kodama's live journal

Twitter

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:47:57 GMT

I've given into the pressure that is Twitter. I don't check my facebook more than once a month. I do check my livejournal friends every day but I rarely post myself. Maybe Twitter's limited character entries will persuade me to post more. I know I like reading my friend's entries alot, I can only assume my friends would enjoy some more input on my end...

My twitter name is: TigerLilees

I had a hell of a time trying to find a unique name that I still liked and represented me. I've sorta dropped the "kodama" lately. Sorry if this causes confusion. I was desperately trying to get my two favorite things: "purple" and "tigers" in there together but apparently purple tigers are common place on twitter, but the tigerlily flower comes as a nice second.

I don't have ~~nor do I really want~~ internet access on my phone, but I'm pretty sure I have unlimited text messages. So I figure I'd update via SMS.

Comment with your twitter user name so I can ~~hopefully~~ keep you updated on my boring life while I can follow your more interesting one!

Streampunk kilt

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:11:01 GMT

For some reason I find this hilarious!

And to think I was googling "streampunk clasp". Anyone know of a buckle, clasp or closure type thing in a rusted copper colour that I could get a hold of in multiple quantities?

Scottish Streampunk

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:11:25 GMT

I've been eyeing Streampunk fashion for a while now. I've noticed tons of different styles varying from punk, gothic, lotita, metal-fetish, etc. I had always hoped I'd make a streampunk costume some day.

Recently I've been doodling different costume ideas. Since I have some time off for the holidays, I’ve decided that I'd attempt to make a steampunk costume (hopefully it will get farther than my last costume attempt...).

I want to make something unique, but still in the steampunk style. Something that I like, and isn't too revealing (mini skirts don't belong imo). I've been playing with a Scottish theme (since it’s part of my background); trying to add in Celtic knots, thistles, tartan and so on. Today I finally came up with a design that I liked! Woo hoo! I couldn't get in any Celtic knots, but there's a thistle and definitely tartan. And even better yet, PURPLE! I <3 PURPLE! I've seen purple tartan before... and hopefully I can track some down.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:43:25 GMT

I have been reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. The next book came out recently, but I didn’t want to buy it because its hardcover only. The enormous book wouldn't fit in my modest-sized purse, so I'm stuck waiting for the paper back.

I thought a Kindle would be perfect for this kind of situation. It’s a sleek design, has access to many tons of electronic books and it’s more or less energy efficient. I was sad to hear that it was only purchasable in the States. Last month it had launched its smaller global version to 100 countries, but Canada was not on that list. However I found out today that you can get a Canadian version! I went searching for it on Amazon.ca but oddly enough you can only get it from the American version of the site.

The only global version sells for $249.99 USD (there’s a bigger US only one). I read the article from CBC news that had some very interesting comments. Apparently the CND version sells for the same price as the American version but has less features.

After a steep initial price of $249, each book is $12 with some best sellers prices at $9.99. Sure that beats hardcover prices but doesn't beat out paperback books. Also all of these prices are in USD (cannot buy in CND).
You can order subscriptions for select magazines and newspapers but Amazon won't store any of those past 6 days. (Unless you back it up yourself).
Kindle reserves the right to delete your PURCHASED electronic book from your device with no refund of money. This is in case they find themselves selling a book without the necessary rights. I could sorta agree with this if they did offer that refund, but they don't.
The Canadian version doesn't come with a browser, but can wiki stuff for free. If we are paying the same American price tag but not getting this sell-point feature, I'm sorry, that's just not right.
It does not support Blogs unlike the American counterpart. Again same price tag, fewer features. WTF?

I read a comment on that article saying that there is kindle web app (free download) for the iPhone where you can purchase e-books for a cheaper price. iPhones/iTouch can get this app, both have a browser, both can read books on the go, what's the incentive for a Kindle?

Another commenter said that he reads about 4-8 books per month. After getting this Kindle for x months (<12) he had saved himself $67. I could see saving that much from all hardcovers but I very much doubt that included the $249 initial cost.

I think the Kindle is an AWESOME idea. Portable low-energy device that can store 1200 books? Awesome. However currently the price of the device and the e-books are waaaaay out of line. I'm sorry, paying $12 for an electronic copy is just nuts. Yes, there is a big cost for buying the license, but I think $2-6 is much more appropriate.

It really does seem like they are just selling "in Canada" for an extra money grab.

Kindle, I'm very disappointed.

I choose you, Alexstrasza!

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:13:57 GMT

I’ve finally decided what I want to cosplay for CN/Fan Expo/Too-Big-Con. Alexstrasza! Now I realize that most of my friends here don’t play the ever addicting World of Warcraft, so here’s a nice picture. She's pretty cool. All powerful and that, yet protects all forms of life. She's also a dragon. And a really big one at that. I hope I have enough time to complete her, but realistically speaking, I doubt it. Probably will do a fast job on the gloves and such. But I have come to ask you people for your lovely advice.

Any ideas of a nice and relatively quick way to do the horns? With Illidan, I just made them out of fabric and stuffed them with cotton. Also, any ideas on how to do the armor other than just fabric+interfacing? I'm not really all that hard core cosplay-wise (especially with work ~~and wow~~ cutting into my cosplay time.) The bikini bottom has me a little nervous... will probably make it a little less revealing.

Ideally I'd like to make the back of the top corset-style lace up, but I've never done anything like that before. Would there be a better/easier way to make that top ~~defy gravity~~ stay up other than invisible straps? Also the gems... dunno how I'll make those.

I've been looking at some of Dany's 60s wigs and they seem to have that "poof" needed at the top. His colour charts don't seem to match up though...

Any comments/advice would be greatly helpful and appreciated!

Oh noes!

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:48:37 GMT

My glasses just broke ><

One of the rims around the lens just snapped. My perscription is relatively strong too... so I dunno how I'll get through the day. What really sucks is that I'll need a replacement by the end of Wedneday, cause I'm leaving the country (Yay Puerto Rico!!). I've found a couple places here in Oshawa that said they can have them really by tomorrow... but I doubt I'll find any new frame I'll like. *sigh* I don't have much choice though. By the time I make it back to Toronto, all the stores would be closed. *shakes fist at long commute*

I've just remembered that I'm down to my last pair of contact lenses (which are regretably at home). I remember the day I bought them, the lady said that I'd need to buy some more in 90 days. 4 years later, here I am. Lol, the boxes are soo beaten up. Anyone know where to get cheap daily contacts? I mostly only use them for cosplay now a days. Haven't found a costime I like with glasses yet...

Speaking of which, I should really sort out what I'm going to do for CN. Any cosplay groups forming?

Anime Recommendations

Wed, 06 May 2009 14:01:14 GMT

So ever since this guy at work found out that I’ve watch anime, he’s been asking me for some good recommendations. I’d love to suggest some good ones, but unfortunately I’ve been more or less out of the loop for years. I recommended Full Metal Alchemist to him, and he watched almost all of the 50-odd episodes in one weekend! Anyways, I was wondering if you could recommend any good anime. It doesn’t have to be recent, but ones like Trigun and Fushigi Yuugi would be hard to find now… Me personally, I try to stay away from the blatantly main stream stuff like Naruto and Bleach and yaoi o_o

A couple years ago I got really into Japanese dramas. My favorite was Hana Yori Dango. Although Hanazakari Kimitachie was pretty good too. So if you know other good ones, but all means!

This little piggy is sick

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:19:20 GMT

Ugh. I caught Ashwin's cold. *shakes fist*

Managed to get through Monday's workday...somehow. Yesterday morning it just got worse, so I called in sick. Downed some Buckley's every 4 hours. This morning I felt alot better probably due to me getting to sleep early the night before, so I decided to go into work. Wasn't so bad, until noon came around. I hadn't brought the Buckley's and I guess I should have, because when I was overdue from my 4 hour mark, I certainly felt it. On the plus side, it means that the medicine is actually doing it's job. But like I said, I hadn't brought it with me, and I wasn't going to be able to concentrate on work any more than I was already failing to do so anyways, so after a breif chat to my team lead, I went home.

You'd think with all this time off work that I'd be getting some decent sewing hours in right? Well, yesterday I managed to get a fair bit done. (And also watched the season of Vampire Knight). Today... well I tried to, but collapsed on my bed when I got home. A few hours later (I'm not really sure how long I slept) I still have no energy. I forced myself to at least do some test paint strokes on the fabric... but that's all the energy, thinking and planning that I can do atm. On the plus side, I found out that I may have to do a prime coat in white, because my fabric (twill) is slightly rippled, not making the acrylic paint go on neatly >.>

Symtoms have been weird. Started out as a horrible sore throat. Then moved on to WTFConjestion. Now I'm at sometimes-headachy-but mostly-icky-muscus-cough-and-no-energy. What's worse is that I'm fearing that my asthma is acting up. Whenever I've gotten really sick in the past, I usually have a horrible asthma attack afterwards, with the sole exception of last time, when I had the forsight to start taking my asthma meds immediatly when I started getting sick. Unfortunately, the thought didn't occur to me this time. I've started on them now though, so hopefully it'll help at least somewhat.

I can drive!

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:13:05 GMT

This morning I drove to the other side of the city for a 9:20 driving test. ugh. I was worried that it would start blizzarding. Luckily it held off. But I still missed my turn, twice, to get there. I really really should have thought ahead and booked it sooner so I wouldn't be desperate and be forced to drive long distances. >< Ah well. But the good news is:

I PASSED!

Yay I now have a full G license! And I can drink and drive! Well... at least not get so paranoid so that I can actually have one or two drinks at a party. Sucked that it cost $75.. and I have to return in a year to get my picture taken for an updated license.. ah well. I've been home for 6 months now, and have been putting this off for far too long. I'm just happy that it's over with. ^^

Blaaaaaarrrrgggh

Thu, 01 May 2008 13:36:15 GMT

So while packing up all my crap to move to Toronto, I had a runny nose and a mild sore throat. My first morning back in Toronto, it was pure agony to swallow. But it was just a sore throat right? It would go away, right?

Two days later I woke up with a worst throat I could never have imagined. My mom drove me around the neighbourhood looking for a walk in clinic.

First stop: My own doctor was on holidays and wouldn't get back until next week. The other doctor there was only accepting his own patients, despite it being a wake-in clinic. The receptionist didn't even have another place to try.

Second stop: My mother had heard about a newish clinic opening up in a strip mall about a 5 mins ride away. Went there, oh look, all the doctors are *also* on vacation and won't be back till next week at the earliest.

Third stop: Mom had remembered something being near the local mall. Drove there. It has since been converted to a Rehabilitation place.

Fourth stop: Drove up the street pursuing another rumor: found a place, but it was only a wake-in clinic on the weekends (this was wednesday). AAAAAARRRRGGGHHHH. But the lady kindly send me to go see the doctor anyways to see if they have any spare appointments left.

This was at about 9:00am. I luckly got an appointment for 9:45. I know mom had a meeting with her work at 10, so I said that I'd be fine to find my own way back via bus. My luck continued when the doctor saw me at 9:25 :D Unfortunately he gave me some bad news. With the extreme sore throat plus the nasal congestion that I've been having, he said I had strep throat. Bad stuff. But he gave me a perscription for some pills, and went downstairs in the pharmacy to fill it out. Yay for meds! Went out to the bus stop, saw 3 Mississauga busses pass me, and finally my own TTC one a while later. Got home safe and fine, and snuggled in to my pillow.

...until pain woke me up. Turns out with all this mucus congestion my sinuses, it also started building up in my left ear, causing an ear infection. One with constant pain enough that I couldn't even sleep through. I found an electric heater in a closet (the ones to heat blankets for old woman) and held it close to my ear. Felt kinda like Lynnel the guy who always has his safety blanket from Charlie Brown.

With the contain pain, I couldn't really do much. Sat around in my bed for a couple hours, tried to read a book, but had troubles focussing. Finally decided to just plug the heater in near the TV and just sorta stare at it. Four hours later my mom comes home and suggests I take a Tylonal for the pain. ...why couldn't she have told me earlier? Ugh... I do so, and it helps.

Woke up this morning with mucus coming out of everywhere. It's lining my mouth, nose, ear, left eye.. its gross. I just want to be well again :S

Short story is that I'm home bound until this stupid cold of mine gets better. Meaning that I can't go out and buy fabric to start sewing my costumes. Boo!

Well here's what I had planned costume-wise for AN:

Friday: stage ninja-ing
Saturday: Illidan Stormrage
Sunday: Combusken

I'm Freeeee!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:16:59 GMT

Yup, I've just completed my undergraduate degree, and I'm safe and sound in Toronto.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY

After four years of hard work and over $20,00 spent, I'm glad it's over, though still sad at the same time. While I was in uni, all of my friends in Kingston were only a short walk away. I'll miss that closeness greatly. People are so spread out in Toronto ;_; I like to think that I've matured as an individual over these years, but maybe you guys can tell me when we meet next.

Speaking of which, I remember reading something about a Big fabricland sale on May 1st. I'd love to come. Are ppl going as a group or just randomly? Cause I'd love to see some friendly Torontonian faces :D

I would sing the song, but I can't sing for beans.

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:28:25 GMT

Wishing jentaro a Happy Birthday and everyone Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Erin go Braugh~!

TORONTO!

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:54:26 GMT

Hey guys!

I'm back in town for Reading Week. Who wants to grab dinner or do silly things? Movie/shopping is always good, and I've never been to the northern china mall before (I can't think of the name right now. The one that isn't downtown). I'd be very happy to get a chance to see and spend time with my friends in Toronto before I go back for my last leg of the university race.

I'm busy friday night and wednesday morning, but the rest is free!

Career meme

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:28:31 GMT

Computer Support Person?! I hate dealing with the public. McDonalds saw to that! ...and what is a Millwright?

1. Go to Career Cruising.
2. Put in Username: nycareers and Password: landmark
3. Take their "Career Matchmaker" questions.
4. Post the top ten results.

1.	Computer Support Person
2.	Telephone Operator
3.	Web Developer
4.	Computer Network Specialist
5.	Database Developer
6.	Business Systems Analyst
7.	Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Tech
8.	Elevator Installer and Repairer
9.	Industrial Machinery Mechanic
10.	Millwright

Harry Potter Street Event! Tonight at Bay and Bloor

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:45:39 GMT

I'm not sure if this has been posted before, but I didn't see anything, so I will post it.

Taken from a Cosplay.com thread which was pulled right off the Indigo.ca Event website:

Toronto: Harry Potter Launch
Indigo Books is closing one of the busiest intersections in Canada and converting Toronto's Bay Street into Diagon Alley. At 8:00 pm on Friday, July 20th, hop aboard our Hogwarts Express Trackless Train and enter the magical world of Harry Potter.

Main Stage Entertainment
Magic Show
Critters Animal Show
Fire Juggling Show
Children's Musician Jen Gould
Juno Award-Winning Band – The Satellites

The Knight Bus
Our very own Double Decker Bus will be parked right in front of the store. Step inside the wizard bus to create wands, have your face painted, and other crafts, or you can have your palm read by a fortune teller.

Diagon Alley
Take a stroll down Diagon Alley (formerly known as Bay Street) and enjoy activities for all ages, for all muggles, and for all wizards!

* The Shrieking Shack – Our very own haunted house, situated in the town of Hogsmeade.
* The Hogwarts Inflatable Slide – At the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, there are a hundred and forty-two staircases that keep moving around – try and keep up!
* The Hogwarts Bouncy Castle – Where witches and wizards can train (and bounce) in safety.
* The Dueling Challenge[/u] – Club started by Professor Lockhart to teach students how to duel with spells. Try and stay on before your opponent falls off.
* The Quidditch Basketball Challenge – The wizarding national sport. Our version includes two players and two balls for scoring. You’re the chaser trying to score through one of the hoops.
* Gringotts Money Machine – Step into the wizarding bank and grab as many gold Galleons as you can before the time runs out. You may win a prize!
* Meet Hedwig the Owl – Harry's owl and mail courier. Harry bought Hedwig from Eeylops' Owl Emporium.
* Mad Science Potions Class– For wizards only! Make your very own slime.

I thought it sounds pretty cool. I'm gonna be there with Ashwin in my Hogwarts robes. Would be cool if I saw other people there as well ^__^

My new lotita outfit <3

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:42:18 GMT

I've been wanting to buy/make some like this for a while.. looked at some online stuff, but I don't like playing for shipping. So when I say this at Kensington market, I couldn't resist!

It's my first real piece of gothic/lolita clothing ^^ I luv it! Am thinking of replaces the strings on the front criss-cross things to purple ribbon... and thinking about making some unattached sleeves.. but what do you guys think?

<-- click to see full sized image

AN 07 pics are up!

Mon, 28 May 2007 00:50:39 GMT

Pics are up! Just snaps of friends tho.. no random people. ...and only saturday pics. Was soo busy on Friday.

Good news tho! I am out of the "bad con funk" (or whatever one may call it) so I'm good for Fan Expo! Wooo~

..and now I clasp and die.

Costume parts

Mon, 14 May 2007 23:48:30 GMT

Anyone know any good places (preferably downtown or close to it) to get fishnet stocking and/or similar things that go on arms/part legs?

Also, white leg warmers? (you know the baggy Asian socks thingies that go up to your knee...ish)

anime coventions

Wed, 09 May 2007 13:15:52 GMT

I kinda saw this coming... and I've been going on off from it over the past couple of years. But it hit me hard when I read the AN newsletter. I'm asking myself "Why am I going?" All of the events that I read there have no appeal to me. I never followed any of the English dub so I don't care about the English voice actors.. I haven’t even heard of the comics that all the artists have made, my only hope was the Japanese guest... which again turned out to be someone I have on clue who is.

I find it funny that they say this year they are showing the "Canadian Premier of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" when that was one of the very few anime that I saw at AN last year -.-

I kept telling myself that the only reason I was going to these conventions.. spending all this money, was to see my friends that I only see at conventions. But looking back on that, I only really just say "hi" or "how’s it going" to them, and that’s that. My other closer friends I see at various events throughout Toronto, or when we just get together (which we should do more often!). I used to look forward to the masq, and performing in it.. but lately I’ve had to miss it cause I couldn’t find someone with a good idea that would take me in(lord knows I don’t have a mind creative enough to think up something myself). If I had changed things, I would only have come to AH for the Saturday.. but since I already paid for a weekend pass, I might as well come. Though I have to miss Sunday cause of some massive multiple cousin showers or something like that. (Mothers orders >.>)

So for CN, I might not go at all, or I might just go for the Saturday. I’ll be coming to most, if not all of the cosplay events during the next 4 months that I will be in Toronto.

…if only AN was an extra week or three later, than I’d actually get to do a decent job on my costume.. I will probably have to leave out parts of it. Boo!

In other news, my job is going well. Unfortunately the only real work I’ve been given, I completed early last week, so I’ve just been “researching” and playing with YUI on web pages. Panel look cool and funky. But other than that, I’m bored to death. Hopefully things should turn up.

I must apologize for the rant on things. I don’t do it often, well not in text formal at least.

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:36:44 GMT

First day of work! God I'm so nervous ><

I hope I didn't dress too formal... I hope I don't weird people out... I hope I don't trip or fall on my face... I hope I can *find* the place ><;;;

My boss said he might be busy when I should come, so to contact some other people and wait until he's free.

...should have done more research on struts... couldn't get the prog to run... AHHHH!

Why am I up so early!?!?!

I just got back from Kingston 5pm lat night. ...I really should have asked to start a week later. boo

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:55:15 GMT

Arrived safely back in Kingston a little while ago. Hehe, one of the first things I did was make some tea ^^ I got some very yummy tea from my family this year, and I can't wait to try it all out! I've got the blackberry one right now... so yummy XD

So classes this year... Well to start off, Ive got an 8:30am Unnix class.. arg. I'm also taking Operating Systems, Human Computer Interaction, Ancient Humor, and more physics.

and now to eat more christmas chocolate. ...yum

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:50:15 GMT

YAY! I am done all exams *and* christmas shopping!! Yuppee!

Now the only thing left is to pack for my 10am bus right out of here.

...hmm... lets procrastinate on that for another hour...

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 19:58:39 GMT

I've recently gotten really addicted to Lolita fashion. I wanna make some cloth, but fear that my sewing skills aren't high enough to pull it off well without patterns. Does anyone have any good patterns or know some pleaces where they can get it "cheaply"? I know ebay has some Chinese Sweet Factories willing to make a custom dress for ~$130 CND.

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 17:05:18 GMT

Silly distractions...

Yay for last day of classes~!

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 23:19:18 GMT

I snagged this off my Logic and Algorithms prof's blog:

Here's something I've been wondering about for the past few days: why do we find flowers to be beautiful? They don't address any of our basic needs in life - they are not edible, they don't keep us warm, they are darn near useless in a fight, and they don't contribute to the furtherance of the species (except as part of courting, which role they can only play because we find them pleasing ... a circular argument).

This question came to me when I was looking at a photograph of a cat and a flower. The cat was completely ignoring the flower, and I realised that to the cat, the flower was probably not a thing of beauty at all (assuming cats make aesthetic judgements, which seems plausible if not probable - they certainly form attachments to people and objects). So I started wondering why I thought (as I did) that the flower was a beautiful thing.

In other news, does anyone know any jsp? *sighs*