{{Better late than never to make a new post for the new year!}}

I celebrated my birthday, eleven days ago, and felt an internal cosmic shift (if that makes sense)! This new revolution in my life will be about “going for it”–reaching Thirty sooner than I thought, so it is about time I step up my Grown Woman(TM) game!

Updates since my last post:

• Got employed at a specialty gifts store (my first job, and in retail). Survived the Christmas holiday shopping and the Valentine’s Day rush! Next up: Easter and Mother’s Day!! But I like it so far because of the plushies, candy, and compliments by customers like, “This is such a beautiful store!” and “I want to live here!” (because same).
• Completed my training in voice acting! I began some time in November and recorded a demo last month, to use for potential gigs! I never thought that I would pursue this profession, but I would like it to be something that can help me to break away from the seriousness of the Real World and of Academia… Hoping to go further in this path!
• Moved up to Level 2 of Japanese language courses! It is taking a while to refresh my memory on grammar rules, vocabulary, and writing… and I am also learning katakana!
• Planning to continue driving lessons, after I failed my first road test… By the spring, I should be more confident and less afraid of taking the wheel. I aim to get licensed in time for the summer!

Currently, I am preparing to apply for graduate school. There is a new program that has launched at my target school, which perfectly combines the disciplines of my undergraduate studies. I will be attending their open house in a few weeks, so I am excited about that. I am keeping track of my progress, in making sure that I meet the deadline and hoping to get an answer by next year!

In terms of personal matters, I find myself worrying less about what others think or say about my life. I am more focused on bettering myself, my lifestyle, and my future course. I have found a supportive network that is giving me encouragement, advice, and praise for the work that I am doing. I am saving up funds for future investments and being more frugal yet thoughtful with money.

Oddly enough, I am learning to love books and reading again. That is, I am taking time out of my day, no matter how tired I am, to spend time with a story and enjoy the narrative. As much as I tend to see reading as part of my work as a Writer, I need to give myself a break and learn to read as a Reader. Even that will help me improve in my writing and my approach to literature.

I have gotten so busy with work, class, and home life that I find myself unable to write sometimes. Because I feel too tired to recall the day’s events, I tend to forget or blank out… so that is something that needs to change.

Also, I have a growing sweet tooth, which is not great, for someone without dental insurance…

{{hai}}