challenges: day 44/14

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 44: A picture of someone you're told you look like

No one ever says I look like someone..aside from the spitting image of my mother at my age. Only my bf has told me that I specifically look like Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation. I really should say looked like instead because it was two years ago in Japan that I had a similar hair cut and color. He said it wasn't only in looks but also her character's persona and mannerisms. I'm not a big fan of the actress but I can see the similarities in this character. If you don't know the movie, her character is basically wandering about Japan and treats it as a fascinating new world. 

Me, two years ago

Charlotte from Lost in Translation

There's also something to be said about the look we both give dumb ho's.

31 Days Hath December

Day 14: Something I'm proud of

My Masters Degree
I don't remember what the numbers were, but the percentage of Hispanic women who reached the educational level of a master's degree is low. At the beginning of my graduate career, some jealous haters told me they thought that a masters in Asian Studies from FIU was a joke. Now they hate from afar while I have an MA that I worked hard for and am damn proud of it.

challenges: day 43/13

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 43: A picture of something you can't function without

Chocolate
I answered another challenge with the iPhone so I thought of something else that when without, leads to dysfunction. When I have a craving for chocolate it's all I want. If I'm feeling lethargic and can't focus, some chocolate will help. I know it's the caffeine in it, so why not other caffeine-infused products you ask? I don't know, but I really do feel addicted to it. Me without chocolate when I want it is night a pleasant experience - ask Luis. haha!

31 Days Hath December

Day 13: A favorite movie

The Last Samurai
I already mentioned one of my favorite movies in another post, but since I have many, I didn't change this challenge. When I saw this movie in theaters, I thought it finally explained why I loved these people so much. The character of the Japanese sometimes culminates to this one term 大和魂 (Yamato-damashii), and is still used today when cultural values intrinsic to the Japanese are seen or are being called upon. It means something to the effect of 'indomitable spirit' which retains honor, valor, and bravery.
The movie itself is a highly romanticized version about one of the most interesting times in Japanese history (to me) which is the overthrow of the bakafu and the start of the Meiji restoration. One of my favorite anime's of all time, Rurouni Kenshin, also stems from this time period.

challenges: day 42/12

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 42: A picture of your dream house

Rustic, inviting, and original. There is nothing I hate more than cookie-cutter houses. My dream house would integrate nature and technology to become a place of ultimate relaxation. I've always considered my room to be my sanctuary so my dream house would be my safe haven.

31 Days Hath December

Day 12: Three blogs I can't get enough of

1. My friend's blogs. Keeping a blog allows one to share things that probably wouldn't come up in everyday conversation. Thus, by reading their blogs, I learn something new about them, which I feel, strengthens our bond. 


2. JET blogs. I know a lot of JETs across Japan and the easiest way to keep up with their lives, is to read their blogs. One of the mottos of JET is that 'every situation is different.' Through their blogs, I get to see how different. It's fascinating to see how everyone handles our everyday stresses, goes about their daily lives, and to discover new aspects of Japan through their experiences. 


3. Tumblr blogs! I know these probably shouldn't count, but I consider tumblr to be a picture blog when people aren't using it to actually blog. I find the most hilarious stuff on there!!! I go on tumblr when I'm upset and almost immediately start laughing for hours. Ah, remember kids, time you enjoyed wasting, was not wasted. ;)

challenges: day 41/11

60 Day Picture Challenge

 Day 40: A picture of your pet.

I changed this challenge to petS. I can't play favorites. I love them both too much. I've had my (not so) miniature schnauzer for 9 years now and he still plays like a puppy. I miss him terribly at the moment. My bunny, Honeybunny Bonbon has only been with me 4 months. He's a touch evil, but I love him just the same. I got both of them when they were mere infants, so they have bonded with me well. Joey follows me everywhere when I'm at home and only listens to me. It's harder to tell when bunnies show partiality, but considering how nervous he is when we have guests to how uninhibited he is when we're alone, I know he likes me.  

 

 31 Days Hath December 
  
Day 10: Something I've been craving

Some awesome pasta! When we go out, it's Japan's version of pasta and when we make it at home, we just don't have the right ingredients. I sometimes crave Cuban food really bad as well but if I were home right now, I'd want to head to a Cheesecake Factory!

challenges: day 40/10

60 Day Picture Challenge 

Day 40: A picture of your favorite Disney character

Eeyore!
I usually think of Disney characters by movie, but as my first favorite ever, he popped into my mind. As a kid, I had all the Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals but he was my favorite. I can't really explain why I like him, but a trend that has emerged since then is that I tend to gravitate towards the melancholy/shy characters.
Like the sparkles? ;D

 

 

 

31 Days Hath December 
  
Day 10: What I love about my job

Yup, pretty much everyday. (more hilarious memes) Teaching is not my favorite part of this job. The students are great, my teachers are nice, the school events are fun, but I'd have to say that what I love about my job is where I am. If I wanted to teach, I could do it in America, but I wanted to be in Japan and that has really been the best part of taking this job.

challenges: day 39/9

60 Day Picture Challenge


Day 39: A picture of your favorite movie

When I first saw this film in theaters, I was captivated by the visuals, The next time I saw it, I understood it. Every time since then, I have appreciated it more and more (and cry every time). I don't understand why it's hated more than loved, but I've never been one to only appreciate things that have my generation's seal of approval. At least there are a few other people out there who understand. These are some comments on a thread discussing the film.

"I can understand disliking a movie and sharing your opinion, but to take such a harmless movie as this – that inspires hope in many people – and to apply your scathing wit to the film is not cool or intellectual – it’s just malicious. I really enjoyed the concept that heaven and hell ARE in our own minds, and they are often hidden by Maya or the distractions of our world. And Hell is simply being alone – we’d go crazy without human interaction – and this film, in spite of its shortcomings, presents these concepts fairly well."

"Why are we snarking on movies like WDMC, which try to show us new things? I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Werner Herzog, the man who said that we as a civilization are starving for new images, appears in the film." 

31 Days Hath December

Day 9: A close up of my day

I didn't know if this challenge was literally asking for a close-up of something from my day or my day in a nutshell...so here's  both.

challenges: day 38/8

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 38: A picture of the best part of your day

Relaxing on the couch with the bunny and boy-toy after a long day at work.  We're usually either web surfing next to each other, sharing whatever wonders from the internet we find, or watching stuff from back home.

31 Days Hath December

Day 8: The last item I purchased

We went to a pet store to inquire about boarding Bon Bon over the holidays, and I saw this. It looks JUST like my puppy back home, Joey. I had to buy it right there. I miss my dog so much, but now I feel like he's following me around here like he does at home.

challenges: day 37/7

60 Day Picture Challenge


Day 37: A picture of the people you spend most of your time with

Plus (V, Toni, and Lauren!) and minus (the restaurant owner, lol) a few, these are the some of the awesome people I've met through the JET Program. I feel really blessed to have such a group out in the inaka of Japan with me. ~.~ 

31 Days Hath December

Day 07: A song for the day.


Jem - They


It's like I'm back doing my song challenge! There wasn't a day like this so, I haven't changed this challenge at all. I feel like the song fits because of some news articles and comments I read today. God help us all. 





Who made up all the rules?

We follow them like fools,

Believe them to be true,

Don't care to think them through



I'm sorry, so sorry

I'm sorry it's like this

I'm sorry, so sorry

I'm sorry we do this



And it's ironic too

'Cause what we tend to do

Is act on what they say

And then it is that way



I'm sorry, so sorry

I'm sorry it's like this

I'm sorry, so sorry

I'm sorry we do this



Who are they?

Where are they?

How can they possibly

Know all this?

Who are they?

Where are they?

How can they possibly

Know all this?



Do you see what I see?

Why do we live like this?

Is it because it's true

That ignorance is bliss?



Who are they?

Where are they?

How do they

Know all this?

I'm sorry, so sorry

I'm sorry it's like this



Do you see what I see?

Why do we live like this?

Is it because it's true

That ignorance is bliss?



And who are they?

Where are they?

How can they

Know all this?

I'm sorry, so sorry

I'm sorry we do this

challenges: day 36/6

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 36: A picture of your 'other half'

Luis
Followers of my challenges have probably noticed the absence of Luis thus far. Well, here he is by my side here like he is in life. A sensei back homes likes to call him my shadow instead of my other half.
We have a mountain of pictures together, so instead of the dressed up, posed ones, I went for a 'captured in the moment' kind of shot which I prefer anyway. Here, we were waiting for our tour bus to take us back to the ship after an amazing day in Jamaica. 

31 Days Hath December

Day 06: A book I'm reading. 


George R.R. Martin - A Song of Ice and Fire Series: Clash of Kings

I know, who isn't reading these books? I like to read popular series to be in the know and because usually, they're popular for good reason. This is the second book in the series turned HBO show.  I've been reading at an abysmally slow speed though since it takes so much work just to live where I am. >< Maybe a part of me wants to be surprised by second season in April before reading and filling in the gaps. Either way, I do know it only gets better and better!

challenges: day 35/5

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 35: A picture of your favorite place to eat.

Samurai Japanese Steakhouse. It's not real Japanese food but it's always delish. I seldom go on a whim, but instead leave it for special occasions. The performance-style cooking and round table seating feels more festive to me.
This was us at Samurai for my 22nd birthday. We were pre-gaming a bit before the funnest bar crawl I can (barely) remember.

Plus, a place that makes a bunny out of rice for me scores big points. ^.^v

31 Days Hath December

Day 05: Three years ago today.

December 11th, 2008 was a Thursday. I was probably taking my last final and beyond glad to be done with that semester so I don't have a picture of that particular day. Instead, this picture was a week earlier on my birthday when some friends came over to cut a cake. These were tough times for me, but let's just say, I got by with a little help from my friends. ;) <3

 

challenges: day 34/4

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 34: A picture of your currently most played CD. 

Great music for letting your mind wander as you drive

31 Days Hath December

Day 04: A friend I adore.

Kristi!
Always up for fun, always got my back, always there when I need her.
We're not the kind of friends who get upset if we miss a call, or who fight over a misunderstanding. We've been friends for a while now and I think we will be for a long time to come. :)

challenges: day 33/3

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 33: A picture of the house you grew up in.

I don't have my childhood pictures with me, so instead I took this screen shot from Google maps. The color of the house now is different and I find the new carport gaudy but other aspects have, surprisingly, remained the same since I was living there more than ten years ago. For example, the bars on the window were handmade by my grandfather. Also, the 'island' landscape design was my father's idea. One thing I'm sad to see gone is a humongous tree in that was in the backyard. It was much taller than the house so that is probably why it was taken down (safety during hurricanes and what not) but I had the best time as a kid climbing up it. Looking back I'm quite lucky I never fell from it. I was at least 25 feet in the air when I reached the top. 
The window to my room would be on the right side of the house from this angle. The two windows that can be seen were my playroom and my brother's room. We had that classic 90's neighborhood where all the kids would come out and play together till dusk. They were all boys which is where I think I get some of my 'rough edges' but I had the best time.

31 Days Hath December

Day 03: Something I never leave the house without.

I love this phone and feel a bit lost when it's not near. I use it for so many other things that sometimes I honestly forget it's a phone and start looking for one while I'm holding it. Even in Japan where they have some pretty cool mobiles, there was no question I wanted another iPhone. Unfortunately I couldn't hold out for the rumored 4S so I went ahead and bought the 4 in white, just for a change. I'll have to wait till I get back to the states before upgrading again.  Hopefully Siri will have all of her kinks worked out by then. :)

challenges: day 32/2

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 32: A picture of a crazy night.

This was a CRAZY FUN night. A couple of my friends heard this was happening and we were there. This is a popular tourist street in Miami called Lincoln Road that is lined with restaurants and passerbys. This was only the second year this ZombieWalk was happening, so people were really shocked to see mobs of zombies running through the streets. Everyone really got into it too. We looked the part but other people went all out. If you want to see more of this crazy night click here!

31 Days Hath December

Day 02: Three inspirational quotes.


I'm quite the pinthusiast so I'm attaching three quotes in .jpg form from my Pinterest board, Quote me.


One to remember in life, love, and calling. 

challenges: day 31/1

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 31 - A picture of a tradition you have.

Carving Pumpkins!
Every year on Halloween I carve a pumpkin..with the exception of this year :( I tried my hardest but couldn't find one in time. Now of course there seem to be plenty, but the moment has passed.
Every year I make harder designs but last year I went a different route and got more creative. To make up for this year, I intend to go above and beyond next year. I can't wait!

31 Days Hath December

When I started the challenges, I knew that I would have to find something to supplement the 60 day photo challenge once the 30 day song challenge was over. I found this great list from a blog I'm following I came across as I was looking for Breaking Dawn pictures (random, I know). It was originally titled, '30 days hath November' but since I had already begun my challenges, I quickly adapted it to my needs to become '31 days hath December.' Then again, December has started as well, but oh well, it still suits my need. A couple of these might be similar or repeated from the photo challenge, in which case I will change or alter my answer. There is nothing designated for the 31st day, but I have a couple of ideas. When the time comes, my readers can be surprised. 
In the meantime, here is day 1 and a look at what the days ahead will bring! 
As always, enjoy~

Day 01: A self-portrait

A throwback and a one from the archives. I miss my short hair, but it takes so long to grow out that I probably won't revisit this for a while - but man, I look hot with it. hehe. ;)

Day 02: Three inspirational quotes.
Day 03: Something I never leave the house without.
Day 04: A friend I adore.
Day 05: Three years ago today.
Day 06: A book I'm reading.
Day 07: A song for the day.
Day 08: The last item I purchased.
Day 09: A close-up of my day.
Day 10: What I love about my job. 
Day 11: Something I’ve been craving.
Day 12: Three blogs I can’t get enough of.
Day 13: Something I'm proud of. 
Day 14: A favorite movie.
Day 15: Some style inspiration for the season.  
Day 16: Someone who inspires me.
Day 17: My family.
Day 18: What I wore today.
Day 19: A silly self-portrait.
Day 20: A childhood anecdote.
Day 21: Something I could never tire of.
Day 22: Some place I’ve traveled.
Day 23: Eight things you didn't know about me.
Day 24: Something that means a lot to me.
Day 25: The contents of my purse.
Day 26: Something I'm looking forward to.
Day 27: Myself, one year ago. 
Day 28: A skill I'd like to learn. 
Day 29: Some place I'd like to visit.
Day 30: Three wonderful things that happened this month.

challenges: day 30/30

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

My beloved Grandmother, Carmen Cayon Mellado (1923-2007)
I miss this woman every day.
She made a huge impact on my life and it hasn't been the same without her.
It's been four years but I can still barely talk about her without tears springing to my eyes, unless if it's mentioned very briefly.
This picture was taken on her last Thanksgiving.
I take solace in knowing that she would be so proud of my all of my accomplishments and endeavors since her passing. 
Te quiero siempre, Mami
Tu gatica

30 Day Song Challenge

Day 30 - Your favorite song at this time last year


Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina - Stereo Love


I really enjoyed this song whenever it popped on to the radio. It was also in my 'getting sexified' mix (which happened everyday, hehe) So I'm glad this day of the challenge reminded me about it!