Sleepless Night

I'd browsed some music sites and found a sweet acoustic music. The tittle is Sleepless Night. Yea, in fact I couldn't sleep at that time. After going on winter holiday, my life is totally day-night reversal. Due to the irregular habits, my skin is getting rough a bit. :'( Before the New Year, I'll go back to a regular life.

Sleepless Night - Masaaki KISHIBE

This is so relaxing and good music for sleeping. It's suitable for napping in the clement afternoon. No doubt.

Masaaki KISHIBE is an acoustic guitar player from Osaka. I didn't know about him till I listen to his music but he has played in various locations. (In the U.S., too) I found some fan sites and people cover his music. I also like the other music of him. Looks like a darkly beloved player.

I guess I should get to bed now. Sweet dreams!xxx

Tokyo Christmas Illumination

Hi, the winter holiday has just started from today!! Enjoying yourself??

Today was Emperor's birthday. I hanged out at home in the morning and went to Shiodome, Tokyo after my mom was back. Every year we go to see Christmas illuminations together. We just love to see:)) Of course, my house is already decorated up.

Yesterday, we searched the year's top of the illumination events and decided to go to Shiodome and Marunouchi. Last year we went to Roppongi.

Hmm I like the blue illumination but I don't really like when the colors changed into red or green...Mixing up together and just spoiled the beautiful colors><

The following video is Shiodome's "Blue Ocean."

When we reached Marunouchi, the clock pointed to almost 11 o'clock. Yeah, we had dinner at Shiodome and enjoyed Belgian food. Then we moved to Marunouchi, took some photos of trees but we couldn't see what we wanted to see...we found our goal, flower illumination with the lights turned off. Oh my gosh. Anyway it was getting late and we just took the photo of flowers with no lights.:P

About My Seminar Project

I've making a documentary this year again. The topic of this year is "Link" and each of the groups in my class have to make a video relating to "the connection". My team decided to make about the festival and we're just coming to the end of editing.

Last year, the topic was "Beautiful" and my team focused on handicapped people. My team spent so much time for the interviews and we had a rough time of the editing. It didn't go as planned. I just felt I was so useless in my team. Anyway, I did what I could do. Fortunately, we took time for polishing the structure well so, the content is clear and I think it's nice after all.

The following is my team's documentary.

Believe it or not, the Japanese narration is ME. :)) haha Enjoy!

This year, we have to make it better. This is my final project in my school days. Should be nice:) At the same time, I've begun to feel sad indeed whenever the graduation day comes around. After we leave the school, we have to go separate ways. We can't go on the life as we have been. That makes me so gloomy...:( I don't wanna leave yet. Really.

Nodame Cantabile #23

Long time no update:P

I'm still wrestling with my job-hunting. But this is for my life. I just do my best so as not to regret the past later.

Now then, I got the final volume of Nodame Cantabile which I've reading since I was a high school student. I don't want to say the ending but I think it was nice. Now I feel really sorry that this fantastic manga finally came to an end. This manga made me laugh and want to know more about classical music. I'm looking forward to see the anime and the film which are gonna coming soon.

Thank you, Ninomiya-sensei!:))

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As an aside...

I cooked quiche with leftovers. I think I did rather well.:D

Well, I think I should try more variety of dishes!

School Festival

Yesterday I went to my school festival with my mates. I don't belong any clubs or group activities so I was a bit jealous the participants. But it was windy and cold so I'm happy I just enjoyed as a guest. Recently I don't see 4th graders so much at school but I saw some were working there. I had some food like char-grilled beef, banana ice cream, pizza flavored spring roll, melon-pan...etc And I bought some school goods. I really like the eco bag! It was so popular and when I went to see it was sold already so, I made a booking for the gold one and I will get it next month. :) I'm gonna use it as lunch bag. Also I enjoyed the dance show, the stage show and the fashion show. Well I should have taken photos. It was so attractive and I couldn't take my eyes off. ;)

After the festival, I waited for a concert by HOSOMI Takeshi and IZAWA Ichiyo. Hosomi-san is one of my school's graduates and his ex-classmate is working in the school so, this concert came true. It was a special acoustic concert and only for the student of the school. Luckily, I got the ticket and really enjoyed. The curtain time was delayed but they performed, talked and gave us good time. Actually I went to the concert last year, too. I'm really proud of him as his junior and wanna use English fluently like him. Yes, life is learning and I don't stop studying English.

Now school festival is over and the class will restart from tomorrow. I'm like I lost something motivating me. Have to prepare for tomorrow.

From My Balcony

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

I'm watching Orionids from my balcony with my mum and little brother. It's so cold like I'm freezing! +＿+ But thanks for the chill, I can see numerous stars. My balcony is face to east so it's a best place to see Orion, right?:) Today I saw 3 shooting stars!! But I couldn't make a wish while the stars are shooting. Yeah, that's the way it is. I tried to take picture of star with my camera but it failed. I know it's stupid to take them with just a standard digital camera...but it's so beautiful. I wanna keep them in my memory.

If you wanna know more about Orionids, click the picture below. It's interesting.

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Wisdom Teeth

I just pulled out my wisdom tooth right above. It didn't hurt than I thought. First, the doctor checked whether he can pull and started to move it then the next moment, the tooth was on his hand. I had an injection of anesthesia before that so, it was nothing. Now inside of my mouth is a bit bleeding but the doctor used hemostat there so I'm okay anyhow. Just a bit difficult to eat hard things.

My lovely dog, Nana is sleeping in peace. Sweet dreams.

Morning Glow

I was just about to get into my bed and by chance I took a glance at outside the window. It's so beautiful, isn't it? Nice gradations...the beginning of a day! But I sleep from now. LOL

Everybody, have a nice day! ;)

After the Typhoon Melor

To tell the truth, I didn't sleep yesterday because I thought the typhoon is coming to Kanto area and I was sure my university will be closed. BUT they didn't give us any information until 9 in the morning and I have 1st period starts from 9:20, so I got on a ridiculously crowded train with frustrated business people at around 8:30. The train was a long time coming and I was kept waiting at the station platform but I headed for university anyway. When I arrived, I found a notice on the entrance and it says today's morning classes are canceled. Un-be-lie-vable! They don't know how it was difficult for me to come here. (＞口＜) Then I went to the registrar to make sure they have the afternoon class and I killed time at the media center browsing the Internet. A few hours passed and everyone who were there at the time were disheartened after listening an announcement of no school today. I cannot express this feeling by writing. I think they have responsibility to inform us before the beginning of 1st class.

I'm so disappointed and I had a bad day today. (´・ω・`) *a big sigh*

For Graduation Party

In Japan, most of college woman wear 袴, hakama, for the graduation ceremony and I got a catalog of kimono and hakama recently by direct mail. I already have my kimono which my mum bought for my coming of age ceremony. So I had a look what kind of hakama they have and the hairstyles the models show. I don't really wear kimono but it's fun to look.

There are so many combinations of kimono and hakama. My kimono is a bit alike the picture to the right. The color is red in whole and the flower is cherry blossom. Very gorgeous, right? Seems like red goes with purple hakama. I like indigo blue, too. But then I think red and green are like Christmas. LOL

I like these hairstyles. They are pretty nice. Well, I think I need to buy a new hair accessory. I'm gonna wear my kimono for my friend's wedding ceremony so, I already have two chances to wear. I have to have a nice one. Now I'm getting excited! (*∀*)

SHOOOOOCK!!!!

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!!!

She must be lying!!!!!!

Get this. I got an email from one of my best friends just now and it says she's gonna get married with his BF and she's expecting a baby!!! Yes, this is what is called a shotgun marriage. I cannot believe it! Oh my gosh! ohhhh my gosh!!! I'm dizzy.

We have known each other really long and I know she got BF last year. But he is a part time jobber and the income is not enough. (I guess it's lower than hers...T_T) Plus, he looks not so good. Once she said she never get married with him because he's just a BF, not a future husband. Then WHY?? *a BIG sigh* What happened to her?? It's not something I can celebrate with ease. That's why I read the email again and again for a while. I still remain deep in the shock. She is solid and steady person and too good for him. Is my idea old-fashioned?

My Favorite Cafe

How beautiful autumn sky... I looked up the sky and felt so happy on my way to station in the afternoon. Today I went to see a man who is a Toronagashi event organizer to have the third round of interview about the event. We are now making a short documentary and this is a part of my seminar project. My teammates and I shot him walking and speaking with a smile by the river which is used for the event. After that we asked some questions in a room.

He is always so kind to us and he took us to a nice cafe and tonkatsu restaurant again! (He treated us to a nice meal and a cup of coffee last time) The katsu meal was brilliant. I ordered a ume-shiso katsu meal. Shiso and tonkatsu really go well together! The katsu was so thick and juicy which I have never eaten in my entire life. I was too fascinated to take the picture... And I really love the small cafe where he always goes. Here I ordered a cup of hot cafe au lait. The master in this shop always makes coffee after listening to the order. Do you know what this means? After receiving the order, he boils the water and grinds the coffee. Then he drips and make the coffee with his whole heart. <3

If you are interested in, why don't you go?

Shigeno Coffee Kobo (しげの珈琲工房)

Hirai 3-21-1, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo

Store Hours: 10:00 am - 07:00 pm

Closed: Tuesday

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Next Olympic Host

I just watched the live remote of the announcement of next Olympic host. Unfortunately, Tokyo was not elected as the host country but I'm sure that Japan could tell the passion for Olympic and it was a good chance to introduce Japan. Well, Olympic is the world biggest event and we will definitely enjoy the next one if it's not hold in Japan. Hope Chicago people think the same. We both did our best.

Now, which do think would be chosen, Rio or Madrid? Well, I will bet on...Rio! I know a bit about Madrid, the capital of Spain and I love there. But I don't know well about Rio De Janeiro so, I wanna see what it is like. It would be a nice trigger to know the country.

The final result will be soon announced. It's just around the corner!

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Edit

Congrats Rio!!!

Hum the Melody

I found a something very nice and convenient site today. Have you ever been frustrated trying to remember a song tittle? I've often experienced that I know the melody but I cannot remember the tittle. If you feel irritated of this and don't know the site, you are lucky today! You got a solution:))

midomi will be your best friend!

You just need to sing or hum the song you want to know the tittle and midomi will find it in a moment. The one thing you need to prepare is your computer's microphone. I linked the English site but Japanese is available as well. Hope you like it.

The Fratellis - Flathead

I wanted to know the song of ipod commercial. It's so cool!!

New Semester

It was breezy today. Last half year has started. This is my first school day in a while and I feel autumn begins at the English garden. Above is a cosmos with the buds. It's charming, isn't it?

During the holiday, I didn't have enough chance to speak English. So I feel my English skill is going down...:'( I have to make my class schedule from now!

Lower House Election

選挙！！

Did you go and vote? I went to polling station as one of the valuable voters tonight. The change of the administration seems like certain according to the flash report. The highlight from now on is whether the new goverment can bring change to Japan or not. Let's see what happens.

Terethon

Japan's Nippon Television (NTV) currently running its 32nd "24 Hour Television." The special program is held every summer at the end of August and aimed to promote the charity drive based on the theme, Love Saves the Earth. A variety of celebrities stay up 24 hours straight with special host NEWS and one of the main event this year is three full marathons (126.585 km) by a Japanese female comedian, IMOTO Ayako who is famous for a TV program "Sekai no Hate made ItteQ" as an exotic animal hunter. I'm really a big fan of her, by the way. ;) There are also several events through 24 hours and they will support and cheer your "Start." Do you have anything that you are trying to start? Or did you start anything recently?

I've started playing the piano again. I started to take piano lesson when I was around 9. Before that I played Electone. I like piano but after graduated from junior high, I don't play so much like I used to. Now I started from easy numbers and enjoy the music life.

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↑This year's 24 hour TV's ChariT-shirt designed by Pixar

For more details http://www.ntv.co.jp/24h/contents/english.html

By the way, some web sites says that this program is bastard charity because these celebrities get money from production expense. I don't know this is truth or not. But if it's true, I'm so disappointed at this show. They often focus on disabled people or children for the main events and it has enjoyed high viewer rating at this time of year. Some celebrities who think it's not real charity (like KITANO takeshi, AKASHIYA sanma) avoid appearing on this program. Now, I don't know what to believe in...

Firework

At the firework festival near my town there were even many girls wearing yukata. Some boys also wore yukata or jinbei. The sounds of the fireworks echoed around the dark sky and I certainly felt the Japanese summer. Hope you enjoy the videos!

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Hachiko: A Dog's Story

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I thought I'd be cry and I cried. It's really heartwarming and you can't help crying especially if you are a dog's owner. And I think Rechard Gere is just fabulous in the movie! Hachi and his relation looked like real friend, family and partner. At the end of the movie, everyone in the theater was crying. Okay, now I'm gonna write a bit critically.*ahem* One of my concerns for this is that I thought it would be very difficult to portrayed the passage of time about 10 years with the poor CG. Plus, the music was always the same and repeated again and again. It should be used more effectively. However it was well organized on the whole and I wanna recommend to people of all ages. I like the Japanese title tune of Aoyama thelma.

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Aoyama Thelma - Wasurenai yo [I won't forget you]

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I've watched the original film which is called "ハチ公物語 (Hachiko Monogatari)" when I was in junior high. It was much more a sad story than remake one. I recall well when I went to Shibuya station for the first time. I saw the Hachiko statue very close to Shibuya scramble crossing and was impressed. After watching this film, you'll have a warm feeling and be gentle to animals;))

My Grandma

Despite the fact that I got my driver's license in April, I'm not a good driver yet. I cannot drive without my mum. LOL Today I drove to grandma's house to visit my grandpa's grave with my mum. By the way, I found a beetle on grandma's old handcar. I tried to catch it but suddenly it reminds me a big cockie...so I was scared and gave up catching it.

Toro-Nagashi

08:00 a.m. Wake up and get ready for going out

08:40 a.m. Leave home and get on a train

09:30 a.m. Meet my team mates at JR certain station in Tokyo

10:00 a.m. Greet the Toro-nagashi planning committee at reverside

11:00 a.m. Take a break and eat a bowl of shaved ice with mango syrup

12:15 p.m. Go back to the riverside and have two rice balls

13:00 p.m. Have lunch and be treated a cutlet lunch meal

14:15 p.m. Go to Master's cafe which is the second time for our team

15:00 p.m. Kill time at McDonald's while drawing on the paper lanterns

17:30 p.m. Back to the riverside and set up the shoot

18:00 p.m. Get ready for the opening ceremony

19:00 p.m. Start shooting and run around for getting the best frames

20:15 p.m. Clean up and leave the riverside

Now I'm half asleep...(-_-)zzz So sleepyyy

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Sense of Humor

I've taken English class from last monday. The class is about British culture and we've taken the class from 1 to 4 period everyday. Getting up at 8:00 during summer holiday is quite tough for me. +_+

Anyway, today was the final day. We had to have the final presentation and I chose the topic of the difference between British and Japanese comedy. I often see YouTube and watch some comedies but it's sometimes really hard to understand. There are some reasons but what counts most is the cultural difference. For laughing, we need a common knowledge, awareness and culture. For example, comedy can be devided into two main groups, joke style like manzai, gag, stand up comedy and story style like rakugo, conte or sitcom. In the former case, as I wrote before we need a common knowledge but the later one don't need it. Why? It's the fun of human beings themselves! Every country has someone who is a bit strange. Or we can make the situation which is kind of immpossible to happen. So the story comedy can make up the people who is likely to be around you or an unusual situation and it can make the common laughing.

Personaly, I think the best example of the common laughing is TV commercial. You'll find it easy to understand than stand up comedy. ;)

[UK commercials]

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[Japanese commercials]

The Boom

I was looking some videos in YouTube and found some sweet songs which are very good for summer. Today, I'm gonna translate one of the songs into English. I think the group, The Boom, is famous for "Shima Uta (島唄)." Their song is released quite long ago, but still loved and sang by many people. Have fun! :)

The Boom - 風になりたい

The Boom - I want to become the wind

Make a big sail
Take you by the hand

Tossed about by heavy seas

I want to become the wind right now

Even if it's not heaven

Even if it's not paradise

Feeling happiness from seeing you

I want to become the wind

There was nothing good

I'd like to overtake the sun

Setting in this town

I derive happiness from being born
No need to be cool
I want to become the wind with you

There was nothing good

I'd like to go through the cloud
Bringing tears in this town

Even if it's not heaven

Even if it's not paradise

Feeling the warmth of your hand

I want to become the wind

Even if it's not heaven

Even if it's not paradise

Feeling happiness from seeing you

I want to become the wind

The wind, I want to become the wind

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I like this song somehow. I feel the wind and the summer from this song. I don't know what will happen after the death, but I want to feel the earth like the wind. Maybe return to nature someday.

To Thai Friends

I've just written some post cards for my Thai friends. They've graduated from the university in this July and some of them already started to work. I'm still doing job hunting...I'm jealous! Anyway I'm quite happy we're keeping in touch and can know how the life going on.

The cards in the pic above are available for purchase at Edo Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku. There are a lot of items related to Japanese traditional culture. If you are interested, have a look the official site below.

Last Class Before the Vacation

I had another humid day. Earthworms are drying up on the street, giving me a sense of the upcoming summer.

After the last class in the morning, I watched Pretty Woman and Love Actually. I don't really watch romance but it's good sometimes. :) I want love...

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I found some raspberries while taking a stroll in the English garden. I picked some and ate. It was nice. I took some pictures with my new camera. By the way, the pictures I upload here is always taken by my mobile phone because it's much easier to upload than the camera. :P Maybe I should read the manuals that explain how to use.

Now I'm watching Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on TV. The next one has just released on this Wednesday. And I'm going to see it next weekend with my friends. Looking forward to see it! LOVE RUPERT <3

TOEIC Test

I had a TOEIC test from 9:45 in this morning. It's been a long time to take it and I couldn't make out like I used to. I can say this, I don't think I can get over 800.

Anyway, after the test I had lunch with my friends who was in the same freshman class. We　talked about our last year in university and enjoyed watching a drama "Star's Love"(スタアの恋) with mobile TV. After then, I went to a supermarket Ito Yokado and bought Takosen with my friend. Takosen is a sandwiched Takoyaki snack with shrimp crackers called Ebi-sen. It was nice. :)

On the way to home, I dropped in a convenience store and bought a chocolate called "eco choco foresta" from Lotte. It says the cacao used for this chocolate is eco friendly. Interesting idea!

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Good Cook

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My mum and dad are going to Simon & Garfunkel's concert tonight and mum asked me to cook something for my brother. He's so fussy and always tries to eat what he likes without mum. I know it's very common during childhood but he's already a college student. At the very least, I think he should eat vegetables because eating habit makes the future body. Well, he eats some veges like corns or potatoes but personaly, I don't believe that potatoes are vegetable. Now he is slender and tall but he'll probably be metabolic syndrome if he continues with his meal or get sick like diabetes and high pressure. Anyway it's important to eat good food. :)

I made rice omelet tonight. Just fries up onions, carrots, green papper, corns and ground meat with rice. You can use mushrooms or spinatch if you have. Seasons with salt, pepper and tomato ketchup. Then fries beaten eggs and rolls it up. Finially write something with tomato ketchup. I really like doing this! The meal in the picture is mine. <3

Happy Birthday TO ME

It was my B day, today.
I had a super busy day thanks to tomorrow's exams and preparation for a presentation. hahaha I couldn't sleep in the result.(-_-;) But my mum prepared a nice meal and I had cake as well. Now I want nothing but a job...seriously! Could anybody grant my wish??

EDIT:

I received a camera from my mum today!!:D

LOVE mum!<3

THANK YOU

12/07/2009 0:49

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