Pink Lady Octopus

I have arrived Fort Lewis!! Now I'm going to quietly reside within you and not make too much ruckus because thats how my personality rolls apparently.

I was and continue to be extremely amazed at how well the dog was in the car during the longer parts of driving. Its as if the moving car was enough of a tranquilizer to his system that he curled up and slept without much complaint...unless space was lacking then he did move a lot. He was also funktastic throughout the ride, my goodness! I had to buy doggy wipes in Arizona because I just could NOT handle it anymore. Driving up and down the mountains was pretty insane, definitely need to make sure your brakes are up to it before AND after the drive. I'm currently in need of new drum breaks :(

I'm writing this from the floor of my empty apartment, waiting for the movers to call me when they are on their way to me. We have STAIRS which is crazy. I've never had stairs in any of the homes I've been in. No washer or dryer, sadly, so that means I need to look into buying one. There's a laundromat on post, but in the end I'm going to want my own!

Justin is doing his in-processing all this week, so that means the majority of the day I'm on my own. No big deal, really, we were together from the day of his AIT graduation until this past Saturday..so thats a good 7 days together. I can't complain!

Now I need to start looking for jobs, what schools are around so I can get ready to hammer out my AA (FINALLY, jeez. But better late than never right??). I am also looking into TKD schools because I gotta finish what I start. :)

Its really nice up here! Cold, but nice.

This new military lifestyle is, well, NEW...for lack of a better word. So far I have had nothing but the greatest of luck with meeting new people and having things work out decently, for the most part. Of course, thats not to say that things might start taking a down turn, but if/when that does happen, I think I will be alright. I have made great friends, and continue to keep great friends. Today I when I was driving to the new place I was telling myself that. I know the time difference is three hours now but, where theres a will to call, theres a way, right??

Thanksgiving is coming up and I'm wondering what the hell I'm going to make. Justin already threatened me with "we better have black beans, and NOT out of the can" so I'm going to attempt to make beans like my mom does. Wish me luck! I wonder if there is yuca, or plantains (to make them cooked,not fried :P).. Um, lets see, what else... Oh sangria, they're sure to have that here! And pumpkin pie (sweet potato pie is NOT a substitute for pumpkin, and in fact, it is an
USURPER of pumpkin)!

I think this is decent for an update. My hammer wheel has been turning in regards to BLANK! and me and Meli's characters, which I am glad for. Hey, maybe FFFree will come back to life too! So much has gone into that storyline that it would be a shame not to bring it back from its embers :)

Virginia, is not South Florida.

I mean, obviously demographically its not. When I first got here, I thought the humidity rivals that of Miami-Dade's hands down. And now, this "cold front" that's passing through, yeah...

Its COLD. :(

Last weekend we found out Justin's graduation was moved back to the 6th of November, a Friday. We're excited, I'm nervous, the dog is...hiding in a corner because I think, despite his breed, he's used to Miami whether and, well, we're not in South Florida anymore!

My parents are coming that week of Justin's graduation. My mom says she bought a pink cap and matching pink gloves. She's working on a pink shirt and some possibly pink shoes to get the whole ensemble together (*crosses her fingers* Please don't find pink shoes, I won't be able to take the color coordination!). My dad will probably wear his boots, which I don't know if they fit him anymore, but he's so proud of them. They were made...in Guatemala, I want to say, and made out of snake's skin. I can't imagine my dad in boots! But he did grow up on a farmland, and now as the years pass by, the possibilities of them being on a farm seems all the more probable. I hope they do because I want a cow, but Justin says "no way".

Speaking of my husband, I bought him some gloves for the cold weather for FTX- uh, Field Training..something. I don't know! He's going out for a week to live in a tent and relive the joys of an MRE. Oh, and shoot stuff. You know, I would like to shoot stuff too :( He had me take pictures of him with his weapon and promise that when I upload it I would not name the folder "Stuff" or any variant of it. He's no fun :(

The leaves are changing color, I like it! When we went to DC I got to take a picture of some of the trees that were red and orange and yellow. I also took a leaf off a Sakura tree so I can stick in my future scrapbook (which I would've never thought of doing until I met Amy. So thanks Amy! Your scrapbooks rock btw :)). Oh! In DC we went to a restaurant called "Zengo". It was a Asian/Hispanic fused restaurant where the dining tables were upstairs and downstairs was the sushi bar. We went upstairs and had some dinner. It was good and can I mention, super expensive? I had short ribs but it was like, a tower with mashed potatoes as the foundation, then short ribs and something else on top. Justin had...some type of chicken, with tortillas and something else. We had some cocktails; he had a sake/sangria drink and I had strawberry-lemonade with a lemon flavored vodka. He had two, I kept it at one. As we were heading down I commented on the fact that if someone got too tipsy they might find some trouble going to the stairs. I hope someone is placed down there to catch their customer!

So now that tomorrow starts my 3 week countdown I need to sharpen my own skills. Justin is going to go with me once the housing place at Ft. Lewis gets us a house/apt/whatever, to find a good TKD school. There's a good couple of schools out there, so I want to make sure I look good (and feel good too!).

I have more to recap but, I think I'm going to keep this here for now. I will write more in the next couple of days, especially since this week is my last week of school and we won't have the net for too much longer either :(

I was really sick last week, and sounded like Dr. Girlfriend for a good four days. I had really bad migraines thanks to this nasty head cold, and also had a sucky appetite. I still kinda have a sucky appetite, but hey, I no longer sound like Dr. Girlfriend....much.


I've realized I don't like retail. After working at the karate school I can't imagine not having something like that in my life right now. At this new school I go to I enjoy teaching the lower belts their forms when they need some refreshing or are just starting out. I feel great doing it, and most of all: I feel like myself.

Thats something that is absent from me at the store I work at. I don't feel like myself. I feel like I'm wearing some other Tania's skin and am walking in her shoes. I don't feel like me at all. I feel like a mouse, act like a mouse, and talk like a mouse. I don't feel like befriending people because then I babble too much and am made fun of.

I put all the comments behind me, but well, that is what this medium is for- to vent.

I've learned something from this all, though. I love my uniform, my do bok. I want to live it in forever and ever. I wish my belt was longer, but you can't have your cake and eat it too, huh? I feel safe in it, I also feel comfortable in it. I found my true skin and my true colors: white and black.

Today I felt really down. I realized how, despite my mistakes, I'm left alone in the store for a good couple of hours. I constantly feel like I'm walking on eggshells, so shouldn't I be watched? Apparently not, its better to leave me alone and to my own devices. Personally I don't mind, I like the alone time, but I wouldn't feel so strange if it weren't for the fact that I have these known "mistakes" looming over my head. So while everyone is laughing and chatting in the back room, I'm up front thinking to myself why I act so unlike myself, and why I'm trying so hard to be pleasing. I was sad I didn't make it at all to Tuesday's TKD class, and I was damned if tired feet was going to stop me. I needed to go to class and release this rage induced yell I was suppressing.

Doing martial arts makes me feel good, makes me feel apart of something else. And yet, I still feel a tinge of sadness inside me. I feel like I'm not good enough, I still need to practice.

Its funny because I watch Amy's girl, Liz, wear her emotions on her sleeves. When she feels she's done bad, you can see it plain as day on her face. When she's made a mistake, you will know it. I can't do that, and I have to say I feel a little jealous.

I've had to put up a face and not show what I truly think and feel, because as an instructor I can't let the kids see that. I have to be the rock they stand up on and build their confidence from. I can't let them stand on a cracked rock- they might fall. And then it won't just be a crack, but a fissure.

I don't know what it is within me that tells me "you're not doing what you're supposed to", "you should be doing more", "why aren't you trying more?". I'm very confused with myself. I feel a deep ache in the area I assume my soul resides, and it just won't go away.

I told Justin I should just wear black clothing at work, make sure no flesh is showing, because I feel like I'm attracting the wrong attention. I'm not trying to use whatever beauty you think you see, I'm just trying to be nice and do my job. In fact, I don't see what you could possibly is pretty about me. And why is it that because I am a girl my knowledge, somehow, isn't valid because of my gender? That's ridiculous! We're in the 2000s and video games are still considered a "male" thing?

Ugh! I just want to grab something and throttle it until my rage deflates. Or kick something until my energy leaves me. Maybe thats why I'm looking forward to Saturday's testing. Maybe we'll spar again with gear and I will get a good couple of matches.

I love sparing. Once the first couple of blows are exchanged, my gender goes out the window. I land in this neutral state that allows a good minute of tactics and well-placed techniques.

You know, I was thinking about when I said in the beginning, that I feel like I am wearing someone elses' skin? I think when I spar I also wear someone else's skin. I become a force to be reckoned with. I am no longer looked at as just a "female", a "girl", I am hung or chung and I will kick your ass. (Sorry!)

Its funny though, because I love TKD Olympic sparring, but the idea of grappling or doing some time of MMA scares the living poop out of me. I think its because I understand the rules to Olympic sparring, and I trust my body a little more than grappling or having a possible blow to the face. I like practicing the ground game, but I don't want to do it professionally, ever. If I do anything professionally, it would be TKD sparring. None of that point crap though. I love the adrenaline of starting up a match, looking across at your opponent, sizing them up, showing respect... The command comes to get ready and your hands are up, you roar your challenge and suddenly, its attack or be attacked. Your feet are moving, your hands are in place, your heart is racing and your brain is trying to keep it all together.

I don't understand why I feel like I'm missing that feeling, that rush. I mean, I do it from time to time. But I guess maybe that's the problem? Doing it from "time to time" doesn't suffice. I need to do it every day. But is that rational? Every day?

I don't know, really. I think I'm just adding on pressure that is unnecessary.

But why do I still feel the opposite?

In about an hour and a half it will officially be Thursday, August 14 2009.

A year ago me, you, my mom, my dad, and my brother went to the Court House and got our marriage license.

Five years ago, I was getting ready to go to bed because the next day me, you and some friends were going to Yasumicon down in FIU.

I wasn't too sure what to think or do, only that I should "play it cool". No one told me to do that, I just figured it was the best thing to do. I was intrigued by you, I mean, you invested so much time on the phone with me, making me laugh, and over the internet that I couldn't help it. Why would you do such a thing knowing the circumstances I was in at that time?

It was you, me and Rudy in the car because Chrystle was going with either her sister or her friend Pam. I remember having headphones on and not really listening to the music buzzing in my ear, just thinking "play it cool".

We arrived, met up with Chrystle and then I split to hang out with her because I felt a little more comfortable with her than with you only because I wasn't too sure what would happen if I broke my mantra.

Most of the day's events were a blur until the times we ended up together. Chrystle was helping out, and Rudy thought it was best to look for Chrystle for whatever reason, so that left just me and you. We went into the theater place and caught an episode of Samurai7 (I remember because I really wanted to watch it. I still do, actually) and that one weird anime with the guy and his nose hair. By then I remember we were laughing and talking, mostly commenting on how ridiculous the episode was. We ditched the theater and thought it was best to find Rudy and Chrystle.

I don't remember what happened after that, but I do remember we were sitting watching some submissions for an AMV competition and I wanted to talk to Chrystle. I think by then you and I had been alone and you told me how you felt, and I found myself with a broken mantra and a very confused heart. It was Chrystle who made me realize that my situation was really going nowhere, and why should I let someone who was clearly invested in me go by while the other made no moves to prove our relationship was worth continuing?

We were upstairs, close to a room where they were holding the gaming competitions, sitting in the chairs, and you asked me again. I said yes, but with a condition. It was a stupid, silly condition, but you accepted it and I could not believe it.

But I guess you knew you could make that condition go away. Which you did. I resented you for it in the beginning, but now I just realize you helped me out. I was being too nice and not putting my feelings in front. I was thinking of someone else and that someone else wasn't thinking of me.

Geez, I'm starting to cry now. I can't help it.

You gave me so much strength- you still do. Dealing with my parents, even when they said I was going to be the cause of their death. That if they found out I was pregnant I was as good as dead. I still think about those things, but they make me laugh now.

You always tell me to live in the present, but I can't help keep some of the past alive in my mind. It reminds me of where I've been, and where I'm at. And I like where I am at, where we are at.

I'm glad I have you in my life. I feel like you're the only one who I can really depend on, to deal with my ups and downs. My moments of weakness, my moments of elation, of celebration. Not that I don't believe my friends can't do the same thing. I just didn't marry my friends, I married you.

I remember when you asked me to marry you. It was very sweet and to be honest, the best proposal ever. Of all time. Out of every cliched, overly sweet and sickening proposals...I would say ours was truly great. The best.

Its been a crazy year, with all these changes going on. I think I'm adjusting well. Hell, I have to because I'm supposed to be your rock out here. I never thought I would be a cheerleader but, here I am, rooting you on. Don't forget that I will always think of you first, that's why I'm up here! I'm looking forward to the next years of our lives, and I look forward to continuing our strong bond. Everything I wrote you in those months you were gone, I still mean them, and I do believe that we are tied beyond a piece of paper and a ring.

You know as I write this I start to think if you should read this. I mean, I know Meli and Aneadra will read this, but do I want you to read this? Is there some detail I will forget? Or a detail I got all wrong? Will you think this is silly? I guess, it doesn't really matter. I can't help it, I just hope the intent shines through, and that is to just let you know: I love you, happy anniversary.

I think I should work on my writing, and what better way to practice than to write in my LJ? I don't really feel like making notes on Facebook, even if it feels like I practically LIVE on that site. I never spent so much time on Myspace, so its crazy I spend so much time on Facebook.

But perhaps the reason I do so is the fact that I'm no longer just a half hour away, or down the road. I'm now states away from everyone. So, maybe thats why I cling to Facebook like a lifesaver.

I have been living up in Virginia for about 2 months and a half now I believe. I like it so far, even if I'm usually on my own. Even if I don't know much people like I do people back in Miami. But I have made some good friends and I've been listening to their experiences and stories eagerly. I'm still not sure I'm really living the "military life" yet, even if I guess the first step is being out away from mom, dad, cousins, friends, etc.

You know what though, I don't really know what the "military life" is, so I guess I can't assume I know what it is...yet, anyway. I do know that I think I'm dealing with it a little better than most people assumed. I guess I'm supposed to be freaking out. Or maybe holding a grudge against my husband because he dragged me away from what I'm used to, and the fact that I don't know anything or one up here also factors in some how. Honestly, I like being alone. Well, not alone-alone but just...doing stuff by myself. Without mom or dad or anyone. I cook on my own, am learning that I can't just assume because I have some lettuce for a salad in a bag it will stay good until I feel like having it. I'm able to take the dog to a park and actually have a decent walk with him. Its just, a lot of "self" time. Sometimes though, I really hate it. I think too much and send myself into a very negative state.

I'm still a little sad about this whole..."my-black-belt-certificate-isn't-technically-a-certificate-because-I-have-no-official-federation-backing". If I were back in Miami it would be easy for me to do things because my Sa Bom Nim (look it up!) is with me. But I'm on my own, I have nothing but my skills to prove my level. So far, no one can deny it and I thank myself for pushing through. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Jeff taught me what I know, but it has been me practicing it out of class to get better. So, I'm lucky that what I know and do speaks for my experience...but that piece of OFFICIAL (supposed) paper does not.

And then there's college. So close to finishing but right now I can't finish either. 6 credits (two classes) of math and I can get my AA. But, its not a good time right now.

Geez, now I'm just rambling. But hey! At least I wrote something of a decent length and I managed to write down some of my thoughts.

Maybe I will try this next week. I should anyway, it will be me and Justin's 1yr anniversary of marriage and 5 years of being with each other.


Man, that's a long time.

I got upset and think drinking that little bit of rum was a bad idea.

Now my stomach is feeling as upset as I was a while ago.

Im very upset now. First we were late getting out and now we're heading back to homestead because the fucking car is acting up. We were in fucking ft pierce and now we're driving back? So the mechanic can look at the fucking car??? We won't get there til fuckin nightfall.... Its ok though. Im getting my little mp3 thingy and driving from here til we get out of florida. We have wasted too much time.

Wtf is the point of planning shit if it doesn't go as planned?

It was weird how I got a headache before all this shit went down.

Take off your blouse and your UNDAHPANTS!!!

XD

I'm still stuck between "wtf", "omg" and "lol".

I was playing around on photobucket and tried making a slideshow thinger.

What do you think?
I think it should be fixed now?




Bah never mind >< For whatever it is not working at all. So I'll just provide the link :P


http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/somniaTIC/EMA/?action=view¤t=5684e1be.pbw

I've been meaning to write an update but I keep putting it behind me.

I don't really know why, maybe its because I'm lazy :P

Anyway, some things went down with my brother...well, not really. Its just, I think I took on a responsibility that really does not belong to me whatsoever and now it has escalated into my brother not liking me as much. He feels that I am meddling and also feels that I'm not giving him space to be himself. If anything, I figured with the way I really was (back then, when we were smaller) with my brother, I should have alienated him a lot more to this day.

So, my brother seeing me as Mom #2 has gotten me and my parents, and my brother, in a big ol' mess and there is also a lot of animosity, mostly me with my brother. My mom gets mad at me a lot, but whats new there, really? And my dad, well, he only moves when my mom talks to him or whatever.

I feel that my brother really isn't getting the attention he needs, in fact, I feel that, because its easy to come to me and say "well, Tania is the one who makes the disturbances" that he gets the easy way out, and that is why...me and Justin are moving out.

Originally, we thought we'd go with Meli and David, because we've done it before (not that it was too successful, but neither was it a all-out failure) and because they mentioned they might want roommates to help out. But with the way things are going in the house, this quiet hostility is going to drive someone in this house mad. My parents are very good with Justin and, if anything, talk to HIM about talking to ME and, well...thats just not very good for a marriage in the long run.

So, by chance, we saw a sign that was advertising a 1 bed, 1 bath place for about 600 and....saw the place, liked it, so we're gonna move in on the first.

My mom is a little upset, mostly because I think she just likes being Momma Hen, but she can't be. She has to get my brother in line; without me there to disturb anything. My dad is okay with it all, so thats not a big surprise.

The only thing that sucks a little is the dog. We might not be able to take him at all, but well, we'll see. If I do take him my mom doesn't really have any company throughout the day (no lie).

We still don't have a car, but, even if the karate school moves, we will still be able to make it on foot.

I'm looking forward to being in our own place without my parents telling me how horrible I am, or how my mom will die of a heart attack. God, just thinking about that scenario makes me....upset.

Oh well, I'm looking forward to these changes :)

I really like the song "Spieluhr" by Rammstein, so I decided to look up the lyrics and I was pretty taken aback by what its about.

I guess its because I associate the song with a AMV I came across of Noir with this particular song. I think its pretty close to the theme of the anime...sorta o_O


So here are the German words!

Spieluhr (Music Box)

Ein kleiner Mensch stirbt nur zum Schein
wollte ganz alleine sein
das kleine Herz stand still für Stunden
so hat man es für tot befunden
es wird verscharrt in nassem Sand
mit einer Spieluhr in der Hand

Der erste Schnee das Grab bedeckt
hat ganz sanft das Kind geweckt
in einer kalten Winternacht
ist das kleine Herz erwacht

Als der Frost ins Kind geflogen
hat es die Spieluhr aufgezogen
eine Melodie im Wind
und aus der Erde singt das Kind

Hoppe hoppe Reiter
und kein Engel steigt herab
mein Herz schlägt nicht mehr weiter
nur der Regen weint am Grab
hoppe hoppe Reiter
eine Melodie im Wind
mein Herz schlägt nicht mehr weiter
und aus der Erde singt das Kind

Der kalte Mond in voller Pracht
hört die Schreie in der Nacht
und kein Engel steigt herab
nur der Regen weint am Grab

Zwischen harten Eichendielen
wird es mit der Spieluhr spielen
eine Melodie im Wind
und aus der Erde singt das Kind

Hoppe hoppe Reiter
und kein Engel steigt herab
mein Herz schlägt nicht mehr weiter
nur der Regen weint am Grab
hoppe hoppe Reiter
eine Melodie im Wind
mein Herz schlägt nicht mehr weiter
und aus der Erde singt das Kind

Hoppe hoppe Reiter
mein Herz schlägt nicht mehr weiter
Am Totensonntag hörten sie
aus Gottes Acker diese Melodie
da haben sie es ausgebettet
das kleine Herz im Kind gerettet

Hoppe hoppe Reiter
eine Melodie im Wind
mein Herz schlägt nicht mehr weiter
und auf der Erde singt das Kind
hoppe hoppe Reiter
und kein Engel steigt herab
mein Herz schlägt nicht mehr weiter
nur der Regen weint am Grab

Me and Justin had planned on going to Halloween Horror Nights with Mr. Jeff and so, this past weekend, we went! We rented a car, had the hotel paid for, tickets paid for with nothing but just having to pick up the car and making our trip up to finalize everything.

We rented the car at Enterprise and we got a free upgrade from an Aveo to a Dodge Caliber. They were trying to get us to upgrade for 10 bucks more, but, we shook our heads. But then they had a mix up with cars and, having us wait for a good 20 to 30 minutes (which really didn't bother me much) said to us "we'll give you a free upgrade to a silver Caliber; here are the keys".

Now, I have to admit when they first showed us the car outside waiting I was like...its a pretty car, we should get it! Justin shook his head, although he looked like he was leaning my way...but alas! I couldn't persuade him too hard. And when they were like "free upgrade!" I have to say, I was happy :)

But as we drive up 27 I'm thinking: damn, I'm not going to buy this car ever! It was 4 cylinders so it wasn't a speedy car...and then the gas gauge was tricky: it looked like the gas was going down pretty fast! But when we stopped to put some gas in, grab something to drink, coming back we noticed the needle was higher than it originally was. Also, I'm not a big fan of how the car felt. The front felt longer than it was, and wider than it was, so driving it into small spaces was challenging and frightening.

So, our hotel was right on I Drive. Getting there was pretty easy, no headaches, although taking 27 made the drive a little longer but it wasn't too bad.

We decided, arriving around the afternoon/night time, we should just walk down I Drive. I mean, hell, everyone was walking, so why not?!

Bad idea really. Especially when you're wearing sucky, wannabe converse. God, I am never buying another pair of converse: EVER. I will happily go back to adidas or even fuckin' sketchers! Maybe rocketdog.... But converse? Ugh! I'm flat footed; these shoes are not for my kind :(

We walked to Ripley's and that was interesting! They had the mirror with a video saying to curl your tongue and you're supposed to do it. But Justin says to me: its a two way mirror after I try a couple of times. So I look into the mirror deeper while saying "nah uhhh" or "are you serious?" all the while feeling suuuuper retarded. They had the sideways, uneven house thing that made me feel like my eyeballs were going to burst from all the concentration in my head...trying to tell myself "its not that bad, just focus and relax". I felt really dizzy! And Justin was happy cause theres a pool table that you take a ball and roll down the length of it, with the ball ending up on the higher end of the table, and not the lower. Justin refused to believe his eyeballs and cheated when he rolled the ball, this time at a turtle's crawl.

I have pictures, but I won't be able to put them up until sometime this week. So, bear with me!

Anyway, I had enough of the eye magic stuff, mostly because the Red Monster was rearing it's ugly head. You have nooo idea how pissed off I was with my body. And with myself, of course, for picking to bring craptastic shoes AND no painkillers. God, what was I thinking?

Whatever, we walked back, at a snails pace for me cause my feetsies hurted ;_; Justin was very accommodating with me, and slowed his walk back to the hotel. We looked at the restaurants trying to figure out where to eat...when we came across this pretty Japanese restaurant with neat gate and awesome entrance. There was a litte pond/pool thing with koi and close to the windows of the restaurant was a wooden walk way where drums were placed, without drum players. (I forgot the name of the drums, but those big ones? Justin was the one who said the name and pointed them out, my eyes were still recovering from the brightness of I Drive).

So, needless to say, I wanted to go there, but damn it was expensiiiiiive. Well, the plate we wanted was expensive.

Kobe beef. Oh. Yeah.

The premium-good-stuff-from-Japan-that-sounded-delicious was 85 bucks. See, we were thinkin our expensive dinner would be before HHN at Bubba Gump's. Justin was back and forth as we walked back to the hotel, seeing another japanese steak place and, before long we just hoofed it back to the hotel to take a nice bath and change.

We went back to the expensive, pretty restaurant called Ran-Getsu of Tokyo, and we ordered sukiyaki with kobe beef, but not the expensive one. They had another one that was at 50 bucks, but if you ordered what we did, it had to be a two people minimum.

See, it was a hot pot type of thing, where they bring you the little stove thing, with the bowl on top and you just put the ingredients inside, cook it right infront of you , and then eat it? Thats what it was, and oh my damn was it delicious. If the 50 buck kobe beef was tender and tasty, then the more expensive shit must be something closer to heaven.

The experience was awesome! The ladies were very nice, and they wore the dresses with the bow in the back. The older japanese lady that came to see how we were doing after our young waitress walked away was very nice as to how the food was to be placed/prepared etc. and why she gave us raw egg in a bowl. Me and Justin agreed that if my mom were there she would have had a panic attack because it was raw egg. But we didn't care, it was delicious. We had nice warm sake (the small bottle, because I knew I would be taking a crap load of painkillers later) and, after much panicking from Justin about price, told him this was our honeymoon, and there would be nothing like this back at home, and if there was, there would be no time to really go and do it.

I got a magazine written in Japanese to help me out in how well I can actually read characters, and so far, with what I do know, I can actually pick words out! I'm proud of myself :)




The night of HHN was fun, although that was the day my Nemesis decided to piss me off. I wore my foot brace and that shit just made it worse too. And, at the end of the night, we had walked so much my feet were getting sore. See, the sore of feet thing would've been fine: on its own. The pain of my Curse would have been fine: coupled with the sore thing. My instep acting up would have been fine coupled with sore feet as well. But all THREE at the SAME TIME?

Oh man, I wanted to cry sooo bad. It was just too, too much.

Also, I hate the houses in the back, in the tented enclosures? They make me nervous! I seem to fallen in a pattern: I will always close my eyes in those houses. And I think I stretched out Mr. Jeff's brother's shirt cause he just happened to be the person in front of me. I'm sorry!!!

The other houses were neat, and I wish I had lasted to the last two houses, but, hey, we rode 4 rides and did 5 houses (of which, I closed my eyes for one).

The Doomsday house was my favorite. That movie its based on though, reminded me of that movie with the shortage of gas in which Tina Turner was on? I forgot the name of it, but it looked like that. All its missing, is Tina Turner's legs.

I think last years HHN theme was much better, mostly because they had a three person theme, as opposed to one this year. But all in all, this is definitely something we're going to do every year. So, guys, try and save some money so we can all go together :) I don't know about the dinner, thats up to ya'll. But damn, that restaurant was beautiful AND delicious.

All in all, a good weekend despite the painful hurdles :(

So this past weekend I went to a tournament, along with the kids at the school. For some it was their second tournament, for others (like myself)it was the first time and I have to say, you could definitely feel the pressure!

About four weeks ago, while practicing, I had missed a step while trying to retreat and lost my balance, messing up my right foot (my best foot!). It didn't hurt my ankle too bad, but my instep and the back of my foot (I guess the area known as the 'Achilles heel') were in a lot of pain. I yelled pretty loud, you can ask Meli 'cause she just so happened to be calling the school at that moment. Justin freaked out a bit, but after the pain subsided I got over it and managed to limp my way off the mat.

I couldn't train too well, obviously, but I still decided to go and compete. It was a pretty long day, but it was exciting. I managed to get some video of the days events and pictures, but I didn't get everyones fights; my camera likes to die on me when I take video :/

I went against a black belt and I have to say I was a little worried, mostly because I went in as a red belt and wasn't expecting it. And also, even though I felt slightly confident, its still a little worrying when you've trained with the same people and are matched up against someone completely new. Also, having a handicap it wasn't the best of conditions to be fighting in, but I figured I might as well try.

I got second place, so I was quite proud of myself! I got a neat little medal to go along with it and the girl I went against was pretty nice.

I'm looking forward to new tournaments and to just improve all around. :)

At around 12:15pm today I was officially married. Yay to me!

I totally missed the opening, but thank goodness for the internets!

I totally missed judo too wah. Tani got bronze :( I guess the favorite was Sakamoto for USA and the Chinese girl for 48kg division. But I just love Tani, shes awesome!

I watched the men's just for Williams-Taraje (I like him!) but I didn't catch who won what.

The other divisions continue tomorrow, and TKD is on the 20th. They're giving gymnastics/volleyball right now, so I figured I can peruse the net and watch highlights of the opening ceremony.

So me and Justin were thinking..... Since we want to get married Aug 14th (very soon!) we thought "well, should we move out too?".

At first we thought "well we could room with Meli and David" since they have space now. But upon further thinking, we think we should just try it on our own. I have to say, I'm a bit excited about the whole situation. Justin is thinking about also working extras on the weekends at Gamestop so, thats good. But at the same time I feel bad cause he's gonna be working a lot. :(

Also, looking for apartments I realize its not easy to find one that allows pets, and if they DO they can only be small pets. I really want to take Vodka with me, he is my dog. So we're also looking into condos.

Its a shame too cause hes super well trained :(

I'm also gonna try and take the upright piano with me. It would be nice, and maybe I can get it tuned ><



Now Meli, you can come over my place (not my moms!) :P


So yeah, I'm excited but nervous at the same time D:

They're gonna start giving old stuff from Adult Swim on saturday nights like cowboy bebop and SGCTC.

I'm looking forward to it!

This lady is awesome! Shes sooo small but shes quite the fighter. I believe shes going to the Olympics for Judo this year and I have to say, even though TKD is awesome, watching the Judo videos seems to just pump me up a lot more.

http://www.nick.com/shows/avatar/index_noad.jhtml


The week of July 14th seems to be the end of the Avatar series, with a two hour special on that Saturday I believe?

I really dig this series. Once its done I'll be buying the DVDs :)