Monday, July 4, 2005

   4th of July
Listening to: "Blurry Eyes" - L'Arc~en~Ciel

I hope y'all are enjoying your Independence Day weekend. I've been seeing many friends. Saturday, I got dragged to a party for my dad's college alumni group. "Oh, there will be kids your age there." Yeah, right. My parents always say that, and none of my friends ever come anymore. I was whining about it, and they got mad saying that I wasn't being reasonable (all I asked was to stay home). Oh well, at least I got to watch Ocean's Twelve and some of A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Yesterday was much better. I got to eat lunch w/ my best friend Daphne and her family. She's been asking me a lot about college since she's gonna be a senior this fall. Daphne is a practical sort of person (but she's not too uptight and unimaginative), and my mom never fails to point that out. Hey, I can't help it if I was born a Romantic.
Later on, we visited my friend Dennis and his family. Dennis came back from Rice for the weekend. We watched Bourne Supremacy but didn't finish it b/c my dad had to rush back to bid on a tractor off of Ebay (and he gets mad when I throw a fit for missing something).

My mom has been really annoying about my weight lately. Whenever people ask if I've lost weight, she immediately says that it's only b/c of my new haircut and glasses. I'm trying to get in shape, but that little hurdle accident has prevented me from waking up early to run. I had been losing some sleep b/c I could only sleep on one side to prevent the scab from coming off (which has kind of happened already). However, I am doing a bit of indoor exercising and cutting back on the snacks so she should get off my case already.

Random quote of the day:
"Realizing this profound spiritual truth can come in such personal and simple ways." - Witch Crafting by Phyllis Curott
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Saturday, July 2, 2005

   hooked on manga
Listening to: "Fool" - Shakira

Okay, I decided to flip through Chobits and I actually couldn't put it down. Hideki is such a dork that it's funny, and I find Chi and the landlady really intriguing chracters. The scene where Dark Chi kisses Chi was a concept I've had in mind for some time (I just couldn't think of a good story where a character meets her other self). I guess I could see how my friends would find it perverted and gross, but it's got nothing on some of the other things I read (*cough* Akuma na Eros). My roommate was complaining about the whole deal w/ Chi's switch, but I don't mind that. In fact, I see it as having a major significance in the story's portrayal of love, sex, and purity. I'm such an English major for thinking that way. :p

Last night, I stayed up late just to read the 3rd volume of Full Moon wo Sagashite, which I managed to track down scans for. I was only gonna read one chapter before bed, but there was a pivotal moment that kept me reading until the end. The manga is so much sadder than the anime but much better b/c it's not so cutesy anymore. It had the biggest plot twists since Last Exile.

Since I just read 2 different books, I'll make today special and put 2 quotes.
"Today is shaping up to be...the best day of my life!" - Chobits Vol. 2
"I love you so much...it hurts!" - Full Moon wo Sagashite Vol. 3
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Thursday, June 30, 2005

   work and school
Listening to: "Shine" - Rie Fu (I absolutely love this artist. She sings the ending for Bleach and speaks English perfectly.)

I'm so tired. Today, I helped my parents paint the mobile home they're renovating and putting up for lease. It was really hot today (101 degrees I think).

On a positive note, I had been wracking my brain trying to decide which English class to take next semester. I'd take both, but that'd be academic suicide since I've got some tough science classes. Anyway, I discover that the Arthurian Lit class requires us to view movies during mid-term recess, which is when I'll be home. I don't want to go through trouble w/ that so I guess I'm taking Intro to Theatre.

Today's random quote comes from my bio textbook (I'm brushing up on stuff for next semester's lab). I'm such a nerd.
"Molecular identification tags, such as phosphate groups that have have been added to the Golgi products, aid in sorting."
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Tuesday, June 28, 2005

   ungraceful moments
Listening to: "Best of You" by Foo Fighters

Why is it that my random moments of insanity usually coincide w/ my moments of cockiness? That's never a good combination, as I usually wind up injured and/or embarrassed. Like the time I fell off a golf cart (long story that I'll eventually get around to).
Anyway, today after walking/jogging my mile, I decided to see if I could jump over a hurdle. I used to be able to do it, and Eric had cleared it w/ easier (I wasn't thinking about how much taller he was). Well, I tried, and it was a bust before my feet even left the ground. I hit the hurdle but managed to land on my feet. Nevertheless, the momentum threw me forward at an angle, and I came crashing down on my left side. No major injuries, just a scraped knee. Now, being an extreme sports fanatic should have made me tough, but dang, hydrogen peroxide burns. Rubbing alcohol was much worse. Yeah, I'm a whiner.

I got this idea off of my friend's Xanga. You take a random book, flip to either the 123rd or 69th page, and type the 5th sentence. So here's my random quote of the day:

"I can get nothing from him!" - Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
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Monday, June 27, 2005

   Taiwan photos
Listening to: "Life Is Like a Boat" - Rie Fu

Well, I spent over 2 hours trying to get my vacation photos edited and uploaded. Yahoo doesn't like vertical pictures so it was a hassle cropping and resizing stuff. I've never had this problem before. Anyway, check out my photo album (click on the website link).

Today, for the 1st time in a very long while, I walked/jogged a mile for the sole purpose of physical fitness. Wait, I did walk 3 miles one time at Rice w/ Kati and Elizabeth, but it was hardly strenuous exercise. I think my goal then was to kill time, instead of getting fit. Man, I'm so out of shape, even though I hardly broke a sweat compared to my mom (who only walked half a mile). I'm the kind of person that really has to push herself to sweat, despite the fact that my heart rate increases pretty quickly. I don't really like walking or running, but I thought I'd take advantage of living across the street from a middle school track. Anyway that's the only way to push myself and work out continuously. When I play tennis w/ Eric, we end up standing around for half of the time. >_< Yeah, we're definitely no Seigaku regulars (I am trying to learn a few tricks by watching Wimbeldon though).
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Sunday, June 26, 2005

   the universe hates me (and frogs)
Listening to: "Lost Heaven" - L'Arc~en~Ciel

I probably seem egotistical for saying that, but it's better than "God hates me" since I don't quite believe in God. Right now, I'm stuck in a rut. Even though I know what I want to major in, I have no idea what I'm gonna do w/ my life. I'd be okay w/ it if I didn't have to fill out all these scholarships asking me how I'm gonna change the world. When I was younger, I wanted to protect the environment and save the rainforest/endangered species. However, my parents won't let me major in ecology-evolutionary biology for two reasons. One, people hate environmentalists so there aren't many jobs out there. Two, even if there are good job opportunities, I'm allergic to almost everything the Earth has to offer: grasses, ragweed, willow, cats, dogs, dust, and mites. That killed my childhood dream of being a veterinarian. It just sucks b/c I feel like I'm one of those rare people who actually CARES about the environment and who actually likes studying the ecological aspects of biology (not that biochemistry and cell bio is boring...I'm just not as naturally inclines towards it).

I feel somewhat guilty for not being able to do much, especially now that a third of the world's amphibian population is threatened w/ extinction! Who cares? Well, the interaction between amphibians and their environment allows them indicate when things are going bad (like too much pollution or even global warming). Also, some species, including the poison dart frog, may be potential sources of medicine. I hate it when people tell me to get my priorities straight, saying that there's other problems like world hunger that are more important. Not to undermine the issue, but there won't be a world to live in if somebody doesn't care about the environment; and you know, not all environmentalists are crazy, SUV-burning fanatics. The real ones are the people who know about compromise. Cars and factories aren't bad, but we have to be careful not to overstep the boundary between co-existence and domination.

Okay, I'll get off my soap box for now, but it's frustrating how most people around me don't understand. Additionally, we need to be more appreciative of what Mother Nature gives us for free.
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Saturday, June 25, 2005

   the one good thing about jet lag
Listening to: "Qian Nian Zhi Lian" - F.I.R. (I've heard them being described as the Chinese Do As Infinity, but they lean towards a more epic, orchestral sound.)

Well, I got up around 6 b/c I couldn't fall asleep and was hungry. W/ nothing to do, I decided to check what types of cartoons they were showing. It was interesting b/c I got to see the influence of Sailor Moon on Western cartoons for girls, like W.I.T.C.H. and Winx Club. Personally, I find that anime has more originality and humor when it comes to approaching the magical girl formula. Pretty Cure is a very good example of that (it's basically a magical girl parody). I also discovered that Tokyo Mew Mew isn't as bad as I thought. It appeared to be too frivolous and girly for my tastes, but I think the original is actually really funny. It's a shame that the dub was watered down. I mean, they changed the ages of the characters so that the age gaps of potential couples aren't so big. *rolls eyes* Despite showing some interest, I still gag at the scenes involving love bubbles, sparkles, hearts, and soliloquies.

My type of cute shoujo is something along the lines of Full Moon wo Sagashite. I got into the anime in Taiwan, and I'd like to check out the manga. I love the inspirational plot and the Mitsuki-Takuto romance, which isn't overdone and always sweet.

Finally, I end w/ proof that sometimes it's fun to watched dubbed anime (actually I have a new appreciation of dubs after going to Taiwan since I can understand Chinese but not read it):
"You have run out of days on your calendar!" - villian in Shinzo
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Sunday, May 15, 2005

   Saturday night anime
Watching (yes I'm multi-tasking): Metropolis

Okay, I can survive not having Fullmetal Alchemist for a week since the series in its time slot is soooo freakin' awesome! I can offically declare myself a fan of Samurai Champloo. It's definitely not what I expected, but I like how they mix the modern w/ history. Hip-hop and samurais...definitely a creative endeavor. Actually it reminds me a bit of Cowboy Bebop. Well, I just found out that they share the same director, which doesn't surprise me at all. I can tell that the plot's gonna get really interesting, and I like the story-telling format and characters. Fuu is really cute but enigmatic at the same time. Mugen is just wild, and his fighting style kind of resembles capoeira (which gets me amped for the class next semester). Jin is the hottest, most badass ronin (at least in my eyes). I love the sarcasm that gets thrown in, and the action sequences are amazing. The voice acting is really good too. I can't wait to see what trouble the trio get into next week!

"I'll take all of you bitches on!" - Mugen (gotta love him for that quote)
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Friday, May 13, 2005

   My Fullmetal obsession
Listening to: my brother playing "Eyes On Me" on the piano (he's a good pianist, but he plays too fast sometimes)

Yes, I have finished editing my 1st ever fanfiction story. It's based on what's going through Roy Mustang's mind following the events of Episode 25 (and some of 26). Now I've been inspired to write about Riza Hawkeye. Geez, I'm totally obsessed w/ the series now, but I feel like you can take a lot away from watching it. Especially since the themes pertain to what's going on today. Don't you find it kind of eerie that Ishbal represents the Middle East? I also love the characterization b/c everyone's has more to them than meets the eye. Take Roy for example. I used to just like him b/c I thought he was hot and fire alchemy was cool. However, there's so much more to him than that cocky exterior. I really admire his will and determination. I identify a lot w/ Ed, and it's not just b/c I've got a short temper and a height complex. Despite being jaded about life (I used to be that way), he really cares for Al and Winry. There's so much to him; it's hard for me to explain.

Edit: I posted my fanfic last night. Check it out!
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Monday, May 9, 2005

   Bishies galore!
Listening to: "Memories" - Within Temptation

On Saturday night, Elizabeth, Kati, and I went to Fuu's garden for dinner, and I get a fortune that says "You are going to have a new love affair." That made me go WTF? b/c usually fortune cookies are out to get me and say something that I don't want to hear. However, I don't have a current love affair so did it mean that I'd get one? On the other hand, if it referred to my crush trends: martial artists, goths, actors, DDR guys, etc. Then it may be correct, for instead of homework, I've been spending my time reading manga w/ lots of hot bishounen: Count Cain (ok, this one not as much but I am obsessed w/ Cain), Weiss Kreuz B Sides (the sequel to Weiss Kreuz and Weiss Kreuz Gluhen), and Wild Adapter (from the mangaka who brought you Saiyuki).

My other recent fascination is symphonic metal. I like Evanescence, and I happened to stumble upon "I Wish I Had an Angel" by Nightwish. I loved the mix of heavy metal w/ operatic vocals. Then I came across Lacuna Coil and Within Temptation. The trouble is that the latter 3 bands are European so they don't get as much coverage here (like Japanese music).
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