Happy 2015, everybody! I know it's already mid-January, but this post is better late than never. Haha! I have so many goals for the new year, it's a little more intense than I thought it'd be. But, it's a good learning experience to juggle all these different things and learn to compartmentalize my social life from my schoolwork.

There's been a lot on my mind lately (school, relationships, friends, etc.) and it's been tough dealing with the stress and thoughts. It kind of feels like I'm on a yo-yo and I keep bouncing back and forth from happy to stressed-out. I'm slooowly learning to trust life and know that all is well. I'm really grateful for the people I can talk to and let out my feelings with.

For the year of 2015, I will take the SATs, learn to drive, and be kinder to myself as well as others.
I will share more of my singing covers with the world and improve my dancing. I will enjoy life to fullest and worry less. I will become more independent and will experience new things.
And I will achieve all of these things this year, I am determined.

I was just going to leave it at that, but my friend insisted that I make a music video for it and share it on YouTube. So, with her and a few others' help, I was able to create video for it.
Filming was very awkward for me, because I don't really like listening to myself sing when others are around. (But, in order to lip-sync to it on camera, the song has to be playing.) And our set-up wasn't the most efficient. But, we managed to get all the shots I wanted and I was able to edit it all together. It turned out pretty nice in my opinion. Maybe a bit artsy(?) for some people, but that's my kind of style. (I was inspired by Lydia's cover video of Eyes, Nose, Lips.)


Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it came out. It has the essence of what I was trying to portray and as a first time making a music video, I'm satisfied with it. I can't wait to continue making more covers and music videos. :3

Oops, it's been four months since I last posted something here.



One reason why I haven't posted on here is because I've been very active with my dance club, Phoenix Dance, and have not had the inspiration to blog. The other reason is because I have no idea what to do with this blog, as it was created in order to talk about my Japan trip which I have finished blogging about.

Since I've joined Phoenix, my confidence has increased by a lot and I've become motivated to start posting my vocal covers online. Therefore, I was thinking of using this blog and YouTube to share my assortment of videos. The things I'd post would include vocal covers, choreography, maybe some behind the scenes stuff, and vlogs if I ever get around to it.
This is purely for fun and new experiences. I hope it turns out well and that I continue having fun with everything I do. I also hope to do short films and cinematic type videos in the future. (I think it'd be very fun to experiment with.)

I am very grateful for the opportunities Phoenix Dance has given me and the wonderful people within it. I am totally going to continue dancing with them as I find it helps increase my confidence and dancing skills. Thank you to everyone for supporting and allowing me to join your club. I don't think I've expressed how truly grateful I feel for you guys. Once again, thank you so much.

pc: my mother

Going to the Pokemon Center was not on our agenda, but I decided I wanted to go at the last minute. It was a pretty crowded experience, but it was still fun. There were cute Pokemon figurines, keychains, folders, and many other items. I expected more children to be in the store, however I was happily surprised to see a good mixture of teenagers, children, and adults.
As we were leaving the store, we saw some Medal Coin Machines. They had cute coin designs, but unlike their American counterparts, they don't use their own currency to create the coin. Instead, a clean copper plate is used, so it comes out clean and shiny every time.

pc: my mother

My mother spied the Tokyo Tower in the distance and we felt compelled to go check it out. Surprisingly, unlike the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Tokyo Tower is surrounded by homes and buildings. It almost felt like any other radio tower in Tokyo. Inside, there were many souvenir shops and a food court. We ate lunch there and got to use the automated ordering system, which was cool.

pc: my mother

pc: my mother

Oh my gosh. The sakura trees (cherry blossom trees) were in full bloom. It was stunning. I had seen this path in so many Japanese dramas, it felt unreal that I was actually there. I am very grateful that it was a sunny day.

I was slightly surprised to see that most of the families and couples that were enjoying the beautiful sight were locals. There were people all over, picnicking on the grass, biking, and walking. There was a mutual happiness in the air.
I got a green tea ice cream on a cone which was delicious and refreshing on such a nice day. We also tried some shoyu covered mochi on a stick. We chilled as we ate, observing all the people and light pink trees.



Then it was time to chow! We took a street stroll to the local Sushiro, a competitively priced kaiten sushi (conveyer belt sushi) place. It was a fun experience and our taste buds were in heaven. There was very little human interaction and the whole place was automated. The touch screen acted and the personal numbered delivery service acted as our waiter. Even the tea was self-serve at the table. My favorite pieces of sushi was the broiled cheese salmon and the minced tuna with quail egg. It was yummilicious~~

broiled cheese salmon (pc: samama)

minced tuna with quail egg