Lo-Fi stress levels to eat to

  The mood this weekend for me has been just... chill.

There's this awful habit I have of sleeping in until 1pm on my days off, and then... I find myself discouraged by time constraints when it comes to artsy pursuits. And to be honest, gaming has been dominating most of my free time. But this weekend, I made it a point to wake up at 9am, and like, did stuff. It's nice to not feel rushed!

Someone from work let me borrow some Hellboy graphic novels. It's been weeks lol... I finally got around to them this morning.

And I've been wanting to try some photo stuff in my room, since my lighting is dope. And finally got around to testing some stuff. My favorite colors to play with are the purple and red lights. But I'll have to try others. Maybe green and red next time.

Also, I wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self to not be an asshole about braces. I hated them so much as a teenager. Now, I love them and wish I could wear them forever. Mostly because they match my piercings. They're a mechanical augmentation, and that's like, awesome lol. 

Note; I used to hate smiling in pictures. I think having the braces on has actually made me more confident with my smile. It's gonna suck when they come off haha

Earlier today, the boy and I went on a little lunch date. I wanted sushi ^_^

 Gimme yellow tail and salmon and I'm a happy smol bean

 During our lunch date, he encouraged me to pursue my clay stuff a little more aggressively. It's not something I ever really considered, because they're all passion projects. I make stuff for myself because I'm bitter that there aren't things I want in the market lol. But he said I could probably put a portfolio together and consider pursuing it a little more seriously. 

Thing is, I'm not imaginative at all. And the things that I do come up with... well they stay in my head because I suck at drawing. That's not an excuse, but as someone who is ruthlessly meticulous and detail oriented, putting something on paper that doesn't convey precisely what I aim to reproduce would only be ............... huh. probably better than not doing it at all, huh?

well shit, I just put myself in my place. damn lol

WELL , anyway, I'm not imaginative.......... wait... no. Okay, I'm not proficient at conveying the things I come up with on a medium that I can utilize as a tool to transfer that reference into a 3D piece via clay. And when it comes to clay, I still have a long way to go. Like I said, clay isn't a thing I ever considered pursuing seriously, and I take my time with it- I'm learning a lot as I go though. Especially with this Cydaea statue I'm doing. Very very slowly and painstakingly. But I'm determined to finish her.

Something I'm stubborn about is learning on my own, through trial and error. It doesn't make sense, but I don't look thing up ever. Like, ever. The times that I do, it's to get a general context or foundation, and then that's it lol. This ironically leads to a lot of time spent on mistakes and re-dos. Which are so.... discouraging and annoying. But, I think that's part of why I like it? It things came too easy to me, I think I'd lose interest. 

With this Cydaea statue, I'm learning about foundation. I messed up royally but not having more skeletal support, and her ass is weighing everything down, despite the wire frame I did. So, I may have to go back in and remove clay to reinforce the frame. Which.... really sucks. But it's a learning process. One that I could've easily looked up and learned about in a quick tutorial video but...... whatever lol. It's still fun. 

And then there's my writing. I used to write short stories a loooooong time ago. Idk what changed to make them unappealing. But at least there's still this. I like writing ^_^ it's nice.

Oh yeah, I'm also done with my new cosplay. It's so dumb lol. but it will be comfortable :D

It's 10:15 at night and I want donuts and cheese and snacks and tacos and ramen and pork buns and taro buns and boba milk tea and and and and reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 

time to raid the fridge

Strength & Honor

   The heaviness of this past week still pulls at me. It's one of those things you read about in obnoxiously loud tabloids and think, "damn that sucks", and wish everyone well. Then, close the article, maybe check social media for a bit, contribute in a share, and move on.

But suddenly one day, it affects those you're close to. You see it and watch it happening right in front of you. And any semblance of comfort or compassion is stripped of the words that we learned were supposed to hold a positive charge to them... no matter what. They feel weak. They fall short of impact on the intended target. And all you can do is hold someone while they cry into your arms. 

...

The following day, I get wonderful news about my mom.

And finally, I short circuit, staring blankly into my v-day dinner at the Peruvian restaurant by work.

In spite of everything, some have come to me with updates. Good ones. Reassuring my belief that Blizz fam, and the other studios, are strong-willed, resilient mfs, and absolutely will not see themselves as forfeit. It's why they were there to begin with. The community came together in a massive out pour of support. And to me, speaks volumes on the gravity and significance of what came to pass. 

 From here on out, it's forward momentum. There will be unfamiliar challenges many will face head on. But they will come to realize that these obstacles will only be favorable in their pursuit of personal growth and skill sets. 

Blizz love was not lacking on Valentine's Day.

Or the week, for that matter. Affection was in abundance, which is all anyone can really ask for in a time of doubt.

This weekend is going to be a lax one, with the exception of a belated Chinese New Year dinner with the boyfriend and his fam. Also there was a lot of fish. Just in general.

because

Chicken had gotten us tickets last year to visit the aquarium. But then, shortly after, work was like... HAY EVERYONE. WE'RE GOING TO THE AQUARIUM :D

and we were like

loloh.

SO for a year, these tickets were just sitting there. We finally went on a cold, overcast weekday.

 

 TWO WEINERS

 the penguins were cute.
and in the middle of trying to get a cool dive shot, it pooped.
and I got this instead.
I'm not even upset

LED jellyfish

ur my type

TEEHEE STAAAAHP

He'd never been to Hooters. And it's a minute walk away. So... I nagged him into it lol. 

  Hooters has this weird, almost negative connotation to it. Only confirmed when I went in to work the following day and excitedly told my coworker about finally taking my bf to Hooters, and he was like.... "that's not my thing." And I'm like.... watlol u dont like food?

and he was like, "isn't that place like.... the girls have giant boobs and are kinda skimpy and .. just yeah"

and I was like.... bruh. tf u even talking about

 ALLOW ME TO CLARIFY 

A THING

 Hooters is an actual restaurant. They even serve food sometimes. Most of the time, it's actually all of the time. Because it's a restaurant. Weird, I know. And I think they have bathrooms and like, drinks even. Crazy. Guests can even like, sit at booths I think, on like, whole chairs LOL WHAAaaatT

menus?! YEAH, THOSE TOO

Man. People out here thinking Hooters is some kind of brothel or something... WHACKEST WHACK

The hostesses and waitresses wear the tank tops and orange booty shorts, and that's as far as it goes. They're like... really, really tame fan service- for lonely dudes at best. But they don't all look like ..massive titty blonde orange stripper chicks. And even if they did, so what? I've taken a date to a strip club too, lol.

They're like, normal girls, always super nice and friendly. They're not trying to get on your bf's' weiner or make me feel less attractive. That's' number 1.

Number 2, the food is BOMB. Their wings and appetizers are so... omfg. And their drinks are mmpf.

And finally,

Number 3 -  if you're uncomfortable by the idea of going somewhere with your significant other because something may present the slightest undertone of sexuality-that isn't you- it's time to reassess why that bothers you. 

just saying
be secure about yourself and your relationships because
hotter people exist.
ya gotta be stronger than that, c'mon now

Belated Chinese New Year dinner with his fam was at this renowned sushi joint in OC; Taiko

This was our second time here. The first time, we were lucky enough to just be able to walk in with no wait. This was on a week day, on like, a Wednesday or something, after work. We got a seat at the bar, and it was the best sushi experience fucking ever. Toshi was our chef, and he's like, best boy. 

This time around, it was.. not.. a Wednesday or something. It was actually the worst day to go ever. Which we can all deduce to be an infernal Saturday late afternoon. They open their doors at 5. We were advised to arrive at 4:30, because there would be a line. We suck, and didn't get there until 4:47. Thankfully, one of his family members was already in line. The rest, in the car staying warm. 

There were a LOT of people. I knew this place is like, good. But wow... I can't really think back on a time where I had to wait in a long ass line to get into a place, to be put on a wait list. Like, wait list, sure. But this was insane. 

3 HOURS. We waited 3 WHOLE HOURS until the 1st and 2nd rounds at the bar were finished and we got called in. The whole reason this place was picked was because his parents hadn't experienced it. Like, the sushi bar. It's a totally different experience and so awesome. Everyone should do it, imo. It would've been a significantly less wait time had we just dined in... but, she's a foodie- I respect this. And I understand the appreciation of experience when it comes to dining, so waiting didn't phase me. 

 Chicken on the other hand, and his parents, were less than enthused lol. BUT... after much Candy Crush, we were called back, and I see OUR BOY TOSHI. He remembers us! I was stoked when he saw us and was like WHUSSUP and we're like HAY BEST FRIEND and it was just beautiful

Naturally, I asked, and he happily posed for a photo ^_^

This time, we had a different chef, but we got to sit near Toshi, which was great, even if he wasn't specifically sharing his trade with us this time around. 

 We began with the Yellow Tail, and the decadent Toro nigiri
fuckin MMPF



A beautiful, rich, seafood medley to sip on throughout our meal

I've watched a couple documentaries about sushi chefs, the lifestyle, and read a few articles about the discipline as a whole. And oh man... the dignity, tradition, honor, and discipline that goes into this craft is ... scary, but admirable. 

There are foods that we as consumers respect, 

and then there are foods that we  R E S P E C T. 

Sushi is without doubt the latter.

 

 Salmon nigiri, and Yellow Tail sashimi

Albacore

Best boy and his colleague were preparing for the dine-in patrons that night, but watching his work was just as mesmerizing as last time. Made me wonder, was this how people watched me when I was at Starbucks stores? lol

Salmon skin, and Spicy Yellow Tail hand rolls

Everyone was done, but I wanted to finish it off with Halibut

And then I was done.

Just kidding because a few shops down, I got frozen yogurt. 

And then I was done. And started writing this, but am finally finishing it today. 

Hi.

 J u n j i    I t o   is going to be at Crunchy Roll Expo and I'm trying to rationalize attending JUST for him. Which is a very real possibility. But I also understand that my hope to meet him will very likely be met with the also very real possibility of being in a line for most of the day. Also assuming I arrive early enough to get a spot before it caps. That's also assuming he's there for all days of the event. Which is unlikely. 

But if not for him, at least for the experience.

To be a fan girl :|

Anywho, Chicken made me some super yummy fried rice, and the Shanghai Dragons lost their first game of the season. And Apex Legends is cute, but I need to get over my shyness and being intimidated by a huge map. 

Awkward ending..... here goes

byyyyyeeeeeee

Blizzneyland

    One of the coolest things about Blizz is the events team and how they put things together for everyone to enjoy. A show of appreciation for employees and their loved ones. Among the awesome opportunity to kiss a llama on campus, I was also able to visit Disneyland- which I could already do, but this time around, it was with everyone from work. 

It wouldn't have been nearly as amazing or magical, had it not been for Chicken.

My dear Taurus is a lover of lavish comforts. 

I'm also an earth sign, but also a hobo and a lover of sub-par, simple pleasures.

So when Chicken booked us (just barely before they sold out) a room for the weekend at the Grand Californian Hotel, I just about shat my entire soul out.

My entire soul.

 He did this same exact thing last year for the company holiday party- except at the Disneyland Hotel. And, yeah, I shat out my soul then, too.

I will never get used to it. Ever. 

My parents worked hard to give me a good life. Even though I was an only child, and they spoiled me, I watched them work hard. And that will always stay with me. I overcompensate for that by not allowing myself to feel entitled to ANYTHING.

So when my Chicken spoils me this way, I appreciate the absolute living shit out of him. And I'm so proud of him. And happy to have him in my life. Because he's just so awesome to me, and us. 

We didn't go into the park until around 3:30ish. The event wouldn't start until later after everyone left the park, so we took it easy and enjoyed the day. 

There's a wine place in California Adventure we hadn't tried before. I had the sparkling wine, he had the draft. They were incredible!

As it got darker, we walked back up to our room and rested a bit before walking over to Disneyland. It was really, really, really nice to be able to walk right into the hotel from inside the park. Like... damn.

 Observe the Hei Hei shirt because Chicken.

 The most awesome thing about this was seeing everyone from work, at Disneyland!!! 

The coolest part about my work is that I get to meet and interact with EVERYONE. It's the best perk. So everywhere we went, there were smiles and waving. And it felt amazing. Everyone was happy and the energy was incredible.

Around 9:30, Jack Sparrow came out on a boat and introduced JAB. Or Jabby, as I like to call him. 

Ah, so cool. After his speech, Fantasmic came on, and it was so beautiful! In all the times I've visited Disneyland, Fantasmic isn't really something I bother to watch because I'm probably crouching somewhere, viciously gnawing on a turkey leg and snorting a margarita. 

So for this one, we stuck around.

 Goofy's such a slut. Good for him

 The SHORTEST WAIT TIMES OF MY LIFE. Every other time we've gone, it's been stupid wait times for Space Mountain or Haunted Mansion. However, that night, some weird ass alternate dimension shit somehow... transversed (is that a word) into this reality, and the lines went straight to the churro stands. But there was no wait time for Space Mountain. Or really any other rides. 

We had the park to ourselves, but we are a hangry people, with mighty needs. Of sweet cinnamon sugary warm bread noodles. 

Also, they were free. And I can't imagine the insanity that went into producing unlimited amounts of churros all night, but damn those cart vendors did it. And I applaud them. 

I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY WERE FREE. NO ONE DID. It was in print on our brochure for the event, but lol no one reads that xD. But a little after 4, we finally decide to get some churros. 

I go to pay the lady and she looks at us and goes, 

"are you here for Blizzard?" 

I'm like yeaass? 

She's like, "do you have the wristband?"

"*sloppily shows wristband*"

It's free then! Here you go!

gorl  W H A T

She hands me the two churros.

I turn around and look at Chicken. He starts smirking and says, "oh yeah. They're free lol"

He forgot -___-

From that moment forward, I made it my duty as a responsible, concerned disneyland go-er to tell everyone from work who I talked to that night about the free churros. Many of them nani'd harder than I did, but at least now they knew. Definitely by the end of the night though, everyone knew.

We stayed up late and ordered room service at 3 am. 

The next morning, as we were going through security to enter the park, one security guard noticed we were both wearing Diablo shirts. Chicken went on ahead past the bag check, and he asked me what class I liked, followed by a bit a small talk. 

The second security guy was at the metal detector. He also noticed both of our shirts. 

He complimented me, then asked if I had heard about Immortal. 

 "what did you think about it?", he grimaced.

I said to him how during Blizzcon, I played it 4 times and found it really enjoyable and polished. And how much I was looking forward to it. 

His arms were still crossed, but his brow was no longer furrowed. He nodded, almost stunned as I smiled my response. Then added, "yeah, a lot of people are talking about it. It's definitely different" I said, "yeah I'm looking forward to it" and merrily skipped away.

We ended our Friday park visit with an evening at the Napa Rose. 

Our bartender, Joe, was such a delight. He also knows how to give you exactly what you ask for. And sometimes, even when you don't know exactly what you're asking for, and he knows it, he's got you. 

 I have no idea what I was drinking. But I told him I like sweet, strong drinks. He asked me if I wanted to get drunk lol, I said I wanted to be really really giddy. And man.... I was LAUGHING

We met up with someone from work who was also staying at the Grand Californian. 

Best evening

 and then after my third drink, I was walking back up to the room and looking into the toilet bowl. 

I didn't succumb and held my liquor, but Joe's drinks hit me like a truck LOL.

All good. Disneyland magic doesn't just fall apart so easily. I think the only thing that can really defeat Disneyland magic is a large family that can't agree on anything.

On our last morning at the hotel, we decided to go the early morning magic hour thingy. Where you show up at the park at 7AM and get a bonus hour. It's exclusive to passholders and hotel guests I think- something like that. I will say, it was pretty nice, despite it being fucking COLD

We went on haunted mansion before our breakfast reservation. This place has taro pancakes!!! 

We left shortly after, and like, napped or something. Since Monday was a holiday, it was like we still had a weekend left after our mini vacation.  

So fun. Also, Disneyland is terrible if you're someone how prefers to spend responsibly. We suck.

SO, Instagram is creepy in that it somehow knows I like food, like, a lot. And a sponsored post came up on my feed of this place with pictures of really bomb ass looking noodles and boba tea. And I'm like, omfg that looks amazing??! 

But, I hate sponsored posts, so I ignored it. 

Months later, I'm at Chicken's place and we're trying to pick somewhere to eat, when I remembered that fucking post from instagram of those bomb ass noodles. And couldn't for the life of me remember what the place was called. I searched for like, an hour, trying to find anything noodle related in the area, to no avail. 

THEN, months later, the POST COMES UP AGAIN. I recognize the noodles and I think I like, screamed. I immediately clicked on their stupid ad and looked the place up AND 

THERE'S ONE NEAR MY HOUSE

 AND AND AND

AND

This place is SO good. It's like, dope low-fi chill food lol. They have soups, noodles, fried rice, and boba tea, a little bit of everything. Comfort food. I love it so much. We went twice in a week. oof

 dis muh face

PIERCINGS YAY

so, dis GORL SO COURAGEOUS asks me about piercings (from work) Imma call her Flower ^^

because she's been wanting to get a new piercing for a while, but hasn't. I understand that lol. Until one day, we plan the day annnnnd we go :)

 She did so amazing. Not a single flinch. And our piercer was also great.

 For moral support, I also got another piercing. The last time I did this was when someone wanted to get her nostril pierced, and she was scared shitless, so I said I'd get pireced with her. And now it's just... idk. But then, she wanted me to go first. This time around, Flower wanted to go first. And she nailed it!

Now both my traguses are pierced, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

super crunchy. would not recommend. bitch to heal. it's fine now, but those first few days really suck lol. 

 food truck rush day is da best day at work evaaaar

  Also saw my bff yesterday after work. It made me realized how much my relationships have shifted over the last few years. Keep your loved ones close.

All this aside, the new year has been a bit turbulent for me. Mostly ups. But there's this constant weight that pulls at me. It was supposed to be over at the end of last month. March will be unfathomable for my little hobo brain. But significantly better. 

I sleep nao ^_^