Maria's Howto: Back to School!

We see back-to-school guides everywhere. They range from how to reinvent yourself for school, how to adjust from summer to school, how to get ready for school, what to buy for school, everything. This is a quick guide that doesn't tell you exactly what to do - it gives leeway for you do develop your own style.

1. BE. HAPPY. You don't have to be happy-happy constant smiles, but for the first two weeks, its a good idea to attempt to be positive. If you get upset when something relatively bad happens, other people get this "depressed" and "downer" kind of vibe.

• Smile! Never sacrifice your emotions for how people might view you, but smiling naturally brings up feelings of happiness. If you're feeling down, smile for strangers, and then rant about it to your close friends, who know you're not a downer.
• Stay positive! In the event of a relatively bad situation, remain positive. You failed a test - not a big deal. It's the first two weeks, you have plenty more assignments and tests to bring up your grade. Your teacher doesn't like you? Who cares? You only have that teacher for a total of 5 hours out of 168 per week, you can live!
• Look confident! As much "swag" as some of us may have, we all are insecure about certain things. In the face of bullying and insecurity, act like you have no idea what they're talking about. Fake it 'till you make it.
• Have fun! If your not the most confident person out there, and even if your a bit of a downer, nothing is more pleasing than just having fun.
• DON'T: Be fake. When serious tragedy strikes, don't cover up your emotions with fake smiles. Friends will know what you're going through and stay supportive, but strangers might not get it. In cases like this, screw strangers. They don't know your story, so why should they judge?

2. Talk to people! There are multiple ways to befriend, talk to, or just make small talk with people.

• Ask questions! Don't overdo it though. People love to talk about themselves, and because it's the new school year, there are plenty of good conversation topics. "How was your summer?" "What did you do?" "Have you talked with ___ lately?" "Who do you have for Science?" Things like that will get the conversation going.
• Compliment people! If you feel like somebody is very shy and couldn't hold up a conversation, start by complimenting them! If you don't know the person, compliment their physical attributes. "You're hair is so pretty!" "I love your sneakers!" If your complimenting a girl, don't ask "Where'd you get it?". Girls can be defense, and not want others to copy them.
• Be open to friendship! Sometimes, the most opposite of people can end up becoming your best and loyal friends. When somebody
• Friendly, not friends. Not everyone is willing to be friends with everyone, but everyone is okay being friendly with people. Don't force yourself to be friends with everyone, just kind and friendly. And you don't even have to be friendly with everyone. It's okay to have a distaste for the preppy kids or the gothic emo ones.
• DON'T: Gossip. It's one thing to say "Do you like ___'s new hair color?", but don't say "It looks like ___ gained weight!" Gossip does seem like a bonding activity, but in reality, it makes you look shallow. For the most part, stick to kindness. And don't say anything about somebody, that you wouldn't say to somebody's face.

3. Prepare yourself. Mentally, and physically. Having all of your school supplies is useless if you're still in summer-mode. And if you're wide-awake by 6am, have reviewed everything you learned last year, and already planned your after-school schedule, but don't have your materials, you're pretty screwed.

• Friends aren't as avaliable. School-year sports start, people have homework, and don't forget the 6 hours that are spent at school. Weekends are prime time to hang out - but also recognize that some people may want to rejuvinate and relax by themselves after a stressful week. Internet friends aren't avaliable either. Alot of times, schools in Europe constitute entrance exams, then beginning-of-the-year exams. And yes, while you were on at 10:00pm, while it was 4am for them, that probably won't happen during the school year. If your friends live in Asia, then figure out a schedule so that both of you can study, and talk.
• Buy materials. The basis of school - having materials. Remind your parents that the days of having a notebook, a few pencils and an eraser for school are long gone. Don't be afraid to spend good money for the materials that you truly need. Buy a nice outfit too!While not neccesary, if you can afford it, then a good outfit will go a long way! Especially since you're growing, and last years jeans maybe don't fit.
• Meditate. You have your clothes, materials, schedule, and 6am alarm, but you still aren't ready. Simply relax - this isn't your very first day of school, you know what to expect.
• Start going to bed early. This, out of everything neccesary for school, is definetely the hardest. But you can't keep up your "go to bed at 2am, wake up at 2pm" routine for school. Start setting your alarm.
• Prepare for the day. Yes, it's going to be mega stressful, and you may screw up, but here are a few things to do in advance, to prevent less mistakes. 1) Set out your clothes in advance 2) Pack your materials in advance 3) Set your alarm WAY in advance.
• DON'T: Freak out. It seems stressful, but once again, as previously mentioned, you know what to expect. Even if your moving from elementary school to middle school, or from middle school to high school, switching schools, moving to a completely different school/state/country, or even crossing the language border, know that it's okay. Schools are built to learn, and having friends and being in clubs is just the benefits of being there.

I won't say good luck, because I don't believe in luck, but my blessings go out to everyone who is reading this. Have a great school year! Study hard, and play harder!

Maria's Howto: Last Minute Cosplay!

As promised/mentioned in my Last-Minute Con Howto, here is my last-minute Cosplay Howto!

1.  Go for Closet/Hot Topic Cosplays. Closet Cosplays are natural clothes that can be easily worn on the streets, found in a normal persons closet, or even in a store. They're easy too. Hot Topic cosplays are cosplays with outfits that can be easily found at stores like Hot Topic. Gothic Lolita is also sometimes confused with this.
2. WID, go hair over clothing. It's much easier to make an outfit than order a wig and expect it to come on time, dye, or even temp-dye your hair. Seriously.
3. If you don't know where to start, look at realistic animes. Can anybody name a fantasy anime that isn't filled with over the top outfits? Exactly.
4. Find your own character! If you want to cosplay someone with your specifications, go here! You just plug in your hair color/length, eye color, and some other things and it gives you a list of easy cosplays!

CLOSET/HOT TOPIC COSPLAYS SORTED BY HAIR:

• Short blonde hair:
• Satoko Houjou from Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni
• Meiko Tachibana from Snow
• Ann Otobe from Lucky Crosse
• Rin Kagamine from Vocaloid
• Misaki Tokiwa from Welcome to Pia Carrot
• Jessica Ushiromiya from Umineko No Naku Koro Ni
• Mana Ayakawa from Nozoki-ma
• Rico from Gunslinger Girl
• Nao Enochika from Bifronte ~ Kugaitoukitan
• Kokoa from Konboku Mahjong

• Medium-length Blonde Hair:
• Winry Rockbell from FMA
• Sasara Daikinzan from Ruru to Sasara no Sensei Oshiete
• Llya from Fate Stay Night
• Aya Houjuuin from Moe-Moe Ryoujoku
• Mai Tsuyama from Ano Aoi Umi Yori
• Louis Ebusu from Tsuukin Kairaku 2
• Sara Mudo from Angel Sanctuary
• Sana Horiushi from Welcome to Pia Carrot
• Yumiko Mukai from Nami no Mani Mani
• Karen Himeno from The Best Extremly Cool Student Council President
• Haruna Arutonenn from Bishoujo
• Misa Amane from Death Note

• Long Blonde Hair:
• Chii from Chobits
• Ino Yamanaka from Naruto
• Serori Hiiragi from Nee, Chanto Shiyouyo
• Karen from Triptych
• Utau from Shugo Chara
• Shion from Nanatsuki
• Rumi Kinoshita from Welcome to Pia Carrot
• Rion Senie from Sakura Machizaka Stories
• Sarah McDougal from Lova Hina
• Sayaka Kusunoki from Hitozuma Sekkan Club
• Fujisawa Ruri from Lovely Idol

• Short Orange/Brown Hair:
• Rena Ryugu(outside outfit) from Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni
• Meiko from Vocaloid
• Mai from Ghost Hunt
• Misty from Pokemon
• Kyoko Mogami from Skip-Beat
• Sachi Hashimoto from ChuChu Heaven
• Kazuki Arisaka from Tonagura
• Henrietta from Gunslinger Girl
• Michiru Isumi from Age MANIAX
• Chigusa Lino from Green Green
• Hilary Tachibana from Beyblade
• Nami from One Piece
• Nana Komatsu from Nana
• Yumi Omura from Chobits
• Rika Sasamine from Akai Canvas Series

• Kasumi Tendo from Ranma 1/2 - 2
• Maya Fey from Ace Attorney - 4.5
• Reki from Haibane Renmei - 2
• Nemu from Haibane Renmei  - 1
• Hikari from Haibane Renmei - 2
• Kana from Haibane Renmei - 2.5
• Midori from Haibane Renmei - 2.5
• Kurimori from Haibane Renmei - 3.5
• Cooking Mama from duh, Cooking Mama - 3
• Misty from Pokemon - 4
• Nana Osaki from Nana - 3
• Misa from Death Note - 4
• Saya from Blood+ - 4
• Winry from FMA - 3.5
• Tifa Lockheart from FF7
• Anna from Shaman King - 3
• MALE CHARACTERS:
• Kuu from Haibane Renmei
• Keiichi Maebara(outside and school outfit) from Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni - 2.5
• Light Yagami from Death Note - 2
• L from Death Note - 1
• Luffy from One Piece - 3.5
• Locke Cole from FFV - 5
• Mario/Luigi from Mario - 3
• Yoh from Shaman King - 4

Maria's Howto; Plan a Last-Minute Con!

I've been to three cons in my life. All of which were planned in less than 2 monthes. In fact, my most recent con, Godaiko-con, we made cosplay, got tickets, and did everything in under 1 month. So, if you're stuck in a last-minute con planning situation, try not to mess up. Time, effort, and work is critical, and not the time to mess up.

1. Plan for one con. You don't want to be "still deciding" which con you're going to when the con is in 3 weeks. There are many methods to picking a con, but these are just the things that matter when choosing last-minute.

• Pick the one that is closest. It's almost impossible to buy bus fare/plane tickets/get a car ride to someplace that is over 4 hours away when the con is in 2 weeks.
• Pick the smallest con. If your chances of going to the con are low, then opt for a smaller con. Then if you miss it, you won't be missing much. I mean, missing a small con like JAFAX is much better than missing a big con like Ohayocon.
• Pick the cheapest one. Or, the one that is the most inexpensive, or gives the most time to pre-register.
• Pick what works best, time wise. Maybe your work/school will only let you off one particular day, and it means you can't go to a specific autograph session or a certain panel. Regardless, it's better to go to a con with less than to not go to a con at all
• See what works best for family/friends. If you are doing last-minute, and are having a parent/friend come with you, it's crucial they can also attend. Nothing is worse than planning a con, and with a week until, finding out your friend can't come with.

2. Focus on accomodations. Getting the hotel room, buying badges, getting into the masquerade, potentially getting an artist alley/dealers room table, all of those come first before even thinking about cosplay. Here are my tips on doing all of the above:

• No hotel room? Go to the forums. It's a risky option, and I would only recommend it if you live on your own/know self defense/have a backup, but alot of times, people with hotel rooms with avaliable space will go to the forums to offer to share a room with somebody. Sometimes they require a paid amount of money, sometimes they do it for free, doesn't exactly matter. Try to see if somebody of the same gender who is staying the same days has an open room - who knows, you might even make a friend!
• No money? Pay with your body! I've seen multiple con-goers say that when they can't afford badges, the cons will let them work to pay it off. Though, don't expect a tiny con to do this. The bigger cons have more last-minute goers, and will accomodate people working to pay for badges.
• Don't count on Artist Alley/Masquerade entrance. Normal people plan half a year in advance in the first place, and anybody wanting to get in the Masquerade or work in Artist Alley needs to sign up even earlier. If there is an avaliable spot, perfect! If there isn't, well, just know it was coming.

3. Cosplay is a bitch. I spent over a year finalizing my Hanyuu Furude cosplay, and I would have died trying to do it in less than 2 months. But, it is possible to make cosplay in under two weeks. I am living proof - I made Yuki Cross cosplay in two weeks. And it wasn't even for myself. But I did it, and here is how.

• Choose quickly and wisely. Your best bet is to do somebody who looks the most like you, or has the most similar hairstle. You don't want to expect a nice wig to fit/arrive in under two weeks. Because I love you all, I'll make another post about doing last-minute cosplays that work and/or are easy.
• Work in chunks. Don't try to cram the material buying and sewing half of it into one day. Just work with days - one day to buy materials, one day to make an outline, one day to do the sewing for one part of the outfit, one day to do the sewing for another part of the outfit, then one day for the skirt/pants, etc. It works out best like that.
• Do NOT put things off. If your in the middle of sewing a hard part, and it's 11PM, and you need to sleep, do it all that night. Don't put things off until the morning. It's easy to think "I have two weeks, that's fourteen days! 336 hours yo!" But when you add school, sleep, and con planning to the equation, you have to do it then.
• Think about things in perspective. If they don't have a certain fabric in a certain color, don't think "I'll come back a later time" or "I'll go to another store later,". No, you have to think about things now. "I'll go to the other fabric store during my lunch break tomorrow" or "I'll check again in two days before school" is better.
• Have a backup plan. If your cosplay can't be done in time, or can't be made, or just has too many problems, then ensemble all of your Otaku gear. Find a crappy wig from Halloween a few years ago, find your old tie-dye t-shirt, your rainbow converse shoes, and a black skirt, and just look Otaku-y.

4. Enjoy the con. You worked hard to plan it all at the last minute, and whether it all pulled through or not doesn't matter. You earned it - now go enjoy.

• LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES. Maybe plan your next con over three monthes behind when you get home. Unfortunately, three last-minute cons haven't even shaken me/made me consider planning early.
• Learn to plan last minute. Like me - it's not horribly hard to plan last-minute, if you know what you are doing, and don't get stressed easily. Plus, it's rather fun. :3

Maria's Rants: Weird English in Kpop

There are a LOT of weird english lines in K-Pop songs, but here are just the top 5: In no way are the songs below bad, they just have weird english lines.

4. "Careless, careless, shoot anonymous, anonymous, heartless, heartless, no one care about me," from EXO-K's Mama. This would be fine without the

4. "Click the like it" from Nu'est's Face. The english is perfect, but why "click the like it"... why....

3. "Everytime I speciar" from B2ST's Special. You can tell they're trying to say "special" but it comes off as "speciar"

2. "Don't deny our R squared pie" from U-KISS's 0330. Well, I have no words for this. They literally say that. The context of the sentence does not make sense, and it's just stupid...

1. "If you wanna pretty, everyone a pretty" from Kara's Pretty Girl. ... At least with the others, you can tell what they are trying to say. This one, I honestly can't.