Sunday, December 4, 2011

A Very Long but Needed Update

It’s been so long since I posted last that I don’t know where to start.  I’ll start with the most recent happenings.  I apologize if this post seems scattered and hectic or random.  I’m trying to fit a lot of information into a sufferable post length.  Please bear with me and don’t judge the blog just by this post.  I have more succinct posts and updates.  I assure you. 

My last con for the year (Tomodachi Fest) was this past weekend.  I debuted three new cosplays (Nora from Spice and Wolf, Sheryl Nome, and Miwako from Paradise Kiss) and hosted a sewing panel.  It was my first panel, and I am very pleased with how it went.  I saw a bunch of friends and made a few new ones.  I even entered the cosplay contest though I didn’t win. Sadly, I missed a few events I wanted to go to but am looking forward to catching a few at the next con.  Overall, it was a very fun con even though it was the smallest one to which I’ve been.  There were about 100 attendees at most.   Most likely, I will go back next year I look forward to seeing how it changes in the next year.

I’m going to play reverse for the rest of the post and briefly explain what happened since August to November.  Again, please bear with me.  I’m trying to make this post the best it can be for how fragmented the information is. 

June and July were pretty uneventful, except for a small cavy (guinea pig) show for 4-H in July.  The months mostly consisted of me sewing like a maniac while trying to haul my sewing machine and projects with me everywhere due to unforeseen events.  I wasn’t able to get a lot done, but I did debut a few new cosplays and attended a couple photo shoots.  They were very exhausting months yet not totally unenjoyable.  There were moments and people that helped brighten those dark months.

August was very interesting to say the least.  It started with Fandemonium which was amazing as usual.  I worked help desk again this year and absolutely loved it.  I’m very excited to try for the position next year.  This year, I didn’t debut any new cosplays due to lack of time and funds.  Instead I wore Fire Nation Toph with a newly styled wig and an original steampunk design.  Both were very well received for which I am glad.  The con mostly consisted of me working help desk, but I met a few new friends and saw many old ones.  I love how cons bring friends together.  I also entered the costume contest as Toph but didn’t win.  Overall, I am very, very pleased with this con.  It is a favorite of mine for a reason.  I can’t wait to see what next year is like.

4-H exhibits and fair, along with the new semester, closed August.  Fair was disappointing yet somehow enjoyable to say the least.  Due to my not having a reliable sewing location or printer, I was unable to finish all but three of my intended twelve projects and those were barely completed on time.  Despite my utter disappointment for the first few days, fair overall was enjoyable.  The projects I did enter all received blue ribbons and my two cavies (guinea pigs) did very well despite the stressful fair environment.  In addition, I received best of breed for my white crested cavy and top showman for my age division.  I also did well in the fashion review and earned a blue ribbon.  Graduating 4-H was bittersweet.  I’m happy to move one yet sad to see it go. 

The next couple months were pretty unexciting sewing wise.  School continued as normal and I moved out of my mom’s house.  There were a couple small yet fun photo shoots in September, and I was able to debut a few new cosplays and costumes for both.  October was a bit more exciting.  I received a commission and worked on a costume for Halloween while helping various friends with costumes and cosplays of their own. 

The past few months have been interesting to say the least.  I was able to make and throw together a few cosplays, most which were mediocre.  Looking back, I can see some growth in learning how to make and draft costumes and explain the process to others.  There was a lot of personal growth as well.  I’ve seen a small taste of how hard yet rewarding it is to live on your own.  There is definitely a fine line to walk in order to avoid lots of pitfalls and personal struggles.  Yet the character it gives it so rewarding.  These past months have shown me that I have a lot to improve and a long way to go before I’m any better of a person or seamstress or cosplayer than I am today.  It will take a lot more hard work and determination to reach my dreams and goals.  Nevertheless, I’m content and please to have struggled through the past months and year no matter many or how hard the dark and challenging times were.  I look forward to what the new year brings with an unexpected fervor and joy.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

I Return

No, I am not dead.  I apologize for the long wait and neglect of my blog.  My computer’s been down since September due to a bad adaptor, and I never got around to updating manually because my schedule turned extremely busy and all my pictures and other blogging stuff were on my computer.  Nevertheless, I’m back and plan to fill you in on all that’s happened so expect a flood of posts in the next week or two, especially since the semester is coming to a close.