Perhaps it's just me... but the Code Geass R2 Soundtrack sounds much better than the first season's in my opinion ^_^ I'm sitting here listening to the music and for some reason I like it so much better than the first season's music. Now here's the funny thing, I liked the storyline in the first season better than the second season 'cause it seemed to have worked out better in my opinion. Also, the director, Taniguchi, had this vision of Code Geass that he was carrying out for the first season, but when the air time slot changed, he and his crew also had to change the entire storyline for the second season. So... if you're wondering about the out-of-the-ballpark-likeness of this season, that would be the reason.
Still, I don't hate the second season, I just love the first season more. The music in the second season is very nice though, it's more my style I guess ^_^. When lots more people die in the series, there's always really pretty music in there ^_^;;;
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Cleaning as Therapy
For some reason, I like reorganizing and cleaning things in my room when I get the chance to. It's pretty therapeutic and I like it a lot. The only problem at the moment is... I need some boxes to pack things up =_=; I also need to work today so I can't hole myself up in my bedroom separating papers from junk, etc. *sigh* My parents don't understand why it takes me so long to clean my room, but if they understood how much junk I've accumulated in the last four years, they wouldn't say so much =_=
Basically... my dad grew up in poverty and has this way of thinking that we should keep EVERYTHING, because we may end up needing it again someday. Well, I was raised mostly by my father growing up so I developed the same mentality of "I may need this someday so I'll just keep it and shove it in something for now." However... I found all these papers and things that I've kept since middle school that I've never ever gone back to looking at =_=; So... shouldn't I throw it away?
It's been a tough cleaning session... I'm battling against my father's teaching by trying to get rid of all the things I'm pretty sure I will never go back to again, but I keep fearing that I may need it again =_=. For instance... old receipts from things I buy online, or homework assignments, or boxes that came with the external hard drives I bought, etc. I have lots of boxes in my room, I have lots of plastic bags from the university bookstore that I keep for garbage bags in my room @_@. I have lots and I mean LOTS of junk. It's a bit daunting when I think about how many things I think will be useful and then I never really use it at all. *sigh*
Well, in any case... I should get back to cleaning =_=; As much as I'm feeling stressed over what to throw away and what to keep, it's kind of relaxing.
Basically... my dad grew up in poverty and has this way of thinking that we should keep EVERYTHING, because we may end up needing it again someday. Well, I was raised mostly by my father growing up so I developed the same mentality of "I may need this someday so I'll just keep it and shove it in something for now." However... I found all these papers and things that I've kept since middle school that I've never ever gone back to looking at =_=; So... shouldn't I throw it away?
It's been a tough cleaning session... I'm battling against my father's teaching by trying to get rid of all the things I'm pretty sure I will never go back to again, but I keep fearing that I may need it again =_=. For instance... old receipts from things I buy online, or homework assignments, or boxes that came with the external hard drives I bought, etc. I have lots of boxes in my room, I have lots of plastic bags from the university bookstore that I keep for garbage bags in my room @_@. I have lots and I mean LOTS of junk. It's a bit daunting when I think about how many things I think will be useful and then I never really use it at all. *sigh*
Well, in any case... I should get back to cleaning =_=; As much as I'm feeling stressed over what to throw away and what to keep, it's kind of relaxing.
Aiming For a Dream, Going About It The Wrong Way?
Since I was little, I've had lots of dreams, which I guess is very normal. Kids love to dream after all. Still now, I would rather be hanging out up in my head than walking about on my feet. I'm not a complete idealist, but I do still have some hopes and dreams that I would to see happen before I am thirty, but the realistic and more practical side of me says that nothing exciting will happen to me until I'm thirty. A reality check or confidence downer?
Anyway, I've come a long way in my dreams. I started out wanting to be an artist to an actress to a doctor to a pharmacist, but deep down, I really want to be a writer or a mangaka. I've loved theatre for a long time so I always love to act, but my mother once told me that I neither have looks, style, nor charisma so I should give up on it. I wanted to be a professional pianist at one point in my life as well and my mother said that unless I had the actual talent, the road will be difficult and there is no future in pursuing music. Of course, I then retorted "Well, why in hell did you ever have me learn how to play the piano?"
But well... I somehow knew that I was never going to be as good as the pros, so I just gave up on that dream as well. I also lost interest in music when my band teacher decided to be a dragon during her lovely pregnancy.
Ah, I've always loved stories. Whether it's telling them, writing them, or even thinking them up in my head so I just want to be a writer. Of course, my mother then said that unless I could be as good as JK Rowling, I'll never be able to put food on the table. A very realistic way of looking at it, but why am I always getting the fish hook in the leg and pulled back down to miserable earth? I still write now, but more as a hobby than something of pursuit.
And then there's my dream of becoming a mangaka, but you know... I really don't have much experience, skill or talent in this area. I just love drawing, but I don't have time to perfect my art style nor do I find it practical to focus only on being an artist. Jobs don't come easily for people who work in this industry. *sigh* My artwork has gone downhill since I've stopped drawing and I can only feel peeved everytime I draw something and it turns out badily. So... I'm halfway to giving up on this dream. I don't think it's going to happen anytime soon anyway.
I also really wanted to be a voice actor at one point in my life. While watching dubbed versions of anime, etc., I just get so annoyed, so that's why I've always wanted to do this, but... of course... I can't imagine voice actors making a whole lot so I gave up on this impulsive dream quite quickly.
And then... there were more "practical" dreams like aiming to be a pharmacist or CPA, but you know... I don't want to be either. It's true that I went to school and got an accounting degree, but I really have no desire to sit 16 hours for an exam that I feel bound to fail. I have no confidence in attaining the license and I'm really stressed about starting to study for it. To tell the truth... I don't like things that I am not familiar with. I've never had much experience in accounting before and just because my mother said that accounting is a good field, I just kind of forced myself to go through with it. I know that my mother's been guiding me along all my life, making sure that I won't stray off the path towards temptation and such, but I kind of wonder what is it exactly that I want in life?
All the passion I feel towards something right now is pretty much forced. Thoughts like "I love my job" or "I love the major I picked" are just things I keep repeating to myself like a Buddhist sutra, because the more I say it, the more I tend to believe it. In reality, I would rather not like my job or have anything to do with it. But then... I think, if I don't have this, then what would I have left?
I guess, my biggest motivation in life is money. Bottom line is that I love money. Without money, I cannot survive so I want to be able to make enough to live a life without having to worry about this month's expenses being tight or not being able to do the things I want. I may sound greedy, but really... can you survive without money?
My childhood was not exactly great in terms of social-class or wealth so I was taught not to expect much unless we saved enough money for the things we want. I guess because of my family background growing up, I've become a bit obsessed with earning and saving. So... even though I have a lot of dreams I want to become real, I would never really pursue it because it does not produce a big enough paycheck (or maybe even one at all).
I want a comfortable life, something different from my childhood and I don't want my kids to have the same concerns and worries that I had growing up. Not that I want them to be frivolous with money, but I do take pleasure in the thought of being able to buy something that they want without having to make any sacrifices and such. I want my kids to be able to aim for something that they truly want to do and not have to worry about taking care of their parents someday. I will still guide my children the way my mother guided me, but I do not want to put them down the way mine has due to the issue of money. I have to say right now that my number one love in life is money, and I hope my children do not become like me.
I don't want them to pick an occupation because they feel as though they need to make a lot to support me someday. I do not want them to pick an occupation that makes a lot of money just so I can retire as quickly as possible, maybe let me do the surgery that I need, etc. I do not want my children to think the thoughts that I have and pursue the things that they want, because I could not do what I want to do. So for that purpose, I have to love money. I have to make lots of it and then pave a more comfortable future for myself and my family. Except... I doubt I'm going to be the happiest person in the world in these next few years. Anyway... who knows if I'll really be able to have children or not lol...
One of the more practical dreams that I have is to be a translator. Language has always been my forte and I'm a fast learner when it comes down to it. It doesn't make a whole lot though so I'll probably only be one after I retire from being an accountant.
And then another dream that I've had for a while now and it's a bit out of the ballpark is... I really want to marry a guy who doesn't want me to work and likes me to be a housewife =_= Yes, I've always liked the idea of being a housewife even if I've adamantly stated that I cannot imagine myself not having a career, but recently... that thought just sounds so much more inviting than before. I really don't want to work and would not mind doing all of the housework if it means that I never have to work outside again and can do anything I want. My day would be so carefree and I would enjoy it a lot more than working in service. *sigh*
Another dream that I have is to open my own restaurant & bar someday. I have no idea how this is going to work out especially if I'm going down to Cali. I do not expect to save more than $500 a month after taxes, rent, and other expenses =_=; *sigh* Maybe, I should stop dreaming and start saving... but I feel if I don't have a goal, I just won't feel motivated.
For instance... at the moment... my current dream is to drop another 20lbs before going down to Cali, and then I just want to meet Prince Charming on a White Horse. Yes, very out there, but I would like to have a real romance for once in my life and I do fancy the idea of marriage before I am thirty. So I guess... more than becoming a CPA or anything, I want to experience things on a more personal level and right now, that is my number one motivator it seems.
I would really like to be really thin for once in my life and have people tell me that I need to put on more weight rather than take off more weight =_= It's frustrating when one has spent a decade of their life being overweight or obese. Anyway... these are a majority of my dreams in a nutshell.
Anyway, I've come a long way in my dreams. I started out wanting to be an artist to an actress to a doctor to a pharmacist, but deep down, I really want to be a writer or a mangaka. I've loved theatre for a long time so I always love to act, but my mother once told me that I neither have looks, style, nor charisma so I should give up on it. I wanted to be a professional pianist at one point in my life as well and my mother said that unless I had the actual talent, the road will be difficult and there is no future in pursuing music. Of course, I then retorted "Well, why in hell did you ever have me learn how to play the piano?"
But well... I somehow knew that I was never going to be as good as the pros, so I just gave up on that dream as well. I also lost interest in music when my band teacher decided to be a dragon during her lovely pregnancy.
Ah, I've always loved stories. Whether it's telling them, writing them, or even thinking them up in my head so I just want to be a writer. Of course, my mother then said that unless I could be as good as JK Rowling, I'll never be able to put food on the table. A very realistic way of looking at it, but why am I always getting the fish hook in the leg and pulled back down to miserable earth? I still write now, but more as a hobby than something of pursuit.
And then there's my dream of becoming a mangaka, but you know... I really don't have much experience, skill or talent in this area. I just love drawing, but I don't have time to perfect my art style nor do I find it practical to focus only on being an artist. Jobs don't come easily for people who work in this industry. *sigh* My artwork has gone downhill since I've stopped drawing and I can only feel peeved everytime I draw something and it turns out badily. So... I'm halfway to giving up on this dream. I don't think it's going to happen anytime soon anyway.
I also really wanted to be a voice actor at one point in my life. While watching dubbed versions of anime, etc., I just get so annoyed, so that's why I've always wanted to do this, but... of course... I can't imagine voice actors making a whole lot so I gave up on this impulsive dream quite quickly.
And then... there were more "practical" dreams like aiming to be a pharmacist or CPA, but you know... I don't want to be either. It's true that I went to school and got an accounting degree, but I really have no desire to sit 16 hours for an exam that I feel bound to fail. I have no confidence in attaining the license and I'm really stressed about starting to study for it. To tell the truth... I don't like things that I am not familiar with. I've never had much experience in accounting before and just because my mother said that accounting is a good field, I just kind of forced myself to go through with it. I know that my mother's been guiding me along all my life, making sure that I won't stray off the path towards temptation and such, but I kind of wonder what is it exactly that I want in life?
All the passion I feel towards something right now is pretty much forced. Thoughts like "I love my job" or "I love the major I picked" are just things I keep repeating to myself like a Buddhist sutra, because the more I say it, the more I tend to believe it. In reality, I would rather not like my job or have anything to do with it. But then... I think, if I don't have this, then what would I have left?
I guess, my biggest motivation in life is money. Bottom line is that I love money. Without money, I cannot survive so I want to be able to make enough to live a life without having to worry about this month's expenses being tight or not being able to do the things I want. I may sound greedy, but really... can you survive without money?
My childhood was not exactly great in terms of social-class or wealth so I was taught not to expect much unless we saved enough money for the things we want. I guess because of my family background growing up, I've become a bit obsessed with earning and saving. So... even though I have a lot of dreams I want to become real, I would never really pursue it because it does not produce a big enough paycheck (or maybe even one at all).
I want a comfortable life, something different from my childhood and I don't want my kids to have the same concerns and worries that I had growing up. Not that I want them to be frivolous with money, but I do take pleasure in the thought of being able to buy something that they want without having to make any sacrifices and such. I want my kids to be able to aim for something that they truly want to do and not have to worry about taking care of their parents someday. I will still guide my children the way my mother guided me, but I do not want to put them down the way mine has due to the issue of money. I have to say right now that my number one love in life is money, and I hope my children do not become like me.
I don't want them to pick an occupation because they feel as though they need to make a lot to support me someday. I do not want them to pick an occupation that makes a lot of money just so I can retire as quickly as possible, maybe let me do the surgery that I need, etc. I do not want my children to think the thoughts that I have and pursue the things that they want, because I could not do what I want to do. So for that purpose, I have to love money. I have to make lots of it and then pave a more comfortable future for myself and my family. Except... I doubt I'm going to be the happiest person in the world in these next few years. Anyway... who knows if I'll really be able to have children or not lol...
One of the more practical dreams that I have is to be a translator. Language has always been my forte and I'm a fast learner when it comes down to it. It doesn't make a whole lot though so I'll probably only be one after I retire from being an accountant.
And then another dream that I've had for a while now and it's a bit out of the ballpark is... I really want to marry a guy who doesn't want me to work and likes me to be a housewife =_= Yes, I've always liked the idea of being a housewife even if I've adamantly stated that I cannot imagine myself not having a career, but recently... that thought just sounds so much more inviting than before. I really don't want to work and would not mind doing all of the housework if it means that I never have to work outside again and can do anything I want. My day would be so carefree and I would enjoy it a lot more than working in service. *sigh*
Another dream that I have is to open my own restaurant & bar someday. I have no idea how this is going to work out especially if I'm going down to Cali. I do not expect to save more than $500 a month after taxes, rent, and other expenses =_=; *sigh* Maybe, I should stop dreaming and start saving... but I feel if I don't have a goal, I just won't feel motivated.
For instance... at the moment... my current dream is to drop another 20lbs before going down to Cali, and then I just want to meet Prince Charming on a White Horse. Yes, very out there, but I would like to have a real romance for once in my life and I do fancy the idea of marriage before I am thirty. So I guess... more than becoming a CPA or anything, I want to experience things on a more personal level and right now, that is my number one motivator it seems.
I would really like to be really thin for once in my life and have people tell me that I need to put on more weight rather than take off more weight =_= It's frustrating when one has spent a decade of their life being overweight or obese. Anyway... these are a majority of my dreams in a nutshell.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Mr.Children - Hanabi
I love this song, it's just so beautiful. Since it seems like it hasn't been released yet, so I'm playing the PV on YouTube over and over again. I don't know why I love it so much, but it's a very nice piece. Maybe it's because it's Mr.Children, but I think the lyrics are pretty nice. I've been feeling kind of out of it and down recently, so the song makes me feel a whole lot better.
Here is the PV for 「HANABI」.
Here is the PV for 「HANABI」.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Mamma Mia!
Not the world's best musical, but it's definitely up there and makes one jive ^_^ I enjoyed watching the movie somewhat and want to go see the on-stage version now ^_^ My friend and I went to go see the movie last Wednesday 'cause I've been wanting to see it and she wanted to go see it again. The music was just awesome 'cause it's all ABBA ^_^ I was pretty peeved for a good portion of the movie though 'cause I just wanted to know which one of the three was Sophie's father. All the methods they used were kind of dumb, but oh well ^_^; Another thing was that the direction of the movie was just... so-so and the singing was ... somewhat tolerable at times.
I have perfect pitch in my ears for the most part, if I hear something funny, I know that it's not right. Pierce Brosnan is very sexy and I do adore him... but his singing is a total turn-off =_=; He sounded like he was suffering and about to die (no wonder they cut out the other song he sang in). Meryl Streep was good and I liked her, but I kind of prefer the original London cast singer better. The woman who played Tania wasn't too bad though and I liked her acting. Colin Firth sounded a lot like the London cast counterpart and I was pretty impressed with him ^_^
Another thing that kind of got to me was that at times the music would just suddenly explode and start without any warning or lead-in. With other movies on musicals, you'd know when a song was going to start 'cause there's usually some transitional clue, but there were times during this movie where a song would just suddenly explode onto screen and you'd be like O_O? You don't even get a chance to adjust from one thing to the next. It's kind of disjointed, like trying to put a puzzle together with pieces that aren't meant to go together and you just force it to fit =_=; Something like that...
But I enjoyed it for what it's worth. It's not the best musical movie I've seen though the musical itself was enjoyable.
I have perfect pitch in my ears for the most part, if I hear something funny, I know that it's not right. Pierce Brosnan is very sexy and I do adore him... but his singing is a total turn-off =_=; He sounded like he was suffering and about to die (no wonder they cut out the other song he sang in). Meryl Streep was good and I liked her, but I kind of prefer the original London cast singer better. The woman who played Tania wasn't too bad though and I liked her acting. Colin Firth sounded a lot like the London cast counterpart and I was pretty impressed with him ^_^
Another thing that kind of got to me was that at times the music would just suddenly explode and start without any warning or lead-in. With other movies on musicals, you'd know when a song was going to start 'cause there's usually some transitional clue, but there were times during this movie where a song would just suddenly explode onto screen and you'd be like O_O? You don't even get a chance to adjust from one thing to the next. It's kind of disjointed, like trying to put a puzzle together with pieces that aren't meant to go together and you just force it to fit =_=; Something like that...
But I enjoyed it for what it's worth. It's not the best musical movie I've seen though the musical itself was enjoyable.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Taiyo to Umi no Kyoshitsu: A Story of Extremes
I thought the first episode of Taiyou to Umi no Kyoushitsu to be interesting, and now I swear I'm just watching it for the music and ending theme @_@. The story is a bit extreme at times... alright, almost ALL the time. We have a Chairman who has a bit of a superior/inferiority complex thing going on, which makes him all-mighty, controlling, and thinking he can play god because it is "good for the students." We have mystery teacher, Sakurai, who appears dumb but says the most philosophical things ever and Wakaba has been grating my nerves.
So far, the first episode was good the first time through and I didn't mind the second episode much at all, but now getting into the third episode, I'm a bit weirded out by how intrusive the school is with their students @_@; The Chairman, who only graduated from middle school, believes that he had a hard life due to his lacking in education so that's why he is trying to make sure all the seniors can get into elite universities to ensure that their futures will be easier than his. Of course... this means lots of obsessive compulsive behavior in monitoring students' records and test schools to see if they're "pulling their weight" or sinking and becoming deadweight. If students' grades aren't look too hot, the he will just change their first choice colleges in order for them to be able to enter one at their level. And not just the Chairman, but most of the school faculty is in on it except for the Principal and Sakurai-sensei who want to put a stop to this.
It's interesting really =_=; and I'm not sure why the story is moving the way it is, but... oh well =_=; I'll keep watching this 'cause I'm interested in what point this story is exactly trying to tell us. It's kind of a peculiar drama, but it has its interesting parts. I like most of the cast so I guess that's why I'm still here =_=; Anyway, need to finish episode three and hope my interest doesn't crash and burn.
So far, the first episode was good the first time through and I didn't mind the second episode much at all, but now getting into the third episode, I'm a bit weirded out by how intrusive the school is with their students @_@; The Chairman, who only graduated from middle school, believes that he had a hard life due to his lacking in education so that's why he is trying to make sure all the seniors can get into elite universities to ensure that their futures will be easier than his. Of course... this means lots of obsessive compulsive behavior in monitoring students' records and test schools to see if they're "pulling their weight" or sinking and becoming deadweight. If students' grades aren't look too hot, the he will just change their first choice colleges in order for them to be able to enter one at their level. And not just the Chairman, but most of the school faculty is in on it except for the Principal and Sakurai-sensei who want to put a stop to this.
It's interesting really =_=; and I'm not sure why the story is moving the way it is, but... oh well =_=; I'll keep watching this 'cause I'm interested in what point this story is exactly trying to tell us. It's kind of a peculiar drama, but it has its interesting parts. I like most of the cast so I guess that's why I'm still here =_=; Anyway, need to finish episode three and hope my interest doesn't crash and burn.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Unthinkable
After little persuasion and too many articles listing the goodness of owning a Wii, my parents actually told me to keep playing on the machine @_@; Completely 180 from the normal "STOP PLAYING SO MUCH VG!!!"
My Wii Fit board and game came today in the mail and I spent around an hour playing on it. I'm thoroughly exhausted now 'cause it really does make you work hard. When my parents came home, I showed them the different activities and demonstrated for them to see. When they went off to take a shower before bed, my dad was like "Ok, keep playing!" I was pretty shocked, but hey, if they approve then play I will. Of course, after playing several hours of Wii Fit, Sports, and Mario Kart, I'm pretty spent so I unhooked everything and went back to my room 'cause I should be getting to bed soon.
I find it pretty odd, but quite delightful that my parents aren't hounding on me for playing VG now. Thank You Nintendo.
My Wii Fit board and game came today in the mail and I spent around an hour playing on it. I'm thoroughly exhausted now 'cause it really does make you work hard. When my parents came home, I showed them the different activities and demonstrated for them to see. When they went off to take a shower before bed, my dad was like "Ok, keep playing!" I was pretty shocked, but hey, if they approve then play I will. Of course, after playing several hours of Wii Fit, Sports, and Mario Kart, I'm pretty spent so I unhooked everything and went back to my room 'cause I should be getting to bed soon.
I find it pretty odd, but quite delightful that my parents aren't hounding on me for playing VG now. Thank You Nintendo.
Wii That Was Fun~!
Never thought the day would come when I would enjoy playing baseball... ok, so it wasn't real baseball, but I liked it ^_^ I decided to try out Wii Sports and Mario Kart today, and I had quite a bit of fun playing baseball and bowling. My Wii Fit should be arriving anyday now and that will be absolutely awesome ^_^
Unfortunately for me... I tend to neglect healthy habits when I get addicted to video games. For instance... I forgot to eat dinner today and now I'm just starving =_= I better get to bed soon before I die from hunger. I still have to go to work tomorrow morning =_= Ugh... not something I'm looking forward to =_= *sigh* I just want to stay home and play around... but I really have to start saving my money rather than recklessly spending it all away before I move. *sigh* Is there no hope for me @_@?
Unfortunately for me... I tend to neglect healthy habits when I get addicted to video games. For instance... I forgot to eat dinner today and now I'm just starving =_= I better get to bed soon before I die from hunger. I still have to go to work tomorrow morning =_= Ugh... not something I'm looking forward to =_= *sigh* I just want to stay home and play around... but I really have to start saving my money rather than recklessly spending it all away before I move. *sigh* Is there no hope for me @_@?
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Mole Episode 05 - Finale
I stopped watching The Mole after a while 'cause I had lots of other things going on, but when I remembered that I was behind on episodes, I went online to watch the remaining ones. Basically, my suspicions teetered back & forth on a few people until I began to suspect mostly Paul and Craig.
At first I thought Paul was using his strategy of being an ass as playing out The Mole, and I really did not think he had a good aim on things, but he was actually a more impressive player than I thought he was. Nicole, I liked, but she really was not very smart on a lot of the missions. Mark has been one of my favorites since the beginning, because he seemed pretty sincere with his intentions on playing this game so I had a hard time thinking that he is the mole. And then there was Craig... I just had my eye on him since the beginning, but he really acted well as a player for the most part.
One of the things that kind of made me really suspect him was the interview session when his girlfriend was with him and he told her that the mole makes less money than the winner. I mean... how would he know that? Also, when really paying attention to his words and actions, he really was suspicious, but no one would think of it.
In the end, I was glad that Mark won the game and I was disappointed that the show didn't prove me wrong with having Nicole as the mole, though I knew since a long time ago that the mole could not be Nicole with all the things she's said or done to date. For every quiz, I've said that the mole is male and with the last two men standing being Mark & Craig, the mole could only be Craig. In any case, it had been a fun season to watch. I hope they do more of The Mole in the future.
At first I thought Paul was using his strategy of being an ass as playing out The Mole, and I really did not think he had a good aim on things, but he was actually a more impressive player than I thought he was. Nicole, I liked, but she really was not very smart on a lot of the missions. Mark has been one of my favorites since the beginning, because he seemed pretty sincere with his intentions on playing this game so I had a hard time thinking that he is the mole. And then there was Craig... I just had my eye on him since the beginning, but he really acted well as a player for the most part.
One of the things that kind of made me really suspect him was the interview session when his girlfriend was with him and he told her that the mole makes less money than the winner. I mean... how would he know that? Also, when really paying attention to his words and actions, he really was suspicious, but no one would think of it.
In the end, I was glad that Mark won the game and I was disappointed that the show didn't prove me wrong with having Nicole as the mole, though I knew since a long time ago that the mole could not be Nicole with all the things she's said or done to date. For every quiz, I've said that the mole is male and with the last two men standing being Mark & Craig, the mole could only be Craig. In any case, it had been a fun season to watch. I hope they do more of The Mole in the future.
Code Geass R2 Episode 11-18
This series has been such a rollercoaster ride, but one that really keeps me at the edge of my seat and never fails to impress. The Chinese Federation arc was solved after episode 11 and then we had one fun episode where Lelouch and Shirley bonded. However, things did not turn out so well when episode 13 came and Lelouch lost yet another loved one. I was near bawling my head off watching episode 13, it just made me so sad. Following episode 13 in the next few episodes we also have a massacre of Geass users, Charles proving that he's a psychopath, C.C. finally addressing the details of her contract with Lelouch, lots of defecting over to opposite sides and tons of betrayal issues, homoerotic jealousy issues, reckless bombing issues, Suzaku nearly becoming a total ass issue, and lots of pretty messed-up, emo-rific stuff. Just when I thought things were starting to become a bit boring and annoying, episode 18 really changed my mind. It was the most epic episode I've seen in the season to date. I was so impressed that I remembered why I loved this series so much. It really is a good story and I really can't wait to learn more about everything.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Blood Work Comes Back Negative
So my blood work and the ultrasound came back cyst-negative, which is great for me. We have no idea what's wrong yet, but I really don't care much 'cause I feel fine. My doctor tried to refer me to a gynecologist, but I'm going to be moving in a few months and really do not want to start a new doctor =_=; So... I have to call the clinic tomorrow and see what I should do. *sigh* Just put me back on the drugs -_- It's not like I'm in a hurry to get my period =_=; Oh well.
8-for-8 Olympic Record
Wow. All I can say is that I've had one of the most amazing Olympic viewership experiences ever while watching Michael Phelps swim this year. I'm just hanging off the edge of my seat, practically yelling and cheering at the TV, and I am so excited that he won all the medals he's been aiming for. I am very impressed. What impressed me most was yesterday's (or I guess, it was two day's ago) 100m butterfly. My heart was about to explode watching Cavic come in for the win, but Michael's hands totally struck the wall first and so he got his 7th gold medal. No matter how one looks at it, he definitely won that race.
The 4 x 100 relay today was lots of fun to see too. Aaron Piersol was great with the backstroke, but then the guy who did breast stroke kind of disappointed me. Of course, it's not exactly easy to go fast on breast stroke at times so I can't really blame him... but I wish he was faster =_=; I think I saw himget out of sync with his stroke at one point during the relay and I was just freaking out then. Michael isn't exactly a sprinter so I was pretty worried, but he did make up for some lost ground during the butterfly so I was pretty happy with that. And then Jason Lezak was just amazing. There's like this phrase they use now "Pull a Jason Lezak" for everytime people are behind and they manage to catch up miraculously and Jason was just amazing. I'm so stoked that U.S. men won the 4 x 100 relay ^_^ and so happy that Michael made Olympic history with his 8 for 8 gold medal record ^_^ It's been so much fun~
Now I've got track and more gymnastics to watch for the rest of the Olympics season. I can't wait to see Galen Rupp and Andrew Wheating run. I hope they do well and make us Ducks proud ^_^ Even if they don't do so well, we're still proud of them.
The 4 x 100 relay today was lots of fun to see too. Aaron Piersol was great with the backstroke, but then the guy who did breast stroke kind of disappointed me. Of course, it's not exactly easy to go fast on breast stroke at times so I can't really blame him... but I wish he was faster =_=; I think I saw himget out of sync with his stroke at one point during the relay and I was just freaking out then. Michael isn't exactly a sprinter so I was pretty worried, but he did make up for some lost ground during the butterfly so I was pretty happy with that. And then Jason Lezak was just amazing. There's like this phrase they use now "Pull a Jason Lezak" for everytime people are behind and they manage to catch up miraculously and Jason was just amazing. I'm so stoked that U.S. men won the 4 x 100 relay ^_^ and so happy that Michael made Olympic history with his 8 for 8 gold medal record ^_^ It's been so much fun~
Now I've got track and more gymnastics to watch for the rest of the Olympics season. I can't wait to see Galen Rupp and Andrew Wheating run. I hope they do well and make us Ducks proud ^_^ Even if they don't do so well, we're still proud of them.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Natsume Yuujinchou
One of the summer anime that I found interesting before the season began is Natsume Yuujinchou. I liked the artwork -- which is usually the first hook in attracting me towards a series if I've never read or seen it before -- and so I decided to give it a shot and downloaded it. I really am enjoying this series, it's very sweet. Reminds me a bit of Honey & Clover, but with the supernatural effect ^_^ Kamiya Hiroshi plays Natsume Takashi while Inoue Kazuhiko plays Nyanko ^_^ The two are very funny and I love the story so far. If one likes Honey & Clover plus series like Tactics, then this one worth watching.
Basically the story is about a boy, Natsume Takashi, who can see spirits, and his grandmother, Natsume Reiko, before him could also see spirits. During his grandmother's time, she created a compilation of names of spirits that she beat and it's called the Book of Friends. Since possessing the book allows the holder to command all spirits whose names are in it, many of the spirits chase after Takashi who inherited the book from his grandmother. One day, Takashi accidentally unseals a spirit from a shrine and because it takes on the shape of the Maneki Neko, he calls him Nyanko. Together, they help return the names inside the book to the spirits and Nyanko protects Takashi in the process.
I really like the storyline. It's very sweet and enjoyable. The pace is medium-tempo, can be a bit slow, but not too bad.
Basically the story is about a boy, Natsume Takashi, who can see spirits, and his grandmother, Natsume Reiko, before him could also see spirits. During his grandmother's time, she created a compilation of names of spirits that she beat and it's called the Book of Friends. Since possessing the book allows the holder to command all spirits whose names are in it, many of the spirits chase after Takashi who inherited the book from his grandmother. One day, Takashi accidentally unseals a spirit from a shrine and because it takes on the shape of the Maneki Neko, he calls him Nyanko. Together, they help return the names inside the book to the spirits and Nyanko protects Takashi in the process.
I really like the storyline. It's very sweet and enjoyable. The pace is medium-tempo, can be a bit slow, but not too bad.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Olympics Frenzy
The Olympics this year are so crazy and a lot of fun to watch. Men's synchronized diving was nice to watch, gymnastics and swimming were both great games to view too. I loved watching Michael Phelps swim. He is a beast @,@ I've never seen anyone swim so fast in my life. I missed the butterfly today 'cause I was doing something else, but I turned on the TV in time to see him chuck off his goggles 'cause water filled up inside them as he was swimming. I'm sad that I missed the butterfly event, but at least my dad taped it so I can watch it tomorrow or another day. I got to watch the 4 x 200m relay later and I was psyched about that. I was so anxious and hanging off the edge of my chair watching that race. It made me really happy to see the U.S. team win that relay.
Now, here's something really funny about me... I root for two teams: China & USA. Ever since I was little, it's always been that way for me. I've always liked both teams and I tend to favor the one that has more talent. So if USA was better at gymnastics, I tend to lean towards them. If China was better at diving, I would then lean towards them. For swimming though... I'm just not a China fan for either men or women. For me, it's been the US all the way every time. I like the Australians for swimming too, but I prefer it if the US win ^_^; Hey, it's my home country after all and they have very talented, fast swimmers~ Though Aussie has some really good swimmers too.
Now, here's something really funny about me... I root for two teams: China & USA. Ever since I was little, it's always been that way for me. I've always liked both teams and I tend to favor the one that has more talent. So if USA was better at gymnastics, I tend to lean towards them. If China was better at diving, I would then lean towards them. For swimming though... I'm just not a China fan for either men or women. For me, it's been the US all the way every time. I like the Australians for swimming too, but I prefer it if the US win ^_^; Hey, it's my home country after all and they have very talented, fast swimmers~ Though Aussie has some really good swimmers too.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thoughts On My Mind
Hmm... there are lots of things on my mind at the moment and lots of things that I want to ascertain and yet not really care to know. For instance... being told by my physician that I might not be able to have children someday is kind of a shock. I mean, it's not official and we don't know for certain, but it still kind of strikes a person somewhat, you know? Personally, I don't think there's anything really wrong with me other than my weight causing me to be unable to menstruate, but the feeling is very strange like half of my heart is normal and another half is displaced somehow. Kind of like the shape of steps on a staircase. Not sure how to describe it... but I think I should be fine. If I had cysts, it should hurt... ... right? And it doesn't hurt... so... I probably don't have cysts? I guess we'll find out Thursday morning when I go in for the ultrasound...
I wish I could be less jittery about this.
I wish I could be less jittery about this.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
I went to the doctor today 'cause my period decided not to come for over two months again. We did more blood work and I'll be sent to another lab to get more tests plus an ultrasound done to see if I have polycystic ovary syndrome. Basically this means that since my hormones aren't working properly, my ovaries have way too many eggs and because that is so, they turn to liquid-filled balloon-like things called cysts. Yes, some cysts are cancerous, but these should be pretty benign to begin with. The only thing it would affect so far is me having trouble getting pregnant someday if I ever wanted children. Long-term effect is likelihood of high blood pressure, diabetes, or even get breast or uterus cancer.
I think the problem lies more with my obnoxious heaviness from over-eating causing massive weight gain. So... if I lose weight, my body should start functioning normally again... but you know... losing weight very quickly is not the way to go and I'm not sure when it will be that I can become 50lbs lighter again. I have already started exercising and eating a bit healthier... but... yeah =_=; *sigh*
To tell the truth... not having my period for a long time is actually very nice, but I'm not exactly fond of the idea of being a candidate for cancer someday. I know I haven't exactly been a wonderful person growing up, but I really do hope that karma doesn't decide to hit me 10-fold when I haven't exactly committed any societally-condemning sins =_=; I guess... I can deal with not having any children, but I have a feeling that I'm going to want them someday. I really want the decision to be with me and not because of my body in choosing whether or not to have children someday.
But anyway... I still have an ultrasound to do and check to see what the problem is and hope that there aren't any cysts in my system... One can only hope I guess.
I think the problem lies more with my obnoxious heaviness from over-eating causing massive weight gain. So... if I lose weight, my body should start functioning normally again... but you know... losing weight very quickly is not the way to go and I'm not sure when it will be that I can become 50lbs lighter again. I have already started exercising and eating a bit healthier... but... yeah =_=; *sigh*
To tell the truth... not having my period for a long time is actually very nice, but I'm not exactly fond of the idea of being a candidate for cancer someday. I know I haven't exactly been a wonderful person growing up, but I really do hope that karma doesn't decide to hit me 10-fold when I haven't exactly committed any societally-condemning sins =_=; I guess... I can deal with not having any children, but I have a feeling that I'm going to want them someday. I really want the decision to be with me and not because of my body in choosing whether or not to have children someday.
But anyway... I still have an ultrasound to do and check to see what the problem is and hope that there aren't any cysts in my system... One can only hope I guess.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Weddings
My childhood friend from elementary school got married yesterday. As expected, she did an outdoor wedding ^_^ The colors she picked for her bridesmaids and groomsmen were green and dark violet. Perhaps some things just don't change even after so many years ^_^ Her fave color's green like me so lots of things about the wedding did not surprise me much. It's a good thing that the weather turned out so well otherwise it would have been pretty bad. Overall, the wedding went very well and I'm very happy for my friend ^_^
My date canceled on me so I was all by myself, but then I met my friend's father's cousin, her children, and her mother and the six of us crowded around one table and chatted. I loved hanging out with the kids and the two charming ladies. I've been around lots of older people all my life so talking with them was very comfortable and I didn't feel so alone anymore. I hardly knew anyone at the wedding so it was nice to be able to meet some people there and chat with them.
One thing new for me was that I didn't go out to try and catch the bouquet this time compared to the past weddings I've gone to. I took pictures instead lol ^_^ I'm in no hurry to get married and I haven't exactly found Prince Charming yet so I thought I'd just watch from the sidelines. I was keeping the elderly lady and her granddaughter company, and we watched the girls jump up and such for the bouquet lol. Watching other people is always fun ^_^.
It'll probably be a while before I ever walk down the aisle. I think I would want a simple wedding and then have a big reception. I'd like to get married on 09/09/09 or 10/10/10. I missed 08/08/08 this year, but still got 2 more to try for ^_^;;; but then again... getting married by next year or the year after is so soon @_@. So not ready for that sort of commitment @_@. Gosh, it's a scary thought... marriage that is @_@.
Well, we'll see what happens. I'll be moving down in 5 months and then starting a new chapter in my life. Hopefully there are some good things in store for me ^_^
My date canceled on me so I was all by myself, but then I met my friend's father's cousin, her children, and her mother and the six of us crowded around one table and chatted. I loved hanging out with the kids and the two charming ladies. I've been around lots of older people all my life so talking with them was very comfortable and I didn't feel so alone anymore. I hardly knew anyone at the wedding so it was nice to be able to meet some people there and chat with them.
One thing new for me was that I didn't go out to try and catch the bouquet this time compared to the past weddings I've gone to. I took pictures instead lol ^_^ I'm in no hurry to get married and I haven't exactly found Prince Charming yet so I thought I'd just watch from the sidelines. I was keeping the elderly lady and her granddaughter company, and we watched the girls jump up and such for the bouquet lol. Watching other people is always fun ^_^.
It'll probably be a while before I ever walk down the aisle. I think I would want a simple wedding and then have a big reception. I'd like to get married on 09/09/09 or 10/10/10. I missed 08/08/08 this year, but still got 2 more to try for ^_^;;; but then again... getting married by next year or the year after is so soon @_@. So not ready for that sort of commitment @_@. Gosh, it's a scary thought... marriage that is @_@.
Well, we'll see what happens. I'll be moving down in 5 months and then starting a new chapter in my life. Hopefully there are some good things in store for me ^_^
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Romance Dramas
Lately, I've been feeling like a teenage school girl when it comes to watching drama. Anything that has a hint of romance in it just sucks me in recently. For instance, I started watching Koizora today and really liked it though the storyline was pretty simple and reminded me of the countless shoujo manga I've read in the past. We have the bleach-hair wild-like guy who is pretty spontaneous and a plain Jane who end up falling in love with each other. The wild guy is actually quite popular and a ladies man, while the plain Jane is a good, conservative and normal girl. In a way, the two characters remind me a bit of Rei and Kira from Mars, with some elements of Sekaichu. Though one can probably get bored watching it, I still like it. Maybe it's my recent mindset.
Also started watching Orange Days seriously today. I skimmed through it before and thought it nice, but didn't really pay a whole lot of attention to it until I sit myself down and actually tried going through it all. I heard that it's good and I've been wanting to see exactly how good, but never really got motivated until now. I have to say that it makes me cry a lot of times. Shibasaki Kou and Tsumabuki Satoshi delivered outstanding performances and the story was extremely touching. I really love Mr. Children's song in this drama too. My love for Mr. Children has rekindled and now I'm kind on a Mr. Children song-hunting rampage ^_^;
Another thing about Orange Days that I really like is that it's about being a senior in college. A lot of the things that they talk about, such as job-searching, not knowing what to do with your future, love, and life's ups & downs, really gets to me and makes me feel like I'm not alone. It's a very slice-of-life piece and really reminds me of my last term in college in a sense. For instance, the part where Yuuki Kai (Tsumabuki Satoshi) is standing at the train station in between college kids who were discussing the latest mixer and a salaryman who's apologizing profusely on the phone, really reminds me of that gap between school life and society life. Another part that reminds me of my life is where Hagio Sae (Shibasaki Kou) starts looking for a job -- despite initially not wanting to -- after her friend, Akane, gets a job. When one of my friends got a job, I began to really think about my life and started looking for employment. In many ways, this drama really reminds me of my senior year of college and it really touches me.
Also started watching Orange Days seriously today. I skimmed through it before and thought it nice, but didn't really pay a whole lot of attention to it until I sit myself down and actually tried going through it all. I heard that it's good and I've been wanting to see exactly how good, but never really got motivated until now. I have to say that it makes me cry a lot of times. Shibasaki Kou and Tsumabuki Satoshi delivered outstanding performances and the story was extremely touching. I really love Mr. Children's song in this drama too. My love for Mr. Children has rekindled and now I'm kind on a Mr. Children song-hunting rampage ^_^;
Another thing about Orange Days that I really like is that it's about being a senior in college. A lot of the things that they talk about, such as job-searching, not knowing what to do with your future, love, and life's ups & downs, really gets to me and makes me feel like I'm not alone. It's a very slice-of-life piece and really reminds me of my last term in college in a sense. For instance, the part where Yuuki Kai (Tsumabuki Satoshi) is standing at the train station in between college kids who were discussing the latest mixer and a salaryman who's apologizing profusely on the phone, really reminds me of that gap between school life and society life. Another part that reminds me of my life is where Hagio Sae (Shibasaki Kou) starts looking for a job -- despite initially not wanting to -- after her friend, Akane, gets a job. When one of my friends got a job, I began to really think about my life and started looking for employment. In many ways, this drama really reminds me of my senior year of college and it really touches me.
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