Saturday, May 15, 2004

   Yay May!

Yay! My best friend, and former-housemate from college, is flying up to visit me next weekend! I love getting visitors. It makes me feel special*^^* She visited me last year and we had fun! Although it was a bit rushed last year, this time it should be more relaxed 'cause it'll be me + her, INSTEAD of me + family + her. We plan to take a day trip to Seattle and catch a Mariners [my second time to an NBL game ^^]. I gotta call her tonight to finalize some things. I also FINALLY got my official confirmation of acceptance to school. My mom was feaking out about it because a previous letter stated that my status was 'pending.' But now it's official--I'm in! Tomorrow [Sunday], I'm heading back down to campus to check out my residence of interest. If all goes well, then I'm gonna sign a lease and will be all set for this fall! Ahh...it feels SO good to be moving on with my life! Limbo was fun, but now it's time to be productive *wink*

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   Manga & Anime

Manga: So I went to Waldens today to check for manga. I had my coupon with me, so I was ready. ^^ I really wanted to pick up Hot Gimmick 4, but sadly, it wasn't there. No problem. I placed an order for it ^^ Next week, man *wink* I then spotted the first volume of Chrono Crusade and grabbed it. I had totally forgot about it's release. I'm quite excited about this series. To me, it sorta reminds me of Saiyuki--except with chicks! Instead of a gun-toting, anti-social monk [Sanzo] with his 'monkey'companion [Goku], in Chrono Crusade you have a gun-toting, very-social nun [Rosette] with her young demon companion 'Chrono.' Both groups consists of 4 members and have their own missions to carry out. Aside from, that the story is much more different. Plus, this series is shorter than Saiyuki [should be ending in Japan this June]. The only sad thing about this manga is that the time between volume releases is gonna be long...very long. Volume 2 won't be out until AUGUST!!! ~_~ *dislikes waiting* Just TOO long, darnit! Anime: Yep. Saiyuki Reload has been licensed by Geneon, instead of the present company, ADV. Is this a good thing? On one hand, I like the availability ^^ The change in voicing will be stange, but hey, who says I have to watch the dub, right? Hopefully, my sister will agree to purchase this series. More Sanzo-Party is always fun to watch ^^ BUT...I haven't heard THAT many great things about Reload--mainly minor complaints about the animation, AND that the series is full of filler epsiodes. Because of that, I may acquire the manga INSTEAD of the anime [but THAT will be tricky]. *sighs* Decisions, decisions... Chrono Crusade. Yes, I'm collecting the manga, but with my sheer interest in the series, I plan on collecting the DVDs as well. Like I said, there aren't THAT many series coming out this year that beckons my moolah. Aside from finishing up Pretear, I haven't spent a single buck on anime this year. I'm pretty proud ^^. My anime diet is going well [Saiyuki doesn't count 'cause it belongs to my sister]. I'm not getting Gravitation, and Full Metal Alchemist is coming out on Cartoon Network. The only other series that may tempt my thin wallet are Get Backers, DNAngel, and Rave Master [also coming on CN, but..but..still]. I must resist! And I shall! But Chrono Crusade is a definite purchase *^^*

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Sunday, May 9, 2004

   Happy Mommy's Day!

So, what nice thing did you do for your mommy today? For Mother's Day, I decided to do some gardening. Actually, I did it a few days ago. I labored my entire afternoon and planted flowers in the front yard. I also made several flowers pots from the remaining plants. All in all, I thought that I did pretty well. ^^ However, when my mom got home that evening, she was like "I don't like how you planted the flowers. The plants are way to close to eachother...you should have separated them." -_- Man, couldn't she have just said "Oh, they're so beautiful honey." Ahh well, that's my mum for ya ^^ On a side note: I colored my hair today ^^ It's been months since my last coloring. I was gonna do it back in January, but my grandfather died on Christmas Day, so I was like "forget it" *sniffle* Anywho, I chose the brightess red as usual. Since my hair is pitch black, the most I can ever hope for is a reddish glow--which was what I got ^^ Sadly, there is just no way I can get my hair to look like Gojyo's hair. Whatever.

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   Manga Stuff

So I did a bit more shopping ^^ I went to Suncoast with my Triple Bonus Points coupon and used it to purchase Hot Gimmick 1, 2, 3. I had heard some good things about this series so I thought I'd give it a shot. *^^* Seriously, I can ramble on about this series but I don't want to put y'all through that right now ^^; In return for my purchases, Suncoast gave my a dvd sampler [with 6 full length episodes from 6 different series]. Sweet! On top of that, they gave my a new Tokyopop manga sample. And inside the sample are 2 wonderful, money-saving coupons! Yep, I love bonuses! Then, I went over to WaldensBooks and picked up HanaKimi 2. Good stuff. The people there also gave me another coupon for 15% off items next week. *^^* I shall return, AND hopefully my other stuff will be in! Yay! More bonuses! *^^*

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Wednesday, May 5, 2004

   May, oh May!

Eversince I found out that I was accepted into Pharmacy school, I've been counting down the days until I'd be getting back into the classrooms. Seriously, my 2-year break since graduation has made my realize that I NEED to get back to school. My brain is like "Feed Me!" For awhile I was really determined to get a job. I applied here and there, and even went through Temp services...but to no avail. The Market just hates me! I blame all my monetary sorrows on Mr. Bush. But I won't get into that now ^^ So yes. I confess that I've been a moocher and bum. Although, I don't really have a job now, but I DO keep myself busy at home. Do you even know how insane it is to be a "second" mother to 3 kids? Those 3 kids are my siblings [1 high schooler, 1 middle schooler, and 1 elemtary schooler]. I wake up and shuttle them here and fro. I then pick them up from school, feed them, and make sure that they do their homework. In return, I get a free place to live, free food, and sometimes unquestionable spending money from my mum. But yes. I can't wait to go back to school! I realize that I'll be living in poverty again, but it's okay. It's a means to end, right? Actually, I don't have to wait until this fall to go back to school. I'll be taking some summer classes starting this mid-June. It should be fun, nontheless. I'll be staying with my Aunt and that means...cable internet. Woo hoo! No. Really. I am very grateful to have such a wonderful Aunt. She has helped me out through many a troubling times when I was back in college. She's a good Aunt *^^* So until I hit the books, I shall use this time I have remaining and to endulge in my vices as much as I can. I know, I know, it sounds soo naughty. ^^; Kinda stupid too. But still, I'll remain a productive individual. Wow. That was a lot of Non-Anime/Manga rambling. Oh well. .::Moving on::. Manga: I finally finsihed reading Rave Master 4 & 5 and wow! I really am enjoying this series very much. It's pretty good Shounen action w/story ^^ So far, the readers got to learn a bit more about the war that happened 50 years ago [Shiba & Knights of the Blue Sky]. We also got to see Musica with his new haircut, Haru's third sword technique, and Shuda action. Most importanly, we're gonna get into a bit more of Elie's past. I can't wait to read Rave 6! Anime: Err...I confess. I fell asleep on Saturday. I skipped Gundam Seed because I was reading a book, and a fell asleep when Inuyasha. It's okay. I've see both episodes anyhow ^^ I did, however, wake up for Wolf's Rain. It was a good episode. The only I didn't like about it was that it felt really short *wonders* Purchases: May Almost complete. Most of my May manga came in early [good, Tokyopop]. All I have left are Hanakimi 2, Angel Sanctuary 2, and Saiyuki 10. June Exciting month. I really hope that the stuff will come in on time. Let's see. I plan to get Rave Master 9, DNAngel 2, Juvenile Orion 3, Prince of Tennis 2 and Saiyuki 11. *^^* OKAY. I gotta shuttle the kid to Little League practice now. Ock! The life of a second mother!

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Saturday, May 1, 2004

   Endings

A few days ago I went to WaldensBooks to check on some stuff--actually I went there to pick up my Rave Master 3 and 4 ^^ Needless to say, I ended up leaving with more things than I'd planned on getting. Manga: Yep. I finally picked up the last volumes for two manga series that I've been reading for a while now. The series that have finally come to an end are Demon Diary and Fake. .::I will try to keep the SPOILERS to a minimum::. Demon Diary 7 Well, it's an end to a good story ^^ I'm happy with the ways things turned out. The only negative thing I can say about this volume was how short the conclusion was. However, despite that, the epilogues about the other characters sure made up for it--they were quite funny ^^ Ahh...Raenef I will miss you soo much! *sniffles* I already miss you, you little cutie! *satisfying sigh* A very delicious read indeed *^^* =>> OVERALL Demon Diary series rating *****/***** Fake 7 *long pause* Yes, I will also miss this story as well *sad* All I can say is that I am very happy for Dee & Ryo *grin* Their entire relationship has finally reached full closure *^^* Yep. Very happy. It's SOO sweet--those two! All in all, a good ending. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean that everything was perfect. There were some things that I didn't like from about this volume--mainly was that it was a bit short. Honestly, I felt like that mangaka was rushed to finish it--which isn't a good thing. BUT I'm still happy with how things went for Dee & Ryo. The thing that I didn't enjoy was that the readers didn't get to see much of Bikky & Carol at all! THAT, was a bit sad. Aside from that, it's all good! =>> OVERALL Fake series rating *****/***** .::AND that's the end to two very enjoyable series ^-^ No regrets::. Moving on... Rave Master 3 This volume concluded the battle between Haru and Lance. In addition, we also learned about the true relationship between Musica the Blacksmith to Musica of the Silver Rhthym. *sweet* Let see, we also got to see Musica in action *swoons...'cause that guy is totally mag!* And lastly we're introduced to a new charecter and get a peek into Elie's mysterious past...very interesting. Did I also mention that my little 8-year old brother is totally into this series? It's soo cute. Of course, he HAS to be the first person who gets to read any of the volumes AND he'll get really upset if you surpass. THIS makes it a bit hard for me to carry on with my readings, of course. Ahh well, as long as he's reading something right? I'd rather have him read this manga than to plant his butt infront of the TV all day long. Well that's pretty much it for my mini synopsis and reviews. Eben though I already acquired Rave Master 4-8, it'll still be a while before I get through them. AND what the rush? I like to SAVOR my readings *^^* It's more tasty and satisfying. Anime: Nothing here yet. Saiyuki 10 won't be out for another few weeks and I haven't watched anything on Cartoon Network yet. I want to know what happens on Wolf's Rain tonight! Aside from that, I recently made a trip up to my Aunt's house. She has wonderful Net connection--so I decided to take advantage of that. I started to download Prince of Tennis 1-5. BUT, I really don't think that it'll be complete any time soon *sad* However, I DO plan to lodge with her this summer [so that I can fulfill a required class] and...muwahahaha...I'll be downloading like crazy! In fact, I somewhat have a list of fansubs that I'd really really like to watch over the summer. The fansubs include: Prince of Tennis Chrono Crusade Full Metal Alchemist Get Backers Condor Heroes Saiyuki Reload It's a lot, I know. *sighs* Maybe it's just wishful thinking ~~

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Sunday, April 25, 2004

   Heck, why not!

It's such a nice day today *^^* Earlier my little brother and I were washing the car under the warmth of the sun! Afterwards, we just plainly played with the water for the next hour ^^ Fun. Any interesting...? Ah yes. Manga: A few days ago, I went to WaldensBooks and bought 2 volumes of manga. And I am VERY happy with my purchase *grin* Rave Master 2 Finally, I get to continue reading this awesome series. You know, I am SO impressed with those mangaka! The guy who wrote this series is only THREE years older than me. Such talent! Anyways, the story is definitely moving on. The only problem I had with this volume was that instead of calling Haru's sword the Ten Commandments [which is the original name], Tokyopop switched the name to the Ten Powers--HOW LAME! My gosh! Is the general public THAT sensitive!?! I still think that TP should have left the name as Groove Adventure Rave, instead of simplifying it to just plain old Rave Master. Ahh well... I also placed orders for Rave Master 3 & 4--which I should be getting sometime within the week ^^ Prince of Tennis 1 VERY GOOD! Go out and get it now! I would describe it you y'all but I'm not very good at doing so. So just go out and Google this series and you'll find out more as to what it's about. *^^* Yep. I am SOO happy I got this manga! AND I can't wait until I get to watch the anime! Anime: Nothing too interesting here ^^; The only shows I've been watching are through Cartoon Network. I'm just glad that they finally have some new material to watch. Inuyasha I'm SOO happy to be watching this show again. It's been way too long ^^ Gundam SEED I've seen like the first 10 episodes of this show so there really isn't much of a suprise here. Although, I am a bit upset that CN didn't even bother to let the episodes FUKKY end. And hech, where's my original ED theme? OP theme? Wolf's Rain Interesting. So yeah, free anime is good ^^ Oh yeah, Saiyuki dvd vol 10 is coming out this May! *^^* Yay! It'll be my sister who'll be getting this disc, not me [poor, remember?].

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Friday, April 23, 2004

   Manga Plan & Forecast

You know, I tend to write really long posts, don't I? I guess I'm just a rambler ^^; Reading manga has been my object of love, of late *^^* I love looking at the art. I love reading the stories. I love the feel of the books. There are NO 'fillers' in the manga because they are the originals. And I love how I get twice the amount of manga with the same amount of money I use to buys anime dvds ^^ IT'S ALL ABOUT ALLOCATION--I tell ya! *ahem* I already have a list of manga titles that I am currently/will eventaully collect. Now, I just gotta keep to that plan and try REALLY hard to prevent it from getting bigger [because it's quite large now ^^;]. My list will be divided into the following categories: Finale, Will Continue, Will Start, Will Start--no beginnings Manga, the Finale: Fake What will happen to the relationship with Dee & Ryo? Demon Diary Will Raenef continue on just wandering around with no memory? Manga, Will Continue: Hana-Kimi Will Mizuki win Sano's heart? Will Sano tell Mizuki what he knows? DNAngel How will Daisuke resolve his problem? What is the mystery involving Dark? And what's up with Hiwatari? Angel Sanctuary Will Setsuna finally 'awaken'? And what is his role in the 'great war'? Juvenile Orion What exactly happened between Mana and Kaname 7 years ago? Who is the real enemy? Rave Masters What's in stored for Haru as he heads off to the Main Land? Manga, Will Start: Prince of Tennis Bishies that range from adorable to sizzling hot...and playing tennis...and sweating...and comraderie...and friendship...and competition. I can't resist! Legal Drug Umm...I can't really describe this one ^^ Please refer to my earlier post...somewhere. Saiyuki RELOAD I don't know how I'm gonna get this yet, BUT I am HELLA determined! It's only an email away. Yami no Matsuei [Descendents of Darkness] I'm getting this! Period! Great artwork! Great story! Yummy bishies! Manga, Will Start--no beginnings: I'm pretty much buying it in the middle of the series because I already know the beginning and would only like to finish the sory. Fruits Basket, vol 8+ Come on! There are still members of the zodiac that I haven't met. And there's also the curse! And...Shigure *^^* Rurouni Kenshin, vol 18+ Jin Chu is the BEST story arc! Of course, it'll be FOREVER until this volume comes out in the US--I'm estimating...mmm...at least 2 years!!! Comments: At first, I was NOT going to continue with Rave Masters simply because it's coming to CN. BUT, I discovered that the end of the anime, will not be an end at all. Cliffhanger! And since I already loove this Shounen adventure story, I just cannot be left hanging off a cliff, again! I COULD just buy the volumes in the middle [like with the series mentioned above] BUT I already have volume 1! *sighs* I might as well continue this series. PLUS my littel 8-year old brother LOVES reading it. ^^ I shall comply.

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   My Anime & Manga Resolution!

It has come to my attention that by returning to the life of a student, I will once again live in poverty. Because of that, I must now make some changes in my expenditures. I will give up ALL anime and manga purchases for the next 4 years! YEAH RIGHT!!! AS IF I can really do that! What's that saying...? Ah yes, "Once an addict, always an addict!" Nah! I'm not THAT bad. At least, I don't think I'm that bad. Okay. On the Defensive--Here's how I consider it being NOT THAT BAD: It is safe to say that the majority of teenagers and young adults DP spend their money on some friviolous things, right? Such things typically include junk food, going to movies, buying music and dvds. Well, I'm like that to. But instead of doing ALL of those thing [which I do...sometimes] I divert my spending to alternative items--like anime dvds and manga. So you see, it's all about ALLOCATION. I'm not REALLY spending more than my peers...I just ALLOCATE to different items. THERE!!! Okay. With that being said, I shall now move on to what it is that I really want to discuss: My new-found resolution! Anime & Manga Resolution/Plan--Here it goes: Anime I love watching anime, I really do. I just can no longer afford to buy the dvds. Therefore my viewing of anime will be strictly limited through the following media: TV, rentals, downloads, and current possesions. TV It's free! The only downsides to this media are the selection, the dub, and the time. So far, I don't have a problem with the selection: it's not bad, especially with the upcoming premiere of Rave Masters [why don't they just keep the title as Groove Adventure Rave *sighs*]. The dubs are tolerable [as usual, I prefer the original Japanese voicing]. And the time...well, I have a VCR! *^^* Rentals This media is quite disappointing. The selection is bad, bad, bad. On occasion I HAD found some good things like Here is Greenwood and Angel Sanctuary but that's it. Rental selections are STAGNANT! Downloads A very good & money saving media. BUT, use of this media depends solely on dependable access--which is non-existent when I am at home. HOWEVER, this situation may change over the summer *smiles evily* Current Possession I have NO problem here. I LOOVE rewatching my stuff. After all, it's the LEAST I can do with all the money I've spent--and I DO hate seeing money go to waste [AND it's NOT a waste if it's spent on a hobby--like THIS ^^;]. My anime resolution is in the form of a diet--in which I will no longer purchase any more anime dvds. I plan to stick on the diet for the remainder of the year ^^; I DON'T think that it'll be that tough because from what I've seen so far, there are not many new releases that interests me. The ONLY exception to the previous statement are Chrono Crusade and Full Metal Alchemist. BUT, my sense of reason and logic is stronger than my impulsive spending habit--therefore I CAN WAIT. I'm a patient girl. Tee hee... Manga Reading manga will serve as my 'nicotine patch' to buying anime ^^ Although I will STILL be spending money--it will NOT be as much AND I will be getting more for my buck! Sadly, my list of 'collecting' titles has grown from 4 to 9!!! *starts pulling her hair* It hopeless! Maybe I should enroll in Anime & Manga Anonymous!

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Monday, April 19, 2004

   More April Goodies!

Man, my anime and manga obsession just gets worse & worse ^^; Not really. I wouldn't call it an obsession--it's more like a hobby *wink* Anime Merchandise I'm not usually a merchandise-type of fangirl unless it's something I really really want. For instance, the main item that I currently desire from the 'anime merchandise kingdom' right now is a Gravitation Kumagoro plushie!!! THAT's what I want! And it's VERY hard to find *sad* Anywho, that's not what I wanted to talk about today. Today, I would like to share about the other anime toys I got yesterday ^^ My lil bro came back from his orchestral performace up in Seattle and brought back some pretty cool Rurouni Kenshin action figures of Hiko and Aoishi. I kept Hiko, and he kept Aoishi. Sadly, my lil sister wanted one of either Saito or Sanosuke but there were none available. BUT all was not lost! Earlier, my sis and I were at the mall and surprisingly [and I mean very suprisingly] came across Saiyuki 1/8 scale action figures of...*gasp*...SANZO and GOJYO!!! It was totally insane. I would have NEVER expected to find those guys at such a location! My sister [a very big Sanzo fangirl] was very very happy. Of course, we bought them!!! Sadly, the store didn't carry Goku or Hakkai--BUT I will return every now and then to make sure *confident* Ahh yes...Sanzo AND Gojyo both look very yummy *^^* We'll be taking them out of the boxes later today...to play...^^; Anime: Not much here. I caught the first episode of Gundam SEED on CN a few days ago. The dub was okay--not horrid, or anything. BUT I really do miss hearing it in Japansese--especially hearing Takihito Koyasu's voice as Lt. Fraga. *sighs* I love Fraga--he's THE BEST character! Fraga rocks!!! Go Fraga! Okay. That was strange ^^; SEED is okay for now. Gundam's are usually more of my brother's forte--so I'm not nearly as excited about the show as much as he is. I just think that this show has a great all-star voicing cast [in Japanese of course]. The main thing that I am exicted about is the coming of Rave Masters. Sadly, CN decided to push the premier to June INSTEAD of May. It's okay. Man, I can't wait to see Haru and Musica!!!YUM!!! Inuyasha. Can I just say that I almost feel out of my bed laughing when I saw the 'Miroku' trailer for it. Laughing my ass off! Man, that guy is SUCH a leche that's it EVEN CUTE!!! I adore Miroku soo much! And when I saw him wearing a modern white suite, surrounded by his girls, and toasting a wine glass to the viewers and said 'Will you bear my child'--again more laughes. Yep. New episodes are finally coming THIS Saturday. By the time CN finishes off the second season, we'll still be at least a season behind. *sighs* I wish I had cable Internet--life would be good ^^ Laslty, I will DEFINITELY be catching Wolf's Rain. I've heard too many good things about this show to pass it up. Manga: In addition to the toys I got yesterday, I also bought a new series called Juvinile Orion. I admit that, at first, I bought it mainly because of the pretty artwork [and by artwork, I mean bishies] on the cover. Yes, I'm bad, I know ^^; BUT, as it turns out the story is pretty good and I am REALLY enjoying the read. It's another one of those 'must stop the apocalypse by using our powers and under the lead of the chosen on' type of story. But it's still GOOD. This series has action, fantasy elements, romance, and a bit of shounen-ai. And ALSO, it totally OOZES with yummy bishes *drools* I've already read the first 2 volumes and my favorite character so far is Shiba Isshin [or Yi Xin, as he would correct you 'cause he's Chinses! How cute *^^*]. He's the tall and fiesty red-headed basketball player. In addition to playing basketball he also has some pretty strong powers and is mainly skilled in the martial arts *drools* This series is my first from Broccoli Books. The book themselves are a bit better quality than Tokyopop and Viz. It's a bit shorter [in physical book height NOT story content], but the pages are nice and thick--which makes the overall book heavier *sweet* And the artwork...I think I already mentioned it...the artwork is GORGEOUS. Overall, this series is a definite keeper *^^*

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