Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas everyone! I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a wonderful new year!!!

It's been a while

Hey there folks its been a while hasn't it? Sorry about that i've been busy. Why the hell am i addressing an inexistant audience, no one bothers to read this. Oh well, i'll just continue ranting since i've already started.
well finals are here and everyone here in Summerwood is stressing over exams. Work has died down and i do not work next week, though i do plan to go to the potluck on thursday, i dont have class then since its art and my final day is tuesday i believe. Man am i tired, once work and classes are over i just feel so tired at the end of the day. And man is it hell wehn i have to stay up till three in the morning doing hw. I swear i am constantly running on little sleep and little food often times. this quarter i picked up the bad habit of skipping breakfast in exchange for a few more minutes of sleep.
my sister is currently watching Twilight on her computer. Yeah. . . she just wants to see if it s better than the book, which she could not get through. i am not a Twilight fan and find it ridiculous how popular it got when there are so many better vamp books out there, beginning with the queen of it all, Anne Rice.
I'm just gla this quarter is almost over. i have already enrolled for next quarters classes. i am taking five this time. One is online. I'm taking: beginning Hopkido, Recreation 1000, Woman's Studies (online), History 1101, and English, Introduction to Fiction Writing. I REALLY look forward to the english and martial arts classes and maybe recreation. the other two can go to hell, im just taking them cause i have to.
i know i should be going to bed but i lost the little sleppy-ness that i had when the others began messin with leo. it was funny.
there were a few rains the other day, but i got some pretty nice pics from within my apt. now im getting sleepy again, well thats all, i have more to say but i willleave that for another day. Good night folks. . . or should i say good morning?

A New Year

Earlier in the day I left my apartment in order to pick up a friend of mine. She was to arrive at the bust stop several streets away. When we returned we walked inside the apartment only to find everyone lounging on several different areas of the living room. The calm ambience of the day and the soft music of Imogen Heap’s newest album, ECLIPSE, had everyone drowsy. A few were already falling asleep.
One of my friends had commented that she liked how the day was going. After finishing the chores we had all taken seats around the living room and began doing our own thing. The simplicity of the action was relaxing. A carefree mood was created. It is nice that, even for a little while, we can engross ourselves in something simple that makes us forget our worries. Reading a book, listening to music, or even watching television with each other. The comfort of each other’s presence without anyone actually talking is something very precious to me. Moment’s like these don’t last for ever. Like so many other things in life they are limited.
Now I no longer live on the CSUEB campus. I live in an apartment several minutes away. And not with people I can’t stand, like the year before. No this time I am surrounded by friends and generous neighbors. This time I am surrounded by calming silence disturbed only by the occasional passerby or car. I have gotten to know the City of Hayward a little better. I love the small shops and the old buildings. I always get the feeling that I have stepped into the past when I walk outside. A feeling that is sometimes broken by one a the few new buildings scattered around the area. I love getting to know a new place. A place were no one knows me, where no one will remember me. I love standing and watching the people go by. Gazing onwards at the streets that seem as though they go on forever.
Who knows if I will still be here a year from now. Maybe so or maybe not. That is why I have decided to enjoy all these days that I have.
A few weeks ago I discovered a shop that has been in Hayward since 1960. The Book Shop. A small store that sells used and new books. I love the place, not only is the store clerk a interesting, easy to get along with, individual but also the store just has a relaxing vibe that draws people in. The first time I went there I bought an old 1980s copy of Peter S. Beagle’s “The Last Unicorn” (and also discovered that he lives in Oakland), and “Dayhunter” the second novel of the Dark Days series by Jocelyn Drake. I am still reading both. What I read always counts on my mood. Yesterday I returned to The Book Shop and purchased two more books and a diary. The diary is small and easy to carry with white flowers on a metallic sky-blue background. I loved the books I purchased also. The first being “The Crow: City of Angels” a novel by Chet Williamson, based on the screenplay by David S. Goyer, and based on the characters created by James O’Barr. (I own the VHS version of the movie.) The second book is “Red-Headed Stepchild” by Jaye Wells. I’m glad that I finally have something to read. I spent the entire summer break wondering what to do once I had no books to read. Well, no interesting ones at least.
However not all is fun and games. Tragedy struck the CSUEB campus on October 8th. A murder suicide took place in Oakland. Both involved were fellow school mates. One was only nineteen and lived in Pioneer Heights, the apartments I lived in the previous year. The other, like me, had lived there before. Though I might not have known these two, it is a still a shock to my mind. It shows how close we all are to danger and how we truly do not know what is occurring as we go about our day. We do not know what our school mates, classmates or even friends are thinking. It makes one truly wonder who is worthy of trust.
Now that I have begun a new school year. I cannot help but wonder what it has in store for me. I hope there is excitement and new experiences but I also hope that my future is warded against all evil and all pain. For me, and for my loved ones.
Well, here’s to a better year.

A NEW YEAR

Yep! It's begun all over again. A new year at CSUEB. This is the ending of my second week. I know tomorrow is Friday but well, i don't have any classes so i am free. I'm tired as hell right now. Hell i am amazed that i have the energy to write a new post. I wrote a bit in my diary too but not much, my hands hurt. with
Hmmm. . . I am really looking forward to this school year. I hope it will be filled with fun new experiences and new friendships. Of course i hope the classes are easier since right now classes are hectic, to many students. I recently began working at SCAA as a writing tutor. It was hard at first but gradually i grew accustomed to it.
I bet there are a bunch of mistakes in this post but you know what? I DONT CARE I NEED SLEEEEEEEPPPPPPP! 'Night.

San Francisco

Yeah today i went to San Fran with my folks and let me tell you this: never in 100 years will i ever drive through the city streets! Not unless i had no other choice. It was so scary i seriously thought that we were going to die, and believe me i am not exaggerating this because i have been to SF over 100 times in my life. This was by far the worst experience i have had thee. Why? Because our car decided to f**k up when we least expected it. It is either the starter or the battery. It was a miracle that after a few whacks the car started and we were able to get to Hayward to drop off some paper work and then we were able to get home. but once more the car died as soon as my mom parked it in the driveway. a miracle indeed. At least we are home. Well i have other stuff to do so i will go now. Adios folks.

Orphan

Hello there folks, sorry i haven't written for a while. Anyway yesterday i went to the theater with some friends. A few of us went to watch Orphan and the others G-Force in 3D. Yeah...not that great. Orphan was ok but it was more like a twisted macabre version of the Bad Seed. It was fun hanging out with my friends only a lot of them had to leave after the movie ended. After that my sister, Marco, and Jose went to hometown buffet to eat, then hung out at the mall, went back downtown to drop off Jose and then got dropped off at home by Marco. It was fun. I am tired so i will write more some other time. by the way i posted up two chapters to a story i am writing, it is like the diary of my character. Check it out and enjoy it people, follow the link to my other blog, the Darkness one. K Byes.

New Posts

I have posted a couple poems written by yours truly on my other blog, From The Darkness of My Mind. So check them out folks. one is called Faith, and the other Walking In The Dark.

Summer Blues

What's with the freakin' heat!? I'm practically melting every time I step out of my house. I think I'm going to die, no seriously I'm ganna die before the summer is out. I'm going to melt until I'm nothing but a puddle beneath my cloths and shoes.
Okay. . . I'm exaggerating so what? The heat's making me loony.
Anyway I'm going to start learning how to play the keyboard. I just got an old 62 key one at a shop. The first thing i plan to do is learn the order of the keys from C, C sharp, and all that jazz. Also i have to learn how to read sheet music. Sure i used to know from playing the violin but i have no idea how to do it for a piano. Anyone willing to help me out? Besides the coolness of getting a keyboard i also got stuck with jury duty as soon as i got home from campus. Just my bloody luck. And no, not just normal jury duty, but grand jury a nine day process with a new case every day and the nine days are scattered though three weeks. Luckily quite a few were canceled. i was late today too, even though i actually got up early this time. Shit. Anyway that's all I got to say, the more I write the more I realize that all I'm doing is complaining. Adios folks.

Eye of the Tiger!!!!!

Hahahahahahaha i couldn't help but pick that title. since the song's all about survival i though it would be fitting since i have successfully completed my first year of college. I am seriously going to miss my dorm and the freedom i had but oh well. I wish the year had not gone by so fast. Now i'm back home and searching for a summer job while trying to hang out with my friends as much as possible. I am thinking of starting a scrapbook. But since i am not that good i am not so sure. Thats all for now folks. Adios.

Two Days Left Until The End

I cannot believe that i only have two more days left here in cal state east bay before i leave my dorm for good. Summer time sure arrived quickly and since i am not taking summer course i have to leave. I'm going to miss my dorm *sigh* but oh well Que Sera Sera right? (What will be will be.) I guess i better start studying for my finals again, or else i wont pass. Byes then.

My Newest Entry

Hey there everyone. By everyone I mean my friends since no one else reads this thing. (I don't know if I should be happy about that or not.) Anyway I spent today cleaning my dorm room and the rest of the apartment because tomorrow is the mandatory move out inspection. I can't believe it's already been a year of college for me. Amazing it seems like just yesterday that I graduated from my high school. I really miss those days and can't wait to go home for the summer and see my friends again. I love them a lot but never tell them this hahahaha I have a macho ego side. (I don't know if that's bad or good either.) I really did have fun this college year and hope I can have another one like it or better than it this coming fall.

Anyway my sister and May went to Ross a few days ago and brought me these cool journals. They are so awesome I love them. One is a dark gray with frilly designs engraved on it and the pages are etched in silver and the other is red leather with flower designs engraved and the border of each page is gold. I can't wait to write in them after I finish my current journal and another one I bought. I love journals and I love journaling. I can't live without pen and paper.

I was surfing the web and saw this awesome picture of a doll that is so pretty. Normally I don't like dolls but this one is pretty. Its a Gothic style Lolita type with big eyes. Anyway I am really grateful to my friend Leo cause he went to Disneyland this past weekend and knew I liked Nightmare Before Christmas stuff and brought me one of those Micky hats with the ears only the one he brought was jack's head and the ears had spider webs that glow in the dark. The back had my name stitched in it. It is so cool I have it on my desk on display. I know I said this but I will say it again. Thanks Leo.

Well thats all for now. By the way here is the doll i found on the web, pretty huh?

New Type of Bracelet

Yesterday i was bored after coming back to Hayward from home and so i learned how to do a new kind of bracelet. Only i made the first one too small so it is hard to get off and on lol.

Letter, letter, where is my letter?

Yes random title.
Hey there everybody how are you all doing today? On this fine morning?
Please don't pelt me with imaginary water balloons in your head for saying that. I couldn't help myself. Speaking of water balloons, there has been some ongoing water balloon fights around and in Juniper lately. This entire week so far actually. My friends and i got hit by one on purpose or a stray we do not know but we do not appreciate the scare. however i hid under the back entrance door canopy so I did not get hit by much water. It was dropped from the third story.
Anyway i just finished writing the letter to a incoming freshman for GS class. I could sum it up for you all so you know what i wrote or i can be lazy and just copy and paste. Guess which one i picked, yup you guessed it i went with door number two. Here it is then, I'm going to bed. if you want to read what i wrote then read on buddy if not then screw you. Just joking i swear, please don't leave this page. Night night then i have class in the morning and i need my beauty sleep.

___________

May 20, 2009
Dear Freshman,

Hello there I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Mary and I am a English and Art Major (So far, I don't know if I will change my mind in the future.) I know it must be strange for you to be receiving a letter from a complete stranger. Don't worry I feel the same way about writing to a stranger. Anyway I guess I am supposed to tell you about my first year as a Freshman here at California State University East Bay. Let me tell you now that it was anything but fun and games. Okay maybe it was but it was also a lot of hard work. Be ready for all the assignments you are going to get They will be a pain in the butt but don't procrastinate and do them at the very last minute. That will make you stress and want to break everything around you. (Or is that just me?) Anyway...I also want to tell you to be ready to feel home sick, especially if you are living in the dorms and far away from home. Also if you do get a meal plan, get the plan with the most flex dollars or more flex than meals because believe me Dining Commons food is not awesome. In fact it is bad. Seriously, only on occasion is it remotely edible or good. The food on campus is not that great either. After a while you will get bored of it because it is so oily and flavorless. The Panda Express is bad too. I ended up eating a lot of cereal and Ramen (instant noodles) and I can't stand Ramen anymore. (Cereal I do though, especially Lucky Charms.)
Another piece of wisdom I will share with you is DON”T BE SHY. Make friends when you can especially now that you are working on your GE. Now that you are fresh to the college experience. Why, you ask? I'll tell you why. Because it is not only a lot of fun to not be so alone in your classes but also you and your friends can share textbooks. This will save you a pretty penny if you know what I mean. Because text books are anything but cheap. Now is a good time to make friends because you do not have as much work as the upperclassmen and can have a little fun now and then. When you become an upperclassman it is harder to make friends. When I first started college I was really shy. Luckily my twin sister, and I are attending the same school. Her and two of my friends from High School. However since we were in different Clusters (I'm Spirituality Meets the Creative Spirit by the way) we did not have any classes together for some time. Thus I was kinda lonely in classes. So one day I decided to put my shyness aside and I began talking to people. Soon enough I made a friend, then two and now finally I hang around with a group of seven individuals who are very interesting and fun to be with.
Some things I discovered about college and living in the dorms is that boredom is very powerful. I learned how to make other kinds of jewelry besides the kind I know and I even learned how to crochet. I know, sad, stop laughing. The reason for this was because I was stuck up on this hill without a car. I also read and played video games. Hell I even started writing in my blog on blogspot.com a lot. If it was not for my friend May and her car I would have gone insane months ago. I guess it was fun discovering what I am good and bad at though. I learned that I am really good with crafts and art. I really got into journaling so now I carry a journal everywhere. I found new music that I am really into. But I'm not a rap fan. And I also learned how to sow and make bags. However I also spent a lot of time writing, (English Major duh) and with every class I took I got better at it. Oh classes, good subject. About your classes, try finding out what teachers you will get. Some are really great and some not so much. If you don't think you can stand the teacher then I advise in transferring into another class or withdrawing before the deadline. Getting a bad grade will hurt your GPA and obviously thats not good. Be very serious about your work because some teachers give no second chance and they are not nice in grading. I speak from experience. Take a lot of fun classes for your GE, classes that will cover your requirements but also interest you. Try new things so you can discover what you like and don't. You never know you might learn something new about yourself.
If you are going to live in the dorms be ready to meet new people and live with them. Don't be a pushover, establish your boundaries, but also don't be mean to your roommates. They are just as nervous as you are. Make rules and get ready for random people playing ding-dong-ditch or pelting you with a stray water balloons or pulling the fire alarm at 2 am. (True stories.) Don't worry though this does not happen very often. But most of all get ready for the noise and the smoking because for some reason there is a lot of it here. And not just tobacco mind you, but other things I will not say.
If for any reason you might want to ask me something or if you need help with something you do not know about feel free to contact me at my school email. If you want to know more about a few of my experiences as a freshman check out my blog. To conclude my personal experience I guess I can say that it was difficult and fun at the same time. I made new wonderful friends, and learned a lot more about who I am.
Finally I want to congratulate you on making it this far. Being in college is hard, costly, and stressful. But it is also rewarding and fun at the same time. This is your chance to gather new experiences and memories. But also remember that college can be dangerous. Don't be out at night alone. There are dangerous people out there and even though I may not know you it would be a tragedy if something happened. (Heaven forbid.) Have fun, study hard, and be wise. Best of luck in your future.

Finals and Projects

I can't believe how quickly this quarter went by. It sucks cause I have projects due and finals due soon and then two of my teachers decided to merge their final papers so now i have to change my topic. Originally I was going to do my library research paper on Joan of Arc (Jean La Pucelle) but now i have to change it so it is about music. but now i don't know who or what to do it on. I should finish my library homework and i have to write a letter to this years coming freshman for General Studies. Damn. Byes.
PS: THe photo is mine also. I took it last year.

Man it's late

Even though it's late i'm still awake. my friends are here in my dorms, Leo just left and the others i believe will be leaving soon. today was an interesting day. we decided to start making movies for fun and will be posting them up on youtube maybe. I'm getting tired too i should go to bed soon. i finally decided to make a play list and i put it on my blog so scroll all the way down if you want to listen. if anyone has any suggestions in music feel free to share. well that's all, everyone's leaving and i should hit the sack too. G'night.

To Chibi-Chan

Dedicated to Chibi-Chan. i wrote it today.

The silence that holds me still

Allows me not to feel

The gentle warmth of this coming spring

Why is it that I cannot bring myself to see

The beauty that is me

Here in this rhapsody of truths and lies

Is a sight that is grander still

Than the darkness that saps away my strength

It is the sight of a rose

Though beautiful its thorns are sharp enough to hurt

Those whose hearts have turned to stone.

Headquarters

when i first began college i was not sure i would make that many friends, i have a natural glare so i tend to scare people. But i never expected to be able to make a group of friends that would be so fun to be around, sure we all have our quirks (Leo that mean's you lol) but in our differences we found similarities that drew us together. now my three friends, twin, and i are all in the living room of my dorm apartment and hanging out. My sister is working on origami flowers, Leo and Maria are talking about something and Mary is making a knitted cat out of blue yarn, she're really talented. Being around these people makes me feel less lonely and brightens up my day, i was sad leaving home and my friends but i know that's part of life.
i tried studying for a math midterm coming up this wednesday but i can't. the heat today was bad. I really hope it dies down. Instead i began reading one of the two books I checked out of the campus library. The first being "Jack the Ripper and the London Press" and the other is "The Diary of Jack the Ripper". I started reading the diary, i never knew he kept one. the reason i am reading on him is because he is my topic for my informative speech for Communications class this coming monday. anyway that's all for now, i should give Leo his computer back (It's his laptop i'm using right now since i was to lazy to turn mine on). So adios people.

Spring Break

Spring Break has finally begun for me. In a way i guess because my sister still has one more class tomorrow and also some projects to complete. I had my last final today so i am free. i am going to start packing tomorrow morning, today i organized my room. it is annoying to know that there is going to be a shootout in wal-mart. a friend called us and told us this also because she does not know which wal-mart it is, either the one back home of here in the bay area in union landing. i ca't believe...or it is difficult to comprehend why there are such people out there, with the intent on extinguishing each other's lives. how stupid, life is sacred and should be respected. i wish the generations of now would start changing to make the world a better place, not a worse place. thats all for now.

Thursday nights

Thursday nights have become more fun. A group of new friends and i, including my old friends, have made thursdays movie night for the rest of this quarter. It's a lot of fun because we all get to hang out and relax from classes which can be really handy during midterm and finals time. Hell i had a midterm in math that morning and beliee me i only had two hours and a half of sleep the night before. Why you ask? Because i freak on exams and get real nervous, so much that i cant sleep. i ended up falling asleep arounf four thirty or four fourty and woke up late around seven thrty. i have class at eight so i hat to hurry it up and gran somethng out of the fridge after quickly getting dressed and freshening up in the bathroom. i practically ran out of the door and hurried to warren hall for english class. i tried to be as wuiet as possible in my room because may and toni were still asleep. but its not easy. that is why i am starting to really look forward to thursdays because its so much fun. my friends and i all have dinner in the dinning commons around five or six and once we are done we head over to my room to watch movies and hang out. last night they ended up stayingover until 2:00 am. i crashed once they were gone and didn't bother getting up for breakfast. i have to get up early tomorrow though, i have plans with my mom now that i am back home for the weekend. thats all for now, im watching an episode from Dexter season two and i want to finish it before going to bed. 'Gnight.

I think im cursed

this morning i woke up around 1:30pm (ok so it wasn't morning anymore) and discovered that my pet fish Jasper was dead. He didn't even last a month, and its not like it was the first time i've had a betta, so i do know how to take care of them. i think maybe his stress levels were high or he was sick before i got him. Man the weather is crappy today and now my mood is too, i guess i better bury myself in homework so i don't feel so sad. I doubt it will work though.

Stranded

Yeah my sister and i are stranded on campus this weekend. All our friends are going home or going somewhere so yeah can you say boring. I just finished signing some papers and watching a few shows. Recently I've been watching Criminal Minds, Bones, Dexter, Xena Warrior Princess (yeah don't laugh) and Beauty and the Beast online. They are really all good shows, but i wiki'd the Beauty and the Beast show and accidentally read a spoiler so now i kinda don't feel like watching it for a while. i hate it when i accidentally read spoilers. Don't you guys? Anyway that's all i got to say i feel like writing on my story so tata for now losers. Haha just kidding. ('Bout the loser part that is.)

Chapter II: Eddie

TWO: EDDIE

Mara was only a block away from her apartment building when she finally had enough. Her good mood had long since left and all that was left was a deep annoyance.
Her eyes had long ago adjusted to the dimness of the nights. Making it easy for her to spot the alley up ahead. It was narrow enough so only one person could go in at a time. On reaching it she turned and walked inside, hoping her stalker would follow her. She rested her guitar and speaker on the ground before turning to face the exit. Soon she heard the footsteps speed up and grow closer. Preparing herself she struck with the metal guard of her knife the moment the person stepped in front of the opening.
Caught off guard her stalker had no chance to react before the metal slammed into his face. He went flying and landed face first on the ground with a loud thud. Grimacing she walked out and wondered if she might have hit him a bit too hard. Minutes passed by before he moved. The man had long ragged yellow hair, a sad excuse for a mullet to be precise. He rested his palms on the ground and pushed himself up. As he stood he turned to face her and dusted off his white shirt and black pants. With the palm of his hand he wiped away the dirt and blood from his lips. He looked up to glare at her and she caught sight of a small stream of blood going down his nose. The left side of his face was red and swelling. Even in the dimness she knew who it was.
“What do you want now Eddie?” she asked, exasperated. She rested her hands on her hips but kept her knife out in plane sight.
His left eye twitched in annoyance at the sound of his name.
“It's Ed bitch”. He said.
Mara laughed. She had deliberately said his full name. She knew he hated it.
“It's either Eddie or Rat Bastard, you choose.” she replied.
“Shut up bitch!”
“You sure have a short vocabulary.”
He growled and lunged. She pulled back into the alley and struck out with her right foot. The metal over her boot tip slammed into his abdomen sending back to the ground. Ed sat up a few seconds later, clutching his stomach and shouting insults.
“Give it up man, you'll loose tonight.”
“And why is that?”
She couldn't help but envy the man's stamina.
“Because you're injured.” she replied.
“I'm not.” He growled.
“Sure you're not. I guess that's not blood soaking through your shirt huh?” She pointed to the left side of his waist.
He attempted to conceal the injury by covering it with his left hand. However, the blood was quickly soaking through the white fabric of his shirt, making the fact that he was injured harder to hide.
“You should see a doctor.”
“Don't tell me what to do!” her growled.
“I'm just worried about you.”
“Shut up!”
“Sorry for caring.”
“You're so full of shit!” Ed lunged at her again and caught Mara's leg when she kicked out. Shocked, she didn't have enough time to react. He yanked her forward to the street behind him. But before she hit the dirt she curled herself up and rolled once before jumping back to her feet. The man wasn't at his best. She could tell he was tired by the way he gasped after every attack. His shoulders shook as he turned towards her.
“Why are you overexerting yourself when you know you should be resting?!”
He ignored her and charged again.
She dodged.
I can't fight him when he's like this. He needs a doctor.
He stalked towards her and flung his fist when he was at arms length. Concentrating she grabbed a hold of his shirt after dodging. With enough force she punched him in the lower stomach while being careful not to hit his injury. The blow knocked him unconscious. However she wasn't prepared for his weight and almost lost her balance when he fell over her.
Once she had a firm hold on him she scanned the area. No one was there. Scanning her memory she tried to remember where the nearest physician lived. She recalled that Doctor Yi –an elderly man of sixty– lived a couple of blocks back. Hefting his weight and that of her instrument and speaker over her shoulders she began walking towards the doctor's house.
Mara stopped to rest after going halfway. Resting Ed against the side of a building she sighed, placed her things on the ground, and stretched her arms, legs and back to rid herself of the dull ache that had developed in her shoulders.
“Damn it man I think its about time you go on a diet.” she looked down at Ed's unconscious body. Blood now covered most of his stomach, making her worry. Frowning she knelt down before him and pulled up his shirt. His injury was hidden beneath poorly wrapped bandages now completely red.
He must have treated it himself.
Sighing and shaking her head she lowered his shirt and stood up again. Chills suddenly ran down her back and made her shudder. The familiar sensation of being watched came over her. Turning to face the empty street Mara gazed into the darkness trying to see if she could spot anyone hiding in the shadowed rooftops or alleys. She felt the eyes on her but no one stepped out into the open. Mara felt the presence nearby but as much as she tried she could not pin point a location. After several minutes she finally gave up the wait.
Deciding that Ed's health came first she hefted the man's weight over her shoulders again. If the person watching her had wanted to hurt her he or she would have attacked by now.
However, Mara felt the eyes on her the entire way to Doctor Yi's. By the time she reached the house the sky had already begun to lighten.
The elderly man lived in a small concrete house on the corner of the street. The building, like all the others, was overrun with ivy. The Doctor's house was one of the few in the block whose glass windows were still intact. It's walls were painted a light yellow and several potted roses were scattered on both sides of the door. After placing her things, and Ed, against an empty piece of wall next to the door, Mara knocked three times and waited. The sound of shuffling footsteps from within the house told her the doctor was home.
“Coming!”
A moment later the door was opened. The light from within the house flooded out into the street. She blinked and lowered her head. After the momentary blindness subsided she looked back up. The man standing before her was only five feet tall with wispy salt and pepper hair and a small mustache. The elderly man's ashy pale skin and wide eyes reminded her of a corpse. The old blue robe he wore didn't improve his appearance.
“Mara? Why are you up so early?” He looked up at her, confused. “You aren't hurt again are you?”
“No, sorry for waking you up.”
“Don't be, I was already awake. What seems to be the problem?” The elderly man had a husky voice that shook now and then. A while ago he had told Mara it was due to a sickness he had had as a child, a throat illness he knew little about.
“I brought someone for you to look at.” She stepped away from the entrance and motioned to Ed with her right hand. The doctor stepped out of the house and wrapped the robe tighter around his thin form. Looking down he saw the unconscious man and his eyes grew wide. Kneeling he checked the injury like she had done earlier.
“How did he get this?” He asked.
“I don't know, after he attacked me I noticed the injury. I guess it reopened when I hit him.”
Doctor Yi shook his head in disapproval. “He should have gone to a doctor.”
That's what I told him.
“Kids these days. Now, you said he attacked you?” He looked up at her then, his bright black eyes on her face.
“Lets just say we're rivals.”
Once more the man shook his head. “You must have a lot of them then.” She knew he referred to her past. Doctor Yi was the man who dressed her injuries after fights and also those of the people she fought.
After helping Doctor Yi take Ed inside Mara excused herself.
He stopped her with a question. “So how are you doing?”
She knew he was referring to her injury. She glanced down at her right side. A phantom pain passed over her waist and thigh for a fraction of a second.
“I'm fine. It doesn't hurt a lot anymore.”
“That's good. Come back whenever you want alright. Be careful.”
“I will Doctor, thanks.”
By now the sky had lost its darkness, it was now illuminated by the first rays of sunshine, making the entire sky a rusted red hue. Even though she knew it was because of the pollution from the city, she couldn't help but think it beautiful.
Mara turned to face the direction of home. She bent down to pick up her speaker with her left hand, and slung her guitar over her shoulders so her right hand was free. It unconsciously went over her side, over her injury, as she began to walk. Even though the bandages had been removed a week before, the flesh over it was still soft and pink. It was sensitive to the air, making her shiver from the morning cold. Even though it had been shallow enough to avoid serious complications the injury was still deep enough to leave a permanent scar. The scar ran from just bellow her ribs to the top of her right thigh. She was still confused about its origin. As much as she tried Mara could not remember how she had gotten it almost three weeks ago. She knew it was some time in the beginning of the month, but everything was a blur.
When she reached her apartment building the sun had already peaked out from the horizon, making the sky golden-red. Even so Mara was still uneasy. The eyes were still watching her. As much as she tried she cold not spot anyone in the streets or rooftops. The sudden wave of exhaustion that swamped her made her momentarily forget about the stalker and wish for her bed.
Finally, she reacher her home.
It was a four story apartment building of antique design. The exterior was made of concrete. Everything inside was made of wood. It was covered in ivy and several of the windows on the second and third floor were broken. They were covered with wooden planks or plastic bags. Since the building was furthest from the city it had no electricity. Several oil lamps hung outside the windows and two hung on the sides of the entrance. Since the day had arrived they would soon be put out.
After one more scan of the area she went inside. It was a good thing the lobby windows were tinted. That way only those inside could see the street, those outside could only see black. The feeling of being watched left her and she was finally able to rest her tense nerves. Her landlord was already up. The elderly woman of fifty was seated at the table next to the large window, looking out at the street. He had dyed red hair and a light tan to her wrinkled skin. Before her was a cup full of a steaming liquid and a plate with strangely shaped pieces of what Mara assumed was bread. She quickly recognized Angie's cooking. Angie was a tenant on the second floor. The phrase “looks bad, tastes good” fit the woman's cooking perfectly.
“Long night at the Alley's eh?” The elderly woman's green eyes rested on Mara's equipment, her right eyebrow raised in amusement.
Mara nodded. “Morning Abigale.”
Abigale smiled. “Good morning. Now go to bed you look like hell child!”
“I will.”
She resisted the urge to remind the old woman that she was already twenty two. Instead she smiled at Abigale before going to the flight of stairs in the far back of the small lobby. With one final wave to her landlord she began ascending up to the third floor.

I: Never Ending Carnival

Yes i know i have posted a lot today. Anyway this is the first chapter of a story i plan to put online. Not just here bt on other sites i have also. Enjoy, i would like some feedback if possible.

CHAPTER ONE: NEVER ENDING CARNIVAL

The walls of five large buildings loomed over the crowds. They stood in silence in the the large empty space between them, called the Alleys. The four multicolored lamps hanging from thick cables around the Alleys were shut off. The only light came from the globe lamp hanging over the center, it's light cast dancing shadows on the walls. The light illuminated the three men and one woman holding the people's attention. All held some sort of instrument in their hands.

The woman was no taller than five feet six with long layered black hair that cascaded over her thin shoulders and bowed head. The top layer had a thick streak of red on her right. She wore red plaid cargo pants that were rolled up to just bellow her knees where the ends of black laced boots disappeared. The tips of her boots were covered in polished pieces of steel. Her black t-shirt stuck to her thin frame and was splashed with red paint to resemble splattered blood. From her neck hung a long silver chain with a rose pendant and around her neck were several cords of black thread. Her face was hidden from view, as she held her electric guitar. The strap was over her right shoulder so she could press down on the strings to produce the different notes while her right hand, with a red pick held in her fingers, hovered over the strings near the bridge. The light made the metal she wore gleam, including the spiked wrist guard on her right arm and the two rings on her hand, a small silver band with a cross cut red stone on her left index, and a silver rose that wrapped around her middle finger.

Her flashy wardrobe made her stand out from the other three, who wore simple shirts and baggy jeans with flip flops. The man beside her had long brown hair tied back into a pony tail, in his hand he help a small microphone near his lips. His brown eyes stared out at the crowd with childish glee. Behind her was the drummer, who held a pair of drumsticks in his hands. And behind the vocalist stood the keyboardist. His fingers hovering over the keys, ready to play at any moment.

All of a sudden she broke the silence by running the pick over her guitar strings. Her guitar wailed and the sound blared out of the two speakers that flanked the four of them. She began to play a series of notes as the keyboard and drums followed and timed to her beat. The vocalist began to hum into the microphone. His deep voice rose over the other instruments when he began to sing. The crowed cheered momentarily before falling back into silence so they could listen.

The woman, Mara, snapped her head up as she played, her hair flew away from her face as she smiled and stared with bright gray eyes at the crowd. The glee was plane in her face as she preformed. Music was the biggest part of her life, she was always happiest when preforming. Her heart soared with joy as she played her guitar. She scanned the crowd, looking at all the people watching them with enjoyment and awe. She loved their smiles and shouts. However her happiness was suddenly interrupted as she noticed a certain face in the crowd. Though it was cast in shadow by the darkness she still spotted the form standing within the crowd before her. It was as if all time stood still and the others were suddenly black silhouettes. Only he stood out. She knew it was male and a sense of recollection and fear ran through her, but as much as she tried she could not remember where she had seen him. She could remember nothing of who the person was.

After the wave of déjà vu ran through her the spell broke. The smile did not leave her face as she kept playing. When she tried to get a better look, though, the face blended into the crowds and was lost. Deciding to overlook the moment she poured her heart into the music once more.

Mara was one of the many inhabitants of the Outskirts, the forsaken district of Diamond City. The outskirts were where those who did not wish to live in the city, or could not live in it, went. After being abandoned by the Diamond Government those who lived in the outskirts formed their own rules to live by and became a small town. The Alleys was the place where performers and people came to pass the time. It was the place of relaxation for many, where they could momentarily forget their problems and worries and enjoy themselves.

Earlier in the evening, about an hour after arriving in the Alleys, she had been asked by the vocalist to play with them for the night. At first she had refused but after an hour of constant invitations she finally gave in and joined them. The four of them had then moved their equipment to the center of the place. She did not regret joining them. Mara had forgotten how good it felt to play music with others, like she had a long time ago.

Mara played with the band the entire night.

The end of the night soon came. Before she knew it there was only an hour left before dawn. They were all exhausted by then. The crowds cheered and clapped when the performance came to an end. Rubbing the sweat from her brow with her hand she thanked the people who came up to her for their compliments.

“You were awesome.” The vocalist said to her, also wiping sweat from his face.

She thanked him and knelt down next to her guitar case and pulled out a small hand towel she kept there. She rubbed it over her face and neck to remove the perspiration. She was always hot after a performance, and being in a crowd of people with so much body heat didn't help. Still she was content, the rage inside of her was now sated. She had even forgotten what had made her angry in the first place.

Mara turned to face the three musicians. “I have to go now. It was a lot of fun playing with you guys.” She held out her right hand to the vocalist first.

“It was fun, you sure you don't want to join us?” he asked as he shook her hand.

She shook her head. “Sorry but I cant. Thank you for inviting me though.” She turned to shake the other two's hands.

"No problem, if your ever in the neighborhood feel free to join us again."

She smiled at them and nodded. “I will.”

After saying goodbye to her new friends and a few admirers she decided it was time to leave. Mara picked up her speaker in her left hand and slung the strap on her guitar case over her right shoulder. She made her way to the western exit and turned back to gaze at the scenery one more time before leaving. The lamps on the four walls had been turned on again. Once more the entire place was lit up with colorful lights. Smaller lamps with images painted onto them cast large colorful shapes on the walls, there were stars and leaves and she even saw a witch flying on her broomstick. Laughing to herself she held onto the warmth she felt in her heart. She watched the jugglers to the sides toss up knives and flaming batons. She was amazed every time she saw them catch the items with they teeth. She watched her new friends laugh and clap each other on the back as they packed up their things. Couples danced all around them as other musicians began to play near the spot she and the three had played. Memories like these were the kind she held dearest. Even now she considered the Alleys a never ending carnival. Engraving the scene in her mind she turned her back to everyone and went into the small narrow alley that was the exit.

Outside was a completely different world. Looking up at the sky she saw only darkness.

Tonight must be the new moon.

The flames inside the small cases atop each street lamp blinked and sputtered as she passed by. The buildings lining the dirt road were old and crumpling, a few were nothing but rubble while other were covered in ivy that even penetrated a few shattered windows. She could see light from a few windows. Even though the area was poor, she rarely saw a miserable face. There were always smiling faces during the day. At night there was rarely anyone in the streets, most were inside or at the Alleys. Unlike those in the city, the people here could live their lives however they wanted, freely and without constant orders from the government. Like them she had traded her safety for her freedom. The Outskirts were dangerous, but Mara did not care. She had learned how to protect herself. In fact there was hardly a person who did not know how to fight within the small town.

She made her way down the lonely streets, heading towards the apartment building she lived in. She felt calm in the afterglow of the past event. However she did not let her guard down as she made her way home. She kept her senses sharp to avoid any unwanted surprises.

When Mara was near her home she began to hear another pair of footsteps. To make sure it wasn't her imaginations she stopped walking. Seconds later the steps stopped. After waiting a few seconds she began to walk, and sure enough she heard the footsteps far behind her again. She kept herself calm and actually felt bad for the person who had decided to disturb her good mood. While she walked she maneuvered her right hand into her pocket to pull out her switch blade. She did this while she was in the shadows before reaching the next street lamp. She flicked it open and slipped her fingers beneath the steel guard over the handle that served her as like brass knuckles when she fought. She made sure the light from the lamps illuminated the blade. Mara hoped her stalker would think otherwise about bothering her once he or she knew she was armed. However there was no such luck, the footsteps continued at an even pace a ways behind her.

This person's either stupid or very sure of themselves.

That's all for now folks, stay tune for next time.

(Note this is protected by a creative commons attribution license, cant be distributed or changed or plagiarized without my permission since it is original. Same goes for other chapters.)

Inatant Messenger

lately i have been using yahoo instant messenger a lot to talk to my friends. (As shown on the right.) Today the weather was a lot nicer. Still cold but not freakin freezing like yestersay. and for the first time in a while there was full on sunshine. usually i like the rain but not this way, not when its being shoved into my window by super gusts of wind. i was so happy to see the sunshine. my roomate was being loud, i mean she had her music up really loud and the walls are so thin i can her it and feel its vibrations on every beat. Actually she is my dorm mate not room mate, just to clarify. Anyway i have homework to do and i guess i better do it. Even though i dont want to. My friend May just gave me Terrier by Tamora Pierce to read and i wanna read that instead of work. I've already read the book once but i can't help but reread them, i love Tamora Pierce's books, well...most of them. Anyway that's all for now. Bye.

Friend's Blogs

Since i couldn't figure out how to put links to fiends blogs i decided to list them in a post.

http://cantchangethisone.blogspot.com/
http://makazu.blogspot.com/
http://toxin13.blogspot.com/

Another Picture From Chinatown

I like the effect i did on this one. I love photography.

Wish Bracelets

Ugh i fell asleep in class today. but at least dance went by quickly. The weather is still crap right now, i wish it would stop raining and the sun would show. lately i have been making wish bracelets for my friends, like the ones on the right. (Yes Aya that's the same notebook you gave me for Xmas/New Years. I'm finally using it since i finished the small green one.) I learned how to make bracelets a long time ago but i stopped making them until now. i made them slightly different and not out of hemp string like they originally are. Anyway i should finish my homework. Byes for now then.

Chinese New Years '09

I went to go see the Chinese New Years parade on the seventh of February. it was a lot of fun and i loved the parade. it was very beautiful and even though the air was thick with the scent of gunpowder from the fireworks it was very beautiful.
Now i am in my dorm building and about to return to my room. my friends and i are about to watch Griffin and Phoenix. A sad romance movie (not the type of genre i usually watch but hey) about two terminally ill individuals who fall in love with one another. the weather is crazy and i hope the movie isn't too long, i have to get up for classes tomorrow morning. i swear when i woke up this morning i heard a loud banging on my window (on the second floor of the building) and when i looked outside the window was covered in water and the wind was what was making all the noise. It was so bad i decided to crawl back into bed. unfortunately i have to get up early tomorrow and the weather isn't much help. we had to practically run to the building today after getting food in the old union. Anyway i have to go now cause i have to pack up my stuff. byes for now.