The Art of Moving

My garage, currently.

I am no stranger to moving. In fact, as a military brat since the age of conception, I have moved more times than I can count on my two hands. Every two years, just about, we pack up and migrate to the next location.

This is not even my first time moving alone, though! However, the first try was a disaster, set me back TONS of money, and landed me right back where I started. Moving overseas is a lot more work than moving across solid land. Let me give you some bullet points on how it went.

• Brought WAY too much stuff to begin with, including my dog...not smart when you're staying with someone temporarily until you find a place to live. 
• Didn't bring enough savings. 
• Family ended up disliking my boyfriend and, in turn, kicked us out. 
• Had no place to stay.
• Had to spend money to fly back to Hawaii, along with dog, stuff, etc.
• Hawai'i requires all animals flying in to be put in a very expensive quarantine for 3 months.
• My puppy ended up breaking his leg in said quarantine and it "wasn't their fault".
• Had to go  through the re-hire process at my old job. 
• Luckily got our apartment back.

Grand Total (of money wasted/in debt): $10,000. (still paying that off >__>)

Lesson learned: PREPARE YOURSELF FOOL. 

Another terrifying view. 

This time around, we are diminishing most of our belongings. All that crap that you see above, will eventually either be eliminated or packed into my two suitcases. If it can't fit, it's  most likely not going, save for a few books and my tattoo machine. 

I've already sold over 150 of my books. Just re-reading that literally makes me want to throw a temper tantrum but, no going back so....got to move on!

This time, we are only traveling with our cat, and we are staying with his parents in Rochester, NY. AND Philip already has a job! We are much more on track this time. 

However, I'm taking a risk, as I'm only bringing enough money for a one way flight (you never know what might happen). 

Maybe not the smartest idea, but we are traveling much lighter and I have high hopes for this move!

We don't own a car, so this was how we migrated our boxes to the post office haha!! Good thing he skateboards. Six boxes of books may look like a lot, but if I hadn't sold those that I did, there would be at least 20. 

I move on May 1st. Who knows when posts' will regulate, but I'll try to blog in my free time! You never know how much you have to do until you're moving, though!

New Inkage &Things

First of all, how was everybody's Valentines Day? Did you spend it with a loved one? Alone? Friends/family? I hope it was enjoyable, however it went!

As for me, I decided to do something a little different this year. I've never been a huge celebrator of Valentines Day, though I do like receiving/giving out candy. However, this past year, I was not able to buy anything for my boyfriend for his birthday or Christmas. I'm in major debt from when my dog broke his leg. The surgery cost $10k! Can you believe that? But anyways, to make up for it, I promised myself that I would do something special for him for Valentines Day.

I got to thinking what I could get him, but everything just seemed...eh. Clothes he would just wear and get tired of in a few months. Music, nah. Skateboards would be broken within the month, etc.

Then I thought about what first attracted me to him....his interest in Japan, but first and foremost...his TATTOOS!

So what better to get him than a tattoo session!! 

That's exactly what I did. There is one tattoo that he's been talking about getting since we started dating over 2 years ago. 

So finally, I had it arranged!

This is his tattoo artist Q. He owns a shop in Kailua called House of Ink. They also have a shop in Waikiki. If you guys are ever on Oahu and want a tattoo, I strongly recommend them. He hires only the best artists'! 

We got these done on Friday because we were unsure whether he would available on Valentines Day.

The final product. Turned out super rad! This picture was taken by Q. 

I also got a tattoo. The Daruma Doll that I had drawn!! 

On actual Valentines Day we didn't do much, except hang out. However, I was woken up with breakfast in bed!! So grateful. He never does things like this. :]

He also bought me a new shirt that I've been wanting, as well as candy! 

The day before Valentines Day I received the Rilakkuma Iphone case that I had ordered. Unfortunately, the following day I broke my Iphone. So sad....back to my old phone then. ;[

A camwhore photo of me. I forgot Philip got me this shawl for Valentines Day haha. I love it so much!

On a side note, I must say, I've been drinking tons of green tea and my skin looks GREAT. I always thought it was kind of a bluff, but I needed a cheaper alternative to my Starbucks addiction, so I turned to tea. And it's really working, I'm so happy! 

My favorites so far are Apple Green Tea and also Blueberry/Pomegranate Green Tea!

Things I love Thursday!

It's time for "Things I Love Thursdays!"
I see a few other blogs do this and I think it's interesting so I'm going to do it as well!

1.) National Novel Writing Month: It's November, which means time for nanowrimo!
http://www.nanowrimo.org/
The red/white haired girl is my main character, "Peppermint." I'll fill you guys in more as the story progresses!



2.) South Park!! Mysterion was finally revealed after Matt and Trey had us guessing for so long!! Watch the latest episode to find out for yourself if you haven't already :]]
http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s14e12-mysterion-rises


3.) A Beautiful Mess: This blog is so inspiring. And if I follow correctly she owns her own vintage shop! That's super rad!
http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/A Beautiful Mess



4.) Leopard Print EVERYTHING. I finally gave in the animal print fad. I love leopard print especially<3 href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/leopard%20print/Templar_03/purple_blue_leopard_print.jpg?o=5">


5.) Christmas Themed Items. For some reason I'm really stoked on Christmas this year! Not for the gifts, just for the general awesomness that comes with the holiday! Trees, snow, cookies, candies, stories, etc.



6.) Paradise Kiss Manga. This manga has been one of my fav's for many years. In the past two days I've re-read the 5-book series a total of 3.5 times LOL. It just inspires me so much!! I especially love Miwako :]



7.) Movember. The month formerly known as November. Every year, men around the world are asked to grow out their moustaches to show support to find the cure for testicular cancer and other men's health issues. This year, I'm helping by making tshirts, selling them and donating a good portion of the profits to this movement. More on that later!

8.) Quad: A Soul Eater Doujinshi. This is a doujinshi that me and two other friends are drawing for an upcoming anime convention. ONSHII drew the cover (below)



9.) My new house! Well...I don't own it but we're renting it. And I adore it!


10.) Sewing. I've picked up sewing again!! My boyfriends sister had a baby recently so I'm excited to be able to sew her tons of cute stuff for Christmas :]]