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11/30/06 ~ Thursday 6:45 pm

Status: tired ~ Listening to: silence

Chained complete

All 8 parts of Chained is up now. I'm in the process of editing, so you may see some minor changes. Thank you for your patience.

1:45 am ~ Status: head achy

all I can do is write

I finished part 6 and 7 of 'Chained'. There should be 1 or 2 more chapters before this is completed.

11/28/06 ~ Tuesday 11:55 pm EDIT

Status: stressed ~ Listening to: silence

part 5 revision

My story is on the verge of completion. Instead of uploading a new part today, I edited part 5. I realized that I left out the most important part of that chapter. >.<; I also added chapter titles to part 3 and part 5 (which were missing before.)

5:00 pm ~ Status: tired ~ Listening to: phones ringing

Times article: finally, they got it right!

Last year, 'The New York Times' wrote an article about manga that was totally based on stereotypes. This year...much improvement! This Times article features CLAMP with background about the group as well as made references to popular female mangakas and impact of mangas outside of Japan. Even breakthrough anime Sailor Moon was mentioned. It is pretty well researched...+1 for Times!

11/27/06 ~ Monday 11:55 pm

Status: dispirited ~ Listening to: me typing

part 5 uploaded

A little late, but at least I made the deadline.... To make it up, I'll try to include the next part tomorrow...hopefully....

11/26/06 ~ Sunday 6:20 pm

Status: cold ~ Listening to: Little Goodbye - Zegapain

nothing...just one update

I'm going to upload the next part to 'Chained' tomorrow. I apologize for the delay.

11/25/06 ~ Saturday 1:05 am

Status: preoccupied ~ Listening to: tv sounds ^-^

March of the Penguins...cg styled

I met up with my godsisters at East Buffet in the afternoon. After feasting on chinese yummies, we headed to the theater to watch 'Happy Feet'. It was very good. There were some intense moments (for a kid movie) but the penguins were adorable. I totally want to take one home with me. ^-^ The beginning reminded me of 'March of the Penguins' and there was a moment that I had a big dejavu. (Hint: Storm scene. *cringes*) The movie was very smart...basically turning the fact that Emperor penguins uses voices to mate into a singing element in the movie. 4 out of 5 stars. Wonderful plot. A must see if you like kawaii penguins that dance. (I'll admit...I teared up at the end when all the penguins decided to dance. ^^;)

'You're 26...right?' O.o

Before I hit P-chan's house, I stopped by TACC, formerly known as TARCQ. After calling a very sick medical student, I confirmed that the friday 7pm youth group was still going on. I entered the white building and was greeted with "Hi, who invited you?" lol Explanations of "I used to come here for like over 10 years." were given and I walked into the meeting room. Familiar faces! Awesome! There were new people and some that I knew that totally grew up. O.O They're so tall....

An interesting note, when I first entered the church, I met up with a little kid and was like, "Matthew?" The kid stared at me and went on his merry way. ^^; Later, I found out that he is Matthew's cousin. Splitting image of him when I first saw him...so many years ago. (I feel so old.... ^^;) Matthew (the real one) has grown up too...I hardly recognize him. That goes for a whole bunch of people that were in elementary and junior high and are now in high school. ^^;

I met others in my generation and we caught up on life.... "Yes, I'm still working as a social worker." "Oh! You're in law school...Harvard!?!" O.O Law student: "You help clients and I defend them in court!" lol ^^; He's not in family law though. His prospective field is the same as P-chan's, international corporate law.

The funniest moment was when one of the adults (who watched me grow up) asked me: "So...how old are you now? 26?" O.O "Ano, I'm the same age as those two." *points at the guys* "Oh, I though he was 26 too." ^^; Ano, this is the first time anyone thought I was older than my age. *wails* I'm getting ooooold! After greeting the rest of the adults, I went to P-chan's house. It was a nice visit and I hope to get the chance to go to sunday service. *contacts conductor of CCGC* ^-^

11/23/06 ~ Thursday 10:50 pm

Status: tummy full ~ Listening to: me typing

Thanksgiving = food...of course ^^;

Jenn-chan and I woke up at 11am (after talking until 3am in the morning. ^-^) After doing morning stuff we went to my mother's friend's house for a Thanksgiving house fellowship. Church at home! I haven't been to something like this in awhile. In the past, TARCQ has one once every month. Since my current church is mostly college and grads, we don't have any kids running/screaming/playing around us. Jenn-chan and I got run over by these midgets while we tried to stay awake and eat. (At least, I tried to stay awake...I think Jenn-chan was already awake. ^^;) Two words: grapes and hot dogs. *nods* ^.^

Part two of the feasts was at my current church. I literally fell asleep when o-kaa-san was doing her Thanksgiving testimony.... I really tried to keep awake! Well...I kinda tried.... ^^; Anyway, after playing piano, there was more food. With cheesecake and ice cream. O.O *drools* I kinda restrained myself in the afternoon, but I ate too much at my own church. ^^; I might be getting a spare PS2 from my godsis tomorrow...so hopefully I can work off my Thanksgiving feasts with DDR. ^-^

What is se zhi?

There is this Asian fruit that is orange with a semi-thick skin (that is edible, but most ppl don't eat it) and a mushy inside. Well, you can have it crunchy or mushy...depending on your preference. In chinese, it's called se zhi (my ping ying is most likely incorrect. ^^;) My co-workers have been asking me what is the fruit's name in English. I have no idea. Than, my church friends asked me the same thing. I still have no idea. Do I look like an English expert?!? X.X lol Anyway, I got home and of course o-kaa-san have cases of fruits at the house. Jenn-chan got my attention and pointed at one of the boxes. "Look! There is the name...." Persimmons. Ooooo...I never knew...but now I know! *headdesk* At least I'll have something to say to my co-workers on Monday.... ^^;

11/22/06 ~ Wednesday 10:25 pm

Status: head achy ~ Listening to: me typing

Fujimi Orchestra...manga!

After my appt. today, I headed to Book Off to see if Yokan by Makoto Tateno showed up. (Domo, Pearl-chan for telling me how to get there...again. ^^;) No Yokan, but after some intense browsing (looking for nothing in particular) I finally tried to look for the Fujimi Orchestra manga, Cold Front Conductor. After contacting P-chan for assistance on the company that made the manga, I located my treasure. *hugs the book* Yay!

On another note, the sales lady that rang up my book spoke Japanese to me...I nodded and she asked me something in Japanese...and I answered in English. *grins* I knew from past experiences that she asked for my membership card and I said I didn't have one. I thought she would guess that I can't understand nihongo des but she continued to speak to me in Japanese. I like to believe that she thought that maybe I was an ABJ...American born Japanese. ^^; Maybe not...but I can dream. ^-^

11/21/06 ~ Tuesday 5:10 pm

Status: distracted ~ Listening to: me typing

My life is rated PG-13!

2:20 am ~ Status: sleepy ~ Listening to: me typing

Holiday list up!

Yes, I'm not sleeping just so I can put this up. ^^; Not really.... I was pissed off before (over stupid ppl...what else) and I couldn't sleep. Now that I've calmed down, I'll be heading to bed. ^-^

11/20/06 ~ Monday 4:35 pm

Status: contemplation ~ Listening to: me grumbling (over work)

No regrets...right? *Caution: mini-rant*

In the midst of all the 'to-do lists' I took a yaoi break and hit the forums. (My daily 'I'm kinda stressed so lets look at something funny' thing. ^^;) Hm...though the topic I encountered isnt' really something destressing....

Someone mentioned about not being attracted to anyone and worrying about being 'asexual', not in love with anyone. I was about to reply and talk about how I wish I could get back to that point...but then I realized, I'm thinking of myself again. As much as I hate my past, I've come to the realization that hating is one thing...but regretting is pointless. I'm taking things as it is...but it doesn't stop me from wishing for the way I was before. NEVER being in 'deeply emotional attachment'...without ANY sort of idea what it is (can't say I do still,) and being able to dream about 'being swept off my feet by a gentleman....'

I don't want to dream anymore. It's kinda painful facing a reality that people are the way they are. That people like me could hate so much and people like that could actually get married, have children and live a life so different from when they said 'I love you.' *cringe* I guess I should put a 'bitter' warning on this rant right?

I couldn't share this in the forum cause reality hurts alot. Yaoi is something that is fun and shouldn't hurt...so I'll keep my reality from the net. (At least away from the 'public eye.' I know my blog is the 'road less traveled'. ^^;)

11/19/06 ~ Sunday 10:50 pm

Status: calm ~ Listening to: me typing

Just 1 day late! ^^;

I uploaded part 4 of 'Chained'. I thought I would need until monday, but I guess not. ^-^ I might actually upload part 5 later this week (before Saturday, my usual deadline,) but we'll have to see. I'm on a roll! I know the story has been kinda of dragging, but part 4 is closer to my original writing style, so the pace is alot better...if you get what I mean. ^^;

11/18/06 ~ Saturday 10:15 pm

Status: emotionally drained ~ Listening to: Everytime - Britney Spears

Taking a break...just for now.

I'm going to upload the next part of 'Chained' by monday. I'm hitting a serious writer's block...or more like confusion. I can't remember what was the purpose of this chapter, so I can't continue writing. ^^; Gomen ne....

Finally! Thanksgiving plans!

Jenn-chan is coming over for Thanksgiving! *dances around the room* On wednesday, okaa-san is going to pick us up from Qns. after work and drive back to LI. There will be parties to go to on Thursday, both church related. I wanted to ditch them in favor of seeing you guys for the holidays, but this is just as good. My purpose will be fulfilled. ^_^ We're planning to watch some anime, rest, eat and whatever else. Friday, we're heading back to Qns. I'm going to lunch with my god-sisters and Jenn-chan wants to clean her room. ^-^ Maybe do some shopping? The sales would be over, but it's okay. Window shopping...for the financially challenged. ^^;

2:05 am ~ Status: impending headache ~ Listening to: me yawning -O-

Laptop feedback

Hm...somehow I managed to 'break' my laptop within the first 6 hrs. of ownership. ^^; No worries, I just needed to wipe out the memory and reinstall the default cd. Everything is fine now. *whew* That took an hour of my life....

I installed everything I wanted to install, transferred everything I wanted to transfer, and proceeded to test out how well it handles everyday basic usage: Japanime. ^-^ Reading manga on the laptop screen is fine. Watching anime on the laptop screen is fine. Processing speed is smooth with hardly any delay from any transition to another. (Yay for Core 2 Duo! ^.^) Now comes the test from laptop to tv. *holds breath*

Laptop to Tv

S-video connection is no problem. Sound connection is good with some bad points. Since the sound is from the earphone connection, I have to maximize it in order for any sound to come out of the tv. (It's no problem if I had earphones on, but the purpose is to put it on tv.) That causes static sometimes when the music/sound reaches a high pitch. <.<; If I'm just watching it, it makes no difference, but if I'm recording it, than it's not too good.

I have a regular tv, not a widescreen. My old laptop is not a widescreen either, but I had no problems with watching anime on tv. In my new laptop, if the anime is a widescreen, than it comes out on the tv just like my old laptop. Yay! However, if the anime is not widescreen, the sides gets cut off on the tv. O.o I tried to change the resolution and everything, but no good. My conclusion is that if I plan to record anime through the tv, I would use my old laptop. Overall, I'm happy as long as I can still watch anime on tv with my new laptop.

Overall

It sounds funny that my primary purpose is Japanime on tv, but that is one of my reasons for choosing a laptop with S-video. (Since s-video ports have better quality, there is no longer any composite audio/video port like my old laptop.) Although the results weren't as good as I wanted, watching anime through tv is fine. The downside is that the sides gets cut off if the anime is not widescreen and the sounds are sometimes cracking. I won't be able to record with my new laptop, but that is fine.

All recent laptops will yield the same results so I can't complain. Everything else about this laptop is what I wanted. No more lagging when I play video games and I can multitask so much easier. Photoshop doesn't take 5 minutes to load. I'm quite satisfied. ^.^

There are two more downsides that I can see. There is no 'dot-mouse', only a touchpad so I need to get a mouse in order for me to play games that needs more manuverability. ^^; The other downside is that I can't connect to my current printer. I need a converter so that I can change the printer port to a usb or something. No biggie. ^-^

I found it!

Now that I have it installed, I can officially say it: I have 'Bluebird's Illusion'! Rabid FMA fans can stalk/kill me now. ^-^ I mentioned this before, but I'll give a quick review as to what I'm typing about....

'Bluebird's Illusion' is a fanmade game created by a bunch of Chinese students. The quality of the game is so much like the original, that people thought it was an official product (at first.) Text RPG with several endings and wonderful graphics with a good story.... 100 copies of the game were made and sold. Than the creators request that no one distribute the game online and they disappeared off the face of the earth. (Not really, but we can't really contact them. ^^;) This game has become one of the hardest to find and even buy. Auction prices are high and it hardly ever appears. (I only found it once and it was recently. It was on Yahoo Auction Taiwan...very expensive though. ^^;) Fans are actually quite loyal to the creators so it's not found/downloadable anywhere online...until now.

After endless searches, I finally found and downloaded it off bittorent. O.O I couldn't believe it so I had to install it (in my new laptop) in order to be sure it was the game. And it is! This will be the first game I play on my new laptop. ^-^

11/17/06 ~ Friday 3:00 pm

Status: estatic ~ Listening to: me typing

It's here?!? It's here!

According to the e-mail, my laptop was shipped yesterday...and it arrived TODAY! O.O *dances around the office with the box* Its heavier than what I expected, but the battery pops out and it's lighter. ^-^ Also, at 5.2lbs, it's 2lbs lighter than my old one. ^_^ I just can't believe that they shipped it out and it arrived so soon! (Not that I'm complaining. ^.^) Totally happy. I opened it am just setting it up the way I like it. Can't wait to get home and download everything I need to download into it...like Photoshop CS. ^.^ Until than, I'm going to bask in the smoothness and ultra new-ness of this laptop. Oooo...shiny.... *_*

FMA US edition packaging...is okay.

I'm happy with the US edition of the FMA movie, but I wouldn't pay the full price for it. (Hence, the pre-ordered price of $25 was perfect.) I haven't checked out the dvds themselves, but I don't think there is a problem with them. The packaging itself...is kinda weird.

The 'box' of the dvds is like a book. You open it up and the two dvds are on the backside of the covers. No biggie. The movie booklet that came with the dvds (the same as the Japanese limited edition) is stuck to the dvd 'box'. Meaning, I can't take out the book to read, but I have to hold the box and everything. Ano...the box isn't heavy, but that concept is kinda weird. The 10 postcards are in a black packact like the Japanese counterparts. 1 point for Funimation! Though sadly, that's all there is to it.

I'm not complaining about the lack of extra stuff since I knew already what was included. I just think the packaging concept is a bit odd. Why is the book stuck to the dvd box? The dvd box as a 'book' idea was nice, but doesn't mean that the movie booklet had to be stuck.... The booklet is a over 50 page thing that talks about the art, characters, drawings, music, etc.... Something you would like to pick up and read...without the box. Oh wellz...maybe I can still get the Japanese edition once the price gets down to...$30. *wishful thinking* ^^;

11/16/06 ~ Thursday 11:40 pm

Status: giddy ~ Listening to: me talking to Pearl-chan ^-^

"It was a dark and stormy night...."

*quoting Snoopy* (My only non-anime, non-disney fav. doggie character. Garfield is my fav cat character. ^.^) Actually, I really like today's weather (wet and windy.) Besides that, a whole bunch of good things happened today. ^-^ I got the e-mail confirmation that my laptop has been sent out! *dances around the room* I'm estimating that it'll arrive next week...hopefully. My co-workers are excited to see my laptop too. (I gave them a running report from when I first wanted to get a laptop, to ordering and now waiting. ^^;) New technology.... *drools*

The FMA limited edition movie (US) has arrived! It's still in the box since I want to open it after I get offline. (I want to give myself enough time to stare at all the extra stuff...the book, the cards...the kawaii Al on the cover.... *_*)

Yaoi night!

To catch up on lost time, I three-wayed P-chan and Pearly so we can talk. ^-^ Our convos ranged from a certain law exam to prOn and yaoi. Apparently, Pearl-chan and I frequent the same yaoi forum. O.o I shouldn't be surprise since she is online more often than me. (And she has an extensive Japanime collection...afterall, she is my supplier.) One of our future plans (like our Hollywood romance movie night) is to have a yaoi night. *starts making yaoi playlist* ^.^ P-chan's house is good since she has a PLASMA tv. Lifesize bishies! *fangirl squeal* O.O lol My house is good since we only have to wait until o-kaa-san goes to sleep. Both P-chan and Pearl-chan has brothers. Siblings are nice...but not when watching yaoi.... ^^;

Gamers Corner

Our non-yaoi topics include the PS3 (being released tomorrow) as well as new video games. Theresa-nee-chan will be lending me her PS2 so that I can read the Xenobible (in-game guide.) They have like 2-3 PS2s as well as mine since they're playing KH: Final Mix. ^-^ I'll be seeing them next week for Thanksgiving (before or after is unconfirmed.) Hopefully, I'll be seeing P-chan and Pearl-chan too. *starts making plans* ^-^

11/15/06 ~ Wednesday 10:30 am

Status: tired ~ Listening to: Saiyou no Yume (Dream on Sands) - The Third OP

Holiday wishes....

Last year (same day as today,) I requested you guys (my awesome friends) to send me your 10 holiday wishes...basically 'What would you like for Christmas'. ^-^ I'll be e-mailing you for your list...but first I'll put the rules here....

List 10 things you would like to receive. It has to be a physical object or a request that I can grant. A request could be like 'take me out to dinner' or 'buy me ice cream.' Yummy.... ^-^ Use your imagination! I will be uploading the lists onto the site, unless you ask me not to. ^.^

11/13/06 ~ Monday 6:00 pm

Status: calm ~ Listening to: tummy growling

*wags tail*

lol I bought my tail for a possible Loveless cosplay yesterday. It's an extra loooong tail (compared to the short ones I see mostly. ^-^) I'm going to be making my ears. Since I want to cosplay Ritsuka or Seimei (since they both have black/blue hair) the tail is black. I'm so happy. I pinned the tail to my behind and danced around the apartment yesterday.... *laughs maniacally* ^_^ Though...that doesn't sound right. ^^;

Pearl Paint and Soho art are artist havens.

I headed to Chinatown today to buy an art profolio in order for me to put my Loveless genga (sketch) in. Also, it's for all the future cels that I will buy someday. (After I replenish my funds from my new laptop. ^^; I'm not going to be collecting cels, but I want to buy the best cels I can of my fav animes. (Kurama.... *drools*) The art profolio cases with zipper and handles are double the prize than a binder. O.O I bought a binder with double layered cover for $16 so I'm happy. ^-^ What should be my next cel? *checks eBay*

11/12/06 ~ Sunday 3:00 am EDIT

Status: giddy ~ Listening to: me sniffy

'Chained' upload!

Yay! I met my deadline! *pats self on back* I uploaded Part 2b and part 3 of 'Chained'. I just realized something...this is actually the first time I'm uploading my story as I'm writing it. I guess I'm kinda slow on the uptake, ne.... ^^; Just for fun, I added a 'Manga process' overview/guide at the end of part 3. It pertains to the story, but it's really just extra info if you don't think it's tl;dr. (tl;dr = 'too long don't read' ^^;) It's kinda me showing how much I researched to write this story. *showing off...smacks head* lol

P-chan's new cellie!

I thought I'll make this announcement since P-chan has been almost unreachable for the last two months (since her cellphone got killed in action. The parties involved shall not be named. ^^;) So, congrats, P-chan on your new LG! It has mp3 player and everything. I like it because it's ultra light and is currently one of the smaller Sprint phones. ^-^

"You're enjoying a great yaoi scene until...."

I'm part of a yaoi forum and there was this discussion that started with "My mother caught me watching 'blank blank' and it was during the scene where X was doing **** to Y. So she asked questions and was angry...etc...." O.O Some people was like "OMG! I hope you'll be okay!" and "At least you can still go online...." Stories and tips (to avoid/handle situations like this) were shared and it was funny reading some of them. (I laughed through most of last night into the wee hours in the morning. ^^;) Some people's parents are okay with yaoi/smut/slash/porn and other's parents would have heart attacks if they find out their angelic daughters or manly sons are into yaoi/smut/slash/porn. Some have moved out already or are in college, but can totally relate to those that are still living at home (ahem...me.) FYI, this forum is for 18 and over...mostly. ^^; I won't even go into the reactions of 'adults' with 'children' that have 'come out of the closet' as gays/les/bi. *volcano explosion*

RL and Yaoi...don't mix...at least for me.

Pearl-chan told me before that her parents (mother) is okay with her watching/reading yaoi/slash as long as it's not RL porn. My parents fall into the category of 'complete naivete' and will 'drop dead/kill me/throw out every Japanime thing I own' if they find out I'm watching/reading/buying/etc 'sexually provacative' Japanime. ^^; I have no wish to educate my parents on the finer points of yaoi (some of the fans were even able to get parents to watch it with them. O.O) My parents can stay in their fantasy world where I'm their perfect (though very stubborn) daughter and that the anime I'm watching has nothing to do with two guys boning each other. ^^'

'My mother saw....'

I have some 'guy kissing guy' pics on my wall, but since one guy usually looks like a girl, o-kaa-san has accepted it as such. (One is Heero and Duo kissing in the water and the other is Kurama holding Hiei. ^-^) I even have posters of BL/yaoi manga, but since no one is actually on anyone, my mother has accepted them as two characters of a story. ^^; I watched BL anime like Loveless and Sukisyo on tv and the only times I pause/stop/lower volume are the times where they make out. I'm definitely not going to watch hardcore yaoi on the tv...not if my parents are home. ^^;

I'm very glad I have my own laptop. I never had experiences where my parents (or anyone) found my stash of unmentionables. When I'm watching/reading stuff with explicit scenes, my laptop is turned so that no one can sneak behind me and see anything. (Or I'm on the floor with my back to the wall. ^^;) Of course, I always have my headphones on when I'm listening to explicit stuff on the laptop or tv. I did have (near-death) experiences where I had to minimize windows quickly since my parents were close. Sometimes windows don't close fast enough! *heart attack* Hence! A good laptop is necessary to a yaoi fan. ^-^

I only have a couple BL/yaoi mangas. My parents don't touch my stuff (or else I get pissed) so they don't ever encounter them. Also, those books are kept in a plastic bag away from my easier to grab manga. I showed o-kaa-san some of my yaoi before, but it was only the first page where I had it autographed by the mangaka. *showing off* Written stuff like fanfiction is no problem with my parents since they can't read English. However, I had encounters with other people discovering my fanfiction.....

Depending on the people, I don't hide the fact that I like my boys with other boys...but that is the extent of them knowing. If they knew that I like my boys with other boys doing naughty things...I think I would be dead. (they know = parents know = I'm dead)

Last time when I was in Taiwan, my father took me shopping for manga. (I have the best parents...they buy me manga. ^.^) O-tou-san usually stands at the front of the store while I browse...so he doesn't know where I usually end up. *ahem* The m/m section. ^^; I try to choose covers/titles that aren't suggestive. But there was the time where I found a manga (in Chinese) by Eiki Eiki. *squeals* Of course I had to buy it, but the cover was clearly a boy holding another boy. I already told my father that I wanted to buy it myself (I'm a big girl!) but he was insisting so much that I knew if I refused it would be weird. I had to give the book to my father *panic* and he gave it to the saleslady who placed it in a bag. No comments at all. Guess he didn't see the cover.... *breathes easy* ^^; I wonder what do the salespeople think when o-tou-san buys me BL manga.... 0.o

No one must know!

Just some advice to yaoi/smut/slash fans that want to hide their identity, don't leave your stuff out in the open. *duh* If you share your computer, clear your history and temp folders (or at least delete the sites you visit to get your goodies.) Invest in a laptop so you can get some privacy to read/watch this stuff. Use headphones and make sure the sound can not be heard by others. (Moans/screams are sometimes heard even at low volumes. ^^;) Keep your fingers at alt and F4 to close windows. WinXP has a 'Show Desktop' or 'Hide windows' button at the bottom of the screen. Enable it and keep your mouse over that for quick clicks. ^-^ Just trying to make our yaoi experience more enjoyable and less confrontational.

Oh yeah, someone at the forum added this idea.... 'Find out if your parents watch porn. Than you can say, "It's just like your porn, only with cute guys!"' *headdesk* ^^;

11/9/06 ~ Thursday 5:00 pm

Status: extremely elated ^_^ ~ Listening to: me shouting for joy (in my head)

Answers to Fandom meme! ^.^

Wow! 3rd entry in one day! ^-^

Sailor Moon

Fullmetal Alchemist

Gundam Wing

Ranma 1/2

Mermaid Saga

Yu Yu Hakusho

Neon Genesis Evangelion

My Neighbor Totoro

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Kingdom Hearts

Marmalade Boy

Boku no Sexual Harassment

Fujimi Orchestra

Loveless

RG Veda

11:30 am ~ Status: geeky ~ Listening to: me shouting for joy (in my head)

Commence the drooling!

I initially wanted to buy a laptop on Black Friday...but Toshiba finally came out with a deal that was too hard to resist. So I took it. ^-^ I just ordered my laptop online! *dances around the office* It has everything I ever wanted...specs below. ^-^

Satellite M110-ST1161 - Toshiba Laptop
Intel� Core�2 Duo Processor T7200 (2.00GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows� XP Professional, Smart Indigo, Microsoft� Office� 2003 Small Business Edition, 2048MB PC5300 DDR2 667MHz SDRAM (1024MBx2), 14.1" Diagonal Widescreen XGA TruBrite� display (1280x768), ATI Mobility� Radeon� X1350 with 128MB DDR SDRAM, 120GB HDD (5400rpm, Serial-ATA), DVD SuperMulti drive (+/-R Double Layer), Intel� PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (802.11a/b/g), Standard stereo speakers, Lithium Ion Battery (6-cell, 4000mAh,) 5.2 lbs.

*drools* Kinda geeky...but it's totally cool! The reason why I had to take this offer was because the upgrade to WinXP pro as well as Microsoft office was free. (The color change from blue to indigo was free too. ^.^) There was a bunch of instant rebates that brought down the price from $2300 to $1820 (tax included.) So...it's within my budget, and now I have a beautiful, totally up to date (for the time being) laptop. ^-^ It takes 8-10 days to build and 3-7 days for shipping...so between 11-17 days. I'm deliriously happy.... *gets back to work*

12:15 am ~ Status: elated ~ Listening to: 'Whisper of the Heart' movie

Whisper of the Heart: another look

I just went through my fav parts of the movie in Japanese and than in English (and than in Japanese again because I like it so much. ^-^) Just a side note, this story makes me kinda sad...and the reasons are quite obvious. It's a growing up/love story between youths. The innocence and simplicity of it makes this a beautiful film. Though it's unrealistic, there is the driving quality we need in order to fulfill our dreams. And, a hope that love at a young age will stay simple and last.

That aside, the English version (for the parts I saw) were pretty good...in terms of voice acting (as mentioned in my previous entry.) The translation is at times completely different...for Disney purposes.

Warning: Spoilers

I don't do this often since I don't really like posting spoilers, but the changes that were made affected the main story.

In the original Japanese, Seiji decides to go to Italy and forgo high school. Of course, Disney can't support junior high students dropping out...so the line changed to (paraphrasing) 'My master said that I'm not bad and I can get better so I decided to go to high school first.' ^^; This is a major change since Seiji's choice between school and his dream is one of the main messages in this movie. Another major change has to do with the prospect of marriage at a young age. In the original, Seiji proposes to Shizuku. Shizuku nods, accepting the proposal. (No ring though and no kneeling. ^^;) The Disney version has him make it more like a joke (not really, but it just doens't feel as sincere and meaningful as the original.) Paraphrasing Seiji, 'I know this sounds weird but, could you see us getting married?' Shizuku's response was 'Yes it does sound weird.' so no real 'yes' or 'no.'

A positive is that the English version kept the last line, which is a very important line...which I will not divulge. ^-^

Overall....

Overall, I can't complain...but sometimes I wish Disney would put the level of interpretation of films like Spirited Away into their minor (U.S. comparison) films like this one. Due to Disney's status, the VAs are usually great, but the interpretation is influenced by certain values that are protrayed differently in foreign films. Japan (as most of Asia) is pretty tough on grades and school. So the idea of not studying in order to pursue a dream is practically unheard of. Parents would totally get on your case and throw the book at you...literally. ^^; I'm only guessing, but I think I understand Studio Ghibli's meaning since the movie protrayed following your dream in contrast to society (and parent's) norm. On one side, Seiji is pursuing a difficult dream of become a violin maker. On the other, Shizuku gives up studying temporarily to write, but decides (on her own) to continue her schooling aka. high school before pursuing her own dream. The balance of these characters is essential to this film. (They're the main characters after all.) So...though I think I understand the reasons behind that Disney's changes, it still changed the feel of the movie alot.

11/8/06 ~ Wednesday 3:45 pm

Status: disgusted XP ~ Listening to: Country Road (Violin version) - Yoko Hanna (Whisper of the Heart OST)

'Country road, take me home....'

I watched Whisper of the Heart last night (Disney version.) The translation seems to be pretty good...though there are some things they translated different on purpose...(from what I can tell from the fansub.) I know they translated it different on purpose since in the Japanese trailers, the subtitles were the correct version. Though, I don't know why they didn't just stick to the original translation since they kept it in the trailers.... ^^; There were differences in the English dub as well, though I didn't listen to the English track. The VAs were very good though. (No complaints here. ^-^)

The song 'Country Road' just happens to be the first karaoke song I ever sang. I sang it with Jenn-chan when we were in younger. ^-^ Of course my fav version now is the Japanese one with the violin background. *happy sigh* ^-^

Shota should stay in anime.... *warning* semi-rant

My co-worker just told me about 'NAMBLA,' the 'North American Man/Boy Love Association.' <.<; Basically, its a group (that started in the 1970's) that are trying to "end the oppression of men and boys who have freely chosen mutually consenting relationships", and calls for "the adoption of laws that both protect children from unwanted sexual experiences and at the same time leave them free to determine the content of their own sexual experiences." (- wikipedia clip) The idea of underaged boys consenting to have sex with grown men.... *brain explodes*

I have never heard of this organization and am wondering who the heck are supporting them.... The boys? *cringe* Shota is a genre of Japanime which depicts sexual relationships between men and young boys similar to lolicon which is a genre that depicts sexual relationships with young girls. The usual consensus of these genres is that it's okay on paper...but doesn't mean that the fans (and mangakas themselves) are supporters of such relationships in real life. I don't need to describe the horror children go through when they unfortunately encounter the perverts in this world. *shudders* I'm disgusted that such a group exists. My impression of males is not very high...and now it dropped even lower. (Not that they would care. I don't care...they could all just go f*ck each other. >.<')

11/7/06 ~ Tuesday 3:25 pm

Status: impending headache >.< ~ Listening to: One Night Curising - Haru wo Daiteita ED

Fandom Meme

Summarize your fandoms in one sentence, then guess each fandom.

The meme started with 10...but I just wanted to throw in the extra 5. ^-^ I tried to stick with common series/games...with some yaoi at the end. ^.^ I'll post the answers on thursday. ^_^

11/6/06 ~ Monday 10:15 pm

Status: head achy ~ Listening to: me typing

Loveless sketch!

I got a sketch from the Loveless anime! ^-^ It's one of those 'no cels anime'...so the only art in production are the sketches...and I have one them! *dances happily* It's a wonderful pic of Ritsuka and it's from the second episode. Being that it's only a 12 episode anime...AND there are no cels...AND Ritsuka is the cutest thing on this planet, I think this is very worthwhile. *nods head* I still haven't gotten my artbook (to hold this sketch and future cels in) but I hope to get one this week. Until than, this super kawaii pic will have to go in an envelope. ^-^

FMA movie: ordered

The US limited edition release is coming out 11/8 and I just pre-ordered the movie today. It took me awhile since I needed to decide what else I could buy so that I can get the free shipping. ^^; Can't wait to see it...even though I've seen the movie countless times already. (Edward...Alphonse.... O.O *squeal*)

11/5/06 ~ Sunday 1:15 am

Status: sleepy -O- ~ Listening to: me typing

Facing fears

As mentioned in a few entries, I've been trying to face my past objectively. I've been thinking over my past goals of entering medical school. I'm not considering whether or not I should go back to school to continue this dream, but I am thinking what were my motives and what made me not continue this dream. I don't want to regret it.

As my doctor said (whom I saw today,) intelligence isn't the only thing needed to pursue a medical career (or any higher education.) Determination and no hestitation is important. I like my job right now. The prospect of going to Japan makes me happy. I do not regret the choices I'm making now. I'm just thinking, did I make the choice of my own volition...the choice to not puruse my medical degree. I'm trying to reason in my mind, trying to think if I made this decision on my own...or was it because of circumstances or someone.

I faced my fear on friday. Unknowinly, I went to CCF meeting and encountered my enemy. However, I kept my composure and I think I handled myself well. Didn't talk to/look at him and I didn't need to. I told my doctor that I gave myself a B+...though I wasn't feeling at my best, I didn't feel any hostility towards him. ^^; Yay for me.... *gives self pat on the back*

As promised...almost

I uploaded part of my story, 'Chained' in the vice section. Since the first part of the story is so predictable (you'll see what I mean once you read it,) I uploaded part 2a as well to give a different taste of the story. (Part 1 is only the intro really...so it isn't ansgty the whole way through...mostly. ^^;)

I kept the Japanese suffixes of '-san', '-chan'...etc...since it reveals the level of relationships the characters have with each other. Something different is that I also added footnotes to my story. ^-^ I footnote certain moments that I got the idea/line from somewhere else and credit is needed. Other times, notes are given to better understand something that is stated. Names are translated in the footnotes, but the Japaanese words that are thrown in are not. The Japanese words that pop up are common, and I choose to keep them as such since they are more meanful in the original language. (Like I write 'mangaka' instead of 'Japanese comic book artist.' ^^;)

Since this story is mainly unfinished, the parts are also unedited. I'll go through and upload the final edit once the story is finished. Until than, I hope you like what I wrote. I'll be uploading a part at least once a week so please be patient. ^-^ Thanks for your attention! (C&C are most welcome!)

11/2/06 ~ Thursday 5:55 pm

Status: tired ~ Listening to: The Starry Night - Angelic Layer ED

"Angel wings! Please guide Hikaru and me!"

I finished the series, Angelic Layer yesterday. It was...good. (Hell, I don't think ANYTHING by CLAMP can ever be bad...'cause they're not. ^^;) The series ended simply (wow, CLAMP ending something simply...that is a surprise. ^^;) Mother is together with daughter and the prospective love interests are still...prospective. (They're not together yet.)

What boggles the mind is that Icchan likes the mother...and his step-brother, Oujiro likes Misaki. So...if Icchan gets married with the mother...Oujiro will be both Misaki's uncle and boyfriend?!?. O.o I'm not going to even think about the fact that Oujiro crushed on the mother.... *thinks* >.<' Freud will have a field day with this...even though no one is sleeping with anyone else. ^-^

First wig!

Since yesterday was the day after Halloween, I checked out Target for the sales. I picked up a long, brownish/blonde wig at half price. (I would wait for it to go down 75%...but there were only a few wigs left.) It is kinda too dark for Edward Elric's hair, but it might pass as Soubi's hair. Mainly, I bought it to practice styling wigs. I'm not fond of the idea of wearing a wig, but I may get used to it. Anyway, if I want to cosplay someone blonde or even white, I don't want to bleach my hair. ^-^

11/1/06 ~ Wednesday 10:30 am (EDIT)

Status: busy ~ Listening to: me typing furiously

Afterthoughts: Haunted House

I survived! *laughs maniacally* Mwahahahaha! ^^; It was scary overall...though last year was much scarier. It's because last year they had more things popping out of nowhere. This year, it's mostly zombie surgeons and stuff. (I think the first room was one of the best rooms...with the windows and girl disappearing. P-chan was ultra brave...she even went to open a door. O.O I was considering being first, but I chickened out and became second (again.) ^^; My faith in my courage diminished a few degrees. *bows head* Pearl-chan became first. ^-^ Poor Alby-kun, the sole male in our escapade got squashed/lost/singled out/etc....

Another reasons why the terror became less was most likely because of the other group that was with us. High school girls. <.<; They screamed/sang the whole way through. ^^; It made the whole experience amusing. (Also the reason why Alby-kun-and the rest of us-got considerably squashed: they were running from zombies...and running into us. ^^;)

With P-chan's exclaimation at my 'white face' as well as my jello-y legs, I was properly scared. ^^' I think I was most startled in the room where everything went dark...and a guy appeared right next to us when the lights turned on. *freaks out* It was fun. ^-^