Darphynia's Diary

To my parental units: I know that things didn't always come easy.  You both were brought up in very different households.  Mom, your parents experienced The Great Depression and didn't have a lot of money until you and two of your siblings were grown and gone.  Dad, your parents had to suffer through the interment camps, and despite your brother being born in one, everyone made it out.  They were release with what they could carry, and had to start completely over.  They (my grandparents) sacrificed so much to make sure there was food on the table.  Fast forward a couple of decades and you two are married.  Then, after some time, I was born.  Unlike my younger brother, I was born early...three months early.  I wasn't expected to make it, but somehow I did.  You and dad sacrificed so much time, making the nearly two-hour drive to see me every day after work.  Grandma and Grandpa went sometimes, but I don't know that Baachan and ...

I know I've pretty much been gone most of this month.  Things have been pretty crazy, and are finally winding down.  Here is a little overview of what I've been up to and what is to come: -  Packing, packing, packing! -  Giveaways (one has CLOSED, but there will be at least one more for the summer). -  Traveling (hoping to get to Canada this summer.  It has been far too long!). -  Tech Trek (I'll get into that later). -  Mountainous adventures and visiting family. -  More reviews, and possibly a first video on my YouTube channel (stay tuned!). -  Tips & tricks for makeup, packing, etc. -  Dissertation writing, editing, etc. -  Booking for future events (I already have a room for CES 2016, and am so excited!). There has been one pretty important event this month, which involves summer camp I work...well, worked.  It is only a week (this one in particular ended Saturday), but as with many things, it can feel ...

The older I get, the less focused I am on doing things for my birthday.  These days, I have just as much fun going around town and getting all the "freebies" to celebrate the day of my glorious birth.  Okay, glorious may be a bit exaggerated.  Anyway, here are some places that treat you on your birthday, as what you may get, since I'm not sure if the items change.  If you know of any that are not on this list, post them in the comments! Starbucks (for rewards members) Drink of your choice.   Any size, any flavor. Teavana (**If you don’t use the Starbucks reward) A free drink or 1oz of any tea.   I always opt for the tea.   More bang for your reward. Ulta (e-mail is sent for members; free sign-up) Free Urban Decay travel-sized eyeliner. Jo Malone   (gifts with any purchase) Two sample-sized fragrance of your choice from a set list...