ACEN PLANS????

Yumi Azusa, Soul Eater
England, Hetalia
Cinnamoroll, or Keroppi, Sanrio
Daisy, Tokimemo GS2

No. Shut up. That is NOT an appropriate thing to "lol" at. No, it is not funny. At all. In fact, it was a very serious matter. You are more of an idiot than I thought you were. My respect for you totally went down even lower than it already was. Good job. But really. "LOL" is really not the best go-to response for when you don't know what to type. Use whatever intelligence you have to figure out a more appropriate response. Now, kindly go laugh out loud at someone else. Okay? Thanks.

-dissolves into a pile of goo-

So, after an eventful train ride, I'm back at Knox. And by eventful, I mean cold. The electricity died on the train. So there was no heating. How cold was it outside? Negative twenty degrees. It got chilly. The train got delayed about five hours until it finally decided to dump all the passengers out in Minneapolis. I called Brittney for help, knowing that she lives in Minnesota. The saint that she is, she saved me and another Knox student, even though it was about ninety miles north of where she lived. So instead of having to face several hours of waiting for buses to be arranged and then a crowded bus ride to Chicago and then another train/bus to Galesburg, we drove straight to Galesburg in seven hours or so. (Better than the twelve-plus it would have taken otherwise.)

So, just finished my second day of classes. All of them will be good, but I'm a bit worried about my Japanese class. My normal professor is on leave right now, so the first year professor is teaching it. I don't know how I feel about her, yet, but my first impression was not good. We'll see how she compares to Matsuda sensei as the days move on. I'm excited for my Greek Civilization class; I love the professor and the subject. Plants should be a great class, too, believe it or not. The professor is spiffing and not having to deal with a mind numbing science will be good for my head. Not to say that the class is easy, necessarily, it's just not a traditional science class. It focuses not only on the physical/chemical structure of plants, but also on their relationship with humans. I find it really intriguing.

I'm also looking forward to continuing my internship. Millennium-old pottery sherds! Yay! I loves them. ^____^ Work, too. I miss the archives, with the smell of old books in the air. I'll probably go in tomorrow to work for a while, since Carley doesn't have schedules up yet. One thing I'm dreading is finishing my study abroad application. I probably should just calm down and finish it up -- or at least start the damn essay -- but I'm scared. I'll get to it. This is the first week. The way I see it, I've got time. February first is the deadline. I CAN DO IT.

Ah. Also looking forward to my D&D game. And I may be starting a new one with some different people, too. AND THERE IS A COMIC/GAMING STORE IN TOWN NOW. HUZZAH. Haha, it's really small now, but they're planning on upgrading once business picks up and such. I asked the owner to look into getting some non-classic Doctor Who comics; I'll pop back later this week to see if he found anything. ^^

I love this term, by the way. My earliest class starts at 10:40 on Mon/Wed/Fri and 1:00 on T/Th. I get to sleep in as much as I want. ^_______^ For now, at least. Carley will probably fit me in for a shift in the morning some days. But I will request to have some days free to laze. xD

By the way. Now that I'm in Galesburg, I can complain that it is cold. So all you people shivering when it's thirty-five degrees? Deal with it. Tomorrow's got a high of seventeen. And that's really warm for this time of year. It really doesn't feel that bad if you bundle up, though. Unless it's windy. Then... everyone is screwed. B| I think it might be windier than it has been later this week. Curses.

BED TIME. -flies off-

Christmas Day was wonderful. I had a bit of trouble finding out that my uncle's cancer is worse than I thought it was, but... other than that I had a good holiday? (This is the same uncle who I previously said has no issues. Turns out he just hides all the pain. Fantastic.)

But for now I'll overlook that.

Opened up a present from my Nanny and opened up my stocking while up at Whidbey Island. Got a wonderful scarf/glove/hat set, a cute sweater, and a bunch of little candy goodies. A bit later in the early afternoon, we drove to my Nana and Papa's house in Seattle. Opened up a few more presents. Got Disney's Robin Hood on dvd, a few books, and several other little goodies. I felt really bad for my brother; all he got was two books and a gift card for more books. Poor guy; at least people could have gotten him a few other books on his list? I mean, that's what he'll buy anyway. But that way he could have had more than one package to unwrap under the tree at my Nana and Papa's house. Ah, well. He got stuff at home and at Nanny's. Including a Dalek. A remote controlled Dalek. It is beautiful.

Well, off to mingle a bit more.

So, I'm up at my Nan's right now. I do love it on Whidbey Island, even if Nanny did have to leave the Erickson home. I mean, my dad helped build that house, but since Pa died... Nan can't live there, not alone. It's too big, and there's too much yard to care for. But I miss the house, the view it had. The whole family misses it. But we're still here together, so that's good.

Anyway, opened main Christmas presents (from mom/dad/ryan) on Tuesday morning. I got a photo printer, book collection on the Hittites/Persians/Babylonians/Egyptians, a replica ancient Greek coin to hold me over until I can get an authentic one, the Maru book, some awesome mittens, and the DS game Scribblenauts. Drove up to Washington right after that. We brought Tori -- my budgie -- with us. He has really enjoyed all the attention. He's been out a lot, and even when he is in his cage he is near the action. He doesn't have to hide away because of a stupid hunting cat. I wish Mika would leave him alone.

So... a few things have sort of annoyed me on my trip up here. Or just confused me.

First of all, my younger cousin Corinne. She started laughing at me because of how bad I am at drums on Rockband. Uhm... sorry for being bad at them? You don't have to laugh. I'm probably being too sensitive, but it hurt. People, like my Nan, always say how thoughtful she is. Like hell she is thoughtful. People who some consider to be jerks have been more considerate to me in terms of me sucking at Rockband. Oliver, for instance, was really nice about it. Same with David and Chris when we made our band. I really miss that, of all things. They never made fun of me when I was on the drums unless I laughed, too, and stuff like that. Or something... but it was so much fun. I loved it. I didn't have to worry about being a bad drummer, singer, or guitar/bass player. They accepted my skill level. And my thoughtful, good little (fifteen year old) cousin bursts out laughing. Thanks.

Next, I'll go ahead and move onto Corinne's mother, my brother's little sister. She's a banker, and mother of the most outwardly troubled person in my family -- Andrew. He'd had a lot of problems a year back. He was in prison this time last year. He'd gotten into drug dealing, then taking drugs -- including meth -- and ended up stealing money from the one woman who protected him: our Nanny. He had taken money out of her bank account by coming into the house in the middle of the night and stealing her debit card, then returning it later. But he's better, now. He still smokes and drinks those Monster drinks, but I think that is acceptable at this point. He's back to being my cousin. So my aunt talks like she is an incredibly kind, loving, open-minded woman. Like I said -- she's a banker. She had convinced my Nanny to link their bank accounts so she could help Nan with her money. Apparently "helping" means stealing money to this wonderful woman. I don't get it. What the hell is wrong with this family? I mean, several months ago she and my uncle were getting a divorce, and now they're back to love and merriment. Two members are stealing money from Nan. I just don't really get it. They're two-faced, all of them. Except maybe my uncle. He used to have anger management issues, but he's good now. Went through nursing school and counseling, and he's happier from what we can see. And I haven't heard any family gossip about him that's negative, so... he's good.

Time to move onto my Nanny. I've never doubted anything she's said until last night. She always says that she can see into people's hearts, but... I think her eyes are fading. She says that I'm a romantic person at heart, that I want to find love, and that I will get married, blah blah blah. Dude. I give her cuddles -- hugs in her magical British-talk -- and stuff, but that does not make me romantic. Ask anyone. I'm not romantic. I do not want children. I do not want to get married any time soon. But Nan insists that she's right. I feel bad for disagreeing. But whatever. She also keeps saying that my father is a kind, caring, loving person who is good at heart. I can't believe that. I still cannot accept his apologies for the things he said to me. He's done that so often, it must be true. A good person would never say that. Even if it's true, which it probably is, a good person wouldn't.

I guess most of this post is me ranting about my family. On Christmas Eve. I'm not in a good mood, again. I was, but Corinne laughing at me just filled up my bucked of unhappy. I had to get it out.

I decided something today, by the way. If I do marry someone, he's gotta be able to cook. To make up for my lack of ability.

Trying to think of something good to type, but I can't really think of anything else. Damn.

OH. TORI. My bird. If he doesn't die then that bird is hilarious. He is obsessed with alcohol. White wine, to be specific. He was on my finger when all of a sudden he flew over to my dad's wine glass. He landed on the rim and stuck his head down to take a sip. I quickly blocked it off and took him away before he could take a sip. But he kept staring at the glass, leaning towards it, and flying over to it. My dad tipped the glass so he could take a sip. Dear god, that just got him more excited. He flew over to mom's glass, then tried to get a sip of my aunt Diane's. Stupid bird. He only ended up getting one or two sips, so he *should* be fine, but still. My bird is obsessed with wine. He'd totally be a drunkard if I let him. I love that bird.

Whoo! So I had a good day, today. Hung out with people. And had fun times. And awkward times, but that happens with this particular group. I also pwned people at rummy, or whatever that card game is called. That was amusing.

Didn't get any cosplay photos taken, but that will come soon. I can't wait! And it doesn't matter when my blond wig gets here, at this point, but I still want it to come soon.

Heading to the beach tomorrow with my mom for a few days. I'm looking forward to being at the ocean; we'll be going to the Newport aquarium and possibly the lighthouse and eating crab at an awesome little seafood place and and and and be at the beach. I'm pretty excited for that. ^______^ Even if it's raining the whole time, I really don't care. I love the ocean.

Why do particles floating about in my inner ear make me feel so darn horrible? I DON'T GET IT. Well, I do. It totally makes sense. Sort of. Though why ears control balance is something I don't think I'll ever understand. Hearing... standing up straight... SAME THING RIGHT? 8D

Tigger threw up on the couch where I tend to flop down. Twice. Two days in a row. I think he's telling me something.

Caught up with Doctor Who, finally. So I'm all ready for the eleventh Doctor. -bounces about- Aaaaaand, I'll start thinking about watching Torchwood. Seriously. Eventually. Maybe.

Feeling better, now. After pretty much lying in bed all day with a Mika-kitty lying on top of me, my mom came home from work and noticed that I was a piece of shit. She encouraged me to get out of the house, and once I did I cheered up quite a bit. Traded in a few video games and got credit at the best used video game store around -- it has used and new stuff from current and old systems -- and bought two games. One, a strategy RPG for the DS. Two, Pokemon Snap for N64. Hell yes. I had fun tonight when I got home after dinner. After getting the games, I turned in some books at Powells. I have forty dollars in book credit now, for when I need to get something. While there, I found something incredible: a set of four books that covers the Hittites, Egyptians, Persians, and Babylonians. I died of happy. Guess what I'm getting as a surprise for Christmas? -rolls about- I can't wait to read more about my beloved underrated ancient civilizations! 8D

Tomorrow, I'm off to get a Christmas tree. We're getting it for free since my mom's hosting a party for her work at our house and one of her coworkers owns a tree farm. Whoo! We save forty bucks or something right there! I also have work in the evening, but I'm cool with that. Extra money for Anime Central/saving up for Athens.

Since I haven't mentioned it here, I'll do so. I've decided to study abroad in Athens, Greece, next fall term. It'll cost me a bit extra for tuition, but I'll get a few extra credits that will make up for my death last school year. Plus I'll be able to see a bunch of old stuff... IN PERSON. -flails- Because pictures of old stuff just isn't enough.

I still want to go to Japan one of these summers, but at the moment it isn't at the top of my to-do list. Maybe the summer after my Junior year would be good. I'll have saved money since I probably won't be going to any anime conventions that year. XD

I would really like a hug.

Yesterday, all day, I felt so freaking lonely. Even at work. There were plenty of my coworkers talking with me, but it didn't help. And then it took me over three hours to get to sleep even though I was exhausted and felt like crawling into a corner and dying. I almost hope that the bite Peter (squirrel) gave me gets infected. It would make life slightly more interesting, or at least give me something real to worry/think about. As opposed to this nonexistent shit crawling around in my head. Please go away? Please? Leave me alone. I don't like being unhappy. Not without reason.

I need a hug. I want someone to notice and care.

Sorry. I don't feel good right now.

Haven't posted anything in a while, and since I don't have to work until two (instead of noon) today, I have time! Yay!

So, nothing much has been going on with me. At all. Which hasn't really been a bad thing. I've rather enjoyed not having anything particularly bad happen over the past few months. Heck, more good has happened than bad. Which is rather surprising, with the luck I have. XD I mean, we finally got a wireless router, so I can go online on my laptop. We got a new television -- widescreen, forty-something inches -- and updated what channels we get. So now we have like... FIFTY THOUSAND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE HISTORY TRAVEL WHATEVER AMAZING CHANNELS. YAYYYY. That pleases me.

In the world of preparing for KumoriCon, I've almost finished my Kim Diehl (Soul Eater) costume. Hopefully that'll be completed today. (Make that tomorrow. I will be working until really late tonight.) And my Shaymin cosplay is also nearing completion. I paid for my Tokimeki uniform, so hopefully I'll have that for KumoriCon. I started work on embroidering the patch, though if it doesn't turn out okay I will probably just make an iron-on transfer until I get better at needlework.

Plushie-wise, I have three naked dudes sitting on the couch downstairs: Hojo, Richter Abend, and Axel. They will be clothed and ready for their new homes by KumoriCon. ^____^ I also have a Shea/Shiba in the works for myself, since I love that little guy. He's for me. <3 My next project will be a set of Tokimemogs2 chibis. All the guys. But I'm going to try and hold off on them until I finish Richter and Hojo.

Ah! I also decided that I'm going to apply for study abroad for my Junior year of college. Japan. Full year. I was contemplating studying in Athens instead, but I'd rather become skilled in one language before attempting yet another. I already know quite a bit of Japanese; why interrupt my studies for Greek? That'll come once I'm fluent in Neehowngoe. -shot-

So, that's about all I can think of mentioning. Geez, my life is boring right now. Haha. I'll probably be making a sales entry at some point, with the stuff that I don't sell for KumoriCon. Yup. So, that's about it. Farewell, invisible and nonexistant readers! XD

My new friends at PCC are starting to annoy me. They're all pretty awesome, but... I can't stand how racist they are. I mean, they're not outwardly I-hate-all-whatevers, but they keep making jokes about them. I don't like it. Race is not real. Period. People made it up so they can classify themselves into nice categories. So shut up. People have different skin color and traits because who they mate with is generally limited to people who are the same as them. That doesn't mean that the Japanese people MAGICALLY have an extra joint in their ankle that allows them to sit seiza easier. Seriously, wtf? I'm pretty sure that Japanese children complain about it just as much as Americans do. >.>

They also all tested into Math 20 to 60. I got into Math 130 or whatever without even trying since I suck at math and don't care. I couldn't help but feel a little arrogant when I heard them talking about that... -/horrible person-

Also, ran into Jeremy at school. I had no idea that he went there, so it made me all happy. And he went to the zoo today and I got to jabber with him whilst procrastinating. He went with a group from PCC that was going after I told him I was working there. ^____^ Yay!

Hrm. Nothing else to plop down here, I don't think. Been making quite a bit of money from work. ^_____^ I'll definitely have enough for Japan either this winter or next summer. I'm pretty pleased with that. -bounces about-

I seriously want to punt a kitten. Or something. But a kitten was the first thing that came to mind, so I'm gonna stick with that. Anyone have one to offer?

So I'm too lazy to type up too much regarding my SakuraCon experience. I will say that if scared me a bit, though. It was cool going to such a large convention and everything, but it was far too large for me. I like my little KumoriCon. I don't need people coming from halfway across the country to make my convention special and amazing.

That said, I am now freaking out about KumoriCon. I am so excited! I leave for school right after it's over, but I can still go! =D Yay! I've been pondering cosplay ideas... HERE IS MY MAYBE LIST.

Haku || Spirited Away (I'm definitely going to try this since I want to crossplay. XD)

Shaymin Gijinka || Pokemon (If I can find a relatively inexpensive long green wig I will do this, but otherwise... I dunno.)

Rio Takeuchi || Spiral (I love the character, but I want to be recognized by someone, so I don't know.)

Maha || .hack//SIGN (I have always loved Maha, but I don't know if I have the money or skill to pull off her head/mask/hat/ect.)

So yes. I plan to buy as much doujinshi as I can while there. (Nothing uber dirty, of course. I'm not into hardcore yaoi or romance of any sort. But after SakuraCon I just LOVE little comedy/drama doujin. <3) I only have two right now, but a third that I won on eBay for two dollars is on the way. ^_____^

I've been a lazy-face all day. I've basically browsed the interwebs, played Animal Crossing, and slept. Talked to Michelle for about five seconds in order to find out the name of an anime, and exchanged a few short words with my mom and brother but that's it. Normally I'd turn into a mopey pile of lonely with so little human contact, but that hasn't happened yet. It's sort of strange, but I'm not complaining.

So, yes. I really should start on my cosplay for SakuraCon pretty soon, huh? That was gonna happen today, but... heh heh. Ah, well.

So, life of Cat... not much going on. Saw Wicked last night, and it was pretty awesome. My mom bought tickets on a whim just a few days ago, so we didn't have very choice seats (second balcony near the top -- dead center, though) but it was still a lot of amazing shoved into a few hours.

Yah, not much else. I've been Morrowinding a lot. Killing, stealing, blackmailing people, and making deals with gods. The usual fun stuff. My character's getting pretty advanced, which is saying a lot for me. I'm the sort of person who always starts over after my current character reaches level five. XD Now I'm up to fifteen! WOOOOT. I'm on a roll? Maybe she'll even get to level TWENTY this time!

Yawwwwn. Yes, I did just feel the need to type out the yawn I just completed. It was necessary. Very necessary.

I wish life was like a video game. Not the save points and stuff, I'm fine with going through with one chance and all that stuff. But... video games are cool. There's all sorts of genres, but they're all more interesting than how life really is. Even those stupid pet simulation games. Hell, I would KILL to have immortal hamsters or dolphins flopping around in a gigantic pool in my backyard. In video games, even minor characters have a lot going for them. They're all helpful to some extent, even if their helpfulness is only saying "Welcome to Peoria!" for all eternity. It's not that I feel unhelpful or anything, but it would be nice to know my "purpose" -- or at least have an epic questline that will reveal my purpose. I know, we all live to die and have no purpose other than that, but I'm sure any of you actually reading this bit of ramblings get what I mean. Something to live for, something to protect, something to reach for. Anything, really. All I'm reaching for now is a part time job so I can go to Japan for a week or two. That's not exactly a long term goal. Ah, well.

So, with that pointless little goober done, I think I'll ramble on a bit more! Snap. My eye is twitching. I do hate that. Oh, good. It stopped.

You know what's really fun? Searching symptoms on Google. I swear, if your left pinky is tingling you are going to DIE. If you have a headache, guess what? You're also going to DIE. Slight pain in your side? DIE. So yes. Clearly the sharp stabbing pains I have been getting on the upper left side of my abdomen mean that I am going to die of an incurable disease or ailment. Clearly. I do wish I could actually find out what those pains are. They sort of leave me helpless whilst I cling to my side in agony, unable to breath until the stabbing decides to stop. Guess what my old doctor told me: it's nothing serious, and nothing to worry about. WHAT THE HELL. Some of the worst pain I can imagine, pain that has nearly caused a car crash, pain that doubles me over, pain that can strike up to twenty times a day, is nothing to worry about. Obviously I am faking it. Just like I was faking that cough for five years. Right. I hate doctors who don't take their patients seriously. x.x So yes. I do hope I remember to bring this up with my new doctor; perhaps she can actually tell me what's going on instead of just saying it's nothing. It's nothing incredibly serious, I will admit; I've had these pains for years and it hasn't killed me yet. But still -- advice or something might be nice.

Hm... what else can I bring up? Ah, yes. I cut my hair. It's all short now. ^____^ And all the blond is gone, finally gone! At last I have my natural hair back! That pleases me.

Well, I think I'm done for now.

YAY. Pointless ramblings complete! Arrow, out!

Look! I posted something! =D
Silly me. I really should take advantage of this places' ranting capabilities sometime. Well, I ranting back in the day.

So yes. This is me posting for the sake of posting, I do suppose. Yay!

PLUSHIES. I am making them. Yup. Crona right now. From Soul Eater. Because I can. Commissions would be a great idea. So then I can get some monies. Which I need for going to Japan. Which I will be doing. I NEEDS A JOB AND MONIES.

>.>;

Why am I trying to think five minutes after waking up?