TMI?

Hi world.

I don't think too many people read my blog anymore. I keep telling myself I should just delete it so I won't feel guilty about not updating. Those of you who know me will know how to get a hold of me...

Noooo I'm not depressed or anything, I'm just B-U-S-Y...Like I barely have time to breathe/think/eat/sleep/poo/read/pick my nose/bite my nails/write stupid posts like this.
A few teams at work split and some merged...I remained on the team that ended up merging with another. I don't mind this at all. I do mind having to supervise 4~5 new FOB's every time I go to work though. On top of regular work like sorting through 500-plus e-mails, talking to managers, yelling at carriers and not eating lunch at a normal hour, I have to teach the ropes to new people. I am a horrible teacher, I would rather have someone else teach them the basic stuff, so I don't have to patiently hold everyone's hands while they make phone calls, open tickets, send e-mails. I tell myself in my head 'Be patient, smile, be patient, smile'.....

Any-effing-way, since I don't have any new pictures of myself to entertain you with, here is my TMI post....the who, what and WEAR...

Who's ass did I kiss today?

No one, I knew I wasn't getting anything in return anyway. LOL.

What am I wearing? (From bottom --> up)

• Black Rocket Dog boots (The cooler version of Uggs)
• White Hanes socks
• Black Uniqlo leggings
• Dark Gray long cami from Forever21 and....
• a long light steel blue tank from H&M over the gray cami
• Black V-neck cardigan from H&M
• Gray velour hoodie from some mass-production discount shop in Pacific Beach, SD.
• my black-rimmed glasses from Zoff - a cool glasses store, kinda like lens crafters but way cooler and cheaper. I had mine made for less than a 100 bucks.

What did I eat today?

• Chinese soup with rice crackers.
• 2 Morinaga Choco Pies
• 2 Chocolate vanilla cookies
• 1/2 Matcha-Milk Kit Kat
• 2 sugary donuts from the convenience store...yummmm droooool
• 1 beef croquet
• 1 bowl bim bim bap

Who did I listen to on my iPod today?

• Kelly Clarkson - Behind These Hazel Eyes
• Jay-Z feat. Bilal - Fallin'
• Jay-Z feat. Pharrel - I Know

What did I watch on YouTube today?

• Jake and Amir vids (for those of you who don't know these guys, you're missing out. Check 'em out on www.collegehumor.com, www.jakeandamir.com or find them on YouTube.)
• Michelle Phan (Ricebunny) kitty litter facemask tutorial.

What beauty products and makeup am I wearing today? (had to throw it in there, this is a beauty blog, afterall)

• Laura Mercier Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 15
• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (the regular kind)
• Everyday Minerals Multitasking Concealer
• Everyday Minerals Matte Foundation
• NARS blush in Madly
• Smith's Rosebud Salve

I don't wear a lot of makeup when I work night shifts. I've been trying to wear mineral makeup again, I just LOOOOVE the coverage. Hopefully it won't give me whiteheads again!

Okay lovers, I gotta go, will be back sometime soon ;)

Ohissaaaa~~~

Ohisashiburi! Long time no see! Well, in this case, long time no blog! I feel guilty for not posting. Please don't hate me...girl has a life! LOL.

I am slowly getting my life back on track. I work longer and I'm cramming lots of network diagrams and Cisco crap into my head. After moving back to my mom's in November, I've been an emotional wreck. I would cry in my (sister's) room, and stay home on my days off, unless I ran out to get Starbucks. I'm sure most of you guys have figured my situation out already. I'm sad, broken, but feeling much, much much better than I have the last two years. I'm slowly gaining the weight I lost, and I'm not always angry/frustrated/irritated/sad/lonely/jittery/
nervous/tired.

Yes, a nasty combination of these emotions can really get the best of you.....I am not proud to admit that a lot, if not most of the time, I brought it upon myself. The layman term to describe my 'condition' would be 'NEUROSIS', but I beg to differ...I was in a unfitting relationship at a bad time. Perhaps a few years down the line....or if my circumstances were different, the relationship would have worked out beautifully. But the past four years of my life have included tragic losses, legal battles to keep certain negative influences out of my life, and finding shorcuts to heal cuts and wounds that, as I've learned, only long-term self-love and forgiveness can truly settle.

I have mi madre back...We've forgiven each other. Now I'm trying to meet new people through the few that I actually trust. I have little to no small talk left in me. It seems as though my gift of gab drowned...now it's up to me to climb over the walls I built around myself. I felt safe when I built them, and even safer when my moody prince climbed over the walls, saying he loved me to death, and that I was a lucky woman.

I want to spend the next few years acting my age. I'm tired of having to answer to people's expectations of what Aya should do, feel, and be.

I don't want to be with anyone for a long time. I want to be alone. But I don't want to spend my time alone...does this make sense? I just don't want to feel alone! So in that spirit, I try to go out more and meet different kind of people. For example, a few weeks ago I visited the home of one of the Art Directors of Marvel Comics. 'Mosh' hails from Brooklyn, NY but now resides in Tokyo. His humble apartment was a pure reflection of his artistic repertoire...Every inch of his walls and ceilings were covered with colorful graffiti and comic book characters. He quietly promotes his own work and continues drawing for comics like the Hulk, Spiderman, Batman and Robin, etc. I want to surround myself with people like Mosh who are either living their dreams or grindin' everyday to get there! I don't need any more lazy, broke, complacent people in my life. And when I say 'broke', I don't mean people who aren't rich. I mean people who have a real job and a real paycheck, but lack the ability to save...people who are always leaning on their friends and loved ones to help pay their bills because they stupidly spent half their paycheck on car parts or alcohol!

So that's how I'm doing in a nutshell. I'll try to throw some reviews out there. I got my hands on several new foundations and eyeshadow palettes. I do read all your blogs on my list religiously...thanks for always giving me something interesting to read!

Have a lovely weekend!!!

Love, Aya

I'm back...sorta!

Hi friends....I am back for now! I'd like to thank each and every one of you who read my last post and left comments. It's nice to know people read my personal ramblings and give a damn! I am very touched to say the least! All of you help me get through my 'mean red' days...(read Breakfast at Tiffany's!)

I am still considering University of Prince Edward Island as an option...but also found that St. Thomas Univerisity in Fredericton, New Brunswick is affordable too. I would love to attend Concordia or U. Windsor as well. I'm also reading up on U.S. schools. So far Oklahoma University, U. Arizona, Cal State Bakersfield and Cal State Fresno are on my list. I am in love with the U. Arizona campus! From the pictures on their website the campus looks BEAUTIFUL!

And thank you to all who recommended the McLean's guide. A coworker of mine went back to Calgary for a week or so and picked me up their annual review.

Many of you shared opinions, that pursuing a journalism degree is not a requisite to work in the field. I absoloutely agree. I have heard this from many a professor in my past. I did take journalism during the last two years of high school, and wrote for my High School newspaper, the Hanabi. I was also published once in an English magazine in Japan. The reason why I want to study journalism or take a course or two is because I also want to learn the technical aspects of the field, i.e. compiling layouts and editing photographs. I did do some layout editing back in the day but my skills are antiquated...I can't believe it's almost been TEN years since I graduated HS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where has all my time gone?

Anyway here's my new 'workstation'. I clear up this mess every freakin' day since the desk I'm using doesn't belong to me. I am STILL moving my crap from my bf's to my Momma's.

Dontcha just love craptastic iPhone pics??? LOL. Many thanks to Ms. Kimberly Tia for sending me a lovely care package, including the Medicated Ly-Na cream (green and gold jar).
Can you spot Buzz Lightyear?????


'Till next time lovies!!! Have a wonderful Friday!

Non-makeup related post: I Want YOUR Help!

So yes, there has been a valid reason why I've been away for a bit. I don't want to air my dirty laundry online, so if you must know what's been going on, just ask me personally. Let's just say there are days when I don't feel like leaving my (sister's) room, let alone get dressed and enjoy the day. Work keeps me motivated and keeps my mind off a lot of things. I am in the process of moving my things back to my Mom's...

ANYWAY, I have decided to go back to school in the fall of 2010. It seems like a while away, but I need to pick the right school within my budget! I actually attended Sophia University here in Tokyo, but deferred, then quit in 2003. What a waste! IF I'm lucky they'll let me transfer my credits to whatever school I decide to apply to...but from what I've heard from my old classmates it's hard to do so.

Soooooo I'm looking into schools in Canada. Canadian schools offer reasonable tuition for International students compared to schools in the U.S. I want to go to a good 4-year University, not some small college in Nebraska....not that there's anything wrong with small schools in Nebraska, but you catch my drift. I don't have idle time anymore, nor do I have the financial means to be lazy. I need to get a very good education without having to worry about transfering to different schools to graduate.

So far schools in the Maritime meet my budget...especially the University of Prince Edward Island. I know you're thinking, 'WTF is a Tokyo girl going do on a small island near the North Pole?' I've actually visited Canada a lot (I have extended family in Ontario), and have also visited Prince Edward Island. I was five or so, and I remember getting attacked by a swarm of black flies at the garden near the Anne of Green Gables house. The school has Journalism as a major....YES YES YESSSSSS!!!

Anyway, I'm keeping my eyes open though. I know there are other great schools all across Canada. Those of you who attend or have attended Canadian schools, PLEASE recommend a good Canadian University guidebook. The only ones I have are dated back to 1998-1999 (my high school years). I know a lot of kids do their University research online now, but my old-fashioned self wants a thick book/guide, so I have all the general information in ONE place. Also, if any of you have general opinions/advice/recommedations of any kind in regards to schools in Canada, or going back to school, I'm ALL EARS!!!

I'm UBER excited about going back to school...but this means no more binge-shopping, no more buying useless makeup, no more absentminded spending for Aya!!! It's alright though, I have enough makeup to last me several lifetimes...no worries though, as soon as I get my head+heart right, I will be back with the FOTD's and reviews!

I thank everyone in advance for reading this long, non-makeup related post. Toodlie-Doo!

Re: Edit
I will reply to comments when I get home...but you guys are right...I'm not sure if I can handle being in a teeeny town for FOUR years, no matter how awesome and pretty it is. I'm a big-city gal with love of culture and tons of experience pulsating through my vains...Man I would LOOOOOVE to live in Quebec!

I'm still alive...

Hi blogger world...

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been going through some things and I just haven't been around my computer long enough to update...I will start posting my hauls/FOTD's again once I am settled.

I still read everyone's blogs and many put a smile on my face even when I'm not feeling my best.

If I could hug each and every one of you who brighten my day, I would!

Here's a quick list of bits and bobs I've hauled in the last week or so...

Winter clothes:

• Black rider boots from a cute/cheap shoe store in Ikebukuro. They're flat, and sooo comfy! I like pairing it with girly clothes and dresses :)
• Eggplant-colored strech tunic. Soooo cute paired with leggings! Purple is my new favorite color. My nails are purple, I'm wearing purple today, and I keep buying more purple shirts or dresses.
• Gray striped camel-hair long cardigan. It's fuzzy and cute but it itches (-__-;)
• Opaque gray, knit black and diamond-print leggings from Kutsushitaya (the BEST for fashionable socks, stockings and leggings!)

Makeup:

• Jill Stuart lipgloss in 18 (Opalescent baby pink with teeeny sparkles. Great for those weary of glitter in their gloss)
• Nude Tiffa lipgloss (<--a Kanebo sub-brand)
• Shiseido Kesho Wakusui Eye Shadow Trio (sold exclusively at convenience stores)

Others:

• Latest issues of Mina and Jille magazines

I can't think of anything else...but knowing me I've probably forgotten a couple things...hehe. I'll take pics as soon as I have enough time :)

One more ME update....I got my braces done. Just the top for now. I feel ugly. I went through the same pain with braces ten years ago, and here I am again...but this time, on my own expense! I had two teeth pulled already, two more to go. I can't wait 'till my face starts to warp, LOL.

Aaaand lastly, some of you guys have asked me where I got my boot keepers from my previous posts. I got them at a store called Passport.

More boot keepers HERE

Here's a link to their online store:

http://passport-web.com/

http://www.beans-style.jp/hannari/page001.html

online gallery of their products...Death by kawaii overdose!

http://passport-web.com/phptop/

Happy Saturday! Hope everyone's safe and having fun ;)

Mt. Fuji Climb...finally!

I have been horrible at updating my blog for the last month and a bit...Gaining responsibilities at my job has been more than I expected. Sometimes I just want to say F*@K it all and quit, go back to teaching or something...but I swallow it all and keep trudging! Hopefully it'll get easier in a couple months.

Anyway, here are pictures from the Mt. Fuji climb. We went on August 31, which was actually the last day we were allowed to climb the mountain. This was the hardest thing I've done physically in years!!! Mt. Fuji is no joke...on certain parts of the climb we were on our hands and knees. The air was thin, and cold. Thank God I dressed for the part. I'm posting the pictures in the exact order they were taken...so you guys can see the difference in scenery and how dead I look towards the end, LOL. The ascent alone took 6 or 7 hours!

At the parking lot:
Still waking up....Me sans ANY makeup.
We spotted my BF's buddies on the way up...
ABOOOOVE the clouds!!!
My favorite picture:
STEEP!
These signs were all over the mountain..."Beware of falling rocks"
Japanese humor is something else - a sign from the men's room...'Shoot...! Wow!!' WTH???
Other than some shrubs and mountain flowers, this butterfly was the only sign of life at 3700 meters:
The descent...
Okay, so we didn't make it to the very top. We only had a few hundred meters to go, but lemme tell you, when you're up that high, walking for five minutes without having to stop is impossible! I started getting mountain sickness so we voted to climb down. The descent took four hours. We took the WRONG route and ended up on a different side of the mountain!!! When we were near end, it got really dark. Of course there are no lights whatsoever, and we didn't have flashlights with us. Luckily we met up with a group of avid hikers who had head flashlights. They guided us down the rest of the way, which was through a frickin' FOREST. I couldn't see SH*T! I had to hold on to my man for dear life so I wouldn't fall over the edge or trip over a tree stump. If you've ever walked through a damp forest at night, you'd all agree it's one of the scariest things ever!

Soooo we finally get to a parking lot where we had to call a cab to get down the mountain, and get back up the mountain to the parking lot where our van was parked. The cab ride cost $170!!!!!!! All in all, it was a disastrous experience....but who knows, I might go again next summer and try to make it to the very top!