Mood:
Its been a very long time since I've had cotton candy. I love the stuff though.
So, it's good there's a day for it. Almost like eating air. Tasty sugary air.
I realized a while back, that you can buy them in tiny bags at grocery stores. But, it probably doesn't 'feel' the same.
Yet again, today's been slightly cool. It doesn't feel like summer!
I thought it'd be good to clip Rosie's nails today. She's been sticking to the carpet, pillows, chairs, etc. She put up quite a fight, but I managed to get most of them.
To calm her down afterwards, I brushed her a bit. She loves the brush. Sometimes just likes to chew on it. And I gave her one of those little mice toys she loves so much. She seems to have forgiven me.
Plus, I don't hear her sticking to things at the moment.
Iryu Sousa's next episode wasn't up yet, so I watched 2 episodes of Bleach. I'm starting to really like Kon. It's sad he gets treated the way he does. Another shinigami named Renji found Rukia, and planned to execute her for exchanging her powers with a human. Byakuya was with him, and is Rukia's brother. Ishida came in just in time, but was easily taken out. Bought some time for Ichigo to figure out what was going on and try to save her. He was severely injured by the end of the episode, though. I like Renji's sword. Kind of cool that it can change its appearance, and looks pretty lethal. I think when I saw the series up to now back in college, I liked his character too. It seems to me like they're taking forever to lay the 'groundwork' for the story. Still doesn't feel like it's really started, and I'm 16 episodes in. I think I stopped watching at about episode 18. So, I'll see what happens after that too.
In Fairy Tail, Natsu, Lucy, and Happy find the book called Daybreak that the client wanted destroyed. Lucy was a big fan of the author, and begged Natsu to not burn it up. Eventually, after he told her it was their job to follow through, she decided to read it on the spot. Meanwhile, the duke finds them, and orders 2 other mages from a mercenary guild to fight them. Lucy finds out that there's some sort of secret to the book, and tells Natsu that she had to read it somewhere else, and runs out of the room. Happy and the duke follow her. Which leaves just Natsu to fight the 2 powerful mages. I remember this from the anime. But, it's interesting to see it in the original design, and to see how different it might be.
Went to JJ's for dinner. Dad had just gotten a check from Smashwords, for her book. So, it was a nice way to celebrate.
I had the onion ring platter, and their sesame encrusted chicken with pineapple and Korean-style BBQ sauce sandwich with fries. Really good stuff!
The only problem I had was the bun became extremely soggy towards the end. Also had some iced tea with it. Had an ice cream drumstick with sprinkles back at home for dessert.
While we were still downtown, we headed to the waterfront. Walked and talked along the boardwalk. I haven't seen such a high tide in such a long time. So, it was cool to look over and try to see something like fish. Didn't see any, but it was still cool.
Watched a little of the Men's Finals for gymnastics. Kind of surprising. China won gold, Japan won silver, and Great Britain won bronze. There was a bit of a dispute with Japan's score. So, at first they thought they were off the podium, and then their coach made an inquiry. They discussed the score, and after a while decided to up Japan's score. It was going to be China, Great Britain, and Ukraine. I feel sorry for Ukraine. The US didn't do too well. Felt bad for them too.
While we were talking at JJ's, we both decided I needed a bank account. I haven't had one in about 4 years, I think. Maybe longer.
I was with WaMu for a while, and then they merged with Chase, and I think I dropped them around that time.
Also, really need a haircut soon. Done by a stylist, not like having just a simple trim.
I wanted to grow my hair out. But, now it's getting to the point where it's easily matted in areas, and it's starting to do something weird at the top of my head.
It doesn't look healthy anymore. Its been about 5 or 6 years since I've had a haircut. It will have to be done by someone who knows really curly hair. I want it to still be somewhat long, easier to manage, and look decent. I don't think that'll be hard. Mom always had a problem with me going to have a stylist cut my hair. She said stuff like 'I can do it'. It might feel liberating too.
Also, when I finish my novel, I'll have to seriously think about how to get it out there and sell it. I think I'm pretty close to finishing. So, I might have to get in that mindset soon.
It'd be cool if it really sells well. Just motivates me even more!
By the way, I just got an email from OkCupid. It says that my personality's really great, guys want me 'so bad', and that my profile has been approved. I thought it was approved already...
Guys would really want me that much?
I've felt like I wouldn't be good enough for them, so that was nice to see. Not sure if my personality's THAT great, either.
Mood:
Yay for cheesecake!
When I was little, I hated it. But, I was introduced to it again years later, and fell in love with it. Kind of the opposite of what happened with me and mushrooms.
(I hate them now.) I like cherry cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, marble cheesecake, chocolate, and a few others. I actually don't eat it too often, since it feels so decadent.
It's been unusually cool the last few days. Even our norm is slightly warmer than this. Well, at least we're not dying of the heat like some people are in the rest of the country.
Watched the opening ceremony for the Olympics. It was amazing and weird all at the same time.I really like their idea for the cauldron. Each nation had a 'petal' that lit up, and then all of them were lifted and put together, to make kind of a flower. Looked really cool from below, looking up. Interesting how they transitioned into the Industrial Age. The doves were interesting. Thought the big baby and flying Mary Poppins' were very bizarre.
The love story/their music for the past 40 years thing was interesting. The Queen jumping out of the helicopter was obviously not real, but funny nonetheless. She seemed to be a good sport about it. I've only seen bits of the games so far. I usually like to watch the swimming, gymnastics, archery, badminton, track and field, weightlifting, and a few other things.
Had one of the weirdest dreams last night.Mom had called us and said she'll be coming home in a few hours. I told her that she had passed away, so how could she be coming back? She seemed very hurt by this. (It was almost like she was returning from a long trip or something.) She also seemed to be stuck in the phone at one point. It doesn't sound scary when I say/type it, but it seemed like it was and very surreal at the time.
I don't know what my thing with phones is. They seem to pop in occasionally in my nightmares. There was one that used to be recurring, that in short, had a train burst out of it eventually.
I decided to deactivate my accounts with those Jewish dating sites. I might look for more at some point. The ones I was part of were really lame. Some had most of the matches on the east coast. Some were mostly in Europe. Some had guys that were WAY too old for me. And, so on.
So, I joined OkCupid last night. I'm already getting a couple of guys who say they're interested. Plus, a few in my 'quiver' and regular matches. It was interesting to see a flow chart of who I'm really looking for. Plus, the maps of states and countries that have the best matches for me. Kind of surprising. I'm a little addicted to their questions.But, they say the more you answer, the better your matches. I don't like how a lot of them center on sex. I'm not focused on that. I just want to get to know the person really well, before that even comes up.
Maybe I'm too old fashioned, but I don't care. Anyways, those are the only ones that irk me. There's a lot more intelligent questions too. I might look at other regular dating sites as well at some point. I'm starting to get a bit nervous about it all, though. But, I think I need to push myself out there.
I've decided on a new routine for walking.I'm going to try and walk for twice as long as I used to, after everytime I eat. That could be just after a snack. Plus, I'm adding 15 sit-ups when I wake up, and 15 when I go to bed. I might feel even better this way.
Went to Silver City for dinner Saturday night. Tried their new gyros. Kind of disappointed about it.
Had an off taste. It was good, but didn't really taste like a gyro. The fries were awesome! I also got their brownie. (I rarely ever order a dessert when I eat out.) It was amazing!A soft and steamy large brownie on the bottom, then a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some whipped cream, chocolate syrup and caramel syrup drizzled on top. So good! It was so huge, I couldn't eat it all. Managed to barely eat half of it. So, I took the rest home. I seem to have forgotten about it the last couple of days. But, remembered tonight. I just got to have something awesome later.
I have an appointment, finally, for my orthopedist. Maybe he can do some tests, give me advice on exercises, or something. I'm still in pain.It comes in waves, but I always have some amount of it. The most painful time seems to occur when I go to bed. Almost unbearable. If I didn't have that icy hot stuff, I think I'd be in a lot of trouble. Anyways, the appointment is scheduled for the beginning of next month. I still need to make an appointment to see my therapist. I seriously need to.
For the first time, I managed to order things from Avon. Mom was the Avon lady. She would constantly order things. There was a really awesome deal on my shower gel. I'm really low, and needed to get some anyways. So, a nice plus. I ordered the vanilla, and banana coconut milk ones. (You had to get 2 for the deal.) I loved the vanilla, so I kept it. But, I haven't tried the banana one, so why not? My fave used to be pomegranate mango, but it's not as 'intense' smelling. Also, got some of the vanilla lotion. So, now occasionally I'll smell like a cookie or cake. Yay!
For the parsha on Saturday, it was the first one for Deuteronomy. Kind of uneventful. Like a recap of what happened before. Tisha B'Av was on Sunday, which is a day of mourning. If you're really observant you're supposed to fast. I'm not that observant, and I can't really fast. My meds prevent me from doing so. But, it's still a very solemn day. You're supposed to remember to mourn the loss of the temples in Jerusalem, the Crusades, Jews of England being expelled in 1290, Jews of Spain being expelled in 1492, and many more tragic events in Jewish history.
Started Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu, or The Idiot, The Test, and the Summoned Beasts. Also known as just Baka to Test. It's been interesting so far. Pretty funny, seems unique, and interesting characters. Not what I'd call THE funniest, but it's not bad. By the way, I saw a poll asking people in Japan what series they thought was the most hilarious. Gintama was number one. No surprise there! It's awesome! Number 2 was Daily Lives of High School Boys. Which I agree with as well. That was a hilarious show, that came as close to Gintama's awesome hilarity as possible.
Anyways, Baka to Test centers on Akihisa Yoshii (who's considered the idiot), who attends Fumizuki Academy. A school where the staff rigidly divides the students based on the results of their academic scores. At the start of school, the students take an entrance exam. The higher the grades, the higher the class, and the better the benefits. Class A is filled with the highest scoring students, their classroom's filled with many prestigious items. (Air conditioners, fancy seats, laptops, a free snack bar, etc.) In Class F, it's the complete opposite. Having scratched up mats, wooden tables that constantly fall apart, dust, etc. But, they can fight for the best classroom facilities by calling forth 'summoned beasts' (or avatars of themselves) and battling the higher classes. Their avatar points are based on the subject they decide to fight with. So, if you're good at math, you'll have a lot of points to battle with if they decide on that subject. Really very interesting premise. Kind of smart, actually.
I've started chapter 17 of Alliance. I don't know why it took me so long just to start it. But, now that I have, I can't stop.The only reason I stopped today was because Dad came in to say hello. Then, I noticed my hands were hurting from typing so much. If she hadn't come in then, I would have been in a world of pain.So far, this chapter seems to be rather sad. But, I know there will be a fun part soon, so at least I have that to look forward to.
I've worked more on kanji compounds these last few days, too. It's really starting to click more, now that I see them being used in words/phrases. Plus, I can see how they pronounce them for different compounds. Good to know, because kanji can have many different pronunciations. Also, still working on that You Maga article, and went over some more Japanese lessons. Read an article in Japanese and watched a few vids about festivals that are currently happening there. Really cool.
deviantART fave: WILDCARD: Inner Shadow I did not make this! A really awesome painting done by an artist I watch. The smokiness, and overall feel of it, is really cool.
Mood:
Or, The Dance of the Fine Dress. Sung by Gakupo and Gakuko. Gakuko is just the female version of him. (This is the first song I've heard her sing in.) Kind of interesting. Sounds really cool, too. Lyrics are interesting. I wish they had more Gakupo songs like this one.A lot of people seem to make fun of his character in their songs. So, it's nice to see.
I have some really awesome news!
Yesterday, I got my permit, got a couple of flyers out to advertise my clarinet tutoring, found out my health insurance approved my appeal to continue coverage, had a nice strawberry lemonade, and to top it all off had a sundae at Dairy Queen. Yes, all in one day! It was pretty amazing.
Almost had a perfect score on the knowledge test for the permit. Missed like one or two points. My pic for the card doesn't look too great.I have a temporary paper one at the moment, but will soon get the plastic colored version in the mail. We waited for about 30 minutes before I could talk to them for the test. (Which was on a computer touch screen.) Test only took, maybe, 10 minutes. Then, it said on the computer to go back to the counter, they were busy so I took another number. Then, I noticed other test takers were cutting in line. In my head I said screw it, and cut too.There was only 2 people at the counter. (And, occasionally one needed to go to the bathroom.) Makes things go really slow. One of the things I really hate about that place.
Put those flyers up at the cafe I usually go to. One on the front door, and another in the bathroom. They get so many of those, it was hard to find a spot.Funny thing is, I didn't get a call about the mahj group meeting yesterday there. And, lo and behold Dad and I were mainly there for a drink, but they were there too!So, no Wednesday thing this week. Next week they're not meeting, but the one after that they plan to. I got a strawberry lemonade this time. Read a little of the Jewish magazine called Moment. This time it had articles related to Jews and their genetics. It had myths, info on diseases that only affect Ashkenazi Jews (I'm one of them...They're from eastern/central European descent), a thing on if G-d is in our genes, and a few other related articles. Really very interesting.A lot of the info pertained to Ashkenazim. So, it seemed to be more personal for me.
The sundae was amazing!Two brownies, vanilla ice cream, marshmallow syrup, fudge syrup, and bits of oreos. Really nice ending to the day. We had catfish just before that. Its been ages since I last had it. So, that was interesting.
Also, started registering on some free online Jewish dating sites. I think I registered for about 5 of them, then noticed most weren't entirely free. So, I deactivated those. Only 2 left.Hope to find more soon. After that, I'll also try the regular free dating sites. It just would be cool to be with a nice Jewish boy. I get tired of explaining what Judaism is about to other people. I've been doing that all my life. Although, I'm also open to others, it can just be a bit more trying.
I'm not used to actually dating. I met my ex almost by accident. Met at dinner in one of the college's cafeterias while I was talking with my friends. He jumped in and talked. We ended up talking more in my room later. I don't remember how long we talked, but that didn't seem like I was dating. I don't know... So, another new experience for me.
Finished looking through Aomori. Saw a Jomon period site, that had replicas of the actual structures from that era. It was cool to look at. Also, went to Hirosaki Castle. They even had a 3-D model of it on Google Earth. Quite a beautiful place. Also, read that Aomori has some of the largest apples in the world. On average, one of those apples gets up to 2 pounds. That's huge!We have little things compared to that. I'm in Akita now. There's not much in my guidebook or even in the atlas. So, I might zoom through this area.
Managed to finally play my clarinet. Haven't in the last couple of days. Wasn't too bad, considering. Worked more on my 'wing' drawing. I can tell I'll probably be on it for a while. It won't be anywhere near what's in my head.But, it is showing the pain I wanted to convey a bit. Finally started chapter 17 today! It'll be an interesting beginning. A bit 'unique'. But, every chapter seems to have a different 'feel' to it. So, I guess it's just staying true to that.
Started going over compounds that have the kanji I've worked on recently. It's making so much more sense now.I like to 'boil down' words, even in English, so it's interesting to see the components and see how they interpret it. Some make no sense if you just look at each individual kanji. Some are like sayings, that don't have anything to do with the kanji. And, some I can really see the logic to them. It's very fascinating. Makes me think in different ways too.
deviantART faves: 7 Not So Deadly Sins An Siyu x Sying Junjie I did not make these! First, kind of a cute drawing by an artist I watch. He does amazing things! Second, an interesting drawing of someone else's ocs done by another artist I watch. Very interesting outfits.
