Monday, January 30, 2017

A feather quill pen + review on parker quink black ink.

A feather quill pen has been in my wishlist for a long time and my dad granted it! Coming from work in Singapore, he came across a shop that sold wooden pens and he thought that maybe they sold these there too (knowing that I've been wishing for this for months because I wanted to practice calligraphy and I'm so stubborn that I want to learn with this particular writing tool. I do have a brush pen, if that counts.) He also said it was the last stock! What a pleasant day it was when he gave it to me, I didn't even expect it!

It consists of a quill, a bottle of ink, and 6 nibs (including the one with the feather quill pen). 
However, I had to buy ink because I didn't want to use the ink included in the set, I wanted to use it in the future when I get better, however I'm not sure if this is a good idea because I'm not so sure whether the ink included has good quality or not. I originally wanted to buy India Ink because I heard it was cheap and it's pretty good for beginners. Although the store near my place didn't have stock of it for a long time so I chose this one, Parker Quink Black, which was only 250 php (about $5). But this is actually a fountain pen ink.

I was quite disappointed with it because I expected a really black ink, but it seemed more of a dark gray color when I tried it. But I suppose it's good enough for me, being a beginner. One quality I liked about it is the way it dries quickly (Quink being the combination of both words Quick and Ink). 


Nevertheless, I am happy with both items and now more motivated to practice my calligraphy. What about you? How did you start? If you haven't yet, do you plan to? I advise you to do so, it's really calming and fun!

with love,
yuki motokane.

Friday, January 27, 2017

My pet peeves + how to deal with them.


If I were to list down all my pet peeves, this post would probably turn to a novel. Which is why I decided to list only my top 3. If you didn't already know, pet peeves are specific behaviors that bug or annoy particular people.

And yet in no order because they annoy me just the same:

1.) When people don't have elevator manners. I generalized this because I really mean ALL manners. Living in a condominium, I always experience these events. I find it frustrating when people enter the elevator without waiting for the person inside to step outside. I'd understand if they have urgent matters to attend to, but I doubt about 10 seconds will make a life or death kind of thing. Maybe, but most likely not. 

Also when people quickly dash inside and push through the crowd. I don't get it, why can't people line up properly? Even when there are no lines, the elevator wouldn't close that fast. 

I also dislike it when people have loud conversations inside the elevator. A ride doesn't last long, I think we can wait to make a full length conversation when we step outside. Or maybe when they lower down their tone, I would finally have my peace.

I find it funny though when people click the elevator button more than once, that won't make the elevator arrive sooner. 

2.) When people ask if they can have some of my food while taking it. What's the point of asking when it's already in your hands? It's not like I'd be selfish and not share but it would motivate me more to continue sharing when people ask first before taking. 

Not just with food actually, also with other objects and things.

3.) When I eat something healthy and people ask if I'm on a diet. I find this exhausting to answer every time. Just because I chose to order salad or anything alike doesn't mean I'm on a diet. These are food which you can eat whenever you want to just like pizza and fries. 



Having these pet peeves I found ways to deal and cope with them. I can't guarantee that they would work for you but they have for me, perhaps these would maybe help you a bit. 

1.) Acknowledge them. We have to accept that we are irritated in a particular something. Denying would only give you more stress. 

2.) Resist. Resist the urge to rant or vent. It will not solve the situation. Find a way to release it that would bring no harm. Calm yourself and confront the person (if possible) and tell that person how you feel about it.

3.) Understand. This one I may be skipping sometimes but it's one of the important things to remember. Sometimes, there are reasons as to why they have that behavior or why that situation happened. Seek to gain a better understanding of the rest of the story.


That's pretty much it. I hope these will somehow help you. What are your pet peeves?

with love,
yuki motokane.

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Highlights of the week, vol. 2



1.) shrimp bucket located in bgc - taguig, philippines.
Shrimps, shrimps, and more shrimps with a side of chicken wings glazed with shrimp paste and fries a meal worth remembering.


2.) dogs in bonifacio global city, philippines.
They made my day soooo much. Dogs are probably my favorite animal because they have that look on them that is just so cute. It's funny how when they meet other dogs they smell each other's butts. So I searched about it recently and I gathered that sniffing is just a canine version of shaking hands and introducing yourself. They have pouches called anal sacs which secrete chemicals to get to know each other. How fascinating! 

3.) exams
ARE FINALLY FINISHED. Survived three straight days. I hope I can be as happy as I am now when I receive my report card, sigh.

4.) contact lenses
I'm nearsighted so I've been wearing glasses since I was 13 and I wanted to get contacts because my prom is nearing. So I bought one but trying it on my eyes was exhausting. I still can't get past the fear of poking my eyes. I know full well that I wouldn't really harm my eyes or feel any pain but when it's your first try, it's still sort of hard. It disappoints me to say that I haven't yet mastered the art of wearing them and taking them out, I'm still in the process of practicing because my eyelids are so stubborn.  

5.) alex & sierra
So I always ask myself why I discover great singers too late. Was watching a few videos of x factor (one of my favorite past times, talent shows are just so entertaining) and I heard their angelic voices. My top song preferences from them are:
  • Toxic by Britney Spears [ cover, they sang this on their audition last 2013 and SPOILER ALERT if you didn't already know, they won! ]  
  • Just Kids [ original, I love the acoustic version better though ]
  • Little Do You Know [ original ]

how was your week? I'd love to know too!

with love,
yuki motokane.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Highlights of the week, vol. 1

This is quite late, but I decided to make this year a much more joyous one by taking notes and remembering the highlights of the week. This will help me appreciate my days more and look forward for the following days of the rest of the 2017. How fast the years go by!

1.) new read, anna karenina by leo tolstoy
I got this as a gift last Christmas from a friend and I recently just started reading it. I'm very excited to finally dive in this story.

2.) exams are next week, the horror!
I know I should probably start studying, sigh. For now, I'll try to organize my study notes.

3.) dear lucas!




My aunt got a new puppy and he's so so adorable. I have a Labrador Retriever as well and her name is Shara <3

4.) jaymes young

One of my new favorite singers! I can't believe I just recently discovered him, I'm so thankful I did. He's an alternative/indie singer with an album titled Dark Star. Totally recommended!

5.) my mum's birthday
My mother celebrated her birthday last January 10. It made time seem so much faster. It's weird how I'm bigger and taller than my mom now and yet I'm still happy, our embrace is still very much the same. Happy birthday, mum!

How was your week?


with love,
yuki motokane.



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