626 Cosplay Contest

  In all the time I've been cosplaying, bringing one to a food event was not in the foreseeable future looool. I mentioned I'd be going back to 626 in the last post, but that was before finding out that there'd be a cosplay contest! And, like, that's probably the coolest thing ever because

• I really like night markets
• Cosplay is fun for me

So like, boom. Lets go.


First thing's first; there was a rule about not wearing masks in the venue until the contest. This was unfortunate because I was bringing Doujun, and, well.

 

He's a little modest.

This is where Chicken came in as the greatest handler ever. We packed up all of my burlap and props, stuffed them into my neglected Blizzcon backpack (which is actually a nice backpack that I should utilize more often), and brought along the basket, and we were off to 626 Night Market. 

I'd just have to change there before the meet up time, which was 7pm. But once we got there around 5ish, I panicked kinda, because the instructions were kinda vague. So I asked staff where to go, how to sign up, what time, blah blah, etc. One of the organizers put my name down early, but told me to come back between 7-7:30pm. So... we ate.

 It was... extremely hot out T_T

 Chicken really likes stinky tofu. I've tried it a few times. The time I had it at his parents house, it was the hxc kind. And as open minded as I wanted to be (because it's food), I tried it, and couldn't swallow it. I was, and probably still am, a stinky tofu casual.

But, this time around, it was actually pretty good. It also wasn't very pungent. Like, it was noob stink levels. Chicken wasn't impressed. wHAt a STinKy gAtEKeEPeR


Our next stop, since it was right there, was Seoul Streeeeet!!

They came out with a new dish. I couldn't believe it. They're doing braised ribs1!! Which is what I go to eat at Sun Nong Dan lol. GALBI JJIM!!! Or kalbi. Same consonant, doesn't matter in English. 

And it was amaaazzziiing T_T. It can be served over fries or white rice. We went with rice, and honestly I think it was perfect. I'm hoping they bring it to their shop so I can go there after work and get fat again.


So, we wandered around for a bit, got something to drink, and once 6:30 came around, we headed towards the stage area, kinda off a ways so I could get changed. 

 My short lived outfit for the day.
I came across these lenses while trying to find something to wear with Doujun, and I think they were the right choice. I also did the makeup around my eyes to look kinda red and puffy. They'd be the only thing visible once the hat and mask went on. (also matches my sunglasses)

We found a spot outside the bathrooms, and dumped out everything.

 First the trousers, the mask, and then it's getting all that hair fitted under the hat.

The robes and apron, and the ropes

 And finally, the foot wrappings. You know. for the "shoes"

 I need to just find a pattern for socks and make burlap socks. The only issue is that burlap isn't stretch material, and I have no idea how that would even work. Unless I make them a larger size, and then just wrap them that way? idk. I'm probably over-complicating it.

We had a lot of onlookers. No crying children this time though. Almost, but not quite. They were mostly curious and wanted to see if my eyes had a soul behind them.

SO, this is what i mean about the directions being vague. The post for the contest never specified a start time, just a meet up time. And I interpreted that as like... an important time. Like, soon. 7pm, be there. sign up. etc. But no, we later found it it started at 8pm. So, we had an hour to burn. And just.. went up behind the stage to relax for a bit. There was only like 1 or 2 other cosplayers at the time.

 I was so happy with my mango boba slush ^_^

Thank you for being an incredible handler T_T

Around 7:30, we got up and walked down the stairs to wait at the stage. A lot more cosplayers showed up!

AND FRIENDOS :D
Showed up for support waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh T____T I felt so much better with them there.

So... here's a thingie.
There isn't a single competitive bone in my body. I am a phenomenal loser. If someone goes into something extremely passionate and hard and really wanting to demolish people, I can't... I don't mesh well with that personality. So I just eject myself. Even if I know I'd do well. There are many things I'm confident about. Arrogant, even. But my personality is not to talk myself up.

SO doing this was crazy out of my comfort zone. But with friendos supporting me, it actually turned out to be a lot of fun, and the MC seemed to really like what I put together ^_^

Chicken was awesome and recorded lots of stuff. Even made some gifs :D

So, oh yeah, because I was the first one to arrive, I was up first. He asked me a bunch of questions, and like, I got to talk about creepy dungeon boy and it make me feel a lot better lol.

I also took myself extremely serious, and did hxc poses that my character would do, and even impersonated his voice.

All in all, the contest was really fun! It seemed like a lot of people were having the time of their lives on stage, and I was happy to watch them just let go and enjoy themselves in costume. One thing that did bug me though...

  There were a few cosplayers (yep) like 5 or 6 behind me, that couldn't control themselves from talking shit. I swear to god... it was like... high school. Just nonstop rambling and jabs about peoples' poses or how big their cosplays were. While those contestants were on stage. Just. Openly. I overheard one talking shit about a spiderman cosplayer, who was clearly enjoying himself on stage, but she felt like his squatting was somehow subpar to whatever she would contribute and....

Why? Why be like that? Are you 12? The others were joining in with her, and I wanted to turn around and tell them all to shut the fuck up. Just let people have fun and mind your business. I didn't though. I just kept watching and applauding when the contestants were finished. But just... wow.

A N Y W A Y 

After the contest was done, friendos and Chicken were waiting for me with big hugs and love. It was the most awesome feeling! I didn't win, but it was still really, really fun. I got to be silly and just enjoy myself, and got to show everyone how precious Doujun is. Because... he is. I'm glad that my first cosplay contest was at the night market lol. Truly. That's... just like.. so cool haha.
Shit talking sucks, so I didn't wanna stick around, and we promptly left to go get FOOOOODDS.

 I look like a ghost :D

Aaaand ran into my buddy David! He usually has a massive booth at conventions, with a ton of mash up art. For a second when I saw his art sticking out of a booth, I thought someone was reselling his stuff, so I rushed over about to go off on someone, but then I saw him, and it was okay :D 

 He's so patient lol

Ahh, these lenses were perfect for Doujun. How I forgot I even had them is a mystery. When I wear lenses, I only usually just wear the brownish/purple ones. But... hooray! 

To end the weekend, we had all you can eat sushi. Fish is so good man T_T

with looooots of wasabi!

 Look at thiiiiiiiissss. My print from Tokyo_Jesus came in on Friday. When it comes to art and design, he's I think... my favorite. Ugh, I can't stand it, his work is just.... I FEEL IT IN MY BONES. IT'S LIKE HE'S SPEAKING TO ME, I JUST KNOW IT

Umm, also.. just.... the recognition that Doujun has gotten lately has been so exciting for me. It seems Japan twitter really took to him lol. And it's a hope that I can only make him better over time. I'm just glad people like him at all T_T  he's weird but... BEAUTIFUL and to everyone that's ever stopped me for a photo, thank you for validating my gross interests with the macabre lol. 

I'm still gushing over the fact that the MC said my cosplay was beautiful 

 Will I enter other cosplay contests? Unlikely. But this experience was really fun ^___^

*salsa dances away*

fAuX Drama (because AX2019 get it)

    I completely forget how this was gonna start lol. 

So here's a picture of someone from work being silly after I shouted at him for endangering everyone in the building by RUNNING UP THE STAIRS. JEEZ.

And here's another of my happy face because someone else from work made onigiri and brought some for us and this was my second one and was also leaving to go home to a 4 day weekend and and and and

run on sentences!

Things have been nice. I've just been going home and chillin. The nights are getting warmer, which means night swims in our pool are closer than ever. In the mean time, my housemate and I just settle for booze and reading by the pool instead.

On Friday evening, right after the second earthquake, I decided driving 45 minutes north to go to the night market, alone, was a great idea.

It actually was really nice. I haven't been on a long drive like that at night in a while. It's so therapeutic. But then, I arrived. And the quiet quickly died, as even the lights were loud.

I knew Seoul Street would be there, so I sought them out. 626 is much larger than the OC night market, but after a while of wandering, unimpressed with 5325567 fusion french fries booths, I finally spotted them.

 They hooked me up with a massive thing of kimchi bulgogi fries. I'm not worthy lol. They even encouraged me to skip the line the last time I saw them. So... I tippy-toed towards the back of the booth when I spotted John, and waved. He asked me what I wanted, and seconds later his sister Angie came out to greet me and make sure I was getting something xD

I devoured that so fast lol. Probably shouldn't have because it filled me up. The only other thing I wanted was something sugary and cold. Like a dessert or a drink. I found a booth with halo halo

Man. Halo halo is so hit or miss. I don't understand how halo halo can be done badly. The one I got was BAD. No flavor, bland, watered down- they put way too much crushed ice. I've had good halo halo and crappy sub par ones but this one was like... damn. Never again. I'm mad lol.

I hung out there for maybe 2 hours before heading home with a full tummy. It was nice to be out alone. Earlier that evening, my bf drunk texted me lol. He had colleagues over and they were all having a good time. But it's cool. I don't mind venturing alone, especially at night. Maybe now that it's warmer, I may go back to some old habits of long night drives again. Catch some pokemon. Visit my spot. Who knows

A N I M E   E X P O  |  2 0 1 9

 The fire marshal, apparently, was called on Friday because of Artist Alley.

Another year of weebs gathering at the largest weeb convention ever. As many sources have reported, the weebs were too much, and again incurred the wrath of mother nature. While last year, she tried to kill everyone with unbearable heat, this year she tried to banish Southern California into her depths via not one, but two tectonic plate shuffles. Both of which failed. So I'm excited for next year. We're all just going to drown, I'm sure of it.

I finished my cosplay in time! A funny thing; I hadn't thought things through as far as accessorizing goes because the car ride to the convention center was awful. See, Doujun wears a ton of rope around his waste (wards against evil spirits), and intertwined in that rope are also other relics. 

He has like, these pouches of stuff (presumably medicines and herbs), and like, a dagger sheath, a bottle, a canteen, and a huge bamboo fishing basket- which also wards off evil spirits. 

BUT. I had attached all of these things on the rope, like woven them into the wrapping of my waist, and when I went to get into the car, it was a total oh shit moment.  

I made it to the convention center safe and sound. But unfortunately, the fastening on my bottle wasn't strong enough for the friction from the car ride. It's cool though. It easily stowed away in my fishing basket.

The props... lol oh man.
I had no clue how to even approach them.

Eventually, I just found some cedar pouches, sprayed them with brown clothes dye, and then it was just a matter of finding stuff similar to the remaining items.

I found a sponge, a gutting knife (for fishing) that came with the perfect size and color sheath, and a dumpy kinda similarly shaped tumbler. The sponge I just carved into the canteen shape and sprayed it. The tumbler... I did my best to line in faux black leather fabric that I had left over from other cosplays, and then sprayed that. And the sheath was fine. The knife, well. It's nearby. Don't break into my house ^_^

Sunday was the only day I attended.

I say this with the context of being antisocial and shy, and only going for buying some manga and just being around weeb shit. I've also been around long enough to understand how the scene works. While there are a tooooon of amazing cosplayers, and the love was awesome for my cosplay, I don't really like pandering. So, I just met up with people from work. And, no one recognized me in cosplay, haha.

I got there extremely early, like, line up in the garage before the convention center even opened- early. I wanted to make sure traffic wasn't an issue, assured a good parking spot, and had time to fix anything that needed fixing before going in without feeling rushed. So, for the first time, I was in the group with some of the first people to go in. It's not something to be proud of, just... new. 

A couple people stopped me for photos almost immediately T_T waaaahh the love was real

When I stepped into the vendor hall, I'd never seen it so empty lol. It was a nice calm before the storm.

 Nailed it.

So a few things I noticed. My kimono is huge. I need to take it in, at least the sleeves. They're supposed to be massive, but I'm smol, and miscalculated the measurements. Another thing... burlap sucks. I will say that having an entire cosplay made from it is actually nice in that it's light and breathable, it also chaffs exposed skin. I was wearing shorts and a tshirt underneath, but my thighs squish a little, so that friction sucked. Mental note: fix that. 

And finally, the "shoes" were quite literally just burlap fastened with twine. I wore black sandals for cushioning so I wouldn't be walking around basically in burlap socks all day, but wrapping the twine requires more strategy than I thought. The burlap began to come loose after a while, and I had to keep kneeling down to tighten and fasten the burlap in place a few times. 

LEARNING! HOORAY

Ah yes. My eyes. Scleras would've been phenomenal with this cosplay. My eyes look too soft. I didn't apply any make up seeing as how only like, 9% of my face is showing, but that maybe was a mistake. I didn't like how my eyes looked in contrast to everything else.

Still, overall this is probably a current favorite. I worked really hard on it and am really proud of how it came out. It wasn't a total mess T_____T and I love Doujun so much lol. Creepy boyyyy

LOVE these two!

While this year I only went one day, I've no regrets lol. AX has gotten so insane. Even with a badge in hand, it took over 3 hours to get into the venue because it reached capacity. They continue to sell badges without a cap, and ... I'm trying to mind my own business about it but... idk. There isn't a solution that I can think of that would help with it except for capping tickets.But... that's never gonna happen.


I left with a few things. This hoodie... I've been eyeing it for a few years, and every time I see it, I regretfully pass it by. Not this year!!!

It was expensive, but it went to an artist and... I'm down with that.

Also got this manga and finished it immediately. It's cute. May actually go find more volumes to purchase.

I'm trash.

OH. LAST THING. 

So, I had another eerily specific practice throw the other night. 

Like, usually when I do them, I just wanna get better at interpreting stuff faster and smoothly. And usually, they feel generic and can apply to any whatever situation. But every once in a while, I get crazy ones that I have to retell, because they're just.... like... LOL THAT SUCKS. I can't make this shit up. It'd seriously be a fun k-drama.

Okay, SO.
3 rows of 3

 

   TOP                          past

   MIDDLE                   present

BOTTOM                future

On the right is underlying energy behind all of what's happening.

Top row, in the past, it says that X (our make believe person) has unexpectedly encountered someone new. A surprise, unexpected news. Not what X had in mind, but for the moment, it's refreshing and pleasant.

•  In this situation, it can be a job offer from someone, a new friend, or a new lover. The knight of wands on the top right indicates that someone wants to come forward and offer love.

The 3 of coins on the far right

• maybe a new relationship, or depending on the other cards, a current relationship can also close, bearing a new opportunity for another.
• there's a kid involved, maybe a pregnancy
• this card bears the fruit of possibilities

The 7 of cups came out clarifying that there will be triumph and prosperity. It's basically wish fulfillment. A yes. For the 3 of coins.

• Does X want to be in another relationship? 
• Maybe X is a parent or will be a parent?
• Something X wants might come to pass. 

for this card, we need the entire spread complete in order to get better context.

In the present:

The middle row showed one of the worst cards in the Spanish tarot; 5 of swords. 

X is working very hard and in the career field, they flourish. 

However, the swords card tells that X is also mourning. Regrets, sorrow, loss, struggles and challenges. In spite of all of X's rewarding work life, there is something that keeps X up at night that they can't heal from.

I wanted to clarify the swords card. 6 of wands came out. Another negative card. It basically means... a hard no. Not gonna happen. Outright just... nope. So this could be interpreted in a few ways.

• Regretting not acting on what they wanted to, maybe a missed opportunity. Could also be what they truly desire is too far from them now to take any action towards it. It's too late. Whatever that pain is, they struggle to move on from it. And it haunts them tremendously.

The 3 of swords card came out as clarification for the middle card; 7 of wands (which has to do with working, patiently, towards a goal)... signifies a third party situation. Specifically, a struggle with a third party. 

• Maybe supporting a family or a friend
• indebted to someone
• whatever it is, X also has to consider a third party to support with their career. It causes struggles. Maybe financially, or emotionally. Either way, it's a thorn in their side.

The bottom row;

 In the original top photo, there was the ace of cups, the ace of wands, and the 4 of coins in reverse.

Something profound is coming as a direct result of X's doing. The wand tells that patience will be needed. And the coins warns in its reversed state that there are some around X that may go behind their back and betray them. Beware of people close to X, who may not have X in their best interest.

I clarified the two aces. 

Two women came out. 

• The jack of swords. This woman is middle aged, assertive, and will do what it takes to achieve the results she seeks. She is a force to be reckoned with.

• The jack of cups could be a woman, but also represents the emotional side and the need to use your head instead of acting with your heart. An emotional woman, or person basically.

Clarifying the coins, was the 5 of wands; slowness, stagnancy but to be resilient. 

So someone would be coming toward X

• They may want something
• it could be a while since they saw each other? Maybe an emotional situation. 
• But it could be someone X doesn't trust, and it trying to get over. A past person?

Then, finally, I clarified the jack of swords. 

The ace of swords came out. Which means.... legal documents. paperwork. bureaucratic stuff.

• is X getting married? or divorced?
• could be that X is teaming up with someone under a contract for work?

but if we look at the other cards.... I deduced that...

A woman is going to come to X about, more than likely, a divorce. It will be a long, drawn out, emotional process. There will be people silently judging X throughout it. Everything will feel like dragging feet and pulling teeth, but it needs to be done. 

SO. OVERALL, THIS SPREAD IS TELLING THAT

   X unexpectedly fell into a new relationship that feels good. Sure, why not? Lets try it out. 

However, in spite of this relationship, in the back of X's mind, the thought of a loss or missed opportunity with an old relationship still haunts X. 

They can't move on from it, and the sadness weighs deeply on them. It has them second guessing the new relationship that sprung up on them. 

But X continues to work hard in order to support their family, probably even the child they have or is on the way. 

Divorce will come, and even though it will be one of the hardest things X will endure, they have to face their spouses' demands, and see it through. It will happen. 

In the back of their mind, X struggles with juggling a lover that maybe won't last, a past regret that still hurts, and a resentful spouse, in addition to the many judgements from surrounding friends or family. 

K-drama. 

Am I wrong? Would that or would that not make an awesome K-drama?  Maybe a short one because the cat's out of the bag, but still.

I love my cards lol. THANKS MOM. 

There's a lot that goes into reading the Spanish tarot, but it basically all comes down to context. Like, it's easier if you have someone ASKING you about what it is that they want to know, as opposed to just... ambiguously reading the base meaning of the cards and forming a story from them, but... yeah. Context. And as things get more and more unraveled, it can get pretty detailed and weird. You just kinda put everything together that seems to make the most sense. In this spread, I'd say the sad emo 5 of swords card pretty much was the glue. Even though the 3 of coins was the underlying energy thing, the sadness and regret makes everything else come together. 

NEAT HUH?

I regret not learning it when my grandmother tried to teach it to me. At the time, I was a teenager and it just didn't appeal to me. I didn't care about anyone's personal affairs, and at the time it seemed like I'd be involving myself in peoples problems. But in hindsight, I recall people coming to my grandmother because, now I understand, she gave them hope in a sense. Or clarity. When they felt lost or weren't really sure which direction to take in life. Which, is kinda cool? I guess? 

I wanna say I don't believe, but a part of me also WANTS to believe it. Simply because... while I do believe I am in charge of my own destiny, there isn't really a faith that I follow. It's just... me, myself and I. And sometimes I want to surrender to something else when me, myself and I get too exhausted trying to get my shit together, at least mentally. You know? Even if it's all bullshit, it's still something I can, for a moment, indulge in. And then forget about 10 minutes later. 

TL;DR
imaginary person fucked up really hard and is stuck and regrets everything
tarot is bullshit but can be fun



626 Night Market again this weekend because I'm disgusting :D