Prepare for possibly the biggest post in my blog.

As many of you know, Mikey and I are... huge huge huge fans of Momoi, and her coming to FanimeCon, especially, is already amazing in itself. FanimeCon IS our "home con", the most comfortable and enjoyable convention for the both of us, and possibly the last one we'll continue going to for as long as possible. Momoi... is probably the only celebrity (that I can probably speak for him on this) we genuinely have a true love and passion for, let alone probably the only one I care seeing in person.

For many years, there were times where things would be difficult, and I would feel sad or ashamed that I was otaku, but Momoi was always there to make me feel pride and happiness for this fact, that my fandom is a big part of who I am.

But our expectation was that we'd only be able to just simply see her, get something signed, and have an amazing concert... of which from simply that, we'd already be beyond satisfied and already the best FanimeCon we'd ever had. But it became something so much much more...


Momoi and me.

We have people wanting to send us hundreds upon hundreds of GB of photos for us from this entire amazing weekend, but it's still early and we only have a few that I'll work with and display in this entry. I'll make a long post of photos sometime in the future.

- - -

On Friday, it was a very busy day for many of us preparing for Fanimaid Cafe. Mizuki and I planned on taking a very very short break in the early afternoon, but then I bumped into Jon, who introduced me to a few members of the Momoi fanclub. I was excited to meet everyone, and especially Mandi. I almost started crying in front of her already, from all of the excitement of having Momoi here. And Mandi, she is a very big big big and passionate fan of Momoi, and her as a fan, had already amazed me. But meeting her as a person was something I was glad I got the chance to do. It was too bad that I was so very busy with the cafe all con, that I hadn't much time to spend with the rest of them.

There was a mandatory meeting for the maids, originally scheduled at 5:00pm, then rescheduled to 6:00pm so that we could attend Momoi's seiyuu panel. A few of us maids, Mikey, and Mizuki made our way there. A bunch of people lined up to ask Momoi a question. I was sitting in my chair, shaking. Mikey immediately made his way there, but I didn't know what to say to her. Mikey was the second one there, and he said, "I'm glad you're back in America. It's nice to see my future wife again." to which Momoi responded that he was so straight-forward, and found it amusing, and giggled. His question was, "You play so many moe-chara. If you could choose to play any other type of character, what type would it be?" and she said that she would like to play as a boy-character in a series like "ZUTTO ORE NO TURN" (Yuugiou).

As soon as I saw the people in the line building up, I made my way there to make sure I could at least say something. I took Yokochan with me to keep me company. I was nervous... very nervous. I didn't know what to ask, and less and less people were in front of me. Eventually, I choked up and started crying in line. Mikey and Yokochan tried to comfort me, and eventually, it was my turn. I still didn't have a question, so I told her... that I didn't have a question prepared for her, that I took as much time as I could in line to think of one, but more importantly, I wanted to tell her how important it was for me to see her, and how happy I was to have her at Fanime, holding back tears.

In the end, I didn't want to leave the panel with nothing to work with, so I asked a question Mikey wanted to ask as well. "How do you feel when you see your own characters in ero-doujinshi?" and she laughed and told me that her managers don't like it, but she personally buys them whenever she sees them. She also added that in a conversation with her friends that they pointed out to her how strange it was to think that whoever was reading these doujinshi are imagining her characters in her voice, to which I laughed in response. I ended my session with one more thing, and said to her, "ORE NO TURN ORE NO TURN YUUGI HA☆NA☆SE!" \o/

I went back into the audience, and a few of the Momoi fanclub members turned to comfort me by saying "You did a good job". Eventually, it was PetiteFool's turn, who is a very adorable and lovable girl who travelled all the way from Kansas to see Momoi... who also started crying. I made my way out of the audience and gave her a hug, telling her that it's okay and to do her best. She mustered up the courage, and she ended up asking her question. Mizuki wanted to ask one too, so we encouraged him to go while he had the chance. He almost was going to be cut-off due to time, but Mikey and I said to the staff that it'd be short so they let him. His question was "If you can be any character in Hokuto no Ken (one of Momoi's favorite anime, and Mizuki's favorite) and she said she'd be Kenshiro, of course! to which Mizuki replied with "I would be Kokoro-chan, Raoh's horse!" and Momoi laughed and said in surprise "Raoh no uma?!?!?!"


Me crying in line and Mikey comforting me.

After that, Yang, the head of Guest Relations approached me and asked if I'd like to be introduced to Momoi in person as the head of Maid Cafe. Of course I said yes, and he did. I was face to face with Momoi, herself, in person. I was just so excited and thanked her very much for coming, that I have a special gift (my letter) to give her later, and to invite her to the maid cafe performance tomorrow to watch. Then I did that heart thing I do with my hands and arms to make like... 5 different hearts. Momoi was impressed and tried to learn it from me, and joked that she wants to use it in a video and make it popular in Akiba. (I'm sure she was joking, but everyone tells me otherwise!?) I also, out of spasming, added that I cut my hair to match hers before the convention. (It's the style I always have, but I made sure that my bangs were fixed beforehand for that reason. How dorky.) And from then, we said bye for now, and awaited the following day. I made my way to the meeting, flustered and blushing.

She mentioned my funny question in her blog with, "その後もすっごく可愛いメイドの女の子からの質問が、「自分が出てる作品のエロ同人をどう思うか」とかｗｗｗｗｗ” (There was question from a very cute girl in a maid uniform, "How do you feel about seeing your roles in fan-made erotic works?" lololololol)

Next day, Saturday, it was the opening of the cafe. I had to leave for a short while and left the cafe to Mizuki so that Mikey and I could go to the autograph signing. We were late in opening, and it was important that I made sure my maids were ready, and for them to know that I believed in them, then went to the room where it was being held. There were already many people in line, since we were late, and GR staff said they'd make sure that we'd get our autographs signed for sure, and that we can go back to the cafe to help for a bit and come back for her. So we did, then went back. I stuck in a conversation a bit with a few of our friends in line, then... well, it was our turn.

Mikey got his powerglove (that Mel sold him. Thanks Mel!) and I got my pink laptop signed, like... the entire cover. But more importantly, I had a chance to present her with my heartfelt letter that I spent so much time on. Giving her the letter was more important to me than having anything signed. I wanted to give her something meaningful. She promised me that she'll read it as soon as she gets to her room, and she did. She blogged about the letter later with, ”日本語を調べて勉強してメモして、それを見ながら日本語でわたしへの熱いメッセージを言ってくださる方もいました……。すごく伝わってきて、グッときて、サインしながら涙が出そうでした。” (Roughly, "Upon taking a memo to study Japanese, someone wrote a letter in Japanese on my behalf. It really hit me hard, came through loudly, and there were tears and signs." I'll provide a better translation later.) Reading this in the morning on her blog really hit me, and made my day... but I was sure she was referring to several letters she received from the signing, until Jon informed me that I was the only one who presented her one.

After the signing, it was straight back to work, and us preparing for Fanimaid☆LIVE performance on Stage Zero. I wore the powerglove we got signed. Momoi was invited to see us, so she did. A bunch of us were preparing, and Momoi came over to cheer us on, give us strength, and took photos! All of us went on stage and performed Akihabalove in tribute to her, and she really got excited and started running around and cheering for us and did otagei, along with the entire Momoi fanclub! She cheered on as many songs as possible, and was especially pleased with a few of us singing and dancing Seikan Hikou from Macross Frontier. Then my song came on... I sang Saigo no Rock, a meaningful song, and another tribute to her, to which she JUMPED ONTO the stage with me and started cheering! I was going to die, and by the end of the song, she gave me a big big big hug. From there, I had already thought it was the best moment of my life.


Momoi cheering for me on stage, and me in great shock.

Eventually, she had to leave early for her panel that was soon after the performance. After everything was done, Mikey and I ran to the panel to see her once again. We got in line for questions, and Mikey was up. He asked an embarassing question, with me in his arms, and me shocked in surprise. "What do you do to cheer yourself up after being nervous for a performance, if you mess up or make a mistake? Because even if to everyone else, you did amazingly, the person involved with the performance would be more critical of themselves, and more conscious of their mistake." Mikey looked to me, and I'm about to cry again. Then I looked to Momoi, and she looked at me straight in the eyes and said, "It's okay when mistakes happen. Your fans will support you either way, and all you can do is to do your best and look forward to performing for them again." We thanked her, and the next thing Mikey asked her was that since she mentioned she would want to be Kenshiro, if she could do the "watatatatatatatata" thing, and in turn, she said the entire famous quote from the series, "You're already dead. WATATATATATATTATATATATATTATATA" and it was just amazing, and we had wished that Mizuki was there to witness it.

After that, it was my turn. Again, I suck at questions, so I started off with "I'm glad you could make it to our performance, and I hope you enjoyed it very much. Thank you." and then asked, "How do you feel about the gifts and tributes and receiving the feelings shared between you and your fans?" and she explained to me that she is very happy to witness all of them. She then said to me, "I hope to hear you sing again!" and well, little did I know, it foreshadowed something that would be the happiest moment in my life. But that's for later.

We left the panel in a hurry to get back to work, and I spent the rest of the day with a huge smile.

On Sunday, we woke up early to work on the cafe again. We had to open late as I was waiting for more maids to show up, so I spent some time right outside with the Momoi fanclub and helped them unwrap glowsticks for the concert. Later, I was informed that Momoi wasn't feeling well and needed to save her energy to prepare for her concert that night, and was unable to make an appearance outside, including the cafe. Slightly disappointed, I was okay. I wanted her to rest and be okay for her concert. Eventually, I fell a bit ill too and was in danger of losing my voice. Panicking, I didn't know what to do. The Momoi fanclub heard this and bought me some cough drops to soothe my throat. The maids assured me that things were okay, and Mikey took over management. Everyone told me to go rest, because I had to MC for the concert later that night. I went to rest a bit, then Mikey came back and showed me an awesome gift that John Lee had bought us from an auction, knowing it'd mean a lot to us... it's beautiful.


The gold LP John gifted us.

After, we went straight to the concert venue. Everyone outside in line that I knew shouted out my name and wished me good luck! Finally, Mikey and I left for backstage and prepared ourselves. I was... very very nervous. Mikey helped me with a piece of paper to write something down for the Fanime announcements and introduction for the opening act, but for Momoi's performance, I was told by many to simply say whatever my heart told me to. I did the introduction for the opening act, but then we were running late and the band already began, so Momoi jumped out and started the concert without my introduction... which was okay! Because I was too excited for the concert itself, and ran into the audience and immediately started cheering, to which I spent much of my energy doing. I pushed myself... hard, to cheer as hard as I could, my entire body expending every bit of movement possible to express my happiness in seeing her on stage for the very first time, knowing this would be the best concert of my entire life.

But then Saigo no Rock began playing, and Momoi introduced the song... told the audience of a girl in the maid cafe, me! And proceeded to call me by name onto the stage with her!!! Then next thing I knew, I ran as fast as I could and Momoi handed me the microphone. I was really shocked and blacked out and was like, "HUH?!?!!?!" and started singing!!!... badly! I sang the first verse and handed the mic back to Momoi... then like an idiot I am, ran back off stage to cheer for her. In my mind at the time, I wanted to let her sing and not be in the way, only to realize how stupid this was later... but I didn't let this get me down! Momoi then asked the Momoi fanclub to jump onto stage with her, to which I ran back on stage with everyone else and cheered for her! Mikey came soon after (he was delayed due to a mistake with the security guard, of which he explained in his post). Soon, Love.EXE started playing and we all cheered on stage. It was simply amazing. I was already very beaten up and tired, but I cheered as hard as I could with my remaining energy.



After the song ended, Mikey and I had to go back stage. Momoi and I hugged again, and she left to prepare for the encore. Fans waited and cheered her on for one... to which staff pushed me on stage to rile up the crowd. I jumped up and down and shouted "Encore encore encore!" with everyone, and Momoi finally appeared and sang her very last song, Moto Yume Miyou, a very fitting theme for the entire weekend as a whole, which rougly translates to "Let's have more dreams". I walked backstage again and fell after tripping on a bump, but with a smile on my face as everyone helped me back up. It hurt, but I was so happy. Mikey and I cheered from backstage, even though no one could really see us, we really wanted to cheer.

The concert ended, and I ended the rest of it with a short conclusion. "Wasn't that amazing?!" I shouted, to which everyone shouted back. I did this again with "Aren't you proud to be otaku?" and "Aren't you proud to be... Momoist!" with everyone enthusiastically cheering from the audience. Next thing I knew, I kneeled down in exhaustion saying, "This is the best thing in my life!!!..." and many many people from the audience shouted "Ganbatte Jun-chan! You can do it, Jun-chan!!!" I thanked everyone's support, and proceeded making announcements and went off stage hearing people shouting my name.

I made my way out of the venue to see everyone. Here's what Mikey and I looked after the concert... hahaha!! I don't think I've ever appeared happier in any other photo in existance.



A lot of people approached me to say congrats and how amazing it was. People even asked me to sign things! A member from the fanclub pulled me away and told me to sign up for the fanclub with them... I said yes! and pulled out my wallet, but they told me to put it away and took out money of their own. They paid for my membership on my behalf, and I thanked them. We all went outside, and video recorded a message for Momoi, to which I thanked her for making my dream come true, and did the heart thing again.

There was also a live feed from Nico Nico Douga that we all played around with. A bunch of fans from Japan kept making comments for hours about "that maid girl is so cute!" to which we walked around with the camera on and played on the feed in the convention lobby. A bunch of us played around, danced and did a bunch of nico memes for fun on the feed, with more endearing comments... Viewers asked for a hug, so a bunch of us remaining maids ran up to the camera giving the viewers a hug. Later, Mikey ran up and kissed me hard on the lips and flipped off the camera, to which people commented, "TEMEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!" and "KONOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" and one person even said something so sad as, "Ah... I see. I suppose only 2d girls could like someone like me, huh..." We played around and danced more, and I guess I moved a little too fast and my skirt flew up a bit and apparently exposed my panties for a brief second. The comments then turned to "Ah! I saw it!!!!!" Hahahahahahaha. We were all tired, so after the feed ended, we all went back to rest.

The morning of the next day, we receive a call from Yang asking us to have breakfast with Momoi. Mikey and I rushed and got ready as fast as we could, and ran to the restaurant. Momoi noticed I had my uniform on again, and said "Haha, Junchan is the "forever maid"." Hahaha. I ordered a parfait, and offered Momoi a strawberry. She gladly accepted, and it was very cute. We all had our breakfast, then Momoi had to prepare to leave for her next autograph signing. I stopped her briefly, and said, "I have one last gift to give you from me." (which turns out to be wrong, later) untied my apron and handed it to her. "This is for you." and she responded, shocked, "Is this really okay?" because for a maid, they're not a maid without an apron. I assured her that it was okay, and that I wanted her to have it. She then happily took it, and made her way for her signing. Mikey and I left to the surprise he had awaiting for me mentioned in the other entry from the cafe, then went to the signing with a bunch of the maids. Evan, the second of my division was there for me and gave me a picture by Young for all the maids to sign and give to Momoi. I got all the maids to sign it and write messages to give her. A bunch of people waiting in line greeted me, asked me to sign things, thanked me for a lot of things, and some even gave me gifts!

Eventually, the signing session was open and Mikey and I made our way into the room to greet the fanclub and staff. Derrick, one of the staff photographers, and someone who has done so much for us throughout the con... presented me with an amazing photo of Momoi and me on stage, asking me to sign it and present it to her, to which she would have a second copy to sign and give to me. I thanked him very very much and took it. By the time we were all in line, we all got things signed and presented her with our gifts. I gave her the photo and she was simply amazed, and signed her copy to offer me, smiled at me, and thanked me for everything.


Momoi signing the photo.

All of us maids then bowed and thanked her for everything, good-bye, and that we would like to see her again soon. Mikey and I had to run up to our room to pack, as we were losing our room soon and moved everything to Milton's suite. I was informed later that Momoi said that she would happily return to Fanime if she were asked, and I look forward to that time. Mikey and I left for closing ceremonies soon after, and the charity auction began. Mikey won a Wii guitar signed by Momoi, her band, and her opening act, of which he plans to give to the lovely girl from Kansas for being such an amazing fan, and a wonderful new friend of ours.

But yes... to save from this entry being much much much to long, the final thing I have to say about it is...

This was undeniably THE... best weekend of my entire life. I can't thank them enough, all those who made it so wonderful, and all the great people involved in making my dream come true.


 

( Other things we got signed. )
 

 

This is obviously going to be a long entry, but it will be about, undeniably, the best weekend of my life. I'll be updating a few times to get everything down.

I'm going to start with the cafe's great success, as I'm still in much disbelief of how amazing my encounter with Momoi was.

Being my first year being a department head, I was preparing for much chaos in working on the maid cafe. Many months of hard work and preparation, soon mashed into the last week of getting everything together... consisting of many restless nights of hard work and anticipation. Though, being the first year, I was prepared for some form of faliure... and boy, was I wrong.

My assistant, Mizuki, and I packed up and left for Fanime on Wednesday night. We crammed everything into the time we had left remaining. Many a time we'd become frustrated, tired... without sleep, unable to predict the value in all of our efforts until opening day came.

It started out a bit rough, because setting up took a lot of time and energy, shifts were unorganized, food came late, and unexpectedly, there was a VERY long line awaiting us. A line was quite a surprise, as the previous years under the previous head had the maid cafe relatively empty the majority of the time, but word went out that changes were made and the result was over a 100 people waiting in line for us.

We were nervous, excited, unprepared for the massive amount of people waiting for us. But eventually, after a quick peptalk in good company, we took it on and officially opened Fanimaid Cafe. Many maids came and helped, and things soon sorted themselves out. Customers were all very happy, and many people have commented on the significant different between this year and the ones that preceeded it.

We had a musical performance was almost time to begin, so many of us dashed to Stage Zero to begin. Momoi was already there to cheer us on, and took a bunch of photos with us, and took her seat. We started off extravagantly with a tribute to her, singing and dancing to Akihabalove. She got so excited, and cheered us on! The Momoi fanclub all cheered us on and did otagei to our songs. The performances included songs from older anime, new akiba-kei anime, and Stu on the harmonica. I also did a performance of Seikan Hikou with Yoko, Mei, and Kazuko, and a trio of Touhou Sweets with Yoko and Mei. I solo'd Saigo no Rock, and Momoi ran around the area and cheered on, and eventually jumped onto stage with me and gave me a huge hug. I felt like this was the happiest moment of my life, unaware of what was to happen later. (But I'll include that in my next entry!) We ended the performance with a grand finale, many of us maids singing and dancing to Nico Nico Douga Ryuuseigun. So many people cheered, and by the end of the day, I discovered that we had THE BIGGEST audience at any Stage Zero performance in FanimeCon history, resulting in approximately 1400 people watching us! There are many YouTube videos online, now. Many people have approached me just to tell me how amazing it was!

Momoi even blogged about us with "[photo below] メイド喫茶のメイドちゃんたち。 ｶﾜｨｨ!!!!!11111 『アキハバラブ』『さいごのろっく』を歌ってくれて感動！モモーイは打ってました。" (Here are the maids from the maid cafe. So cute!!!!!!11111 "Akihabalove" and "Saigo no Rock" were performed and it really moved me! Big impact on Momoi!"

By the end of the day, the maid cafe finally closed. The first day, HUGE SUCCESS! The maids had fun, and many of our customers were happy. People have told us throughout the day how much they enjoyed it, all the changes were noticed and positive, how cute the maids were this year, and friends and supporters telling us how proud they were of us. Customers and staff genuinely cared for us by requesting us water to drink, and the rovers department even donated a crate of their own water just for us! Never was there a moment where the cafe was NOT full. Many of us worked the entire 7 hours without realizing it. The caterers who served the food were immensely pleased, having made more than they had in the previous two years, in a single day. Staff were impressed, and the lot of us celebrated our success with a good drink and a night's rest.

Next day, things started off with slight turmoil of being understaffed, but as soon as the maids found out, many of them flocked to the scene to help. The board members of all the anime conventions of America, namely AX's representatives, were there from opening... and they were highly impressed! Fanimaid Cafe had now been claimed THE BEST maid cafe event of any anime convention thusfar. We had many people from press flood into the cafe, including Japanese guests who claimed our cafe to be better than the ones in Japan... on multiple occassions! Many people throughout the day came to find me just to congratulate me, many tears of joys were shared, many hugs, many photos... many heartfelt words exchanged. Many a time would people say that the maids and I have cheered them up, made them happy... even very snobbish and assholish guests would eventually leave the cafe with a smile. We also had many many many returning customers to show their support. And this day, too, was there never a moment where the cafe was not full.

Unfortunately, the second half of the second day, I was in danger of losing my voice, and I was really tired. (I had to MC for the concert, so my voice was needed. Also, it'd be needed to communicate with customers.) Mikey graciously took over for me (and he was very good at helping me run the cafe, as well!) and my maids were always very very VERY reliable. I was sent to rest for a bit. A few members of the Momoi-fanclub thoughtfully bought me some cough drops to sooth my throat.

Mikey returned to me telling me of the huge success while I was gone. After resting, many thoughtfully approached me to see if I was feeling better, and to tell me how wonderful the cafe was. This continued on for the rest of the con. Many of the staff congratulating me on the success, and my wonderful division telling me of how much they were happy to have me running the cafe. I was also approached by members of other conventions telling me that they wanted us to work for them, as well! But instead, I would have to say that this sort of bonding experience is exclusive to Fanime.

My maids... and all our friends and staff who supported us... They're all so amazing, I can't even begin to express how much gratitude and respect I have for all of them. It's funny. The previous years, no one would even know each others' names. This year... I'm just so happy with all the girls I've chosen. All of us have become a great group of friends. Many of us worked really hard. I had very little free time, and the only thing I regret is not being able to see Robin (who also contributed a lot to the cafe) and spent more time with Helen, but fortunately, I was able to see them from time to time, even if it wasn't as much as I would've wanted to.

If all the positive feedback that I've heard, and all the congratulating wasn't enough-- by the last day of the con, Mikey gathered all the maids to surprise me. It was just... so indescribable...

All I can really say is, my maids have made me so happy, and proud, and just so glad that I have met them. I'm so glad that they're happy, that they're my maids. There were just so many memories made, there's just no way I can write it all here. But I feel a genuine love for all that has happened between us.

And, well, I just can't wait for next year. Even though not EVERYTHING went right, it felt as if it did. Everything just felt perfect. Even for my first year, for it to be this successful... it's just so great.



Here's to a wonderful first year of Fanimaid Cafe!!!

Also, feedback thread! http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,12561.msg331595/topicseen.html

I haven't posted in this thing in a while, but I suppose this is big enough for me to feel that I'd like this in my journal.

Fanime is in 3 days. I'm the head of the maid cafe this year, and working for this department has just moved me to tears. There was much frustration, a ton of work and BS to deal with, but most of all, there was the enthusiasm and happiness it has brought to me and my maids. In previous years, maids didn't even know each other's names, let alone spoke to each other the previous years... but after making a website, a forum, and gatherings, everyone has gotten to know each other and pitch in all they could to make this most definately the BEST year we ever had, and proudly, my first year running the event. There's so many new additions to the cafe.

A lot of us have been cramming to get ready for our musical performance, "Fanimaid☆LIVE" on Stage Zero to promote the cafe and offer musical tributes to my favorite idol, Momoi. I admit, I'm terrible at performing, but everyone's having so much fun preparing for this. It's exciting, yet nervewracking to know that Momoi will be there to watch us on the first half. Once that's done, I'm rushing over to her panel.

Fanime is just going to be... amazing, in terms of working for the cafe, seeing Momoi, being with friends I haven't seen in a while, and importantly, my best friend's 21st birthday. But it's going to be busy, it's going to be hectic, and it's going to be exhausting. Did I mention exhausting? But I am absolutely excited for Momoi's arrival and her concert. Oh, and meeting a bunch of her loyal fans! Did I also mention that she's visitting the cafe on Sunday?! AND that I'm announcing for her at her concert?!

The excitement is overwhelming, but I'm nervous. I even wrote a really bad pun in the letter I've written to her about it. I'm not going to point it out, though. It's just too cheesy.

But yes, I've been stressing over what to ultimately give back to her, other than just my cheering and support. I care more about giving her something decent and meaningful, than I am concerned with receiving an autograph, or anything. I'm not very crafty. I don't really have money. I couldn't think of anything... so I wrote her a letter.

I worked hard on it, and made sure it was close to perfect. My Japanese writing shows that I lack studying, so I asked my good friend Yoko to help me out, and ended up with this:

Momo-iさん、

こんにちは。私はじゅんといいます。私の日本語はまだ粗末です。桃井さんに日本語で伝えたかったので、友達に翻訳をお願いしました。 桃井さんの大ファンです。桃井さんの大きなポスターを部屋に張っています。桃井さんは本当に特別です。桃井さん私の一番好きなアーチストです。ほかの「ア キバ系」の人たちを見ると自分がオタクなことが恥ずかしくなることがありますが桃井さんを見ると勇気がわいてきます。桃井さんの役では瀬戸サンと小麦ちゃ んが一番好きです。 桃井さんの曲を聴くと、落ち込んでいるときも元気が出ます。「さいごのろっく」は大好きで、時々泣いてしまうこともあります。 今回、ライブを初めて生で見るのですごく楽しみです！桃井さんのライブはネットで見ても楽しくてすごく興奮します。去年、アニメロで桃井さんのライブを見 ました。何回か転びそうになっていたところがかわいかった。「超！モモーイ」ラジオがもう聴けないのがすごく残念です。Fanimeconに来てくださっ て、本当に感激です。私がメイド長をしているFanimaid Cafeでどうぞ楽しんでいってくださいね！日曜日に、桃井さんのライブ前のMCをすることになりました。ものすごく緊張しています！大ファンどころか、大不安です！最後に、「任侠、と書いて、人魚と読むきんっ！」そして、大好きですー！またお会いできたら嬉しいです。

アメリカより応援しているあなたのファン、じゅんちゃんより

I'm sure if I translated, I'd be made fun of. Though, I really put a lot of effort into this letter. I spilled my heart onto it, and meant every word. And I anticipate giving it to her, knowing she'll read it and know the feelings she gives her fans. I can at least translate that I ended it with "From your American fan, cheering you on, Jun".

Here aresome photos of it (Sorry they're blurry. Camera sux.):


Front.


Back.


Inside the letter.

( Some close-ups. )

I know it looks sort of like a middle-school student made it, but at least it turned out well and looks cute. w

I'm excited for Fanime, despite wishing there was more time to work on the cafe and prepare for Momoi, but the time is coming and this is going to be a great year. :)

Also, I'm probably going to ditch this blog altogether and start one off LJ. I'm not sure who'd read it, but I feel like starting a new personal blog of my own. That's about it. \o/

はいはい、ブログブログヽ(´ー｀)ノ

Recently, I've been pretty stressed about not having a job and steady income. Being unable to do things that I want to do throughout the week because of money has never been a good feeling, and having all the time to allow my thoughts to wander has been damaging from time to time. But there are so many things I'm grateful for, even if the circumstances we are given to work with aren't perfect, and that's the obvious... friends, family, love, and meeting new people.

Went to Union Square on Saturday. Ran some errands in the morning, then took the train to meet up with Mizuki and Stephanie. The train ride was filled with ridiculously annoying people. Millbrae is the last stop, so there are only trains leaving one way, but people kept getting confused and asking around cluelessly about what to do to get where they want without even bothering looking at the map. Several times, the driver kept explaining over the intercom that regardless where they want to go, they have to get on this train anyway. It held the train there for over an extra 15 minutes. That, and some annoying ghetto teenagers being obnoxious, and this guy who sat behind me who persistantly tried to yell over the train noise to be on the phone. Plus, the stereotypical San Franciscan snob... There were a flood of them that day on the train, talking about how they are proactive by "going green", stroking each others' egos and telling each other how unique and sophisticated they are. looool

Getting off the train and meeting with Mizuki and Stephanie was a breath of fresh air. We walked around Union Square a bit, went to Urban Outfitters and found these adorable salt and pepper shakers shaped like two birds in a tiny nest that I ended up buying for my parents. We then went to Sephora and played around with everything, and harassed Mizuki. I wanted to buy new lipgloss, and wanted to save at the same time... ended up not buying the one I planned, and bought one much better. I was plenty tempted to buy other things, but... monies! :(

We then headed over to to Japantown to have okonomiyaki. ... I wish there were good okonomiyaki places, here. It wasn't great, but we didn't really care so much since our attention was toward all the stupid silly things we were talking about, and the cute kid this couple had at the table beside us. We walked around for a few minutes after eating, bought some stuff at Kinokuniya... I bought the Rilakkuma 5th anniversary folder, and a bunch of stickers to decorate my new netbook with. After that, we headed over to Stephanie's new apartment (which is pretty cool~ just a bit empty. We'll decorate it together once we have time. :D) Mikey got off work, so we met up with him. Stephanie and I planned on having fondant cakes from Beard Papa and... uggghhhh they're so good. I wish we brought some home!

Later at night, we all headed home. Luke, as always, kindly picked all 4 of us from the staiton and we all headed to our house. Mikey and Mizuki played SF4, Mikey teaching Mizuki and them 2 nerding it out, while Stephanie and I sat together in the background observing and playing with Molly and Q a ton. Busted out the booze, and High School Musical 3 Extended Edition. Ohh man, Zac Efron sliding around the room in Scream... so good. My good friend, white Mikey, was in town so I invited him over. Mikey and I were in the garage once they arrived, me already being quite buzzed... and ran up to white Mikey and gave him a hug. He brought 2 others with him, too. The Renz, and this awesome guy named Chris. We all started talking, and I brought Q out to meet Chris and he loved him. All of us messed around and talked all night, and they turned out to be pretty awesome people. I was glad to meet them, and see white Mikey again. Mizuki and Stephanie originally had things to do the next day-- too bad they ended up staying up past 6 here. Mizuki was passing out so Mikey stuck his penis in his ear, and Stephanie took picture. lmao

Eventually, I laid down in bed for a bit... and dozed off.

P.S. I love my new netbook! I decorated around the screen with cute Rilakkuma and pomeko stickers. :D



The netbook is pink and only a little bigger than a DVD case! I love it. <3

But yes, nights like the night before, and the people I shared it with... are just wonderful.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!



I know it's tomorrow, but I'm sure a good handful of you will be busy doing stuff. Mikey has work, so we won't be going on our date until Sunday. ;_; Oh well. But when we do...! We'll be going to eat dinner together, maaaaaaaybe at the restaurant we had our first date in, then we're going to go watch Coraline in 3D.

( To: Mikey )

So, what is everyone else doing? I see a few entries here and there on single life. Do not fret. This is a good opportunity to band together with other single friends and camp drug stores for after V-day candy sales!

As for the guys, time to bust out the dutch wife, and call it a day.


For those attending Anime Overdose this weekend, be sure to check out my friend Yukie's musical performance panel! It's on Sunday, from 11am-12pm. You might remember her from her performance at last year FanimeCon's masquerade event, singing the first Nico Medley as opening act. Hope to see you there!

Happy moo year. Where is my qi pao.

Another photo-dump. Not much, but just some shots in Shibuya and Roppongi.


Shibuya 109 Tower.

( Shibuya and Roppongi. )

Here's some photos of an awesome, yet EXTREMELY expensive pet store in Shibuya! HOW DO YOU SELL A CAT FOR 500000￥?! But awww... they're all so fucking cute. Click cut below for photos.

( Not recommended for the diabetic. )
Photo-dump Archive: bedroom, #1, #2

Time for another round of photo dumpage. This time, it's pretty much all Akiba. If only I had more of a habit of taking photos, there'd be a lot more to show, but here's what I got at least.




( Akiba photos. )


Oh, and...


akiba island にようこそ


Photo-dump Archive: bedroom, #1

Here's some photos for when we were just getting settled. Akiba dump, sometime later.

EDIT: I realize how most of these are just photos of Mikey... -_-


Harajuku in the winter.

( More photos. \o/ )


Aww, there are so many things I didn't take photos of during our trip. I really need the habit of doing so. Maybe next time. o/

Photo-dump Archive: bedroom

Time for a photo dump! Mikey and I (mostly me) did some redecorating around the bedroom with the new assortment of furniture and all, pretty much just rearranging posters, replacing a few old Megami images, hanging up and reorganizing purchases and new figures. \o/

It's still a mess, but here are the results.



( More photos. \o/ )

( Edits and additional stuffs. )

And here are new additions of the few things we bought during the trip.

( New purchases! )


That's it for now! Photo dump of Japan tomorrow. I'm going to post several, because trying to do it all at once is so exhausting. ;;

I know it's late, but happy new years everybody!


Posting a Marisa instead of Cirn⑨ because I am a REBEL. YEAH. :V

This year... has been more than tough, and to end it all in a big grand finale, my loan application didn't get approved. That means I don't get to go to Aveda. But you know what? Despite that, I'm feeling really happy with how things are.

Mikey and I finally got onto the plane and watched Wall-E together on the way home. My mum, Luke, and my grandmother came to pick us up and when we got home, they surprised us with a new full-size bed placed in my bedroom (we've been sleeping in the guest room the entire time), the room rearranged with a new couch and coffee table, and my big corner desk at the window. Next investment will be a new TV to replace our tube, and a kotatsu, because now it is absolutely necessary. \o/

Went to Gary's party. I didn't get drunk, but Mikey got fucked up. I was glad to see a bunch of people we hadn't seen in very long, especially Helen. Gave her, Matt, and Gary their gifts, talked to everyone else, and met a bunch of new people like some of Fanime's staff and Mikey's boss, Kelly, who's actually a really nice guy. Oh, and Minh cut his hair! It looks like he fell under a lawn mower with how short it is, but it looks good. I talked to this guy, Oliver, a lot. We had met 2 years prior, but never talked, so that's what we did. I talked to Deborah quite a bit, too-- and like Mikey has said, she's amazing. Milton's pretty lucky to have her. ;) She graciously offered to drive us both home after a night of worry.

Today, Mikey and I both woke up early due to the shift in time zones. We totally fucked up our sleeping schedule while we were stuck in the airport, so it fits neither the US or Japan. He was feeling hungry, so I got up and made both of us breakfast and we ate... BREAKFAST! Neither of us ever eat that! Went to smoke, and he was off to work. He's getting off early today, because the shipment is rather small since no one gets their bood tested on New Year's. Mikey's bringing back Mexican food, since we haven't had it in forever, especially in Japan. Though, as odd as it is to say it, we do miss being there. It was a great vacation. Welp, I'm just chilling, cleaning up here and there and waiting for him to get home so we can watch Doctor Who and redecorate the room. \o/

I should've bought my issues of Megami while we were there. How did S&H become so expensive now? Now I owe Mikey more monies. ;_;

I'm dying... I'm dying... !!

I'm so exhausted. Still running on about 2 hours of sleep or so... everything is sore, hair's a mess, nose is irritated. Mikey walks around with me wearing his "Kimo-ota" shirt. I'm dying.

Just about 3 and 1/2 hours to go! ...

... ... ...

Not that anyone cares about how we're dying in an overseas airport or anything, but I need to do something to keep up my sanity.

So last night, we were put into an open lobby full of other people to sleep in, last night. See, it's an OPEN lobby, so no privacy, no comfortable chairs or anything. By the time I tried to go to sleep, there was almost nowhere near Mikey to lay down, so I tried my best to just sort of sleep where I was sitting next to him, but in the end, just couldn't. Nowhere to put my head, my neck was aching... plus, I could barely stand the stupid inconsiderate group of Japanese people playing cards being all loud and shit, thinking that because everyone was already asleep, they could be louder. Then, this old Filipino couple decide to wake up and have a loud-ass conversation in Tagalog, and from THEIR loudness, the group of Japanese began to match their volume because it seemed okay. Augh. I moved over across the room to sleep, on the span of 2 seats. It sucked, and the heater was turned off, so it was freezing.

Apparently, Mikey woke up in the middle of the night and looked around the room for me from his seat, and the old Filipino lady asked him, "Are you looking for your daughter?" :|

I was awoken by the bright lights and sounds of the airport opening, so I got a total of about 1.5 hours of sleep. Mikey had about maybe 3 or 4. Everything ached. I waited for the combini to open so I could buy some stuff. I ended up catching a cold, so I had to pick up a pack of tissues and some masks, plus some cheap combini onigiri because I was starving... Augh. Combini onigiri.

We wandered around the airport for a bit as things opened and went to the better lobby on the 3rd floor, which has public massage chairs... which I am very grateful for. 200yen for 10 minutes on a real massage chair, opposed to the 3.00dollars for 5 minutes on the crappy cheap ones back in America. I spent maybe about 30 minutes total on them, then convinced Mikey to get on them too. Mikey left for the bathroom for a bit, so I decided to get back onto one. By the time he came back, I thought he was going to scold me for doing a 3rd session, but asked me for some change instead, assuming he needed to go buy something from a vending machine. To my surprise, he took the change and plopped onto the massage chair next to me. Lol.

I guess we're probably not going to the Naritasan Temple, since neither of us want to take the train out of the airport. I really want to shower, but we feel reluctant to spend the 1000yen for a day room just yet. We ended up going to a food court for some mediocre 800yen ramen and I took a nap for maybe about an hour, hunched over on the table. That was painful waking up from as well.

Our flight isn't for about another 6 hours or so. We've been here for about 18. Both exhausted, and I have a cold. I can't wait to sleep on the plane.

Looking forward to being able to sleep on a bed again, very much so. But that's not happening right away, unfortunately for us. After the flight, we're going home to drop stuff off, then go straight to Gary's party and give everyone their X-mas gifts.

Auuuugh, my back. Maybe I should get on the massage chair again...

Still stuck in Narita, and it's almost maybe... 3am. Can't sleep. Mikey's laying next to me-- I'm just sort of sitting here. In fact, everyone is asleep other than maybe this group of Japanese people being inconsiderately loud and playing cards.

We spent most of the time just sort of... sitting, talking, watched some cartoons. Bummed around the smoking room a couple of times, once with this guy going to back home to New York from being stationed in Japan from the military, talked about America and Japan. Talking to Robin online, now. I think I'll upload photos later, but I haven't taken much-- they're mostly just scenery at night in Akiba, Shinjuku, and Shibuya-- couple of photos of Harajuku, and a load of photos of Mikey just doing stuff. Like eating.

Going to Shinsho-ji Temple tomorrow, since we have nothing to do until 7pm Japan time. Probably the only touristy thing we'll be doing this entire vacation. Then, perhaps, wander around Omote Sanda, shower in one of the day rooms in the airport if they have shampoo...

It's not so bad, really. Neither Mikey or I mind being stuck in the lobby now. I'm glad I get to spend more time with him, and I guess us hanging around, despite the situation, is a nice experience in itself. But he's asleep now, and I'm... really bored.

Ah, it's going to be exhausting. We're going to be up in Narita all day, then our flight for about 9 hours, go home to put our stuff down, THEN go straight to Gary's New Year's party.

My socks have snags in them from lugging around luggage all around Tokyo, today. It sucks, especially how I just bought them a few days ago!

... Why is Narita so boring...

So Mikey and I are stuck in Japan for another day. What sucks is, we're pretty much stuck in Narita airport, as it'd be a waste of money to train back to Hon Atsugi. Yup.

Today was absolutely exhausting. Each of us are carrying like 2 suitcases and 2 carry-ons, all substantially heavy. The beginning of the day was pretty good, though. Went to Akiba with Kimihiko and his friend, Yousuke. Ate at an okonomiyaki place, and Mikey and I shared a huge-ass one that took up the entire grill called "Akibanomiyaki". lol

Went to two shops, all pretty much dedicated to Touhou. We bought some yukkuri heads and bought some shrine plaques-- one Hatsune Miku, one Kotonoha, and one Reimu. Took some photos of the "Hakurei Shrine" next to the store, and some nigger painted on the wall.

We'll be arriving tomorrow, stuck in the airport for about another 22 hours doing stuff. Sigh, what to do...

So I guess tonight was our last night in Tokyo, and an end to our vacation. The vacation as a whole has been wonderful, especially having all this time to relax and spend it with Mikey.

We spent the day mostly in Shinjuku and Shibuya. Took more photos for once, but of stuff and scenes mostly. Most of the photos I have on my camera is pretty much just Mikey doing stuff. I'll upload some, later. We went to KFC for lunch, only to realize one more thing I'd probably miss-- smoking sections in sit-down fast food restaurants and game centers. After that, we went to Club Sega again and Mikey won me stuff on UFO catchers (Me being the girl in the background gasping from being impressed and whatnot, of course.) and then played some SF4. We had decided that we need to do purikura since we don't own any of us together, so we rushed to the nearest machine upstairs and took some photos of us looking stupid, and then made our way to Shibuya.

Shibuya... is really nice at night. Everything's lit and lively, just like the type of condensed city-scape I love. Didn't want to spend too much money, so I didn't buy any clothing... but ended up spending a ton on lingerie, on Mikey's credit card, no less. (No exchange fees on card.) I love my lingerie collection, now. Oh, and new pajamas and more socks. We walked around tons, browsed this awesome pet store we saw last time we went and took some photos, then went to McDonald's to smoke and have a couple of soft drinks. I bought a soft-twist ice cream and the swirl was perfectly done, which I've never really seen before. I guess it's sort of stupid to even mention that, but it was an absolutely perfect swirl.

After that, we took the train back to Shinjuku and went back to the arcade so Mikey can play more SF4 before we leave. I went upstairs and tried to do UFO catchers, myself, and I had some great luck! First try on some Nico Nico Douga TV plush charms, and I got two of them, and one of the ones I wanted for Mikey. I got a pretty good looking C.C. figure on my 4th try. A old guy that was going around the place winning 3 or 4 of each thing (to sell) was cheering me on in the background and congratulated me when I won it. I also won a Heart 2p (Arcana Heart) cosplay set on my very first try, which was awesome. Then, I camped the gashapon area to try to get an Itoshiki phone charm for Mikey, but it took me maybe like... 8 tries. (I have 3 Kafka's, 2 normal Chiri's, 1 psycho Chiri, 1 Komori, some of which I'm probably giving away.)

It was a pretty good day.

The day before, we went to Akiba again. Went to a couple of locked box stores and bought a few items that weren't for sale anymore, or are too difficult to get on the UFO catchers. Not much, but I'm happy with what we got. I bought a Hatsune Miku Figma to complete the set with Rin and Len, a Miku music box we had trouble getting in the UFO catchers, and a Setten Udonge for only 5000en! It was sold for 20000-30000en new, in other stores, so it was a god purchase. The only issues with it is, 1. it's used, 2. no box, and 3. a small black mark on one of the ears I can easily buff and paint over with quick figure paint airbrushing. Browsed around tons, then trained to Roppongi to Eileen's place for dinner with everyone. There was a good handful of people, so we all chatted and played with the dog, and Mikey, Eileen, and I sat and watched High School Musical, talked about the cast, scenes, how awesome 3 is, Joe Jonas, and how no one wants to fuck Kevin, etc... then drove home with Kimihiko.

On Saturday, we stayed home for the most part, went out to the grocery store for nabe stuff, and the book store and picked up a few volumes of the Kannagi manga to read on the plane. Then had nabe, drank, got Kimihiko drunk, played Left 4 Dead.

So our flight is tomorrow. Kimihiko is driving us to Akiba and we'll train from there... As silly as it is to say it, Mikey and I admit, we're going to miss this vacation here. We wished we could've saw Michael, Takako, Nao, and Genta more. I never got to meet Niggeryuki. It just feels like time (and money) is too short. We'll also miss Tokyo, Kimihiko and his huge kotatsu... what else? Vending machines, smoking areas, how trains always have people (Yeah, it sucks at the same time, but I hate being the only one in a train, or alone with only a few people), good cheap food, toilets (toilets are awesome), how convenient convenience stores are, shopping districts (so many shops catered to girls), perfect clothing sizes (not too big, not too small), perfect food portions, multiple floor game centers... probably a ton of stuff, but it's all been very relaxing.

But there are things we miss about home, too. Mainly, mexican food, which we're probably getting once we land and gain all the weight back that we lost in Japan. Another great thing about home? Insulation, central heating, and hot water 24/7.

めりくり～



So today, Mikey and I went to Harajuku together for X-mas eve. Michael and Takako couldn't make it today, so it was a date of sorts. Woke up somewhat early today, took a shower, and left. I've been really wanting to do some clothes shopping, but surprisingly... I didn't really get much clothing. I barely saw anything I felt was worth buying, but I did pick up some stuff here and there since X-mas sales are crazy cheap. Most of the things I got were little things, so I don't remember all of them... some broaches, hair acessories, lingerie, new faux lashes, a fancy new Hello Kitty wallet, a compact umbrella for my purse, and a white jacket that was on sale. I still aim to find a nice black coat with some nice black faux fur so I can wear casually and professionally. I felt tempted to buy this pair of boots that were on sale, but I still felt pretty hesitant to make more weightier purchases while still on budget. Overall, I haven't really bought much, and most of my expenses went to small things and comfortable necessities.

Oh, and I got something small for you, Kazuko. I'm sure you'll like it.

Mikey and I ended up not buying a cake for X-mas, since neither of us really feel that we'll finish it anyway and never bothered. Oh, and the one night I feel like eating at KFC... we realize that it's fucking X-mas eve and the Japanese have some sort of odd urban tradition of eating fried chicken on the holidays.

So I'm spending X-mas relaxing at home with Mr. Boyfriend, tomorrow. We're absolutely exhausted from all the travelling. Going to Shinjuku and Shibuya on Friday, misc. things and nabe on Saturday, Chinatown in Yokohama with everyone on Sunday, and for the most part, resting on Monday. We're going home in a few days, and I know that there will be a good amount of things, a good amount of people, that we're both going to really miss. I miss my dog back home, though. Our vacation is almost coming to an end soon... and it's been wonderful. Kotatsu, is also wonderful.

So, today, Mikey and I planned on going to Akiba with Kimihiko. We woke up sort of late, so we made it at around maybe 4pm or so. Met up with Michael and trained over to Akiba, then met up with Kimihiko and his French friend, Vincent. We hung around the Club Sega near the station and tricked Yuusuke into meeting us in Akiba. I took a few photos of a employee cosplaying as Hatsune Miku outside for a bit, then headed to a building with a couple of maid cafes. The maid cafe Minh suggested was normally closed on Tuesdays, so we assumed that it'd be closed when we'd go-- turns out, they were open today, and moved the closed day to tomorrow due to X-mas eve, so we could've gone. Ah well~ We tried other cafes, but didn't want to wait an hour. One of the cafes we first went to, Akiba48 was performing in. We passed by an @Home cafe, though. Speaking of maid cafes, I've so much work I still need to do for Fanimaid Cafe '09 right when I get back. We went to some Italian bar instead and sort of hung out and chatted. I had my first glass of champange, but it was okay. I'm not very accustomed to wine, so I suppose I wasn't really able to appreciate it.

Kimihiko and Vincent had to leave, so it was just the 4 of us left. We hadn't eaten yet, so we went to eat ramen, then shopped around. I bought a good handful of stuff. It was surprisingly exciting going through all the shops and whatnot, me trying to resist buying too much and thinking to myself, "No. I need money for clothing. Don't buy too many toys. You're an adult now." and yet... Ah, it wasn't too bad. I spent maybe about $200 for myself and a few things for Helen. I bought 3 IM@S Revoltechs and Kagamine Rin/Len Figmas, a Strike Witches box set with a figure of Miyafuji Yoshika with a DVD and artbook, and a couple of other things. Oh, and some Touhou candy... Anything else Touhou was much too expensive for me to feel comfortable buying, the SD keychains for about $35, the new unreleased plushies for $105, LE doujinshi from famous circles for $50 and up, pins and rather unattractive keychains for abot $20, Aitai Cirno for $160 (color) and Udonge for $300+ (color), list goes on. I don't feel too inclined to own a ton of Touhou stuff, though. I'm satisfied with my purchases so far. Oh, and I bought myself a new purse and a load of new socks from the Lumine while Michael and Mikey were in Kabuki-cho. I'm getting pretty low on cash, and am probably spending most of the rest of it in Harajuku-- if any left over, in Shibuya. I've been rather hesitant on my purchases, and haven't made any impulse buys, so it's been pretty good.

It got somewhat late, so Kimihiko came to Aiko-Ishida station to pick us up. Despite us telling him we're okay with taking a taxi, he graciously insisted on picking us up at around midnight despite him having work at 5am tomorrow morning. Ahh~

So tomorrow, going to Harajuku for reals. Probably with Michael and Takako, hopefully Nao. Thursday, rest. Friday, back to Shibuya probably. Still need to do purikura with Mikey. Saturday, dunno what we're doing during the day, but drinking and eating nabe at night. Sunday, going to Yokohama with everyone. Monday, probably rest. Tuesday, coming back home.

Mikey and I are relaxing under the kotatsu, and so far, it's been a great vacation.

It's been fun, but if anything, we haven't really done anything super special. Neither Mikey or I are the tourist-y type, so we haven't really bothered to go out and see the sights. Most of what I'd want to do would be to go shopping for clothes.

Saturday, Mikey was still at Eileen's for the weekend. I called up Michael to see if he wanted to go to Harajuku, so we met up. First thing's first; I HATE not having a cell phone. Public payphones aren't exactly as common as they'd used to be, and are pretty sparse. I got a hold of Michael, then he told me Genta would be tagging along. We waited for a bit, then wandered around to see if there were any lockers because Michael had a ton of luggage with him, but gave up. Then we found that Michael lost his wallet and wandered around to find it, then found that it was at the lost and found with all the money in it, thankfully. We don't think he dropped it, though. We're pretty sure someone pitpocketted it, but was paranoid because of all of the cameras and turned it in, because on the record, it had said Michael "lost it in the bathroom" whereas we didn't even go to one. That took up a crapload of time, though. We ended up going to Harajuku for a few hours, but me being a cheap-ass, I've only spent about $200. Genta was getting tired, so we headed back. Michael spent the night, and we stayed up pretty late talking and me watching him play games. I was pretty thankful that I wasn't alone the entire weekend without Mikey. Oh, and I fell down the stairs on the way to combini. lol.

Sunday, Michael and I headed out to take Hanachu to Aiko-Ishida station, but then we realized (once we got there) that Michael forgot his wallet (again). Thing is, though, Hanachu is a small bus-line, so each bus only comes every 40-50 minutes, so it would've taken several hours for him to go back to fetch his wallet and come back to the station, so we're like "fuck it". Took the train to Shinjuku station, hoping we'd meet up with Mikey so we can go back to Harajuku. Mikey's phone fucking died because he didn't bring his charger, so I gave Michael Eileen's number to call him up with his phone. He already left, but we figure that we'd just head over to KFC like he told us to. Checked downstairs, checked upstairs, he wasn't there. Walked over to Sega Club (game center), walked onto the floor with versus fighting games, wasn't there. Went back to KFC, wasn't there. Tried calling him up, didn't work. Then we split up to try and look for him. He called with a payphone, but it only rang twice and he never called again. We figured that he tried to look up the number on his phone but then it died.

It was all pretty stressful, but eventually we met up with him. I gave him the scarf I bought him then headed to Yoshinoya. We ended up not going to Harajuku again as planned, so we met up with Takako and Nao and went to a karaoke/restaurant bar and drank some. Even though things didn't go as planned, it ended up pretty fun. I wish I hadn't tried to pace myself so much, though. I didn't want to drink too much because we'd be training/bussing back for about 2 hours or so, but ended up only getting somewhat buzzed and completely sobered up less than an hour later. Michael and Mikey went to go play 3rd Strike and SF4 and the rest of us just sort of chilled around. After that, we headed home.

Heading home was pretty gay. By the time we got to Aiko-Ishida, all the busses had stopped about an hour earlier. We decided that we'd need to take a taxi... but guess what? We don't even have the address. Tried calling Kimihiko, but he wasn't picking up. Tried calling Michael, but he was still in Shinjuku with Takako. Tried getting ahold of James, but he wasn't around. Mikey and I tried to think of a way to get back, he suggested asking if any of the taxis are familiar with bus routes. After some thinking, I remembered a notable restaurant  called Yume An in Hon Atsugi that taxis should be familiar with, but I wasn't sure if we would be able to direct ourselves from that point, because there was a chance that it would've lead to a road that'd go straight there, OR a good chance that it wouldn't... and we didn't want to make the driver go there for nothing. Called up Eileen to see if she could go on the Hanachu website to see if there was a map, because the map the guy in the station directed us to was just telling us where the busses went, by name, but not an actual map of how things were physically. Got into the taxi, gave him the phone so that Eileen could direct him along the bus route. Thankfully, though, the taxi driver was already familiar with the route and drove us right where we needed. The funny thing was, as soon as we were getting really nearby, guess what we pass? Yume An. And guess what was right after it? A road straight to home.

Today, we were planning on going back to Harajuku... but ended up not. We woke up super late, today, then also had a ton of stuff to do. We needed to clean up the room because Kimihiko's mum was coming over to hang out the futons, but she still hasn't arrived yet. We also had to heat up the water so we could bathe, which took about 2 hours total to do. We also had to eat food, which also took about an hour. I went up to dress, took about 15 minutes or so to do my make-up, and then Mikey suggested, "Yeah, I think it's a bit late to go now that I think about it... It's almost 4, and we'd have to leave before 9." It's 4pm, now, so by the time we'd get to Shinjuku, it'd be about 6, then if we went straight to Harajuku, it would've been about 6:30, so we'd have about maybe only an hour or two to do anything. Augh, this timing thing is pretty suckage. So many things so far have been postponed because Hon-Atsugi is so god damned far away from everything. It's okay, though.

We're going to Akiba with Kimihiko tomorrow, shopping around, and going to the maid kissa that Minh suggested. Need to go back to Shibuya to pick up stuff for friends, and Helen has convinced me that I should probably take more photos. I really don't have the habit of taking photos, but I'm sure my mum is expecting them too. I want to go back to Harajuku to buy clothing, but fuck, all these detours. We might be going back around X-mas, instead of going to Yokohama by ourselves. We'll be going to Yokohama Chinatown with everyone on the weekend, and I'll be meeting Niggeryuki and Yuusuke for the first time.

For the most part, we've been spending our time doing normal every-day things. Especially with a pocket full of limited cash, I think we're doing pretty good, because despite all the gay-ass detours, this vacation has been pretty nice, especially spending time with Mikey. He liked the scarves I bought him. They look good on him.

It's so cold.

So cold... SO COLD! I just woke up. It's about 10:04. Mikey left last night, so I'm alone today. Called up Michael last night to ask if he wanted to hang out today, so we're meeting in Shinjuku in a couple of hours to go shopping around in Harajuku. I should go bathe now, since it's the morning but... It's so cold!!!! It's too cold. I didn't want to get out of my blanket when I woke up. Now I really don't want to leave the kotatsu. ;___;

Normally I have no trouble getting up as bad in the morning, because Mikey'd be there and I'd be warm the entire night. Without Mikey, it's surprisingly cold. After he left last night, I tried so hard just to pass the time before Kimihiko comes home... and thankfully, Hokuto no Ken came on TV, but talking to Michael on the phone made me miss the ending. Talked to Kimihiko about random crap, asked me to teach him some English, sort of watched TV but mostly ignored it talking. Showed each other some photos on our blogs, and went to bed.

Oh, Mikey. If you're reading this, Kimihiko is going to basketball practice on Sunday, but we'll go to Akiba on Tuesday with him because he has a day off. We can still go to Akiba if you'd like. I also need to go to Shibuya to pick up some stuff, okay? I love you. \o/

klsjdlaskjla too cold, but time to call Michael. I need to make a habit of taking photos. I only have a few at like... a bus stop! XD; I'm not used to having a camera around with me, and even then, I'm too shy to use it. Pff.