Boston, Ahoy!

Hullo All!

As like most people do during November, my family and I took a trip out of state to visit some relatives for the holidays. Our relatives haven't gone home since, themselves, coming here so we felt that it was time for a reunion! So we packed our backs and headed for a roadtrip. 

My mini luggage all ready for a week's trip!

We had to get up amazingly early. I don't think I've gotten up that early since we had to get up for our flight coming here!

Eek. Sorry for the blur. This is the first time that I've been able to wear my favorite pair of Converse sneakers here. It's very obviously worn, but it's still my favorite pair of sneakers. I also changed the original laces to these pretty pastel colored ones. :)

After four hours of getting almost lost, we found our way in MA and in a Friendly's Diner. :) It was my first time there and it was so cute! Very vintage-y.

All the breakfast meals!

We finally made it to our uncle's place. It was nice to see him and my aunt again--and to finally meet my youngest cousin who wasn't even born when we had seen their family last! :)

This was a throw pillow at their house. I fell in love with it! It looks as if leaves were sticked into some fabric and wrapped around a pillow! So genius! I want this pillow in my life.

We actually went into Boston to look around, but couldn't find any parking but I managed to snag an awesome photo of this amazingly, beautiful orangey-red tree!

I wish I could have gone down the car and taken a picture next to it!

Some other neat places around Boston. Someday, I'll go back and explore all the places!

We went to a nearby strip mall after and went into a comic store and Barnes & Noble.

Some Adventure Time ornaments! I'm not actually a fan of the show, but I'm still amused about all the products they end up appearing in.

Oh my gosh. A remake of the FABLES Volume1 cover!

For those that don't know, FABLES is a graphic novel that tells the story of fairy tale characters living in an isolated part of the human (aka. Mundy) world, trying to live "normal" lives. My love for great art and fairytales merged into this series and I've been investing a lot of money into it for two years! I've been introduced to so many amazing artists thanks to this! Best decision ever! I hope the story keeps going strong!

I spotted this unique gem at Barnes & Noble. It's in the manga section, but the difference is the length is novel-length--an entirely illustrated/manga-ized novel with great art for the cover. I must have this!

I am now the proud owner of this complete collection of this great set of stories! I love fairytales, what did I tell you? Barnes & Noble have a great set of classic books in hardbound and gold leaf pages! How magical does that look!

After a long time in the company of great books, we finally had amazing dinner! It's been a long while since I've had steak so I think it was just mouth-watering when I was told that we would be eating here!

We had originally gone to Texas Roadhouse but it was so full that they were turning away customers. Luckily, Longhorn seemed to have more capacity. I'm glad because this was an awesome place!

And I think it's only right to end this entry with a mouth-watering image of some steak and sweet potato balls right now. I'll just leave this here. Haha!

Next destination: West Virginia! ;)

Tuttah,

Mishie

The Movie List 2012: Wreck-It Ralph!

Hullo All!

I don't know about you guys, but I have a Movie List for 2012. This Movie List is basically just a To-Do list of films that I have been meaning to, and want to, watch for this year. I include films that have shown prior to 2012 as well as those that are set to be released this year. 

I'll share with you guys the full list after this, so let's cross check it later! :)

I will also rave obsess over talk about Paperman after, so be sure to check that out as well.

(Disclaimer: this is NOT spoiler-free. Proceed only if you have watched the film or don't care about being spoiled)

So. Let's Wreck It!

I've been seeing these posters since the early part of the year. And I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't sure about what to expect with this. I couldn't tell if I was excited or worried. I'm such a Disney fan to the point of wondering what makers and producers were thinking when they approved the concept for this film.

On one hand, I was super excited because this film references a lot of games that I grew up with. This is also the second full-3D feature that they have done since Tangled, which I can never not watch when on TV. Knowing that, Wreck-It Ralph certainly made me curious.

But on the other hand, it was a story about what video games did after hours. Didn't it come too close to the concept of Toy Story? Yes, Pixar is Disney's sister-company, but it still made me wonder about why they did something that was similar. Was it because John Lasseter was the executive producer of Toy Story and, now, Ralph? 

On any hand, my brother and I went to watch it! You didn't think my doubts refrained me from watching a Disney film?

I tried my best to dress for the occasion!

Tried to wear Ralph's colors, plus some pops of color from Sugar Rush!

Wreck-It Ralph! themed! Although I think I'm the only one that can spot it!

Our destination: Regal Cinemas! This was our first time to watch a film since flying here!

Apparently, the cinemas we went to was the only branch of Regal in the City! The rest of it is crawling with AMC theaters like the one just across!

You can see how long ago this was and how delayed I am in blogging about it.

Candy snacks! What a sure-fire way to get fat at the movies! We opted for popcorn and white cheddar instead--a shared snack!

We arrived at the cinema so early that we were the only ones in the theater for about ten minutes! And so, it called for some photos!

One of my least favorite photos of late, to be honest. ;_; I'll lose weight, I promise! But don't focus on that! Focus on the empty theater we are in!

My brother's candid movie face. :P

Okay, so Wreck-It. The cameos were obviously amusing! We ended up in the theater with a hoopla of kids, that we bet didn't get most of the references. Things like Streetfighter, Sonic, Pacman and Mario were only some of the things that made the movie feel nostalgic. And a lot of other cameos made it into the film too (ie. Beard Papa, Devil Dogs and Oreos). Some shots and scenes in the film were references to other films too--just like the March of the Oreos being a reference to Wizard of Oz (which my brother and I learned later on. That was amazing).

The graphics were, obviously, amazing! Sometimes I get so lost in the graphics that part of me feels like I'm seeing them in 2D still. That doesn't make sense, obviously, but most of the characters on screen I've known to be 2D. Seeing them in 3D is great and makes them feel more alive, but still has that classic look to them (like Tangled) that still makes you remember that, yes, this is still very Disney.

Now, I was wondering for a really long time what the movie was actually about other than for its video game novelty. Disney and Pixar are known for that after all--all the feels! And my screenwriter-y mind was already going through the entire thing, trying to spot what elements would be coming into play later on. As I've been taught, nothing in film is accidental. Every little detail seen and spoken in the film is usually a hook that will tie-in later on in the film. (Hint: it leads to the twist at the end of the film)

Everything was awesome, except for that one little thing that couldn't help but bug me all throughout the film. Sadly enough, as little as it is, she was also a big character in the film.

Yes. I don't know why! Vanellope's character bugged me. Maybe it was because I couldn't get Sarah Silverman's face out of the character's appearance or (duh) voice. I couldn't tell them apart and that made me feel like I was watching Sarah Silverman the entire time. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of hers. 

As a result, I felt very little for her character. I've failed to know whether Vanellope's character was really outright annoying or whether that was just me, seeing Sarah Silverman through her. Don't get me wrong, I still teared up when Ralph wrecked her car, but only because I sympathized with how much they've progressed, only to have her hopes crushed. 

Nevertheless, I still want the Sugar Rush racers shirt graphics as a poster on my wall. 

But, in the end, I enjoyed myself! The story, as usual, was the hook for me. And the twist at the very end definitely made up for my Vanellope irritation. Part of me still thinks that had someone else been given the job of voice acting for Vanellope, I would have enjoyed the film more. 

Sorry, Sarah Silverman. You almost wrecked it for me. Ah, see what I did there?

That's it for Wreck-It Ralph! I don't fancy myself a critic so there isn't anything much else I can contribute to the discussion of this film. I liked it, but it isn't in the top for me. Maybe I'll always be a classic fairy tale Disney girl. 

What's that you say? What will happen when fairy tales run out, you ask? 

Oh, I wouldn't worry. I just recently bought a complete collection of Grimm's Fairy Tales and I will assure you that Disney won't be running out of fairy tales for the next two hundred years (even if they came out with one story a year). They've already started on the next fairy tale film for next year called Frozen. Take a guess about what that film is about. ;)

Tuttah,

Mishie

PS. Yes! I'm sure you must have noticed that I didn't mention anything about Paperman in this entry. That's because I feel that all Disney/Pixar shorts deserve their own spot in the limelight--more so Paperman!

Instagram Mega Post

Hullo All!

I always knew that the day I get an Apple device with a camera was the day I raid Instagram with all my pictures. I've had the pleasure of borrowing and iPhone or two from my friends before and my favorite app would always be Instagram. I can explain why, but that's how it's always been. 

And so, prepare for an Instagram Mega Post! This won't be all of my Instagram photos, but those that have more story in them. :)

                                                                         FOOD                                                                              

I take a lot of photos of food for most of my blog entries, but not on Instagram. My food-photo rule is that I only take photos of cravings and novelty foods.

I haven't been away from home for too long but already I missed barbeque. Luckily, while my mom was getting her hair cut, I went ahead and ate at a Filipino restaurant next door! :) I even got to eat some  paksiw na lechon (okay, I don't know how to translate that. It's usually left-over roasted pig with sauce and vinegar)! 

MILO. I can't express how much I love Milo. I will be 1000% honest and say that this is one of the things I knew I would miss by moving here.

Arroz cubana! Unfortunately, despite my mom saying this is easy to cook, I never learned how to do it. So, I haven't eaten it in years. Imagine my happiness when my mom obliged me by cooking this!

French toast is one of the few breakfast foods I can, uh, cook. And I don't do it often so as unappetizing as it looks, I enjoy it.

Christmas M&M's! I love the original milk chocolate ones the best!

And, of course, my first thanksgiving deserved a photo. :)

                                                                               ART                                                                             

I've been trying to do more and more art as the time goes by. And because I'm proud of my own progress, I take photos of my favorites. :D

This is based on a dream I had. It was so eerie, amazing and vivid that I just had to translate onto paper.

Disclaimer: not mine! This is by one of my favorite Disney artists of all time, Brittney Lee! If you haven't seen her paper tole work and mermaid sketches, you have been missing out.

A new style of drawing that I just discovered! I love discovering my capabilities, I had to take note.

And of course, some mandatory Disney sketch practice/inspiration to get me into the mood!

Not one of my best works, but my first drawing session with my niece. :)

There will definitely be more artworks making their way into my Instagram in the future. I can already tell you this because I'm in the process of making more of them! :) I'm so excited!

Tuttah,

Mishie

Catching Up

Hullo All!

I believe you all know that I have a lot of catching up (blogging up?) to do thanks to NaNoWriMo. 

(ﾉ_ _)ﾉ

So it looks like I'll be posting frequently during this first part of December! I definitely think that's a good thing. With the holidays coming up, there are more things to see and do--so I can't wait!

We were going to pick up my new phone so that people can start contacting me again! I have to be honest, I was (and still am) enjoying the novelty of being disconnected (at least, mobile-wise. I'm obviously still active on the Internet when I'm at home), but it feels good that I can new go around the city on my own since I have something to contact my parents with. :)

But we also went around to look for winterwear (and post-halloween sales)! It's already getting colder by the day. And since we were bound for a trip soon for Thanksgiving, we had to stop by for some things for the trip.

Adding some color into my wardrobe! I love the darker colors of autumn, but I try to add more reds and oranges so I don't look too doom and gloom. (｀ε´)

I really terrible at getting other details of my outfit. Oh the woes of being your own "model"/"photographer."

But check out these feather details! I'm not entirely sure if I've shared this top before, but I'm not big into large feather prints. This is my first and I guess I couldn't stay away from the soft fabric or these colors!

I wasn't a big fan of my mom's orangey-yellow scarf either a few years ago, but I totally gravitate towards it now!

Shades are a gray area for me. I can never really confidently say whether I look good in them or not. "They never seem to fit my nose right"--that's something that Flynn Rider might say.

Yep, I'm ever the classy one.

Mandatory "oh, I didn't see you there because of my shades" photo. 

(I'm such a loser. *・_・)ノ⌒*

Admittedly, I didn't get to take a lot of photos while shopping. I'm never good at restraining myself from being engrossed in shopping! 

I did, however, spot this adorable Christmas tree! While and purple with hints of gold and blue? You got me!

Hello cute little purple birdie! Can I take you and your tree home?

One of the reasons why I shop. :)) I'm a cheap, cheap vulture.

Rainbow-colored candy canes!

Trivia: candy-canes are my go-to gift for Christmas when it comes to acquaintances like teachers, other classmates that I'm not too close with, orgmates. I believe everyone should get a gift for Christmas (from me) and so how can I go wrong with a sweet, minty treat? :)

There are pastel-colored ones, mother of all candies!

I believe this is my sole photo from when I was shopping for boots. We went into DSW and Payless. Alas, DSW was way beyond my budget, so Payless it was!

Up next is an Instagram mega post! If you want to follow me, you can! :)

Tuttah,

Mishie

Achievement Unlocked: NaNoWriMo

Hullo All! I

ヾ(ﾟ∀ﾟゞ)

So as you can see, I have now emerged from the hole that was NaNoWriMo!

(((＠°▽°＠)八(＠°▽°＠)))

There has been a lack of update on the blogging front, but I assure you no lack of inspiration (or want to blog) on my part. When I ended my Vlogtober Journey last October 31, I mentioned that I was considering embarking on yet another journey via NaNoWriMo.

For those who have never heard of it, NaNoWriMo (which I pronounce as "nah-know-rye-mow" as opposed to "ree-mow") stands for National Novel Writing Month. For about a decade now, NaNoWrimo has been around encouraging everyone to sit down every day for the entire month of November and write a fifty-thousand word novel. Yep, a novel. 

As you can imagine, when I first heard of this in 2009, my inner wannabe writer self came out. That is to say, my wannabe writer self wanted to expand its territory. Circa 2009 was the year I was already very involved in writing because of my thesis in Communication Arts wherein I wrote a 90-minute screenplay. Of course, with screenplays being more of "Show, Not Tell," NaNoWriMo was another creature on its own. 

The truth is, with the number of great novels out there (and fine, let's include even the shady, disappointing ones), it's a bit intimidating. Not to mention, writing a good novel takes years. Imagine how many NaNoWriMo's J.K. Rowling had to go through to finish the Potter Septology. 

But here's the thing that is so nice, I find, about NaNoWriMo. It's summarized into this nice quote by John Green which I made a graphic for. 

I've always had "Write A Novel" in my Bucket List (even if I can't find the tangible list I've got). And this was just perfect for me.

I've been trying for two years to get involved with it, but with school and work commitments sprouting up every year, it had been difficult for me to sit down and write after a long and exhausting day. That is not to say, of course, that it cannot be done if you have school or go to work--lots of NaNoWriMo winners do have classes and day jobs, and I applaud them for accomplishing the challenge!

As for me, this would be my third try at it, and I knew that this year had to be the year I accomplished it. Most of my time was spent at home nowadays. And although there is no lack of things to do (I am never bored, honestly), I wanted to think that third time is the charm for me and NaNo. 

So, I did it! And as you can see with the Word Count Calendar from the NaNoWriMo website, I had quite a lot of No Writing days. ﾍ(￣ ￣;ﾍ) 

A normal day at the Mishie-is-Desperate-to-Catch-Up-and-Win-NaNoWriMo-Table.

My NaNoWriMo battlegear! 

(off topic: I snagged this really comfy Hanes Soft  Sweats hoodie for $11! It's fleece inside so I'm kept nice and warm! I got it two sizes large so it's huggy and roomy ●´∀｀●)

But despite falling behind for around ten days thanks to our Thanksgiving trip (which I will write about right after this), I managed to catch up and haul my literary ass to the finish line!

A great way to end the month!

(And, why yes, that is the title of my novel.)

I can't believe I made it to 50,335 words. And the strange part is, I'm not even finished! The goal of the challenge was to reach 50,000 words but many people might be surprised that a lot of participants surpass that number to finish their novels. 

After noting it down in Word, my novel reached 139 pages of short bond paper. That's a lot but, I realize, still not as many as the 600++ pages of a standard Potter book. So, I don't feel bad that I'm barely half-way through my novel. There is still at lot meant to happen in the plot but I didn't feel comfortable with rushing it just to finish it. In case I don't have the time to continue it (although I do now and I will), there will always be next year to finish it! :) Yey!

And now that you know the reason from my blog absence, you'll be happy to know that I have a lot of things to share with you guys about the other things that happened since I blogged last! 

☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

Tuttah,

Mishie