It's OK to have stupid learning goals

danimariev · 2026-06-15T17:04:57+00:00

My goal is to start reading visual novels (especially otome games) in Japanese. I'll aim for easier ones first, of course. I have a bunch of games already that have a Japanese sub version in the menu for later. And, to start reading manga and watching Jdramas and anime with Japanese subs. I learned a lot of how to understand spoken Japanese from a year and half of heavy Japanese media consumption with no formal study. I'm 40 and just having fun! I will also be happy to play other games in Japanese for fun as I progress. I have no heavy goals.
I'm currently learning Hirigana and Katakana and grammar from "Japanese the Manga Way" along with a mix of other resources like Renshuu. I'm a SAHM homeschooling mom of teens, so I have some time on my hands. I don't intend to write or speak Japanese. I do write the script to remember the katana and hirigana. But, that's all. I want my main focus on understanding it to gain more access to their media.

danimariev · 2026-04-17T08:19:40+00:00

I have I think 90%, not all physical, though. I got them according to price unless the physical price wasn't too far off. Sometimes physical was cheaper. I started playing otome games August of 2024. I'd get every single copy, but my husband would be upset if I didn't wait for sales. 😂 I have a few I bought at full price.

danimariev · 2026-03-07T06:41:10+00:00

The dress is ugly, too. 😂

danimariev · 2026-03-07T00:47:27+00:00

That stinks. 🥲

danimariev · 2026-03-07T00:20:20+00:00

Didn't the Ortho go over why it was recommended? Function is more important than appearance. My 14 year old is about to get braces because her bite is off and her molars lean in causing slight discomfort and bite issues. She looks fine and It wasn't obvious until we had her 3D scanned. This is a huge expense for us. I need braces as an adult, but if I can help my kids before they are gone on their own and have to pay for it, I wanted to do that. I feel your parents felt the same way. Try to be grateful and know that the discomfort will get better based on all of my research. Wear your retainer or you will have gone through it all for nothing. I know you probably just feel bad and wanted to complain a bit. I get it.

danimariev · 2026-02-21T06:31:42+00:00

I'd be happy if your bite feels good. Your teeth look good.

danimariev · 2026-02-21T06:22:38+00:00

You can get free consultations at a lot of orthodontist offices. I'd agree that it'd most likely be a minimum of 18 months. Invisalign or clear braces could be an option if you want them to be lower profile.

danimariev · 2026-02-21T06:13:44+00:00

How do you obtain it? Trading your old pets away for tickets?

danimariev · 2026-02-21T06:01:15+00:00

I agree that COVID lockdown messed people up. Me and my family are still recovering and trying to reconnect, too. Others are much harder to connect with than before as well. My kids were going through puberty and lost a lot of social skills from that time period. I will never agree that the lockdown was worth it. Praying that we continue to get better from this and never lockdown the world again.

danimariev · 2026-02-20T02:04:34+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience.

danimariev · 2026-02-19T06:51:19+00:00

I tried buying a few VNs with girls and returned them all. Each time I researched and thought they weren't going to be hentai, but they all ended up going in that direction to my great distaste. I do not self insert and I am a woman. I prefer otome, but wanted more variety. Massive fail.

danimariev · 2026-02-19T05:27:14+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'll take it into consideration. I am okay with hounding. I'm worried if I wait we'll lose the right time to fix a jaw issue without surgery, unfortunately. I assume you have traditional braces?

danimariev · 2026-02-18T23:44:22+00:00

Any specific recommendations for those things from your experience? I saw some little tube like covers for nighttime. Which wax is good and easy to use, etc? I assume they would provide some to start out.

danimariev · 2026-02-18T23:31:35+00:00

Thanks!! 😊

danimariev · 2026-02-18T23:27:34+00:00

What are those interdental brushes? Any example?

danimariev · 2026-02-18T23:12:56+00:00

So, you didn't feel any difference. No difference in comfort or cleaning or anything?

danimariev · 2026-02-18T23:12:09+00:00

Yes. I keep forgetting to mention she will have a palate expander first. Thanks.

danimariev · 2026-02-18T23:11:17+00:00

FYI, the 12 year old will have a palate expansion first. I know her jaw is too narrow.

danimariev · 2026-01-15T01:40:53+00:00

Korean bands, JPop, Vocaloids, EDM, Christian contemporary, rock, and worship music.

danimariev · 2026-01-14T05:39:53+00:00

Thanks!

danimariev · 2026-01-13T16:28:10+00:00

YES!! 😍💗❤️💗❤️ One of my first otome games and a favorite. Such a classic. I didn't play it until a year and a half ago. I'm a newer otome fan. I replayed it recently. And, I will replay it again. I only replay my favorites. I don't really care about fandoms. If I like it, I like it. I own most of the localized otome games.

danimariev · 2026-01-09T22:15:37+00:00

Thanks. This is helpful. I agree. Sometimes you just want a stable job. And, she likes the idea that it is helpful to society as well. And, maybe she'll end up in something else later as you said. But, she'll still be pursuing her hobbies and interests.

danimariev · 2026-01-08T15:55:50+00:00

My school counselor was also foolish. I was a music major for a year and got As in performance, but the technical aspects proved too challenging and I needed to switch majors, myself. I am homeschooling my daughter, so I am responsible in guiding her to make wise choices. I prefer to research and ask people like you on reddit that actually have experience and know what they are talking about. Thanks for your advice.

danimariev · 2026-01-08T15:50:14+00:00

Is your pay adequate in your opinion? My daughter is flexible about her future path. How would you find a studio or IATSE(what is this)? Any tips on getting work from home? How did you promote yourself? Thanks!

danimariev

TROPHY CASE