Mippas Are Crafty!

ATTENTION IN PEEPS:

2011-09-11T15:21:35Z

UPDATE: ALL THE PETS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED!!!

From Humane Society of Putnam County (Greencastle IN): It is with extreme

sadness that we need to let everyone know that the shelter will be
closing Sept.30th. We have been instructed that all animals are to be
placed by the 30th or be euthanized. Any animal that is already
spayed/neutered will be adopted out with a "choose your own adoption
fee" special. Those not spayed/neutered will be adopted out with an
adoption fee to cover the costs.

SEE THE PETS IN DANGER

Japan Animal Relief + Thoughts

2011-03-15T15:32:23Z

I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. The events of Japan have devastated me beyond that of any past disaster during my lifetime. 9-11 was a shock which left me numb. Katrina was stressful, but I was in Japan, and I was damaged and voluntarily calloused towards my American past at the time. While Haiti was sad, I have no emotional bond to any of those places like I do with Japan, and my friends and even those I don't know are in my mind every day as I see the survivors on the television.

I just need to avoid television for the next week or so.

I am also keeping track of several animal relief efforts in Japan. Of course I am very concerned for the people - but the Japanese are resilient, and they will bounce back. Not to mention they are getting all the coverage and of course they are priority for the rescue efforts. All too often, though, are the poor dogs and cats (and other animals) neglected during time of trouble, and I want to do what I can to make sure they get some relief as well.

For anyone interested in the animal welfare aspect on the Japanese front, I can personally attest to the following places to donate:

ARK: Animal Refuge Kansai - This group is the one I have personally worked with, having fostered four cats (two adults and two kittens) during my time in Tokyo. (They have a Tokyo branch.) They are wonderful people and spare no expense to rescue pets in need of shelter and care.

Japan Cat Network - A great place to keep track of the current events and how it effects the kitties of Japan. Donation links are available on the right sidebar.

Nippon SPCA - Heard of the ASPCA? Well Japan has one too! Donate here - even after the earthquake recovery is passed, even!

World Vets - A worldwide organization has focused its efforts on Japan, and you can donate here.

Currently I'm trying to come up with a way I can raise money to donate, since my funds are somewhat limited. But what do I have to offer that people would want?

Melintine's Day in 1 Week!

2011-02-11T16:12:45Z

REPOST because I'm a greedy girl...

Since my bud Adam is insisting I be shameless for once....

My birthday's coming up in nine days! If anyone was considering gift-giving ~~yeah right~~ there are several things on my wish list that I would be elated to receive!

kei_m got me the two NANA movie DVDs for Christmas, and I've already watched them both three times since then! <3 I love you my sweet Shin-chaaan! <3

sai12 got me Clover for Christmas as well! It's a great token to remember her and think of her while she is in Korea. <3

...so please don't think I don't appreciate the things you've all given me over Christmas! I hope I will be able to return the favor, too!

So again, without further ado:

My Wish List!

Poll Numero Dos!

2010-12-30T18:15:57Z

View Poll: Follow-up to Roleplay Poll

mippa @ 2010-12-30T11:37:00

2010-12-30T17:37:13Z

View Poll: Roleplay With Me!! Poll

Secret Santa : For yukari_rin

2010-12-27T22:06:00Z

Say, Nana. Have you ever thought what it would've been like, had you not offered me that seat? Had I taken a different train, or found someplace else to sit?

It's hard to imagine how one little decision could make the entire course of your life take a drastic turn. What do they call it...the butterfly effect?

Some things may have remained the same. I think Shouji and I would've broken up eventually.

But without you, I'd probably still be floating through my existence, going from romance to romance like a butterfly from flower to flower...

I wonder where you are now? You're not floating, are you? Have you found a place to stay, a place where you belong? Somehow if feels as though we're stuck in limbo, skimming through

life until we meet up again, and things will return to the speed it once was.

"Uwaah...I feel floaty-floaty..." Nana "Hachi" Ichinose muttered beneath layers of blankets. She tugged at the chord of an electric blanket wedged between the layers, and checked on its setting. "...can't get sick...it's almost New Year's..." She weakly placed a
hand over the graceful rise of her stomach. "...and I have to stay healthy for the baby..."

Hachi closed her eyes and sighed, coughing mid-way through. "...what a terrible wife I am...can't even manage to stay well for the holidays." She turned her head to the side, and gazed lucidly at the phone on her bedside table. The light indicating a mail or phone call wasn't blinking. ...Jun-chan went home with Kyousuke-san for the holiday...Takumi shouldn't be back until New Year's Eve... She had spent Christmas Eve with her computer and some rented DVDs from Tsutaya. She had managed to have them returned before Junko headed out to the country for the weekend.

"AAAAAGH I HATE being stuck in bed!!" Hachi gathered what little energy she had into one outburst, throwing her blankets off in a temper tantrum. She reached over for her phone, and flipped it open.

In a furious flurry of fingers, Hachi started to angrily text her husband. "I'm dying from this cold! I'm as sick as a dog and you're up in Hokkaido shooting an interview?! Does Christmas mean nothing to you, you heathen?!" Never mind the fact that she wasn't exactly Christian herself...

She dropped her phone angrily on the bedside table, and stalked into the bathroom. "Just because I'm home alone and sick doesn't mean I can't enjoy my time alone!" She turned on the shower, the hot water instantly steaming up the bathroom. "Steam will be good for me, anyway!"

While the water heated up to an acceptable temperature, Hachi walked into the kitchen, peeling off her pajamas while rummaging through the fridge. "There!" She pulled out a pristine Christmas shortcake, complete with strawberry garnishes and dark chocolate ribbons. She set it on the kitchen table with a single fork, and went back into the bathroom to shower.

I'll eat the whole thing by myself! Hachi determined with an uncharacteristic resolve. I spent over 5,000 yen on that cake, I'll eat it all by myself!!!

Shutting off the water and wrapping herself in a towel, she stepped back into the kitchen, dripping wet and leaving foot-shaped puddles in her path. The chair to the kitchen table screeched as Hachi pulled it out to sit on. She grabbed the fork in a tight fist, and raised it dramatically to make the pivotal stab in the still flawless cake.

Mid-way through lowering the fork to pierce the icing, the doorbell rang, and Hachi froze in her towel. "...." She sweatdropped, and dropped the fork onto the table. Shuffling towards the door, she looked at the video screen of who was outside.

Gaaah! Shin-chan! Nobu-san!! Hachi felt her fever freeze into a deathly chill. She suddenly felt the dampness of her hair, and the lack of clothing on her person. "J-just a minute!!"

She hurried back into the bedroom, and clumsily put some sweatpants and a jacket on. She wrapped her hair in a towel, and went to the door, cracking it open just a bit to let her eyes peek out.

"...wh...why didn't you call?" Hachi asked the two meekly in lieu of a greeting.

"We did, Hachi!" Shin responded indignantly. "It kept going straight to voice mail!"

Hachi sweatdropped, and ran from the door to fetch her phone. They're right. Hachi sheepishly opened the phone to a dark screen. She must've shut it off after texting Takumi in a fury. She turned back to head into the kitchen, to see Nobu and Shin kicking off their shoes.

"I didn't say you could come in!!!" Hachi flailed her arms.

Both boys looked up with shamed looked on their faces. "Oh..."

Hachi's resolve evaporated at the pathetic looks in their eyes. "...alright, alright..."

She turned on her heel to move back to the kitchen table. "It's not like Takumi is going to be home anytime soon..."

"He's not home for Christmas?!" Shin exclaimed, only to be silenced by Nobu's elbow to his side. "Ack!"

Hachi pulled out two more forks, and three plates. "You should know, Trapnest's up in Hokkaido to make an appearance for the Snow Festival..."

Shin and Nobu responded in silence. Hachi huffed, "Come on inside, then! Have some after-Christmas cake!"

The boys drug their feet as they walked into the apartment. "...so this is where Hachi is spending her Christmas, huh..." Shin muttered below his breath. "Suddenly being alone in here doesn't seem so bad..."

Nobu shot Shin a warning glance. "Say, why don't you come back with us, hang out at Yasu's place? You shouldn't be alone during New Year's."

Hachi shook her head. "I'm actually sick, I don't want to pass it off to any of you, you have to work." She cut off a slice of cake, and rested it on the plate before handing it to Nobu.

"Mmh..." Nobu looked down at the slice of cake, at a loss. "Well, then..."

"It's fine!" Hachi laughed nervously. "I washed up before serving the cake, so you'll be fine!"

That isn't it. Nobu retorted to himself. He picked up the fork in order to take a bite of the cake.

Say, Hachi--" Shin spoke up as he took a piece of cake. "Do you need us to pick up anything for you? If you've been stuck up here the whole time, let us get you something!"

"Eh?" Hachi looked up from the cake. "Oh, I have everything I need." She smiled brightly to Nobu and Shin. "Just having you two visit makes me feel a lot better!"

Nobu silently ate his cake. Even without the makeup, you look lively as ever.

The silence dominated the conversation as the two boys ate. Hachi watched them, happily sipping some tea to soothe her throat.

Shortly after they left, Hachi walked back into her bedroom to see her cell phone's light flikering. She opened it up, and saw there was a voice mail from Takumi. Her face warmed with a smile, and she listened to it.

"It's me. Call back." Click. Typical of Takumi - curt and blunt. No formality or frivolity.

She felt her nerves unwind - he did call, after all. He did want to talk to her...

"Hello?" A deep voice answered after the third ring.

Hachi curled her legs up onto her bed, "It's me."

"Ah. Where were you? You're not going out while you're sick, are you?" Takumi didn't sound overly concerned. He was probably mostly asking out of concern for the baby.

Hachi shook her head, "No." She smiled. "I'm sorry, I had visitors and didn't hear you call."

"Visitors? Who?"

Hachi hesitated. "Shin and Nobu." Maybe if she mentioned Shin first, it wouldn't seem as bad--

"You let them into my home?!"

"Only for a little bit! I've been all alone since Christmas Eve, and I had no one to eat strawberry shortcake with!" Hachi's voice quickly elevated in volume.

"You know I don't feel comfortable with you letting strangers in while you're home alone! You have to be careful!" Takumi replied in a considerably calmer - though as Hachi saw it, condescending - tone.

"They're not strangers, they're my friends!" Hachi argued. "You don't know what it's like! I bet you've got all of your friends around you right now! You've never had to spend a New Year's alone!!" Ah, now the tears are starting...

"I can't believe this..." Takumi made an exasperated sigh. "Stop crying, you'll hurt the baby."

"That's all you care about!" Hachi yelled into the phone. "What about my feelings?!"

"Shh..." Takumi tried to soothe. "It'll be fine. You're just sick and moody. Get some rest and it'll be better when you wake up."

Hachi hiccuped. "You don't know anything, Takumi..."

"I know." Takumi responded with a hint of amusement.

Hachi fell to her side, exhausted by the surplus of energy she exerted while arguing. She closed her eyes and let the tears dry. "I don't want to be alone for New Year's..."

"I know. Get some rest."

"I hate you, Takumi..."

"No you don't." Takumi said with a laugh. "Don't say that, you'll curse the baby."

"...get home, Takumi..." Hachi mumbled.

"As soon as I can. Sweet dreams." Takumi said warmly before hanging up.

Hachi hung up, sighing as she drifted off into a light sleep.

She was abruptly woken up by the doorbell ringing, followed by a strong knock.

She slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes. Who could that be...?

Straightening her sweats, she slipped her feet into a pair of slippers, and walked over tothe doorway. A man wearing a jacket and gloves stood on the other side of the door, and knocked again.

Hachi opened the door. "Yes, may I help you?"

"I'm here to pick you up, Komatsu-san." The taxi driver stated matter-of-factly, although he appeared surprised to see the wife of a wealthy band member donning sweats.

Hachi paused. "..." She looked around wondering if she had forgotten an appointment. Still, the fellow addressed her by her maiden name. Perhaps her parents sent for her?

Or maybe...

"NANA?" she wondered out loud. She turned back to the driver, and bowed. "Just a moment please, I am not finished packing..." She excused herself from the front door, and hurried back to grab a tote and some clothes and make-up.

She dug her feet into some sneakers, and smiled sweetly to the patiently-waiting driver.

"Sorry to make you wait, I'm ready!" As ready as can be, considering... She was appalled at the thought of arriving wherever she was headed in sweats and makeup-less, but...

"Yes ma'am." The driver took her back, and headed towards the taxi.

Nana, are you spending New Year's alone, I wonder? It seems to suit you better than it would me...

I wonder what we'll say, the first time we're back together? 'Long time no see'? Or maybe 'I told you so'? Maybe we'll be at a loss for words. I get the feeling I will be.

Hachi stared out the back seat window as the city passed her by. She felt herself slipping in and out of consciousness. The slow hum of the car's motor lulled her to sleep, the warm air from the heater wrapping itself around her like a hug.

"Nana? Nana, time to get up. You're home."

A familiar voice stirred Hachi out of her familiar dozing state. She wondered to herself if she would ever have a restful night's sleep again, but she figured with a baby coming, she might as well get used to it.

She opened her eyes, and saw her mother had opened the door to the taxi.

"Mama?" Hachi breathed, looking around. "Am I home?" I feel like Dorothy...

"Took you long enough!" Nami took Hachi's bag, and freed the walkway for Hachi to make her way inside.

Hachi blinked deliriously. "Am I dreaming...?" She muttered to herself as her mother pulled her gently out of the taxi.

"We heard you were all by yourself for New Year's, so we made up your bedroom for your visit." Natsuko said with a restrained smile.

Hachi blinked. "Mama, what's wrong?"

Her mother laughed. "What are you talking about? Nothing's wrong!" Hachi observed with both annoyance and amusement that her mother wasn't much different from her at times - they both laughed when they were lying.

"Whatever, Mom..." Hachi muttered, walking up the steps into the Komatsu household. She couldn't help but feel a little pain that Nana hadn't appeared in some Christmas miracle.

I guess miracles are reserved for only little girls these days...

Kicking off her shoes, Hachi walked into the living room to sit down, and stopped in her tracks when she saw that her usual spot on the sofa was occupied.

She wasn't sure whether to cry or laugh. Takumi seemed so outrageously out of place in her parents' country home. She slapped a hand over her mouth to hide whatever reaction she ended up having, though once Takumi looked at her, she burst out laughing.

"Why are you wearing your sunglasses!" Hachi pointed at him. "You already look too cool for this place!"

Takumi sweatdropped. "Happy New Year to you too, Nana."

Hachi stepped forward, and seated herself next to Takumi precociously, resting a hand on his knee. "When did you get here? Have you had any tea made?"

"I got here a little over an hour ago." Takumi, pulled off his sunglasses and looked down at his wife. "What took you so long? Obviously it wasn't getting cleaned up."

Hachi frowned and playfully swatted his shoulder. "I had to at least pack some things! Geez!"

Takumi laughed, and put his hand on top of her head to softly pat it. "Alright, alright. Don't get your blood pressure up!"

Hachi pouted out her bottom lip, and slumped against Takumi. "Why didn't you tell me you were here?"

"It was an attempt to surprise you." Takumi turned down the television the Komatsu's had left on. "Besides, I have to go back tomorrow."

"Mmn..." Hachi responded quietly, her mood quickly swinging back to one of disappointment. "So how much time do we have?"

"Until I go back to Hokkaido? Eh. About eight hours." Takumi toyed with a strand of hair falling into Hachi's face. "But I made time for you. Aren't you happy?"

Hachi looked up to Takumi suspiciously, not yet at ease. "Wasn't this kinda unreasonable of you? Coming all the way from Hokkaido for just eight hours."

"It'll be twelve hours total." Takumi corrected her. "But it's the best I could do, considering the circumstances. You'll have to be happy with what you get for now."

Hachi rose her volume in protest. "That's not what I'm talking about!"

Takumi faced the television, looking to Hachi from the corner of his eye. "Then what?"

Hachi's cheeks flushed. She needed to stop getting so worked up over the tiny things. She always chided Takumi's warnings as being an empty gesture of concern, but he was right. Her body wasn't really suited for the roller-coaster of emotions she was prone to when she had a baby in tow. "Why would you step away from work for only a few hours after I had just gone off on you?" Hachi folded her arms over her swollen chest. "It makes so sense."

A pause fell between the two. Takumi sighed as he crossed one leg over his knee, and bounced his foot impatiently. "Even I'm prone to the occasional fit of jealousy." He admitted plainly.

Hachi stared at him, an impish grin creeping across her face. She hunched her shoulders in a fit of joy, a giggle bubbling in her throat. Oh I see! Takumi's jealous!

"Besides," Takumi sweatdropped, as though attempting to recover what remnants of nonchalance remained. "The last thing we need is for the baby to be born into a household of resentment--"

"Of course, dear~!" Hachi sung, and hugged her arms around Takumi's waist.

"Hey! Keep it down, we're in your parents' home!" Takumi scolded.

"It's ok! Husband and wife should be lovey-dovey!"

"Alright, enough! I only have this set of clothes!" Takumi warned.

Hachi pulled back. "Right." She was still in heightened spirits, even if it was just for now.

Nana, maybe this year...

Maybe this year, we'll see each other again. You always have a place here.

Christmas Wishlist Re-Post!

2010-12-16T17:33:46Z

Bandwagon. I'm on it.

*Surf around your friends list (or friends’ friends, or just random journals) to see who has posted their list.

And now here's the important part:

*If you see a wish you can grant, and it's in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true. Sometimes someone's trash is another's treasure, and if you have a leather jacket you don't want or a gift certificate you won't use—or even know where you could get someone's dream purebred Basset Hound for free—do it.

* You needn't spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point isn't to put people out; it's to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf—to spread the joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not—it's your call.

* There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Just...wish and it might come true. Give and you might receive. And you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.

Money-Spenders:

1. Amazon Wish List
2. LUSH e-card
3. HULU Plus
4. Anthropologie Gift Card
5. Whole Foods Gift Card
6. Donation to PayPal (mippachan at gmail dot com)
7. Donation to any feline rescue organization.

Free Stuff:

1. Links to your favorite (shoujo/josei!) manga (scanlated preferably).
2. Icons of Hachi, Sailor Mercury/Ami Mizuno, Nozomi/Cure Dream, or anything pretty/shoujo-like that you feel appropriate for my LJ.
3. A new LJ Layout (Hachi preferably), or Ayumi (Honey and Clover)
4. Fanart of Ami-chan (with anyone!), Yes! Precure 5 (pref. w/Nozomi), Hachi (from NANA), Jou/Mimi, or Totally Spies! (Sam).
5. Link to Rose of Versailles anime/manga translated
6. Link to Takarazuka stuff
7. A healthy HachiKuro RPG (in which I can play Ayumi!)
7. A healthy diet plan for 1 month
8. 1 month's exercise routines
9. Japanese MP3s
10. Links to some good J-dramas (pref. streaming)

30 Day Shipping Meme (Day #2)

2010-07-08T16:51:46Z

# Day 02 - What was your very first ship?

Well, I can't find a picture of Billy and Trini from Power Rangers, so I guess I'll have to go with my second ship.

Sonic and Sally from Sonic SatAM. I loved how strong Sally was, and how silly Sonic was. The ship was short-lived (namely due to an RPG I played Sally in) but I guess I still come back to it every now and then. Though to be honest I prefer her with Knuckles or St. John.

~~# Day 01 - What is your current favorite ship?~~ JouxMimi - Digimon
~~# Day 02 - What was your very first ship?~~
# Day 03 - A pairing that needs to happen now?
# Day 04 - The pairing with the most chemistry?
# Day 05 - The pairing with the least chemistry?
# Day 06 - The best kiss?
# Day 07 - The most heartbreaking scene?
# Day 08 - The pairing with the most baggage?
# Day 09 - The most believable relationship?
# Day 10 - Why aren’t these two married in real life?
# Day 11 - What is your dream pairing?
# Day 12 - Who had the best wedding?
# Day 13 - What is your favorite television pairing?
# Day 14 - What is your favorite book pairing?
# Day 15 - What is your favorite real life pairing?
# Day 16 - What is the absolute worst pairing?
# Day 17 - A pairing you thought would never work out, but did?
# Day 18 - What is the cutest pairing?
# Day 19 - A pairing you’ve rooted for since the beginning?
# Day 20 - The ‘can’t stand the sexual tension anymore’ pairing?
# Day 21 - A pairing you like and no one else understands why?
# Day 22 - A pairing you hate and no one else understands why?
# Day 23 - A crazy love triangle/quadrilateral that worked out great?
# Day 24 - A crazy love triangle/quadrilateral that worked out badly?
# Day 25 - A pairing that was/would-be adorable, but could never work out?
# Day 26 - A pairing that you hated and ended up loving?
# Day 27 - A pairing that you loved and ended up hating?
# Day 28 - A pairing that you will never understand?
# Day 29 - What ship had the best proposal?
# Day 30 - Your favorite ship forever and ever and ever!

30 Day Sailor Moon Meme (Day #2)

2010-07-08T16:51:41Z

# Day 2 - Favourite Inner Senshi

Sailor Mercury
Given my answer yesterday, should this be any secret? Sailor Mars is a runner up. Though if we're not counting my favorite character, Sailor Mars is the definite winner there.

~~# Day 1 - Favourite character~~ Mizuno Ami
~~# Day 2 - Favourite Inner Senshi~~
# Day 3 - Favourite Outer Senshi
# Day 4 - Favorite henshin
# Day 5 - Favourite sidekick
# Day 6 - Favourite couple
# Day 7 - Favourite scene
# Day 8 - Favourite attack
# Day 9 - Favourite minor character
# Day 10 - Saddest moment
# Day 11 - Something you wish had never happened
# Day 12 - Best hair
# Day 13 - Bravest Senshi
# Day 14 - Favourite villain
# Day 15 - Favourite arc/season
# Day 16 - Something that happened in the manga that you wish was put into the anime
# Day 17 - Favourite quote
# Day 18 - Favourite battle
# Day 19 - Favourite movie
# Day 20 - Favourite episode
# Day 21 - Happiest moment
# Day 22 - Most useless character
# Day 23 - Favourite outfit
# Day 24 - Least favourite battle
# Day 25 - Least favourite Inner Senshi
# Day 26 - Least favourite Outer Senshi
# Day 27 - Overall preference - manga or anime?
# Day 28 - Funniest moment
# Day 29 - Favourite Usagi/Mamoru moment
# Day 30 - Overall favourite moment

30 Day Disney Meme (Days #1 and #2)

2010-07-08T16:51:36Z

Day #1: Your favorite character

Chip (Chip & Dale)

I don't know why this is, but I just adore C&D - but especially Chip. I guess I've always liked the straight-man in a comedy duo. They're just so cute!

Day #2: Your favorite princess

Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
I relate most to Ariel - I treasure my voice, but would give it up for my guy - I loved 'another world,' but faught with my father about it every day to the point of tears and confiscation of the things associated with that world. We're both rebellious and sneak behind our father's backs at times. We sometimes trust the wrong people because they take advantage of our wanting something so badly.

Not to mention we're both red-heads and I love the coastline!

~~Day #1: Your favorite character~~
~~Day #2: Your favorite princess~~
Day #3: Your favorite heroine
Day #4: Your favorite prince
Day #5: Your favorite hero
Day #6: Your favorite animal
Day #7: Your favorite sidekick
Day #8: Your favorite villain
Day #9: Your favorite original character (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, etc.)
Day #10: Your favorite song
Day #11: Your favorite love song
Day #12: Your favorite villain song
Day #13: Your least favorite song
Day #14: Your favorite kiss
Day #15: The first movie you saw
Day #16: Your favorite classic
Day #17: Your least favorite classic
Day #18: Your favorite Pixar film
Day #19: Your least favorite Pixar film
Day #20: Favorite sequel
Day #21: An overrated movie
Day #22: An underrated movie
Day #23: A movie that makes you laugh
Day #24: A movie that makes you cry
Day #25: Your favorite scene from your favorite movie
Day #26: Saddest death
Day #27: Your favorite quote
Day #28: Your favorite theme park
Day #29: Your favorite theme attraction
Day #30: Your favorite theme park show