MY FAVORITE THINGS!! 2010 Edition

Alright sooo, 2010 is almost over so I thought I'd copy Oprah and tell everyone what my absolute FAVORITE things are from this year.
1. Red velvet ice cream from Baskin Robin's (limited edition but sooo yummy!)
2. Honeydew melon gelatin parfait from Zippy's
3. Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 2-Disc DVD set
4. Hello Kitty head purse from Razor Concepts
5. White chocolate mocha frappucino with java chip from Starbucks
6. WILD SCARLET body butter from Victoria's Secret
7. Super Smash Bros. BRAWL
8. Strawberry Cheesecake dessert chocolate from Godiva
9. Mushroom swiss angus burger from McDonald's
10. Sephora Beauty Insider reward's card
11. Mabo-tofu udon (has to be udon, NOT ramen) from Genki Ramen
12. Yakiniku
13. Shirokiya, second floor food section ("so much selection!"-little brother, Camren)
14. Sephora
15. Strapya.com
16. eBay (just became an online shopper this year!)
17. Anpan and Nemu from Nemu*Nemu
18. PINK Hello Kitty watch
19. Nintendo DS
20. Mahjongg Dimensions on Facebook
21. Plants vs. Zombies from Popcap Games.com
22. Despicable Me movie
23. Tangled movie
24. Toy Story 3 movie
25. Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie

Now, keep in mind that these are only a few of my 2010 favorites. I've got a lot of favorite things in my life but I couldn't possibly fit all of them in one blog ;D so, until next time, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Childhood/Simplicity/Pure Happiness vs. Depression/Stress/Anger

Alright so, we're taking a break from the usual Pikachou blog to focus on something that I've been thinking about a lot lately.
I'm not sure if this is the same for everyone but, for me, I remember how easily happiness used to happen. The feeling of being excited when holidays would come around, being curious about everything I saw/touched/heard, just feeling happy all (and/or most of the time) and not having to worry about too much. More then ever now, I miss being a little girl and sometimes, it even makes me sad to think that, that particular sort of happiness can never happen again because, as an adult, it wouldn't be "grown-up" enough to act like a kid. However, luckily for me, there are certain things that do remind me so much of my wonderful childhood and, it makes me feel a little better about being an adult and not so sad about having to grow up; just knowing that these things still exist and aren't going anywhere warms my heart and makes me smile.
Kelci's Happiness List:
-Christmas: the happiest time of the year; despite how busy everyone may be, everyone is happy when we're all together and that everyone is enjoying thier Christmas together. My favorite holiday.
-Disneyland: truly, the happiest place on Earth. Whether it be because of the memorable characters, the magical stories, or just the happy atmosphere that surrounds the entire park, Disneyland has always played a significant role in my life and is the best place in the world.
-Thanksgiving: being able to spend time with family and friends, being thankful for everything we've been blessed with, and getting to eat the best food in the world, prepared with love by the people I love the most.
-Scents: REAL Christmas trees, cinnamon, freshly baked cookies: the scents that marks the start of the holidays for me.

And the list continues but, as of right now, this is what I've been thinking/looking forward to the most.
*sigh* I don't know, I just want it to be the time of year when everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. No more stress, anger, unnecessary tension....all of those unwanted things just bring everything else down with it and, life just isn't enjoyable anymore. Everyone has already got enough to deal with when it comes to things that we can't control (death, illness, finances, etc.), don't add to it. Be the better person and help make people's lives less stressful.
"The most beautiful thing you can do is have a beautiful heart. It doesn't matter how beautiful the outside is, if there's nothing shining out from it, it really doesn't matter. That's what a beautiful person is, you feel their warmth all around you. The true beauty lies within the smile you give to people, not just the beautiful lipstick color you have on. Remember: you're more beautiful than you know, more talented than you think, and more loved than you can imagine." ---Kandee Johnson; Youtube make-up artists, my personal inspiraton.

03: Cake Couture Cupcakes

I'M BAAAAACK!! And I apologize for not posting in so long; especially the birthday blog :( Lately, I've been swamped with way too many things to do but, I will still try to post something new every now and again :)
Anyway, for today's entry, I'd like to focus on a place that I actually tried a while ago but, it was so good, it never quite left my mind. So without further ado...

Topic: Cake Couture Cupcakes
Location: Aina Haina Shopping Center Courtyard
820 West Hind Drive #112
Honolulu, HI 96821

My aunty first introduced me to this little cupcake shop when we were just cruising around, killing time. Cupcake Couture is located in downtown Honolulu and features freshly baked cupcakes daily, with a variety of flavors that change everyday. I swear, when I first tried it, those were the best cupcakes I've ever tasted. Its the kind of thing that, when you eat it, you feel as if you have to savor each bite and actually break down each and every flavor in each cupcake.

Cupcake Couture was also featured in Honolulu Magazine's Best of Honolulu contest for Best Cupcakes in 2008.

Even though I've only been there once, I'd really like to go again and try all of their other flavors. Their menu http://cakecouture.com/images/menu.gif features 14 everyday flavors along with some special flavors that aren't made on a daily basis. The special flavor that I was able to try was a chocolate cherry cupcake; moist chocolate cake with a cherry buttercream frosting....SO YUMMY!!

Alright well, that's about all I've got for this entry. Until next time!
-Pikachou

PAMELA HARADA's star on Stand Up To Cancer

It's PikaChou's Birthday!!!

In two more days...
and guess how old she'll be? Sweet 21!! Yes, sweet 21. That magic number where everyone finally turns into one of the "grown-ups".
[Grown-ups = people who can legally drink alcohol and gamble :P]
Because of this milestone birthday, I will be going out and trying some new things [drinks] so, I will be sure to let everyone know about where I go and what exactly I order so everyone can go try it for themselves :D




Short entry, I know XP

二番: Ramen Ya

Okay so, today Mr. Tofu, Sachi Pachi, and Pikachou tried out a new ramen shop that opened up across from Walmart in Pearl City! :D
Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010
Where: Ramen Ya; Pearl City, Hawaii

Very similar to another popular ramen shop on the island, Genki Ramen, the very first visit to Ramen Ya was very, VERY successful...and tasty :)

[Mr. Tofu posing outside of the restaurant, looking pretty :) such a nice day too <3] align="center">

一番

YAY for the first ever Chou Bouken entry!! :D
Date: Friday, June 18, 2010
Where: Shirokiya, Ala Moana

OMG, recently, Shirokiya has become my FAVORITE place to shop! Gotta love all those yummy, uniquely Japanese goodies :] One of my new favorites? Watering KissMint Gum Green Apple and Berry flavors from Glico!

What I love about these gums is that, they start off with this burst of cool, minty-goodness, and end with a sweet fruity flavor [I'll admit that, it took me a while to get used to that minty rush in the beginning though :P] Such a cute little gum too. One stick is smaller then my iPod Touch :] It's a tiny gum that packs a powerful punch! Only $1.99 a pack!

Another recent favorite of mine are these yummy Usuyuki Biscuits with White [Vanilla] and Strawberry Cream. Perfect with Tazo/Arizona Green Tea :] Just $5 a box ;D

And of course, with every new favorite, there has to be a new not-so-great item lurking about. For me, it's got to be the Japanese sports drink, Pocari Sweat. Extremely popular in Japan, not so hot in Hawaii [well, to me anyway]. If I had to sum it up in a few words, I'd say...extremely diluted orange soda. But, it could just be me :P

Well now, wasn't that exciting for my very first entry? Lots of awesome finds but still more to search for. I shall keep everyone posted. Until next time, jyaa ne minna-san! Yondekurete arigatou!

Creative Writing

Someday...

And then it hit me
You're no longer with me
My life was always so complete with you around
But now, it never will be

Just a few months ago
You celebrated your life in different ways
No one could have ever expected
That you weren't going to stay

It hit us all like a bullet
Hard and fast
We've always believed that your life
Was one that was meant to last

Instead you were taken
We watched you slowly slip away
But still the presence of you being here
Won't ever fade, tomorrow, in years, nor today

But even though its painful
Learning to live without you around
I know that you're better now
In Heaven, safe and sound

I'll never forget the things you've taught me
Or the things you've always done
To make life easier for those you love
To make everyone's life more fun

And so, with teary eyes, I say "good-bye"
Or more like, "until we meet again"
Even though I don't know how
Even where or when

Still it's something to look forward to
The only thought that will help me make it through
This hard, painful time
The thought of someday meeting you

-Kelci Fusae Harada-Mochizuki
30 April 2010

親友

What is a "best friend"? Is it really just meant to be one, single person? Or can there be more then one...more like a group of friends? To most people, I'm sure a best friend can only be one person...the friend you share the most with; your likes, your dislikes, your hobbies, favorite foods, favorite type of music...just to name a few.

I guess that could be true but, what if you share those same things with more then just one of your friends? Are you only supposed to choose one to call your "best" friend?
Personally, I believe that a best friend can be just one friend but it can also be more than one person. Here's my definition...

A Best Friend...is a person who will stay with you, even when the rest of the world has given up on you. A best friend will never question why the two of you are friends and will fight with you through the worst of storms. They are your shoulder to cry on, the ear that will listen, the arms that will always have a hug waiting for you. A best friend will never quit on you, even if you feel like you want to give up. Even if you turn them away, they'll never leave you; they'll give you your space and time but, they'll always be there, watching over you no matter what. And when you need them, they'll be by your side in a heartbeat, without question. They'll love you unconditionally, like a member of your family and ask for nothing in return.

Wow, a best friend...sure sounds nice...
Will you ever be mine again...?

And so...

...the healing begins. Well, not really..
Yes, my grandma's funeral is over and done with (it was very beautiful, by the way). Yes, it's almost been a month since she passed away.
But...the empitness...the denial...the sadness just won't go away. It's still so hard to believe that she's no longer here. Even when we go to her house...her things were all left untouched...her purse sat in the same spot it's always been...her sleep clothes were left lying on her empty bed...nothing has changed...even her presence is still felt in the living room...in the kitchen...in the yard...everywhere...
This overwhelming emotion...this sadness..this pain...it makes it so hard to function...so hard to sleep, with the fear of dreaming of her and waking up crying...........

You know how...when you lose something special...you kind of feel lost until you find it again?
I know the feeling...except..the special thing that I lost..is a person...and unfortunately...this person can't be found again...

My grandma...the one who battled cancer so strongly for 3 long years...has finally come to rest...she passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2010...she died in her sleep...and I wasn't there...
It's so hard now..to picture life without my grandma here...so hard to function...
It's a lost feeling...that I'll never get used to......












To be continued......

Happiest Place on Earth

Okay so, tonight is my last day here in Disneyland and oh, what a last day it was.
I came on this trip with my cousin and my two aunties. Apparently this morning, when my cousin woke up, her stomach wasn't feeling good and she was still uber tired. Unfortunately for her, I didn't find this bit of information out until a few hours later...after I made her ride Alice in Wonderland's Mad Tea Party tea cup ride (for those of you who are not familiar with this ride, it is a ride where you sit in a large tea cup and spin yourself dizzy) Big mistake! This pretty much took her out for the whole day since it just made her stomach worse :(
Aside from that little mishap, I saw the fireworks spectacular (which is ALWAYS awesome :D) and did a crazy amount of shopping. *sigh* I wish this never has to end...
Buuuuut unfortunately it does so now it's on to Vegas!! 6+ hour road trip, here we come!
But, not until we enjoy our last Disney dining experience at Goofy's Kitchen tomorrow morning before check-out :)

Also, an update on my grandmother's situation...
she is still in critical condition but stable. The doctors are monitoring her condition..







P.S.
Sorry no JFTD or review...it's midnight here and my brain is having a brain fart :P
Until next time..

Japanese for the Day: Minna-san wa doko ni ikitai desuka?

YAY!! I'm finally in DISNEYLAND! *phew* what a relief :) although, the flight here wasn't nearly as long as I expected. OH! And on the flight, there was this really weird, freakish guy sitting next to me and my cousin. He kept looking and staring at us DX it was WEIRD!!!
Once we got here, we checked into the awesome Disneyland Resort Hotel, in the WONDER Tower and ate at the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney.

Wow...what a busy first day :)

Oh...you all remember my grandmother? The one in the hospital with cancer...
While I was at dinner today, my mom called and said that my grandmother had had a seizure...
She actually had two seizures and..on the second one, her heart stopped...
They managed to stabilize her but...she's so weak now...
;~; why? Why is everything now getting worse..? :'(

Review:

• JFTD
• Finally here
• Creepy guy
• Check-in
• ESPN ZONE/Downtown Disney
• Grandma...
• Why..?

Japanese for the Day: Kokoro


BIG NEWS!! I'm going to HOLLYWOOD!! Well, not exactly but, I'll be in the same state. I leave for California tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM :O *gasp* I'm going to DISNEYLAND!!!
Why am I going? Because I need a vacation! With full-time work and school, when is a girl supposed to relax? DUH! Starting tomorrow XD and then....ROAD TRIP!! That's right, baby. Road trip all the way to VEGAS!! :D


But here's the thing...although I really want to go, I feel guilty. My grandma has been in the hospital for over two weeks now and, I really hate leaving while she's there :'( What if something bad happens (no negativity intended)? If something were to happen to her while I was gone, I don't know how I'd be able to live with myself. It's bad enough that I don't get to visit her as much as I'd like...
But my trip is already paid for...what do I do? What is the right thing to do? Is there even an answer to that?
*sigh* I don't know...

Happy because I'm off from work for 10 days and going on vacation +
Sad because my grandma is in the hospital=
Conflicted between the two



Review:

• Japanese for the Day (JFTD)


• Faux Hollywood


• Disneyland


• Road Trip to Vegas


• Grandma


• Conflict equation

Smileys used:

• :O


• XD


• :D


• :'(

Everything has to have a beginning.

"Minna-san, ohayogozaimasu!"
Okay so, that was my Japanese for the day.
As you all may have guessed, this is my first ever blog entry on my blogger. What made me start a blog, well, I guess I have a lot of random thoughts floating around in this big open space I call my mind. And each of these thoughts are begging to be free so, guess what. All of you who read these blogs are the sky to which my thoughts will take flight. Lucky you :)
Wow that was corny :P okay so.........................I guess introductions would be in order. Or should I skip the formalities and get to the good part? ;D *whispers to self* now if only I knew what the good part is >.<

I guess this'll be it for the first blog.
Review:

• Japanese of the day
• First blog ever!
• Empty space
• Corny moment
• Missing good part
• Whisper

Smileys used:

• :)
• :P
• ;D