Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year Image and Thoughts of 2012 & 2013


As promised, here is an image.. nothing interesting today to photograph, so I created a New Year's vector image, and I am sharing a photo of myself that I took last week. 
Happy New Year!


Now, we are going to answer a few questions. The answers will tell you a little more about my past, and well, my hopes of the future ;-) Please let me know what you think, or even post your own responses!
Remembrance of 2012
1.    What was your greatest achievement in 2012?
In 2012, I think one of my greatest achievements was making international news with some of my photographs that I took while working at the Animal Emergency Center. You can find these images by searching for “Bella Mae the Bulldog – Porcupine Attack.”
2.    What was the smartest decision you made last year?
My smartest decision last year was to put extra money into savings. I was able to save enough for several car payments until I can find a new job in New York.
3.    In one word, what was 2012 like?
Interesting.
4.    If your life in 2012 was made into a movie, what genre would it be?
My life would probably be a dramatic comedy, and well, in some parts tragic. Working at my previous place of employment definitely added into the combination.
5.    What was the greatest lesson you learned last year?
When working in group-projects, always count on extra work. Unfortunately I had a group project for Advanced Web Design and out of the 5 people in the group only 2 of us participated. We had to create an entire mall website in 3 weeks!
6.    Do you have any regrets of 2012?
My main regret is not putting back more money into the savings account. My second regret is not sticking to the diet and exercise plan.
7.    What is your biggest piece of unfinished business from 2012?
I have two pieces of unfinished business from 2012. My first is finding a new job (hopefully something that will last), and my second is losing the weight I so very much want to lose! (By the way I did manage to lose 15 lbs.! Go Me!).
8.    What are you most happy about completing last year?
Getting to meet and spend time with my adorable nephew, and moving out of Oklahoma. Oklahoma was a dreadful place, and now that we live in New York, it is like a little stress has been lifted from my shoulders.
9.   Which three people were most influential in your life in 2012?
There were more than three people that influenced my life in 2012. The main person that always influences me is my mother, and then of course several of my friends.


Transforming 2013 into the best year ever
1.    What would you like to be your biggest triumph this year?
I would like to get a mortgage for a new house.
2.    What advice would you like to give yourself this year?
Go for it, you’ve got nothing to lose, only points to gain!
3.    What is the major effort you are planning to improve your financial results this year?
Finding a new career and FINISHING my Bachelor’s Degree!
4.    What would you be most happy about completing this year?
a) Finishing my Bachelor’s Degree
b) Finding a good job
c) Approval for a mortgage
5.    What would you most like to change about yourself this year?
Shyness, and weight issues… I guess they kind of go together.
6.    What are you looking forward to learning this year?
Finding new opportunities to move forward.
7.    What is one as yet undeveloped talent you are willing to explore this year?
I look forward to improving my Adobe Photoshop and illustrator skills.
8.    What one word would you like to have as your theme this year?
Hopeful.

I have a lot to look forward to this year. Lets hope that 2013 is a million times better than 2012! 

Many of the above questions were used or inspired from 
Dot Connector. Check out their post to review all the questions!



2013: A New Year

Ok, I know. I haven't posted in forever. But I am back and I am making it my New Years resolution to post every day! Ok we'll maybe let's not be so drastic... Lets make it once a week. BUT... I will take one picture every single day. And will post them on both this blog and my photography blog. Be on the look out because the first image is coming in the next few hours! If I don't get the chance to take a picture, then I will add one from the past with a story about it... Let's make this year a good one.. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Another moment of nostalgia

It's crazy the way music can effect you. For example I've been sitting here listening to music from my past childhood... And it just drifts my mind back to happier times. Times where life was simple and friends were everything. I miss those days... I miss being able to just simply call a friend and go to their house. Now there is miles of land and ocean between my friends and me. It's no longer simple no longer easy. Just another strain on life

Perhaps in the future these gaps and holes will be filled and I will be able to go back to being happy and relaxed. Until then I'll just keep listening to my music and reliving my memories in my dreams. Until next time, Buona notte :)

Friday, June 10, 2011

Why Can't Life Just Be Simple?

As many of my friends know, I am currently studying Global Business & Policy. However, I have decided that I really am just not interested with it at all! I do however love using programs like Photoshop etc, so I have been considering changing majors for the last time to Graphics & Multimedia..... but there's a problem....

...MONEY MONEY MONEY...



I already owe about $55,000 (I think that is right although it is probably more!) and by changing majors to study what I really want, I will put myself in an extra $64,000... So, I am have this major dilemma, do I continue studying business even though I don't like it, or do I put myself in further debt and get my final degree in what I really want?

This entire matter is driving me crazy because I really just don't know what to do. If you were in my situation what would you do ?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Japan Relief Fund

Hello everyone,

I am sure you have all heard about the Japan Earthquakes & Tsunami... I am writing this post to inform my viewers, that I have designed an image for the Hope of Recovery for Japan, and I am selling T-shirts & other products with the image at La Bella Sakura Shop 50% of the commissions I earn off the images goes to Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund. Please check out my shop and I will try to post again as soon as I can!!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Tsunami / Earthquake in Japan

I am a Japanese American, and although I have not yet had the chance to visit Japan, I still feel connected in a small way. Japan suffered an "8.9 earthquake [that] shook Japan at 2:46 PM on Friday," March 11, 2011. It is the strongest earthquake that has ever been recorded in Japan's history.


This natural catastrophe has not only left Japan with tens of billions of dollars in damages, but has also left thousands of families without loved ones. I, myself have friends in Japan and I have been waiting to hear from several of them. I send my deepest condolences to those who have not found family members and to those who were injured by this tragedy.


As I mentioned before, Japan will need to recover, and even though many of our own nations are struggling with economic problems, we should still try to show our compassion and help quicken Japan's recovery. Japanese citizens will not only need funding, but they may also need extra clothing and other donations. You can find out how to help/donate at the following websites:


American Red Cross - you can donate to the Japan Earthquake & Tsunami or you can donate $10 by texting REDCROSS to 90999 


Convoy of Hope - text Tsunami to 50555 to donate $10
Salvation Army USA - Donate $10 by texting Japan or Quake to 80888
You can also call 1-800-SALARMY or go to the above website.


Thursday, March 3, 2011

Delightful Desserts

Yummy! New desserts that just popped out of the oven actually turned out okay! So... here are some pictures.. and maybe I will share my recipe later ;-)

Without Nutella Glaze


With Nutella Glaze...

Yummmmmy!