... and GaN is now back to make my life miserable once again. I know there's big money to be made if we can make a reliable blue laser but damn it's a pain in the ass. I have managed to get one measly job done today thanks to that god awful piece of sapphire. *headdesk* Next year is seriously going to suck if we can't find a way to print these easier 'cause it looks like it's back to stay.

Blah!

In other news I am now addicted to the most excellent anime, Initial D. Yeah, I know I'm late to it but that doesn't change the fact that I'm lovin' every minute of it. That is so my kind of racing!! Just once I'd like to give that a try. Still have stage four to watch yet, which makes me happy and sad all at the same time. Don't really want it to end but seriously want to see the end. Yes, I'm a walking contradiction. Of course once I'm done I might have to go back and watch the first Takumi/Ryosuke race again. That one had me on the edge of my seat.

As to manga, I've been keeping myself busy reading Katekyo Hitman Reborn! which at first was a bit slow but has now really taken off. I'm a mafia freak so this one suits me well. Not to mention the babies are just adorable even if it is a little freaky to see a one year old pointing a gun at you. XD

Hmm what else...

Kid's got me hopping with swim practice again this year. He also has managed to break his thumb. *snicker* Who knew swimming could be a contact sport. Sad thing is nobody wins against the edge of the pool and he found that out the hard way while doing the back stroke. He took one to many strokes and rammed his thumb against the edge. At least we were able to get a water friendly cast so he's still practicing.

Other than that just trying to get Christmas over and done with. I hate to say it but I'm not all that fond of this time of year. I like Christmas but sometimes it gets to be a bit too much trying to get the shopping done and attend all the necessary school functions and such. One good thing is I have a four and half day weekend over Christmas and a four day weekend over New Years. Seriously cannot wait for some much needed r & r.

Suppose that's it for now.

Hi all,

For those of you who are interested, I just posted the next chapter of Darkest Days. Hope you like it.

Hmm, guess that's it for now. Too tired to think of anything else.

... Alright maybe not a mistake per se since I've enjoyed every last bit I could get my hands on. But still... it's going to be extremely painful to wait for a month for each new chapter. She truly is a very talented mangaka (I have no idea what they are called in Taiwan) that can suck you in within the first chapter of her stories. Not to mention her ability to draw exceptionally gorgeous longhaired men. My weakness. And this one has twins... not helping... plus the story took a huge turn in the last chapter. I would gladly sell my soul right now for the next several chapters or hell even the rest of the story. It's killing me I tell ya.

*sigh*

See, I've been following her manhua 'Youth Gone Wild' for some time now but have been holding off on 'The One' for obvious reasons. But last week, against my better judgment, I decided to grab it and now I'm in pain. My own damn fault.

And this is why I try to keep myself limited to completed manga/manhwa/manhua only. But because it's her I couldn't stop myself. I'll just have to keep myself entertained with all the other manga I've snagged recently and haven't chewed through yet until the next chapter hits.

Also suppose I should really put more effort into getting the next chap of 'Darkest Days' done. Having trouble with that a little bit. On a side note, I have a feeling many people are not happy with Tomoe playing an integral part in this story. To be honest I'm not a huge fan of hers either but I don't mind working with her if Akira is present. Which he is starting this chapter. Could be that's my problem, I'm working with two people I really don't know that much about. It doesn't matter, will get it done somehow so I can move onto the chapter that I'm seriously looking forward to.

As to my personal life... right now, it sucks. Currently enduring silent treatment for something I either said or did and don't remember saying or doing. And when I asked about it no answer came. *sigh* To be honest, there is mountains more wrong than this but I'm not one to spout about it. Most of it's probably my fault anyway for being happier in front of the computer than beside the husband. I've tried to change but find that if I give a little the husband wants to take it all. And I tend to balk when I'm expected to give up the hobbies I found when I wasn't all that important. I've still been trying to make my best effort but it doesn't seem to be enough. I'm a glutton for punishment though so I'll continue to attempt to mend my ways.

Hmm, guess that's it for now. Time for a coffee break.

Heh, seems like that's the only reason I've been posting these days.

Anyway, for those who are interested, I just posted the first chapter of my new Rurouni Kenshin fanfiction called 'Darkest Days'. Here's the summary and the link....

Summary - AU Kenshin/Kaoru. Circumstances beyond their control bring them together, but neither one expected to fall so deeply for the other. Nor did they foresee the cruel twist of fate that would ruthlessly tear them apart again.

Link - http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5481458/1/

It's a semi fantasy based fic that's going to put Kenshin and Kaoru through hell again. God, how I love to torment those two.

In other news...

Really not much going on with me recently. Aside from my normal life which remains pretty much unchanged, I've been chewing through a whole lot of anime and manga. Been on a serious kick the last month of so. Watched anime includes, The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye, Clannad 1, Speed Grapher (that one is on my rewatch list), Read or Die (damn that one was good), Tokyo Majin 1, Aishiteruze Baby (that one's adorable), and Genshiken 1 & 2 (that one fit me to a tee!). I know there's more but I can't remember right now. ;P
And manga included Tokyo Crazy Paradise (absolutely loved that one!), Red Lion, Legend of Nereid, Talking About..., Beauty is the Beast, Bitter Virgin, Kill Me Kiss Me, Midnight Secretary (I'd love to be his secretary...), Hot Blooded Woman and Grand Sun (this one done by the mangaka who did WJuliet. Loved that one too.) Again I know there's more but can't think of them right at the moment. Right now I'm going to dive into 'Tenshi Ja Nai!', that one looks good.

Hmm, suppose that's about it. Basically the above is what has kept me sane and happy. Gotta love anime and manga.

For those of you who have had the pleasure of watching the Korean drama 'The Legend', I just posted a short oneshot that you might enjoy if you are a fan of the Cheoro/Sujini pairing.

I wrote this as a gift for MelyCat and she said it was okay to share with the masses so here's the link if you're interested...

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5412806/1/

Enjoy.

I suppose that can be attributed to my status as a wallflower. I've been mostly lurking instead of posting/commenting. My bad.

Anyhow, it's been a rather busy summer. Went to Dayton, Ohio for a long weekend in July to see the USAF Museum because my husband has always wanted to go and never had a chance. Have to admit that was more fun than I thought it would be. Saw a Stealth Bomber up close, that was pretty cool. Took another long weekend and spent two and half days at Darien Lake amusement park with my extended family. Haven't been there in a long time. Rode all six roller coasters plus the Slingshot, which throws you straight up in the air ~300 feet at +80mph in a hamster ball like contraption. Quite a rush that one. Not nearly as cool as the Sky Coaster though, that one you actually get to experience weightlessness for about five seconds before you start to literaly fly over a part of the park... and all the people watching. That one I seriously want to do again.

But the true highlight was my annual trip to NC that I took a couple of weeks ago. And this time it was family free. I love my son, I really do but this was a nice break from having to deal with his fifteen year old mouth. Attitude has definitely kicked in, going to knock it out of him soon if he's not careful. Anyway, my heartsib and I went and did a few things that I've always wanted to do but couldn't because we were usually sadled with all three kids. Such as we visited a local plantation house that had originally been a rice plantation back in the early eighteen hundreds (house is still lived in)that had some awesome gardens and quite a few trees with character all their own(took pics and will be uploading to devART when I get some free time). Also went to a couple of antique shops and found a beautiful chinese style shirt. And then we rounded it out with a trip to Bald Head Island (also have pics and will be uploading). But the true highlight, at least for me, was the two or so hours we spent on the beach by ourselves everyday sipping Smirnoff and just chatting about anything and everything. That was just awesome.

Other than that simply been watching anime and reading manga with the occasional round of DMC4 thrown in to mix it up. Watched a really cool anime while I was in NC called 'Eden of the East'. Although I think I could have gone without seeing 20,000 naked men... at least those particular ones, however the one wasn't too bad ~__^.
Also watched another good anime called 'Speed Grapher' not too long ago, twisted idea but still a really good watch with an excellent storyline.
Mangawise I am currently devouring a rather funny/twisted one called 'The Wallflower' (aptly name don't ya think) aka 'Perfect Girl Evolution'. I absolutely adore Sunako, she reminds me of myself in alot of ways.

As to fanfiction... the muse has seemed to have abandoned me for the time being. I have two sentences written of another Ita/Saku fic that will be delving into a canon what if scenario that I don't think I've seen written yet. I could be wrong but I intend to do it anyway... when the muse decides to kick back in. Could also simply be Sasuke giving me fits, never written him before and he will have a rather large part to play in this one.

Well, I guess that's about it for now. Should probably get back to work. So until next time...

And here is the story I've been working on featuring these two...

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5174023/1/

Hope you like it.

And now it's time to go cook dinner, or read Psyren, whichever catches my attention first.

So I did it. Finished the Itachi/Sakura fanart.

If you want to see simply follow the link... But please remember I'm a novice at this so don't expect much...

http://angelan-sama.deviantart.com/art/ItaSaku-See-No-Evil-126408121

To be honest I'm surprised that I finished this first and not the fic. Still have a little bit more to go on the fic, might be done and posted next week sometime. At least that's what I'm shooting for.

( Which Fantasy Writer Are You? )

I can agree with that. Never read her books but they sound interesting, might have to check them out.

In other news... still working on Ita/Saku times two (art/fic) Will hopefully have them done soon. Been keeping me busy though. Well those along with the manga Fairy Tail... among others. Been on a manga kick lately.

Anyhow, life isn't too bad. (will likely regret saying that later)

Been a while again, hasn't it?

Guess that could be attributed to the fact that right now I feel like I'm walking on an extremely thin rope hundreds of feet off the ground and one miss step will send me tumbling back down to the very bottom of the employment chain again. Not that I've gotten very high, mind you. But high enough to miss the paycheck when it's gone. And sadly with each passing day my company seems to be fading even more. So far I've survived the two layoffs but that could change at any time. And even if I make it I'm not so sure the company will. We are desperately trying to stay afloat but the outlook isn't good at all. Which is really scary since there is no work to be had out there just yet.

Anyway, things are a bit stressful these days.

The funny thing is, this stress hasn't done much to quiet my creative side. Actually, just the opposite. My attempt to take a break from fanfiction has been foiled by my lack of work. I tried to fight it because I really didn't want to do any type of writing for a while but in the end the muse finally won out and I am now chipping away at an Itachi/Sakura oneshot right here at livejournal when I'm bored at work. Love that 'only me' option for posts. I suppose the true blame for the fic inspiration can be laid at my Ita/Saku fanart's feet. Been working on that ever since I finished Stitch. Wonder which one will get done first? Most likely the fic since being a perfectionist is killing me with the pic. Especially since I'm a novice at art and photoshop. It took me three weeks just to get Itachi to a state that I'm actually happy with. And he's not even really done. Not to mention there is still Sakura to tackle. Blah.

It doesn't help that I also have other Naruto and Kenshin fics kicking around in my head but I'm not giving in to them just yet. I reeaallyy want a vacation because I can tell my prose is becoming stagnant and I don't want that. I want my stories to read nicely without that forced feeling.

*scoff* Pretty sad that I'm fending off ideas when there are so many writers out there desperate for their muses to kick back in. Honestly wish I could give them some of my inspiration.

*sigh* Well I guess that's about it for now. Suppose it's time to go catch up on the story updates I have waiting since there's nothing to do yet. Hope all of you are doing well.

Here's a little something for your viewing pleasure should you be bored or in need of a chuckle. This is my first and most likely only piece of art that will ever show up on the web. It may make you laugh or you may simply shake your head in disgust wondering if I truly am insane. (the answer that is a resounding yes but anyway...) If you're daring, follow the link...

http://angelan-sama.deviantart.com/art/Slipknot-Fan-Stitch-118790345

You Are a Lynx

You are a quiet observer of the world around you. Your wisdom comes from listening carefully. You've always been extra sensitive and aware. And it's made it difficult for you to fit in. You see past people's outward personas. You are able to penetrate a stranger's soul. What you've learned about people is both beautiful and ugly. And you keep these secrets to yourself.

It's oddly... true.

Hi all,

For those who wish to know, I just posted the final chapter of 'A Walk in the Sunlight'. Hope you like it.

And now it's time for some serious R&R so the muse can revitalize.

I hate the time change.... I reeaally do. Completely knocks me out of whack. Makes me get up late for work which in turn pretty much ruins the whole day.

And funny thing is, to me it's not even worth it. Need to move to Arizona where they don't do the damn change.

Y'know, I really need to quit starting manga/manhwa that isn't completed yet because it is waaaaay to painful to wait for the friggin' chapters to come out. Just got sucked into a Korean manhwa called 'Goong' and was promptly spit back out just as they are saying goodbye. Painful, I tell ya... way too painful!!

K, suppose it's back to the chap now... would rather read more 'Goong' damn it!! (Am doing good with the chap though. Should be done soon. ^__^)

*yawns* Am still recovering from seeing Slipknot in Camden, NJ Saturday night. That show was the best I've seen since Iron Maiden, and that's saying a lot since it's been almost twenty years and several concerts since I saw them live.

*grins* But Slipknot has knocked them out of the top spot for best live show. Those nine guys know how to entertain while they're filling my ears with my fave songs. I'm ready to go see them again!!

What killed me was the four and half hour drive to the show, then the four and half hour drive home right after the show. We did it in a round trip since we really didn't want to stay in a motel and couldn't afford a decent hotel. I didn't roll into my driveway until five am Sunday morning. Trying to stay awake for the last hour or so was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Made it home safe and sound though, and extremely happy. That was seriously good time.

And the boy has been baptized, he has now been to his first live show. I'm happy it was Slipknot because I seriously doubt he'll ever forget that show.

Hey all,

Long time no see again... I'm getting pretty bad about that aren't I? I blame it on life.

Anyhow, I've come bearing good news. I finally posted chapter 21 of 'A Walk in the Sunlight'. Hope you like it.

In other news, the holidays are over and my life has finally settled back down. It doesn't help that my husband hates the holidays so he's a huge downer during this time. Add on the fact that he quit smoking and you can just imagine my life the last couple of months. Blah.

Good news, only two weeks until Slipknot!!! Can't wait!!!

Hmm, guess that's about it for now. Oh and happy New Year to everyone... almost a month late. Sad, I know.

There is going to be a layoff at work today... hope I survive the cut...

And this on top of the theft/vandalism of my kid's things at school. Someone call the mental hospital soon. Going to need a room.


::EDIT:: 11:40am

I survived the cut. Now lets see if the company can survive until the economy picks up again...

Still want that padded room though.

But I'm still alive, although my son and husband are bound determined to drive me to my grave.

The kid I think is the worst. A couple of weeks ago he joined the Varsity swim team at his high school and life has been hectic ever since. He practices every night until ~6pm and Sat. at 7am... yes that's am on a Sat. That's just cruel and unusual punishment for me who is a firm believer that Saturdays were meant for sleeping in. The up side to this is he is finally doing a competitive sport and now he has to have his work done in order to participate. A win/win situation in my eyes. Down side, barely get to do any karate anymore, try to hit Sat. after his practice and when I can squeeze it in while he's practicing. Gonna be hit and miss with that until March when swimming is done.

As to the husband, he quit smoking ten days ago, without any help. Let's just say that things are a little... volatile in my house these days. I am behind him all the way but being a verbal punching bag can get tiring after a while. Good thing I have a bit of my mother in me, I'll take it for just so long then I give it right back to him tenfold. That's not pretty...

In other news, I have one measly sentence for chap 21 of AWitS and to be honest I have no motivation to work on it. Could be the lovely winter weather in NY (haven't seen the sun in days) or maybe it's the time of year. Too much to think about with Christmas coming and Swim meets to attend. But then again it could also be that I'm just burned out. Good thing there's only two chapters left or I may have had to put it on hiatus for a while. I assure you I will finish it though, by the end of January if I can at all help it.

And work sucks. Things are getting to be real shaky these days. Keep finding problems with our devices which isn't good since we need to be standing on our own two feet or were going to crash. Kinda scary since the economy isn't so good. We can't afford to have these problems.

*deep breath*

Anyway, there is one bright piece of news amidst all this, I managed to snag tickets for me, the kid and my sister to see Slipknot live in Camden NJ, Feb. 7th. Can't wait!!! A good way to start the new year off. Oh and also stumbled on to an interesting band that plays heavy metal cellos. Apocalyptica is their name. They're Finnish and they're damn good. Half the cd is instrumental but they also have four vocalized songs, one featuring Corey Taylor of Slipknot, one with Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil, one with Till Lindemann of Rammstein and one with Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace. Overall a damn good cd. Check it out if you get a chance.

Well I guess that's about all the news there is right now. So until next time...

Wow... been over a month this time...

Oh well, not a lot to say. Mother is still insane. Kid is still trying to put me in a mental institution. Sister is becoming more jaded as each day passes.

On the bright side, I'm now a green belt in karate and will be attending a breaking seminar this weekend to learn how to break a board with my fist. Sounds like fun, huh? ^__^

On an even brighter side and the main reason I'm here... I just posted chapter 20 of 'A Walk in the Sunlight'. Edited version on ffnet and full lemon on mmorg. Hope you will find it was worth the wait. I know it was a long one this time but trust me when I say that it was extremely difficult to write that with the family lurking almost constantly. MelyCat had that same problem so that's why it took so long.