I didn’t actually think I would do one of these, but seeing all of my blogger buddies do recap posts got me in the mood to do it, too.
…That’s a bit of a dangerous mentality right there, oops.
THIS IS A LONG POST
REAL LIFE YEARLY REVIEW
- I finally got it through my head that my ex doesn’t want anything to do with me when she demanded to pay me back for the $50 giftcard to Sephora I sent her. It was in bad etiquette to give her a Christmas gift, I guess.
- I continued showing up to tournament venues (for Super Smash Brothers Melee) at least slightly buzzed because I knew my own talent wasn’t good enough to go far at all. Might as well have fun, right? Still didn’t pass out in the hallway like I did in October 2015, though.
- Failed my first midterm exam in my last economics class because I played mahjong instead of studying. Studied really hard and got an A in the second one. Did okay on the last one. My study buddy wasn’t happy that I received a better grade than him despite the fact that he had more points overall, so he stopped responding to my texts.
- Found my first job as an office person. I’m not fast enough at it, in my opinion. I cried once during work because I knew I wasn’t fast enough and I was trying to skip lunch so I can have more time to work. I think only senpai saw me.
- Went on three dates with three different people but all of them were just looking for the free meal. You’re welcome, I guess. 2-D is all I need, anyways.
- I have my own car! It’s eating up all of my money! I got rear-ended earlier this year because I went to buy squeeze bottles for sauces!
- Uh, my checking account went into the red earlier this week because I’ve been paying extra on my bills while carelessly spending what was left on games and food. At least I had some extra in my savings account to transfer over…
- But I graduated! Didn’t bother walking, but I have the little piece of paper and everything.
- Oh, and I started The Lily Garden a few months ago.
BLOG HISTORY TIME, OH BOY
A-anyways, I started this blog towards the end of May, intending to write about yuri visual novels, yuri anime, and yuri manga. But recently I’ve only been blogging about yuri anime. There just isn’t enough time for me to get to the other juicy yuri stuff. I’m pretty sure it has to do with me picking up other activities, but it may also have to do with the fact that I spend a lot of time on episode reviews.
Therefore, I think I’m going to cut back on anime episode reviews for Winter 2016. As stated above, I started the blog during the middle of the Spring 2016 season. Because of my untimely entry, I decided to wait until Summer 2016 in order to start doing episode reviews.
And so, during Summer 2016, I did episode reviews for Love Live! Sunshine!! and NEW GAME! (and Regalia – The Three Sacred Stars before it was cancelled for the season). Only two series; a bit weak, but I was still new, I guess. I wasn’t satsified with the output (which led to me coming up with several weekly features that have now fallen by the wayside), so I decided to step up my game for this season, Fall 2016.
For Fall 2016, I reviewed seven shows every week (Shakunetsu no Takkyuu Musume, Girlish Number, Stella no Mahou, Flip Flappers, Lostorage Incited WIXOSS, Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku, and Long Riders!). Much improved, right? Well, it’s a step in the right direction.
Because, to be honest, I want to review as much yuri mateial as I can. I missed a lot of shows during both Summer 2016 and Fall 2016 because I wasn’t sure I could keep up with the episode reviews. If I don’t do episode reviews, I have more time to watch more shows which means I have more series review to write up after the end of each season. I also have more time to play visual novels, draw (lol, my art is terrible), and maybe do things that I may share but I lack confidence in said things. We shall see.
In short, I might go for concise summarization posts like what Karandi does or short “Let’s Talk” posts like what Prattle does. Weekly posts regarding my thoughts on shows are also a possibility. I’m just not sure yet.
As a result of this, however, you can expect more posts on yuri visual novels (and maybe yuri manga)! I gotta help readers save their cash by letting them know which games are great and which ones are not, after all!
Also I’m going to start using italics for titles of anime and visual novels and stuff like a normal person. Wow!
BRIEF HIATUS IN MID-JANUARY
Well, during January 19th – 23rd, I’ll be doing the whole Genesis 4 thing. You know, riding a bus from SoCal to NorCal in order to play video games (SSBM) and get drunk in San Jose (which is where my ex lives by coincidence, harhar). I kind of regret signing up by now, to be honest, but what’s done is done. I’m thinking my lunch up there will be a bottle of bourbon. Maybe milk tea.
I’ll be on Twitter during these four days and I’ll try to check my notifications as often as I can, but please don’t get too mad at me if I’m sluggish to reply. I promise I’ll catch right up on posts when I get back from riding in a bus filled with grown men and body odor. Then again, I see myself making a quick exit during the tournament due to my inability so I might have all the free time in the world to chat with you all and read your posts, haha. We shall see.
RECAP POSTS FOR 2016 ANIME AND VNS?
I am a bit against doing lists if I’ve yet to see everything that there is to offer. Less chance to miss something that way, in my opinion (tell-tale sign of fussiness, I know).
So I did say I was planning on writing a thorough post about what I thought of the yuri / all-girls anime in 2016, but I’m still a bit short. Here’s what the list currently looks like. Crossed out entries are watched and reviewed; italicized are watched but yet to be reviewed.
Winter 2016:
Ao no Kanata Four Rhythm
Koukaku No Pandora
Mahou Shoujo Nante Mou Ii Desukara
Nurse Witch Komugi R
Oshiete! Galko-chan
Spring 2016:
Anne Happy
Bakuon
Hai-Furi
Sansha San’you
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Crystal Season III
Pan de Peace
Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge
Summer 2016:
Love Live! Sunshine!!
New Game!
Ange Vierge
Regalia
Amanchu!
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 3rei!!
Show by Rock Shorts
Fall 2016:
Flip Flappers
Girlish Number
Long Riders – (last two episodes delayed)
Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku
Shakunetsu no Takkyuu Musume
Stella no Mahou
Brave Witches
Hibike! Euphonium S2
Idol Memories
Izetta The Last Witch
Keijo!!!!!!!!
Mahou Shoujo Nante Mou Ii Desukara S2
Show by Rock!!#
Soushin Shoujo Matoi
ViVid Strike!
So…I have a lot to watch before I can say that I’ve seen most of the 2016 shows that I should be covering. Common sense is telling me to cut my losses and wrap it up before 2017 arrives in the States, but my pride is telling me that I won’t be posting something worth reading if I am not thorough.
After some deliberation, I have decided that I will
a) ignore series that are sequels / spin-offs for now (excluding Hibike! Euphonium S2 since I’ve just watched the first season and loved it) – that means Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Crystal Season III, Brave Witches, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 3rei!!, Show by Rock Shorts, Short by Rock!!#, and ViVid Strike! are out. I will get to those shows (and their corresponding prequels) soon, but not for the big post. Mahou Shoujo Nante Mou Ii Desukara S2 will also be put on hold.
b) avoid shows that had too much fanservice for now (Keijo!!!!!!!!, basically)
c) watch shows that had mixed reception in 2017 (Idol Memories, Izetta The Last Witch, Soushin Shoujo Matoi)
d) leave shows were yuri characters were the main focus off the list at the present moment (Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge)
So where does that leave me?
I’m going to have to watch Hibike! Euphonium S2, Nurse Witch Komugi R, Oshiete! Galko-chan, and Pan de Peace before I even think of writing this list. It’s painful that I’m cutting some shows from my post, but I have to draw a line somewhere. Guess I have a lot of watching to do today! I will aim to have the post out by tomorrow (or the day after). As for the shows I’ve yet to review, my thoughts on them will come out this week, probably.
What about visual novels?
There’s going to be no recap post for visual novels for now since my backlog is enormous. Maybe it’ll come out in 2017, but by then no one will really care about it, right?
FINAL NOTES
I had flirted with the idea of making posts to celebrate Saki characters’ birthdays once 2017 started, but it would look soooo lame if I started missing some due to laziness / not enough time. M-maybe in 2018 ;________; (time to start making drafts of these posts for the next year!)
I have half a mind to scrap all these categories so it’s less cluttered. What do you think?
That’s all, folks! I’m sorry for making you read all that. Thank you for even bothering with this blog and I’ll hopefully see you all around! May 2017 start off great!
The Lily Garden 
Wow, you got tons done this year! Both in your life and blog-wise! So proud of you ^^
I’m sorry some things didn’t go so well but at least they served as learning experiences… I know it’s easier said than done, but chin up and keep up the awesome work! If you focus your efforts in what makes you happy rather than think about what makes you miserable, things will definitely start looking up 🙂
I always find myself being more productive when I’m going through a tough time, because that’s where I’ll pour all my attention in order to keep sane, I guess. I hope the same happens to you! Stay positive ^^
It really amazes me how many reviews you’ve written. Good job!! 😀 I definitely want to keep reading them, and who knows, I might just find one that I’ll really like! Yuri is still not my cup of tea but if it’s subtle enough, I’ll give it a try hahaha
As a final note, best of luck with everything and may your Lily Garden grow and prosper!
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Thank you! (❁´◡`❁)*✲ﾟ*
Mmm that’s some kind and comforting words. Thanks once again. I think I understand where you’re coming from in regards to tough times and productivity. Hopefully you’re not going through hard times right now (yet still are as productive as you’d like!) I’ll try my best to stay positive!
Thank you! That’s just the thing to keep me motivated, wahaha. Mmm I’ll make sure to note whether or not yuri is subtle enough in reviews from here on. I already try my best to mention whether or not the romance is half-cooked in my reviews out of consideration for a friend.
Thank you! May your blog grow tenfold as with your supply of good books? (ง •_•)ง
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Hahahaha, thanks for the encouragement! I hope so too (＾▽＾)
I’m not going through anything bad right now, thankfully. But I found that coping mechanism and it’s worked well so far. I try to be productive otherwise, too, of course, but it’s not so much out of necessity as it is out of discipline.
I definitely appreciate when you include those notes in your reviews. I don’t want to be surprised with full-on fanservice midway xD But I definitely don’t mind the cutesy stuff.
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You’re very welcome! c:
That’s good to hear! Ah, of course. No need for setbacks as motivation when you have discipline.
Mmmm I’ll keep it up then! But yesss bless the cuteness!
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Congratulations on graduating and it sounds like 2016 was a pretty intense year for you. Looking forward to your posts in 2017, whatever you decide to do.
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Thank you! Mmm could have been worse. I’ll try not to disappoint!
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Damn, it sounds like you had one hell of an year. Emphasis on hell. But hey, you graduated! Congratulations!
You seem to have a very good iidea of what you want or don’t want to do for the year and that itself is a great start. Everything you described sounds good to me, especially cutting off episdoics to make room for VNs. Not that I don’t enjoy your episode reviews – I definitely do – but it seems the easiest way to manage both interests. Plus you can always make up with the full review after the show ends.
Happy 2017, Remy. It can’t get worse, right? Right!
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Ah, well. Could have been worse. I’m actually a bit worried this post came across as being too whiny, haha. Thanks!
I have an idea for Winter 2017, kinda! Anything beyond that is a bit murky haha. But thanks. I’ll try to make the full review have allll the bells and whistles!
Happy 2017, D! Lets hope you’re right!
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Oh my dear you had been through a lot last year I hope this year is better for you 😊 it’s been lovely getting to know you more lately and hope we become good friends 👍🏼👍🏼 good luck on all your
Goals and aspirations for
The year you can only have faith In yourself that you can do anything if you set your mind too it 👍🏼
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Thanks, Lita. Just gotta stay positive!
It’s been great getting to know you, too, and I hope for the same!
I wish you luck on your own goals and aspirations for 2017, too! c:
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Phew, sounds like you had a pretty rough but eventfull year. Pretty much every blog I am following that had done a recap post, has a lot of things that happened to him or her. The last year, 2016, certainly had it’s ups and downs. All I can say is, you have made it through, and can be proud of yourself. You have reached some amazing goals, and have a fantastic blog going on. I am already looking forward to all the new posts that will be appearing the coming months.
I hope 2017 will bring a lot of joy and happyness for you, in short: I hope it will be a fantastic year for you 😀
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Thanks. I know I had it easy compared to some folks, though.
Mmm 2016 was certainly something. But thank you for the words of encouragement! I hope I don’t disappoint. I’m also looking forward to your posts and I wish you a wonderful 2017! c:
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Congrats, Remy! You just ganed EXP in this way-too-realistic game we call “Life”.
I’m here and I’m looking forward to visual novels you’ll be reviewing if ever (and I’m saying that because I don’t watch anime that much anymore RIP me) You can always talk to me about it since I’m 24/7 in the look out for VNs. I’ll probably scout outside of Steam too, if ever. ୧༼ ヘ ᗜ ヘ ༽୨
Cheers! It’s time to conquer 2017!
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I want a class reset, fam. I think I put most of my points in the wrong skills.
Aw yeeee I’ll hit you up when I’m going through my queue. It’s always nice to talk about games with others c:
Outside of Steam, too, huh? I like it!
Cheers! 2017 doesn’t stand a chance! ❀˳꒰*´◡`*꒱❀
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Remy, wow, that opening… I want to give you a big virtual hug! But, my friend you made it through to the other side and I know there’s gonna be so much success in your future! I love you, your writing style, and your super fantastic blog!
I am so glad that I met you this year and I can’t wait for all of the stuff you have waiting for us in the new year! But, don’t push yourself too hard, kay!
Congratulations on the degree! I skipped out on the school wide ceremony too, best decision ever lol
And those girls… they’re missing out!
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Thanks ;_; at least 2017 is here, my friend!
I love you and your blog, too! Reading your posts always make my day. And chatting with you made 2016 great!
I’ll try not to disappoint and I’ll try to take care of my health, haha.
Thank you! And right? As long as you graduate then that’s all that matters. Already drowning in debt from student loans and I wasn’t about to rent some overpriced gown and cap!
Haaah thanks. I just have to tell myself I wouldn’t be able to give them what they needed so it’s for the best for everyone!
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You could never disappoint me Remy!! 😀
OMG, don’t even mention loans! I had to make a new years call to my student loan provider a few days ago and it was horrifying…. so many zeros lol
yeah the cap and gown at my school was 109, they had to pry my debit card out of my hand… i was frozen in shock!
Pssh forget them, there are better girls out there that will love you the way we all do!! 🙂
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Wahaha, yay!
Right?? One of my co-workers wad like, “Oh, I’m almost done paying off my student loans.” He is married and has a kid. It’s gonna take that long, huh??? Heeeeelp
Wow 109! That’s a lot of visual novels ;__;
Thanks! ❀˳꒰*´◡`*꒱❀
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I’m a long way away from paying those off, so whenever I hear someone is close to paying them off I ask them a ton of questions lol luckily they don’t roll over to relatives XD
Yeah! I put the silly thing on every few months just so i feel like i’m getting my money’s worth lol Now I have two sets of them…. sigh
And I mean every word of it Remy! 😀
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A wise and tactical decision. I should follow suit! It’s really great that’s the case, yeah!
Hey, that’s only fair. You bought it, you get to wear it!
Thanks, senpai. Same here! c:
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gotta get the trade secrets… or rob a bank… ya know whichever comes first!
LOL yup!! even if it’s just to sit around watching anime in XD
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Hahaha either works!
Hey, it probably does a decent job keeping you warm since they tend to look stuffy. Fancy pajamas, woo!
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Congratulations on graduating and getting a job! Looking forward to see your art. Happy new year!
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Thanks! If I manage to do anything worth sharing, then it might see the might of day, haha. Happy new year to you, too!
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Happy new year!
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Those girls who dated Remy in the past missed out!
“But I graduated! Didn’t bother walking, but I have the little piece of paper and everything.”
Yay!
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Missed out on a disaster, more like! Thanks, though ❤
Woo! I don’t really want to take another test unless it’s a personality test, to be honest. ;___;
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❤
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Sounds like an eventful year. And best of luck on all your anime and blogging plans this coming year. Don’t stress yourself too much and try to enjoy yourself as much as you can. It’s been a delight to be your blogging buddy. Happy New Year. Cheers!
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Haha, mmm. Thank you and I wish you the same! Good advice as usual~
It’s been a pleasure to be your blogging buddy, too. Here’s to a wonderful 2017! Cheers!
(Oops, forgot to mention OWLS in the post. Gaaah)
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You’re very welcome. And of course, Remy. Right back at you. It’s a pleasure to be your blogging buddy. Cheers!
And fyi, the sign-up sheet for our Feb blog tour is already available on our Google Drive. 😉
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Yay! Cheers~
Oh, don’t worry, I already signed up, I believe. Thank you, though!
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Yes, I saw. Thanks! Lyn-sama says that she might have our topic by this week or this coming week at the latest. Can’t wait.
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Lyn-sama, woo! Should be great.
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Congrats on graduating c: and bein’ a hard worker. I hope you have fun at all of your video game events, win or not.
i think it’s okay to break things up and watch what you like. You can’t be expected to watch every single yuri show since it’s such a catch-all phrase. Like, idk, a cookie blog can’t be expected to post about all the different permutations of cookies in the world (bad, albeit delicious, example, methinks). It might start feeling more like something you have to do rather than something you enjoy.
I’m still in the wormhole, and have only been peeking out to visit people. No longer, sick though 😀 A recap post sounds like a good idea… xD er, i was planning one for after the new year so I think it’s okay.
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Thank youuu. Well, I didn’t work too hard, oops.
I think I’ll get messed up and then I’ll mess myself drinking for embarrassing myself on stream, but thank you!
What you say makes sense, but my perfectionist urges are causing me to pursue a path of destruction. I think I’ll just start working on the list now and will watch the other shows later, though. Thanks.
The wormhole of shiny instruments and character drama. I’m glad you are no longer sick! It took a while, though ;_;
Haha, alrighty. Looking forward to your recap post! c: Happy New Year!
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