Sakura

Mood:

Sung by Saori@destiny. It's a cover of Kyogo Kawaguchi's song of the same name. I think this version is much better. Her voice is amazing and calming. It's about always being by someone's side, even through the happy and sad times. Sakura means cherry blossom(s), by the way. Saori@destiny started off as a street performer in Akihabara, early 2007. Her debut song was used in an online game. Her songs are cool and interesting. Still new to her, so there might be more of her songs that I like. 

Friday was a crazy, but awesome day!We went to the mall to get some jeans for me. The ones that I had were starting to get holes in them. Plus, they were getting pretty loose. Found out that I had lost enough weight to go down a size!I can't believe it. I've gone down at least 3 sizes since my heaviest weight.That's pretty cool. Wearing my new jeans now, after I washed them. They're still a bit roomy. So, maybe I'm in between a size right now. Not quite enough to go down again one full size. I'll get there, though. 

Then, I had my first pedicure. First time getting nail polish on my toenails, too. So, they said I had 'virgin' nails.Also, the person who worked on my feet kept telling me how tiny my toes were. After the nail polish, all of them except my big toes looked like tiny dash marks. Kind of funny. I was worried about my big toes, but the pedicurist said that the only problem she could see was that my body had produced too much skin under those nails. So, it was making them very painful, discolored, and weird looking. She cleared them out of the extra skin. There was so much of it, that I ended up bleeding when she was done with that part. Very painful.They do feel a bit better now, but I think they're still healing. I decided on a sparkly kind of dark teal color. She told me it reminds her of mermaids. Really nice looking color. Also, might have another sell of Alliance. Another pedicurist was very interested in it when I talked about it. So, yay! 

After that, I attended another Friday night service on OneShul. This time, I really felt more connected with it. The person who led it had a lot of the same views on things. He was also interesting, because he was a Sephardic Jew, and into shofars. A lot of the music he had throughout the service had shofars, and had a Sephardic influence. Really cool and moving.The topic after the service part was on idolatry. Which, sadly, I couldn't stick around for. 

Went to a support group meeting, and had a late dinner out with the group. One of the members decided to pay for everyone's meals. We weren't a small group, either. Very nice of her.I got their 'Tacoma Dome Dip'. It was a big French dip sandwich with garlic and parmesan fries on the side. The sandwich was packed with beef, had a little cheese on top of that, some horseradish sauce, all on a ciabatta-like bun. The dip part was really good, although slightly saltier than I'd like. She told us that she'd buy everyone dessert as well, and urged us to get some. Dad and I shared a humongous chocolate cake. It had a huge pool of extra icing on the side, and a scoop of ice cream on both sides of the cake. We only ate half the cake and all the ice cream, and took the rest home. I had the rest of it for breakfast this morning, and the extra icing had turned into fudge. Really good stuff.

On our way back to the car, a lightening storm had started. We got home at around 12:20am that night. I was really tired, but thought the storm was cool to watch on our way. Not too cool that it kept going when I tried to finally sleep. Lots of bright flashes, and a heavy downpour. Plus, my ears and sinuses were acting up because of the pressure. I have a Eustachian tube problem in my ears, and it only gets worse when there's a change in pressure or there's too much of it. It's pretty painful, and felt like my head was going to explode.

My computer mouse was dying, so we got a new one. It's wireless this time, which should be interesting. It's very fast, so I had to adjust the settings. Also got a real mouse pad. I had made a makeshift one out of a notepad. Worked for a while. But, that mouse from before had made some burn marks and holes in it.First time using a mouse pad, and so far it's pretty good. 

In Namonaki Doku, it was the conclusion of part 1. I thought it would be more exciting and complex at the end. But, it was kind of anti-climatic. The death of the chauffeur was really an accident. His daughter wasn't kidnapped when she was 4. And apparently, the younger sister was seeing the older sister's fiance. Just kind of a bland ending of it.Hopefully, the next part will be more interesting. It's about someone literally poisoning people. (I say literally, because the English title is Nameless Poison. The first part was referring to 'poison' figuratively.) A woman is putting poison in drinks at convenience stores. She's had 4 victims so far. Not knowing her background too well, the company hires her to replace the intern that is going to be studying abroad. Sounds more exciting already. 

In Kaichou wa Maid sama, Misaki and Usui grew even closer. They had entered a butler contest. The people who were behind it were thinking of buying off Maid Latte. So, Misaki thought she could make them back down if she won. She had to hide the fact that she was a girl in order to participate. Her partner ended up being Usui. He tried his best to win, and to keep her from hurting herself. He ended up badly injured after he stopped her from falling. He still went about things like everything was fine. Even played his violin while in agony. I think it was the first time Misaki stopped him and actually worried about him. After she told him to stop and gave a short speech to the people behind it, they let them go and agreed to leave Maid Latte alone. After that, Misaki went over to Usui's place to see how he was doing and take care of him. She found out that he lives alone in an apartment. I kind of want to know more about him. 

In Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge, Kiri was discharged from the hospital. They found out who the next Order Made Author would be. Don't really know much about him yet. But, couldn't they have waited until he was at least out of the hospital? They managed to sneak out without being noticed. Kiri said that he doesn't want to fight anymore. I think he'll have to soon. 

日本語

Studied more of the compounds for 神. 神学 or しんがく (shingaku): theology. 神官 or しんかん (shinkan): Shinto priest. 神経 or しんけい (shinkei): nerve, sensitivity. 神社 or じんじゃ (jinja): Shinto shrine. 神髄 or しんずい (shinzui): true meaning, mystery, essence, quintessence, soul, core, kernel. Translated more of a You Maga article. 

Read an article in Japanese on Asahi's site. It was on the filming of the sequel to the live action movie version of Rurouni Kenshin. I haven't seen the first one that was put out last year. Only seen snippets of the anime. I know it's a classic. Just haven't gotten to it. Maybe in the future I'll watch the whole thing. The live action movies look interesting, too. Just like I feel like some day I should watch Ranma 1/2. I've only seen parts of that one, too.

Today, I started doing 60 sit-ups twice a day for the week. I'm surprised I was able to do that many this morning. I wonder how long I'll be able to keep adding on 5 sit-ups (for both times) each week?It'll be fun to find out. Last time I got up to 65 sit-ups twice a day, and then was forced to stop because of that weird cyst thing. Now I don't have that problem...I'm hoping to add an extra walk to my day tomorrow. So, I can do the 4 miles thing, and see how it goes. If it's not that bad for me, I can keep it up. It'll probably make me lose weight, and feel even healthier, faster. Still sticking to my way of eating. 

Youtube:

3 cool and creepy Pandora Hearts amv's (first one has some scenes from Kuroshitsuji, as well): 

National Lasagna Day!

Mood:

Yay, I love lasagna!Especially the vegetarian, cheese, and sometimes beef ones. I've tried eggplant lasagna, and didn't like it. Even though it looked so good...I also hate eggplant in general, but people kept telling me they have a different 'texture' in this form.  

Went to a different trans support group on Friday, the one Dad used to go to more often. They loved that I was an ally. (They all kept hugging me, and brightened a bit after I told them.) They seemed very nice and warm. (Maybe more so than the other group.) It was a much bigger group, than the one Dad facilitates. And, I was surprised by how many people I knew or met once before. Since it was a large group, check-ins were really long. The topic was interesting. 

Went to a place called the Hub afterwards. I was just going to share some Cajun fries with Dad, but they were too spicy for me and I was really hungry. So, I got their rustica pizza. It had artichoke hearts, olives, and huge cloves of roasted garlic. The pizza itself was huge! (Supposed to be for one person.) Was really tasty, though.Ate half like usual, and was pretty satisfied. (Got to have an awesome lunch the next day!) 

Somehow ended up having a 'deep' conversation with one of the members across the table for me. It was hard to hear her at times. Didn't expect to be answering such deep questions.I think she started those as soon as I told her I was Jewish. Some of the questions were related to my religion, but some were just on my life in general. She seemed fascinated with me. Don't know if that was good or bad...Made it interesting. They want me to come to the next one. The only problem is that it's on Friday nights. Shabbat starts then. So, I don't know.

I naturally got up pretty early this morning. Which isn't normal.At least I felt a bit rested. Started my 50 sit-ups twice a day for this week this morning. I could really feel my abs and surrounding areas tightening. Also, at the point where I'm building up a sweat. Before having that 'medical' week in March, I had made it to 65 sit-ups twice a day for that ending week. I'm getting closer to it. And, then I can surpass that. Yay!

I'm not going to add those 2 exercises into my routine. I remembered that I had lost a lot of weight until March, just on what I've been doing. So, why add more things? Unless I'm at a plateau, then maybe. Been more on top of my 2-mile walks, too. 

Trying to stick more closely to my way of eating, as well. It's easiest at restaurants. I'm good at home, but occasionally I have a tendency to just eat it all. It's easy most of the time for me to eat half of things, though. Thinking of limiting a bit more of my breakfasts, but I'll see. Already feel like I'm losing weight again. Even though it's not entirely why I'm doing this. It's also for overall health.

Namonaki Doku is getting really interesting. The more Sugimura finds out the more complex the story gets. But, I love that sort of thing. The episode ended with him getting run over by a bicyclist. He had some pretty serious injuries. But, he's the main character, so it'd be pointless to kill him off just like that. 

I'm liking Kaichou wa Maid sama a lot as it progresses. At the end of this episode Misaki and Usui almost kissed. I'm usually not into the romance genre, but they make it really fun. 

Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge, finally had an update! They were able to post a few more chapters, instead of having readers wait for a chapter every few months. So, yay! I'm thinking they might make another season of the anime version, once there are enough chapters out. Since, the anime ended with essentially what happened in the last chapter I read in the manga. The one I read today was kind of a fluff one. Kiri was finally able to see Iwai after the incident, while still at the hospital. The staff allowed him to cut her hair. They introduced his sister. She was feeling guilty over saying horrible things to Kiri about him enjoying cutting other people's hair, but he managed to help patch up their relationship. Of course, with the help of Iwai. 

Played my clarinet. Did a lot of classical pieces from my advanced solo book, and a couple of jazz tunes. Was pretty good. Only a few parts where I goofed up, but not too bad. Started the 2nd story to my nightmare anthology novel. I think this one will be even better! Thought I'd base it on a few of my short nightmares, and make it flow into each other. I think each short story is going to have a different 'style', I guess. Not exactly sure what the end product of this will be, but it's kind of exciting.

Finally managed to cook something for dinner Saturday night. I haven't really 'cooked' for a while. Made an Indian dish that was basically chicken with a red bell pepper curry. It was pretty good. Found several new songs on Sunday, so look forward to those soon!

日本語

Today, I studied some of the compounds for the kanji: 神. It generally means: G-d, gods, deity, mind, soul. 神仙 or しんせん (shinsen): Taoist immortal, supernatural being. 神罰 or しんばつ (shinbatsu): divine punishment. 神意 or しんい (shini): divine will. 神像 or しんぞう (shinzou): idol (e.g. carving or painting of a deity). 神韻 or しんいん (shinin): exceptional artistry. 神格 or しんかく (shinkaku): divinity, divine. I'll do more of them next time. Also, translated part of a You Maga article. Read an article in Japanese from Asahi's website. It was about a massive recall on top loading washing machines put out by Sharp. They were the cause of 3 house fires. No one was injured, thank goodness. 

Youtube: 

Another hilarious scene from Azumanga Daioh:

National Gummi Worm Day!

Mood:

Yay for gummi worms! (This holiday was a couple of days ago.) Used to really love them when I was little. I still kind of like them, just not as much.They were created by the German company, Trolli, in 1891. The gummi (also spelled gummy) bear, was invented 60 years before the gummi worm. Gummi means rubber in German. They named this type of candy 'gummi' because of its rubbery texture. 

Started watching Namonaki Doku, or Nameless Poison, yesterday. Very interesting so far. And, the filming feels like movie quality. Somehow a step above the usual. Most of the first episode seemed happy, but sinister at the same time. The sinister part seemed like it was in the background, like you knew something was too good to be true or something wrong was about to happen. Don't really know where they're taking this show especially since most of the synopses I'm finding online are really long, and essentially are saying what happens during the first episode.I read that it's based off of a mystery novel. The main character, Sugimura Saburo, marries into a wealthy family, but on one condition. That he doesn't get 'ambitious' and works in a dead end job for her father's company. He originally worked for a bookstore called Aozora (or 'Blue Sky'), and now he works in public relations where they also publish a newsletter called Aozora. The couple later has a daughter. 8 years after joining the company, the president of the company's (Sugimura's wife's father) chauffeur is killed by a bicyclist ramming into him. The bicyclist had fled the scene afterwards. The president and Sugimura were both pretty close to him. The chauffeur's two daughters ask Sugimura to help them publish their book on what kind of person he was. And, that maybe the bicyclist will find out, feel guilty, and confess. One of the sisters believes it was murder, and that someone had a vendetta of some sort against her father. He had a shady past, and she's not entirely sure he left it all behind. She was also kidnapped when she was little. Didn't say for how long or by who, but said that person might have something to do with it. 

I might have finished the first story in my nightmare anthology. It was tough, but I think it came out better than I expected.Managed to play my clarinet on Monday. Hope to get to it more often. Sounded pretty good, though. 

Went to Shabbat services on Saturday. Haven't gone in a long time. Probably since the end of April. My main reason for going was to drop off the books I borrowed from their library. I don't particularly like how early in the morning it is. In fact, we discussed with people afterwards about possibly having it at a later time. Everyone seemed to have a hard time with the time as well. There's a couple of more personal reasons why I don't feel like going to this congregation's services all the time. When I move to Seattle, I'll have a lot more options and they wouldn't have really known me from before. It'd be perfect that way.Plus they seem nicer and/or more inclusive, have bigger congregations, and much more groups/events to go to. More people my age, as well. 

Anyways, it was a nice service this time. Seemed much more emotional and engaging. It also was just before Tisha B'Av, so kind of a prep for it. It's one of the saddest days on the Jewish calendar. Not everyone observes it. It's a fast day, and it's a day we mourn the destruction of the 2 temples. There has also been numerous tragedies that have happened to Jews around this date, and we mourn them as well. This was Monday night until last night. 

Oh, and the high holy days seem to be early this year.Only because we use the 'regular' calendar normally. It's on the same dates every year on the Jewish calendar. This time Rosh Hashanah (our New Year) is at the beginning of September. I love that time of year, but it can feel 'heavy'. 

Went to the support group last night. Apparently, someone had broken into the room we use, so it was locked again this time. Had to hold the meeting somewhere else. It was next to the sanctuary at the church, kind of in a lobby area. I felt even more uncomfortable, mainly because of the religious symbols around. I know it's their thing, and it's cool since it's a church. But, still doesn't 'feel' right to me. Great that they let us use a space for meetings, though. I'm not downing that.Found a spot where I didn't have to see those symbols, so it was a bit better. It was a good meeting though. Got to know more about some new people, and some events coming up. 

After that, only 3 of us went to Shari's this time. One of the new people, Dad, and I. I got their quiche special. It had tomatoes, spinach, and feta mixed in. Plus, some halved cherry tomatoes, basil, and some parmesan on top. Was really good!Also, came with a choice of salad or soup, some fruit, and your choice of pie. I got a Caesar salad, the fruit was a watermelon slice and some grapes, and I got their banana creme pie. The salad and pie were pretty good.Pie had actual banana slices in it! Didn't get the fruit until I was done eating. Our waitress had forgotten. She was great besides that. Even had boxed up the fruit for me. I ate half of everything (except the fruit), and had the rest for a brunch today. The fruit was still pretty tasty! The funny thing is this 'deal' was a lot less than their other 'deals'. Plus, it had more food to it. 

Went to Tacoma Pride this past weekend. It always seems like there's not enough 'stuff'. There were booths for organizations that had brochures and free stuff, some merchandise booths, some food booths, live music, and some other things. I got 2 free beaded necklaces. They look like they have mini disco balls on them. They gave me a blue one and a silver one. Also, got quite a lot of free candy. Met some of my dad's friends, too. After going there, we went to Tully's. I got their iced chai. It was good. Played around on Dad's nook while we were there for a bit. 

Then, once it was dinner time, we eventually made our way to a place called 'It's Greek to Me'. One of our fave Greek restaurants. They had moved to a much bigger building across the street from their previous location. I got my usual, gyro with fries on the side. They make some of the best gyros I've had.Packed full of meat (ground lamb and beef made into strips and grilled), just the right amount of their tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, onions (which is the only thing I don't like, and forgot to tell them) all on a thick pita. Usually too big to pick up without everything going everywhere. 

日本語

The kanji I studied the last couple of days was: 乗. When pronounced as の.せる (no.seru): to place on (something); to give (someone) a ride, give a lift, pick up, help on board; to send out (on the airwaves, etc.); to deceive, take for a ride; to (sing) along with (musical accompaniment); to let (someone) take part, to excite (someone). As の.り (no.ri): riding, ride; spread (of paints); (suf) (two)-seater; mood (atmosphere). As の.る (no.ru): to get on (train, plane, bus, ship, etc.), get in, board, take, embark; to reach, go over, pass; to follow, stay (on track), go with (the times, etc.); to take part, participate, join; to be deceived, be taken in. As じょう (jou): (suf) (nth) power; (counter) counter for vehicles; multiplication. 移乗 or いじょう (ijou): transferring (to another ship, etc.). 騎乗 or きじょう (kijou): mount, on horseback. 下乗 or げじょう (gejou): dismounting. 試乗 or しじょう (shijou): test drive or ride. 搭乗 or とうじょう (toujou): embarkation, boarding (airplane). 同乗 or どうじょう (doujou): riding together, riding with. 分乗 or ぶんじょう (bunjou): riding separately. 乗員 or じょういん (jouin): crew. 乗客 or じょうきゃく (joukyaku): passenger. 乗船 or じょうせん (jousen): embarking, boarding. 乗馬 or じょうば (jouba): horse riding; riding horse, saddle horse. 乗物 or のりもの (norimono): vehicle. Next time I'll be studying 3 more kanji. Mainly because the first 2 don't have any compounds listed, and the 3rd has a bunch of them. So, I'll probably only get to go over a couple of those compounds. 

I've also been doing 40 sit-ups twice a day for this week. Surprised I've stuck to it more strictly than I did last week with the 35 twice a day. Keeping up my way of eating, too. Most days I've been pretty good with getting my 2-mile walks in. If I don't do those, usually it's because I went to an event or something where I walked everywhere anyways. Got another follower on PatientsLikeMe.Also, introduced myself in 2 of their forum sections. One in the general one, and the other in the mental health section. Also, posted in a thread about my experience with pulmonary embolisms. Which apparently was helpful to someone. Feels good to help others.Also, was asked to do a 10-minute survey on my sleeping habits. Might get to it later. They said 'just 10-minutes' like it was nothing. To me, that's kind of a long time to do something like that.

Youtube:

Sougo, from Gintama, showing his 'sweet' side: