Head in the Clouds

Mood:


From the first Bleach soundtrack. I forgot about how funky/eclectic the background music to Bleach is. Although, it has been a while since I watched  it at my university's anime club. I'm rediscovering it.So far, it's stuff I vaguely remember. So, I must have watched about 16 episodes before. (It's a really long running series, so that's nothing. But, more than I thought.) Better than I remember too. Anyways, the music really plays with the mood. This one was cool to listen to while I was walking this morning. The starting and stopping suddenly makes it interesting at the beginning. And, I like when they add other segments on top. Layering, I guess? Nice effect. 

Didn't sleep very well.Ended up getting out of bed at about 6:15.Not the norm. I usually try to get up at around 8. So, naturally, this has offset my day. At least it's nice out. Finally got a walk in, like I mentioned. Couldn't do my longer one, but I think that's because I haven't done it in a while. Eh, at least I did some.


Posted another pic from my Israel trip today. I'm up to the ones I took at the Banias Nature Reserve. Apparently, people are liking these so far too. I'm surprised, myself, at how some of them turned out. Ones that I thought would turn out horrible, didn't. Nice that way.


Naruto Shippuden was kind of cool today. There's a story that 2 brothers had gone into the belly of the Kyuubi (9-tailed fox), stayed in there eating its entrails for 2 weeks, and were then spat back up. They ended up receiving some of its power. They were pretty tough guys to begin with. Anyways, they were brought back to life, and forced to fight the Allied Shinobi Force. Cool how the Force won against them. Next week's preview looked kind of lame. Why can't they just continue the fight? Or have Naruto step in already? Apparently, in the next one Sakura will lose her memory, and they have to help her remember. It seems kind of like a weird side story, but I guess we'll find out. 

In Hitman Reborn, Tsuna and Kyoko were coaxed into playing Russian Roulette by Reborn. Reborn assured them that the gun was 'party safe' and didn't have real bullets. Kyoko was the first to try, and was shot by a dying will bullet. Reborn had conveniently forgotten which gun was 'fake' and gave them the real one. If Kyoko didn't regret something just before she was shot, she'd actually die. But, luckily just before, his mom had walked in, jumped to conclusions, and said: "Isn't it hard to have this no-good-son as your boyfriend?" (Before she walked out again.) When Kyoko came back to life, she ran straight for his mom, and wanted her to 'take back her words'. Tsuna assumed that meant the part of 'your boyfriend', and thinks she hates him now. What she really was upset about was the fact she said 'no-good-son'. It's an interesting series so far. And, I can tell where it differs from the anime already. Kind of interesting to start the series in both mediums at the same time. 

Managed to play my clarinet today. Hadn't the last couple of days. But, oddly, I sounded pretty good. Only a few mistakes. And, they were mostly at the beginning. Did a couple of jazz songs and a lot of Irish tunes. I've finished the flyer for my tutoring thing. I just need to get it out there soon. 

日本語

Today's kanji is: 算. Or: さん (san). It means: calculate, abacus, probability, divining. Worked on translating more of that chicken and potato soup recipe. Almost done with that. Last couple of lessons have seemed pretty simple to me. I get them more than some of the others. I'll just have to go over those others some more until I get the same feeling with them!

Did some of the meme. A couple of days ago, I finished the one about drawing Vince's 'true love' or what he really likes. I drew a big table full of buffet type stuff. He loves food. In the story, he's never had a true love. Poor Vince!The next slot I'm working on is of Doina turning into a zombie, and chasing me. I'm doing the same mochi version of myself that I did for the Hetalia meme. Since I kind of like it. Also, makes it funnier looking. (I still don't get how a 'healer' who has a lot of antidotes, would turn. But, I'll throw that out the window for the meme.) 

Worked a little on the index for the recipe list. The list of recipes that I would like to make, is so long I need an index.I will get to them all someday!(Obviously, I'll start up again when my shoulder is finally healed.)

Still doing my virtual trip to Japan. I'm in Aomori prefecture at the moment. There's not much info about it in the guidebook. (Even less than for Hokkaido.) So, I looked at the bilingual atlas, online journals, and the Aomori Prefectural Government website. The atlas and website had a lot of cool things in them. Went to Cape Shiriya, where there's wild horses, a monument, and a lighthouse. Then, went to Hotokegaura, which is a stretch of coastline with huge/tall strange natural rock formations, and cliffs. The water's beautiful too. They think the rocks resemble a gathering of praying Buddhas. They're cool looking. And finally, I went to Mount Osore. It's a volcano, and some say the landscape around it looks like hell.The name literally means: Mount Fear. Lots of temples there too. Still have a few things I want to see in this prefecture, so that should be fun.

I'm so glad Iryu Sousa came back for a second season!I love this show! Itomura looks at clues in articles left behind by murder victims. Everything he finds seems to intrigue him, much to the annoyance of the other detectives. But, he usually solves the case, and finds some sort of message to send to the victim's family and/or the killer. Really was a touching series last time. The first episode of this season didn't disappoint. Oddly, they have a new female character who's working with him. Wasn't sure if I'd like her at first. But, the character and actress ended up being really interesting. A different feel, but seems more 'real' this way. She's more down-to-earth than the other one.

Started watching a variety show called Cartoon KAT-TUN. I miss the Arashi variety shows, but they either aren't subbed or the video's missing. I like the variety shows usually because I can hear the way they actually speak. It's sometimes much quicker than in dramas. Plus, I get to learn more about their culture through games, interviews, etc. So, in a way it may be more educational for me. Anyways, this show is hosted by the boy band KAT-TUN. I think I saw a snippet of it a while back and liked it. (It was on something like Japan TV.) So, why not try it now? They ask their guests 100 questions beforehand, and pick whatever answer is interesting to them. Then they ask them some more questions based on it. Then, later they have a game section. This time it was DAT-TUN5, which is a game of bingo-darts. They compete against another guest. If the guest wins, they get one of the gold darts. If the group loses too many games, there's some sort of punishment. Doesn't sound as fun or exciting as Arashi's shows, but they're not bad either. (And I miss their documentaries!) 

deviantART fave: StupidFox- 73 I did not make this! Another funny installment of StupidFox. I feel sorry for StupidFox...

More Herbs, Less Salt Day

Mood:


I think everyday you should cook with more herbs than salt. But, that's just me.Good for your health this way, too. Herbs are so flavorful on their own, you don't really need to add salt to it. Plus, a lot of ingredients have some amount of salt in them already. So, adding more can be overkill.Even when I'm not cooking and I feel like whatever I'm having needs something, I try to go to the pepper or 7-spice (or Shichimi) instead of salt. Much better tasting. Of course, I'm a sucker for parmesan cheese, but that's only with some foods. And, surprisingly, I looked it up and it's one of the least salty cheeses. So, wahoo! People shouldn't take out all salt from their diets either. Simply because that's not healthy. A lot of other problems can spring up. A little goes a long way, I guess.


It's been cooler today than it has for the last couple of days. But, it's not bad. We went to the grocery store Friday night, and it seemed like everyone we knew in town bumped into us every couple of aisles. (At least it felt like that. We know a lot more people...) One person asked if we were going to services on Saturday. Mom told her she's not sure if she really could, so this person offered to drive us. It was very nice of her.


We got some pre-made BBQ'd brisket, snap peas, and garlic risotto for Friday night. It was really good!Also, got some baklava. Love that stuff! 


We did take that person up on her offer. It was so nice to go to services!It feels like its been a long time. Our cantor was supposed to lead it this time. But, the rabbi showed up, too. So, she led most of the service, while the rabbi did the Torah bit. And, even that, he didn't do a drash. It was someone else this time. I really liked what she brought up. Really makes you think. Kind of a tough passage we mulled over for a while on. I think it was one of the longest discussions we've had in a while. And, I think it could have gone further, but someone realized the time. This coming Saturday, there's a Bar Mitzvah. We know the family pretty well. So, it would be really nice to go. 


Played a little of the Sims 2. My sim's wife is pregnant now. They're like rabbits.Mostly messed around with their house. Since, he got a boat-load of money after he married her. Still have a lot left over. And, I can do so much with it, but I decided to do more later. I didn't know they had aquariums as one of the items you can get. You have to buy the fish and feed them. They like to stare at them for long periods of time. For some reason they're more fun than dancing or a video game.Weird. Also, bought them the most expensive grill. You can make BBQ'd ribs with it. Haven't tried it, but sounds like another fun thing to try. 


Watched the finale of Nodame Cantabile. It was awesome!Hilarious, emotional, well acted, etc. Good ending. Although, it left me wanting more. Good thing I know there are 2 specials for it. I think they go to Europe during the first one. Both Nodame and Chiaki are going to study in Paris. Chiaki finally realized that he loves her, although he won't admit it yet. The actors were very convincing during their roles as musicians. For the most part. Most people can't get a piece perfect in 2 days, but other than that, I thought it was pretty spot on.Showed how nerve wracking concerts can be, rivalries in the band, part of the hard work musicians go through for practicing, and more. Really one of the best dramas I've watched so far. Highly recommended.

Another ruin on Masada. Again, this is from my trip to Israel at the end of January-beginning of February. I think it was also a lookout point. 


Got a lot of writing done!I'm getting excited about it again! Probably about halfway through chapter 14. Not sure, because I don't set page limits on chapters. I have averaged around a certain number though. I just go with how I feel at that point in the story. People will get to know more about my main character in this one. Haven't actually laid out too much of a background on him until now. Funny, because a lot of secondary characters have detailed backgrounds already. It just happened that way.I don't think he knows much about himself either. Makes him a bit mysterious, I guess. By the way, I'm still thinking of doing that writing meme on Vince. But, not sure if I'll do it during the week or the weekend. Sometime soon.

In Crime Edge, Iwai's father used to frequent a special bar. He was killed by a killing goods' author. Her father wanted to take her to that bar, but never got the chance. So, she decides to go. Along with Kiri and his other friends. Another author was at the bar watching them. He has the Rulebook of Sentencing and Execution. He doesn't usually kill with it. Just wants people to be punished for their crimes. He's actually pretty bored of his killing good. The pianist at the bar is blind. And, the man who tunes and fixes her piano is deaf. Somehow she's an author. 


Played some Duke Ellington, Gershwin, and some classical tunes. Actually wasn't too bad. It's rare for me, but I squeaked a couple of times.Not sure if the reed is good anymore, sounded really airy at first. I also was trying to do some glissing. Haven't practiced those in a long time. I'm a bit rusty. Barely scratched out a gliss. Glisses can be very difficult to get smoothly. Also worked on translating that article from You Maga that I'm typing up. It's on stress relieving exercises. Almost done.


Gintama wasn't as great as it usually is. Except for a few chuckles, it was kind of boring. I liked that the Shinsengumi finally made another appearance, though. 


Started thinking about doing the Hetalia themed heritage meme. My family's kind of complicated with its history.But, I'm thinking of making it more generalized I guess. I'm going to have about 9 or 10 countries including myself. I'm glad they said I could do chibis of them. I just have to figure out the designs for a couple of them. I seriously thought there was an official Scotland design. Like on the mangaka's blog or in the manga itself. I know he's not in the anime. There's a fan-made one that most fans seem to agree on. Not sure if I'll use it, or make my own. There isn't one for Ireland either. So sad. Anyways, it should be an interesting and fun project for me.


deviantART faves: Hey Monsters I did not make this! It's an awesome drawing by an artist I watch. I don't like that she turned to realism so much. But, this is really nice. Kind of back to the way she used to be. 


Youtube:
Artie Shaw, one of the best jazz clarinetists. I don't think I remember much about him, but he was featured in Jewniverse:

Eat a Peach Day!

Mood:


Peaches are tasty!Nice that it has its own day. I could eat peaches every day and not get sick of them.Speaking of which we still have some peach pie. That'll be a nice way to celebrate.


It's been kind of cold today. It reached 80 yesterday. Really nice. Odd to go from that to about 65.Really strange weather. Parents left yesterday for their trip to Victoria, BC. I hope they're having fun. It's been kind of relaxing to have the house to myself. (Plus, the cats, can't forget them.) Rosie's been incredibly needy, but that's to be expected since there aren't 2 more people there to give her attention. Tasha seems to be showing herself more on the banister. Kind of nice to see her. She looked really happy last night. 


Made some pizza for dinner last night. It was good!Had some of the peach pie for dessert. The pizza will make some nice lunches for me. I'll make the fish pieces, mashed potatoes, and some sort of vegetable tonight. Sounds good.


Mom didn't feel well enough to go to services on Saturday. But, I read the portions. I've actually gotten back into that. Yay!The Haftorah was very poetic again. Kind of interesting imagery. I can't believe that we're getting close to Rosh Hashanah (our New Year). It's a little less than a month away!So, we're winding down to the last portions of the Torah for the year. 


Played some of the Sims 2. Got my sim to propose, and later to marry a sim he's been seeing for a while. I was a little bored with him being alone, and he was finally making some money.I think I'm going to make him work on his other points, and then he can switch to a new career. I'm at the highest rank for the sports track. It'll be interesting if he manages to go through all the career options. 


Found some more music yesterday!So, look forward to those! Mostly went through some classical music. I'm starting to get a small taste for it. Used to think I hated it. Even though I loved to play some of the pieces.


Found only 2 online Swiss recipes: apple roesti, and salmon Basel style. Most were either cheese/cream based or muesli. I would have loved the cheese/cream based things if I was by myself or with just mom. Dad hates cheese or creamy things. Muesli is ok, but it's essentially oatmeal based with fruit, nuts, and or yogurt. I can do that normally without the recipes. And I would like more dinner/dessert type things, anyways. I'll try to look for some Austrian recipes online next time. 


Finally started a letter to my penpal in Japan. She just sent me a postcard with almost no writing on it.I got a bit nervous last time I tried to send her a letter. Mainly, because she was in the area hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami. She gave me a really depressing postcard just after it happened. How do you respond to something like that?Well, I'm trying to write back in a positive way. Asking briefly if she's doing ok and has everything calmed down a bit. Then, going into light things like how was the weather this summer, have you ever traveled, thanks for the chopsticks, etc. She probably doesn't want to talk too much about it anymore. I wouldn't.It'd bring up too many sad and disturbing memories. Anyways, I hope she'll like it. 

This is the beginning of my Masada pics. The start of the hike. Looked amazing even from there. Already has a fave on dA! Wahoo!


Watched D no Arashi. Ohno did a report on a deep blue lake in a cave. That was pretty cool. But, I think I would have gotten stuck at some point. There were extremely tight spaces. A few times, they almost lost the cameraman.(That guy was brave!) I think Ohno almost got stuck too. Matsumoto finished up his segment on the prosthetic finger. It really was an emotional moment for everyone when he showed his family. They even added the mole he had in exactly the same spot. Next time, one of them will do a report on someone who had cosmetic surgery on their face. 

Watched the finale of Letter Bee Reverse. Which seems to be the finale of the whole series. I'm going to miss it!It was a good ending, but there's still so many loose ends. Like, will Lag ever meet his mother? Or, will the doctor finally find a solution and be able to restore people's hearts? What is Lag, really? I could go on and on. But, there are no indications that there will be a 3rd season. The first one actually had a trailer for the 2nd one. This one didn't. So, I don't know... I guess I won't spoil the ending by saying too much about the episode.Their world, stories, characters, etc., were all very interesting. And, it really drew you in. Awesome art for the most part, too. 


Played for an hour again. This time played some Irish tunes. The ligature's feeling better and better. I really like it.It smells every so often, but it's been much better than the cheap metal ones. Really high notes are easier to get to. Even though I didn't have that much of a problem. Don't have to blow as hard normally, too. Got about halfway through translating a sentence from the article I'm writing out from You Maga. 

In Crime Edge, a convict that escaped is a sledgehammer author. If an author doesn't have someone to keep them stable or sane, they'll go crazy and lose themselves. An ancestor of Kiri's, Grayland, was a murderer who killed over 200 people. He was considered the greatest serial killer of that time. He used the scissors that Kiri has. It has the power to cut down people as easily as cutting hair. The hammer has the power to turn things brittle. The convict finds Iwai, and Kiri fights him. Kiri easily beats him. But, he let the convict run away. The hammer was left behind. Later, they find out that he hung himself the next day. I like how this is a seinen manga, and it's not really ecchi. But it definitely has the maturity, to be considered seinen (basically for people in their 20's and up). The story's interesting, too. Seems pretty unique. Lots of dark humor, too. The pic's a bit misleading, but funny. 


deviantART faves: (Get ready for a lot!) Sugarless Ice Cream Cone Cakes Sweet Japan Xolga and Mr. Toko 9 Xolga and Mr. Toko song list Dunt wurry... Choco-orange cake slice Osmiorniczka z ryzem (Octopus with Rice) Sea-salt Caramels Lime Coconut Souffle I did not make these! Most of these are just some amazing pics of dishes. Third and fourth ones are from someone I watch on dA. It's a very funny, interesting game. Makes you think. Sad that she ended it with the 9th episode. It was really trippy. Nice that she listed the songs that were used. The fifth one's a cute Lolcat drawing.