Lately all I've been wanting to do is start another fansite that I've wanted to do for years...and also read more of The Dresden Files. But alas, no time just yet!

I am back to being a red head now. The blond was...a mistake. I need to stop taking visual inspiration from book characters (I do that a lot). I'd like to try a darker colour, but to be honest I'm worried about regrowth. I'm exceptionally lazy when it comes to my appearance, so anything that requires maintenance is a no-no.

I'm looking forward to the end of semester, and the end of group projects: they are so tiring! I thought the idea was to do less work in a group situation, but I'm doing more for my two group subjects then for my major project (which as many credits as the two of them combined). It also forces me to go to class, which I don't usually do, being more of a 'learn it myself' kind of person. I'm also making trips into school on my days off to meet with people. Feeling pretty pooped over all, but only a few more weeks to go...only a few more weeks...(I keep repeating this to myself, like a mantra).

I've got some casual work with some potential website work coming up, which is great. Relieves a little bit of the pressure finance wise. I've been having to get Wills to buy my groceries which...he isn't happy about. Especially since he's not eating at home a lot, as he gets to make himself something at work. I don't know how he functions on one meal a day though. He's been quite tired recently too and I'm convinced it's his iron levels, but he won't get up in time to make something before he goes to work, and then he doesn't get home till about midnight. It's really frustrating, because we barely see each other and NEVER eat together. I can't wait till next semester when my time table is a little more flexible.

Anyway hope you are all doing well! I'd better get back to it. :x

Anyone have one? Looking for people to follow. :) I'm at http://ruayla.tumblr.com. I finally got one mostly so I could follow some inspirational blogs.

In completely unrelated news - Ayumi Hamasaki is getting married?! I have to say I'm a little bit iffy about it. Though she is, of course, free to marry whomever she wishes, it just seems odd that she's married someone she knew for such a short length of time. Not to mention someone she can only communicate with in a second language she's not even fluent in? I just hope this doesn't lead to a messy celebrity break up - I adore her too much!

Also for the first time since Miss Understood I'm actually enjoying the majority of songs on one of Ayu's albums. Love Songs is just plain lovely. :)

Off to get some packing done (we're moving house the DAY AFTER I get back from Sri Lanka!) and some things sorted before Hong Kong on Friday. Eep!

Hello dear Friends List,

How are we all? I'm excited to read all your entries about Christmas and New Years - sounds like most of you had a blast. Ours was pretty good too (we spent it camping with my family) and I got a few very choice gifts. My boyfriend Willsie got me this beautiful necklace, featuring my motif butterfly (which you will find within my upcoming portfolio design). It was a lovely surprise and I was just wow'd by his taste!

My dad got me a sturdy leather satchel which I've been using constantly since I got it. It makes me feel suave and intelligent. Also got another brown suede bag from ASOS but haven't been able to use it yet because the strap is so long! The bag literally comes down to my knees! I didn't think I was that short. The hole puncher is buried somewhere so I have to wait until we have time to look for it.

I also got this totoro shirt which I completely ripped off of nativegirl's wishlist. I fell in love with it the first time I laid eyes on it - I completely adore that movie!

I got a few other thoughtful gifts, though one of the most notable was from my elder brother Dan - known for his impeccable taste - who got me a leather bound book with blank, recycled paper. It's huge; features an embossed, red cover with a chord to wrap around it. The paper itself is sewn in with leather chord. I do believe that it was hand made and purchased at the Underground Market. Such a beautiful and inspiring present. It's so beautiful that I'm too nervous to even start doing anything in it! Although I think he hopes to get me into drawing more again, I think it would serve better as a place to keep my writing together.

Sri Lanka and Hong Kong are less than a week ago now, and I'm feeling a little apprehensive about traveling on my own. I just wish that there were some people that I knew and got on with well going to Sri Lanka with me - but the only friends that have chosen to go are girls I never got along with at school and promptly lost contact with. One in particular I don't even want to see again, after her various shenanigans in high school. I suppose though that people do have the capacity to change and I just need to bite the bullet and try to enjoy myself as much as I can. Getting my Hep A shot the day before I go so I hope I don't get sick before Hong Kong because that is probably what I'm most looking forward to!

Not much else for me to say I suppose. How are all of you? Any places in Hong Kong or Sri Lanka anyone can recommend I visit? :)