Contest Entry

I've decided to join Christmas All Year Round Writing Contest. It is actually my first time so I'm a little nervous here, but then again it's all about improving your writing in the end and seeing your capabilities. Here's my submission:

Applicant's Username: ChocoPocky
Submission Title: Euphoria's Distance
Type of Work: Chaptered, AU, War
URL/Link: Here

Here's the plot, any suggestions or corrections?

Torn between her beliefs, Semi has vanished from her home to fight for the war that has been tearing the lands apart.

When the Snows declared war against the Light clan, the Shadows are in fear of being infiltrated by rebels. The government had then adjudicated upon passing a decree stating that all above eighteen years of age must serve the war or face execution.

How will one find happiness when all that remains is hostility and abhorrence?

Memorable + Recommendations

I've been hit with a question that I would like to address... What makes a story memorable?

Good question there. Of course, people have certain preferences so I have come into conclusion that there is no exact answer as to what makes a story memorable. It’s like doing a Science Fair experiment (skip this part if want). Your friend may have added a certain amount of fertilizer to the soil; as a result, the rose grew beautifully (no need to get smart on me saying that roses don’t need fertilizer just to grow beautiful because it is pretty just the way it is- this is just a freaking example!). And since you decided only to assign a tad bit of fertilizer, the rose evolved abnormally. So the independent variable is the fertilizer added to the rose, which in other words are people’s preferences. The dependent would be the rose’s health or beauty (?), which is the individual’s taste(s). That leaves us with the controlled variable which is having the same type of fertilizer used for the two roses, or in this situation the question being asked in exact words. Like a Science experiment right?

I made the question more complex when it’s really not. Correct me if you find something incoherent, I’m just practicing for Science Fair. Go ahead and tell me your preferences I'll be willing to listen and maybe do a project about it for fun.

It always begins with the forewords. I’m pretty chill for the most part when judging descriptions and titles. I understand that coming up with the greatest title and plot in the world is nearly impossible, if not, close. But… this story just left me speechless, so I’m going to use it as an example along with some recommendations.

Skyline- just by viewing the name, I can already imagine the vibrant neon signs and monolith buildings. Random scenes and streetlights blurred in my vision as my car speeds through the dark streets of the city; maybe even add the cold weather (since it’s freezing in my room) just for the night city-ish atmosphere.

No, it wasn’t the title or the excellence of the plot/how it’s written that made it unforgettable for me. I didn’t feel butterflies either by reading it. It’s because it gradually took me time to love that story. And I mean by time as in constantly thinking about it and, as crazy it sounds, makes my heart beat fast as I reflect at what occurred in the story line; no butterflies involved. In other words, I didn’t immediately mark the story epic in the beginning.

Diary of a Quiz Bowl Amateur- for a total moron like me, I need inspiration to boost my intellectuality.

Perspectives- written with such beautiful descriptive words.

The Sandman and his Fairy- it lured me in just by reading the forewords.

Curse of the Sorcerer- one of the best straight-up romance I have read.

In the Eyes of a Prisoner- not really my kind of story but I admire the dynamics.

Dear Reviewer, You Suck- just for pleasure and learning.

EDIT: You could interpret this post as the metaphor for love (as in romance); it slowly takes time to develop feelings for someone.

Unofficially...

 

Freaking tan -.- California weather why u no have snow!?

My fifteenth birthday! I know what you're thinking if you read my earlier post. No, I am not using Microsoft Word you fools. 

As I was saying before I was mentally interrupted, it's my unofficial birthday today... if I was in the Philippines, that is. So that means I'm fifteen years old there but fourteen years old here. I find that very cool if you ask me; I'm another age on the other side of the world just for this day September 8,2012. I'm usually the type of person that would not go out for their birthday and (shamefully) likes to receive instead. So I'm not doing anything but wait for Exo's comeback so I could buy their CD + poster if they have one. Geez, my Exo feels is so low since there's not much well-written Exo fanfics out there. It's rare to find a memorable one these days.

For those who are reading this post, whoever is the first lovely deary that guesses what I will be doing for my birthday will get 24 Icons of their choice. If I come to your tagboard saying that you're the winner, please make sure that you are specific with: the band or person name, the colors or writing maybe, and etc. I hope you take part! Maligayang Kaarawan sa akin! Happy Birthday to me!

Adios mi amigos!

Site Refurbishing

This site has been too trashy and unorganized in my point-of-view, thus it will be going through revamp mode. Nothing much really; the layout won’t change (the fact that it’s beautiful thanks to Chazzie umma ^^) and that’s all I can say for now. 

  

Mind supporting me? I’ve created a sub-blog where I will rant hard, complain intensely, and maybe post a few selcas if the occasion calls for. I was going to delete my posts in this site and start over since I have found many grammar mistakes and it’s been bugging me… a lot! But after giving it some thought, maybe I shouldn’t because sometimes you can’t always rely on Microsoft Word to correct mistakes for you. I mean you should because it would be great just to spot typos and such, though it’s rather advisable to rely on your own brain (because Microsoft won’t always be there for you -.-). With shame, I will still pre-type my entries using Microsoft for my sub-blog. This site from now on will be used for resources, light rants and personal things, and plain randomness.

Au revoir Mademoiselles! I assume not all of you are married and are girls. Did I ever tell you I was taking French class?

First Day, First Time

There's always a first time for everything they say- and that means eating in the restroom stall because you don't know anyone. Not that I'm complaining since I'm totally used to being aloof and quiet during lunch and since it's high school, they don't care where you eat as long as it's in the campus. I mean, I'd rather be a high school loser than be friends with skanks, and trust me, my school is filled with them. Just by waiting for the Big Gym to open, one song came up to my mind... Hot Problems. If you had not seen it then good because my ears just exploded.

The girls in my school just reminds me of them which is sad, really. Due to their privacy rights and the explicit things that happened this morning, I don't think I'll be able to write about their "skankiness" and "bitch" attitude. My blog is not meant to target anyone nor is it perverted. Good thing, I met new friends like Samantha who is Mexican but looks Vietnamese, track girl (because I forgot her name) who thinks Orchestra is pathetic, and Adrian who thinks my name is Georgia since I came from the state of Georgia.

Word of the Day: Skank. Don't be one.

EDIT: This reminds me of Mean Girls O.O


Speaking of first time, I did make a short-video or trailer, however you call it. Nothing special just something I made out of boredom. If you don't understand what happened, either re-watch it or tag me. I have failed as a storyteller. *facepalm* Interpret it how you want basically. 

Naruto Icons!

I feel free from studying!

I'm on a two hour break from reviewing since I'm feeling a bit dizzy from the hot temperature (I swear, the weather here is abnormal. Night: chilly. Day: burning). Therefore I made 44 Naruto icons and others! No need to credit as long you don't hotlink. Hope you find it somewhat useful!

   

(Click here for the rest)

   
(Click here for the rest)

   
(Click here for the rest)

The Thing Is...

I dislike Livejournal, really. Skimming through the posts in my former blog, Life of an IcecreamPocky, it is so that I have written a complaint about LJ. Reading it as of right now, I have some grammar studying to do. Read it below if you want.

"Gosh, I don't what the eff I'm supposed to do! All these people posting stories (mostly yaoi) and having nice journals and many friends, I just don't know how to be like them. This was like when I started tumblr and Asianfanfics. I had no idea on how things went and after a few days or one week, I got used to how it works. But, Livejournal is soo much different and it confuses me. LJ keeps sending me messages on every little thing I do and the layouts confuses me. Also, there is too much yaoi stories that it's actually making me hate yaoi. I mean, I love yaoi and I enjoy it, but if there's a little too much then I kind of go where people aren't usually at (that means I go back to reading straight love boyxgirl). I guess I am just being impatient, which is one of the most horrible things internet has done to me. Well, I'm going to give Livejournal a chance maybe in a few months or so, I won't be as confused as right now."

Now, I'm giving it another thought and that maybe I should start posting my stories there as well. I mean I do like AFF better because it's more friendly, it gives you a chance (a reason why there's so much horrendous written stories there), and your writing is more likely to be recognized there. Either way, my writing is not perceived in AFF as well so it's all good anyway. Of course, I have stopped caring a long time ago on how many comments and subscribers I receive.

I just want readers- like any other author out there.

For those of you who are just like me, don't give up. Don't let the lack of subscribers/comments/readers bring you down or lead you to writing illogical, terrible grammar, poor characterization, using random Konglish sh*t here and there, cliché, and basically just plain f*ckery fics since 90% of AFFers prefer those kind of stories. Keep doing what you are doing right now and it will pay off someday.

Good luck with school and life, the beginning of my road to becoming a mechanical engineer starts this Wednesday if anyone cares.

Hiatus... Still!

I am currently studying to pass the final exam for Algebra I to get into Geometry class. Wish me luck!

I won't be able to respond to you ASAP. I don't know when I'll come back either.

EDIT: Actually, my dad took up my computer since he thinks that I needed to "socialize" more. It's not that I'm anti-social or anything, but I really don't know this place. I still find it hard to adjust after a month, I suppose, of living here. That's why I'm on semi-hiatus-ish aside from school and the pains studying.

On the bright side, I'm halfway finished with that Painless Algebra book before I have to take the final exam. Please do ignore the first-second sentence of this post. I'll be lurking around but not really active as in posting random stuff about life, freebies, or complaints.

Life has been awkward and quiet, virtually and in-reality. I miss the old times!

Change of Plans

I really don't know what to do with my life anymore. One time I said that I wanted to go into the medical field and just last week, I've decided that I want to be in the aviation, mechanical, or perhaps maybe the aerospace industry. I suppose I’m more comfortable in that sort of field rather than dealing with blood and gross things, otherwise known as nursing. I’m thinking that’s a pretty great choice since I love to be around technology.

My mom always told me that when you’re a nurse, you have a better pay and they have great job security so I tried to inspire myself. I really did, but no. I just can’t. It seems like I can’t risk my happiness just to make my mom proud. Of course, my dad has no care in the world with what career I want to be as long as I get all A’s and the job is well paying. So it’s all good, right?

Putting that aside now. As long as I study and work hard, I’ll be in a good position in the future even if I have a change of mind again (to which I really need to stop doing since it’s making my head paranoid -.-).

Layout Change Again!

Okay, so I have the tendency of changing my layout frequently. I do apologize if you find it rather annoying, but what they hey, this is my blog.

After going through inspections again to see if anything is functioning correctly, I realize that there are some errors to which I need to fix after I clean my room. If you happen to find any malfunctions, don't hesitate to tell me.

I will edit this post once I come back!

Improving Myself

Currently listening to: เรื่องของเรา(อย่าบอกเขาเลย) Secret - K-OTIC (Such sexiness @_@)

Not behavior speaking (although it needs ameliorating itself), but it's how I get things complete. It is somehow related to my time management issues, but slightly distinct.

I've been so unproductive lately. It takes me days or even weeks just to get one task done. I believe it's because I get so distracted easily and work onto another assignment. For example: finishing a review then deciding to upload more freebies. Is that good or bad? It will be quite surprising that I'll finish this post by midnight even though I've written this since morning; that's how easily I get off task.

Now that school is about to begin in a matter of weeks... more like days actually, I need to re-organize my thoughts and try to come up with ways I can work yet play also. Otherwise, I'll hit rock bottom again like last year. If I only had good time management.

To celebrate Kana's new album, I made icons of her and also some other bands. No need for credits, just host it in your own server. Click here to see.

A total 16 Nishino Kana icons, 26 Exo icons, and 16 Infinite icons have been uploaded. More to come!

English Proficiency Test -.-

Currently listening to: Feather - Nujabes

Sorry for the sudden change of header. I was trying out the things I could do in Photoshop and voila! I've never thought I could do something as legit looking as this, really. Don't think that I don't like Yamapi because I changed my header and a few styles all of a sudden. He is actually the first person that got me into Jpop along with Arashi, AKB48, HSJ!, Ikimono Gakari, Nishino Kana, and others. Credits to Shinpanda for the wonderful PNG :')

I had to take the English Proficiency Test today as it is required for people who just moved in to the state. Even though the test was easy as one-two-three, I felt horrible during listening and essay part. I freaking wrote about House Cleaning Machine 3000 for my essay as it was asking me about what machine would I build to make my life easier! It's still weird that I remember every bits of that failed writing of mine.

If I could make any machine to make my life smoother, it would be the House Cleaning Machine 3000. That way, it is enabling me to do all the things I can't do while wasting my time cleaning. THE END

Okay, so I didn't really put "The End" on the "end" (get it?) because I would've had points taken off. After that, we went to my high school and I got my schedule! My classes here are so much better than my supposedly schedule back in Georgia. I am finally able to take non-honors classes without having heart-attacks that I won't be able to go on to honors for next year if I hadn't taken one this year. You may have guessed my classes in GA if you have read my previous blog posts. Here is my new schedule.

• Chinese for Foreign Language (I thought about it hard and Kris came into mind)
• Algebra I (Even though I already took it in 8th Grade)
• Biology (Not sure if it's honors)
• Symphony Orchestra (I'll still miss my trombone T_T)
• English I 
• PE

I just had to take Chinese even though I wanted to go into Spanish because one day if I ever meet Kris, I can talk to him in Chinese, like a boss!

It's Over!

Currently listening to: Lullaby (A Tale of Two Sisters)

Hey people of the web! I am like so tired right now, but I'm forcing myself to update as much as I can before school begins in September. Summer just went by fast and somehow, I feel happy because I miss school. I had a three month vacation you know -.-

So last week, we went to LA (*ahem* Hollywood not Koreatown) by Metrolink and it was cool, I suppose. Though, I thought Hollywood would have that "dazzle" I was hoping for. I did take a picture by Britney Spears's star because she was the only one I know other than George Lopez and Godzilla; I'm not really into American movies that much. The whole thing pissed me off at the end since I got even more tan :( Hollywood was okay overall, but I'd rather visit the Grand Canyon though.

Speaking of which, I'm attempting to write a "horror" or "thriller" story, so bye-bye! Such a lame blog post today. I'm not in the mood right now. 3 more weeks till I officially turn 15!

EDIT: I read over my post again and it's pretty boring. I'll spice it up with this story idea of mine! So yeah I'm trying to write a horror or thriller (?) story, as mentioned from the above. I guess I'm trying to experiment with my capabilities, and since horror is not my genre, I thought I'd give it a try. Here's a preview:

The smell of blood filled the air.

*facepalm* Shisus, I've been so futile these days! So much for a preview... I don't even think that's a preview! It's already embarassing enough that I made Kris a psychotic murderer in this story. At least I made a poster below (and a legit looking one too). I tried to wipe out the unknown girl's face as much as possible so you could imagine the girl instead.

(Click here to enlarge)

30 Day Exo Challenge - Day 4

YOUR ULTIMATE BIAS FROM EXO

You don't know how long I've been waiting for this moment. Like, I'm already getting a heart attack just by searching for Kris's pictures *dead* Gwa Ai Di Wu Fan! (Not sure if I spelled that right).

       

Credits: asdfghjkriss

Sehun may not be my ultimate bias, but I would like to share you my sexehh dashboard.

Mind supporting me?

(Click here to enlarge)

After having mental conflicts with myself on whether I should go back writing for AFF, I decided that I should because my story blog feels too lonely. So yup, Erika here has comeback with a... trollfic! *throws confetti* I've got nothing good in mind anyway except for this war story I've planned months ago, which is still in the process of being posted.  -.- But yeah, click here to read.

Also, my AFF account is dead (it's not like I've been active or anything). So who wants to befriend me? Anyone? No. Okay. Click hur for awesomness! 

I won't be able to update tomorrow or be online... I think, because I'll be exercising and jogging around the whole city. I've gotten too fat you know from eating all that junk food. 

Something Random

If anyone cares then I'm sorry for spamming you readers with all this crap of mine. I try to make this blog as useful as I can, I really do. So I attempt to write as many writing tips and upload freebies, to which I hope you'll benefit from.

Right now, I'm currently working on Version 13 for this site, and I decided to try a drop down menu for the navigation. It took me the whole night+morning figuring that shiz out and also finding a good tutorial. It may not be perfect, but it works pretty legit to me.

Guess what! Our bunk bed came today and I'm so happy that I'm no longer sleeping on that dirty carpet. Please excuse me/my sister's room, we don't have anywhere to put our junk at for the moment. 

After so much arguments, I finally won back my spot at the bottom bunk, though it was originally planned that I was going to sleep there anyway. 

I remember taking this picture while I was inside the airplane (Emirates) leaving the Phils. heading to Dubai. 

That my friend is Asiana Airlines which is heading to Seoul... SEOUL! I'm so envious of those people in there T_T There was so much airplanes heading to Korea that night and I felt so empty. I was mentally screaming "take me with you" when those airplanes took off. But that all happened a month ago, so yeah~

Last thing I want to add to this very random post is... Gangnam Style! Oppa Gangnam Style that is...

Dang, there was so much hype about this video! This gave me a good laugh and it surprised me to see Hyuna in the video xD LOL I just had to reblog the "Exo Gangnam Style Version."

 

 

AFF Cliches: Gangsters

Disclaimer: Anything mentioned here is not targeted to anyone; these are just my presumptions. I'm not out here to offend anyone. You have been warned!

Feel free to correct me here, but I think 90% of the stories in AFF are about kingkas or gangsters (or are they the same thing?). It's comical how some of these authors portray them as "tough but caring" or "badass but secretly cute," when in reality a gangster is a criminal who is a member of a gang, and gangs do illegal things in short.

Better yet, I think I should show you what one looks like. No racism intended, but that's the best picture I could find without all those "bad" things. Totally the opposite of what you see in some of these stories huh?

Speaking of which, why do they always use L.joe for these types of characters? It just baffles me because I really don't see him fit to be a gangster according to those variety shows I've watched. Why can't he be a doctor for once?! I think that'd be sexy hot and not cliche. Hehe, L.joe as a doctor. *wiggles eyebrows*

Do read this guys because it is hilarious.

Till next time! *creepy giggle*

Source: Wikipedia,

The Use of Konglish

Disclaimer: If you can't handle criticisms that well, then I suggest you shouldn't read this. Anything mentioned here is not targeted to anyone; these are just my presumptions.

One of the things that pisses me the most in AFF is when authors use Konglish... Extreme Konglish! As in to the point that you can't even understand what the fuck the characters are saying. I mean, it’s okay to use words such as unnie, oppa, or something light. But going too far and ending up like the one below is not acceptable.

"Annyeonghaseyo Sungjong oppa!"

"Neo babo ya!"

"Aniyo, I'm not a babo." 

"Neh you are, wae did you throw my homework away, noona?"

"Jeorang gyeoronae juseyo." 

No need for translations when I can't even understand that myself. 

Unless you are Korean or someone who had studied the Korean language, it's not advisable for you to use Konglish because for all we know, the words up there might mean something offensive or better yet, like this. Wouldn't you feel embarrassed when something like that happens?

Sources: Asianfanficsfail

30 Day Exo Challenge - Day 3

YOUR TOP OTP

Taoris! I'm not gonna get perverted here, but I wonder who dafuq did this photo?! Me and my sister even had arguments over it O.O 

 

Too Normal

I’m back with a new layout and you know what that means… it’s-probably-not-gonna-stay-there-for-long-like-all the-other-layouts-I-make. Still, I think this is the best that I’ve done so this might last for long… hopefully.

WARNING: Read this rant at your own risk!

I dunno I still have my suspicions over my new home. Not the apartment, but the whole city. Everything here is just so different: my new school is only one or two miles, there’s lots of Asians, everything is near, and there was even a [very] old Asian man walking home from Target (you don’t see that in Georgia everyday)! Call me weird, but I grew up in a place where there are predominantly black people, and trying to get to the nearest store requires you to drive. I’m not used to being around that many Asians, which is pretty bizarre since I'm one myself.  It’s too normal… and I kind of don’t like it. Maybe I haven’t gotten used to how things work around here. Even seeing the public bus stop by my new high school is making me spazz -.- I hope I didn’t offend anyone; I’m having a bit of a culture shock.

Oh and I was channel browsing and I found out my mom bought Mnet, some Chinese and Korean channels, and TFC :’D Thanks to that I can finally re-watch Be Careful With My Heart starring Richard Yap and Jodi Sta. Maria ^^ Another thing… I don’t know anyone here so I’m currently being a couch potato. Who wants to talk to me? Keke xD See ya who-knows-when!

Happy [late-ish] Birthday Yuto!!

EDIT: Just finished editing/adding more content to the pages and settings here. If anyone cares, my timezone moved from (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time to (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time, which is only a two hour difference. 

Woohoo! Holiday Inn!

I'm currently in El Paso, Texas right now and I'm loving it here... well, the hotel to be exact. It has free internet *creepy giggle* We're almost to LA and it's pretty cool how we got this far. Here are the states we passed by:

• Alabama
• Mississippi
• Louisiana
• Texas

That means we only have New Mexico and Arizona to drive by and then I can get my proper rest. Traveling through the desert can be a nuisance since the rest areas and gas stations are so far away -.- Worst thing is, our car may run out of gas. At least I saved LOTS of Exo pictures in my iPod just to keep myself entertained hehe.

Seems like I changed the layout again because some people are having problems with my cbox not refreshing correctly. Hopefully it'll work this time :D Currently watching the Olympics right now, go world! Well... bye-bye!

30 Day Exo Challenge - Day 2

YOUR BIAS FROM EXO-M

Soo hard, but I had to choose... XIUMIN!! 

   

30 Day Exo Challenge - Day 1

YOUR FAVORITE TEASER

I seriously love ALL of the teasers from Exo, but Tao just caught my interest here. Outside he looks like a badass motherfucker, but in the inside he's just a cute squishy panda ^^

Apologies & 30 Day Exo Challenge

Apologies for the spam guys! Dang, I really need to stick with a layout. It's just that I feel as if the layouts I make are lacking somehow. But then again, school starts this September and I have nothing to do, so why not. It's not like I can just call my friends and say 'Hey gurl, we need to hang out,' now that they think I'm in California o_o It's pretty confusing.

*sigh* I might as well post as many things as I can before I migrate to LA. After all, it takes 4 days to get there by car from Atlanta. It's pretty boring just stuck in your car for 4 days, and worse of all is driving through the desert. It's not bad, but you just need to be a whole  lot prepared.

These challenges are so fun! Sad that I didn't do the SHINee challenge, even though I said I would. My interest over them is deteriorating, but I still love them though. Keke, I'm so obsessed over Exo right now :D

(Click to enlarge)

One More

Sorry to spam you guys, but I find this fun, so here goes one more :D

37th is your life 2 years ago:

Hmm... okay.

29th is your life now:

Yeah... I'm pretty happy right now :D

35th is who you will be married to:

Mee likeys *stares pervertedly*

8th is your reaction to how your relationship will end:

Eh? 

10th is your new husband:

It's okay Jungmin, I'm here keke!

32nd is you on your wedding day:

Wut? LOL xDDD

21st is your father in law:

He looks young though, but still nyehehe >.<

13th is finding out you are pregnant:

No comment.

11th is your husband’s reaction to the pregnancy:

Wow.

36th is your first child:

I'm okay with that.

27th is the family pet:

Lemme take care of you.

50th is your reaction to your kid leaving home:

Take care son...

59th is your wedding anniversary:

Aww :')

Last gif is you on your death bed:

Hehe.