National Trail Mix Day!

Mood:


Trail mix is pretty awesome!Good for hiking, camping, or a snack at home.We've been making some homemade trail mix for the last few weeks. It's great. It's your fave nuts, fruits, M&M's, or anything else you want to throw in. Our most recent one's a nut blend, some M&M's, dried banana chips, craisins, and chocolate covered raisins. Good stuff.There's many different versions you can make. Interesting that it has its own day, though.


Today's been nasty outside. Cold, a downpour, and windy.They installed the toilet today!I can finally use my bathroom! No running downstairs to use it. It's a bit smaller than the other toilet was. But, it works pretty well!They hauled the other one away. I'm so happy about it!It's been 5 weeks since the old plumber had told us we needed a new one, we couldn't use that old one anymore, and he'd install the new one. A couple of weeks before that, I stopped using it because there was a leak coming out of the ceiling downstairs, close to where my bathroom is. So, it's been a long time!


I made chicken teriyaki last night. It was ok, but I used a little too much cornstarch, and it wasn't as saucy as it usually is.Had my new fancy rice with it. Was really tasty all in all.Tonight, I made Panko breaded Talapia (which was already made, just needed to cook), Beef Rice-A-Roni, and some peas. Plus, some of our 'famous' pink sauce for the fish.It's ketchup and mayo mixed together until they turn into a dark pink sauce. Awesome with fish! It was pretty easy. But, tasted so good!Not sure what I'll do tomorrow.


I posted a pic on dA: Seahorse It's not the clearest pic, but it's the best I could get of him. Played some more Irish tunes. It was pretty good, considering my reed was basically shot.I forgot I had another one until halfway through. 

In Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, sensei visits his brother, who's a doctor, and asks for meds. So, he immediately gives him something, without telling him what it is. He suddenly feels much better. He just gave him vitamins, but says that sometimes the Placebo Effect makes people feel like they're better. Sensei somehow comes up with a side effects to it. First, hives. He's given 'medicinal' candy, and starts hallucinating. So, eventually his brother performs 'fake' surgery on him, and he feels like he's a new person. 

日本語

Finished the Yosenabe Udon (うどん寄せ鍋) or Udon Hot Pot/stew section, and begin the next one. お鍋のしめくくりに、凍ったままのうどんを入れ、約1分ほぐさず煮込んでください。(Onabe no shimekukuri ni, kootta mama no udon o ire, yaku 1(ichi) bun hogusazu nikonde kudasai.) While watching the pot, since the udon is frozen, boil well for about a minute, without loosening, please. 召しあがり:鍋でゆでます（1食分）(meshi agari: nabe de yudemasu [1 (ichi) shoku bun]) After dressing: boil (1 meal portion) in a nabe (or pot). 

In Kuroshitsuji, Ciel sent a letter and some baby toys to Aberlin's pregnant fiancée. (Since, Aberlin died.) Ciel and Sebastian go to the Paris Expo. Ciel sees the queen on top of the Eiffel tower. Her plan is to lead England into a bright world without filth. Apparently, her butler, Ash's an angel. It seems like all the angels in this series are rather evil. Kind of an interesting perspective. Eventually, in order to 'purify' the Phantomhive name, the Queen tells Ash to kill Ciel. Then, Ciel orders Sebastian to kill both the Queen and Ash. As soon as the Queen yells at Sebastian and Ash to stop fighting, Ciel tells Sebastian to stop. This gets him pissed or something, and that night gave a subtle farewell to Ciel. So, he's forced to find his way back to London. He's not having much luck, though. 

Since I'm going to use my original character Ravel for the next meme, I decided to draw his head. I actually was thinking of chibifying him, but that didn't work out.I'll have to simplify it even more if I want to try that again. I like how his head has turned out. Creepy, but interesting. He's supposed to look similar to a devil. But, in the story, he's not one, and is constantly being confused as one. He's kind of a made up demon. I guess, that makes it more fun.He has 'devil' horns and a tail, and his eyes are a bit creepy. That last part wasn't exactly planned, but it fits him so well, I'll keep them like that. I thought the horns would look horrible, but they just make him look more twisted. I drew the tail off to the side, and even that looked cool.His personality isn't evil, but he may look it. He's a bit of a pervert, but kind and thoughtful. (Strange.) I really don't know how he came about in my head a while ago, but he's interesting. 

deviantART faves: Oh Look...It's Iceland Learn Russian With Ivan Learn Russian With Ivan l.2 Character List Meme Denomic Rabbit I did not make these! First, a cute drawing of a chibi Iceland from Hetalia. Second, learning the Russian alphabet with Russia from Hetalia. (aka Ivan.) This reminded me of when I was learning it. It was only for a brief time in college, but I loved it. It was like a puzzle to me, then just a language. I might go back to it at some point, who knows? Third, is about learning Russian phrases, again with Russia. (By the same artist, obviously.) He talks a bit to China. They're phrases, like, Good Morning, and Thank You, etc. It's really very creative, the way this person is teaching it. I recognized these phrases in Russian, too. Fourth, a meme that helps people like me, who have so many characters, put them together on one sheet. Really cool! Will be an awesome tool for me. It has 40 slots, I might be able to fill in close to half of it. Would be good to have when/if I get more characters too. All of these characters are very important to me. Fifth, a drawing with a demonic rabbit holding a butcher knife. Cute, but creepy.

Atmosphere

Mood:


By Alice Nine. Kind of a cool sounding song. The imagery in the lyrics are amazing, too. Alice Nine's a Visual Kei and Oshare-Kei band. (I don't know much about the Oshare ones. So, that's interesting.) They formed in 2004. They vary from being in the soft alternative rock to hard rock genre. I might be becoming a fan of them, too.





Today's been kind of cold. We're supposed to be in the mid 70's, but for last few days its been 59 to 64. Crazy! It's Fall weather, but it's not Fall yet!My mom left this morning for her first treatment of Doxil. It's a type of chemotherapy. They have to administer it through an IV for 4 hours.Just for the first one. After that, they'll do it faster and it will be like an hour, I think. Plus, she had to be with a nurse before hand for a half hour. I hope it went ok, and doesn't take too much out of her and that it's not too painful.They said she'll probably lose some hair again. I'm hoping this works at least a little. 


I watched Naruto Shippuden yesterday, and it was crazy!Nagato revived everyone he had killed (after making peace with Naruto), then died.So, Kakashi, the Toad Sage, Shizune, and many others; are back. I was thinking, they can't kill them off yet, since they're such big players in the show.Konan's leaving the Akatsuki, and also believes Naruto will bring peace. When Naruto makes it back to the village, everyone cheers for him. It almost felt like it was the end of the series.I know it's not, just felt so...final. Hopefully, he'll become the Hokage because of it. Or at least, after the 5th dies. It was a pretty cool episode. Fairy Tail was pretty cool, too.


I posted a pic Catfish on dA. Someone faved it already! Yay! 

Read a bit more of the manga version of Hetalia. They talk a bit more about Canada. Also, about his love of maple syrup. It was very interesting, how the creator came up with the series. (He makes a note on this page.) His name's Himaruya Hidekaz. He came up with it while studying in New York. He was fascinated by the people from so many different nationalities living there. The 'melting pot' of cultures. At first, he wanted to draw a useless hero with New York as a backdrop. After researching some countries, initially, he thought it would be a one-shot. Sounds like even he didn't think it would get so big.He started with an interest in Italy.I'm liking the creator more and more. And, the series too!

日本語

Yesterday, I finished the Zaru Udon (ざるうどん) or Chilled Udon section. And, today, I'm halfway through the Yosenabe Udon (うどん寄せ鍋) or Udon Hot Pot section. Zaru is a bamboo draining basket. ゆであがったうどんを手早くザルにあげて冷水で冷し、水気を奔分にきって器に盛り、お好みのつゆと薬味をそえてお召しあがりください。(Yude agatta udon o tebayaku zaru ni agete reimizu de reishi, mizuke o hon bun ni kitte utsuwa ni mori, okonomi no tsuyu to yakumi o soete omeshi agari kudasai.) Cook the udon, quickly put it on a zaru and run it over cold water, let it drain. Then, put a helping in a bowl, choose your favorite broth and condiments to garnish on top. It's ready to eat.

In Shiki, it's getting creepier and creepier.Although, I'm oddly fascinated by it. (I like horror, but this is a bit psychological, too.) The children of the town have more of an idea then most of the adults of what's going on. The adult who's catching on almost as quick as the kids, is the doctor Toshio. After speaking to the monk about it, he's starting to suspect it, too. They're not sure if these 'visitors' are vampires, zombies, or a folk tale the town has.They kind of sound like they are a mixture. Some zombies, some vampires, etc. I could be wrong. 

deviantART faves: Friends 6 APH: World Issues Bad Friends Advice Robin- 4jo I did not make these! First, this comic is so true! Second, a drawing of Russia with the smoke, China with the flooding, and England with the possibility of another recession. Third, France and Spain trying to give advice to Prussia. Fourth, a very cute and well done pic of a small Robin Redbreast. 

Youtube:

A funny Hetalia vid. I've heard the song on a Gintama amv, but this one's more cute, I guess:

Another cute Hetalia vid. It's cool they fit in a lot of the countries. It's they're chibi versions doing a dance:

A cool tribute to the Asian countries in Hetalia:

Interesting Jewish Yemenite song:

National Dog Day!

Mood:


Wahoo! Dogs are awesome!So they deserve their day. Hopefully, there's a cat day, too?It's also Women's Equality Day. Cool!


I've been kind of busy since last time, and didn't have time to post yesterday.Went to the Hadassah event/meeting/potluck. As soon as we arrived, the hostess' dog came running up to me. Which, I like usually. As soon as people said let's head inside, it scratched my arm pretty good.I still have the marks. It didn't make me bleed, but it broke the skin and felt like a massive burn.It looked so apologetic, and I know it was just excited.So, it's not really intentional. But, it was a fine hello.


The potluck was good.We brought a tuna salad and some crackers to put it on. There was 2 different kinds of tortellini, a rather plain noodle and corn salad, coleslaw, pita and hummus, a regular salad, potato salad, and a couple more things for dinner. The hostess had made her own caramel corn. Oh, it was so good!I probably could have eaten the whole bowl.She also served some nasty ginger cookies for dessert.


Then, we had our business meeting. Which, should have been while we were eating.It ate into some of the event's time. It was about the Mah Jongg tournament we're putting up soon. The person who was planning it, went way too much into detail.Eventually, she asked us if it should be $36 or $40 per person. I personally, wouldn't like to raise the price. But, then again, I don't play, so what do I know?Apparently, everyone else felt the same way. So, we'll keep the price the same as last years. Sounds like we'll have a much better venue, too. It's much bigger, the place is going to cater, they'll clean up everything, too. So, we just need to worry about the game, donations, prizes, auctions, etc. 


The event was our cantor, and a kid I know accompanying her on guitar, leading us in Jewish songs. Had a lot of fun singing.Some of the songs I haven't heard in years. I wanted to stay and sing longer, but the person who was nice enough to drive us, doesn't like to drive when it gets dark. Oh, well. I realized while we were there that I should have brought my clarinet and joined in.Maybe next time. 


Oh, our president for the group was supposed to be there. A lot of people needed her that night. She didn't show up. Doesn't surprise me.Although, if something did happen, I'd worry.First, she doesn't really want the position any more. She was forced to stay in the position, because no one wanted it. Next, she's just weird sometimes, and very disorganized.Nice person, though. I know all of this pretty well, because I served on the board with her last year. (I was the secretary.) She would always skip over a lot of people's reports (not just mine). There's no structure to her meetings. Kind of grated on my nerves.I'm flexible, but we weren't (and still aren't) getting much done.One of the many reasons why I left it.


Yesterday, I went with my parents to Seattle. First, we went to a wig shop for my dad's appointment. They were making a mold on her head, so they can figure out the perfect fit. It was rather amusing to watch her get encased with plastic wrap and tape.The only thing I can't stand in that place is the Christian music in the background. If it's a public space, there shouldn't be any religious music.It wasn't too loud this time, so I could drown it out with my music easily. After that, we shopped a bit in the mall right next to it.


Then, we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I've been to it in different places. Like Vancouver, BC and near New York City. I didn't have dinner there before. The menu was amazingly long! (Like 20 pages long.) So many choices. A lot of it looked so good.When I got a soda, it came out in a huge glass. I decided to try their Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. It was heaven!Garlicky and cheesy goodness. The noodles were really good too. Chicken was slightly spiced. I couldn't finish it, because of how big the portion was and how rich the taste was. That's ok, just means I'll have a really good lunch.We got the Brownie Sundae Cheesecake. Oh, it was to die for! Brownie at the base, cheesecake in the middle with chocolate chips, pretty thick layer of fudge on top of that, chocolate syrup drizzled on top, on top of that lots of whipped cream with a tiny amount of almonds, and a cherry on top. Even though my mom and I were sharing it, we still couldn't finish it. So, we have another dessert too! The service was great!


We went to the market afterwards for fruit. I looked at the extracts to see what I could put in my water to flavor it, and wouldn't be something like Crystal Lite. (Which I found out I shouldn't have.) I decided on a root beer one. Mom wanted an orange and a raspberry one. Sounds like it all will make pretty tasty water.


I found an awesome site called ViiKii It's like a global multi-media site. Only, they're mission is to tear down language barriers, so everyone can understand each other. And, learn about other countries and cultures. It's fascinating.Especially, for someone like me. Who loves languages and cultures. It has dramas, movies, music videos, variety shows, comedies, documentaries, and so much more. All from all over the world. There's some from Korea, Israel, the US, Russia, Japan, and many other countries. As a member, you can specify what languages you know and would like as subtitles. I chose English as my main, French as a second, Hebrew, and then Japanese. Which are probably my top languages. The first 2 I know the most, obviously.They're looking for subtitlers too. There aren't too many Hebrew ones, if I knew enough conversational, I'd jump on that.Maybe I'll learn more of it in the future. I can read it, say it, but I might not understand half of it. I guess it's my sort of community. Can't wait to actually use it.


I think I decided on a flavor meme for next time. It's how an oc would react to certain foods. Like savory or sour. Sounds like a lot of fun! I'm thinking of using Ravel for this one. It looks like it would be fun to torture him.Although, he wants to become a chef, so it might be a good choice, that way too.