Goodbye Rapunzel~

 It was already time to say goodbye to my quarantine hair! Yeah guys, I got a very needed haircut after only trimming it once during the past 2 years mostly because of my COVID paranoia.

I know some people didn't want me to do it but, it was already too long, dry and damaged. I was sick of it and had a hard time styling it. It had no shape at all.

I got a long bob kind of thing. A straight cut to get rid of all the damaged hair. I wanted it shorter but it'd be inconvenient for work because I'd have to style it everyday. Plus, the rainy weather is no help. I might go shorter on my break, I don't know yet. For now I'm also letting what's left of my bangs grow too, it's still very burnt.

Honestly, this haircut felt liberating, haha. 

And well, this was a very quick hair update. 

See you next time~  ♡

😸 Cat sitting #4

Here comes another cat update. I think it'll be a very short one since things haven't changed much since the last one. 

Sassy is braver now and I've seen her provoking Masha every now and then. I find it funny tho, they end up chasing each other around the apartment.

At night, when Masha sleeps in a different room, Sassy jumps in my bed and sleeps with me for a while, something she didn't do before. 

And, again, they got matching toys. This time, small mice. It was love at first sight. They started playing with them as soon as they recieved them.

Shortest update so far but, I'll be on a break soon so, I'll be able to spend more time with them and, hopefully, write more.

Other Cat Sitting posts:

😸 Cat sitting #1

😸 Cat sitting #2

😸 Cat sitting #3

Obi-Wan Kenobi Series

The Obi-Wan Kenobi series just finished last wednesday and yeah, I loved it! 

I've been a Star Wars fan for a looooooooooong time. I watched Episodes IV, V and VI when I was very young, I was obsessed with Episodes I, II and III and enjoyed the others specially the ones that had the old characters back. All of them have a special place in my heart, hehe.

I've seen some of the shows like the Clone Wars, which I loved, but I haven't watched the latest ones like The Mandalorian. But as soon as I heard about the Obi-Wan Kenobi show, I just knew I had to watch it. Obi-Wan is dear to me, specially Ewan McGregor's.

Anyone Remembers these?

 After watching it, I'm obsessed again so, I had to share my excitement here! I'll try not to spoil anything tho.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a 6 episodes Disney + show that shows Obi-Wan's life years after his last battle with Anakin. He's no longer a Jedi and he's living a very low profile life in Tatooine as "Ben". His only "mission" now is to check on little Luke, who's living with Owen Lars in a small farm. I kinda felt bad for him because he's living a sad, lonely life.

For some reason (that I won't spoil), he ends up having a new mission, "one last mission" to rescue young princess Leia, who was kidnapped. That's basically how the show starts...  

Honestly, I was super excited to see some of the old characters like Senator Bail Organa, Owen Lars and even Master Qui-Gon. But, the most exciting was to see Hayden Christensen as Anakin again!!

I know some people had mixed opinions about him but I love him, I always have and I always will. He was still breaking my heart as I watched the show but there's something about having Ani and Obi-Wan reunited that feels so good! Even tho the only happy reunion they had was in flashbacks. I have to confess I spent half of the las episode crying! Just like I did when I watched Episode III. 

♡

Another thing I loved were little Luke and Leia. Luke (Grant Feely) has the cutest smile and defo reminded me of young Ani. Leia (Vivien Blair) is just perfect! She's super cute and smart. She got the best of  both her parents. She was defo one of my favorites.

Just like his dad ♡

the cutest rebel princess in the galaxy

I really hope they make a sencond season, even tho it is not planned yet. I'm also excited because Hayden might be back in the Ahsoka series. Can't wait!

And since I'm obsessed again, I went through some old pictures to find Star Wars related stuff and yeah, I'm gonna share a few in here. For some reason, I love to include those type of things in my posts now. Hehe. Kind of an easter egg or something.

A very improvised Queen Amidala makeup look.

Star Wars expo with the hubby Vader, haha.

Ok, I always wanted to dress as Queen Amidala and this was the closest I got to do something similar. I borrowed this dress that was made for a fashion show in the school I studied at and made it work. This pic is from 2011! I remember it was super uncomfotable but it was fun. Maybe one day, I'll buy a Padme costume, haha. 

That's it for this post you guys, I have many more pics but I don't want to spam you. Let me know if you've seen the Obi-Wan Kenobi show and if you liked it. 

Why Japanese?

 I've always liked languages, not that I speak many tho. I think it was the only thing I was good at in school, hehe. 

Most of you know I am an English teacher, I also speak Spanish and, I took French classes for many years because of school. I understand it a little but my speaking is veeeery poor. I guess I forgot most of it.

Not long ago my friends and I celebrated a year of studying Japanese. 🎉🎉 Time went by really fast! It didn't feel like a year. But something that some people constantly ask me when they find out I'm studying it is, why Japanese? Why not choosing another language that could be easy to teach and easier to learn? 

First of all because I chose to study something I wanted to learn for SO many years, and the idea of doing it with my friends made it all more attractive. I wanted to do something for me, something that I could enjoy without feeling the pressure of doing it for work.

Also, I love Japan! Yeah, we all know I like anime and Japanese food but it is more than that. I do love the country and it's culture and it is not a new thing, I've liked it since I was a girl, I even dreamed of marrying a Japanese guy (I still do sometimes, hehe). My dad actually practiced Martial Arts for many years and also likes the culture, I just took it to the next level, haha.

When I was younger, my dad gave me a sheet with the Hiragana and Katakana alphabet. I didn't really know how they worked but I remember my sister and I used to write each other letters and notes in spanish but mixing the two alphabets together. Of course most of it didn't make any sense but it helped me to kinda identify how some of the characters looked like. I'm sure we didn't even write them the right way.

I still have the Hiragana and Katakana sheet

I've been watching anime for many, many years as well as Japanese movies and listened to japanese music so, that helped me to learn basic words and their meaning. But of course, I couldn't really make a sentence.

As time went by my love for the Japanese culture continued growing, I wanted to experience and breathe it as much as possible, visiting asian restaurants, stores and going to japanese festivals and conventions.

I guess learning the language was just the last thing to do before actually going to Japan. Cuz yeah, it is a dream I've had since I was a girl and even tho I don't think it'll happen anytime soon, I'm sure I'll do it one day. I just have to!

I also think my sensei makes the learning process easy, she is super patient and makes the classes fun. I'm not gonna lie, I could be a better student! it hasn't been easy cuz of work and how busy I always am, but it is something I really enjoy. So, I'd say that is the main reason why I chose Japanese, I love it and my clases are kind of a "me time"

またね ♡

Life in my 30's...

When I was younger I said I'd be happily married, with a family and a house at 25. Then, when I turned 30 I said I would have a baby by 35, married or not. And now I'm 35 and my only child is a cat! I can barely handle myself sometimes so, I don't think a baby would be the best idea right now~

It's true when people say, life never goes as planned...

It is so weird for me to openly say it. Part of me is still in denial but yeah, I just turned 35 and surprisingly, I'm not having a break down as I did in previous years. Honestly, I don't feel 35, and I probably don't do everything people would expect me to at this age but, you know what? I do believe age is just a number and you should do whatever makes you happy. 

I enjoyed my early 20's, I wasn't too worried about life. I fell in love and I really enjoyed celebrating and doing everything for everyone! But I feel like I didn't do many things people would do in their 20's. I was kinda living in a bubble and didn't experience many things. It was different during my mid and late 20's tho, when that bubble popped. Reality hit hard, I was heartbroken and I had a very hard time dealing with changes and my own emotions. I felt as if I was in a very dark place at some point and I couldn't recognize myself. I felt lonely and it was a scary feeling. I was desperately looking for someone to safe me and bring me back to my happy self. Little did I know, I was the only one who could actually do that.

When I turned 30, I almost had a panic attack! (not really, but I want to be dramatic). I was just not ready and I knew I hadn't achieved any of the things I had on my "to-do list". Add to that the obligatory questions from other people Where's the boyfriend? Why aren't you dating? When are you getting married? I couldn't help to feel that pressure, not only from others but also from myself. Some of my cousins were married and were starting a family, others had a long and happy relationships and, I wanted that. I just didn't know how to get it. 

My dating choices were not the best ones, and I don't even date a lot to begin with (not that it has changed). I dated guys I didn't even like, just to be more "open" and hopefully meet someone I'd eventually fall in love with. That just didn't happen. So I guess I gave up on it. Hehe. Don't get me wrong, I still want to find a partner, get married and have my own family. It just doesn't feel like a priority atm. If it comes, I'll receive it tho.

During this time I also got the chance to travel to Europe, which was a great way to disconnect from the routine, quit my toxic, not-well-paid teaching job I had for 7 years and try to leave everything I was feeling behind. Plus, it was my first big trip in a long, long time. I kinda saw it as a way to let go of everything and have a fresh start. Just like in the movies. Hehehe. 

I wouldn't say my biggest growth durning this time was emotionally, it was more professionally. When I came back I started looking for better working opportunities and money income, as well as ending toxic friendships that were not giving me anything positive. Kinda trying to take my life more seriously.

I learned the hard way that it doesn't matter how much you try to be good at things or do your best, not everyone is going to like you or the things you do. We can't please everyone, it's just exhausting. 

In a way, I spent a big part of my early 30's focused on my work, back then it felt like an escape. But I think it was around that time when I met and started spending more time with the people I get to call my best friends now. I can truly say they were an important part of my process of feeling better and slowly go back to myself again. I know I say this often but, I really do consider myself very lucky to have the group of friends I have. It took me a while to find the right people and let go of others but, my 30's taught me that friendship is not always based on how long you've known someone. And that is important to find people you feel comfortable with, no matter what. People you can share silly things with, but also serious stuff. I admire my friends, I'm constantly learning from them and one of the most important things they've taught me is that is perfectly fine to be myself and like the things I like even on my 30's. To me, a chat with my friends is the best therapy, and even tho friendship has always been important to me, I never thought my friends would become an extended family and I'm so happy to share and grow with them.

I'm not gonna lie tho, as I grow older, I'm starting to worry a lot more about my skin and those fine lines! I guess I have a slight fear of aging~ So I try to take care of my skin a lot more than a few years ago. You know what they say, light skin ages faster... Ah! And let's not forget about those always annoying grey hairs. They drive me crazy. I keep pulling them as soon as I see them. I also noticed that now, it's easier to gain weight than losing it, not that I'm complaining. I actually needed to gain a few pounds to feel and, in my opinion, look better.

One of the biggest change I've had during my 30's has been moving out of my family home to live in my own place. It was something I wanted (and needed) to do for a long time but for whatever reason I kept postponing. Funny thing is, it happened less than a year ago. It pushed me to adult for real! I'm not going to say everything has been easy but, it's been fun. It has helped me find who I am, what I want (kinda) and proved myself that I can be useful, independent and stronger than I thought. 

I think being 30 is a weird stage. I don't feel like a grown woman but I'm no longer in my 20's even if I feel like that. I thought I would have life all figured out by now but, I'm still clueless about many things and I'm constantly learning! It's as if I was discovering who I really am, what I'm good at and finally believing I'm good at it. I'm letting go of things I should've years ago and slooooowly opening myself to new opportunities and experiences. It's been a roller coaster so far, with lots of changes, I am busier than ever juggling 2 jobs and even studying!! I never planned my life to be like this. Sometimes I feel like the day doesn't have enough hours to do everything that I have to do, I'm always running and beer became my lover after a long, tiring day (that's something that my kidney doesn't appreciate tho) LOL; but somehow, I make it work. At the same time, I'm starting to live and experience a kind of freedom I didn't feel before, making my own decisions and trying to put myself first, It's liberating and it feels good.

I might not be your regular 30 year old and I'm far from being where I'd like to be in life but, I'm happy with what life brings again and I'm enjoying things the way I did back in my 20's. Maybe even more, hehe. Guess 30's aren't as bad as I thought. Specially when you have people to share your non conventional for a 30 year old hobbies, hahaha.

I don't know what the rest of my 30's will be like but I can't wait to see!

OMG I think I'm gonna end this post here because I feel like I'll start rambling soon. At this point, I don't know if what I wrote still goes with the title anymore and it's already too long. Thank you if you decided to read till the end, hehe. ♡ 

See you next time~ ♡ 

🎂 My Happy Birthday + Pressies 🎁

A little late but, here's my bday post...

On June 03rd I celebrated another birthday, and even tho it was still a pandemic birthday in a way, it didn't feel like it.

My birthday was on Friday (yay!) but I started celebrating on Thursday, when my friend Diana took me to this cute and cozy coffee place when we had a break between work and a certification thing we recently started. It was a good way to relax, chat for a bit and recharge energy for the rest of the day.

She got me a Sailor Misato cappuccino

On Friday I woke up to a cute birthday breakfast table with a mini chocolate cake, pressies and a crown that my mom prepped for me then, my students surprised me with lots of pressies, flowers and hugs. Everything was pink! Haha, they know me too well. After work I had lunch with my mom and sister at Starbucks, we all know Starbucks is my happy place. Saturday I also had lunch with the family to celebrate with my dad cuz his bday was on the 6th. And then, on sunday, my friends threw a Sailor Moon party for me! I never had a SM party before so, it was perfect. 

Pressies from my students!

some of the bday cakes

Since I moved a few months ago, I told my friends and family they could give me some house stuff if they wanted to. Some of them did, some of them didn't but, I still loved everything I received. Specially because I know the love and time behind everything. Let's take a look at the pressies... (some of the snacks are gone now).

Bread! Those cupcakes where the leftover ones. One of my student's moms made like 10 huge strawberry muffins for me to share with the kids. 

More pink yummies! Haha. I love it when people include notes and letters to my pressies.

I can't remember the last time I had Pepero! Really excited to eat them as well as trying the Taro gummies.

チョコレート, Puchao cola chewy candy and my love, Kim Hyun Joong. I remember trying the puchao chewies a couple of years ago when my friend Tomi sent me a package from Japan. The cola ones are SO GOOD! I need more. 

I also receive some clothes. How cute is the cat tee?

Accessories and another letter ♡. Btw, it is my first time seeing SM earrings like these. So cute!

I don't receive roses often so these were such a nice, sweet surprise! 

Some beauty goodies! Sheet mask and cleansing foam from Tony Moly and a really cute perfume. It has a sweet scent, just the way I like them.

Starting with the house stuff, we have this super cute white and pink set that includes a salt and pepper shakers, sugar bowls with spoons, a napkin holder, a jar and a container. I love the gold details! 

I have a Waffle maker now! I'm really looking forward to using it because... I love waffles! The Halloween lover in me can't wait to make some skull waffles that will be, specially perfect, in October.

A pink rug! I am in love! It is the softest and prettiest one! And, it matches perfectly with my sofa.

Some of you might have seen this one already cuz it arrived earlier because I didn't have one. My powerful T-fal blender!

Naruto goodies from one of my students! They know me too well. Sakura is a redhead here because he said it was me in Sakura version. The Team 7 pic has a letter on the back.

And there you have it guys, my obligatory bday pressies post. All in all, I had a great 4 day bday celebration. I'm very thankful for all the messages, hugs, pressies and just the love people showed me. I really am spoiled.

I finally watched the Fullmetal Alchemist Live Action Movie...

Ok, I know this movie is not exactly new, it's from 2017. It took me forever to watch it. We all know that live action movies are never that great (unless we talk about the Rurouni Kenshin movies, that is a whole different level). But I love Fullmetal Alchemist, I always have so I knew I was going to watch it eventually despite the bad comments about it. Specially because I saw they will release 2 more movies soon and Izumi will be there. I just love that character so much!

Remember these movie posts are not reviews, they are just a way for me to share my obsession, excitement or just random thoughts. So, let's talk about this live action movie...

To be honest with you, I didn't have any expectation. I watched the trailer when it first came out and I wasn't 100% happy with how the characters looked.

This first movie is based on the first part of the anime, where Ed and Al lose their mom when they are too young and try to bring her back using alchemy. When the y fail, Ed loses a leg and an arm and traps Al's soul into an armor to keep him in this world. After these events, they will dedicate their lives to find the philosopher stone to recover their bodies. They have many adventures and meet many characters along the way.

I love these two and their relationship

The movie is loyal to the anime, I won't complain. But they could've done a better job with some of the characters! Starting with Ed, he is my favorite character. I love how stubborn and short tempered he is but in this movie, I couldn't stop looking at the horrible, cheap looking wig they used! Even the color was terrible!! I couldn't take him seriously. Same thing happened with Riza, she's beautiful but the hair wasn't. Idk why they can't just dye their hair?! or buy a nicer wig~ In my opinion, Lust could've been sexier tho. At least I saw her as a very beautiful and sexy homunculus in the anime.

Not all of them were that bad tho, Hughes and Envy looked pretty good! Gluttony was creepy and that was enough for me. Winry (who is also a fav) had a few changes from the original anime character, but she was ok. I liked her. Alphonse was defo my favorite, as cute as the anime one. Another thing I really liked, and that's something I never paid much attention in the anime were the military uniforms! For some reason they caught my eye, they were well made and looked pretty cool. 

Speaaaaaking of cool, LET'S TAKE A MOMENT TO TALK ABOUT THE AUTOMAIL! 😍 I don't know what others think but it was beautiful! I wish they had more scenes showing it. I was hoping to see Winry fixing it after Edward broke it on the first fight but, they never showed it. 💔

Sexy automail!

I found that Ed's automail was displayed in Osaka's Nanko ATC Museum. Somebody take me there!!

The special effects were not that great either. This story has a lot of alchemy, fighting scenes and fantasy characters but the way the effects were made, made everything look super fake.

Even tho it wasn't my favorite movie, I did enjoy watching it, it brought so many memories from the anime, helped me remember details I forgot about and also took me back to the time when I used to watch the show at my grandparents house. The good old days~

The second movie will be released sometime this year and I have a feeling I will be watching it. I really hope they make some changes to improve tho. I know Edward's hair looks a little better. At least from what I've seen in the trailers.

Tell me guys, did you watch this movie? Did you like it? Will you watch the new ones? Let me know!