I Wanna Wake Up in Texas..!

Have you ever seen the Texas episode of SpongeBob??? Where Sandy is feeling homesick so SpongeBob & Patrick throw her a big party & she sings her awesome TEXAS SONG!? Well, I sing that song all the time- especially when I'm headed home. I just can't wait to fly home and "wake up in Texas." <3 nbsp="" p="">
I had been planning this trip back home for several months now. There was a lot of things I had to take care of, aside from visiting my family and friends, of course. A major part of the trip was getting my Bridesmaid Dress! The last time I was in San Antonio I had been measured and finally the dresses were here! They're so pretty and look wonderful on all the girls. Now all I need to do is find heels to go with and get it trimmed (by a lot).
Along with the wedding, I had to be a buffer between Sarah, Bride-to-Be, and her hair stylist, my mother! It was an idea I threw out there several months ago as well, but neither of them had gotten up the courage or taken the initiative to talk things over with the other person. So, in order to get the ball rolling, I offered to arrange a meeting between the two of them. It's understandable, of course. My mom has known Sarah since she was in high school with my sister, but she's my friend. I'm glad I was able to get them together to work things out!

Then, of course, I couldn't forget about my sister! I really wanted to try and be back in Texas in September, so that I could celebrate her birthday! Suzette's birthday is September 14th, and sure it's way early, but I wanted to do something with her! We managed to work it all out that she would drive from El Paso (she literally just moved there a month ago) the very same weekend I was visiting. Even if there were a few complications, I'm glad she managed to make it..!

And last, but most certainly, not least: San Japan! I used to go every year with the Harkiewiczes, but I had to miss last year! Everything I had to take care of in San Antonio revolved around the convention0 because WHY NOT!? And with so much happening the past week, here's a full rundown of the days I was home...

Wednesday, August 30th:
I usually take early flights from Orlando to Texas in order to spend more time with the family, but there really was no point this time around. With Mom working and Nicky at school, there wasn't anyone to pick me up (A), and B, I wouldn't have anyone to hang out with... So this time around, I got to leave in the afternoon! It was an easy flight. It was the 1st time I flew with JetBlue, and I am certainly a fan! They're quite cheap and they have excellent Guest Service: Free TV Service, lovely Attendants, and lots of really great snacks!
In order to bring just my one carry-on luggage, I made sure to keep two big items out: my Kigurumi and Hogwarts Robe. People kept giving me weird looks. I walked onto the plane carrying both of them, pretending one was my jacket and the other a blanket, haha. But midway through the flight I got cold... Aaaand, after much debate, I slipped on the Kigu! The older gentlemen next to me kept looking over. I really thought he was thinking me mad, but when we were disembarking, he spoke to me. He loved the Kigu and thought it was a brilliant idea to bring it along!
After several flights now, I've come to the realization that FOR SOME STRANGE REASON, flight to Austin are waaaaay cheaper than to San Antonio. (WHY?) Luckily, Austin is only about an hour from home, so I waited till my mom picked me up. We spent the whole drive home talking about everything that was new, discussing dinner plans, and listening to her favorite country jams. You know, one of my absolute favorite things about being home, is getting to eat some home cooked meals.  It's all I ever want. But, of course, my mom bugged me the whole way home asking what kind of food I wanted her to make. Lol

Thursday, August 31st:
In light of everything happening in Houston with the Hurricane, my mother was almost called away to assist with the Relief Team. Although it would have been fantastic for her to have gone and assisted, she never got called in all weekend. There seemed to have been too many nurses already flown into the Eastern Region of Texas affected by the Hurricane. Instead, she remained in San Antonio as assisting nurse in the shelters they opened downtown. I really must do a shout out to her and the other Relief Team Members that put in such a wonderful effort. That's true Texan Pride, right there. I even learned that H-E-B was a main contributor to supplying those in need all over the region... it's times like these, I'm proud to have grown up in the Lone Star State. <3 nbsp="" p="">Meanwhile, Nicky was at school and I stayed home watching TV, playing video games, and relaxing. Lol It was really nice after working for over 2weeks straight. Mom & I wound up at the mall, having our very own girl's day out. We shopped mostly with our eyes, discussed some wedding details, ate lots of sweets and candies, and even got a facial from Origins. She took me to visit the brand new, and totally GREEN H-E-B Super Market that opened up near our house. And I am in LOVE. With all the new healthy options available, and even some "make your own organic peanut butter" stations- I know that when I'm home, I'll definitely be a frequent visitor! And by the end of the day, I was packed and ready with all my cosplay & snacks necessary for an awesome Con Weekend!

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 1st-3rd:
SAN JAPAN WEEKEND! Con Weekend are always a blast! Friends, Family, Nerds! What more can you ask for??? Lots of things happened this weekend (sort of), and it certainly deserves it's very own Blog Post! So Stay-Tuned!

Monday, September 4th:
SOMEHOW, I wound up doing my absolute favorite day on this Labor Day: Chilling with the Family, staying inside, and watching ANIME. That's right! I got my family hooked on my current obsession with My Hero Academia!! After having to say by to Suzette and the babies, Mom literally ran back inside so we could watch more of the episodes! Lol I love my family.
We watched a few episodes together, before I had to drag mom mom out to meet with Sarah and her fiancé, James. We, of course, visited the local Starbucks (where else are you supposed to have meetings??) We sat and talked wedding details for about an hour before we said our farewells. And within a couple weeks the two of them had settled on a look for the wedding! So proud of the two of them! And after returning home, Mom forced me to put on the next episodes of My Hero. We got through pretty much about half of the 1st Season, and spent the next couple days finishing it up...!

Tuesday, September 5th:
It was a struggle to wake up early in the mornings, especially since I was on "vacation." But it was well worth it. Nicky drove for me! How strange to think that he's old enough to be driving a car and actually receiving his Permit! Not my little brother!
After I returned home, I got to spend the rest of the day with Mum. She even wanted to watch more episodes of My Hero, although we stayed up extra late just for her! Haha. And that night, we hung out for more Anime, before I had to pack up my things for the next day.

Wednesday, September 6th:
Always the worst day of a trip- having to say goodbye. Nicky went off to school and I went off to prepare for my flight. Everything was packed a little differently (thanks, San Japan). I also had to leave behind a very important item! Carlos, my mom's fiancé, gave me a Concert Ukulele he had! But because we didn't have a hard case for safe travel, I had to leave it behind! (T^T)
SO! Without my Uke, and after a sad kiss goodbye Mum & Nick's furry babies (Link, Navi, Zelana ((Yay, Zelda Themed Dog Names!)), and Mewsette), we loaded up my things into the car. I was almost late to the airport. Thank goodness for Mom being a speed-driver and for Austin having a tiny airport. Literally, as soon as I got through Security they were calling my name. The plane had arrived early and they were ready for take-off! I boarded the plane and we were off!

And so, here I am, back in the most Magical Bubble of Orlando Theme Parks..! Most people would give their lifesavings to be here, in my shoes. But honestly, all I ever want to do is be home with my family. It's always nice to return and get back to my everyday life of work, work, work, and more work... But all I ever want to do, is wake up in Texas... <3 nbsp="" p="">

San Japan 8Bit...

~*July 31st- August 2nd*~

Another year, another Anime Convention! 

Like every other summer, I attended San Japan this year along with my dear Harkiewiczes! I always love having this time to spend with them, especially since I never see them. Once upon a time we were so close, and I don't wanna lose that. This year, as always, was fun & exciting and came with some amazing surprises!

Firstly- I COSPLAYED!! FINALLY!!! Kassie made me a Sakura cosplay and it was so cute! Ok, it was slightly incomplete, but I still loved it!! I was flipping out because I kept seeing Cardcaptor Sakura merchandise! It was the perfect year to cosplay as Sakura, haha! 

And I wasn't the only one! My Harkiewiczes all cosplayed, too! Sarah and James were Harley and the Joker- they were perfect! But they kept getting stopped for photos, haha. I mean, that's great except when we're trying to get places..! (-u-;) And Sam was, of course, our resident Poison Ivy! And Kassie, who joined us for the 1st time at San Japan, was my Syaoran! Sadly, we were unable to get a photo together since she spent most of her time volunteering with the staff. 

The 2nd exciting thing that happened this year: Kieran was here again! She's such a crazy cool chick, and I love her nerd rock music. If you haven't listened to her music yet, do it! 

Along these lines: after 2 years away, I participated in the San Japan Idol again! Made it to the finals with my Japanese performance of "Let It Go" (Of course I sang Disney ;p). But the compliment I got from Kieran during my audition, man... She told me straight-up that I had passed, no need to wait for a deliberation. "I'm literally shaking- I got chills!" Oh my goodness!! I can't believe this fantastic woman told me that! Now, performing for 1 or 2 people- no problem! But in front of an audience??? You'd be surprised how nerve-wracking that is!! I messed up on my final note in the finals- SO BADLY- but I had a fantastic time on stage. I can't wait till the next year! I want to keep performing until I'm actually comfortable!! Practice makes perfect!! 

The next amazing surprise was these fanfuckingTASTIC finds!!! As always, I spent the 1st two days walking around, trying to figure out which plushy I would buy- it would be between a Sakura plush or an Eevee one (they were everywhere!). HOWEVER, I found THIS jewel!!! A CONAN PLUSH!! Just... WHAT???? Everyone knows I fucking LOVE Detective Conan, and I have never seen a Conan plush before! And there were 2! There was one with him in a detective's costume and then this normal Conan- I NEEDED HIM!! Once he was bought, I couldn't stop hugging him..! (>w<)

The Meowstic I helped Nicky buy for me (because he's such a sweetheart) and the 4th Season of Case Closed was given to me for FREE from a friend! He won it in a game, didn't know the show and just offered it up- "Fuck ya I want it!"

Of course, I always attend the Voice Actor panels and this year San Japan had a great group! From left to right: Jessica Calvello (Hange Zoe from Shingeki no Kyojin), Brett Weaver (Gunther Schultz from Shingeki no Kyojin), Lisa Ortiz (Lina Inverse from Slayers/ Tony Tony Chopper from 4Kids' One Piece), Steve Blum (Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop/ Guilmon from Digimon Tamers), Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex). All wonderfully talented, sweet people with crazy fun personalities.

Now, the Voice Actor panels are always my favorite. I always get inspired just sitting there listening to their stories, taking in all their tips, and learning through observation and what-not; however, this year I met fucking Steve Blum! He's practically one of the royals of the voice over world! I've been a fan of his for yeeeaaars- since I 1st watched Cowboy Bebop! And I have always wanted to meet him & I finally did!! Talk about starstruck! Definitely a highlight of my weekend!! (>//<)

My absolute favorite surprise this year, though, was getting to take Nicky to his 1st ever convention!!! I always said I would and for his birthday this year I promised him that he would come. I was really worried that I wouldn't have the money for both of our tickets, but it all worked out and I was able to take him!! I had so much fun exploring with my little brother and it made my heart so happy just to see how excited he was (TvT). I'm so proud of this kid- I can't believe he's in high school already!! Can't wait to take him again next year!! 

I've been attending Anime conventions for 10years now. Man that makes me feel old, haha. And no matter how many times I go, or where it takes place, I am still amazed by the talented and kind-hearted people I meet. I love attending conventions and will continue to do so for as long as I am able!! Conventions are an amazing place where you can bring out your weird and no one judges you. And even more-so, there's usually people more crazy than you are, haha! 

Oh, but wait, there's more: JAMES PROPOSED TO SARAH!!!!!! They are so adorable and nerdy together and James is an absolute sweetheart. I'm so happy for them!! Who knows when the wedding will be, but you know I'll be there! And now I'm off to Florida! I'm gonna miss these girls so muuuuch!! Till next year, my dear Harkiewiczes!!! (\TvT/)

Samurai 7 #tbt...

~* July 18th- 20th *~

I feel that this year was one of the most chill and relaxing cons I have ever attended. I was bouncing from panel to panel and was fortunate enough to meet so many fantastic people, but I never felt rushed or frazzled. And during any downtime, I would just slip off to the hotel room and watch tv or take a nap. It was so nice to just spend time with great friends and enjoy the event.

As always, my favorite panels were the VA panels- no matter what we talk about, I just love listening to their stories. It's always inspirational. It's these people that remind me every year how much I want to fight for my dreams of becoming an actress! (^-^) 

As usual, I had by Alice costume as well as my Pooh Bear Kigurumi! It's my goal to have a real cosplay for next year!! I will! (*o*)

As a sort of, Veteran Con-Goer, I've stopped taking a million pictures of everything & everyone. However, when I see something amazing, like a beautiful Malon Cosplayer, I couldn't resist the urge to talk to her! I loved the detail that went into her cosplay- she even had real milk! 

And then I met an awesome Sandy Claws who even went out of their way to wear stilts for their cosplay!

And lastly, this gem of a cosplay! The detail that goes into cosplay is fantastic!! This person's Majora's Mask was absolutely beautiful! 

But the best part about attending conventions, especially for a collector like myself, is being able to find things like this!! X/1999 (also known as X) is a 90s series by my favorite Mangakas, CLAMP. Although it's common knowledge to never buy products on the 1st day, when I found this at the FUNimation booth, and only 2minutes walking around, I had to have it!!! It was only $15, and you can't find this really anywhere, normally!! What a fantastic find!

I'm so fortunate to have such wonderful friends, like the Harkiewiczes, who share my love for the wonderful world of Anime. It's sad that since graduating high school we never see each other, but at least we have San Japan every year! I can't wait to see them at the next con! 

Sinister 6...

What seems to have become a sort of tradition, 

I ended the summer by spending time with my friends,

attending the ever-growing con, San Japan!

Day 1:

  Luckily, we arrived early to the hotel and got checked-in and went through badge pick-up amazingly quick! None of us really knew what to do with ourselves, so early in the con! We spent most of this day roaming the Dealer's Room, Artists Alley, and just enjoying all of the cosplayers! I ran into a number of friends that I hadn't seen in a while, so it was really nice to catch up!

 Around mid-day, we discovered that there was to be an Avatar: The Last Airbender demonstration!! None of us knew what to expect; nevertheless, we were all excited and rushed to the front row seats! Sifu Kisu, this hilariously wonderful man pictured above, explained and demonstrated a number of bending techniques. Sifu, it turns out, was one of the founders of the original Avatar series, and remains to be its head martial arts specialist! It was so amazing getting to see bending come-to-life!!

  To close-out the night, I attended my first EVER Rock concert!! Almost two years ago, now, one of my friends, Stacy (whom I've taken Japanese &&& VA classes with), got me into their music. Like most fans, I had heard about the band because its lead-singer, Johnny Yong Bosch, is a big-time Anime voice actor (also the original Black Power Ranger); however, not until Stacy gave me access to their music did I really fall in love! Now I own all of their albums & I was so happy I finally got to see them perform live!! 

  Another great thing I've learned: Short people get the BEST concert spots!! Upon entering the stage, Eyeshine told everyone to move closer to the stage in order to have a more intimate concert setting, so I was near literally ON the stage! Polo, the lead-guitarists was RIGHT THERE!! I had to keep taking steps back because I was scared he was going to hit me! But still, it was so FANTASTIC! Polo is such an amazing guitarist & I got to see his playing and facial expressions up-close & personal!!

The BEST part of the night, though, was getting to see Stacy pulled on-stage!! She is seriously Eyeshine's biggest fan: she talks to Ginny and Polo over Facebook all of the time, she brings them their favorite snacks every time they meet, and she makes sure to attend every concert she can! Partway through a song, Polo reaches over the crowd and pulls her onstage, gives her his guitar, and she got to jam out with Johnny!! Her face was so red and I was so happy for her!! 

 I'm so happy that Eyeshine was my first rock concert! They were amazing and so much fun!! All of their fans obviously love them, and the con atmosphere made it all so much more intimate and exciting! I'm hoping I can tag along with Stacy to more Eyeshine concerts in the future!!

Day 2:

  The following day happened to be just as exciting as the first! I made it to the Finals of the San Japan Ani-Idol competition! It was a lot of fun performing, but with only 2days of preparation, I knew there was no way I would be able to advance any further... Teehee, but there's always next year!! (*0*)

  Besides the competition, I got to meet this awesome lady, Kieran Strange! She's a British singer who is too amazing and has an adorable accent! I had never met her before, but I knew by how we subconsciously matched shirts & the way she freaked out at my Spider-Man USB drive, that she was going to be cool... After meeting her, I decided to listen to some of her music & I love it! She's become so big recently and will be starting her Japan tour this fall, traveling around performing her own creation of "British nerd-rock!" I can't wait to see her career blowup in the near future!

The second day, I was so busy running around trying to get from panel to panel, as well as attending the competition, so I didn't get to take as many pictures as I would have liked! However, there were so many that I loved! I saw so many classic Anime characters, which made me so happy! And, of course, the usual abundance of Naruto and Poke'mon cosplayers were there as well!

I was so happy to catch quite a few Sakura Kinomoto cosplayers! I just had to stop and take a picture of my favorite Anime characters!! I am desperately hoping that I will be able to cosplay next year too!! Sakura, of course, is my dream cosplay, but at this point, I'll do whatever I can manage! Other personal cosplay ideas are Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji / Black Butler, && Vanellope von Schweetz from Wreck-It-Ralph!! o(^ ^)o

  Besides the Ani-Idol competition, my goal for the second day was to attend every Voice Actor panel! And I did!! All of the panels were back-to-back, all in the same room, so it was pretty convenient! The VA panels are always my favorite part of attending conventions! Even if I've already met the person, I still love hearing all of the stories! 

  This guy... Just... Let's just say, he was hilarious, vulgar, and soooo hyper! I don't know why people kept giving him sugar throughout the day! Haha, but it was great to meet the infamous, Scott McNeil!! Voice of Van Hohenheim (FMA), Koga (Inuyasha), Wolverine (X-Men Evolution), and a million other credits, but more importantly- Piccolo from Dragonball Z!!!! 

  My friends and I just happened to run into him about a hundred times throughout the day, and every meeting was an event! Eventually, we got his autograph and the chance to be a part of this San Japan photo-op! He also gave me a bunch of hugs because he claimed that I was "height-efficient and so adorably huggable!" Haha, I loved this guy! (^-^) 

  After seeing her at panels a number of times in the past couple years, I finally got to officially meet the amazingly talented and adorable, Carrie Savage! Another one of the "greats" with a million voice credits including, Maromi (Paranoia Agent), Momoka (Ouran High School Host Club), Kaname (Madoka Magica), &&& Mokona from Tsubasa: Resevoir Chronicles & XXX/Holic!! She was such a sweetheart! And don't be deceived, the only reason why she looks so tall compared to me is because she was wearing heels! (-u-)

  My highlight of the weekend, or maybe of the year: I got to meet the amazingly awesome, Jerry Jewell!!! I found out that he was attending San Japan months ago, and just as I did with all previous guests, I was so excited! Except, as the days passed, I thought more and more about the characters that he's done and I realized- he's voiced basically every one of my FAVORITE Male Anime characters!!!! Claire Stanfield (Baccano!), Russia (Hetalia), Kyo Sohma (Fruits Basket), Jin/ Sakamoto/ Suzaku (YuYu Hakusho), Happiness Bunny (Shin-chan), and of course a million other amazing characters I could throw in there, BUT, his most important one for me- Jimmy Kudo from Case Closed!!!!

  After I realized this, the con just became a mission: GET JERRY JEWELL'S AUTOGRAPH! And I did... I mean, sure, I had to be one of those fangirls that bombarded him at his very last panel (the 18+ panel, which was SO GREAT, by the way), but hey, at least I got it!!! And it was so weeeeiiird!! I hadn't been "star-struck" in such a long time! I didn't know what to say when I met him! I'm just so happy I did.

Day 3 

  All we did was hit the dealer's room for all of its sales and check-out of our hotel, but none of this mattered to me, because, basically, my dreams came true this weekend!! I got to meet so many awesome people, attend my first rock concert, and meet one of my FAVORITE voice actors!! 

  It's times like these when I just want to hit fast-forward on my life and be a voice actress already! I mean, I'm optimistic enough to fully believe I will be someday, and even though I'm only 20years old, I feel like it's taking FOREVER!! I want to be that person that makes people feel as amazingly happy like I do right now, just thinking about this weekend! Anyways, San Japan Sinister 6, definitely one to remember! I can't wait till next year, but till then, I've got about 9months of school to deal with! Wish me luck!!

Sincerely Yours,

Lisette Monique Diaz

ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭ ~Sweet Dreams~ ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭ 

Returning to Anime Expo...

   My very first Anime Convention experience was at Anime Expo 2005, and it was then that I started thinking of doing Voice Acting for the rest of my life. From that summer on, my sister, Suzette, and I attended AX every year up until 2008. The next year, Suzette had graduated so I went alone, and after 2009, I stopped going to AX all together. This year, however, I felt an urge to go. I purchased my ticket back in April, and when the weekend came, I had my Kigurumi and I was ready!

  Anime Expo is one of the biggest Anime conventions in North America, and I am so glad I went this year! It was the first convention I was able to squeeze into my summer schedule, and I had a great time! The only down side: Suzette and Billy decided to tag along... I don't wanna sound rude, but it was actually really annoying to have to deal with them! Suzette, who hasn't been to a convention in years and Billy who had never been to such a large event! While I was wanting to run around and go to panel after panel, and visit all the booths, they were ready to leave only after a couple of hours! And this was after they had made me late to arriving to the convention! By the second day, I decided to ditch them and leave them to their own devices. And on the 3rd day, I was alone! I hadn't realized till this time how much I had become accustomed to going to conventions alone! I mean, it was fun to watch Billy's reaction to all the cosplayers, and to shop with Suzette, but it eventually became too much of a hassle... 

  Because I was too busy running around to different events, including an open audition for Bang Zoom! Entertainment ((to be discussed in another post)), I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked. But here are some cute cosplayers I saw, amongst other congoers:

A Life-Size Rilakkuma!

Suzette got excited- Harvest Moon is one of her favorites!

I just thought he was adorable!

A My Little Pony Puppy-
Poor Poodle! 

HAHA! I loved them!
Sexy Mario, Luigi & Toad!

Some intense Halo cosplay!
And they were great dancers!

Loved her Creative Cosplay!

So many people!

Oh, just a life-size functional Dalek,
No big deal. 

Is this cute or creepy??

My favorite purchase of the con!
o(>v<)o

  Overall, I had a great time! Conventions like this really make me realize how many people out there love Anime just as much as I do! One of my favorite things about this year: the theme was Naruto! And, not only was I watching Naruto Shippuden at the time, but AX's theme back in 2005 was ALSO Naruto!! How much more of a sign did I need to know that this was a good year to attend?? Anyhoos, I can't wait till Anime Expo 2014! And hopefully, in the next few years, I'll be one of those VA guests holding a panel!! Stay Tuned!

Sincerely Yours,

Lisette Diaz

ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭ ~Sweet Dreams~ ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭