This is a good enough excuse as any to get a little more personal on the blog, with some fun questions from
Marla &
Jane, who kindly passed on the Liebster Award to me! (Check them out, they're two of my absolute favourites.) I'm pretty sure I mentioned everyone I could
in this post, but you are tagged if you want to do these Qs yourself!
1. What is your favourite part of your heritage?
I am Japanese. There are so many things I love about the culture, but aside from the obvious (like food, traditions, perseverance etc.), I do love and appreciate their take on manners and etiquette. Sometimes I think it's a little much, and a little superficial, but I believe that it comes with good intentions and it's something I find fascinating and also quite telling about human nature.
2. What is your favourite part about where you live right now?
London is wonderful in so many ways. What I love most right now, is that I just think it's the perfect place for my husband and myself at this moment in our lives; young professionals who want to explore and play and be in the buzz of it all. There's always something going on and I love that.
3. How did you meet your best friend?
I have three girls who I consider my best friends. Two of them I met at school when I was 14, and the other I met in college when I was 18-19. They all (plus my sister, another best friend!) were my bridesmaids in the summer - they looked beautiful and were the best 'maids ever.
4. What is your favourite form of social media and why?
I do love Instagram. I don't actually post daily or anything, but I just really enjoy peeking into people's lives through photos.
5. What is your spirit animal and why?
I'm not really sure that exactly a spirit animal is, but if I assume that it's one akin to me and my character, E would probably say a cat. Fiercely independent when I feel like it, needing my "me time", and then the next minute being the most attention seeking creature possible.
6. Who is your number one celebrity crush?
I'll have a George Clooney with a side of Ryan Gosling & Patrick Dempsey.
7. What is something that you are proud of?
I'm proud (and thankful) that I've chosen such quality people to stick around and stay close to me throughout the years.
8. What is your favourite quote?
9. If you can tell your 11 year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Don't be a sheep. Don't try to be everyone else, because you'll suck at it. You don't need to be tanned and blonde and long legged to be pretty. Oh also, don't wear black eyeliner as eyeshadow. Please take one for the team and don't do that (or any of your other make up disasters if you can help it, but you can do a few because they make for good stories).
10. Name one thing on your Christmas list this year.
Good health for my family and friends. We had to say goodbye to someone this year, and it was a true reminder that life is fleeting, and that our health is a freedom we can never take for granted. I hope that everyone I love will stay healthy and and safe in the upcoming year (and beyond).
On a more selfish (and cheesy) note, this is the first time ever that I am spending Christmas and New Year with E. This has been on my Christmas list for a long time. I can't wait to spend Christmas with him, and toast to the new year at the stroke of midnight!
11. What is your go-to comfort food?
Tonkotsu ramen noodles. So damn good.
12. Who is your role model?
This is a toughie, because it's really a combination of people - pretty much all the closest people in my life. I look up to all of them for different reasons. Is this a cop-out answer? Or shall I just say Steve Jobs because my family, friends and I are all Apple fans?
13. What was one event in 2013 that was the most memorable to you?
Well, it goes without saying -
our wedding. But then there was also our
legal wedding, and the day I walked away with my
Masters degree. 2013 was a memorable year for all kinds of reasons.
14. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
I moved to England when I was just about to turn 9 years old, and I knew close to zero English. I went straight into a standard British school and I was in a tiny class with the loveliest, kindest, most patient teacher ever. My friends were so nice to me too, but the teacher was just incredible and I honestly wish I could find her and get in touch with her again! Thanks to her and the very sweet classmates, I became fluent in English in about 2 years.
15. What are three words that best describe you.
Passionate, curious & loyal.
16. Vampires or Zombies?
Vampires. I don't cope with blood well, but brains and stuff is even worse.