// So how has everyone's holiday been thus far? I hope everyone has had a relaxing break from our hectic school lives, because it's something we all need! Yesterday was probably one of the laziest days of my life. I miraculously woke up before my brother, and helped my mom prep a pancake and bacon breakfast...it's kind of a holiday tradition for us! To no surprise my brother woke up to the smell of bacon and ran downstairs instantly. Don't blame him honestly xD

After a hearty breakfast, I converted to my five year old self, and went for the presents. There honestly was not much I wanted this year. It was always hard to answer my mom when she asked me what I wanted. But I did get some pretty awesome things this year! Got some new clothes from J.CREW and the GAP, along with a little item I like to call the Hot Pink Bible. Because really, that's what it looks like. Someone brought it up in one of my classes and I knew I had to have it right away. It's actually book filled with German gothic/black letter typefaces and ways they have been used! It even came with a CD, which gave me over 150 typefaces for free! I plan on taking pictures of this craziness as soon as I go and get my camera charger ; 3;

The rest of the day consisted of me finishing Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt and playing the new Golden Sun game with my brother, which he finally got! While he was just starting the game, I was getting ready to beat it x'D Looking back on it, it was dumb to attempt the final boss at level 41. Dumb.

So what did you guys get? I'd love to hear!


// It's hard to believe this year is almost to an end! It's been a crazy year in my book, with a ton of ups and downs. I began my final year at RIT, and I feel rather bittersweet about the whole thing. I'm getting sick of people in my major, while at the same time, I'm discovering new friendships! Now that we're taking classes that we're actually interested in, I'm able to be in classes with people I haven't been able to for the past three years. While classes are tough this time around, I've began to realize I can truly kick ass and take names if I really try. I've always been kind of a debbie-downer on myself, because I don't have much self confidence. It's taken me a long time, but I'm going to try and be more confident about my work!

I've come to love Editorial all over again, and I even found a new love. Packaging design! Never in a million years did I see myself loving a three dimensional take on Graphic Design.


// But out of all the things I did this year, it's my study abroad experience in Kanazawa Japan that truly changed my life. Sounds cheesy, I know, but it's true. While there were times I wanted to just scream and throw all my homework out the window, my experience there was truly enlightening. I was able to see how another culture lived, and experienced it for myself, by myself. I was scared, but I'm glad family and friends pushed me to do it. I came back with an entirely different view on the way we live, and came to respect something I love so much, more than I ever thought I would. I miss Japan ever since the day I left, but it's the little things that I truly miss. The joy people had when you entered their stores, and the late night walks home without even caring. I almost miss those obnoxiously loud cicadas.

I need to return.

I've already made a goal to save up money so I can return there this summer. I want to be able to experience those things I'll never be able to experience here. Don't get me wrong, I love home, but sometimes you just want to leave.


// So what's planned for the New Year? Honestly, I have no idea. I think it's best to just play things by ear, no plans at all. Towards the end of this year I accepted the harsh realization that I'm not going to be able to do some of the things I really love, if I want to make it in the real world. I've worked so hard to get where I am in my design, that it would just be waste to get lazy because I just don't feel like doing it. Conventions have been put on the back-burner for now. With my senior year and the quarter system at RIT, I'm finding it harder and harder to find time to go, and invest time in making outfits. It's been hard for me to accept this since I love the thrill of conventions, but this is what is best for me right now. I haven't retired, but I'm definitely taking a break.

But what I don't want to happen this year, is lose more contact with people. It's hard when you're busy all the time, and when life gets in the way, but I've lost contact with a few people and I just don't want that to keep happening. I've learned people are not who they seem to be, in both good and bad ways. BUT, with my new classes, I'm meeting new people, and getting to know my fellow classmates even more. It makes me sad to think I've never had classes with these people up until this year, but I'm glad we are able to experience this hectic year together!

I don't know what the future has in store for me, but I can't wait to see where everything goes, and how things fall into place~! I wish the best for everyone this holiday season, and for the New Year! May great things happen~