ME IN A NUTSHELL
Even the best writers find it hard to write about themselves, and I am no exception. However, here’s a pretty lengthy bio that should hopefully satisfy every reader’s curiosity.
I was given the name Joy Celine when I was born, but more than ten years ago, I started to prefer that I be called Yoj. Nothing special about the nickname, it just so happened that I got tired of the fact that when somebody calls out the name “Joy”, there would be around three or four of us responding to it. I know that there are dozens of Yojs around the world today, but at least it’s not as common as my real name.
I was born on the 30th of January, in the year 1986, which makes me an Aquarian, and an Ox in the Chinese Zodiac. Although I don’t really believe in such stuff, there are still some Aquarian/Ox characteristics that I believe are true in my case.
As an Aquarian, I am unconventional, detached, intellectual, individualistic, future-oriented, friendship-oriented, spontaneous, devoted, tolerant, open-minded, unpredictable, and stubborn. As the Ox of the Chinese Zodiac, I am a born leader, dependable, patient, calm, tireless in work, systematic, possessive, logical, practical, thrifty, and articulate.
WHAT I AM
I am a twenty-something late bloomer who has just begun to discover the beautiful world outside the four corners of her room. I have lived quite a sheltered life, but I’m a bit thankful because I have kept my values intact because of it.
Writing was my first love, and I remember dreaming about it when I was younger. That dream came into being when I became a staff writer for the school magazine in junior high school. When I was in my senior year, I was the Literary Editor of the school magazine, and the president of the writing guild. Of course, it made me want a writing career more than ever.
My parents wanted me to become a professional of some sort, perhaps an accountant like my mother. But, to their disappointment, I decided to pursue writing and took Journalism in college.
After I graduated, I started working as a web copywriter. I thought I’ll regret choosing a writing job over a potentially high-paying “professional” career, but I did not. There’s nothing more satisfying than doing something that you like and earning from it. Of course, it’s not the perfect job, and the pay is definitely lower, but I couldn’t see myself doing anything else but writing. I could not imagine myself enduring computational/mental torture and counting other people’s money.
WHAT I LIKE
Rather than talking about the things that I loathe, I’d rather discuss things that interest me.
On a lazy or depressing day, I would either be sleeping or eating. I have so many comfort foods.
Japanese food is like manna from heaven for me, and it’s one of the things that make me really appreciate Japan and its culture. I can eat sushi and slurp miso soup my entire life. Someday, I want to be able to make onigiri and sushi and eat them everyday. Really.
Coffee is one of my staple beverages, but I don’t like the idea of wasting money over a cup or glass of Starbucks coffee everyday. Not a fan of coffee as a status symbol. I’ve been drinking the cheap coffee you can buy in 7Eleven, and sometimes, it gives me the “kick” I need than boutique brands.
For me, life without books is boring and meaningless. My mom told me that after I learned how to read on my own, I would read all sorts of books and encyclopedias all day, even if I don’t really understand them. When I was in grade school, I remember running straight to the library during breaks to read anything about Greek/Roman Mythology, Archaeology, and anything else that caught my attention (one of them was a book on Philippine Folklore and Monsters).
I am currently into Japanese-authored novels (in English, of course), mystery/detective novels, historical fiction, and romantic-but-not-too-cheesy novels (like Coelho’s, yeah). Horror manga, like Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, Ju-On, Gyo, and Uzumaki are also on my bookshelf. I would also read anything interesting and intellectually appealing.
Most of the songs on my playlists are Japanese songs. I don’t care if some people think I’m a weirdo or something for listening to songs in foreign language. I appreciate real music, and I pity those who worship disgusting beats rich in dirty rhymes and cussing.
When I’m not listening to Japanese music, it would probably be either Reggae, Indie, Rock, or Alternative Music. And some sweet oldies, too.
Photography is something that I’ve always been interested in, and I’m aware that it’s a demanding and expensive hobby if you take it seriously. Film is my favorite medium, but I’ve always been willing to explore anything photography-related.
