What's New, VML?

Life as been a mix of ups and downs. First of all, I want to explain what happened since my last blog entry, the one I posted back in June.

Birth control pills didn't do wonders to me. I got more acne and became more depressed. I could get into more detail but I think that's enough information to post.

I did go to Anime Expo 2009, which was in Los Angeles. I stayed with a friend on the first two days but I ended up staying in a motel during the last few days. Overall, the trip was miserable because I felt lonely. Its ironic because LA has always been my favorite city. Its just not fun going to anime conventions alone. Yes, there were some upsides to my trip. I went with a friend the first day before she left, I took a lot of photos, I got to visit Das Bunker for the first time, and I was able to see my LA friend to give him late birthday gifts. Staying in a motel by myself was an interesting experience too. Still, my trip could have been much better and I was disappointed. Next time, I'm only traveling when I know for sure my friends or travel buddies aren't going to neglet me. I don't mind traveling alone but this was a trip I planned with friends.

Other details:

• AX seemed much smaller than prior years. There were less activities going on and less companies visiting. I think its because of economical reasons. The US anime/manga industry is going down due to internet downloading, too many high-priced and unsold DVDs, and too many unpopular manga books not selling. Companies like ADV Films are shuttering as a result of this downward trend.
• Another reason AX seemed less active is because of the popularity of Comic Con. For example, Viz Media chose to show up at Comic Con instead of AX. It makes sense since CC gets more attention each year. Still, they should have visited AX since, you know, it is (or was) the biggest anime convention in the US. Then there's that other summer anime convention called Otakon...
• At one point, while I was walking back to my motel, a man in a car stopped to ask if I "needed a ride." I shook my head and died inside.
• Before I went to Bunker, I needed money. I walked to a nearby 7-Eleven while decked out in my gothic lolita dress, boots, and accessories. People stared at me, of course. Once I passed a group of teenaged guys giggling in the magazine section, they all went silent.

Life as of Now

I'm back in community college. I'm suppose to have two semesters left before I transfer to a university. I already applied to seven California State Universities. I've been eyeing CSU Northridge and CSU Los Angeles. Yet, I'm not going to make my decision until spring time, when they start sending acceptance letters to students. Who knows, I may fuck up this semester and stay in San Diego longer (which I don't want), or I may get pissed at family and friends and go to some faraway place like CSU Monterey Bay, Academy of Art University, or even University of Hawaii in Manoa.

I must say, blogging is relaxing and soothing for me, since I've been feeling stressed out and moody lately.