Category: Random

Change Will Do You Good

August 14, 2017

Change can often be a scary thing. It’s usually attached to the unknown and unfamiliar. Our natural instinct is to resist what we don’t know or are uncomfortable with. It’s our way of protecting ourselves from what we think is a perceived danger against us. But most of the time it’s really just our fear getting in the way of seeing the opportunity to learn, grow, and further our potential far beyond than what we think we’re capable of doing. When the winds of change begin to blow in your direction, get ready to embrace it.

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Life And When Older Articles Get Shared Over A Year Later

August 26, 2013

Today’s post is one of the rarer ones I do where I talk about why you’re not seeing the regular geeky post from me. At least I don’t do these too often and instead of skipping a blogging day, I wanted to write something than nothing at all.

Continue reading “Life And When Older Articles Get Shared Over A Year Later”

Days Go By – A Trip Down Memory Lane

February 18, 2013

I had a more video game centric post in mind when it came time to writing my usual weekly update. Instead, something a little personal and introspective kept tugging at the deep corners of my brain to be written. I try not to write too much about myself and I try to focus on the geekier or fashion-minded side of things, but I suppose I can tie those usual themes I write about into this post too.

Continue reading “Days Go By – A Trip Down Memory Lane”

2012 in review – According to WordPress

December 30, 2012

I was actually going through my blog stats when I encountered a link to check out your “2012 Annual Report” for the blog. The results compiled from WordPress is quite interesting. If you are a blogger, go check this out if you are curious how your blog did in 2012 according to WordPress. I’m posting what my results were for Simpleek. Thanks again to those who read or continue to read the blog!

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The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 20,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 5 Film Festivals

Click here to see the complete report.

2013 New Year’s Resolutions for Simpleek

December 29, 2012

With the crazy business of the world “ending” this year based on the Mayan calendar behind us, it’s time to focus on the approaching new year.

2012 has been a pretty good year on a personal level and for this blog as well. I garnered more followers and readers than I thought possible, and I’m still writing a post a week. I still wish I had the time to do two posts a week, but the important thing is pushing myself to be able to write one good post every week. I hope I am living up to that commitment, dear readers!

Looking back at some of the posts I have written this past year, I can count posts I am quite proud of writing and some I wish I had done better on. I also realized how difficult it is to balance writing one topic over the other. Being a blog that likes to write about manga, anime, video games, and a bit of fashion in between––it’s clear that some topics will get more attention than others.

As a 2013 resolution for the Simpleek blog, I hope to challenge myself to write more analysis based posts because I haven’t written enough of those. I also wish to write more anime based posts. My anime related ones are sorely lacking, but I blame it on not finding enough time to watch the animes I currently own at home or are sitting on my Netflix queue waiting to be watched. I hope to squeeze more time in for the anime perspective on the blog in the new year. Reviews will still be written for the blog, but I don’t want to become too much like a review blog either. What I enjoy writing the most are posts where I can discuss things and where I can make observations on things I have noticed or seen. Discussion has been my main motivation for keeping this blog, and I hope to spark more conversation in 2013 with my regular readers and future ones.

Happy New Year everyone, and see you all in 2013!

traditionalsnow

One Year of Simpleek

November 19, 2012

It’s the month of November and after reading a post over at Black Strawberry about the blog’s anniversary, I remembered that it is my own blog’s anniversary as well.

Hunny and Mori can’t hardly contain their excitement over the blog’s one year anniversary

I started the blog back in November 2011 in an attempt to keep myself busy, improve my writing, and to talk about the things I absolutely love. It was also around the time where I was trying to pursue my professional dreams, and luckily that has come true this past year. I needed a creative outlet to keep my sanity and to push myself to write on a regular basis in general. There is no better way to practice your writing than by committing to writing a blog at least once a week. It is a challenge, but one I wish to continue.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how many people really wanted to read what I had to say. I’m amazed and extremely grateful for the amount of likes, followers, and comments I get for my posts. Not only is it a great boost to the self-esteem, but it shows I must be doing something good with this blog if people want to follow me and sometimes share my posts with others.

I don’t claim my blog to be the best of the best out there. I believe there is still more I can learn, more to improve, and more I can grow from. I have a passion and enthusiasm for anime, manga, video games, and fashion. I realized I had things to say on these topics, and instead of just analyzing everything in my head, why not put it out there for the world to find and see? By indicating in your own way that there is an audience for my blog, it keeps me constantly writing and thinking of interesting things to say or share.

I want to take the time to thank everyone for making this blog what it is after one year. Before I only had zero to one person reading my blog, and now I have about eighty something followers. I look forward to spending another year with you.

Happy One Year Simpleek! Thank you for reading!

New York Comic Con Post To Come

October 15, 2012

Mondays are my usual update days for my blog, but as I’m still working on trying to gather my thoughts over the past convention weekend as well as photos from the convention, I will be making an additional blog update this week. Please keep an eye on it. To give you a sneak peek of what I have in store, enjoy this photo from the many I have taken during the con weekend!

Aren’t these cute? Can you recognize the chibi sized versions of these very popular characters?

Anime Blogger Interrogation Game

August 20, 2012

A bit of randomness and fun for this week’s blog update. Marina over at Anime B&B has tagged me to take part in the “anime blogger interrogation game.” This is another opportunity for my readers and fellow bloggers to get to know me. Here are the rules:

Rules
(copy/pasted from the original)

  • Each person is supposed to follow the rule of fives.You are allowed to ask 5 questions, after which you can tag up to 5 bloggers by hyper-linking to their blog; 5 questions because it’s not too many to flood another blogger and occupy too much of his/her time, but yet a large enough number to ask your most important questions, and 5 bloggers to avoid spamming. Hence, prioritize your questions, and who you wish to ask!
  • Those tagged are obliged to answer the questions in a blog post, and after which, they are entitled to create their own 5 questions and tag 5 other bloggers, so on and so fourth. You are allowed to tag the person that tagged you in the first place. Also, copy and paste this section on your blog so others can understand how the game goes.
  • In the case where a blogger strongly refuses to answer a question, he/she must instead post a nice anime image, wallpaper or cosplay picture, et cetera in response to that question.
  • To make things interesting, a blogger can include wildcards in his/her 5 questions by placing an asterisk, (*), after which those tagged are obliged to reveal something interesting about themselves that others did not previously know. There is no limit to the number of asterisks one can place (which means there can be up to 5 wildcard questions).
  • Anyone can feel free to start the game; you don’t necessarily need someone to tag you. Just create your 5 questions and tag your 5 people of choice. However, the catch is that you must answer your own 5 questions as well.
  • To potentially prevent an endless game, this round of games will end on the 8th September 2012, 12pm JST (GMT +9). After which, no more bloggers can tag others to answer their questions.

Here are my answers to Marina’s questions:

1. If you had to cosplay as one anime character at the largest anime convention closest to you, who would you be, and why?

A: If I were actually brave enough to do it, I would cosplay as one of the Sailor Scouts from Sailor Moon. It’s mainly because it’s my all time favorite series growing up.

2. What is your favorite post on Anime B&B? If possible, explain.

A: I enjoyed your recent post about your reflections on animanga blogs. I thought it was really informative and it was a great discussion about what everyone’s own personal preferences are for wanting to follow certain blogs.

3. You’ve just been informed that you have one more day to live.  What last meal would you like to eat?

A: This is tough. I suppose Chinese food would be my last meal. I would go for General Tsao’s chicken with a side of fried dumplings.

4. Looking at Hunter x Hunter‘s Nen chart and role descriptions, where do you most likely fit? Is that what you would wish for, or would you like to have a different ability?

    1. Enhancers are determined and simple. Most of them never lie and hide nothing. Their words and actions are often dominated by their feelings. They are generally very selfish and focused on their goals.
    2. Emitters are impatient and not detail-oriented. Many of them quick-tempered and hot-blooded. They resemble the users in building their impulsivity, but the difference with them, they probably tend to calm down and forget more easily.
    3. Manipulators are logical people who advance at their own pace. They are all for arguments and tend to want to keep their families and loved ones safe. On the other hand, when it comes to pursuing their own goals, they do not listen to what others might have to say about it.
    4. Transmuters are whimsical liars. Transmutation users have unique attitudes, and many are regarded as weirdos or cheaters. They rarely reveal their true intentions.
    5. Conjurers are typically high-strung.They are often on guard as to be overly cautious. They are very observant and rarely fall into the traps. Being able to analyze things calmly is the strength of the materialization of users.
    6. Specialists are individualistic and charismatic.They will tell you anything important on them, and refrain from being close friends. But, because of their natural charisma that draws others, they are always surrounded by many people.

A: These are really interesting. I would say I’m most like the Enhancer. I am very determined, and I try to be honest about my feelings when I can. I know I can also be an emotional person, but then again I’m also practical. I don’t make my decisions solely on emotions alone. I don’t think I want a different ability from the Enhancer, but I don’t ever want to be completely selfish that I only consider my goals and no one else.

5. Your life’s an anime accompanied by its own soundtrack and theme songs. Which composer would you like in control of your OST?

A: Kajiura Yuki and Kanon Wakeshima! The OST for Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle and Vampire Knight feature these artists respectively. I really enjoyed how they conveyed the overall mood for each series. I don’t doubt they would create something amazing if my life were an anime with a soundtrack to go with it.

I don’t quite have five who can potentially do this, but these are the ones I want to tag to participate: Black Strawberry, Pixels and Panels, Gagging on Sexism, and Shoujo Corner. Now for the questions for those I tagged:

1. If you can go on a date with any anime character, who would it be and why?

2. When you first got into anime/manga, has it increased your interest in the Japanese language or culture?

3. How did you get into anime/manga?

4. What anime series, if any, are you currently watching?

5. If for one day you could be part of your favorite anime series, what would it be and why?

Since the rules say I also need to answer my own questions, here they are:

1. I would pick Mamoru from Sailor Moon. I think he would make an interesting date because he’s intelligent, charming, and very much the gentleman. I can see why Usagi would be attracted to him.

2. I know when I started watching anime and reading manga, I found myself fascinated by the Japanese culture. Everything about their culture is unique and a complete contrast from the American culture. I also liked how I managed to pick up some basic Japanese words just by watching anime, but it would be amazing if I could be fluent in it.

3. I got into it through a friend from high school. She showed me Sailor Moon and then Fushigi Yugi. From there, I started exploring other anime series or manga series on my own. I was hooked!

4. I’m currently watching Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, and having a hard time finishing it.

5. I would choose to be part of Ouran High School Host Club for a day. The amount of fun and craziness you can get into with the Host Club gang would be a day I wouldn’t forget!

I hope you enjoyed this fun little post!

A random post for fun

March 19, 2012

So I got tagged by renxkyoko on her blog to do a fun questionnaire type thing. I haven’t filled these out in ages. I remember doing these things when friends used to tag me in emails or Xanga (does anyone remember Xanga?) to fill these out. I always found it interesting to see what people had to say. Just for today, I give you the not so usual post. At least you guys get to know a little bit about me.

Here are The Rules:

  1. You must post the rules.
  2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.
  3. Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.
  4. Let them know you’ve tagged them!

1. If you could invite 5 famous dead people to dinner, who would you choose?

A: William Shakespeare, Audrey Hepburn, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jane Austen.

2. In a few sentences, give the reason why you’ve chosen each guest.

A: William Shakespeare because I want to know what it was like to come up with some of the plays he is known for. Audrey Hepburn because she was a great style icon and a great actress. F. Scott Fitzgerald because I want to know more about the decade he lived in. Martin Luther King Jr. because I want to ask him how he found the strength and courage each day to unite all races in harmony rather than hatred. Finally, Jane Austen because I would like to learn about her life and what was her inspiration behind Pride and Prejudice.

3. Would you consider marrying a person whose religion is fundamentally different from yours? Give a reason why you would or wouldn’t.

A: I believe I would. Although I am born and raised as Catholic, I don’t think religion should be a barrier for anyone if they truly love each other. I would respect the religion he chooses to practice or not practice. I also expect the same from my future husband. If we were to have children, I would hope we both can leave it up to them to decide what to practice or believe in.

4. Do you have a fetish? If yes, what is it?

A: Is having an unnatural obsession/love of flowers a fetish? XD

5. Which trait do you consider more important to you, intelligence or stunning physical appearance?

A: I think intelligence is important. Yes, looks do matter too even though we all try not to focus on looks too much. Looks can only get you so far though. I want to be with a guy who has a lot to say and has something to contribute in a conversation. What’s the point of having a gorgeous accessory on your arm when he doesn’t have much up in the brain department?

6. Let’s say you’re married with 2 young children, but then you fall madly in love (and it’s mutual) with another person…would you consider divorcing your spouse to be with this person?

A: Wow, this is a hard one to answer. I think it depends on the situation. Am I dissatisfied with my current husband? Is that the reason why I end up looking elsewhere and falling for someone else? Or am I in love with my husband still and somehow fell for another person as well? If it’s a case of being unhappy with my marriage, then I think I would divorce my husband to be with the new guy. Of course, this wouldn’t happen unless I’ve exhausted all avenues of trying to make it work with my husband. You want to make the marriage work, especially if children are involved. But if you’re miserable then it’s time to call it quits and try to gently explain to your kids what the situation is and that both of you will love them no matter what happens between you and your spouse. If it’s a case of being in love with two men at the same time, then I doubt I would leave my husband for this other man. I married my husband for a reason, right? I can’t throw that away over a new guy. We also have kids in this scenario.

7.  Coffee or tea?  Coke or Pepsi? Left handed or right handed?

A: Coffee. Coke. Right handed.

8. Do you believe in death penalty?

A: No. It’s like trying to play God by deciding who lives and who dies. I’d rather see the person rot in jail for the rest of their life rather than decide if they should die as a way of paying for their crimes. An eye for an eye never really solves anything, much less brings back the person you lost.

9. Your loved one cheated on you. You still love him/her, and she/he wants to come back to you, would you take her/him back?

A: Another tough one. I think it’s like the divorcing your spouse question, it depends on the situation. How badly did this person cheat on me? Was it a one time thing? Was their a bad argument between us to cause him to cheat? If it’s a case of lapse in judgement and the cheating happened once and not repeatedly, then I may take the person back. If anything, the person would have to earn my trust again if I were to take him back fully. If it’s a repeated occurrence, then no. I would never take him back no matter how much I loved him.

10. Would you get attracted to a person of different race and color? Why or why not?

A: I would and I have. Living and growing up in NYC, you’re surrounded by different races and ethnic backgrounds. All are attractive no matter what race or skin color you are. Love/attraction is color blind in my opinion.

11. Which one do you believe in? Evolution or Creationism? Kindly state your reason in a few sentences as possible.

A: Evolution. I like to think that the passage of time has led us to become who we are now…human. Apparently we were once cavemen who couldn’t articulate very well until our minds have advanced and grown for us to become the complex beings we are today.

That answers all the questions. The rules say to tag 11 people and to create 11 questions of your own. I’m not sure who to tag for this or if anyone would be willing to do this. If you want to join this little questionnaire thing, then leave me a comment and I’ll come up with 11 questions for you to answer. If not, then enjoy reading my responses to the questions I have been tagged for.

03/21/2012 EDIT: So I have three people who want to join in on the random questionnaire thing. Tagged so far are soaringwingsblog, Heroine of Shoujo, and Lazy Cat Cafe. I came up with 11 questions of my own for the tagged to answer. If anyone else would like to join and post these questions on their blog to answer, be sure to comment and let me know you will be joining this. I would love to read your answers. Here are the questions:

1. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?

2. If this were your last day on Earth, how would you spend it?

3. Did you have a favorite childhood toy? If yes, what was it?

4. What are your favorite television shows you are watching right now?

5. If you could travel anywhere in the world and money is not the problem, where would you go and why?

6. If you won the lottery tomorrow, how would you spend the money?

7. What’s your biggest pet peeve?

8. Is there someone you idolize. If yes, who is it and why?

9. Do you believe in the idea of a soulmate? Explain your reasons briefly.

10. What’s your happiest memory?

11. What’s your favorite thing to do during your free time?

Spoilers are just so hard to resist

March 12, 2012

The blog Shojo Corner wrote a really great piece regarding spoilers a while back. The post talks about the idea of spoilers and how a spoiler negatively or not so negatively impacts our decision to watch or read something.

My view on spoilers is it doesn’t quite matter to me if something is spoiled. I’m more interested in how we actually arrive to the ending or to certain major plot points. I think I very rarely tell someone to not spoil me on something if I really want to be surprised. I find myself itching to find out how something unfolds before I even get to watching, reading, or playing something. It’s funny how spoilers just happen to find you without it being intentional.

Continue reading “Spoilers are just so hard to resist”