Nabbed from Hazel.


Created by OnePlusYou

And to think I haven't had coffee in over a week...until this morning. =))

i. after the legend
Finished watching Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi / The Legend of the First King’s Four Gods a few days ago. After a couple of nights of minimal sleep, we finally finished it. My mom and I started and ended the series on opposite camps---she was empathizing with Kajin / Kiha, misunderstood, victim of circumstances evil girl while I was happily cheering for wild, street urchin Sujini who was the poised, valiant warrior princess Seoh in her past life.

( Cut for spoilers )

Thankfully, Dian came to my rescue with this link about the original script to the last episode. It really makes me feel better and I like to think of it as canon. Even if I can't watch it, it's nice to think that this is what really happened.

ii. ever so busy
We've been so busy at work these past few days. Almost daily overtime coupled with a weekend at the office. So the holiday starting tomorrow will be such a welcome respite. I'm crossing my fingers that nothing will happen to screw it up. Yes, it's that bad. I feel like I can't really rejoice until I'm already on my way home tonight.

Productive to do list:
• Fix up things that need to be fixed up with Kitchen Cow, including layout tweaks, additional plug-ins, and new articles.
• Shoot dollies.
• Get some sewing projects going.
• Bake macaroons. It's very specific since I already bought the dry ingredients a few weeks ago. *laughs*
• Scan some more of Gokusen v11 for our Gokusen scanlations project. Plus, edit my next few assignments.
• Troubleshoot my lighting set-up.
• Do research on possible freelance writing programs.
• Put together a sample work portfolio for freelance writing projects.
• Design and make business cards.
• Get started on 365 Toy Project again.
• Redesign / reconfigure This Doll's Life

What's more likely to happen:
• Start playing Layton again as I have finished (finally!) Apollo Justice.
• Read some of the books I borrowed from Chris.
• Trawl Dollie Mixtures and Flickr for dollie piccies.
• Nap.
• Eat potato chips.
• Snooze.
• Watch anime / jdrama.
• Read manga.
• Be lucky to accomplish at least one thing on productive list.

iii. objection!
I want more Ace Attorney action! Apollo Justice was one wild ride, and I want more! Joining Phoenix, Godot and Iris as my favorite Ace Attorney characters are Apollo, Trucy, Ema Skye and Gavin---Klavier, not Kristoph. So much fun! I hope they release Ace Attorney 5 already. Last I heard, Capcom did a press release about it May 2007. I just hope it comes out soon and is followed by an English language version at once as well. Makes me wonder who'll be in it. A defense-attorney-again Phoenix? Herr forehead Apollo? Or a totally new lawyer?

iv. photo request meme
I've seen Jannie and more recently, Cla do this. Now I want to join in the fun!

Photo request! List up to three things you'd like me to take pictures of. Give me a week to do this, and once I'm done, I'll post your requests.

Just a note, I reserve the right to turn down requests if they're not feasible, are expensive, or is obscene / pornographic.

And Cla, no, you can not request for a Junpei x Seiji yaoi photoshoot.

As tagged by Sakuya Masaki:

A. List seven habits/quirks/facts about yourself.
B. Tag seven people to do the same.
C. Do not tag the person who tagged you or say that you tag "whoever wants to do it."

1. I love memes but I rarely tag people. So yes, I won't be following rule letter C and will just be saying, "I tag everyone who wants to do this meme!"

2. My hair is cyclical. I grow it long, I cut it really short, let it grow out until it's long again, then cut short---rinse and repeat. A large part of my life is spent in between hairstyles. I'm on long mode right now, with my hair in a breezy high-ponytail. Not high on the crown of my head high, but definitely not low, sitting on the nape of my neck, low.

3. I suck at saving. I don't think I can manage to raise enough money for that new camera by the time my cousin's US trip comes around in summer. I have succumbed to unplanned expenses quite often since the year started so no go on the savings thing. Still, I'm still hoping to buy a new camera within the year though.

4. I used to walk around with my head tilted to the left. Yes, like a doll with a floppy obitsu. This was when I was in high school---my friends pointed it out to me because mostly, I was unaware. I don't think I still walk that way though---at least I hope not.

5. I've been wearing eyeglasses since 5th grade. I was 11 I think? I still do now---I have almost rectangular black wire frames with photochromatic lenses. And no, I've never even tried wearing contact lenses.

6. I nailbite. A disgusting habit, yes, but I've been doing so since my childhood. I tried to stop in college, mostly by applying fun colored nail polishes. But during one particularly hectic basketball game, I started chipping my nails due to the tension. The habit wasn't kicked at all.

7. I like cows. Not real life cows but cute, cartoon cows. And no, despite this liking for cows, I'm not vegetarian---I like beef very much.

Finally getting on with these meme from Nagi. I normally keep memes under a cut but this one is nice and uplifting. I'm sure you folks can either relate or add a few of your own. Not tagging anyone except those who want to do it.

Rules:
The rules are easy, just post 10 things that recently made you happy! Then tag 10 people and force them to post this meme on their LJs. Because it is good. Everyone needs a little happiness once in a while.

1. Watching Mizushima Hiro speak English on youtube. Because never have the words stronger and strongest sounded like sheer smex.

2. Aki and Seiji. Really, even just staring at Aki makes me so happy. For some reason, seeing her happy face fills me with much much love.

3. The possibility of eating at Sango this week. Food makes me happy. Yakiniku Burgers from Sango even more. *drool* (Edit: Ate at Sango last night. Yay!)

4. The excitement of waiting for Seiji's new wig and my Dollie Mixtures swap swag. I'm crossing my fingers that Seiji's wig will arrive during the week, just in time for the Mall of Asia Pullip Meet so he can dazzle everyone with his classic bishounen good looks. And of course, waiting for Yun's swap surprise fills me with anticipation as well.

5. Finding what I'm craving for. Things like Trolli gummi candies, potato chips, and diet soda whenever I want them. Unfortunately, this is a double edged joy because it only makes stress-binging easy but at least, at some point, I'm happy.

6. Taking slow, leisurely walks on overcast days. I'm not a morning person but really, walking to work along quiet streets on early mornings with the sky all overcast feels like stepping through a pause in time.

7. Getting comments on my blogs. Like most normal human beings, it's nice to know you're being heard. And what better affirmation than people chiming in with their own experiences, questions and thoughts?

8. Pretty Boys. Much as I love my boyfriend (yiheeeee!) I can't help but fangirl over cute / handsome / smexy boys, whether they be real or fictional. Seeing them all cute adds a bit of sunshine to even the most dreary days.

9. Driving on quiet streets. Much as I hate parking, I love driving along desolate streets with music playing and me singing along (off-key of course!) at the top of my lungs.

10. Weekends! Especially long weekends. It's the perfect thing to cap off a long week. It's getting to sleep until lunch and surf the net until the wee hours. It's watching one dorama after another until your eyes can barely stay peeled. It's finally doing all that arts and craftsy stuff you've been putting off all week. Weekends are pure, sheer love.

i. my bag!
A few weeks ago, Rotch did this meme where you go through the things in your handbag. I really really wanted to do it, in photo form, but because I was a tad busy, I couldn't. Until I remembered to take a picture, finally!



Seeing it for yourself is more fun than looking at a list, no?

ii. that's a toilet???
I've eaten at Sango quite a few times, but never saw the need to use their restroom until a few days ago.



They have that! Those newfangled multi-buttoned high-tech toilets with the blinky lights! Like the ones you see in those Japanese magazine shows on TV. The one with the blue title screens? (I'm sure a bunch of my friends grew up with it as well and know what show I'm referring to.) Waw. It's so moronic yes, being excited over a toilet bowl, but I have to admit, it blew me away, hahahaha! And being the snap happy nosy person I am, I took a pic. And am actually posting it on my LJ.

What the Hell am I doing???

i. memeage
Ran into this fun meme at Wifely Steps and I had so much fun answering it. It's all about food! Tagging anyone who understands Tagalog on my F-list. For my non-Filipino speaking friends, let me indulge in this vernacular rambling. I had a blast doing this survey. I guess all the Filipino writing is a refreshing change from what I usually do.

Ano ang iyong almusal kanina?
Wala! Pero nag hot chocolate ako pagdating sa trabaho. Kakabili ko lang na Japanese hot chocolate, gawa ng Morinaga. Mantakin mo bang may shot daw ng Remy Martin yun? Di ko alam kung totoo, ipapabasa ko pa sa kaibigan ko ang nakasulat. Mahirap I-feature sa blog pag di ko alam ang nakasulat sa pakete.

Ikaw ay may itlog — nilagang itlog. Paano mo ito kakainin?
Purist ako. Dapat rock salt. Kakainin ko muna yung puti, pag ubos na, saka ko nanamnamin yung pula. Panalo!

Ano ang paborito mong local na junkfood?
Potato Chips na plain ng Oishi. Tsaka Tostillos ng Jack en Jill, depende sa mood. Pero ang hindi ko mahindian, yung chichacorn / chichapop / popcorn. Basta yung fluffy na mais---parang popcorn na hindi tumuloy ang pagputok. Meron sa iyong suking Jollyjeep.

Ikaw ay kinuhang TOP CHEF sa isang engrandeng pagtitipon. Ano ang iyong ihahain sa mga bisita? (Note: Ang mga pagkain na ihahain mo ay ang mga alam mong lutuin. Bawal magsinungaling)
Hindi ba pwedeng group effort? I jujudge ba ako ni Tom Colicchio dito? Kailangan bang matira ako sa competition o kahit babay na ako next round?
Appetizer: Asparagus na balot ng beef. Okay to, walang sablay, maganda pa tignan.
Soup: Bad trip. Mahina ako sa soup. Pwede bang instant soup-as na lang? Wala na, tigbak na ako agad.
Salad: Mesclun na may mango, shredded kani, grapes, jicamas (ganda pakinggan ng singkamas no? parang imforted) at ang aking sikat (sa opis) at ispeyshal na Poppy Seed Vinaigrette. Sowsi tignan, di lang nila alam, faker yan sa dali.

Kung ikaw ay makakain sa restaurant ngayon din, saang restaurant ka pupunta at bakit?
Kung iba magbabayad, sa UCC. Kung ako magbabayad, pwede na sa tabi-tabi. Kung pwedeng mag-ilusyon, sa Morimoto para at least natikman ko luto ng isang authentic na Iron Chef. O kaya kung saan man nagluluto si Tyler Florence kasi kras ko sya. Ay, runner up rin pala, titirahin ko yung mga high class na restaurant sa Roppongi. Para makakain ako ng tunay na Otoro. Siguro pwede na ako mamatay pagkatapos nun. Ay, gusto ko rin palang mag guest sa TV show na SMAP x SMAP at gusto kong kumain sa Bistro SMAP segment nila. Kasi naman si Kimura Takuya nandun. S'ya pa lang, ulam na!

Saang restaurant mong gusto makapunta, pero di ka lang nakakarating pa?
Ay mali. Ayun pala, yung ilusyon mode ko sa naunang item. Pero kung realistic, gusto kong kumain sa lahat ng masarap na restaurant sa may Quezon City dahil kalayo nun sa akin at hindi ako umaabot.

May pizza sa harap mo. Ano ang ayaw mong makitang topping sa pizza mo?
Ground beef. Di ko type ang pizza na may ground beef. Pag ala na akong makain, kakainin ko pero kung pwede sana, walang ground beef. Masaya na ako sa Mushroom and Pepperoni, Margherita at Quatro Formaggio. Minsan gumawa ako ng pizza na may kesong puti at fresh tomatoes. Haaaay, ewan ko ba kung ba't di naulit e ke-sarap n'ya. Siguro tamad talaga ako.

Ano ang madalas mong orderin sa Jollibee?
Pwedeng Chicken Joy, pwedeng Burger Steak meal, pwedeng Palabok. Hindi ako kumakain ng hamburger sa Jollibee (yung sandwich, burger steak okay pa ako). Mabibilang sa isang kamay ko kung ilan beses ako kumain ng Jollibee yumburger sa buhay ko. Ay, pero ang super miss na miss na miss ko na e yung Chunky Chicken Sandwich ng Jollibee. Sheht. Luma ang Chicken Mayo sandwich ng Delifrance sa sandwich ng ating friend na si Jolliee.

Paano magluto ng Sinigang? Marunong ka ba?
Oo naman. Ang linaw linaw ng nakasulat sa likod ng Knorr Sinigang Mix e. :P

Ikaw ay may fried chicken sa harap mo. Ano ang dapat niyang kapartner para masarap ang kain?
Depende sa fried chicken. Kung Max, dapat Jufran. Kung Jollibee, dapat gravy. McDo hindi ko pinapatulan manok nila. Pwera nuggets. Kung nuggets BBQ sauce. Kung Chicken fingers gusto ko honey mustard. Kung yung old-fashioned Fried Chicken na luto ng lola ko (sumalangit nawa) walang sauce. Ganon s'ya kasarap magluto.

Kumakain ka ba ng dinuguan? Alam mo ba kung saan ito gawa?
Oo, pero nasa kolehiyo na ako natutong kumain ng dinuguan. Sarap, lalo na kung may puto. Bobo ko talaga, sarap mag dinuguan ng lola ko hindi ako kumakain nung bata ako. Pinsan kong half-Pinoy lang at laki sa States, kumakain ng sabaw ng dinuguan. Sarap na sarap pa s'ya sa chocolate stew. Syempre hindi namin makayanang sabihin kung ano yung "chocolate" sa chocolate stew n'ya.

ii. this is why the nds rocks
A beauty regimen game on the NDS? What will Nintendo think of next? First there was that Cooking Navigator--an interactive cooking guide / cookbook, now a Beauty Navigator.

Quoted from a news feed:
"Dream Skincare" is part of recent efforts by Nintendo Co. to attract newcomers to gaming. Until recently, the gaming crowd has largely been young men fond of shooting and sports games.

Players input their daily body temperature and weight by marking a graph that shows up on the touch panel, according to Konami Corp. The game, which Konami describes as "beauty navigation software," asks questions that the player answers such as skin tone and smoothness, as well as exposure to sunlight and hours of sleep. Advice on a daily regimen for healthy skin pops up on the screen, including directions to drink more water, or to eat apples and ginger, food that had a reputation for warming up the body.

Nintendo DS Lite, you rock my world!

(Read more about Dream Skincare at here.)

i. ds lite blues. or pinks
I am thisclose to snapping. Just a little nudge and I'm off to Greenhills to buy a pink DS Lite. Those who've been following this LJ know how I've wanted one for the longest time. I traced it. The earliest manifestation of pearl pink DS Lite longing was last October. It was on a post about Cooking Mama on littleyuzu's LJ. In fact, I wasn't even aware the DS Lite existed until I saw her post. But one glance at the pink handheld was love.

I've been dawdling for months already about buying one. I wanted one last Christmas, especially after Shelly, Mike's girlfriend bought one. I was thinking of using my 13th month pay for it but the desire to settle my credit card bills as well as to save up stopped me. Lately however, after hearing about the great deal Arbie bought his for and reading khursten's plans to buy one, my self-control is wearing thin.

If I'm going to go insane with pearl pink ds lite desire, don't you think I should go and succumb, EOS 400D fund be screwed? It's going to set me back 10k yes, but since my ultimate goal is to get myself the camera before Christmas, I think I can take the setback. And no, I won't be spending excessively on games since I plan to get a homebrew cartridge. Yes, I'm an ebil pirate. Rawr. But so is Jack Sparrow so that means I'll be in good company.

ii. ganked from faerydragonet

No Leonidas here.

( Maximus. )

iii. okay, so i let my imagination run wild
I honestly though monetizing kitchencow would be lucrative. I imagined money pouring. Well, maybe not pouring in but adequate enough to cover my hosting and maybe buy a few pinkies. But the road to profits is long and winding and requires lots of clicks. I honestly thought just serving the ads would be sufficient. You know, page impressions? It appears I need to actually convert them to clicks. And to do that, I have to work on my search engine optimization so Google would give me better, more relevant ads. You know, ones that would entice readers to click out of sheer interest. No coercion or begging involved.

Any tips from those better versed in earning from a website? Right now, I only have Google Adsense and an Amazon associates account. The Amazon associates I have yet to apply to the site, but judging from its performance on bishounenproject, I'm not counting on it too much. I'll probably sign up with Jlist as well, seeing they have a good range of bento goodies. I know I can sign up with other ad networks but I'm not too keen on having too much ads on the site; a large part of me still wants to keep the site clean. You guys have more ideas?

Nabbed from maedinn

Rules: Post the explanation of where your username came from. Then tag TEN users whose explanations you'd like to hear. If you are tagged post the explanation to your page.

Kaoko goes back to the days when I played L5R, both the CCG and the RPG. Trying to create a Japanese sounding name for my Lion Clan samurai-ko, I noticed that a lot of the popular female samurai had ko endings. Bayushi Kachiko, Otaku Kamoko, Matsu Tsuko (gasp! She's female???), Kakita Toshimoko (okay okay, the joke has stopped). Anyway, I figured, why not something -ko also? Just to keep with the Rokugani naming conventions. Hmmm...Cow -> Kao -> Kaoko! Little Cow! Which can also be conveniently read as Kao+ako -> Cow ako -> I'm a cow!

Well, it stuck.

Tagging all of my friends who can find the time. Come on, I'd love to hear your reasons :D

( Moved to a cut because Cla can't stand looking at Zach's picture. :P )

Uh, friends? Let's try to keep this from John, shall we? Chances are my mind's going to get erased sometime soon and all the gheyness is going to be erased from my brain so no point in ruining it all for him, right?

Nicked off 24fps. Hey, it's Heroes. How could I resist?

i. imaginary bento #100
Ah, the best laid plans of mice and cows. I guess a part of me is feeling the pressure of making bento #100 the best evah! Or at least just produce something really cute. Anyway, I put it off for two days, but I figured it would be good to finally do it today to end the week on an upbeat note.

So, for once, I did advanced preparations last night. I defrosted then marinated the chicken. I hardboiled an egg. I even cleaned out the rice cooker so it'll be good to go in the morning.

Gaaaaaah. I woke up at 7:30. I needed to be at work by 9. Lovely.

Damn you Conan O' Brien for making me stay up. I shall begin ignoring you next week.

ii. cable stuff
Incidentally, our local cable company finally started carrying Etc. One day I was flipping through the channels and I suddenly see Jay Leno. Not having Etc was always one of my frustrations, since a lot of my friends would mention watching shows on that channel. We had a lot of nice channels but other than Animax while cleaning house on weekends, I didn't watch much since I catch most of the stuff I do want to watch on torrents.

Now, I have some other channel to serve as background noise for when I putter around the house. Yay for Horny Manatees!

iii. icon meme
Meme taken from miss_dian.

Reply to this post, and I will tell you my favorite icon of yours. Then post this to your own journal using your own favorite icon. Repost it if you want, if not just let me have fun looking through your icons to tell you my favorite(s)

If you tell me which icon of mine you like best, that'll be nice too! :)

iv. because i adore neil gaiman, i'm editing this post
...to add that thing in his latest journal entry.


I'd like to ask a small favour of those of you who have read down this far. Would anyone reading this, anyone with a blog or a website that is, mind linking to the last post -- http://www.neilgaiman.com/journal/2007/02/and-in-time-it-took-to-say-that-neil.html -- with the link text Penn Jillette? Given Penn's recent rant about the power and ubiquity of this blog on his radio show, I'd like to mess with his head just a little and see if we can actually google-bomb it so that that entry shows in the top few entries if you google Penn's name.

And sshhh, don't anyone tell him. I want it to be a surprise.

This one's for Morpheus, Thessaly, Yvainne, Tristan Thorne, and green mouse flavored ice cream. Because you have made a difference in my life.

Penn Jillette