challenges: day 58/28

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 58: A picture of your favorite animal

In reality or fantasy? On land or in the sea? To own or to admire? So ambiguous! An obvious favorite of mine by the way I am rendered powerless against its cuteness is the bunny rabbit. I especially love the way Japanese bunnies are drawn which is why any traditional souvenir shop here is a danger for me to enter. I've owned two bunnies in my life; once as a child that I bribed my mom for and now I have my honeybunny bon bon.

31 Days Hath December

Day 28: A skill I'd like to learn

A similar or the same challenge was posed to me already and I answered it with "cooking." Well, as of recently, another skill I would like to learn would be web design. I've seen a lot of cool stuff out there and find myself having domain envy (is that even a thing? oh well, it's what I'll call it). 
I'm willing to learn and have a creative bone or two in me, so we'll see if I pick up this new hobby!

challenges: day 57/27

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 57: A picture of your favorite holiday

Halloween
Despite being raised in a strict baptist setting, I've always loved Halloween. Christmas is great for what it does -bringing people together - but Halloween is just so much fun at any age.
I also love it because I can carve pumpkins! For me, it's a tradition I started with myself a couple of years back and have since roped many friends into carving one with me.

31 Days Hath December

Day 27: Myself, one year ago

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Myself, one year ago.
I was playing around with my new webcam with hair fresh from the salon and no makeup, so I snapped this shot and uploaded it to Facebook. (which is how I know this was taken exactly a year ago)

Here, I'm in my room at home, but everything about my surroundings has changed since then. My dream came true and I'm living in Japan. I don't love everything about my new surroundings (especially how cold it is!), but then I see sights like Nikko Falls or the mountain temples of Wakayama and it takes my breath away. Not much in my appearance has changed (still rocking the red), but inwardly, I've changed a lot. It goes unappreciated or taken for granted by most, but I know I've made some positive changes and still strive to better myself everyday.

challenges: day 56/26

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 56: A picture of something that makes you happy

Balloons
Many things make me happy, but a balloon is a bit of an irrational thing, don't you think? They do nothing but float, yet they make me smile. I love receiving balloons and have loved the times when my room has been filled with them after birthdays and celebrations. 

31 Days Hath December

Day 26: Something I'm looking forward to

Hokkaido's Yuki Matsuri!
Going to Sapporo for this world famous snow festival was near the top of my list of things to do in Japan. It will be some of the coldest temperatures I have ever been in, but I don't even care. I'm going with some friends and it will be amazing!
Only 21 days away!

challenges: day 55/25

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 55: The last movie you watched in theaters

It's too much trouble and more expensive to go to the movies in Japan, so the last movie I saw was right before I left in July. It was too abstract for me. I appreciate movies that have a different point of view, but I was completely lost. 

31 Days Hath December

Day 25: The contents of your purse

My purse changes with my outfit and the contents with the event, so I decided my work bag is better for this challenge. 

• Folders with some important school and contract stuff.
• My sweet life bunny idea notebook.
• the JET diary has useful stuff to help with everyday life.
• the Tamba city guide for foreigners is similar to the JET diary but more specific to my town.
• My bank book which keeps track of all my account activity for me. I wish they had this in America.
• My pen case.
• My adorable bunny print umbrella.
• My wallet that luckily was big enough for Japanese bills.
• Tissues and bunny print (notice a trend?) tissue holder. A must have in this country that often goes without napkins in restaurants and toilet paper in bathrooms. 
• A folding brush with mirror. Very handy.
• My keys with my adorable puppy and daruma doll.
• Gum from home since I'm not really a fan of gum here. 
• Body splash 
• Anti-bacterial - the restrooms often lack soap as well.
• My Hello Kitty makeup bag with just the essentials
• My hanko (personal seal). In Japan they don't sign their names but use this stamp instead. Foreigners who work here are required to get one since they can't understand our signatures. Mine stamp has ガルシア :) (Garcia)

challenges: day 54/24

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 54: A picture of one thing you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island

Realistically speaking: 

A fully-stocked, full-staffed yacht to get me back to civilization.

Romantically speaking: 

My hubby, so we can fulfill all of my 'alone-on-a-desert-island' fantasies. ;)

31 Days Hath December

Day 24: Something that means a lot to you

My Faith in Jesus Christ

I stopped being preachy a couple of years ago. It allows for more love and less judgment. Since then, my faith has become more personal (and real) just as any relationship should be.

My faith has never failed me, even when things were bleak. In time, I've always seen the reason for why things happen. My prayers have been answered.  I've seen miracles happen big and small, gradually and suddenly...

Most importantly, I don't feel anxious about the reason I was put on this earth. I know, and can show gratitude to the One who directs my steps and shows me grace.

challenges: day 53/23

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 53: A picture of someone you think is hot

Pick just one?! I have a whole board over on Pinterest for this! (here's the link for my lady readers). Anyways, yes, Robert Pattinson is an obvious choice for me, but the smolder he can give with his eyes gets me every time. I think he looks better in print than in motion since he tends to make faces all the time. In print though you can really appreciate what a fine specimen he is.
Team Edward!

31 Days Hath December

Day 23: Eight things you [probably] didn't know about me

1. I love period films. But serious ones, not so much parodies.
2. I love Google calendar! I used to love day planners, but Google calender is with me on the go so there you go.
3. Once I'm not a teacher, I'm doing some extreme hair colors. ~.~
4. I love popcorn- kettle corn, caramel or chocolate coated, etc.
5. When non-prescription color contacts were popular (in like 6th grade), since I liked Sailor Saturn's eyes.
6. I'm a Fire Tiger, Sagittarius. -rawr-
7. I've been a big Vin Diesel fan since Pitch Black. He plays the same roles over again but I still love watching him on screen.
8. I can whistle really loudly. I tend to do so when I'm at home much to the aggravation of whoever else is home with me. ^.^

challenges: day 52/22

60 Day Picture Challenge

Day 52: A picture of your favorite sport

It's like asking a mother to choose between her children...well, maybe not that bad... I have special connections with both volleyball and basketball. I was on both teams all throughout high school and was captain for both as well. While I definitely had more fun times with the volleyball team, I have a deeper connection with basketball.
My dad loves basketball (huge understatement) He went to all my games and constantly coached me so I could be a better player. Even after high school, I was his assistant coach for a couple of teams. But way before any of that, he would take my brother and me to Miami Heat games. Thanks to him, I got to see some of the biggest names in basketball play in their heyday and have special memories of going to ball game with my dad. Needless to say, basketball forms a big part of our father/daughter bond.

31 Days Hath December

Day 22: Some place I've traveled

Madrid, Spain
I went to Europe barely two months upon my return from studying abroad in Japan. My bffl and her mom were going and although my mom couldn't join because of work, she sent me with them. For whatever reason, I had never had much desire to go to Madrid (or Paris which was also part of this trip), but foolish me, because I absolutely loved it. Viva Espana!