Garlic Day!

Mood:


I love garlic!To have at least a day devoted to it is pretty awesome! It's also Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day. 


Met my new therapist. He was very nice. Seemed a little tired, but that could be because it was so late in the day. He facilitates an anxiety and depression group. They actually set goals each week, talk about them, and some become friends through it. There's 2 other groups under the same program that are at different times and days. He said those groups don't do as much as his, though. I might think about it.Especially because they're not doing stuff like saying 'oh, woe is me!' He seems very positive. Also, a bit overwhelmed with what's going on in my life.


Narrowed down some ideas of what I might work on for drawing. A meme that's really long, but tells an interesting story with a lot of my original characters. Another meme based on what certain oc's might like for different genres of music. Like, do they like rock more than classical. And, to draw them in certain clothes for it. Like if they like punk, make them have a punk look. Kind of interesting.Also, after I'm done with drawing my dragon (which will be soon), I might work on a cover page for my manga. Or, I could work on the landscapes from the story. Plus, I didn't like the way Junko came out the first time, so I could re-draw her. So many choices!I've also kept up with my writing. I'm close to finishing my current chapter already. Just mainly editing it at the moment.


I'm thinking of actually going through my long recipe list, to search for things I might be able to make next week. I realize the thing with my shoulder will still limit me, but I'm sure I can find something.It might be easier to go through now that I'm making an index of it all. It'd be fun to do something like one of the drinks or breads. Not sure what I can really do.


Speaking of my shoulder, I have that orthopedist appointment next Tuesday. They'll give me a shot of cortisone then. I'm hoping it works really quickly, so I can get back to things sooner.When I feel better, I'm hoping to re-tire my bike and get a new helmet. I really want to get back into it, plus play some basketball, and do more walks. Stuff I used to do all the time.Maybe I'll get more in shape. (Plus, losing even more weight would be great too.) 


A few days ago I found a hair straightening lotion. It's really been great so far. Doesn't totally straighten my hair. Which is great, because I don't want it to. I would still like some 'body' or waves to it. Also makes my hair feel so soft, and smells nice.


Youtube:
A hilarious clip from Gintama:

A Busy Street

Mood:

From the first Fairy Tail soundtrack. Just one of the few lighthearted cheery songs. Most of the tracks have such a heavy emotional feeling (whether sad or 'epic' sounding), so this is kind of nice.

It's finally starting to warm up!Warm enough to go out without a jacket! First time in a long time. We've been so cold and rainy lately, it feels nice. 

Went to Mom's appointment on Friday to see what the next steps are for her. They thought that she had quite a bit of fluid in her abdomen, and made an appointment to get it drained that same day. Turned out to be just over 2 liters of liquid!(They told her that's approx. 5 pounds.) She's been feeling a lot less full and tight. They're going to test a sample of the liquid, and if there are no breast cancer cells in it, they'll probably operate. But, if there is, then they don't want to touch it for now. So frustrating!And, I can't imagine how she feels. It's nice there might be a possibility of getting that tumor out of her, though. I know there are risks still to it, but I think it's becoming more risky not to.

Made some Passover brownies for Friday night. They were too heavy and dark, but that was the mix's fault. I followed the directions.It's edible, but we can only eat a little at a time. Sadly, this brand must have changed it's recipe or something. I remember that it used to taste so good, and I was expecting it to be this time. Also for Friday night's dinner, with the help of Dad chopping up some onions and broccoli, I made the 'Salisbury'-style cube steak that Mom usually makes. First time making it. Didn't come out exactly like hers, but it was pretty close.Also made a huge thing of mashed potatoes. They're awesome with some of the gravy from the cube steak poured on top.

For brunch on Saturday we went to IHOP, as part of our 'chametz fest' we do every year when Passover ends. Last year we went to a Chinese buffet, but that wasn't our norm. When you go without 'chametz' (anything that rises/has leavening) for so long, you have a huge craving for it.So, I got their stack of 4 chocolate chip pancakes, and shared 2 turkey bacon strips with Mom. It was so good!(Chocolate wasn't exactly sweet enough, a little too much salt in it which I don't like. So, I poured some butter pecan syrup on it, and it was even better!) I only got through half of it, but it was very satisfying. Plus, it made for a nice hefty lunch the next day. 

Finished editing chapter 1 of my story, again. Sounds so much smoother, and has more of a flow. I plan to do a lot of editing of previous chapters during the weekends. During the week I can work on my current chapter, either through editing or writing more. If I do a little bit of writing everyday, I should move the story along quicker. And, maybe finish this first novel sooner.Makes me kind of happy to get back into it. Still have so many more ideas for the next chapter, but I have to focus on the one I'm on first. Luckily, I'm trying to write all these ideas down when I get them. 

The portion this time was Pesach-related. It was kind of short. Went to the grocery store on Sunday. Kind of funny, the bakery ladies usually hold our challah on Fridays for us. We haven't come in for it in like a month.It's also usually a time they ask how we are, what's going on in our lives, and other stuff. I wonder if they think something happened to us...Anyways, since we went to the store so late, it was after they closed the bakery section, so we didn't get to talk to them this time. I kind of like that they give out free cookies to anyone who asks, as well. Hopefully, next week we'll see them, and get our challah. 

By the way, we still have so much Passover stuff.I'm hoping to slowly get through most of it. Still have things like Tam Tam's (flavored matzah crackers), mandel cuts (kind of like tiny biscotti), kichel (which wasn't the best brand, but it's what they had), mandlen (or 'soup nuts'), candied fruit slices, gefilte fish (I think...), and a couple of other things. 

I dropped Eden of the East, because the character design got to me. I don't know why, but I don't like that style. The background designs were amazing, though. Story didn't draw me in as much as I expected it to. (Since I only watched 1 episode, I won't add it to my 'dropped' list on here.)

Started watching Tsuritama on Saturday. In Enoshima, Yuki's a high school student who's never been good at making real friends thanks to his poor communication skills. Haru, is a self-proclaimed 'alien' and decides to teach Yuki to fish. Natsuki is an irritable born and raised local. Akira's Indian, and watches the group from afar with his duck. It's weird, but interesting. The art's amazing! Especially the rich and vibrant colors. It's a little trippy in areas. But, that's ok. Seems kind of unique, even if it might be another slice of life anime. There seems to be hints of something dark going on too, very interesting. Somehow it feels like it's more than just about fishing. By the way, Tsuri means to fish or fishing. Tama means ball. So fishing ball?

Started watching Liar Game on Saturday, as well. Kanzaki Nao is an honest college student who receives 100 million yen one day, along with a card saying she has been chosen to take part in the 'Liar Game'. (She's always been naively honest.) The aim is to trick the players out of their 100 million yen. At the end the winner gets the 100 million yen, and the loser is 100 million yen in debt. She finds out her first opponent is her former teacher, Fujisawa Kazuo. He tricks her into handing her money over. Desperate she asks the police for help, but they can't do anything. She finds out that a mastermind swindler, Akiyama Shinichi, is to be released from jail the next day. She goes to him for help, and he agrees to it, as long he gets half the money. Very interesting, and seems like it has a Bloody Monday vibe. Not the same story, but same sort of suspense, little humor thrown in, and darkness to it. My kind of thing. I was very reluctant about this one. If I like it enough, there's another season and at least one movie. Wahoo! It's all based on a manga. (Oddly, so was Bloody Monday.)

Started watching Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de, or The After-Dinner Mysteries, on Sunday. It's based off a highly successful novel. Reiko is the only daughter, and therefor heiress, to the CEO of a major enterprise, 'Hosho Group', known worldwide. She hides her true identity behind her daytime job as a rookie police officer. She goes to her butler and chauffeur, Kageyama, for help when she has a complex case she can't figure out on her own. He insists that she eat before they talk about the cases. (Hence, the title.) He has a sharp tongue, and isn't afraid to point out her lack of reasoning skills. It's funny how he does all the thinking. While she's at work, he's watching her the entire time, making sure she's not harmed. Kind of creepy. There's plenty of humor, and interesting characters.


Today I get to see my new therapist. Hopefully he's as good, if not better, as my previous one. I'm going to ask him to fill out a couple of health insurance forms, even though he doesn't know me yet. I'm not even sure if he can do it, or if I'm supposed to have my new psychiatrist do it. Either way, I have to get the ok from someone on it. If he can't do it, then we'll have to wait for another 2 weeks to do anything. I only have until June. I don't want my session to only be about that.There's a ton of other stuff going on in my life. Plus, I haven't talked to a therapist in about 3 months. Longer since having an actual 'session'. Because, that last one was about her retiring, and what type of therapist I might like next.

Sixth Day of Pesach

Mood:


Wow! It's already the 6th day!Only 2 more days. It's been a bit difficult with making dinner during it, since my shoulder's not too good right now. There aren't too many 'easy' things I can make.(Like from a box or something. With little prep or mixing.) We made it to both seders. I personally liked the first night's more than the potluck the second night. It was more organized, better food, better seating (although, we were still crammed in to the tables, elbow to elbow), and seemed more friendly. The only thing I really had a problem with was the rabbi's singing (I usually don't like it, anyways). Someone brought a non-passover cake for a dessert. But, that was quickly taken away. I was curious about it, so I'm glad they took it away before I grabbed a slice.

Started watching Eden of the East on Sunday. (Code Geass seemed a little too weird for me.) On November 22, 2010 ten missiles strike Japan. The terrorist attack, later called 'Careless Monday', doesn't have any apparent victims, and is forgotten by almost everyone. 3 months later, Saki Morimi goes to the USA on her graduation trip. Just when she's in front of the White House, she gets into some trouble (trying to throw coins into the fountain from the gate, security wasn't sure what she was throwing), a naked man (who's also from Japan) with just a cell phone and a gun intervenes and saves her. This man, who calls himself Akira Takizawa is full of mysteries. He has amnesia. His phone is charged with a ton of digital money. He may have something to do with the terrorist attack, or some sort of game. Don't really know yet. It's interesting so far.


Watched the finale of Doctors. It was ok. Tied things up a little too neatly, and  everyone at the hospital changed for the better. Dropped 11 Nin mo Iru for now. Some day when the rest of it is subbed, I might finish it. Kind of a shame, since it has become one of my faves. Watched the finale of Hungry. It definitely could go on for another season. I'm glad that they were able to keep the restaurant, and all of them came back to work there. They left a couple of things open. It was a really good show. 


Finished Tektek-ing my characters from Alliance. Some look really awesome!Finally posted the filled out Hetalia Heritage Meme to dA! I'm surprised I got 10 faves on it in one day!Lots of views too! Any faves is great to me, so it makes me happy. 


I finally fixed the very first paragraph of my story, Alliance. It was bothering me for a while. I couldn't figure it out, but it sounded really awkward.I plan to get back into writing everyday. Otherwise, I may never finish this first novel.Even if I just edit for that time I set aside, it'd be great. I'm almost done with chapter 15, by the way. I have a lot of ideas for chapter 16. But, I have to finish this first...

Started watching Acchi Kocchi or Place to Place on Monday. The serious minded Tsumiki and the pure-hearted Io feel they never want to be parted, and yet they haven't fallen in love yet. More than friends but not lovers, they develop an awkward quasi-romance. (That's how they describe it on wikipedia and anime news network.) This is such a cute, yet funny anime!Tsumiki has cat ears that pop up when she's startled, excited, etc. Their friends have their own quirks, as well.


Went to Mom's appointment for a CT scan on Monday. I was able to ask for a CD of my images from the bone scan. The last couple of images were really cool! Talked to a nice guy at the radiology department, who really helped us. He said that most people have the same complaints about the orthopedist that I had. Nice to know I'm not the only one who felt this way.He said it's ok to switch to someone else. Today, I have a phone appointment with my primary care doctor about what to do next. Someone has suggested that I have an MRI done. But, I have to verify that with him. Or he may order a different test. I don't know. 


On top of this, I have to figure out what to do to keep my insurance. 2 years ago, they confirmed that I qualified as a dependent on my parents' coverage, because according to them I was disabled. So, now I have to 'prove' I still am. I still have most of the same stuff going on, so I guess it's just a matter of showing my records and getting the ok from either my new therapist, or new psychiatrist, or even my primary care doctor. It just piles on more stress that I don't need on me. (Plus, only have until June to get this settled, isn't helping much...)


Made meatloaf for the first time on Monday! (Of course with using matzah meal instead of flour.) Made potato kugel and peas with it. Made some matzah brei Tuesday night. Added some dried onions, garlic, and a little salt and pepper. It was really good!


Fairy Tail has a new opening and ending theme. Kind of interesting. Tried to watch Nyarko-san: Another Crawling Chaos on Tuesday, but I'm not sure about it. It may be too 'ecchi' for me.The idea is interesting, and I like her personality, though. I'll give it one more episode next week, then I'll make a decision about it.


deviantART faves: My Best Friend Griff You Don't Even Know I did not make these! First, another cool drawing by an artist I watch. It's of a 'pet' griffin named Griff, and his owner Tony. Second, a hilarious yet somewhat embarrassing comic based on a real life experience by another artist I watch.