebound girl.) After I read the seller's very nice message, I told her that I really shouldn't buy her beautiful girl, because my heart was really set on getting a Kozy. After exchanging a few messages with her (because she really wanted to sell her BB to me after I kept giving her polite "no's"), she sent me a message that took my breath away.
Do u really want a kozy???
I got 2 kozy blythes...
mind me asking how much is your best offer for 98 percent an excellent condition girl (only that she got 3 pin prick at her fore head, under bangs, and cannot even show in pictures, and come with everything?"
I was speechless. After months (years?) of waiting for an opportunity to own my very own Kozy, she tells me this at the brink of exhaustion. I started to panic. What if this was some sort of joke? What if another person would snatch her up like the last time? I messaged her back with lightning-Blythe speed and told her that, yes, I was interested. She then responded with a message that scared the hell out of me. Someone else was interested in her Kozy. I had no idea how this was possible, since she hadn't even advertised that the doll was for sale in the first place. The seller then told me that we could each make one "bid" towards the Kozy, and whoever gave the bigger bid would be the "winner." (I figure that this was a smart ploy to make me bid higher. I still think that to this day.) I didn't care though; I had to win that Kozy. I gave my bid of $440 and eagerly awaited a reply. Sure enough, she responded and told me that I had been the higher bidder. It was that night (January 9th) that I won my favorite Blythe. (Since I bought Plum, the prices for Kozy have skyrocketed. I thought $440 had been a lot at the time, but now sellers are demanding $600 as the starting prices alone. Eventually, I think BL girl prices will surpass the costs of Kenner Blythes.)
The waiting and receiving.
I waited for Plum for over two weeks. Because I had been so excited to win my Kozy, I forgot to get the good, fast shipping. When ordering dolls from foreign countries, it's always best to opt for the best shipping possible, just to assure safe and fast travel. I waited at the door for the mailman every day. Eventually, I had to go back to campus since classes were starting up again. Then, one day, I came home to find that my mom wasn't there, but a little slip with my name on it was. I was stupid that day and I didn't check to see who it was from because I was so tired from the ride back to my house. After 5 o'clock, I casually looked at the slip, and I realized that, yes, the mailman had tried to deliver my Kozy, but she was now at the post, waiting to be picked up! I tore my hair out, tee hee.
Since the post office wasn't open after that time, I had to wait 'til the next morning to get my sweetie. Beth drove me to the post, and there it was, a package, quite bent and torn, waiting for me to rip open.
My little Plum had arrived. I knew that I wanted to name a Blythe Plum, and I figured that Kozy would be the girl to win the name. Sure enough, I opened my package up and fell in love with the little sweetheart inside. The super round face and her big, boggled eyes just said "Plum" to me. The waiting and the worrying had vanished, and my Plum was finally with me. To this day, I have never fallen so in love with a Blythe, and I've never seen anyone else take in a Blythe with so much... need and want. Plum is the ultimate Blythe to me, and she always will be.
Plum's first birthday.
Plum had come all the way from Thailand to be with me. Who knows where she had been before her home in Thailand! She's not only my little traveler, but she's my geek at heart. Out of all my girls, her personality is the most diverse and creative, the weirdest and funniest, the cutest, and the best. I know a lot of people can't play favorites with Blythes, but I'm not afraid to admit that this love of my life is my favorite, my Plum.
Her first birthday was on January 28th, 2007. We celebrated the day in a very relaxed fashion. I gave her the one present that had arrived-- a strawberry coat and bag set made by Berni at the TIB forum. I took photos of her with red ribbons in her hair, and we had a blast. Shawn was over that day, too, and he was able to shower Plum with even more love. (We consider Plum our little girl. Shawn is crazy for her and runs to her defense whenever Beth makes fun of her or tries to kidnap her. He even buys her presents for special occasions.)
A few days later, Shawn dropped off the last two presents that I had bought for Plum: a knit hat by moondancer at TIB, and a beautiful pink vinyl carrying case made by chloellaboo at TIB. All of her presents fit together so perfectly! The case comes in handy for when I transport Plum back and forth from the apartment and my house. It's something I've been looking for a carrying case like this one for a long time. There was even a berry theme-- the strawberries (on her coat and bag) and cherries (on the case). And I swear, the hat was made for the outfit. Plum's birthday has pretty much lasted the entire week. With her backstory in mind and the adorable presents she's received, I would say that Plum has had the perfect first birthday.
Happy berfday, Plum. I love you.
I really have nothing to write about, mostly because I'm all literature'd out. I had a long day and part of that long day consisted of writing a paper that I'm I feel a little iffy about. So, here's my stress release:
I miss Hue. She's at my house right now. Maybe I'll bring her back to the apartment tomorrow when I visit Kathleen at home for her birthday.
I felt like adding an entry today... just because. I feel drained and exhausted after running around all day-- class, class, graphics store for a course reader (to aid my attempt at writing my paper), outline for paper, actual paper, ghetto walmart for some of kathleen's birthday presents, Noodles for food, and now... rest. I plan to use my time wisely.
Most people don't have as much fun on a 20 minute ride from one city to another, but oh yeah, WE DO.
Beth, Shawn and I decided to go out on a mini-shopping trip to the mall to get Mom's birthday presents for tomorrow. The trip was pretty successful; we bought her a glitter puzzle (it's as much fun as it sounds), a book (that's on hold right now), and the newer version of the book-to-film adaptation Pride and Prejudice. She'll love everything. (I also snatched up the latest Juxtapoz. Shawn tried to treat me by buying it. I'm afraid that I already bought a copy and forgot I did. Oopsie.)
We had to stop at the apartment because Shawn's credit card and driver's license were missing. He was pretty sure he left it here, and thank god, he was right. He doesn't have to worry now. ^_^ On the way over, we pumped up Rooney and took pictures in the car. It's the impromptu excursions like today that I really cling onto the most, more so than the big trips that are planned. Beth and I must have known today was gonna be fun since we dressed up. I'm trying to obtain more confidence through the way I look, hence the newer wardrobe and fascination with shoes and jewelry. Maybe Beth's fashion sense is finally wearing off on my poor, sad clothing. It's about time. Anyway, it was great being so goofy and colorful all at one time. Being fruity rocks.
Tatum is coming back today. In fact, she's probably back at the house now; Mom was supposed to pick her up around three o'clock. I think it's the first birthday Mom will have that Dad might remember. Well, "remember" is too nice of a word to use-- Kathleen hinted to him in a letter that she slipped in his suitcase right before he left for Las Vegas that her birthday was coming up. He was graced with a hint. It would be funny (or not-so-funny) if he still forgot. He hasn't remembered in years.
Shawn better always remember my birthday. I doubt he'd forget since our birthdays are only four days apart, haha. Lucky, lucky Shawn.
I uploaded a ton of pictures from the ride over here but I didn't wanna clog my entry with all pictures so they're snuggling up in my photo section. I love how bright they all turned out. Even if they were edited a bit... it shows how much fun I had today. (I hope Vox doesn't have a photo limit. Uh oh.)
