I was reading this other blog posting about having a quarter-life crisis. It's where you feel you're told old for some things but too young for others. It's also a time where you're transitioning from a student to a self-sufficient adult. I definitely feel like that some days. I don't yet feel like an adult quite yet. I can't possibly afford my own car anytime soon, or even my own place, and I'm only a teeny bit closer to my dream career than I was a year ago. I decided to make a list.

Things I'm too young for:

Singles events (people in their 30s+ usually show up)
eHarmony (same reason as above)
Renting a car
Getting married
Having kids (I'd like to continue spending money on myself)
Settling for a divorced guy (or settling, period)


Things I'm too old for:

Six Flags (especially the runaway train)
Half my waredrobe
Books with pictures
Nickelodeon
Twin beds

Though, I'd have to say "it could be worse". I could be drowning in student loans, or living with my mother. Not that that is an option; she would probably drive me insane. I did take those 3D online classes and moved closer to NYC. I've accomplished a little something at least. Anyone else out there having a quarter-life crisis? What are some of the things you're experiencing? Post 'em here.

Blankets, Cosplay Costumes & More

So, I found out that yesterday was National Thread the Needle Day. Seems like a weird day to observe but a useful one nonetheless. Earlier this week, I sewed up a blanket that had tears in it. It started off as a small rip, then I washed it, then there were more. Next thing I know it's filled with rips and I never got around to fixing it. Finally, a year later I took care of the problem. I could have just brought a new one, but it wasn't in my budget just yet.

So, if your clothes or sheets have a rip or a tear, take half an hour out of your day to sew them up. And if you're still working on your cosplay or costume play outift, take some time out for that, too. Here's a picture of the one I made a few years ago of Anthy Himemiya from Revolutionary Girl Utena.





















I still can't believe I made an entire outfit without a pattern book, prior skills or common sense. Now that I think about it, it wasn't that hard. Making a skirt is fairly simple. The shirt was sleeveless so that made it even easier. If you're thinking about cosplaying at your local convention, just keep a few things in mind:

1. The weather - If you're going to a convention in NY around February, it won't make sense to wear a bikini-like outfit.

2. Durability - You'll wanna make sure your costume can last a whole day with you walking around, climbing stairs and taking the escalator.

3. G-Rated - Keep in mind cons are attended by all ages. So, keep it tasteful.

4. Ease of Creation - chose a character whose outfit is simple and made of cloth. You'll thank yourself later.

Have any other cosplay suggestions that I might have missed? Post them here.
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Now playing: Teriyaki Boyz - Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious)
via FoxyTunes

Kiss from a Rose

We all know and love (at least I do) Seal's song "Kiss From a Rose". I recently heard a new rendition by the multi-talented Kiyomi "Angela" Aki. It's a lovely mix of piano playing and female vocals, although there are some parts where her voice is slightly strained in my opinion. The song is mostly in Japanese and then in English towards the end. I wouldn't say it's better or worse. It's just nice to hear it in a different way.

Angela was born back in September 15, 1977 to a Japanese father and Italian-American mother. She started playing the piano at age three. At 15 she went to school in Hawaii, and after graduating she went to college at George Washington University. She studied political science though she never forgot about her dream of singing.

In 2000, she released her first Indie album "These Words" in the U.S. After graduating college, she job a secretary job in D.C., but soon quit to pursue her singing career. She sang in nightclubs and composed a few tracks for Dianne Eclar. After doing some commercials, she decided to move back to Japan. She continued to perform in small venues and wrote over 100 songs. Finally, in May 2006 she signed with Tofu Records. It wasn't too long before she released "Home" and performed at Nippon Budokan Hall, an arena for large-scale venues. Her dream had finally come true.

Check out some of her other songs and albums.
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Now playing: Angela Aki - KISS FROM A ROSE
via FoxyTunes

New Revalations

Being unemployed these past few months has made me realize what I really want from life. As much as I love the whole 3D animation thing, I think I love making $$$ more. I think I spent the last year searching for high yield savings accounts, surveys and online services that pay cash, point systems where I can earn gift card, and doing little errands for my sisters for moolah. Boy do I love money! I'm not saying that I'm a gold-digger, 100% materialist, or that I'm only care about the green bills. Who can honestly say that they don't like to be able to buy whatever they please without having to worry if they've paid all their bills first. And what person likes eating away at their emergency savings instead of watching it grow.

I wish I had majored in business or something else lucrative back in school. Is there anyone else out there who wishes they had gone a different career route? In this economy, many people who were unhappy at their former jobs were glad to be laid off. The reason being that they were able to try that one thing they always wanted to do or to go for that career that truly put a smile on their face. It's time for a change and that change is now :)

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Now playing: 浅倉大介 - Super Drive
via FoxyTunes

Short Tasks 101

There's this site I found on some other job site called "Short Tasks". It's a new take on craiglists job postings and very simple. There are solvers and seekers; The seekers are those posting tasks to be completed and the solvers are the ones answering the posts. Once you register, you can begin searching through all the possible tasks listed. Then you accept the tasks and the timer begins. There are some that require you to do a google search and record the link, others want you to post on a forum or even your twitter page (which sucks for me 'cause I don't have one). Once you finish the tasks and the seeker approves, you receive payment to your account.

I tried a couple of tasks that were under $0.50 and they were quick and easy. The only drawback is that some solvers ask you only do one tasks of theirs. I also noticed that some of the Afilliated Service posts asks you to go to Employment Crossings and post a comment either in their forum or somewhere else. I've been on Employment Crossings and I wasn't very happy with the results. It's basically a site that advertises that they have the most job postings and that you would find a job within a few weeks. This was not the case with me which is why I cancelled my membership. All I ever got were emails with jobs that required more than I could do, and links to long-winded and boring articles about John Simpson himself. He seemed to have a hard time getting to the point which leaves me to believe that no one ever proofread his work.

Paying someone to make a post about a service they haven't actually tried is false advertisement and just plain shady business. Most of the post seem to be for bringing traffic to a site and not really doing a real job. I kinda expected there to be some posts to edit pictures or articles, etc. Keep in mind if the job requires you to go to a site and send for more information, expect to be called or constantly emailed. Might be worth the $0.20 or might not. Also, you have to wait til you amount to $50 to withdraw your money. I say give it a few months when more seekers are posting, hop on and give it a try.

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Now playing: Muse - Take a Bow
via FoxyTunes