Dark Times

The bad economy is really not news at this point, but it really finally has hit home for me. Well, for awhile now I've had a tough time getting a job but to certain extent I've chalked it up to my poor interviewing skills combined with a lack of local positions. But today my father lost his job.

This is such a profound shock as I can't remember the last time my father lost his job. I know it happened back in 70's when the economy was bad. But I've grown up with that stability all my life, knowing that my parents will always be all right.

Moreover, I have to put my own house plans on hold in order to help keep them afloat. I can't explain how much this sucks. Just two days ago, the fi and I were getting together stuff to go get pre-approved and making wedding plans.

I'm trying not to be bitter, but to be so close and to lose it all hurts so much. I know it sounds selfish compared to what my parents are going through, but the fi and I worked really hard and made a lot of sacrifices to get to this point.

I don't know what to do next. For now, all I can do is sub and hopefully our plans won't be put on hold for long.

Fangirls, Catgirls, and Halloween. Oh My!

Awesome weekend! Friday was Halloween and other than maybe hitting a construction barrel and knocking off my passenger side rear view mirror (um...oops?), it was a great day. The Pumpkin was home since there was no school that day (I wish they did that when I was a kid). We cleaned up the house and mostly chilled for the day. She was a vampire ninja (pictures below). Originally, the fi and I were supposed to take her out Trick-or-Treating while my parents passed out candy. Well, my mom went over to my grandfather's to help him pass out candy which meant my dad would be sitting there by himself. And since I was still a bit shook up about the whole taking out my mirror thing (we had gone out to dinner and just gotten back), I asked my dad if he minded trading.

Well, I learned why my mom goes all out with the Halloween decorating--it just brings joy to everyone. Its fun passing out candy at the "cool" and "spooky" house. The weather was great too--a little chilly but nice. My daughter made it all the way around the neighborhood this year (a first) and got tons of candy! Afterwards, I did a ritual to honor those who have passed, in particular my Mimi.

The next day was Youmacon! This is my first year going and I can't believe that such an awesome con was going on so close and I didn't even know about it. After the ex came to pick up the pumpkin, I headed up with the fi and a couple of friends. I was the only one of us to cosplay (just a goth Lolita type get up, I wish I took a picture) and as it turns out I blended right in. Almost everyone there was in some sort of cosplay get up. My cosplay outfit morphed into a goth Lolita catgirl when the fi bought me some cat ears and leather collar with a bell (MEOW!). I also got a beautiful purple Chinese style dress. And the best news--it was a medium! That's right, I've actually lost more weight!

But there's even more! Youmacon was just bubbling full of events and panels for a fangirl like me. I did sit in on the Sailor Moon panel (I've never been in a room with so many senshi cosplayers before!). We went and watched a new anime in one of the screening rooms too (To-Love-Ru). But since this was a first trip, it was mostly exploratory t0 what was there. I think to get the real Youmacon experience you need to go for all four days (the thing runs 24 hours, as lot of the more adult stuff happens "after hours"). We (me, the fi, and our friends) are thinking of trying to do whole thing next year (even getting a hotel room to crash at for downtimes and at night). We'll have to see what next year brings, but it is a definite possibility.

Oh...and beware of Vampire Ninjas (not Geishas as they are often confused by people handing out Halloween candy).

Oh and I forgot. The Pumpkin's birthday was the 28th. She is on an all things Asian kick right now (as you may have guessed). Originally she wanted to bring in Chinese food for her snack, but I didn't think that'd go over well with her classmates. So I made homemade cupcakes and decorated them with the kanji for friendship (well, at least that's what the Internet said). Here they are (though not all decorated yet):

Faire!

No pics this time, but this was the weekend that the Fi and I sneaked off to the Michigan Renaissance Festival, alone. We have another big trip there planned with the family next month. But its a very different experience with just the two of us. It usually involves a lot of dotting on each other.

Anyways, other than getting slightly lost on the way home (Damn you Mapquest!), it was an incredible day. I got a new pouch and a lovely beaded handflower, as well as some yummy honey. But the best present, was the one my love got for himself (and well really for me too but we'll get to that). He bought new garb from Pendragon Costumes. In particular, he got their Hamlet Doublet in black and silver and matching pants. Not there was anything wrong with the garb I made him, but well...when I see him in his new garb....well, let's just say it's very swoon-worthy. I love looking at him anyway, but when he's in that I can't stop looking. And as their shop person pointed out, I apparently couldn't stop blushing when I looked at him either.

I really, really like their stuff and am toying with the idea of getting myself a dress from there. I'm rather in love with their Desree Dress (you'll need to scroll down). Having seen it up close, I think I want one. Whether I get one is still debatable, as I still have my perfectly good dress I bought from Greycat Designs before she closed up shop.

I'm sure it will come down to budget more than anything else. In the meantime, I have to make the pumpkin's dragon keeper costume for our big trip. We found some awesome faux suede with a scaly pattern on it for a vest so I imagine she will look quite adorable. I'm also help my brother, possibly my sister, and another friend get some garb together in time. So, I'll be quite busy until then.