halloween costume dilemma

First off, I want to thank everyone who had sent me comforting messages concerning Filly's passing. I really appreciate that you took the time to write them. It's still hard but every passing day, it gets a bit easier. Thank you.

Well, it's already October and with October comes Halloween! Unlike last year, I'm invited to a Halloween party this year! Not one, but two (my popularity must be increasing)!

But with Halloween parties always comes the Halloween costume. I'm not sure if I'm the only one with this problem (and I'm sure I'm not) but I have no idea what to be. The only problem with attending Halloween parties is there's always some pressure to dress up as something (or someone) totally cool.

The dreaded question.
Originally, I wanted to be a cat but it's not...original. Almost at every Halloween party, there's going to be a cat. The reason I wanted to dress up as a cat was because it's easy (just wear black, colour your nose and draw some whiskers) and I found some cute cat ears when I was in Japan. I found them on ebay (or something like them) and it's pretty cheap.

Picture courtesy of the seller.

Some of them even start at $0.01 with free shipping, like this one.

Some of them include a tail, collar and even cat paws but I'm not too crazy about the cat paws because it'll be such a pain to put them on and take them off the whole night.

There's been a lot of Halloween costume shops popping up these past few weeks with Halloween approaching and all. I've gone into some of them for some inspiration but there's one critical problem with all the costumes for women. They're all so revealing.

Now, I understand the point of Halloween is to be something you're not but maybe I just want to be a cow and not a provocative cow who wants every guy (not only bulls) to have my baby cows.

This isn't that bad...



BE WARNED, THIS IS NEXT PICTURE IS PRETTY REVEALING!

Compared to this...-douses eyes with bleach-
Not that it's a bad thing if you want to go as a semi-nudist -insert whatever here-. I just think that Halloween costume companies should have a more variety of costumes when it comes to the level of nakedness in a woman's Halloween costume, for those of us who aren't so keen (or confident) on displaying our body to the world.

It seems like costumes need to be really short and/or tight, so that you'll obtain maximum cleavage to the point where your girls are just dying to get out and show the world just how wonderful they are.

I'm sure Hermione's uniform wasn't like that...

Different combinations of requirements for female Halloween costumes.

What is this? I don't even...
Not even Hello Kitty is safe...although it's a bit more tame than other costumes that I've seen, but still.

Sexy Hello Kitty costume,

Sexy Chococat costume.

The worse part is I actually like some of these revealing costumes. I like the way it looks but I would never be able to wear something like that because I'm not comfortable with exposing so much skin. But what I'd really like to be is something that would use masquerade masks. I saw some at one of the Halloween stores and I fell in love with them, they're so beautiful!

Unfortunately, I tried one of these one and it made me look cross-eyed.

But I looked a lot better when wearing of these for some reason.

The only thing that I can think of I can dress up as that uses these beautiful masks is a masquerade ballroom dancer but those costumes require a lot of time and/or money, both of which I don't have. I would honestly much rather be something that uses those masks than a cat but if worst comes to worst...I can be a masquerading cat and get the dreaded question at both my Halloween parties.

What are you dressing up as for Halloween? More importantly, what I should I go as? Suggestions are more than welcome!

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R.I.P. Filly boy

Filly, back in 2010.
My family and I made a difficult decision this Friday (two days ago). We decided that it time to say goodbye to Filly, after 17 years of companionship and unconditional love. In the past 8 months or so, Filly's health had rapidly deteriorated. He lost most of his strength and couldn't go up and down the stairs and had to be carried, he had lost his appetite and was reduced to skin and bones (something that's really serious for a dog that had always been really fat, almost obese). Not only that, but one of each of his front and back paws was positioned at a crooked angle, making it difficult for him to walk around.

But despite all those problems, Filly kept on going. There were periods of time during the past 3 years when we thought his time was up but each time, he proved us wrong. He just kept on going, no matter how much the odds were against him. But this time, we decided that enough was enough, it wasn't fair to keep him with us when he was suffering. Filly deserved to be at peace.

Christmas 2008, when Filly was healthy and fat.
We brought him to the vet this afternoon, and on our way there, I cried the whole way. I tried not to, I believe that dogs can sense someone else's emotions, which is why they're always there to comfort you when you're feeling down and they're really happy, when you are too. I didn't want my negative energy to affect his final moments, but I couldn't help myself. I raised this him from puppyhood until now and as cheesy as it sounds, he's my best friend.

I still remember the day my parents brought him home. I had no idea that he was coming home to us. It was a cold day in January and I had just finished school. I was bundled up from head to toe in winter gear and I spotted our red Previa. I waddled my way to the car and in my mom's lap in the passenger seat, was a dark brown bundle of fur. It was a surprise gift from my parents.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of Filly when he was a puppy but I can tell you I fell in love. He was sassy, stubborn and rude, acted as if he owned the whole house right the beginning. But I loved him, and took care of him, I sang him songs while he slept on my leg and I told him stories about my day. He was there when my first boyfriend broke up with me over a decade ago, and he was there when my grandfather passed away 3 years ago, always patient and always comforting.

During Filly's shaggy days.
There's one memory of Filly that I remember really well. I was in 5th grade and my teacher had read horrifyingly scary Halloween stories to us in class. That night, I had nightmares and was afraid to sleep alone. I crept into my parents room and slept on the floor, next to my parent's bed. When I fell asleep, I had another nightmare and when I woke up, there was a large shadow looming over my face. I almost yelled out loud before I realized that Filly was centimeters away from my face, looking at me. I pushed him away and to my surprise (and delight), he lay down next to me for the rest of the night.

He was undoubtedly part of the family and was very much loved. But when he had to share that love and attention with another dog, he was a good sport about it. We brought home Yoshi, our beautiful akita about 3 or 4 years after Filly's arrival. Despite the size difference, they became friends and always looked out for each other, Filly being outspoken and loud, while Yoshi would silently observe and intervene if anything (or one) showed any signs of a threat to Filly.

Christmas 2008, with Yoshi.

Brother's birthday, 2010.

My birthday, 2010.
Shortly after Yoshi's passing in 2010, Filly had to share the spotlight with another dog yet again. Obi was brought home in March, 2011 and had been trying to convince Filly that they were best buddies ever since. Filly, being much older, wasn't interested in playing with a young pup with no manners. Filly, once again, became a mentor to another puppy.

I think Filly taught Obi well.

Nap time.
And Obi reciprocated Filly's kindness, during the past few months, when Filly had difficulty getting up, Obi would use his nose to push Filly up and push him to help him walk. When Filly was still asleep when someone was eating in the kitchen, Obi would go and bother him, to have Filly chase him to the kitchen, where we'd give some table scraps to Filly (even though Obi never received any himself). It's amazing how humans are the only ones capable of showing kindess and love.

When we arrived at the vet's, we waited about 20 mins in the car before Filly's number was called. Everyone, except my mom, went inside. As my dad handed Filly over to the nurse, my eyes were brimming with tears and I began to hyperventilate but I cradled his head, kissed him and whispered that he's a good dog before leaving the room.

I don't know why they don't let you stay with your dog when they're administrating the shot. I didn't want to leave Filly alone with the nurse and doctor, both who are people he didn't know, especially since I was afraid that his last thoughts were going to be that we abandoned him. I wanted to be with him while they were giving him his shot, to tell him that I was still here and that I'll be with him until the end. But I wasn't allowed to. Instead, I was outside the door, crying hysterically and hyperventilating.

After what felt like years, the nurse came outside and told us that he was at peace. There he was, on a metal table, exactly as I had seen him a thousand times, but he wasn't there anymore. I petted his head and said goodbye for the final time.

I had arrived home about an hour and a half ago, and I still can't believe that Filly's gone. It seems weird to not see him on one of our many rugs, to no longer hear his paws make that clicky sound whenever he walks. I'll never be able to run my hands through his coarse fur again, feed him table scraps or feel the warmth of his body pressed to mine when we're both asleep and dreaming. He'll never greet me at the door again when I come home and he'll never come running when I call his name.

But all good things must come to end. Even though you're gone, I'll never forget you. Thank you for being my companion and my greatest friend, for always sticking by me, for all the memories and for all the laughter. You've always been a good dog and I can only hope that I've filled your life with as happiness as you've filled mine. You're reunited with Yoshi now and I'll see both of you again.

Forever rest in peace, Filly.
I love you, boy boy.

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new san-x characters - Toromi, Nyanpuku, Sumikkogurashi

For those of you who don't know yet, San-x is releasing a few new characters! And let me tell you, they're really kawaii! I'm so excited for their merchandise to be officially released so that I can spend all my money on these little babies!

I think the last new character that was introduced was that chocolate eating bear, Chocopa, who I'm not a fan of. Before that was Piggy Girl, who I didn't really like either, except for this one plush of her that I had to buy because she looked really cute holding her mouse friend. I'll have to take a picture of that soon...

Without further ado, here are the 3 newest kawaii additions to the San-x family!

Toromi the French Bulldog Puppy!
Isn't he fantastic? Almost cuter than Obi (close but not quite). I almost died when I saw this little guy pop up as an upcoming character. Ok, I haven't really told anyone this, but I have a secret love affair with French bulldogs and pugs, they're so funny looking, it's CUTE! Yup, he's on my wishlist x 100.

Obi, transformed into a white French bulldog. I also renamed him Toromi.
I can definitely imagine this character having a lot of personality, playful and probably more than a little mischievous. Maybe it's because I'm such a dog person and I can definitely attest to dogs each having their own personality, or maybe it's because I'm totally smitten by my own dog, Obi, and I'm projecting his character into this animated rascal, who knows.

All I know is, I'm buying a plush of Toromi and probably some other items too! I have my heart set on the smaller plush and probably a memo pad but I'm not sure if I should get a pencil case or makeup pouch. Maybe both, treat myself ;).

If they sold Toromi's siblings' merchandise, I'd buy them too.

Here are the pictures of the merchandise of Toromi that San-x has lined up for release. These items are supposed to be released in October which means that they're probably going to be available on this side of the world in November.

Stationary Items.

Pouches.

And of course, the plush!

Plush keychain, ID holder and coin purse.

Next is another household pet but one that I'm not crazy about at all, a cat. But I like this cat! His name's Nyanpuku and he's a fat Maneki-neko looking cat. Maneki-neko are also known as the beckoning cat since they're supposed to bring good fortune for shop owners. I bought one for my kawaii business and one for my personal life which I mentioned in this post.

Nyanpuku, the cat king of lard.
I'm not sure if he's actually an animated Maneki-neko or just a cat that looks like a Maneki-neko. Either way, since he's so huge, he's probably a lot of good luck! Look at him, he's almost perfectly spherical!

Probably a comic about how he's so fat and round.

Apparently, there's an angel cat and a pirate cat too.
Onward with the merchandise!

Awww, so adorable!

Like with Toromi, I've decided that I'm going to get the plush and the memo pad. But I'm going to get the smaller plush because I think it looks better than the large one, it's more spherical and cute. I also love the heart on its butt.

And last, but definitely not least, is a bunch of characters called Sumikkogurashi. They are a group of dejected looking little animals made up of a polar bear, platypus (I think), a cat and a fried pork cutlet. Yes, a fried pork cutlet.

I know right?

Sumikkogurashi
Here's are the Sumikkogurashi, all stacked up onto each other. I don't know what are the two smaller ones, they look like beans but I don't think that's what they are. But then again, if they made a pork cutlet, beans are entirely possible too. Guess which one is the fried pork.

Small Sumikkogurashi plush.

Bigger plush. The pork is the second from the right.

Must have tote.

They're all cute but I don't like the pork cutlet too much (even if it is a kawaii pork cutlet). The platypus (or kappa, it just hit me that it could be a kappa) and the polar bear are the two cutest ones. I wonder what's the story behind Sumikkogurashi, if anyone knows, don't hesitate to tell me!

Surprisingly, I don't think I'm going to buy the plushes from this collection but I will be buying items that I don't normally buy for kawaii characters such as memos, pencils and stickers. Definitely a pencil case, makeup pouch or wallet though, I love the designs on them. But all this is still up in the air, so when it comes to finally making the purchase, I can easily just change my mind and end up buying the plushes.

The whole time I've been trying to make this post, Obi has been glued to me and his face was on on my keyboard, making my progress super slow. But because he's so damn cute and loveable, I didn't have the heart to push him off me.

Like my super cool pink doggy PJ pants?
It's a good thing I started working again because I'm going to be spending all my money on these San-x goodies. Screw clothes and CMA school, I'm going to stockpile my future with kawaii!

So kawaii lovers, which character is your favourite? Are you going to be buying anything?


All pictures were taken from the official San-x website.

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