9/30/07 ~ Sunday 10:55 pm

Status: nose runny ~ Listening to: Beautiful World - Utada Hikaru (Rebuild of Evangelion OP)

one more week

I haven't been feeling well lately, so I have been taking my time with the Otakon gallery. However, I downloaded all I have needed and am still in the process of sorting it out. As it goes, I can have the gallery up by this week. ^^; If you have been waiting, I thank you for your patience. If not, there will be a gallery anyway. ^.^

9/28/07 ~ Friday 7:10 pm

Status: relaxed ~ Listening to: Fake Star - Shindou Shuichi (Gravitation)

Cleaning frenzy

Okaasan woke me up at 11am asking if I wanted to go Flushing. I turned it down since I had lots to do at home: cleaning. Several hours later I was done. *whew* I feel so sleepy now, so I might take a nap soon. Although I slept about 10 hrs. last night, my body still needs a couple more REM cycles. ^^;

Otanjoubi omedetou, Soubi-kun!

Today is Agatsuma Soubi's b-day. Born on Sept. 28 (year unknown.) Blood type A, height 192cm (so tall ^.^) and relationship status: dominated. Of course, he is dominated by Ritsuka. ^-^ One of my fav parts of Soubi's personality is his lack of will...his longing to be taken over completely by a single person.

When Soubi was wondering why no one wants to take him away, I was like 'I will! I will!' *hugs Soubi-kun* I'll go anywhere with you! ^.^ (Refers to Loveless vol. 6.)

Since today is his b-day, I wonder what Ritsuka will give him? Hm...his ears and tail might be a nice present. ^^;

9/27/07 ~ Thursday 12:15 am

Status: content ~ Listening to: Tour de Japon on tv (spelled correctly ^.^)

impromtu dinner

Since okaasan had her weekly visit to her doctors, I went to Flushing to meet up with her. I called P-chan and found out that she and company were meeting for dinner. They decided just a moment ago. Of course, I jumped at a chance to see amity and co. Especially since food was involved. ^-^

Since they were all concerned about me getting home, we ended up eating at Alby-kun's house. Alby-kun and co. went to Pearl-chan's fav. Japanese restaurant, Sushi Family and ordered a LARGE takeout. It was just the usual stuff that we would order if we were eating in. ^^; We had an enjoyable dinner.

Memorable moment of the evening? P-chan laughed at my choice of words in describing someone with steady finances: I said he was 'financially endowed'. Of course, the word 'endowed' could mean something else.... P-chan proceeded to enlighten Pearl-chan on the secondary meaning. I didn't mean it that way! ^^; lol

Dear Diary, I have very perverted friends...then again, I'm pretty perverted too. ^^;

9/26/07 ~ Wednesday 2:00 am

Status: awake ~ Listening to: Sakura Drops - Utada Hikaru

Yaoi for Death Note

I met up with my godsisters and godparents at the Korean restaurant. The food was good, although I could have done without all that smoke in my eyes. According to the waiters, the 'sucking-in-the-smoke-thingee' above us was working...but my eyes didn't think so. >.< Regardless, the food was delicious and the convo consisted of PS3 games, yaoi anime, anime/manga and FF. And anything else that came to mind. ^_^

Christine-neechan brought the Death Note movies that I gave her (since I asked to borrow them.) In exchange, I presented them with a dvd full of yummy yaoi, the entire series of Kyou Kara Maoh, and the 4 FF concerts. It is a small thank you for all the anime/game dvds that they have ever burned for me. *hugs oneechan x2*

lol My godfather asked what those dvds were, Theresa-neechan responded with something like, 'Nothing you want to watch.' I added, 'It is not that interesting for you.' ^.^

*yawn*

It wasn't that late when I caught a train home, but the train ended up being delayed due to fire being on the tracks. From a car? An automobile car? Train car? No idea...I was asleep most of the time. ^^; I finally reached where I was suppose to be at 11:45pm. At least I got to sleep more on the train. ^^;

9/25/07 ~ Tuesday 5:30 pm

Status: hungry ~ Listening to: me typing

Happy Moon Festival!

Happy Moon Festival, everyone! I'm going to be meeting with my godsisters for dinner in Flushing. It'll be Korean tonight. ^.^ Yummy...I'm already getting hungry....

As usual, the office is filled with boxes of moon cakes that clients have given us. Everyday, there is a new flavor. One of my coworkers likes the red bean flavor. The funny thing is, even with all these different boxes coming in, there aren't any red bean moon cakes. ^^; Green tea moon cake with egg is delicious....

9/24/07 ~ Monday 10:40 pm

Status: amused ~ Listening to: Sakura no Kinotikai (Magic Knight Rayearth OVA)

First we had 'Manga Hair Gel'...

Several years ago Garnier UK came out with 'Manga Hair Gel' so that everyone can have hair just like Goku. ^_^ The following week, DMP came out with 'BL Body Wash'. How in the world did I miss such a thing?!? Clickie here to check out the product and the ad. It's all SFW (safe for work) although the bishies featured are topless. ^_^ The ads and descriptions are like yaoi fanfic snippets and the idea is hilarious in itself. The funniest part is the logo, "BL Body wash - Keeping clean with a dirty mind." *falls down* roflol

I wonder if they are still selling the stuff...I wouldn't mind getting a set. ^-^

9/23/07 ~ Sunday 2:00 am (EDIT)

Status: tired ~ Listening to: silence

cliffnotes of yesterday and today

After dropping off my stuff at Shirley's place, we headed to a Korean restaurant for seafood tofu soup. Oishi! ^.^ We bought ice cream and had a nice catch-up evening while muching on the cold dessert. I found out a few pieces of good news that I won't share because it's not my business anyway, but I was happy to hear about it.

In the morning, Kent came to pick us up and we headed to Newtown Elmhurst for the funeral. I was greeted by Anna and Frank who manned the reception table. FYI, if you go to a Chinese funeral (Chinese person that died) and you're the 'head of the household,' you give money to the grieving family. It's like the red envelopes that's given at weddings, except the envelopes have to be white and the amount is small.

Afterwards, I greeted old church friends. Some headed to the cemetery for the burial while some went to Flushing for dim sum. Of course, I went with the latter group.

black = mafia

Picture this: a group of Chinese young adults in all black heading down a street in Flushing. Someone remarked that we look like the Taiwanese mafia since we were in our black ensemble. Dim sum was yummy...haven't had it in a while. Let's go soon, P-chan! ^.^

When we were at the funeral, we were given handtowels wrapped up with a piece of paper with a few words in Chinese. (I didn't bother trying to read it. It probably saids 'Thanks for coming' or something to that extent.) I'm assuming it's preparation for an onslaught of tears that comes during funerals. As it was, the towel was extremely helpful since right after dim sum, it started pouring outside. My towel was in the car so it helped me dry my hair after we ran back from the restaurant. ^^; I grabbed an umbrella and my stuff from Shirley's and headed to Jenn-chan's house.

Iron Chef America (judges drawing on humor rather then art)

Jenn-chan and her father picked me up in Flushing so I didn't have to walk in the rain. We took a detour while heading back to her house since her father wanted to show off some work (interior design) he helped with at a church. (I saw a Percy, a speaker that frequently comes to CCF.) When we got to her house, we drank the milk tea that I picked up from Quickly (I love that place ^.^) and watched her Animaniacs dvds and other stuff on tv.

I was finally able to give her the cd I burned of some youtube clips she wanted and we watched some of the amvs I added in. Afterwards, I finally realized that me (and her) were hungry. (Actually, Jenn-chan was hungry for some time, but I was too dense that I didn't realize the hints she was dropping.) We ordered Japanese and while we were waiting, I showed her my beautiful DSlite and the wonderful game, JUS. She likes Kenshin and Naruto so I showed her the characters that I unlocked so far and let her play a bit.

I was thinking about leaving after eating, but Iron Chef America came on and so I stayed to watch. ^.^ My fav part about the American counterpart of my fav Japanese cooking show is Alton Brown doing the reporting on the different ingredients. True to his own show 'Good Eats,' Alton would give a running dialogue while throwing in relevant culinary and scientific facts about whatever is going on. The thing I dislike most about the show is the guest judges that appear. Japanese judges are very polite and straight forward. Whether they are speaking or eating, they are very graceful. Amercian guest judges are not uncouth, but they bring their own flavor into the mix. Not entirely a bad thing. It's just that depending on what they say/do, it lowers the quality of the show about beautiful culinary art/taste. Me and Jenn-chan both agree that the female judge of this Apple Battle was trying too hard to redeem herself from her first 'compliment': "This is perfect for kids to eat." Another judge responded, 'I think this is good for adults to eat too." The challenger chef won this battle. We think it was because of the bitesized apple covered separately in chocolate, caramel and regular candy glaze. Kawaii! ^.^

I came home afterwards, playing my DS all the way. *yawn*

9/20/07 ~ Thursday 10:15 pm

Status: hungry ~ Listening to: my tummy growling

site related things

I deleted some defunct links from my access page...websites that are no longer on the net. Too bad, I really liked the Edward Elric site, 'Drifter.'

I added Soubi and Ritsuka's b-days to the calendars. Soubi's b-day is Sept. 28 (next week ^.^) and Ritsuka's b-day is Dec. 21. I know Seimei's b-day but I'm not adding it to the calendar. At this point in time...he is sooooo mean! *hint of spoiler* ^^;

yesterday

I went to visit Pearl-chan and Lucky last night. Lucky seems to be recovering, although it is obvious that he is not well. I'm not referring to his physical condition of not being able to walk properly, but more that he didn't bark at all when I was there. However, when Pearl-chan carried him over, he wagged his tail ecstatically. ^.^ Also, his short haircut actually suits him quite well. So this is what a shaved shitzu looks like.... Kawaii! *hugs doggie plush*

tomorrow

As mentioned before, I'll be sleeping over Shirley's house in Flushing so that we can go to the funeral together on saturday. I don't know what may happen after the funeral...eat with old TARCQ ppl? TACQ ppl? Ppl in general? P-chan and the others? lol I'll call you, P-chan when I'm in the area. ^^;

9/18/07 ~ Tuesday 11:45 pm

Status: restless ~ Listening to: However (piano) - Yoshiki

dong bo lo = <3, service = >.<

I went to dinner with my co-workers tonight. We went to 'Shanghai Cafe' in Chinatown. The xiao long bao were tasty and the dong bo lo was good. (Although we stated that the dong bo lo at Goodies was much much better. ^-^) Mmmm...all the yummy fat.... *drools from the memory*

The worse thing about the evening was the horrible service. It seems that their service was always that bad since some of us expected it. I never been there so I didn't know. First they forgot to take down one of our orders (which we didn't bother to bring up since we were full by that time.) Secondly, as soon as we finished our last bite, they slapped down our check. <.<; Thirdly, they automatically assumed that the money we handed them included tip so they didn't get our change. Tip was included, but we expected change. (We wanted to deduct for lousy service.) Their food was great but I don't like their service. Will I go back? Only if my friends want to. I can't deal with such rudeness. *is snob*

Upcoming funeral

A grandfather from TARCQ died. This will be the second funeral concerning my old church since I left. I wasn't aware of the other death since okaasan kept the news from me due to my own issues. I've been avoiding large gatherings of TARCQ members, but I agreed to go to this event. I'll be sleeping over a church friend's house (from TARCQ...not TACQ) on friday and we'll be leaving for the funeral together on saturday morning. It's going to be held at Newtown Church in Elmhurst. Okaasan might be coming too, but she'll be sleeping at my godmother's house.

This sounds very mean, but one of my main concerns is that I don't fall asleep during the ceremony. I've been so tired lately (even with trying to sleep early) that when I'm sitting down and doing nothing, it will result in me lapsing into a REM cycle.... >.<; There is always my wonderful mp3 player to keep me awake. *starts making playlist of trance music*

9/17/07 ~ Monday 5:40 pm (EDIT)

Status: cranky ~ Listening to: office noise

Doujinshi wank: elitism with a large side of stupidity

Discretion is the key word for Japanime downloads (or downloads in general.) If the true owner wants it off the net, it usually is taken off the net. If its not off the net, people don't usually bring it to the owner's attention with 'Hey! I'm sharing your stuff after you told me not to!' However, not all fans are this smart apparently.

Naruto doujinka (doujinshi artist) Rauhrief asks that her work to not be posted online without her permission. Naruto yaoi fan (in the U.S.,) Bhree posts on her blog that Rauhrief is trying to make money off "someone else's characters and making them have hot sex without the creator's permission." Even though the fan likes the doujinka's works (smex and all,) Bhree feels that the doujinka shouldn't talk about not posting scans for work she didn't originally create. (Except she did create the doujinshi that Bhree is drooling over.... *headdesk*)

This wouldn't be that bad except Bhree calls for fans to retaliate. How? Perhaps the words 'Let's make Rauhreif cry.' did it. Hm...I don't think Rauhreif would cry over elitiest fanbrats. As a response to this stupidity, the doujinka banned all U.S. and European users from accessing her site. Banned users will find a message from the doujinka.

"If this is Europe and America people's common view, I never permit the access from the foreign country. I do not say, "Do not scan and upload" for money...You say "Let's make Rauhreif cry" by selfish reason though you do not understand circumstances of doujin in Japan. Therefore, I also prohibit foreigner's accesses by selfish reason."

Even in Engrish, Rauhreif is totally right. There are MANY reasons in understanding the 'circumstances of doujin in Japan', but that is not the point here. Overreaction or not, you should not anger the one drawing the yummy yaoi. If you go the site rauhreif.jp now, depending on your IP address, you might see the site or the banned notice.

Doujinkas are also fanartists. In the world of the interwebs, rules of credit and copyright are hazy. Especially with differences in languages, communications are lost. However, keep it simple: lets try to keep the scanlators/doujinkas/scanners/translators/fanficcers/etc...and of course the mangakas happy. If not, those people might stop doing what we love so much and the world will explode. *nods* ^-^

9/16/07 ~ Sunday 11:45 pm

Status: calm ~ Listening to: Gomenasai - Tatu

2007 CCF Retreat: revisited

I'm back from the CCF retreat. The number of people who went was almost half the usual population: as expected since the retreat was scheduled two weeks into the school year and not many people are able to know and register. However, the atmosphere was no different then usual. We had some unexpected issues (between people) right before the retreat and another uneventful situation on saturday. Neither of the events had anything to do with me and everything else was fantastic. Here are highlights....

Moment 1: DDR...EXTREME!

On the way to the campsite, we stopped at a rest area to grab lunch. Besides the usual group of fast food chains, arcade area and vending machines, we discovered a DDR machine! $.75 per play...so cheap! Of course, the guys started playing. I don't play Extreme much so I didn't bother trying. Those extended steps are hard! Not to mention, the guys were busy showing off their moves. ^-^

Ooo...I bought mini cinnamon buns to share and they were ultra yummy. Of course, I got ice cream for myself too. ^.^

Moment 2: A real piano!

Upon arrival at the campsite, I discovered that the chapel had a baby grand piano. Yay! I didn't have to play on the keyboard. ^-^ So, besides the usual schedule of events, I spent my evenings at the piano and sleeping before 1am (except for last night when I slept at 2am. ^^;) Sleeping more is a good thing.

Moment 3: We're sharing the bathroom with guys?!?

The campsite actually had a bathroom in each room and it was 2 people to a room. Very nice. ^.^ To our surprise, we found that there was another door in the bathroom...leading to the next room. Upon opening the door we discovered all guys. O.o Thankfully, there was another bathroom in their room that didn't lead anywhere which they used. But between every two rooms was a conjoining bathroom. Of course, we kept the other door locked. It also locked from their side but people kept on unlocking it and trying to open the door. Kinda unnerving when I'm taking a shower. ^^;

Moment 4: Rocking chairs...everywhere....

The campsite made me feel like I was at a retirement home since there were rocking chairs everywhere. On the patio (where it was ultra cold, but we convinced our group leader to have meetings there anyway, ^.^) and inside the lobby. There were little rocking chairs too...that some of the guys and ultra skinny girls could sit in. Kawaii! ^.^

Moment 5: No trespassing!

There were boating facilities, but due to the lack of staff (and lifeguard,) we weren't able to go boating. Something funny and annoying was when we were walking to the boating area, we actually trespassed over a golf course. Except we didn't know we were trespassing. Since the view was so beautiful, we stopped to take pics, lay on the grass and rest. On the way back, we passed by the golf course office and a staff member stepped outside to talk to us. Staff: "You're trespassing over private property. You might get hit by a golf ball." Us: "Oh, sorry. We didn't know." Me: *whispers to self* Well, you don't have a sign or even a net/fence. The road is right next to the course.... >.< Us: "We'll tell them to get off the course now." There were still a large group of people leisurely walking back to the road. Us: *yelling* "Hurry up!" The group walked faster.

Just then a staff from inside the office starts shouting out the window. Inside staff: "GET OFF THE GRASS!" Me: O.o Okay...we know already.... Us: "Fai di! Fai di!" We started waving our arms and seeing the urgency, the group started running towards us. lol Other then the crazy staff, it was kinda funny. I wish I had a camera to take a pic of the group running. ^-^ Just one question...why didn't they tell us sooner? We were on the field for a good half hour. <.<

Moment 6: campfire snack = dog meat and instant noodles

On Saturday night, we had our usual campfire outside under the stars. It was fun and totally cold that by the end of the evening, all of us were standing in a really close circle around the fire. lol Every once in awhile we had to switch sides since one part of our body would get too hot. We joked around saying we were cooking dog meat (me and those born in 1982,) chicken (1981,) 'pork' (1983) and so on. ^-^

We didn't have marshmellows but we ate instant noodles and drank hot chocolate around the campfire. ^.^

Moment 7: Ano...why are we here?

I slept on the bus ride back, waking up every once in awhile to shift positions. (Butt sore. ^^;) I caught clues as to our locations. Me: Metro-North...we're in upper NY. Almost home! ^.^ Jersey City...we're in NJ? ?.? Holland Tunnel...we're going into Manhattan? O.o Next thing we knew, the bus somehow ended up in Chinatown. We didn't go into Manhattan when we were on our way to the campsite and we didn't expect to go through the city on our way back. Afterall, the city = traffic jams. <.<;

Since we had the unexpected detour, we had to stop by Flushing for bathroom and dinner break. (A group of Chinese raided the Mcd's on Northern.) Yummy...oreo mcflurry... ^.^ Even now, we have no idea why the bus driver decided to drive through the city.

I haven't spent that much time with CCF in a long while since I'm not able to attend friday fellowship and wednesday bible studies. (There is an upcoming tea house so I hope to attend that. ^^;) It was great being with everyone again.

9/13/07 ~ Thursday 9:40 am

Status: busy ~ Listening to: me typing

1 more hour for stuff....

I'm leaving at 10:30am for the retreat. Location of the year is PA. I'll be back on sunday. I still need to practice piano and finish packing a few things. *sigh* As usual, I doubt I'll be reachable by cell in the mountains. I'll call if I am. ^-^

So much to do and so little time. Rai signing out!

9/11/07 ~ Tuesday 2:35 pm

Status: busy ~ Listening to: office noise

through the eyes of a yaoi fangirl

As one of my co-worker pointed out, practically anything I see can have elements of yaoi. Afterall, many female fans would agree, 'Shounen Jump' is the harem of seme and uke lore. RL is no different....

Someone posted about her trip to Norway. Besides the beautiful scenery and delicious foods of cheese and pizza (not to mention the copious amounts of fish,) she made an interesting point during her visit to a museum in Bergen about 18th century merchants. Here is a clip of her entry....

"Another interesting thing about the Hanseatic Museum was when they showed us where the teenage apprentices slept -- two to a bed. Young traders were forbidden to have women, since the women would distract them from their trade routes. So, of course, my brain was thinking, "Young boys, sleeping two to a bed, not allowed to have women, plenty of access to nice, slippery fish oil..." Yes, folks, yaoi is everywhere." ~Sailormac on lj

The words 'slippery fish oil' just made me lol. ^.^

9/9/07 ~ Sunday 1:30 am

Status: peaceful ~ Listening to: Trinity Blood on tv

sharp grass

Today was the client's picnic. I was part of the children activities group: balloon popping and relay races. There were other games but I arrived late. ^^; The balloon popping game (as everyone should know) is when a balloon is tied to each ankle and you try to pop someone else's balloon while keeping yours in tact. (Why am I explaining this?!? ^^;) After we tied balloons to several children, ballons started popping all around us, but the game hadn't started yet...and it wasn't the kids' fault. Turns out, the grass (or whatever was in the grass) was popping the balloons. We had to move the game onto blankets so the balloons would be protected from the pointy grass. ^.^

The food was yummy and I wasn't bombarded with clients. Yay!

Chinatown and JUS

Afterwards, I went to Elizabeth Center to look for Rukia's butterfly pin. After confirming that it wasn't available, I walked around some more admiring the wonderful DS games that I will buy in the future (including the FMA game, 'Dual Sympathy.') I stopped by Teeriffic for bubble tea and mochi ice cream. Yummy, green tea ice cream.... I spent an hour there eating and playing JUS.

BTW, JUS is actually the 2nd game of it's kind. The first was 'Jump Super Stars' which was released in 2005. There are only 150+ characters in comparision to JUS which has 300+ characters. ^-^ Also, in JUS, there were improved gaming techniques as well. However, the series Hikaru no Go is not featured. At least Kurama is still there. *hugs Kurama plush*

The yaoi contagion continues!

It seems that I have infected two of my co-workers with BL and one of the two with yaoi. ^^; I introduced one of my Japanese co-workers to Loveless. She watched the anime and just finished the manga (all of which I lent her.) I'm going to get her the raws to vol. 7 and 8 so she doesn't have to wait. Afterall, she can read Japanese. ^.^

While waiting at court with my chinese co-worker, I started talking about anime in general. Okane ga Nai and Loveless was discussed. Yesterday, over lunch....

Co-worker: 'I watched an anime on youtube. It was boys love, but I forgot what it was called.'
Me: 'You watched a yaoi anime?!? O.o'
Co-worker: 'Yeah, it was about blond guys and dark hair guys were their pets.'
Me: 'I know this anime.... *thinks* Where does it take place? Japan? Ancient Japan? Sci-fi?'
Co-worker: 'I think it was sci-fi. There was something called Jupiter....
Me: 'O.O You watched Ai no Kusabi?!? It was on youtube?!? *faints*'

Somehow, she ended up watching Ai no Kusabi on youtube. I was shocked since 1) it was on youtube and 2) she actually watched the entire thing. We believe it was on youtube because the sex scenes were editted out. She said that there wasn't anything graphic. ^^; (Otherwise it would have been placed under a password.) I promised to get her the uneditted version...along with Loveless and a few other yaoi titles. Our conversation continued on to the super sad but totally awesome ending, the novel that is coming out in November and of course, pet rings. I guess I have to add this to my list of 'Things I never thought I'll talk about with my co-workers....'

9/7/07 ~ Friday 12:50 am

Status: accomplished ~ Listening to: Don't Push Me - Sweetbox

cels, gengas and dougas

I bought a genga/douga sketch set from the anime Loveless and they arrived today. I totally love them. ^.^ There are 31 sketches (not full sketches) and I was considering selling some of them. However, I change my mind. It's the complete cut from episode 5 and I can't part with them. ^^; All the sketches are so well done. Also, Soubi holding Ritsuka in his arms.... *fangirl squeal* I can't wait to get a kissing rilezu! *stares at rilezu site for updates*

I finally created a cel page. I don't know where to place the link yet, but click here to check it out. I have pics of cels/sketches that I have so far as well as links to the long explanations I typed up in January. I also have a renewed wishlist of cels that I want since I decided that my obsession with Loveless is worth spending all my money on and other cels can wait. ^^;

Once I figure out where to place the link, I'll let you guys know. ^.^

In other news....

Concerning the DS game, 'JUMP Ultimate Stars'...I'm almost done with level 1. lol I've been battling alot with my co-worker (who likes to beat the crap out of me) and figuring out all the Japanese. I unlocked some hidden characters as well. I haven't sewn a cover for my DS yet, but it goes everywhere with me. *hugs DS* Today, I finished the 20 round point battle! *cheers* Of course, I'm no. 1! ^^V There is the death match battle and the coin battle that I have to get through.... That is for tomorrow. I've been playing so much on the train that my fingers hurt. ^^; Must let my hands rest. Afterall, I have to practice piano for next week....

9/5/07 ~ Wednesday 11:00 am

Status: happy ~ Listening to: Can Only Hold You - Michael Leung and Jing Liang

back to the pictures

I resumed my random downloading of pics from Otakon (now a month ago) and I dream of finishing by this weekend (now weeks overdue.) *shrugs* Its a hobby and not a chore. I feel much better emotionally, but that is only because I don't have time to think lately. (I don't know if it is a good thing or a bad thing.... ^^;) I guess I better deal with this stuff before I relapse into self reflection induced sadness. I'll give you guys a heads up before that happens. ^^;

more plans

Next week is the CCF annual retreat. Interestingly, it starts on thursday rather than friday. I'll be back on Sunday. Location will be in PA. As usual, I'll be playing piano and we have choir practice tonight at Stony. That means I have to leave work on time today. ^-^

This saturday is my center's annual picnic for clients at *confidential location*. I'll be going as part of the children's committee. I'll be helping kids write santa letters so that they can get presents during the holiday party. ^.^ If the kids don't know what they want, I can always suggest a few things. Me: 'You can ask for manga.' Kid: 'What is manga?' Me: 'It is a comic book from Japan.' Kid: 'Okay....' And then later, a super rich guy (non-gender specific) who volunteer to 'answer' the kids' letters will contact the center. Guy: 'This child asked for manga. What is manga?' Children's Program Director: 'Manga?!?' Me: *grins*

Don't worry, I feel kids should read stuff appropriate to their age. I won't suggest anything graphic. ^.^ Pokemon is still one of my fav animes afterall. *hugs Pikachu*

9/2/07 ~ Sunday 12:40 am

Status: calm ~ Listening to: anime on tv

Two series in two days

I downloaded Mushishi for my co-worker (who is NOT an anime fan but loved this series) and decided to watch it. That's what I spent all of Friday doing. I actually woke up at a decent hour (before 1pm ^^;) and watched all 26 episodes. *.* Supernatural beings, a traveling Mushi expert and a very subdued atmosphere. Kinda like Shinigami no Ballad. The music for the series is also beautiful. Lots of piano pieces. *makes list to print out sheet music* ^.^

After waking at 4pm, I spent most of today (saturday) watching the 13 ep. of The Hakkenden, which was an anime recommended by another co-worker. She lent me her Japanese dvds but since there were no subtitles, I barely understood anything. So I ended up downloading it. ^^; Feudal Japan, warriors, samurai, hara-kiri...the usual historical/fantasy anime. The animation/art got really weird at episode 10. Ep. 10 was done in a very vague style with few details. The character's faces are sometimes smushed and out of shape. (Kinda like dream sequences.) However, the drawing style of all the other episodes before and after ep. 10 was in realistic style with details on faces and clothing. Makes me wonder if the animation director changed, got lazy...or was it done on purpose? I'm just glad that the animation returned to 'normal' since I couldn't stand the new art direction. All those smushed faces.... ^^;

I'm glad to have the time to watch anime since I hadn't had a anime marathon in awhile. (The Naruto marathon over the retreat doesn't count since I didn't get to watch everything! ^.^)