Anime Expo 2024

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Day 0

Arrived at CSULA, checked into dorms, was confused with how to get there, not happy with outlet placement, long distance between cars and towers, high security.

Arrived at LACC, ate lunch, worked with team to practice and set up show. Realized that the AV set up could not accommodate a USB-C input. Purchased pins and a pajama set from the AX Merch Booth. Later perused Artists’ Alley and bought a Chinese Eagle Oil keychain from HazmatEN.

Went back to dorms, took a shower, and roommate/teammate Henny helped me apply Majima tattoos. Went to sleep excited on a hard bed.

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My Parents Wanted Me to Go to CSUN, But I Chose UCSB Instead

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When I applied for graduate school, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) was the first school to accept me. They sent the acceptance letter at the end of January, much earlier than other schools. Their Masters in ECE program was much more affordable than the others I applied to, and I would have the option to commute from my parents’ house if I wanted.

My mom wanted me to save money, and my dad thought it would be nice if I graduated from his alma mater. I told them that regardless of where I went for graduate school, I insisted on moving out because I needed my own space.

I told myself that it did not matter where I earned my degree- it was more important what I did with it. Eventually, I chose between the three acceptances I had- CSUN, Chapman, and UCSB. I declined Chapman because I wanted a more technical curriculum. Ultimately, I made preparations to enroll at CSUN, but I couldn’t stop thinking about UCSB.

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Recent Updates: August 18, 2024

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Hi Chat,

It’s been a few months.

Things have been more or less happy, albeit stressful. My job is very difficult now, and I’m being micromanaged by the new manager. To be honest, things are getting worse at work, and the environment is very tense. It is difficult to be productive when I have people breathing down my neck, and truthfully, I just want to do a good job.

I will be starting grad school next month! Boy, I have a lot to talk about this. I haven’t even started officially, and I have already been involved in Discord drama. I have to tell you about how I got pissed about the general server then made a server of my own.

More importantly, I need to tell you why I chose UCSB over CSUN. I intend for this to be my next post.

I finally bought a nice vacuum! I went to an estate sale and bought a Miele Aluminum S548i yesterday. It is so nice to use.

I’m also ordering things from Taobao. Excited to see if what I ordered is as expected or if they’re fakes or poor quality. It was SUCH a headache getting everything to work. Took me 2-3 hours to order and buy. But it’s been fun using my growing knowledge of Mandarin (thanks, Duolingo!) to navigate the website (along with Google Translate).

My trip to Portland was fantastic, and my time at Anime Expo last month was great! Wish I had the time to write about it, but I don’t think that will happen.

Anyway, I have so much to do, so much I wish I could write about, but so little time.

I’ve Been Diagnosed with PCOS

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My period was irregular for almost all of 2023. From the end of January to the end of June, I didn’t bleed even once. After seeing a gynecologist, getting a blood test, and having a pelvic ultrasound, I was diagnosed with PCOS.

For me, the criteria I meet for this diagnosis are irregular periods and high testosterone levels. My ovaries appeared normal. I have increased acne on my neck and jaw (areas I consider prone to hormonal acne, especially near the time of my period) and thickening of hair in my inner thighs. I fear that I have increased facial hair, specifically on my face. I am told that people with PCOS has a difficult time losing weight. I lost 10lbs in 2023 after increasing my physical activity and reducing my simple carbohydrates, but I have regained the weight, as of June 2024, and I feel ashamed.

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Spring and Growth

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Spring breaks through the air. The distinct smell of the tree blossoms reminds me that growth is inevitable. Their aroma permeates my room through the cracked window as the weather warms. The sweet perfume grows strong at night when I emerge from the indoors.

Pollen shocks my senses for my body is allergic to what the wind carries. Growth is a beautiful process, but it does not come without hardship. Allergies remind me that with all good there is bad, but even all bad must come with good.

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Before the Pageant

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(I wrote almost everything below prior to the pageant, but I didn’t have the chance to finish it.)

This Sunday, I will be participating in the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant. Normally, I would not think of myself as someone eligible for a pageant, but I felt like giving it a chance after finding the application. At this point, I am nervous and scared, but I am also excited and curious. During the month of January, I attended practice sessions to learn how to speak and walk for the pageant every weekend. I only had about a month and a half to prepare for this event, and all my preparations and efforts will culminate this Sunday!

Before the pageant happens, I want to reflect on how I feel so that I can compare my prior feelings to those after the event. To best illustrate my thoughts, I intend to write this in a pageant Q&A format. That is, of course, if I were writing instead of speaking. (Anything in parentheses is what I would cut out to keep the answer concise.)

Please note that all information in this post does not reflect the opinions and views of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles, the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant, or any associates of these organizations. This blog post only represents my personal views.

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Happy New Year, Fei Mui

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It has been a few months since I last posted here. I was busy writing documents for grad school applications. Then I got hooked on Yakuza, which led me to ogling over Goro Majima. The holidays came around, and I applied for the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown pageant (where I am now a contestant at the time of writing this). I also made a lot of progress on the dress I am sewing (not related to the pageant), so I did not prioritize blogging. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing. If I don’t spend time to live life, then I won’t have anything to blog about!

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I Am Proud of Myself

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I create opportunities. I bring people together. I am recognizing when people are not a good fit for me. I am introspective. I exercise compassion. I help guide others. I struggle, then I make things easier for those who come after me. I am a leader. I am determined.

My therapist has reiterated that while I am single, I need to focus on myself. Who is Maizy? Who is she when she is not complaining about an ex or dating someone? Who is she when she does things for herself?

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