I have decided on a few possibilities for things to write.
1. A woman's budget travel guide
2. A Quilting book
3. A guide on things to do in Bellingham for those under 21
At the moment I have decided to flesh out each idea and see which strikes my fancy the most. Wish me luck...
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
New Plans...
I have decided to write something instead of mindlessly browsing the internet all day. Still unsure what I'll write, or even how I'll publish it but it's something to do that uses my brain.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Depressing News and Gripes
Well, many people thought this was going to happen and I really hate to prove them right, but I have been forced to shelve my trip due to lack of funding. There is no way I can save up the money I need by March, even with a really well paying job. And I don't see one of those in my future for quite a while. I mean, I even got turned down from several fast food jobs because someone with more work experience applied! It really doesn't help that it's now been 14 months, yes MONTHS, since I've had an actual job.
So, I think I'm gonna change the name of this blog and write in it as my main. Hopefully I'll have more to post then...
See y'all who actually read this.
So, I think I'm gonna change the name of this blog and write in it as my main. Hopefully I'll have more to post then...
See y'all who actually read this.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
New Dates and Worries
I have been forced to shorten my trip in order to save money on hotel and food. The new dates are March 25 - April 5. If I play my cards right I will be able to save enough money to make that deadline, but it will be close. Really close, like hair-splitting close.
If I can get steady work soon, I will be able to make it. But that means working full time, with at least $600 a pay check, and $700 going into savings every month, plus at least $250 in sales from my jewelry before March 25. I'm a little worried...
If I can get steady work soon, I will be able to make it. But that means working full time, with at least $600 a pay check, and $700 going into savings every month, plus at least $250 in sales from my jewelry before March 25. I'm a little worried...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Status Report
I have decided to shorten my trip by a few days, now instead of 14 nights I will be staying only 10. I decided to do this to cut costs (my total decreased by over $500) and to make it easier to get time off when I finally find a decent job. Other than that my plans remain the same.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Jewelry Blog Is Up!!!
Well, I have officially decided to start up my own jewelry blog and since more people have viewed this one lately I decided to ship it. If you wish to check it out go my profile page and click on "Hana Creations". Or here's a link... Hana Creations.
It's my little space to talk about the jewelry I make, also I will post small tutorials here and there that I'll call Project Thursday. And yes, they will actually be posted on Thursdays. The projects will be simple beginner stuff, with the occasional harder lesson. There is already one up for Simple Beaded Earrings, but if you'd clicked on the link you already know that. Soon there will be a link to my ArtFire shop, whenever I finally get that up and running...
As for news about my trip, I afraid the only thing new is that I finally got off my butt to open a savings account. Still no real job, still no offers for a real job, and so far only one craft fair that I can enter for the holiday season. And it's in December... great help that is now. Why are these craft fairs so elusive. There's nothing posted online for my area.
Sorry, I felt like whining. Feel free to ignore it.
It's my little space to talk about the jewelry I make, also I will post small tutorials here and there that I'll call Project Thursday. And yes, they will actually be posted on Thursdays. The projects will be simple beginner stuff, with the occasional harder lesson. There is already one up for Simple Beaded Earrings, but if you'd clicked on the link you already know that. Soon there will be a link to my ArtFire shop, whenever I finally get that up and running...
As for news about my trip, I afraid the only thing new is that I finally got off my butt to open a savings account. Still no real job, still no offers for a real job, and so far only one craft fair that I can enter for the holiday season. And it's in December... great help that is now. Why are these craft fairs so elusive. There's nothing posted online for my area.
Sorry, I felt like whining. Feel free to ignore it.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Updates
Well, so far still no real job, but I have managed to save up a little toward my trip. Enough that I plan on applying for my passport in early December even if I fall short and don't get to go after all. I guess I could always go to Mexico, or all else failing, Canada. There is a pretty good chance of me making quite a bit at craft fairs this winter, but that'll end pretty much at Christmas.
I hope to have an ArtFire Shop soon too, and that should bring in some sales. With luck they may even be steady and bring me lots of customers. Maybe I should make a blog too...
I hope to have an ArtFire Shop soon too, and that should bring in some sales. With luck they may even be steady and bring me lots of customers. Maybe I should make a blog too...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What I've Been Up To
Well, still no job. I have been working on my jewelry making skills and hope to get a booth at a couple of bazaars this winter. I've taken up chainmaille weaving as well. It's really fun, and challenging, to learn a bunch of the weaves. There are dozens to learn. Here's a picture:
That one is called European 6 in 1 - for every center ring there are 6 outside rings that go through it. I've made about eight different weaves so far, and there are about 50 more that I want to try. Here's a Queen's Mail bracelet (also called Box Chain):
That one is called European 6 in 1 - for every center ring there are 6 outside rings that go through it. I've made about eight different weaves so far, and there are about 50 more that I want to try. Here's a Queen's Mail bracelet (also called Box Chain):
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Photo Test
This is a photo of some random thing to see how adding photos works.... well here I go.
The pic is of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto.
Yay! It worked!!! Expect plenty of pics when I actually get to go on my trip.
The pic is of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto.Yay! It worked!!! Expect plenty of pics when I actually get to go on my trip.
I'm still alive!
I haven't been on here in sooo long! Feels like it's been forever. Anyway, updates! I'm still jobless (it's really starting to get irritating...) and I've had to reschedule my trip. It's now been moved to the spring. I've settled on dates though, if everything goes as planned I'll be leaving on March 25th (arriving there the 26th) and getting back on April 8th. A whole 14 days and 13 nights in Tokyo!!!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
New Addition to My Plans
I have decided to start learning Japanese again, focusing on kanji. So far (in the last few days) I have learned 15 kanji I didn't know before. I also refreshed on the number kanji. In addition to just learning what the symbols mean, I am also learning how to pronounce them as well. I am so excited!!! Just hope I manage to maintain interest longer than last time...
Also, I have stopped looking for full time work and have decided to try and play the part time / temp market to see if I can get anywhere with that. So far I have found 2 places that are hiring for sure, and have applied to several other places that are likely to have an opening soon. Wish me luck.
Also, I have stopped looking for full time work and have decided to try and play the part time / temp market to see if I can get anywhere with that. So far I have found 2 places that are hiring for sure, and have applied to several other places that are likely to have an opening soon. Wish me luck.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Updates and A List
Well first off, I still don't have a job. No real surprise there. I am a little miffed though. It's starting to get me a little worried about saving for this trip, but with our economy nose-diving like it is who knows if I'll even be able to afford the currency exchange in November...
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Now that that's over, here are the 25 Things I Cannot Miss in and Around Tokyo (in no particular order):
Now I should go work on my Japanese...
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Now that that's over, here are the 25 Things I Cannot Miss in and Around Tokyo (in no particular order):
- Tsukiji Fish Market
- Imperial Palace Gardens
- Shopping in Ginza
- Drinking in Shinjuku
- Meiji-jingu (Shrine)
- Senso-ji (Temple)
- Yurakucho
- Nikko
- Kamakura
- Jimbocho bookstores
- Shopping on Odaiba
- Yanaka Historic District
- Akiba (aka Akihabara)
- Shopping in Roppongi
- Shibuya Crossing and Shopping
- Ueno-koen and Shrines
- Shopping in Shinjuku
- Visit a knife and sword store
- Yasukuni-jinja (Shrine)
- Kagurazaka Historic District
- Visit a kimono shop
- Visit a sento or onsen
- Hachiman-jinja (Temple)
- Jingu-bashi on a Sunday afternoon
- Visit a Manga shop
Now I should go work on my Japanese...
Friday, January 16, 2009
So.....
Well, today I got a text from my friend Austin at some horrible hour in the morning (I think it was only about 9:30, but that's early enough for me) wanting to know if I wanted to go to the mall. Figuring I could look at what jobs are available I got my lazy butt out of bed and went. Guess what... nothing. Zip, Nada, Zilch. There was nothing that I could apply for. It made me really start to question my decision that I'm going to go this November. But I've been waiting and putting it off long enough. I am going. And that is that.
On that same note, I turned in an application to IHOP. Yes, IHOP. I find it rather pitiful that a job as an underpaid waitress is my ray of hope right now. Not to mention the fact that I know I won't be given the time off to go on this trip. That means that if I really insist on going I'd have to quit the job I worked so hard to get. It kinda sucks. I guess I could just go to Japan then come back and go back to job hunting again...
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On a happier note, we went to Walmart too and I found a luggage set that I liked and it costs a lot less than I thought one of that size would. It's a five piece set, 1200D polyester, with in-line wheels, for $48.98. There's a 24" regular suitcase, a 15" carry-on suitcase, a rolling duffel bag, a small messenger style carry-on bag, and a case to put your toiletries in. It made me happy to know I could save about $80 later when I have the money to actually buy the stupid thing.
And I know that I most likely won't need all the luggage pieces for my trip, but what's to say I won't need one of the smaller bags for a later trip.
On that same note, I turned in an application to IHOP. Yes, IHOP. I find it rather pitiful that a job as an underpaid waitress is my ray of hope right now. Not to mention the fact that I know I won't be given the time off to go on this trip. That means that if I really insist on going I'd have to quit the job I worked so hard to get. It kinda sucks. I guess I could just go to Japan then come back and go back to job hunting again...
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On a happier note, we went to Walmart too and I found a luggage set that I liked and it costs a lot less than I thought one of that size would. It's a five piece set, 1200D polyester, with in-line wheels, for $48.98. There's a 24" regular suitcase, a 15" carry-on suitcase, a rolling duffel bag, a small messenger style carry-on bag, and a case to put your toiletries in. It made me happy to know I could save about $80 later when I have the money to actually buy the stupid thing.
And I know that I most likely won't need all the luggage pieces for my trip, but what's to say I won't need one of the smaller bags for a later trip.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Exciting Find!!!
I have found the cutest little hotel... right in the middle of the Imperial Palace District!!! More specifically in Jimboucho!!! For those who don't know, that's the bookstore district. The hotel is just about a 5 minute walk from the antique bookstores too.
And guess the price!!! Only 6090 Yen a night. That's approximately $61 a night!! What a steal. Plus there's an in-house laundry, a 24-hour cafe, and wireless Internet.
But hold your breath for me 'cause I still have to get the money and make reservations. I'm crossing my fingers that a group doesn't book it before I can snag a room.
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I also got an estimation on how mush the plane tickets will cost... let's just say I'll be using the money I save on the hotel to cover it... I figure around $1100 give or take a few hundred. Thank God that's the round-trip fare.
Other costs/allowances include food ($1000), Transit costs ($100), Admission fees ($200), Back-up money ($300), shopping allowance ($500 or more), and Pre-travel expenses ($300).
All in all, this 2 -week trip will probably cost somewhere between $3750 and $4500!
And guess the price!!! Only 6090 Yen a night. That's approximately $61 a night!! What a steal. Plus there's an in-house laundry, a 24-hour cafe, and wireless Internet.
But hold your breath for me 'cause I still have to get the money and make reservations. I'm crossing my fingers that a group doesn't book it before I can snag a room.
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I also got an estimation on how mush the plane tickets will cost... let's just say I'll be using the money I save on the hotel to cover it... I figure around $1100 give or take a few hundred. Thank God that's the round-trip fare.
Other costs/allowances include food ($1000), Transit costs ($100), Admission fees ($200), Back-up money ($300), shopping allowance ($500 or more), and Pre-travel expenses ($300).
All in all, this 2 -week trip will probably cost somewhere between $3750 and $4500!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Needs, So Far...
These are the things I have decided I need before I do much more planning:
1. Job (for the money)
2. Passport
And once I secure those two things:
1. Luggage Set
I'll make a new list once these are taken care of...
1. Job (for the money)
2. Passport
And once I secure those two things:
1. Luggage Set
I'll make a new list once these are taken care of...
Introductions
Well, I'm Cinna. I plan to go to Tokyo, Japan in November 2009, money permitting. For now, this blog will just follow some of my preparations, frustrations, and possible changes to my plans.
Hope I don't replace counting sheep.
Hope I don't replace counting sheep.
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