Today was a nice break. :)
So I didn't do anything until dinner time - I ate with Chelsie, Josh Shon, and Bacon. :) It's so rare to be with Chelsie and Bacon at the same time so I'm happy! All four of us ordered the same thing - meat jun. LOL! For only $4.99~ definitely Chelsie's kind of restaurant. Dinner was fun! And Josh treated all of us! >_< What a nice guy! さすが Chelsie's best friend! Chelsie and I waited with Bacon for her bus to arrive and I had so much time to kill because Mao says she doesn't get back until 10 PM. *dies* I ate at 6:30 PM... Luckily, Chunnie was working at Nijiya so I visited her there~ I was afraid I was being JAMA so I eventually stepped outside of the store. Her manager is so awesome - I have a puppy crush on him too. :3 Apparently, he had told Chun, "I told your friend you will be working for another hour here." In reality, he hasn't said anything to me and let Chun go earlier than usual because he didn't want to keep me waiting! How cute!!! >3< Apparently, they may be hiring in the winter so I hope I can get a job there! ^^
We headed to Kissaten, where Chun bought yummy lemonade. We chatted on the couch and sat right across a really cute boy. We kept making eye contact with each other (it can't be helped since we're sitting across from each other!) It made me happy. :)
Walking back to the apartment from Ala Moana was a little scary. I called Chun to keep me company as I walked~ it was a good distraction. Chun had said something funny so I exclaimed, "Oh my god, you are sooo cute" at the same time that two creepy guys were walking toward me. They thought I was talking about them and tried to approach me so I quickly ran away haha. She kept me company for a while...to the point that she said, "Sorry Jenna...um, this is awkward but I have to pee." LOLOLOL! I was like, "I'm sorry~ I'll hang up then." And she was like, "Noooo, I'm just giving you a warning in case you hear noise..." LOLOL. She is so cute! >3< We talked until I got to the front door haha. Lemon stopped by and I chatted non-stop to him it was embarassing. I think seeing friends put me in a good mood. :)
Friends really do make all the difference in the world! I was actually starting to feel depressed this afternoon. I wasn't able to pinpoint the reason until later...and it was because of the immense amount of debt and burden I felt toward Lemon. He continues to do so much for me. It would make sense if I was his girlfriend. But I'm not...so it doesn't feel right. And I don't feel right having him do me so many favors...yet, I can't stop him. I only hope he isn't one to play victim. I don't like people who do things for others and then act like victims later - when the others didn't even ask for it! For example, my girlfriend's ex held a grudge against her because he had bought her so many expensive gifts...yet she never asked for them. You can't feel sorry for a guy like that.
Anyway...I like doing things 2-3AM in the morning it seems.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Who would have thought I'd go home to relax?
Recap of yesterday: Don Quijote -> Hawaii Club Picnic -> Home -> Ala Moana -> Okonomiyaki Party -> Hawaii Kai Spitting Caves
We have a whopping number of 30 to 40 freshmen this year...as usual, we played some ice breakers. I was paired up with two Iolani boys (who appeared to know each other already and are like best friends). It was the most awkward thing ever. When they asked me what I liked about Willamette, I couldn't even answer them. It was so bad. I had a pretty bad sophomore year so the answer wasn't too obvious to me. My reason for liking Willamette used to be the people, but now all sorts of people there bother me...*COUGHhippiesthatdon'tflushthetoiletsCOUGH* We also did a scavenger hunt. Lemon and Mao left because Mao had an appointment at a beauty salon so I went home to take an hour nap. It was nice.
The haircut was a nice trim and she had gotten rid of her highlights...but I don't think it was worth $120!!! I was shocked. We took her to Ala Moana, but she didn't seem interested in shopping. Purikura was fun.
We also met Lemon's parents that night and had the most legit okonomiyaki party ever. I honestly never liked okonomiyaki and I've had it multiple times - at restaurants, friends making it...me making it. This is the first time I reallyyy enjoyed it. I must have gained another 2 kg that night. They made okonomiyaki Hiroshima style and Osaka style.
The batter included yamaimo - which was a first for me because I've only used flour and egg. They brought the standard yakisoba and also udon to to experiment with... すごくうまあかった！
I also brought papaya and starfruit for Mao...they are exotic fruits to her because they don't have them in Japan! How interesting. By the time we finished eating, it was already 10 PM! And we still went all the way to Hawaii Kai to see the spitting caves!
I really liked Lemon's parents. They're so cool. He acts so annoyed with them that it reminds me of my own family...but I think this must be normal for families, haha.
Today, Mao wants to go to Hanauma Bay with three TIUA and two Willamette students. I took this opportunity to go home and sleep (LOL!) Maybe it's just me being paranoid or thinking too much, but I felt a tension between the three of us. It could just be me who needed a break...
I'm also meeting Chelsie for dinner at Chodang tonight! *excited*
We have a whopping number of 30 to 40 freshmen this year...as usual, we played some ice breakers. I was paired up with two Iolani boys (who appeared to know each other already and are like best friends). It was the most awkward thing ever. When they asked me what I liked about Willamette, I couldn't even answer them. It was so bad. I had a pretty bad sophomore year so the answer wasn't too obvious to me. My reason for liking Willamette used to be the people, but now all sorts of people there bother me...*COUGHhippiesthatdon'tflushthetoiletsCOUGH* We also did a scavenger hunt. Lemon and Mao left because Mao had an appointment at a beauty salon so I went home to take an hour nap. It was nice.
The haircut was a nice trim and she had gotten rid of her highlights...but I don't think it was worth $120!!! I was shocked. We took her to Ala Moana, but she didn't seem interested in shopping. Purikura was fun.
We also met Lemon's parents that night and had the most legit okonomiyaki party ever. I honestly never liked okonomiyaki and I've had it multiple times - at restaurants, friends making it...me making it. This is the first time I reallyyy enjoyed it. I must have gained another 2 kg that night. They made okonomiyaki Hiroshima style and Osaka style.
The batter included yamaimo - which was a first for me because I've only used flour and egg. They brought the standard yakisoba and also udon to to experiment with... すごくうまあかった！
I also brought papaya and starfruit for Mao...they are exotic fruits to her because they don't have them in Japan! How interesting. By the time we finished eating, it was already 10 PM! And we still went all the way to Hawaii Kai to see the spitting caves!
I really liked Lemon's parents. They're so cool. He acts so annoyed with them that it reminds me of my own family...but I think this must be normal for families, haha.
Today, Mao wants to go to Hanauma Bay with three TIUA and two Willamette students. I took this opportunity to go home and sleep (LOL!) Maybe it's just me being paranoid or thinking too much, but I felt a tension between the three of us. It could just be me who needed a break...
I'm also meeting Chelsie for dinner at Chodang tonight! *excited*
Can I split my body into five parts?
Mao is here and I am happy, but I'm also very tired.
I'm torn because there are too many people I need to see and places to be and not enough time.
This is when people say you have to set your priorities straight and decide what you want to do MOST in order...But it's really not an easy decision to make and not so simple when you have other people to consider.
I have an exchange student from China suddenly telling me that he's coming to Hawaii tomorrow. He asked for my phone number because he wanted to hang out with me... the thing is, I barely know him and we barely talked. At the same time, I feel a sort of responsibility because I live here. I can't just leave him hanging by himself.
A college friend wants to go out to dinner tomorrow and introduce me to her best friend. I've heard alot about him for the past year so I am really enthusiastic about finally meeting him... but there is Mao to consider. I would bring her along if she wasn't so against meeting new people. She has expressed clearly that she was uncomfortable with people she didn't know. (I almost felt like I forced her to come to the Hawaii Club picnic today - I was only able to reassure her when I told her that other TIUA students will be there.)
When multiple friends from different groups want to see me on the same day, I consider gathering everyone together. Why don't we ALL eat lunch/dinner together at XX restaurant? However, this might make things awkward since they don't know each other...I don't think they would like it either.
Wednesday may be one of the craziest days. Mao is leaving, I have to work, a high school friend wants to hang out before he leaves for Chicago that week, another high school friend wants to hang out before she leaves for Connecticut, and two college friends from different groups want to hang out before they leave for Oregon that same week. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO. Can I split my body into five parts?
I'm torn because there are too many people I need to see and places to be and not enough time.
This is when people say you have to set your priorities straight and decide what you want to do MOST in order...But it's really not an easy decision to make and not so simple when you have other people to consider.
I have an exchange student from China suddenly telling me that he's coming to Hawaii tomorrow. He asked for my phone number because he wanted to hang out with me... the thing is, I barely know him and we barely talked. At the same time, I feel a sort of responsibility because I live here. I can't just leave him hanging by himself.
A college friend wants to go out to dinner tomorrow and introduce me to her best friend. I've heard alot about him for the past year so I am really enthusiastic about finally meeting him... but there is Mao to consider. I would bring her along if she wasn't so against meeting new people. She has expressed clearly that she was uncomfortable with people she didn't know. (I almost felt like I forced her to come to the Hawaii Club picnic today - I was only able to reassure her when I told her that other TIUA students will be there.)
When multiple friends from different groups want to see me on the same day, I consider gathering everyone together. Why don't we ALL eat lunch/dinner together at XX restaurant? However, this might make things awkward since they don't know each other...I don't think they would like it either.
Wednesday may be one of the craziest days. Mao is leaving, I have to work, a high school friend wants to hang out before he leaves for Chicago that week, another high school friend wants to hang out before she leaves for Connecticut, and two college friends from different groups want to hang out before they leave for Oregon that same week. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO. Can I split my body into five parts?
Mao Arrives in Hawaii ☆
Picked Mao up at noon, ate at Jimbo for lunch! Lemon was amused by how excited I was for Jimbo because it is a place he frequents for lunch (I've only been there once!) I ordered the special - tamago bukkake. <3
We went to Toma Karaokeand sang for...three to four hours. Everyone's voice was kind of dying toward the end, but Mao kept going. XD Lemon's bijin mom made a special guest appearance and sang two songs before we left for Senor Frogs in Waikiki, where friends were holding a surprise birthday party for Josh. After a while, Lemon told me that he had to leave to pick up his cousin and eat dinner with him (!!!) and that we don't have to worry because he'll come to pick us up. What kind of BS is that? T_T I thought were going to eat together...he should have told me earlier that he had plans, but he didn't. I knew he did it for me, but how irrational is that?! Grr! We didn't have to come just because I asked.
We drove back to Lemon's house, where Mao and I had fun looking at his baby pictures. I think that was the highlight of my day (besides the amazing lunch haha!) We ended up eating dinner at So Gong Dong because Curry House was full... Lemon is very cute with his cousin, Shane. Mao asked where Lemon's food was because he only ordered a large platter of meat jun and kalbi for Shane. He explained that he would eat only after Shane was done eating - how Chinese!
I grew up hearing this story again and again - how the older brother gave a pear to his little brother...I'm ashamed to say that I don't remember details despite it being drilled into my head at the time (I was a bad student) - but! The point is that the older child takes care of the younger one and makes sure they eat first or eat the larger portion of the food. I started to think that other points of Lemon were Chinese as well - his stubbornness and male pride.
After dinner, I was falling asleep. Well, I was sleepy since we finished karaoke at six - I just wanted to crash and sleep when the night hasn't started yet. I'm such an old lady. -_-;
But we had to go to Walmart because I needed a stupid blow dryer for my hair...When I mentioned wanting to cut it all off because it's 面倒くさい, Lemon said he wouldn't be my friend anymore unless I had cancer, in which case he would be my BEST friend. I picked out a bright pink one because I liked pink and it was the cheapest. Turns out that there is a good reason for the pink - a portion of the proceeds goes to the breast cancer research fund. Win-win situation. Yay! :)
When we got back, I fell asleep on Lemon's bed. I originally planned to sleep on the white bed because I liked sleeping by the window, but his mom instructed me with her large eyes to take YUMA'S bed. (What is that supposed to mean?! Ah!)
Anyway, his mom is crazy, fun, and truly a kind person! I can't get over what a big favor Lemon and his family is doing for me...it's like basically renting a free hotel room, except better because there is free karaoke, free food, and a chauffer thrown in at no extra charge.
When I think about what good friends I have, I feel so incredibly LUCKY. But yesterday made me feel like I truly was the luckiest girl in the entire world. Lemon made me so happy yesterday that I am able to forget all the times I was upset... but he is still a crazy and irrational person so I have to remind myself not to get caught up in all the sweetness.
We went to Toma Karaokeand sang for...three to four hours. Everyone's voice was kind of dying toward the end, but Mao kept going. XD Lemon's bijin mom made a special guest appearance and sang two songs before we left for Senor Frogs in Waikiki, where friends were holding a surprise birthday party for Josh. After a while, Lemon told me that he had to leave to pick up his cousin and eat dinner with him (!!!) and that we don't have to worry because he'll come to pick us up. What kind of BS is that? T_T I thought were going to eat together...he should have told me earlier that he had plans, but he didn't. I knew he did it for me, but how irrational is that?! Grr! We didn't have to come just because I asked.
We drove back to Lemon's house, where Mao and I had fun looking at his baby pictures. I think that was the highlight of my day (besides the amazing lunch haha!) We ended up eating dinner at So Gong Dong because Curry House was full... Lemon is very cute with his cousin, Shane. Mao asked where Lemon's food was because he only ordered a large platter of meat jun and kalbi for Shane. He explained that he would eat only after Shane was done eating - how Chinese!
I grew up hearing this story again and again - how the older brother gave a pear to his little brother...I'm ashamed to say that I don't remember details despite it being drilled into my head at the time (I was a bad student) - but! The point is that the older child takes care of the younger one and makes sure they eat first or eat the larger portion of the food. I started to think that other points of Lemon were Chinese as well - his stubbornness and male pride.
After dinner, I was falling asleep. Well, I was sleepy since we finished karaoke at six - I just wanted to crash and sleep when the night hasn't started yet. I'm such an old lady. -_-;
But we had to go to Walmart because I needed a stupid blow dryer for my hair...When I mentioned wanting to cut it all off because it's 面倒くさい, Lemon said he wouldn't be my friend anymore unless I had cancer, in which case he would be my BEST friend. I picked out a bright pink one because I liked pink and it was the cheapest. Turns out that there is a good reason for the pink - a portion of the proceeds goes to the breast cancer research fund. Win-win situation. Yay! :)
When we got back, I fell asleep on Lemon's bed. I originally planned to sleep on the white bed because I liked sleeping by the window, but his mom instructed me with her large eyes to take YUMA'S bed. (What is that supposed to mean?! Ah!)
Anyway, his mom is crazy, fun, and truly a kind person! I can't get over what a big favor Lemon and his family is doing for me...it's like basically renting a free hotel room, except better because there is free karaoke, free food, and a chauffer thrown in at no extra charge.
When I think about what good friends I have, I feel so incredibly LUCKY. But yesterday made me feel like I truly was the luckiest girl in the entire world. Lemon made me so happy yesterday that I am able to forget all the times I was upset... but he is still a crazy and irrational person so I have to remind myself not to get caught up in all the sweetness.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Why am I so...crazy.
And I was wondering why I was feeling LKDJRWE(E^%!@!(*@&!*!!*&^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! today.
I thought it was due to a certain somebody...
And maybe so, but it was the work of mother nature.
I thought I had skipped a month, but I'm just two weeks late.
In a way, I am relieved.
I didn't understand why I was so upset exactly.
This gives me an explanation...some sort of justification.
*LE SIGH*
IN OTHER NEWSSS...
Dun, dun, dun!
If you don't understand, then forget it. :)
Also, please excuse the mess in the background.
WTF I'M TURNING 20 IN EXACTLY A WEEK.
No....!
I thought it was due to a certain somebody...
And maybe so, but it was the work of mother nature.
I thought I had skipped a month, but I'm just two weeks late.
In a way, I am relieved.
I didn't understand why I was so upset exactly.
This gives me an explanation...some sort of justification.
*LE SIGH*
IN OTHER NEWSSS...
Dun, dun, dun!
If you don't understand, then forget it. :)
Also, please excuse the mess in the background.
WTF I'M TURNING 20 IN EXACTLY A WEEK.
No....!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
A note...
I noticed I have mixed some Japanese in my blog.
Lately, I can't help but speak Japlish - mixing Japanese and English together - because that's how people talk at work. And how I talk to friends. (Of course, Chinglish with those who are Chinese.)
Some Japanese words simply fit better than English.
Ahh well. I want to be qua-lingal (English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean).
My dream.
Getting there! :)
Lately, I can't help but speak Japlish - mixing Japanese and English together - because that's how people talk at work. And how I talk to friends. (Of course, Chinglish with those who are Chinese.)
Some Japanese words simply fit better than English.
Ahh well. I want to be qua-lingal (English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean).
My dream.
Getting there! :)
Four topics in one post. I talk alot. :)
BOO! Greetings, Earthlings! I really need to do something about my annoying hair. If anything, I should at least be cast as an extra in a horror film. :3 I need to trim my bangs. I want to cut it short.
But more than that, I want to get a digital perm (x100!!!)
I think I will even though I literally have nothing in my checking account.
I will dive into my savings (which is also dwindling).
Because I'm desperate like that.
Because it's all I think about.
Because I want to feel pretty for once.
Because I'm vain like that.
Because I've been dreaming about getting one for an entire year.
Because I can't wait until I go to Japan.
Because I want one NOW.
Every time I spend so much as a dollar, I make note of it in my planner. SO! I calculated my spending for the past month of June and discovered that I have used up a whopping $280! I haven't shopped that much so what exactly did I spend all this money on?
The culprit: food and drinks.
Hanging out with friends really take a toll on my wallet. There's not much you can do when you're outside. And I don't ever want to sacrifice seeing them!
I love my social life! ☆
それだけじゃなくて, I get immensely depressed when I'm home for too long. It's not an irrational depression - 残念ながら、ただ… not a good environment to be in~
--
Switching topics!
Although I am very materialistic, I noticed that most girls I know own so much more things than I do.
And although I always have the desire to shop, I somehow feel very happy and proud to own so little. Does that make sense?
When I first started getting my own money from working, I bought anything that was cute and on sale.I still love a great bargain - the feeling of getting something worth more than its price makes me feel great inside - but I'm careful not to jump on an item just because it's a good deal.
I like owning few things that I truly love rather than owning many things that are simply meh.
Not having money puts makes me more conscious of my spending habits so that I'm careful to avoid mistake purchases. I hate it when I make mistake purchases because it feels like such a waste. It takes up space and I don't know what to do with it. (My friends aren't interested, selling online is difficult, and I don't feel nice enough to donate it when the item is perfectly new and I spent good money on it.)
--
Switching topics again!
Have you ever been in a situation where two group of friends dislike each other? Am I so terrible if I want to hang out with everyone because I like everyone...? Needing to deal with this is annoying and childish, but I still feel a slight guilt knowing how much one hates the other - like I've betrayed her or something.
--
Switching again!
Work has been getting better and better! Yay! ^o^
For a while now, I felt used and utterly bored at work. They were making me do menial tasks - tasks that needed to be done but nobody wanted to do it because it was so 面倒くさい～例えばhousecleaningとか…でもね、私はかつて不満はなかった。
I almost wanted to quit because I felt like I was wasting my time. I wasn't learning anything and none of the work I did required a brain. But this doesn't mean I slacked! I have a strong will and always give everything my best because I want to be a good worker. They know I have an interest in design so they are nice to give me as much design work as possible. ^^
Last Friday, I spent 8 hours designing sample covers for our magazine fall issue! I was very happy that they actually liked my work more than their professional graphic design team! They also really like my photographs (even though I don't own a fancy camera) and have used it for their company website and articles. I don't receive credit for it, nor do I get paid for my work, but the fact that they are always so impressed with my work makes me feel good. People tell me this opens a window for future opportunities. I certainly hope so!
I don't like the idea of having an office job and sitting behind the desk all day, but time goes by much faster when I'm doing art related work. ☆
I hope I have more exciting news to report in the coming days!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Dinner at 3PM is my style
Because I worked 10 hours last Friday and 10 hours this past Tuesday, I was able to take the day off today (yay!)
I spent the morning watching random videos (wasting time!) and on the phone with my friend, who is still in Oregon but will be flying back home TOMORROW. I'm really excited because we made plans to visit the Contemporary Art Museum, which I have never visited. I love going to new places! They also happen to be hosting an art festival on the day we plan to meet up (Saturday)! ^__^
I spent the afternoon with my friends over an early dinner at the Yard House in Waikiki. We chose to arrive around 3PM on purpose because we wanted to take advantage of the Happy Hour, lol.
Our waiter was friendly, but it's something that made sense when we discovered the required 18% tip ($25!) we had to pay at the end of our meal. Two of my friends and I ordered iced tea, which turned out to be $3.25! It wasn't even anything special - I could be drinking water. -_-;;; We made sure to get two refills so it's like paying $1 for each glass, lol.
I only ordered a small organic tomato bisque ($4.25) because I had a sore throat and the roof of my mouth was bleeding yesterday... I have no idea why, but it has been in a terrible condition for the last week. I'm not sick because my condition hasn't worsened - but they haven't improved either. ^^; Ahh, I hope it goes away soon!
Although I told myself I shouldn't eat any fried food while I was in such a condition, I couldn't help myself when it comes to calamari:
The calamari here is delicious!!! The breaded panko layer is crispy and the inside is soft. I can only remember having calamari at Genki Sushi and the irs is harder to eat. The soup was too salty for my taste (is it terrible to admit that my school cafeteria actually makes it better?) with a tiny portion that was not worth the price. However, I think I ended up eating more calamari than I should have...nobody else was eating it and I hated seeing food wasted.
Everyone agreed that the dessert was the best part! I had my first crème brûlée, which was topped with caramelized bananas. It's like pudding...flan...custard. My favorite! I love the soft texture and the subtle sweetness!
The bill came out to be $167.07...quite expensive. I paid for it with my card because I never have enough cash, but now I have all this cash from everyone. I have to be careful and wise about this... ^^;
I don't usually like to eat out because I need to save money but when I do, it's always for the company. Whenever a bunch of us can gather and hang out like this, I always feel incredibly LUCKY and SPECIAL. I never take being able to hang out with my friends for granted because they all have such BUSY SCHEDULES. ^^;
After "dinner", Joyce and I just hung around (but didn't buy anything!) and took purikura. It was a nice day!
I spent the morning watching random videos (wasting time!) and on the phone with my friend, who is still in Oregon but will be flying back home TOMORROW. I'm really excited because we made plans to visit the Contemporary Art Museum, which I have never visited. I love going to new places! They also happen to be hosting an art festival on the day we plan to meet up (Saturday)! ^__^
I spent the afternoon with my friends over an early dinner at the Yard House in Waikiki. We chose to arrive around 3PM on purpose because we wanted to take advantage of the Happy Hour, lol.
Our waiter was friendly, but it's something that made sense when we discovered the required 18% tip ($25!) we had to pay at the end of our meal. Two of my friends and I ordered iced tea, which turned out to be $3.25! It wasn't even anything special - I could be drinking water. -_-;;; We made sure to get two refills so it's like paying $1 for each glass, lol.
I only ordered a small organic tomato bisque ($4.25) because I had a sore throat and the roof of my mouth was bleeding yesterday... I have no idea why, but it has been in a terrible condition for the last week. I'm not sick because my condition hasn't worsened - but they haven't improved either. ^^; Ahh, I hope it goes away soon!
Although I told myself I shouldn't eat any fried food while I was in such a condition, I couldn't help myself when it comes to calamari:
The calamari here is delicious!!! The breaded panko layer is crispy and the inside is soft. I can only remember having calamari at Genki Sushi and the irs is harder to eat. The soup was too salty for my taste (is it terrible to admit that my school cafeteria actually makes it better?) with a tiny portion that was not worth the price. However, I think I ended up eating more calamari than I should have...nobody else was eating it and I hated seeing food wasted.
Everyone agreed that the dessert was the best part! I had my first crème brûlée, which was topped with caramelized bananas. It's like pudding...flan...custard. My favorite! I love the soft texture and the subtle sweetness!
The bill came out to be $167.07...quite expensive. I paid for it with my card because I never have enough cash, but now I have all this cash from everyone. I have to be careful and wise about this... ^^;
I don't usually like to eat out because I need to save money but when I do, it's always for the company. Whenever a bunch of us can gather and hang out like this, I always feel incredibly LUCKY and SPECIAL. I never take being able to hang out with my friends for granted because they all have such BUSY SCHEDULES. ^^;
After "dinner", Joyce and I just hung around (but didn't buy anything!) and took purikura. It was a nice day!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
North Shore
This past Friday, I hopped on a Japanese-only North Shore tour for a photoshoot at work. The tour was smaller than I thought and consisted of nine people (including myself, Masa the tour operator, and my co-worker Yunmi.) It was apparently off-season since summer break doesn't start until JULY for the Japanese (I feel so lucky!) Everyone was kind but treated me like an alien because I could speak Japanese (haha!) I had to explain to everyone that I was born and raised in Hawaii. Wherever I go, I always have to explain that I am an American. I guess it's not obvious. Perhaps I need to tan.
This guy went on the North Shore tour with his family. Most old people have serious faces, but he was always smiling. When we ate lunch at Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp Truck, I saw him share his food with his wife. He is very sweet. <3 I want to have that kind of relationship when I'm that old, haha. Although he couldn't speak a word of English, he still spoke to me (in Japanese only) and I was impressed because most people are shy and don't even try to speak to someone not from Japan. He told me that he was from Matsumoto (松本市) in Nagano Prefecture (長野県). At the end of the trip, I was a little sad with the thought that I probably won't see him again. I was touched by his kindness.
I tried Matsumoto Shave Ice for the first time.
And I call myself a local?
I know, I know.
There's always that crazy long line. I hate long lines. But I waited this time...and discovered why it's so popular! It's cheap, the ice doesn't melt too fast, and the small is like a large for me! I ordered the sour li hing mui, green tea, and lemonade with azuki red beans. I didn't care too much for the green tea and lemonade, but the sour li hing mui was amazing!
Does anyone have any recommendations for what flavors to try next time? ^^
The trip was interesting but very exhausting. After eight hours of NIHONGO, I really just wanted to find someone who could speak English.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sleeping and eating...
Ok, so this fatigue I've been experiencing since the start of this week is getting a little ridiculous! I wake up at 7am, work until 1pm, eat lunch, and then collapse into bed for a 3 hour heavy coma-like nap. I don't wake up until someone calls me for dinner. What is this nonsense?! One would think that I would feel refreshed and energized after such a generous nap, but I still feel exhausted the rest of the night. I even go to bed before midnight (about 4 hours earlier than usual!) so it's not because I sleep late. Maybe my body is finally starting to catch up on the all the lack of sleep during the school year?
But sleep is a good thing right? I've been getting about 10+ hours a day. Most people are satisfied with 7 hours, but I've learned that the perfect amount of sleep for me is 8-9 hours. It's not so little that I want to sleep more and not so much that I feel tired waking up.
I guess I feel regretful that time is slipping away without my having done much. >__< Last week, I only worked 3 hours a day so I was able to eat out and hang out with friends every single day. As a result, I've lost money and gained weight in return. I like the weight gain in certain places and not others...hahaha! ^^ It's horrifying how much money I've spent on food alone. I vowed that I would start making my own lunch everyday starting...today! ^^
Today's lunch:
There are somen noodles on the bottom, but you can't see them because the toppings overwhelm, haha.
But sleep is a good thing right? I've been getting about 10+ hours a day. Most people are satisfied with 7 hours, but I've learned that the perfect amount of sleep for me is 8-9 hours. It's not so little that I want to sleep more and not so much that I feel tired waking up.
I guess I feel regretful that time is slipping away without my having done much. >__< Last week, I only worked 3 hours a day so I was able to eat out and hang out with friends every single day. As a result, I've lost money and gained weight in return. I like the weight gain in certain places and not others...hahaha! ^^ It's horrifying how much money I've spent on food alone. I vowed that I would start making my own lunch everyday starting...today! ^^
Today's lunch:
There are somen noodles on the bottom, but you can't see them because the toppings overwhelm, haha.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Two Weeks into Summer 2011
So the first day of work wasn't that big of a deal. I was given mundane tasks - such as sticking labels on magazines and keeping a record of our clients on Microsoft Excel. My manager says that with this done, we can start afresh tomorrow (yippee?) I say she is my manager, but in reality she is only a few years older than me. Doesn't the word manager just make you think oldddd though? I pictured a middle-aged woman. I didn't mind the work she gave me because I like to think that you have to start small if you want to learn and get somewhere (eventually). The fact that she herself had to do this before I came along also comforted me, hehe. ^^ I hope to do exciting things soon!
After work, I waited for all of my friends at the bus stop because we all arranged to have a lunch date! <3 I had originally planned to meet one friend, but the number kept increasing (to almost about 12 people!) I was worried that there wouldn't be enough seating in the tiny crepe house as originally planned, especially after my sister warned me that it gets busy during lunch hour!
At the bus stop, a guy started to strike up a conversation with me!
I was waiting for the conversation to die down, as they normally do among strangers, but he kept asking question after question. I realized he was trying really hard to keep up the conversation and I wasn't helping. ^^; I was sneaky and pretended to play with my phone to avoid awkward conversation, but he was oblivious and continued talking to me, lol! He asked me if I was going to school here, what I was studying, etc. When I told him that I was an art major and that I loved doing portraits, he asked if I could do a portrait of him. Honestly, I don't think I would mind because he's very good looking with beautiful hazel eyes.
I responded, "Maybe I'll draw you if I see you next time."
He replied coolly, "Oh, I'm pretty sure we'll see each other often. I leave in August too."
(Wait - how did he know? I never told him...but I guess it's easy assumption to make. But why does he seem so certain we'll meet again?)
He told me that he was from Florida and that he was here as an intern for Hawaiian Airlines! He also said that he noticed me earlier and wanted to give me his umbrella because I looked so scared of the rain. LOL! He offered me his umbrella, saying that he didn't use it anyway! I cut our conversation short when I told him that my friends were already on the bus waiting for me.
I am usually very wary when talking to strangers because I live in the dangerous part of town. I hope he is the friendly guy that I think he is because he knows where I go to school and how old I am. I don't know anything about him because I didn't ask. However, it was very refreshing to talk to someone new! I wonder if I'll see him again?
I ended up seeing five of my friends for lunch - my sister also came to join us!
It was a pretty big group, so I didn't really get to do the catching up that I had planned. I learned that it's more difficult for me to talk to big groups and that I enjoy talking to people one-on one. This may be why I feel more comfortable at intimate parties rather than big parties...
I ordered the veggie crepe ($6)! It had a chock full of spinach, which I love, but I would have preferred it to be cooked spinach as opposed to raw. I dislike raw vegetables - they make me feel like a rabbit. I want to come back and order a sweet crepe! ^^
I rested at home for a bit before doing a little job hunting.
Why is it so difficult to find a job? >_<
If I can't find one, I should be using the time to work on improving various skills I have...studying, for instance.
Ahaha...I need discipline!!!
On a random note (wow, this is getting long!) I have started reading books again!
Yayyyy! I visited the library this past Saturday and it was actually open for once (the past three times I visited was a big fail). Although I read at school, I feel like I haven't read since forever because they weren't reading for enjoyment. I also missed manga. <3 I am currently reading the novel The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger .
I love a good love story and I wanted to read the book before I watched the movie. ^^
After work, I waited for all of my friends at the bus stop because we all arranged to have a lunch date! <3 I had originally planned to meet one friend, but the number kept increasing (to almost about 12 people!) I was worried that there wouldn't be enough seating in the tiny crepe house as originally planned, especially after my sister warned me that it gets busy during lunch hour!
At the bus stop, a guy started to strike up a conversation with me!
I was waiting for the conversation to die down, as they normally do among strangers, but he kept asking question after question. I realized he was trying really hard to keep up the conversation and I wasn't helping. ^^; I was sneaky and pretended to play with my phone to avoid awkward conversation, but he was oblivious and continued talking to me, lol! He asked me if I was going to school here, what I was studying, etc. When I told him that I was an art major and that I loved doing portraits, he asked if I could do a portrait of him. Honestly, I don't think I would mind because he's very good looking with beautiful hazel eyes.
I responded, "Maybe I'll draw you if I see you next time."
He replied coolly, "Oh, I'm pretty sure we'll see each other often. I leave in August too."
(Wait - how did he know? I never told him...but I guess it's easy assumption to make. But why does he seem so certain we'll meet again?)
He told me that he was from Florida and that he was here as an intern for Hawaiian Airlines! He also said that he noticed me earlier and wanted to give me his umbrella because I looked so scared of the rain. LOL! He offered me his umbrella, saying that he didn't use it anyway! I cut our conversation short when I told him that my friends were already on the bus waiting for me.
I am usually very wary when talking to strangers because I live in the dangerous part of town. I hope he is the friendly guy that I think he is because he knows where I go to school and how old I am. I don't know anything about him because I didn't ask. However, it was very refreshing to talk to someone new! I wonder if I'll see him again?
I ended up seeing five of my friends for lunch - my sister also came to join us!
It was a pretty big group, so I didn't really get to do the catching up that I had planned. I learned that it's more difficult for me to talk to big groups and that I enjoy talking to people one-on one. This may be why I feel more comfortable at intimate parties rather than big parties...
I ordered the veggie crepe ($6)! It had a chock full of spinach, which I love, but I would have preferred it to be cooked spinach as opposed to raw. I dislike raw vegetables - they make me feel like a rabbit. I want to come back and order a sweet crepe! ^^
I rested at home for a bit before doing a little job hunting.
Why is it so difficult to find a job? >_<
If I can't find one, I should be using the time to work on improving various skills I have...studying, for instance.
Ahaha...I need discipline!!!
On a random note (wow, this is getting long!) I have started reading books again!
Yayyyy! I visited the library this past Saturday and it was actually open for once (the past three times I visited was a big fail). Although I read at school, I feel like I haven't read since forever because they weren't reading for enjoyment. I also missed manga. <3 I am currently reading the novel The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger .
I love a good love story and I wanted to read the book before I watched the movie. ^^
Monday, June 6, 2011
Why so tired?
I don't know why, but I've been waking up so late these past few days. This past Saturday and Sunday, I woke up at a little before noon. I was shocked, because I thought it was around 9am and I never wake up this late! I also go to bed by midnight, which is way earlier than I did during the school year. It's difficult to get out of bed because my body feels so heavy. I also spend the day feeling extremely tired and listless. Have I used up all my energy sleeping??? Does this even make sense?
It's been about two weeks since I got back and I'm spending it happily and lazily~♪ I got to hang out with my family (surprisingly!), see my old high school friends, and meet up with Willamette ones too. ^^
I start my official first day of my internship tomorrow so I will have to force myself out of bed this time. I'm really excited! I really like everyone that I met at the orientation and I want them to like me too. They are what I want to become someday after graduation haha. ^^ I have no idea what is in store for me and I still lack the confidence in my abilities, but I'm going to try my best!
One thing's for sure: I need to take more photographs!!!
It's been about two weeks since I got back and I'm spending it happily and lazily~♪ I got to hang out with my family (surprisingly!), see my old high school friends, and meet up with Willamette ones too. ^^
I start my official first day of my internship tomorrow so I will have to force myself out of bed this time. I'm really excited! I really like everyone that I met at the orientation and I want them to like me too. They are what I want to become someday after graduation haha. ^^ I have no idea what is in store for me and I still lack the confidence in my abilities, but I'm going to try my best!
One thing's for sure: I need to take more photographs!!!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Packing Hell
I don't think most people realize how mentally and physically straining packing is. I thought I didn't have much, but things kept multiplying as I packed. I spent three days straight mostly packing. I was so stressed out that I even cried a little today between packing and taiko performances. I don't know if it was my nerves that caused this (or the other way around), but I started to have a massive stomachache that gave me chill shocks throughout my body. I felt so cold. It was different from the flu and I know I'm not sick. This made the packing process more difficult, but it was better than resting in bed because I was more conscious of the sharp pains nabbing me. Forcing myself to move around was a good distraction. ^^;
After 1 large box, 2 medium boxes, 3 small boxes, a suitcase, and two makeshift garbage bags storing miscellaneous items, I'm done! I'm writing this because I made it...!
Finally!
I've always done packing on my own since freshman year. Everyone always has friends to help them, but I somehow end up doing everything myself. ^^; I don't mind~ it's a good way to build strength. Right now, I'm just waiting for a vacuum cleaner. And my friends to come get me and carry my things to their room. I'm going to secretly stay in her room for the next 5 days before boarding a train for Vancouver...! It's not even 9PM yet, but I'm so tired that I want to go to bed already.
After 1 large box, 2 medium boxes, 3 small boxes, a suitcase, and two makeshift garbage bags storing miscellaneous items, I'm done! I'm writing this because I made it...!
Finally!
I've always done packing on my own since freshman year. Everyone always has friends to help them, but I somehow end up doing everything myself. ^^; I don't mind~ it's a good way to build strength. Right now, I'm just waiting for a vacuum cleaner. And my friends to come get me and carry my things to their room. I'm going to secretly stay in her room for the next 5 days before boarding a train for Vancouver...! It's not even 9PM yet, but I'm so tired that I want to go to bed already.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Finished
Okay, so I actually got through all four finals today.
CRAZY ISN'T IT (!!!)
I literally jumped for joy when I got back to my room around 7:30PM!
But now that it's all over, a bunch of realizations and mixed feelings just came crashing down on me...
I just finished my second year in college.
My friends (seniors) ARE LEAVING MEFOREVER.
I'm going to Vancouver to see JYJ next week.
I'M DONE.
I don't know how I feel right now. Slightly confused?
CRAZY ISN'T IT (!!!)
I literally jumped for joy when I got back to my room around 7:30PM!
But now that it's all over, a bunch of realizations and mixed feelings just came crashing down on me...
I just finished my second year in college.
My friends (seniors) ARE LEAVING ME
I'm going to Vancouver to see JYJ next week.
I'M DONE.
I don't know how I feel right now. Slightly confused?
Friday, May 6, 2011
Taiko Cake
Despite everything that I said earlier, the taiko cake turned out to be a great success! ^o^
I can't believe half of it was eaten! It was more than I expected and it made me happy. Layers from top to bottom: butter, confetti, chocolate, and vanilla.
Through skill and perseverance (<- I have a hard time remembering how to spell/pronounce this word! Erghh!), my friend and I managed to pull it off!
...but after two days straight of parties and cakes, I WANT NO MORE.
The most honest truth is that I don't actually like cake.
I just made myself think that because everyone else loves cake.
The fact that cake is also often used for special occasions and regarded as a real treat also makes the idea of cake so much more attractive. But when I think about taste (regardless of the flavor), I'm not too fond of it.
I don't like a lot of food that seem to be popular with others, such as ice cream, beef...and burgers.
...yep! I quite fond of things that people tend to think are gross, such as seaweed and mushrooms! ^^;
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
We partied so much tonight. It was a party for the three boys who are May babies. <3
I was seriously the ONLY yellow person in the entire apartment (red "Asian" glow all around!)
Drunk people get reallyyyy intimate.
People were all over me.
And one of my good girl friends humped my leg...
I didn't even realize it until later! I'm still pretty shocked!
Morgan once told me that I had a "strong heart" and that made me feel good. :)
I don't need alcohol to get high because I have my natural high.
I'm the only sober one, but I can act crazy with the drunks because I'm silly like that!
A drunk friend actually walked me back to my dorm (on opposite sides of campus!) even though I insisted that I should be walking him instead. I couldn't shake him off. ^^;
Overall, it was a really good night~ my dream is to wake up early tomorrow morning to go to the gym...but it's 3AM so I doubt that will happen. LE SIGH.
Good night!
I was seriously the ONLY yellow person in the entire apartment (red "Asian" glow all around!)
Drunk people get reallyyyy intimate.
People were all over me.
And one of my good girl friends humped my leg...
I didn't even realize it until later! I'm still pretty shocked!
Morgan once told me that I had a "strong heart" and that made me feel good. :)
I don't need alcohol to get high because I have my natural high.
I'm the only sober one, but I can act crazy with the drunks because I'm silly like that!
A drunk friend actually walked me back to my dorm (on opposite sides of campus!) even though I insisted that I should be walking him instead. I couldn't shake him off. ^^;
Overall, it was a really good night~ my dream is to wake up early tomorrow morning to go to the gym...but it's 3AM so I doubt that will happen. LE SIGH.
Good night!
Fail
Ahh, what an exhausting day! You would think that today would be fabulous because it's the first day I get to enjoy no classes and no work.
But it wasn't.
Because the taiko cake that I mentioned in the previous post didn't go as planned.
I knew that I would not be able to avoid getting scoldings from her, but she can blame me only because I foolishly undertook the task of baking the cakes myself. If she baked the cakes and the same thing happened, she couldn't blame me.
She also implied that the recipe we chose was my fault because I seemed so confident that it would work. The only reason why I offered this recipe was actually for her sake. I knew how much she loved to save money and thought that this would be the perfect solution. I didn't expect the cake to fall apart so easily.
Despite these problems, I somehow feel confident that the cake will work out. I saved the bottom layer, which was in the worst condition out of the four. I can save the rest if necessary.
But gawd.
I'm always trying so hard so please give me a break.
But it wasn't.
Because the taiko cake that I mentioned in the previous post didn't go as planned.
I knew that I would not be able to avoid getting scoldings from her, but she can blame me only because I foolishly undertook the task of baking the cakes myself. If she baked the cakes and the same thing happened, she couldn't blame me.
She also implied that the recipe we chose was my fault because I seemed so confident that it would work. The only reason why I offered this recipe was actually for her sake. I knew how much she loved to save money and thought that this would be the perfect solution. I didn't expect the cake to fall apart so easily.
Despite these problems, I somehow feel confident that the cake will work out. I saved the bottom layer, which was in the worst condition out of the four. I can save the rest if necessary.
But gawd.
I'm always trying so hard so please give me a break.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Today was the last day of classes.
But for some reason, I didn't realize it. Haha.
It's been so nice to be able to sleep in after an entire school semester! Although waking up earlier to get extra stuff done is very appealing. I am overjoyed that I am finally done with classes, but I feel lost at the same time. I realize that I feel this way every time my routine is thrown off schedule. (I didn't realize that I am a routine person until now!) The days between now and next week Tuesday are actually our study days so I have to keep that in mind and use my "free" time wisely!
I had another anxiety attack today because I had to write three essays before each of my classes! When this happens, my heart starts racing and my hands tremble a bit. My fear for writing is great. I later found out that one of the essays isn't even due until next week Monday. I am still recovering from the shock... >_<
Tomorrow, I am going to bake a taiko cake for our seniors and it's going to be a surprise! The cake will be massive and resemble a taiko drum! I will post pictures soon~ ^^
But for some reason, I didn't realize it. Haha.
It's been so nice to be able to sleep in after an entire school semester! Although waking up earlier to get extra stuff done is very appealing. I am overjoyed that I am finally done with classes, but I feel lost at the same time. I realize that I feel this way every time my routine is thrown off schedule. (I didn't realize that I am a routine person until now!) The days between now and next week Tuesday are actually our study days so I have to keep that in mind and use my "free" time wisely!
I had another anxiety attack today because I had to write three essays before each of my classes! When this happens, my heart starts racing and my hands tremble a bit. My fear for writing is great. I later found out that one of the essays isn't even due until next week Monday. I am still recovering from the shock... >_<
Tomorrow, I am going to bake a taiko cake for our seniors and it's going to be a surprise! The cake will be massive and resemble a taiko drum! I will post pictures soon~ ^^
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Saikin.
I was so close to deleting this blog.
Just because I've been at it for so long (since I was 15?) and what I post wasn't very interesting and somewhat depressing.
I'm afraid to read my older posts.
It makes me cringe!
>-<
Although I haven't been taking pictures lately (feeling uninspired!), I do feel inspired to at least write more.
Wednesday 4/27
- I skipped class for the second time in my life. It was a studio day. Since I didn't start filming yet, I had nothing to work on. These are excuses, I know, but I don't regret it.
- The mouse clickers on my new Dell laptop have been broken for the past two weeks, but a Dell technician finally came and fixed it! I didn't know Dell offered such services. ^-^ I really don't have any luck when it comes to electronics, do I? I'm only glad that it broke while I still have my warranty going... >-< The technician looked like my sister's age. I don't know why I expected an old man instead, but I was surprised. ^^; He took apart my entire laptop and it was a little frightening to see all the small parts and screws and wires...it makes me wonder, will you remember how to put it all back together? But he did and like magic, I can left and right click! Yay! I was almost getting used to using my touchpad, but it's nice to be able to click again. <3
- In the afternoon, I did a photoshoot with Kat and Ally's dolls. They're beautiful dolls and I'm thankful that they allowed me to use them. I hope the photographs come out well! ^-^
- I was invited to the Honors and Awards Ceremony in the evening and it turns out that I won a scholarship from the Japanese and Chinese department! ^-^ Yay! Fujiwara sensei said that it was a difficult decision because there were many good students so I'm very happy I was chosen! Ho ho! ^-^
- Cat helped me film my final video project after the ceremony was over at around 9PM. It will be dark and awesome! My previous videos have been lighthearted and kitschy (I like to make people smile), so this will be completely different. I hope to catch my professor by surprise. She likes this sort of thing. ^-^
- I called up my best friend back home to chat and it was really nice to hear her voice. <3 I can't wait to see her in a month~!
- I need to work with my roommate on her English pronunciation. =^-^= She was trying to explain a Japanese word to me and said what sounded like, "...a person who is sexless." I was very confused, so I glanced at her dictionary and realized that she was trying to say thankless. I had a good laugh!
Thursday (Today!)
- I got to sleep in for the first time because there was no Japanese class! It felt amazing! ^3^
- I had an orange and chocolate covered kakimochi (rice crackers) for breakfast. I didn't even know that chocolate kakimochi existed, but apparently they do and it works! I love sweet and salty snacks! ^o^
- I had a BIGGG lunch - the big bowl of the udon special with scallops and bacon okonomiyaki. Nom, nom, nom! I couldn't stop eating and now I'm so full! >-<
Just because I've been at it for so long (since I was 15?) and what I post wasn't very interesting and somewhat depressing.
I'm afraid to read my older posts.
It makes me cringe!
>-<
Although I haven't been taking pictures lately (feeling uninspired!), I do feel inspired to at least write more.
Wednesday 4/27
- I skipped class for the second time in my life. It was a studio day. Since I didn't start filming yet, I had nothing to work on. These are excuses, I know, but I don't regret it.
- The mouse clickers on my new Dell laptop have been broken for the past two weeks, but a Dell technician finally came and fixed it! I didn't know Dell offered such services. ^-^ I really don't have any luck when it comes to electronics, do I? I'm only glad that it broke while I still have my warranty going... >-< The technician looked like my sister's age. I don't know why I expected an old man instead, but I was surprised. ^^; He took apart my entire laptop and it was a little frightening to see all the small parts and screws and wires...it makes me wonder, will you remember how to put it all back together? But he did and like magic, I can left and right click! Yay! I was almost getting used to using my touchpad, but it's nice to be able to click again. <3
- In the afternoon, I did a photoshoot with Kat and Ally's dolls. They're beautiful dolls and I'm thankful that they allowed me to use them. I hope the photographs come out well! ^-^
- I was invited to the Honors and Awards Ceremony in the evening and it turns out that I won a scholarship from the Japanese and Chinese department! ^-^ Yay! Fujiwara sensei said that it was a difficult decision because there were many good students so I'm very happy I was chosen! Ho ho! ^-^
- Cat helped me film my final video project after the ceremony was over at around 9PM. It will be dark and awesome! My previous videos have been lighthearted and kitschy (I like to make people smile), so this will be completely different. I hope to catch my professor by surprise. She likes this sort of thing. ^-^
- I called up my best friend back home to chat and it was really nice to hear her voice. <3 I can't wait to see her in a month~!
- I need to work with my roommate on her English pronunciation. =^-^= She was trying to explain a Japanese word to me and said what sounded like, "...a person who is sexless." I was very confused, so I glanced at her dictionary and realized that she was trying to say thankless. I had a good laugh!
Thursday (Today!)
- I got to sleep in for the first time because there was no Japanese class! It felt amazing! ^3^
- I had an orange and chocolate covered kakimochi (rice crackers) for breakfast. I didn't even know that chocolate kakimochi existed, but apparently they do and it works! I love sweet and salty snacks! ^o^
- I had a BIGGG lunch - the big bowl of the udon special with scallops and bacon okonomiyaki. Nom, nom, nom! I couldn't stop eating and now I'm so full! >-<
Monday, April 4, 2011
I was working in the darkroom until 1AM again. But tonight is different. Tonight, I am alone but I don't feel the usual loneliness. It seems I've finally learned how to cope. It's much easier to work without a heavy heart to weigh you down! :)
Today is the deeply hated Monday - marking the start of another school week and the end to our fun weekends - but today was a good day!
I received 100% on my video art project (who ever receives 100% on something not objective like math?)
I miraculously finished my essay a day before deadline AND went to my writing center appointment. I can't believe it myself because just yesterday, I was stressing out about what to write. I had no idea and it was difficult starting. I wish I could take writing more casually, but writing always demands a large amount of concentration and energy from me. I made an appointment because I was desperate, expecting only to show them my introduction. Little did I know that I would actually finish my essay before the appointment! The writing center consultant also did not really correct much on my paper, exclaiming that it was solid work. I only hope the professor thinks so too! :)
I also received an email requesting a phone interview for my possible summer internship! It's a little nerve wracking considering that I get nervous easily and fail at communication, but I just have to remind myself that I really want and need this job! :) I'll do my best!
Today is the deeply hated Monday - marking the start of another school week and the end to our fun weekends - but today was a good day!
I received 100% on my video art project (who ever receives 100% on something not objective like math?)
I miraculously finished my essay a day before deadline AND went to my writing center appointment. I can't believe it myself because just yesterday, I was stressing out about what to write. I had no idea and it was difficult starting. I wish I could take writing more casually, but writing always demands a large amount of concentration and energy from me. I made an appointment because I was desperate, expecting only to show them my introduction. Little did I know that I would actually finish my essay before the appointment! The writing center consultant also did not really correct much on my paper, exclaiming that it was solid work. I only hope the professor thinks so too! :)
I also received an email requesting a phone interview for my possible summer internship! It's a little nerve wracking considering that I get nervous easily and fail at communication, but I just have to remind myself that I really want and need this job! :) I'll do my best!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
I apologize for being such a whiny bitch lately.
I guess I can step back and take a look at the big picture since I have tonight finally free to do homework (whaa?)
But only for tonight because I know what comes ahead is another big hurdle I have to overcome.
I grew up hating that my mother always compared me to other kids, but I do it to myself too. Sometimes, it takes a negative toll on my self-esteem, but mostly I'd like to think on the positive side - that it could serve to inspire me for self-improvement.
I have a friend who seems to perfectly define what a capable person. She has the personality. She has the patience. She is actually what I think my mother wanted me to be. I think, "If she can do it, why not me?"
And yes, why not?
I take on the same amount of work (sometimes more) than she does, but she seems to be fine, while I'm kind of...withering away.
I am not as emotionally stable.
I freak out too easily and I stress too easily.
I don't like the person I become when I'm overworked.
People have told me not to force or push myself too hard.
But is there any way I can stop?
I guess I can step back and take a look at the big picture since I have tonight finally free to do homework (whaa?)
But only for tonight because I know what comes ahead is another big hurdle I have to overcome.
I grew up hating that my mother always compared me to other kids, but I do it to myself too. Sometimes, it takes a negative toll on my self-esteem, but mostly I'd like to think on the positive side - that it could serve to inspire me for self-improvement.
I have a friend who seems to perfectly define what a capable person. She has the personality. She has the patience. She is actually what I think my mother wanted me to be. I think, "If she can do it, why not me?"
And yes, why not?
I take on the same amount of work (sometimes more) than she does, but she seems to be fine, while I'm kind of...withering away.
I am not as emotionally stable.
I freak out too easily and I stress too easily.
I don't like the person I become when I'm overworked.
People have told me not to force or push myself too hard.
But is there any way I can stop?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Spring Break 2011
Honestly...Spring break wasn't fun at all.
I was miserable for the most part.
I was upset with one friend, so I didn't want to see her for a while.
But.
I ended up getting very lonely so I had to cope with my irritation until the feeling left me. I didn't want confrontation because I know it will make the situation worse. The only thing I could do was wait. I woke up early everyday for work so I barely got any sleep. As a result, I am so. incredibly. e.x.h.a.u.s.t.e.d all the time!
A friend told me not to push myself too hard. And I do always feel like I'm putting alot of effort into everything I do, but.
In the end, I still feel like I have accomplished nothing.
So this doesn't make sense...
Tomorrow will be my last day of spring break.
I still haven't started on homework.
*dies*
I was miserable for the most part.
I was upset with one friend, so I didn't want to see her for a while.
But.
I ended up getting very lonely so I had to cope with my irritation until the feeling left me. I didn't want confrontation because I know it will make the situation worse. The only thing I could do was wait. I woke up early everyday for work so I barely got any sleep. As a result, I am so. incredibly. e.x.h.a.u.s.t.e.d all the time!
A friend told me not to push myself too hard. And I do always feel like I'm putting alot of effort into everything I do, but.
In the end, I still feel like I have accomplished nothing.
So this doesn't make sense...
Tomorrow will be my last day of spring break.
I still haven't started on homework.
*dies*
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
This may sound horrible, but sometimes I feel detached from the devastating earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan. It seems surreal to me. Because it's not happening to me - school goes on and life goes on.
I don't know how much this incident will change my study abroad experience in Japan this coming fall. The spring semester has already been cancelled. Many of my friends currently in Japan are at a loss for what to do.
I picked up two newspapers yesterday. I kept it in my bag the entire day, but never found the time to fish them out and read them. I only read The New York Times this morning and to my surprise, teared up when I read the line, "Assistance teams also were due from China and South Korea, two of Japan's traditional and bitter rivals."
It was enough that the countries put aside a bitter history to focus on the present and help, but unlike the 1995 Kobe earthquake where 6,000 people died, Japan actually accepted foreign aid this time.
It is not enough to simply 'pray.' I know I want to help.
Spring break is in a week. I have so much to do then.
I don't know how much this incident will change my study abroad experience in Japan this coming fall. The spring semester has already been cancelled. Many of my friends currently in Japan are at a loss for what to do.
I picked up two newspapers yesterday. I kept it in my bag the entire day, but never found the time to fish them out and read them. I only read The New York Times this morning and to my surprise, teared up when I read the line, "Assistance teams also were due from China and South Korea, two of Japan's traditional and bitter rivals."
It was enough that the countries put aside a bitter history to focus on the present and help, but unlike the 1995 Kobe earthquake where 6,000 people died, Japan actually accepted foreign aid this time.
It is not enough to simply 'pray.' I know I want to help.
Spring break is in a week. I have so much to do then.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
*is tired*
Woke up at around 11am both days this weekend.
It feels slightly disorienting to have my routine thrown off for once, which is to always wake up at 10am for an hour run at the gym, eat brunch at 11am, shower at 12pm, and start homework at 1pm.
Thursday marked the end of my hell week.
I felt so burnt out on Friday.
I might have lost my willpower to do any more work.
Yet...I have to keep going, I know.
The earthquake news had me worried about all of my friends in Japan. My roommate's family lives in Iwate and Sendai, so it was particularly frightening. However, we were able to Skype with her family last night. To my surprise, everyone seemed fine. They were laughing and were extremely 元気 (or maybe they just didn't want Mao to worry?)
I am thankful that all of my friends in Japan are safe (yay Facebook!) I am thankful that Japan is strong. Although tragic, it could have been worse if Japan was more poorly equipped (ie, if this happened to China, it would kill them.)
Pray.
It feels slightly disorienting to have my routine thrown off for once, which is to always wake up at 10am for an hour run at the gym, eat brunch at 11am, shower at 12pm, and start homework at 1pm.
Thursday marked the end of my hell week.
I felt so burnt out on Friday.
I might have lost my willpower to do any more work.
Yet...I have to keep going, I know.
The earthquake news had me worried about all of my friends in Japan. My roommate's family lives in Iwate and Sendai, so it was particularly frightening. However, we were able to Skype with her family last night. To my surprise, everyone seemed fine. They were laughing and were extremely 元気 (or maybe they just didn't want Mao to worry?)
I am thankful that all of my friends in Japan are safe (yay Facebook!) I am thankful that Japan is strong. Although tragic, it could have been worse if Japan was more poorly equipped (ie, if this happened to China, it would kill them.)
Pray.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Is it obvious that there's something wrong?
Here are just some random thoughts I had today.
- I felt faint today so I didn't feel like walking across campus, but I couldn't tell her that. I don't want them to roll my eyes and think of me as a weak person.
If she got upset, I won't offer an explanation because having them know the truth is more terrifying.
- You can underestimate good friends because they can read your mind even when you're pretending. And I pretend quite often. When I feel like dying, I will remember that I have friends like these.
- I pretend not because I'm a liar, but because of the 'secret,' the idea that believing something eventually makes it true. Applying this theory means that when you pretend to be okay, everything will be okay. But maybe it doesn't work very well.
- These past few weeks have been mentally and physically exhausting!!! No play! No sleep! Just do, do, do!
- My non-existent plans for the summer bother me so much. I want to be productive. I want to do something...truthfully, I want to study abroad in Korea. My long weeks of searching for scholarships have resulted in nothing. Where can I find $5000???
- I want to draw. But I don't have that kind of luxury right now.
- I FINISHED TWO MIDTERMS AND MY SECOND VIDEO PROJECT!!! I feel so accomplished. It was a terrible day that ended well.
- One more midterm and one day to study for it! Go, go, go!!!
- I felt faint today so I didn't feel like walking across campus, but I couldn't tell her that. I don't want them to roll my eyes and think of me as a weak person.
If she got upset, I won't offer an explanation because having them know the truth is more terrifying.
- You can underestimate good friends because they can read your mind even when you're pretending. And I pretend quite often. When I feel like dying, I will remember that I have friends like these.
- I pretend not because I'm a liar, but because of the 'secret,' the idea that believing something eventually makes it true. Applying this theory means that when you pretend to be okay, everything will be okay. But maybe it doesn't work very well.
- These past few weeks have been mentally and physically exhausting!!! No play! No sleep! Just do, do, do!
- My non-existent plans for the summer bother me so much. I want to be productive. I want to do something...truthfully, I want to study abroad in Korea. My long weeks of searching for scholarships have resulted in nothing. Where can I find $5000???
- I want to draw. But I don't have that kind of luxury right now.
- I FINISHED TWO MIDTERMS AND MY SECOND VIDEO PROJECT!!! I feel so accomplished. It was a terrible day that ended well.
- One more midterm and one day to study for it! Go, go, go!!!
Monday, February 14, 2011
It's Valentine's Day!
Or Single Awareness Day as some of my friends like to call it!
Although I am single, I am in a good mood today. ♪
Of course I want a boyfriend.
But it doesn't matter that I don't have one right now.
Many of my single friends feel bitter, but.
Ladies, it's not a big deal! ^^
I don't usually do anything for Valentine's Day, but this year I've prepared little cards with paper roses. I love my friends!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Tamao!
So I expected today to be a highly stressful day because my new roommate was arriving and I would be performing a Taiko song I wasn't sure I knew. And it was because I received some distressing news from a friend that one of my friends think I'm flirting with the boy she likes (RIDICULOUS!) This kind of ruined my day because I now realize why she acts irritated with me all the time and why I've been feeling down. She plans to confess to him on Valentine's Day so I really hope everything goes well~ I can't waitttttt. You can never truly escape high school drama.
Anyway, a really nerve-wracking day turned out fabulous because the performance went well and my new roommate is so awesome! ^_^ I've been a jerk about getting a new roommate for a while. People ask me if I'm excited, but I realized that I never really get excited about things until that time actually comes.
And she is A RIOT. She complained woefully that a Brazilian boy she stayed with in New Zealand once called her a "crazy girl." Well, yeah. XD
So she's really athletic - she was the president of kendo club and she does badminton and swimming and a bunch of other things that I can't remember. @___@ We talked about boys. She already has her eyes on a blonde boy she met in the kitchen - she calls him the "tea boy." XD How cute is that? He was boiling water to make tea. She's fast, huh?
For some reason, we got onto the topic of Soran Bushi and we even had a little Soran Bushi dance craze for a while. She was very strict with the moves too. XD
And the best thing of all?!
She's a fan of Tohoshinki!!!
Kyahh!
She likes Jaejoong!
LOL.
She suggested we do a Tohoshinki karaoke session so we sang a bunch of songs on Youtube (LOL). Her favorite song was "Stand by You." I showed her "Love in the Ice" and she cried watching their performance. She also teared up watching "Lion Heart." I showed her pictures of Jaejoong from the JYJ concert in Las Vegas and she accidentally hit her head against the bed post in excitement! LOL.
She is so much fun and I've never laughed so much. It's weird to see that my previously empty room is now preoccupied with such a strange girl. This semester will be interestingggg!
Anyway, a really nerve-wracking day turned out fabulous because the performance went well and my new roommate is so awesome! ^_^ I've been a jerk about getting a new roommate for a while. People ask me if I'm excited, but I realized that I never really get excited about things until that time actually comes.
And she is A RIOT. She complained woefully that a Brazilian boy she stayed with in New Zealand once called her a "crazy girl." Well, yeah. XD
So she's really athletic - she was the president of kendo club and she does badminton and swimming and a bunch of other things that I can't remember. @___@ We talked about boys. She already has her eyes on a blonde boy she met in the kitchen - she calls him the "tea boy." XD How cute is that? He was boiling water to make tea. She's fast, huh?
For some reason, we got onto the topic of Soran Bushi and we even had a little Soran Bushi dance craze for a while. She was very strict with the moves too. XD
And the best thing of all?!
She's a fan of Tohoshinki!!!
Kyahh!
She likes Jaejoong!
LOL.
She suggested we do a Tohoshinki karaoke session so we sang a bunch of songs on Youtube (LOL). Her favorite song was "Stand by You." I showed her "Love in the Ice" and she cried watching their performance. She also teared up watching "Lion Heart." I showed her pictures of Jaejoong from the JYJ concert in Las Vegas and she accidentally hit her head against the bed post in excitement! LOL.
She is so much fun and I've never laughed so much. It's weird to see that my previously empty room is now preoccupied with such a strange girl. This semester will be interestingggg!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Recently
It has been about three weeks since school started. The first week was horrible because I felt incredibly depressed, lonely, and homesick without really knowing why I felt that way exactly... But my friends have been throwing a party every weekend, which helped me get out of that slump! ^_^
Classes this semester are TOUGH. The subjects are foreign to me, especially photography and video art, so I especially need to work hard. I have the same professor for the two classes so I see her three times a week (in a row!) I always feel lost in her classes and it scares me. The problem is that her taste in art does not exactly suit mine, but I need to make it suit mine in order for me to pass with an 'A.' She likes photography and video art pieces that are quite disturbing and uncomfortable for viewers...it makes me want to cry. I admit. I like conventional art. What's wrong with liking things that are pretty?
People here can't tell Asians apart. I'm not offended at all - it's rather funny. Chelsie and I went to have brunch one day. The woman taking orders ignored me and talked to the person behind me. When she saw that I was still standing there, she asked me, "Did you want to order something else?"
I gave her my order and proceeded to wait with Chelsie at the end of the counter. After a few minutes, the woman came up to us and told us that she had made the mistake of canceling Chelsie's order and putting my order up instead because she thought we were the same person! (And trust me, we look nothing alike and dress differently.) It's no wonder she didn't initially take my order because Chelsie had already ordered! I overheard her telling the chef, "They look the same! The same!" My supervisor also occasionally makes the mistake of calling me Haylee (another Asian who works in the office).
In other news...things are finally starting to pick up. I'll be thrown into that super busy schedule again! Lu'au is coming up! Club activities too! Ah! And my new roommate will be arriving from Japan in three days! It'll be weird having a roommate again. People said that it's lonely without one, but I love it! Now I have to stop being selfish. XD
Classes this semester are TOUGH. The subjects are foreign to me, especially photography and video art, so I especially need to work hard. I have the same professor for the two classes so I see her three times a week (in a row!) I always feel lost in her classes and it scares me. The problem is that her taste in art does not exactly suit mine, but I need to make it suit mine in order for me to pass with an 'A.' She likes photography and video art pieces that are quite disturbing and uncomfortable for viewers...it makes me want to cry. I admit. I like conventional art. What's wrong with liking things that are pretty?
People here can't tell Asians apart. I'm not offended at all - it's rather funny. Chelsie and I went to have brunch one day. The woman taking orders ignored me and talked to the person behind me. When she saw that I was still standing there, she asked me, "Did you want to order something else?"
I gave her my order and proceeded to wait with Chelsie at the end of the counter. After a few minutes, the woman came up to us and told us that she had made the mistake of canceling Chelsie's order and putting my order up instead because she thought we were the same person! (And trust me, we look nothing alike and dress differently.) It's no wonder she didn't initially take my order because Chelsie had already ordered! I overheard her telling the chef, "They look the same! The same!" My supervisor also occasionally makes the mistake of calling me Haylee (another Asian who works in the office).
In other news...things are finally starting to pick up. I'll be thrown into that super busy schedule again! Lu'au is coming up! Club activities too! Ah! And my new roommate will be arriving from Japan in three days! It'll be weird having a roommate again. People said that it's lonely without one, but I love it! Now I have to stop being selfish. XD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)