Adventures in Jaxon-Sitting

Wow, it's been a long time since I've updated my blog!

I debating on posting on tumblr, but then I wouldn't be able to arrange all my pictures! Despite a few obstacles on our hotel's end, my trip to LA was a lot of fun! Jaxon Hall - mime-lord from my friend Samantha Shannon's highly anticipated novel THE BONE SEASON - tagged along with me to see the lands of America. Me and Jaxon were stopped several times by passing admirers, but you'll soon read about that!

And now for your featured presentation:



Monday, 1st Day

My family and I left San Jose at about 10.30 and began our long drive to LA. Jaxon particularly didn't like the long drive, despite my dad taking stops along the way to stretch and have a smoke break. I get car sick really easily, too, so this probably played a factor in Jaxon's various complaints.

I managed to see the meteor shower, as well! They were really pretty, and took my mind off of puking the candy I'd been wolfing down the whole drive.

By the time we got into the city, the highways were emptier than Jaxon's patience. We officially pulled into our hotel at 3.50 in the morning, and were greeted with several obstacles. For one, we got our key to our room and found out that it was already occupied. Then they bumped us to a "suite" and our suite was about as suite as a toilet. The bathroom fan didn't work, we had a brick wall, and the walls had scratches.

If it wasn't for the fact that we were exhausted, Jaxon and I would've complained more. We went to bed immediately.



Tuesday, 2nd Day

Jaxon as he declares his arrival in Disneyland.
No one in line cared.

My family and I (and a tag along Jaxon) arrived at Disneyland at about 12:30. We were MEANT to arrive earlier but Jaxon just had to insist on extra time to look his best and wanting to get breakfast.

Waiting in line

By the time we arrived the lines were about as long as one of his speeches. 

Our first stop was the 8th circle of Hell. Some of us in the USA know this by another name: the DMV. But I'm sure we all agree that the most common name is "waiting lines". Jaxon didn't find this intimidating, though irritating. In fact, he spent the whole time smirking, knowing we would soon enough pass all the commoners and make it first into the park. His complaining didn't make the line faster, and neither did his arguing with the woman in front of us about her being a "vile augur".

Disneyland, Main Street

We waited for 30 minutes before being officially let in, and after Jaxon declared he'd complain to management. 

Disneyland's Main Street was packed, and full of children running around with their parents this way and that. Jaxon hated it, of course, so we decided to take the Disneyland Railroad around the park. It was quite relaxing, if you ignored the Australian tourists behind us, arguing about which had the better churro. 

After me and mom decided to head to The Mad Hatter Store on Main Street and buy some souvenirs before we got started. I treated myself to a mini Cheshire Cat top hat and - ignoring Jaxon's many threats to skin me alive and make me into a rug for his office - I bought him a little Mickey Mouse hat for him to wear for the trip and another with his name on it.

Haters gonna hate.

We bought a few more things - and took pictures with Disney characters roaming - before finally heading out. 

Bitches be jealous.

A lot of our day was spent in New Orleans Square, where we went to the Haunted Mansion, The Nightmare Before Christmas' Le Bat en Rogue themed store, took a ride on the Mark Twain ferry, took a canoeing ride along River's of America (me and Jaxon both agreed it was a horrible experience and vowed to never do this again, ever. Work should never be involved in vacationing) .

After we took a smoke break for my dad and then made our way to Tomorrowland, where rumored Tony Stark and his Iron Man suits were currently at. But of course before I could fulfill my dream of seeing suits that Robert Downey Jr. touched, my little brother just HAD to go on the Astro Orbitor whilst dad enthusiastically pulled us towards Star Tours - The Adventure Continues. Jaxon did not like the notion of being in space, and hated the constant movements. He also called R2-D2 a trash can.

Jaxon and the "trash can"

Thankfully after two very long, sweaty-people-coated hours later - and people stopping me and asking if they could take a picture with Sherlock Holmes, something Jaxon did not find amusing - we made our way to Innoventions.

He would like a suit like this.

The inside was really cool, very spacey and full of families and tourists from other parts of the world running around to see the attractions. Jaxon and I broke off from my family to find Iron Man. We were immediately greeted by JARVIS, who proceeded to introduce the Stark Industries funded area and explaining the various suits Tony Stark created and their functions. Jaxon was very impressed, surprisingly, and wished to meet Tony Stark. Unfortunately, we didn't see him around, so we stuck to taking pictures of his suits (Samantha, if you're reading this, Jaxon says Dani is fired and Stark needs to be contacted).

We called it a day after seeing Tomorrowland and made our way to our hotel, but not before getting Sleeping Beauty's Princess Aurora's autograph and picture. Jaxon refused to take one with her when she asked, so Kaimana took one for him. We then went back to our hotel and got ready for dinner.

Dinner was at a fabulous place called Claim Jumpers and was quiet - probably because we were all exhausted - but enjoyable. 

Jaxon and I fell asleep to Kitchen Nightmares.



Wednesday, 3rd Day

As our last day in Disneyland was upon us, we all woke up early so we could see the whole park. Immediately after getting in Belle from Beauty and the Beast was present at the front. We waited a few minutes before getting her picture, because Kaimana was trying to fix his hair.

First class.

Plotting to take over.

Instead of walking down Main Street - and Jaxon complaining that only "peasants" and "vile augurs" walked the same stretch of road twice - we all hopped on Main Street's double decker bus to Sleeping Beauty's castle. We sat on top, as Jaxon explained it was only appropriate, and waved at the peasants that passed us by. 

We stopped to take a few pictures of the castle, and Jaxon and I were stopped by several passersby - especially one enthusiastic man that looked as if he was about to wet himself from excitement - who asked if they could have a picture. They mostly confused him with Benedict Cumberbatch, and referred to him as "Benedict Cumberbatch dressed in victorian clothing" or more popular, Sherlock Holmes. Jaxon did not appreciate this, but nonetheless would not turn down enthusiastic fans wishing for a picture.

Pictures with peasants.

We made our way to the Fantasy Faire, where the Royal Hall was located. Cinderella, Aurora and Ariel were there for the first half of the day, so we decided to pay a visit. While in line we were stopped by a royal page boy who recognized Jaxon and wished for a picture with Benedict Cumberbatch. He was so excited, how could I turn him down?

We waited in line for a few moments before being let in. We met Cinderella first, who asked if Jaxon was a prince. When he corrected her and told her he was a mime-lord, she just smiled and said if she could have a picture with him, because he was so handsome. He obliged, but refused to hold the mouse in her hand. Pictures were also taken with Ariel and Aurora, but he didn't like those, especially upon finding out that Ariel used to be half-fish. Jaxon left in disgust, and I apologized to the princesses for his behavior.

Jaxon gets all the bitches.

We didn't get to stop for breakfast, so we went back to Main Street and had sundaes at the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor. Jaxon does not like sweets, but he couldn't say no to my Neapolitan sundae.

We then went back to Tomorrowland and went on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Jaxon didn't understand the concept, so he rode with me and Kaimana. The premise of the ride is to shoot the markers. I managed a Level 4 Space Scout ranking. Jaxon Hall managed a Level 1 Star Cadet. He proceeded to rant about the ride being wrong and stomped away, but not before being dragged off to the Finding Nemo Submarine Adventure. He did not like the idea of being in a confined space, and complained the whole ride through. He told all the children that the ride was fake, and the "fishes" were computer generations and made them cry. We left before the angry parents could really tell Jaxon what was on their mind.

We rested for a bit before making our way to the It's A Small World ride. My mother and Kaimana enjoyed the ride. Jaxon vowed that he would purchase Disneyland from Walt Disney and burn the ride to the ground. As we got out of the boat, he proceeded to spit on the shoes of the ride operator.

Break time.

I had to drag Jaxon away before security managed to get there and made an escape for Mickey's Toontown nearby. Jaxon exclaimed that Toontown was worse than It's A Small World and remained bolted at the entrance until we were done. Kaimana and I went on Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, went through Chip and Dale's Treehouse and Donald Duck's Boat, explored Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse's homes and met the pair themselves, along with Goofy and Donald. We managed to snag a few pictures before catching up with Jaxon, who complained we took too long.

As we left Toontown, we noticed a lot of walkways being blocked off and stopped to ask. We were told that the parade was going to begin shortly. Kaimana immediately decided we were going to stay so we waited. Jaxon didn't know what was going on until everyone started cheering. He immediately thought that the parade was in his honor, so he enjoyed himself. He would later find out - to his deep offense - that the parade was actually the annual Mickey's Soundsational Parade.

We left for dinner and came back for a few more rides and to get the last of our souvenirs before the park

Peter's thumb before my phone died

closed for the night.

We walked back to Fantasyland to go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but while my parents and brother were in the store, Jaxon and I waited outside. 

However, to my excitement, Peter Pan happened along by, taking pictures with people. I dragged Jaxon along with me and asked if he could take a picture with me before my phone died. He happily agreed and I asked Jaxon to take a picture first. Jaxon refused at first but then complied - after I agreed to give him his cane back. I turned away for a moment to get my phone out of my backpack and I turned around to cackling Peter Pan whisking off a furious Jaxon. 

The next two hours was spent chasing after Peter Pan and asking passersby if they had seen an angry Benedict Cumberbatch and young man in green tights run by.

I was almost about to give up hope until I spotted said green-tights sporting man-child at the Mad Tea Cups. He laughed and gave me a hug and reasoned his "kidnapping" was to assure I wouldn't miss the free ice cream the treat vendor was handing out. I was NOT happy, but did find the affair funny. Jaxon did not and vowed vengeance upon Peter Pan.

Mad Tea Cups

I got my ice cream, and Jaxon was no closer to his vengeance upon Peter, who had conveniently vanished. We spent the rest of our time in Fantasyland and went on the carousel, rode on a baby elephant, spun in mad tea cups for a mad tea party and went on Pinocchio's Daring Journey.

Our last two hours were spent on Main Street, spending ridiculous amounts of money on gifts for family and friends, which unfortunately resulted in us missing the last shuttle to our hotel and forcing us to walk. Jaxon was in a foul mood for the rest of the night, but I think he had fun!

And that's it folks! I am now home - with lots of new things - and Jaxon is bitter about the whole charade and hates Disneyland even more! May do a vlog, stay tuned!



- Lala

Samantha on the Move

I'm sure a lot of you have heard, since a few days ago the article went quite viral on Twitter and other blog websites, but if a few of you have missed, my friend Samantha Shannon got her novel The Bone Season published with Bloomsbury Publishing!

I honestly couldn't be more proud, as she's been wanting this her whole life and worked hard on her novel to deserve it. When she first told me, as any good friend, I screamed and woke up my family - as I live across the world in California and different time zones! It seemed quite unreal, mostly because Bloomsbury Publishing is quite a famous company, especially for their publishing of the Harry Potter series. To me that meant that she had shown them something they really, really loved; I swear, I was so excited I lost my drawing spark for two-three weeks, my senses were so blown.

Even now it still seems shocking; she's always wanted to be a published author and it's both surreal and amazing that she was able to achieve that. She's kept me up to date with her goings-on - or as much as she can let me, which is only what has been posted on the internet, curses! - and with each new information, I think I'm going to just explode I'm so excited.

I shall continue and will always stand by her and support her as she journeys through her newfound "famous-dom" (not a word, I know) in the wonderful world of publishing.

Especially through art. Because like writing, art is just as important!

You can follow her journey through her publishing adventure here, as well as receive any other news about her progress.

My friend Samantha is and has always been lovely, intelligent, the sweetest person you'll ever meet - if not TALL, curse her height D: - and I guarantee you my word that her talent for writing is out of this world, and when The Bone Season comes out, you will all be as excited as I am to read it!

I'm always proud of you, Sami, and especially for achieving your dream ♥

Anyways, back to art for me.







Love&Rockets,


Lala

Down the Rabbit Hole and Off to Londerland

If you have not guessed from the wonderful picture of Big Ben I took that I was able to afford my wonderful trip to the great and vast lands of the United Kingdom, then something is incredibly wrong with you.

But yes, I returned on the 15th after nine glorious days at Oxford University to visit a very dear friend of mine (who is a student, which I am most proud :] ) who was most gracious to house me in her dorm - as well as conceal me from the Porter's "watchful" eyes, I was actually not meant to be there, hehehe. It was a very relaxing trip, I think I definitely needed a holiday away from California, so I am glad we were able to make it happen.

And now for your featured presentation:



Tuesday 6th, Day One:

Needless to say I woke up on Tuesday in a very good mood. My flight wasn't until 3.05 in the afternoon that day, so I did last minute packing and took a well-deserved nap after getting my room situated. Three hours in advance, my mother - with my youngest brother - came and picked us up, took me to the bank to get out some money, THEN dropped me off at the airport after a few goodbyes.

I then took my first flight to LA where I had to wait a good 3 hours until my NEXT flight to London. It wasn't until half an hour before boarding did one of the staff members call me over and tell me she goofed with my Economy seating (which always sucks) and since it was full she bumped me to First Class. I was not going to complain.

I slept like a baby the entire 19 HOURS it would take to get to the United Kingdom.


Wednesday 7th, Day Two:

After a long and tiring flight, I finally landed at Heathrow Airport.

Customs was horrible - especially since I was in line for about 45 minutes to an hour behind several dozen other passengers - and the airport was a little stuffy, but needless to say I was extremely excited to be in a British Airport because, well... who wouldn't be? I spent half the time fooling around in the toilet before finally running to my Coach and beginning my short journey to the lively streets of Oxford, Oxfordshire. I waited for my friend Samantha to arrive ( in cold as BALLS weather) until I was greeted by my tall British friend - after struggling to see her through my piss-poor vision.

Sneaking me through the back gate, we finally made it up to her dorm and allowed myself to get situated. Prior to dinner, my body decided to give me a MASSIVE nosebleed which left her bathroom looking like a Wes Craven set; this lasted for several minutes. After cleaning up and freshening ourselves up, we went for dinner where she introduced me to her friends and took a trip to the pub. Since I cannot drink legally in the US for another year, it was quite glorious.

After we put on our pjs before falling asleep.


Thursday 8th, Day Three:

Woke up to a beautifully sunny morning.

Sami made us some coffee before taking me with her to a lecture where we were joined by her friend Rian. We had a nice coffee conversation before heading to her class; admittedly I spent most of my time drawing, but the teacher was quite amusing and very enthusiastic with the subjects taught. I thought he was quite engaging, even though I didn't understand HALF the words he was saying...

Afterwards, Sami and I got lunch at St Anne's Coffee Shop, where I met another one of her friends in passing; seeing an actually Oxford student conversation is very exciting, they speak of their subjects like a fat man speaks of ho-ho's, there's so much passion in their voices.

We went shopping with Rian - found a cute tank top - then proceeded to get ready for the term's last Formal dinner where I met more of her friends. I found it very amusing that most of them commented mostly on the height of my pumps and if I had any difficultly walking in them. The dinner was quite fancy so I enjoyed myself as well as talking with her friends, but the dessert was much too creamy and not enough pastry. I gave it a two and a half out of four stars for that dessert.

We made ANOTHER trip to a bar called Duke of Cambridge which had the most AMAZING Crème brûlée martini, so I had two and a cranberry vodka. However, I suddenly got emotional and quiet - due to the dinner wine I had - and found myself completely heartbroken by the fact that the bar had glass frame displays of butterflies.
Pathetic to be distraught over, but I digress. Never have wine again, it only makes me upset...

Not a wonderful way to end the evening, sad over BUGS, but I slept it off after a BRIEF movie.


Friday 9th, Day Four:

Woke for MORE coffee and set off to the wonderful world of Tesco. Love that place, everything is just CHEAP.

Bought some things to make Sami and myself some dinner, though when I tried to take pictures a staff member told me it was not allowed due to something. What she told me kind of went through one ear and out the other. We made our purchases before heading back to the room and chatting over MORE coffee and junk food I brought for her from America.

We then grabbed lunch at the hall - had a lovely lamb dish - and relaxed for a while before getting ready for a "End of the Term" dinner at her friend's dorm. Her friend's Jenny, Ruth and Rian made a lovely salmon dish with veggies which I very much enjoyed ♥ Once again made conversations with her friends before we all headed to The Royal Oak for some drinks. Tried strawberry beer for the first time and absolutely loved it. We stayed outside until we moved into the pub because we were getting frozen. I enjoyed how friendly and open her friends were to me, and glad to see they didn't find me weird or making an ass of myself from all the liquor!

Ended the night with Zoolander.


Saturday 10th, Day Five:

Coffee and crumpets to start our day - because you can never have too much coffee or crumpets.

After went to the hall for some real breakfast and were joined by her friends Rian and Richard. Richard also came with me and Sami on our busy adventure through some of the colleges; places we managed to see were:

- Keble College & Chapel
- The Bodleian Library
- Radcliffe's Camera
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- St Edmund Hall
- Magdalen College
- Pembroke College
- Christ Church
- Lewis Carroll's Alice's Shop

After a long day, we retired to her room before heading to a kitchen so I could make us some dinner. I made a seafood pasta; wasn't happy with it, but we were both fed.

Put on another movie before falling asleep.


Sunday 11th, Day Six:

We both woke up to more coffee and got ready, as her family were coming down to meet me - scary first time! - and take us out to lunch.

What we failed to realize was that they came a little too early so we had to haul ass to straighten up the room and make it presentable. They were very funny and enjoyable; her mother was lovely, her step-dad was funny especially with his questions of my thoughts on "American" events, and her brother Alfie was very cute. We chatted for a bit before we walked around Oxford and went to Pizza Express for lunch. Lovely chat and dessert before walking around some more.

We all went to Christ Church - where they filmed Harry Potter - and went into the Dining Hall. My impression of the college is not all that positive; some of the staff - except for one porter who was very kind - were very snobbish and told me rudely to not touch anything. Of course, the second the bitch turned away I picked up a dinner spoon, licked it, and put it back. they can enjoy my spit and suck it. We went outside and were given the same snobbish treatment and told "only the students could sit down" - which we were then promptly laughed at my nearby female students drinking CHAMPAGNE. I thought the structure and buldings were beautiful, but the staff and students were snobby and rude.

They will never see me on those college grounds again.

However, Sami did take me and Alfie to The Ashmolean Museum whilst her parents went around on their own. Loved the museum, was incredibly pretty and probably a lot better than the museums we have here in California. Walked around for a bit then went back to her dorm and said goodbye to her folks.

We rested for a bit before heading off to Port Meadow with some classic English fish & chips take-out for dinner. We ate on the bench before walking around the vast (and incredibly dark) meadow; was very relaxing, you can see the sky very clearly  and get a moments peace to yourself... that is unless you're suddenly followed by a creepy man with a flashlight that follows after you. Ran upon her insistence until we got back to the street lights; best idea, seeing that you'd rather avoid problems then stay and wake up the next day in a cage in some basement.

To celebrate successfully evading creepy Meadow man, we went to The Royal Oak for some strawberry beer before going back to the dorm and retiring for the evening.

Another movie was put on, but I fell asleep a few minutes in (again).


Monday 12th, Day Seven:

Woke up quite early (with more coffee, need I elaborate more?) and got ready to catch our coach to begin yet another busy day.

This time, we were going off to the large and lively streets of London. This included a LOT of walking - as well as getting lost a few times - but the places we went to were totally worth it. Places included were:

- Buckingham Palace
- Speedy's Cafe on 187 N Gower Street (for you BBC's Sherlock fans, this is where they filmed it!)
- Trafalgar Square
- Seven Dials
- The British Museum
- Palace of Westminster
- The London Eye
- The Tower of London
- City Hall
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- Marble Arch

Quite a tiring day, but I had great fun. We slept through most of the coach drive, then ended our day with some dinner at YO! Sushi (chose this place upon my sushi-loving insistence) before heading back to our room and falling asleep from all the walking.


Tuesday 13th, Day Eight:

Relaxing day.

Went out for breakfast at G&D's Cafe before going back to Sami's room and moving into a colder room in another dorm building. I hoped it'd get warmer, but I was wrong. Once situated, we relaxed.

Later had dinner at a wonderful Greek place with Rian before spending the rest of the evening working on our respective recreational creative activities.


Wednesday 14th, Day Nine:

Regretfully, my last and final day in Oxford.

We went to a very lovely (and very empty) restaurant called Giraffe and had breakfast. I dunno why it was empty at that AM, the food was good, but I digress.

After we grabbed a coffee and walked back to Port Meadow - now free of the pitch-blackiness and creepy followers - and walked around then sat down by the water and talked for a while. Was very relaxing indeed ♥

We spent the rest of the day with editing and drawing and Sherlock clips on Youtube before ordering some take-out for ourselves and spending as much time as we could before my flight the next morning.

We retired, but we spent a good deal of time laughing at our own misfortune with our cold as balls room. even I was reluctant to leave the warm confines of my borrowed blanket, so I dragged it along with me when I wanted to get some water.

We fell asleep laughing.


The Last Day:

And so my stay in Oxford had come.

We got up at the crack of dawn - thanks, early flight... - and had a cup of coffee before we walked down to the Coach Centre. Admittedly, I would've liked to stay a bit longer, but what can you do?

We said our goodbyes and she waited until my coach left the lot.

Being the little bitch I am, I cried the entire way on the bus.

My flights were okay, no delays, and I made it safely back to San Jose, California.




I would like to thank Samantha once again for being a gracious host and letting me stay with her in order to take in the life of an Oxford student as well as introduce me to her lovely friends and family. It was unarguably the greatest holiday I've had in my tiny lifetime, and I hope I can see you again!

One day I hope to say hello once again to the United Kingdom... one day.


That's it for now!







Love&Rockets,



Lala

Motivation or Art Theft?

So as of late, I've been seeing a  lot of my friends on Facebook posting motivational posters.

Nothing serious, you think; it looks good/cute/etc. and there's even a funny motivational quote and you think "Awe! that's so cute, I'm going to share it!". But some of the picture I've been seeing include the art of several artists from an art website I frequent called devianArt. I have come across them on many occasions, having gained much deserved praise; but when I see the art also being used on a motivational poster on Facebook and then shared by many others, I find it also cute and amusing.

But in the back of my mind I'm thinking, "Does the artist know that their art is being used and passed around without their permission?".

As an artist myself I enjoy when people like my art, however, in terms of being used and passed along would greatly disturb me. Sure, you send a link to the artist and tell them "Oh, I shared it BUT I want to know if it's okay with you if I can?", but I sincerely doubt a lot of the artists know that their art has been stolen and passed around the internet in a Motivational Poster meme.

If the artist does have knowledge of what is being done and doesn't mind, then maybe I'm rambling, but the artists I've come across have put up journals saying people do not and CANNOT use their art, for whatever the reason.

You can tell them all you want how you gave them credit and told people to link back to the artist's deviantArt page, but it's still theft.

As an artist, I wouldn't want people using my art without my permission REGARDLESS. And neither do they. DeviantArt is a place for artists to share their work and get constructive criticism, and if people keep stealing their art, it makes them not want to post anymore which a lot of their watchers would hate.

Just saying: respect an artists' wishes.




Love&Rockets,


Lala

Annabel Lee

It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of ANNABEL LEE; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me. I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea; But we loved with a love that was more than love- I and my Annabel Lee; With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsman came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea. The angels, not half so happy in heaven, Went envying her and me- Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night, Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we- Of many far wiser than we- And neither the angels in heaven above, Nor the demons down under the sea, Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee. For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling-my darling- my life and my bride, In the sepulchre there by the sea, In her tomb by the sounding sea.

 Undoubtedly one of my favourite poems by Edgar Allan Poe.

In a World of Mine...

I'd like to think everyone would be rich and prosperous.

And wear top hats.

But seriously speaking: Why must the world revolve around money? If anything I wish it revolved around and used currency of chocolate or pencils or something. It'd probably be better and definitely more cheaper.

Thinking financially, one "would" definitely help their parents in trouble, even if one is a complete asshat?  While not in the best shape, my parents have always put their kids first - I'd like to think my father still does this despite he Grouch attitude - and make sure that they have everything they did in in their youth and try to provide it despite their $$$ struggling because they are indeed parents and love you and want you to have what you want. I always enjoyed and have been slightly annoyed by my parents' need to buy me small or large gifts. They never asked me for anything back that was of any importance, just that I help around the house and clean while they're at work. I've tried to make sure this happens, as I am living under their roof - until I find an affordable apartment of my own, whee! :D

I've been told "But it's their problem, not yours.", but should I really turn away when they do need help? They've provided - and still help provide - me with a laptop, clothes, etc. All were gifts, of course, but who am I to say no after all they've done for me?

A common response I've seen in the "middle-class/poor" Mexican/Samoan/Asian families (no offense) is that the children, who have grown up in either a poor or good but struggling family environment, will almost always want to help their parents once their older because they feel they should pay them back.

Despite issues, I do love my parents immensely. But I also love my friends, too.

MY own private life business with friends, nothing knew; just more DRAMA but it seems everyone has it nowadays on the internet or real life. I should probably work on commissions to get my head out of the endless sea of drama water.

Sometimes I sound and feel selfish.

One day I will become a successful animator or voice actor and be able to pay back all that my everyone gave me...





Love&Rockets,

Lala

Multi-Mind Tasking and Sherlocked

And so the weekend has come to an end.

Everyone is going to go back to work or school or whatever it is they have, whilst I stay home and do my chores and watch my brother once he gets out of school himself.

.. and I have still completed NOTHING.

While I enjoy my "freedom", I do wish I had something to do other than work on projects and draw all day - not that this is a BAD thing, necessarily, I do enjoy excitement in my life. Speaking of excitement, I am hoping to be able to confirm a hopeful "secret trip" of my own to visit a friend sometime this week. Mother keeps putting it off, but as a mother I can "slightly" understand why.

Slightly being in parenthesis because I am nearly twenty - my birthday is coming up in just a few short months - and I'd like to think she could be able to trust I wouldn't try and burn down landmarks if I am able to go abroad.

But as a parent, I guess she can't help but worry about her child when she decides she wants to travel places unattended...

Aside from worrying about a hopeful holiday on my own time, I do worry that my need to procrastinate has hit it's worst. Not only have I not finished now very belated Christmas gifts and commissions, but they have been belated since last year. I find myself usually staring at a picture that is 87% near completion until I find the insatiable need to watch a movie or a video on Youtube. Not the wisest choice but I guess when you are an artist and have the attention span of a flea when your motivation is lagging then something must be wrong.

I've yet to pinpoint what it is, but I will overcome it with the power of John Donne's poetry and novel work from a friend.

Television-wise, I've not watched TV in forever aside from anything on my computer, but I have found a wonderful show.

Gotta hand it to the BBC network, I am absolutely Sherlocked.

Sherlock and Watson definitely have their bromance brewing in the finale. YOU CAN FEEL IIIIIT ♥ Especially on Watson's side, he's so cute when he defends Holmes.

I absolutely love Moriarty in the British television series Sherlock; and they couldn't have picked an actor better for the role.

I must admit that I've never enjoyed a villain in a TV series in a very long time - so many potential antagonists end up being half-hearted or do not reach their full potential (ex. in the American TV series Bones, who have had several but none of which I could enjoy fully because they didn't show as much "evilness"). The series finale literally had me in tears, mostly because I have [a] come to adore Sherlock's character more than chocolate and [b] I feared BBC would not permit another season, but sure enough my worries had not come to light because it has indeed been confirmed that there is a third season in the works. I believe it was very fitting; Holmes is indeed an arrogant, callous know-it-all who needed to be taken down a peg, but not fall off a hospital rooftop... but that's a crime drama for you!

Happy to see a fall like that won't stop Sherlock from living.

Thank you to Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss for creating this series and to my friend Samantha for showing me the wonderfulness that is the show.


Seriously, it's the best thing since buttered toast. Check it out ♥






Love&Rockets,

Lala