She only took me for ten-thousand yen.

Hey oh! Check out my new blog layout!

Jiscilla came over this weekend and with her expert styling, make-up, and photography skills, came up with some great pictures of yours truly! I know I look a bit pensive above, but I really loved the photo. And the books! Obviously! What do you think?

There are many photos where that came from - I plan on changing up the header later in the year! Here's a couple of fun shots that aren't header material...outtakes, if you will:

I think you can tell that Jiscilla and I had a grand weekend, starting off with vegan burritos and Friday night photo shoots! We then stayed up and watched Zombieland, which was a laugh riot. On Saturday morning we decided to wake up in time for the special $6 Saturday morning deal at a movie theater showing A Single Man. Let me tell you: A Single Man was a beautiful film, a wonderful turn by one of my favourites Colin Firth, and all the men looked impeccable - both in their tailored suits and out of them!

We then spent the rest of the day preparing for my upcoming trip in March. I've failed to mention exactly where I'm going, but I've decided today is the day to break it to you:

I'M GOING TO JAPAN!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it? I can't believe it.

Jesse and I have been planning this for a few months, as Motion City is playing some shows there for a week in March, it's one of Jesse's favourite places in the world, and a destination I've always wanted to go to! Seriously, I believe one of our first conversations centered around our mutual love for Japan. And later we would speak of visiting the country together.

And now! On March 2nd, I head to Tokyo! We'll also be visiting Nagoya and Osaka! I can't help but type all these sentences with exclamation points! I studied Japanese culture in college, and have been dreaming about visiting ever since. It's been the number one place I'd like to visit in the world for a long time. And I get to go with Jesse!

I've been bummed since the last time I saw Jesse, knowing I wouldn't see him for a month. However, we've both been relishing in the fact that the next time we see each other we'll be in JAPAN! On the other side of the world! On Saturday, I bought a suitcase and some new headphones. I've been carrying around a Japanese phrasebook, and whispering to myself on the subways. You'll probably be hearing much more of my preparation for the trip in the coming weeks - stay tuned!

Oh, and lest I forget to mention my Valentine's Day: I received a lovely bouquet from Jesse, who was in LA, and we videochatted twice for maximum FACETIME. Otherwise, I watched figure skating with Pee Wee (he's a real fan, I'm not kidding), and did some cleaning around the house. Plus, I decided to buy myself a Crumbs cupcake and indulge in my quiet Sunday night!

Now to prepare for the week ahead...and Japan!