New Year's Resolutions - 2010

With just under 5 days left of 2009, it's time to look back and plan for tomorrow. Looking back I've come to realize that I didn't do much in the way of personal growth. If I had written a New Year's resolution, I would have failed it miserably, just as I had done the years before. That's why I've come to the conclusion that resolutions are too daunting. When you have something listed and you fail withing the first month, you feel like there's no point going forward anymore. If one's willpower is not strong enough, temptation will lead them from their desired paths.

Does that mean I'm not going to make any resolutions? Not at all. I'm jut not going to let myself be swayed no matter how hard. And if I do manage to stray, I'll put myself back on track!
Here it is, my 2010 New Year's Resolutions!

1. Loose 96lbs. (That's 8lbs/month or 2lbs/week).
2. Write (completely) 1 novel.
3. Finish 12 craft creations (one for each month).
4. Read 50 novels. (I almost did this in 2008).
5. Get B's or better in ALL my classes (there's only 8 of them).
   
6. Pass JLPT 4.
7. Attempt to take 1 nature shot each day.
8. Complete NaNoWriMo
9. Participate in ScriptFrenzy
   

Finals Can't Come Too Soon

It's almost finals week and I'm doing what every reasonable college student is doing: saving all my essays, studying, and panicking for the last possible minute. Ok, not really, but it sure feels like it some times. I have a test tomorrow for Philosophy. I'm hopping for a C grade, though I'm expecting a D. I really don't know why I can't seem to absorb the material--it isn't all that hard. It's like math and I like math. I'm good at math. But... I'm trying to study, honestly, but things just aren't... sticking.

Drama should be a breeze (a B at the lowest only because I couldn't attend a few out-of-class plays). Class was canceled this last week due to a power outage at the campus (We've all decided that it was probably my bad vibes seeing as how the power went off less than 30 seconds after I had entered the building...). I have a final group performance and a test, then I'm all done! One CMST class down, 7 to go.

As for anthropology... So far I have a C and I'm hopping it stays a C. I have a thesis I need to write, this week's posting, a quiz, a test, and the final. If I get a C on each of those, I've passed. Fingers crossed!

And if I don't pass? Well, it just makes me thing of this:

Dance like no one's watching,
Love like you've never been hurt,
Sing like nobody's listening
Work like you don't need money,
Live like it's the last day of your life.

- Father Alfred D. Souza

If I do utterly horrible this semester, I'm not going to let it hold me down. I'll dive right into the new year and kick butt next semester.

The poem, by the way, was used in the last episode of the Korean drama My Lovely Sam Soon ( 내 이름은 김삼순 )--which I finally managed to finish via that beast: Netflix. For those of you who would like to buy a legit version (and I don't see why you wouldn't want too. I know I want a copy!) you can pick it up over at Amazon.

On Christmas eve, Kim Sam Soon (Kim Sun Ah), a pâtissier, finds her boyfriend of 3 years cheating on her. She seeks solace in a bathroom stall unaware that it is the men's bathroom. Here she encounters the cocky and callous Hyun Jin Hun (Hyun Bin). Unfortunately, her pursuit of love and happiness result in the loss of her job and with a name like Sam Soon, she isn't having much luck finding a new one. Jin Hun is looking for a pastry chief for his restaurant, Bon Appetit, and Sam Soon is desperate enough to take the job and the strings attatched.

I'd have to say that this was one of the most hilarious drama's I've seen in quite a while. Kim Sam Soon is a charmingly funny and lovable character, often compared to Renee Zellweger's Bridget Jones. She's mouthy, naive, and a bit over weight (actress Kim Sun Ah gained 15lbs for this role). She's pushing 30 as a single woman which, as many know, is a social no-no in many cultures. But what makes her unique is her spunky no-nonsense attitude in the face of eternal loneliness (ok, it's not that bad, but some times...).

The budding romance between Sam Soon and Jin Hun is filled with laughter and comedy until the arrival of Jin Hun's missing ex, Yoo Hee Jin. From there it's a play of misunderstandings and undecisiveness (peppered, of course, with that very enjoyable laughter and comedy). Jin Hun and Hee Jin's romantic roles are very similar. Both must choose between their old/established love and a budding new romance. American-Korean actor/model Daniel Henney makes his first appearance as Dr. Henry Kim who, I have to admit, annoyed the hell out of me. His acting seemed stilted and fake, especially at the beginning. I'm so glad he improved by the end of the drama.

Want to...

"I want someone to want me so much that if I disappear there will be a hole in their heart. If that is the only proof that a person is alive, then truthfully, how many people are alive right now?"

A quote from LOVE SHUFFLE, a Japanese drama, that I found rather moving. Whenever you feel like the world would be better without you, just remember that if you where to die, somebody would miss you (and it may not be whom you expect!)

A charming, funny, and moving little drama; LOVE SHUFFLE ran for only 10 episodes but had a wonderful cast. Karina, Matsuda Shota, and Tamaki Hiroshi to name a few. But what makes this series great is the complexity, the drama, the love. Some times it takes a little shaking-up to find what you're really searching for or what your heart truly craves.

Usami Kei is your typical middle class man. He's frustrated with his job, he's insecure with his love-life, and his fiance is on the verge of leaving him. Utterly dejected, Kei is heading home when a lighting storm knocks out the power to his building and leaves him locked in an elevator with 3 other people: Airu, Ojiro, and Masato. Soon the four form a neighb0rly bond and come up the "game" Love Shuffle in the hopes of straightening out their complicated love lives. The object of the game is to insure that the one they are with is their destiny. The catalyst? Swapping partners amongst each other (not always sexual). Some what slow and practicality at parts, emotional and fun at others; I would recommended this to any one who enjoys a romantic comedy that isn't soaked in drama but has enough to keep you interested.

The sound track was very 80's. Fantasy by Earth, Wind & Fire as the intro and Eternal Flame by The Bangles as an insert.

Rain at a Time Like Now

For the past several weeks the weather has been nice. Warm, sunny, and perhaps a bit summer-like at times. Well, that has all changed. Two days ago it started raining. Sheets of 45° water drenched the upper-north valley, soaking everything in it's path. It's ok, though. The rain cleaned the air of the smoke and smog and gave me the chance to take these shots. I just hope it doesn't get too cold, too soon...

Wishlist

My wishlist. For birthdays, hollidays, whatever days, and when I feel like buying myself something nice and have no idea what I want.

Last updated: 8/16/2009

- STREET-FOUND WISHES -

Chinese Natural Cures
Traditional Methods for Remedies and Prevention
By: Henry C. Lu

I saw this copy in the "bargin bin" over at Barns and Noble. They have an older copy of this online in a different format (square and red) for about $23. This one is elongated with nice, glossy pages and was being sold for $20.





Zen Mind - Calendar
By: Shunryu Suzuki and Amber Lotus Publishing

I saw this at Barns and Nobles for about $13. I don't normally buy calendars and this one wouldn't be the first on my list of the stock on hand if I did. But after reading the mission statement of the company, I was sold. Amber Lotus Publishing is a small press publisher (only 7 employees) that was started to preserve Tibetan culture and religion. They use 100% recycled paper, soy-based ink, and donate 1% to varied organizations. I still need to find out where they print, though, since they are a US company. http://www.amberlotus.com/

Samurai: The Code of the Warrior
By: Thomas Louis and Tommy Ito

I saw this over at Barns and Noble, too. It was only $10, so I don't know why I didn't grab it--was probably walking. A small, novelty book about the Japanese Samurai. Creative cover, with an old Japanese illustration and "warn" edges and spine.







Knitting On Top of the World
by Nicky Epstein

I saw this over at Barns and Nobel, as well (I really MUST top going there!) and was impressed by the unique patterns in the book. I thought this would be a really cool book to have. Runs $35-$25.





Kobai Plum Wine
Junmai Ginjo Sake
Trader Joe-san's Sparkling Sake

As you might have guessed, I saw these over at Trader Joe's. Would have bought them then, but I was in the middle of a move (x_x).

The Junmai Ginjo sake isn't the NagaSaki brand, but still looks good. A traditionally brewed saki of light and earthy flavor.


Bamboo Sheet Set

Ok, I've been keeping my eye on this one for a while. A bamboo sheet set from Target. The count it only 250, but it feels so soft and the weave looks nice and tight for such a low count. It runs about $40 for a full size set, but I know I've seen them on sale for around $30 every once in a while. Only problem is I visit the store on weeks when they aren't on sale. Gotta get either blue or ivory.


Budda Statue

Now, I know I'll probably NEVER get this guy (he costs $995), but when I saw his laughing face one drizzly day, I wanted him. He's located at the statue/garden store on Antelope, downtown.

- ONLINE WISH LISTS -

Yen Plus+ Subscription

This magazine is put out by, you guessed it, Yen Plus and originally ran at $60/year (the magazine is about $10/issue in stores). It looks like the price has been lowered to $25 now, so I really want to get it. Especially if they plan on pushing that price tag back up. x_x Have to order it from the site!




From my Expanding The Mind wish list on Amazon.com:

Remembering the Kanji
By: James W. Heisig

There are actually 3 books in this series. Remembering the Kanji vols 1 and 2, and Remembering the Kanji: Writing and Reading Japanese Characters for Upper-Level Proficiency.




From my Equine Behavior wish list on Amazon.com:

The Nature of Horses
By: Stephen Budiansky

This is one of the books suggested by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). I would like to read it and have it on hand if I decide to become a horse trainer/rehabilitater.




Equine Behavior -A Guide for Veterinarians and Equine Scientists
By: Paul McGreevy

A massively priced, school-type book. Runs close to $110 but priced down to $77 on Amazon. Full of useful information for anybody who has a wish to work with horses.




From my wishlist on Kaboodle.com:

Flock of Crows
Wall Decal

I'm not much for wall art but I love this one. A silhouette of crows in either black, gray, jade, or lite blue. An etsy.com listing, so no definable link. Wilson Graphics on Etsy.




Alien Abduction Lamp!!

Ok. Not my decorating tastes, but how COOL IS IT?! An awesome, unique lamp that just screams ... um. Moo?

Not yet released, so I have to keep my eye on it's home page.