...in downtown nagoya, people start milling out in the streets. it is a friday afternoon after all. school has long been let out and groups of senior high school students chat while making their way through the fairly crowded sidewalk. there are women in stiletto heels and high-leg boots, fancy shopping bags in their hands. i blend in with the crowd, enjoying the exercise, fresh air, and mindless activity. i feel like i could walk on and on and on. in fact, i feel the need to do so - to let go off thoughts, emotions, and worries. i feel the need to break free...
the emotion i hate most is fear. it evokes powerlessness. it constricts you, controls you, consumes you. yet, it has the power to drag you back to your roots, make you realize the basic essence of your existence - your relationship with God. it is when i am weak that i realize that there is a more important reason for my existence, that i am living on borrowed time, that the world is just a temporary dwelling place.
i've been thinking of coincidences and timing. God has a plan. That, i know. It has frustrated me at times, not knowing where things are headed, not knowing the reasons behind certain events. Yet these past few days, the particular order and timing in which events have occurred has been a bit mysterious and surreal. why certain things happened when i asked for signs. ironically, i do not even know what the signs wish to tell me.
there are some things i wish i could comprehend but cannot yet at the moment. i do not understand how emotions work. i wish there were a handbook that contained every single possible situation and explained the corresponding emotions involved. there are certain things that are brought about by certain states and they persist as long as that state is maintained. it's like the taiwan tour. the friends i made there - we talked every day and could've been better friends but once that state (the tour) was over, we went our separate ways. it is sad how there is no permanence. there are some relationships that could've grown more had the situation been different. but then, that is life, isn't it? full of the sentimental - wanting to grasp on to things, freezing them in time. but despite this melancholic sadness we experience when we part ways or when the end has come to an event or experience, we are able to move on. we are adaptable. we revert back to our old lives...comfortably, effortlessly.
so how do we test the authenticity of things, of friendships and relationships? do they just simply fade away and disappear as we move on with our lives? do they become memories and nothing else? if so, then i shouldn't give too much then, don't you think? to lessen and to prevent pain and sadness, i should just keep myself bottled up, stick to my lonesome.
but as a human being, i want to feel. i live to feel. so i should be willing to give then. i should experience and learn and share...
...and worry about dealing with the sadness later.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
of shabu shabu, dreams, & donuts
just had a very filling shabu shabu dinner. slurp! at 6pm, the kojima group of company's executive director (小島洋一郎専務）came to the dorm to give a small talk about the company's corporate culture and identity. as usual, we have to write a reflection paper, to be given to Okaasan on monday. i found the talk pretty interesting though. the japanese he used was easy to understand, not too many difficult terms, and he had a clear speaking voice so i could follow the flow of the talk.
the shabu shabu set up was basically the same as the sukiyaki with three steel pots places strategically on the long table. as opposed to the sukiyaki where there was a sort of sweet soy sauce and egg, this time there were two types of sauces - soy sauce and sesame sauce (which was a gravy-like color and had a pretty distinctive taste). there were pickled radishes too! my favorite ^o^ as in the case of the sukiyaki, we put udon into the soup nearing the end of the meal. dessert was fresh strawberries and kiwi. i ate more than my fair share.
while we were eating, we were asked to introduce ourselves. before the meal, okaasan had told the exec. director that i was a vegetarian, so when it was my turn for the self-introduction, he said, "Ah yes, it's the vegetarian's turn." Amid the laughter that followed suit, okaasan said that it was a good way of distinguishing myself. she also said that every year, there would be at least one Muslim in the dorm and that this year was a rare exception. only, instead of having someone who couldn't eat pork, someone who couldn't eat meat and seafood took that place. kinda ironic in a way. ^o-
~o~
we talked about a japanese call center company in readings in social sciences today. the call center wasn't like the customer service types in manila. it was more of a hotline for helping people who had lost their keys, needed plumbing work done, had their houses broken into and needed the glass replaced, etc. from this newspaper article, we were asked if what we thought about mixing company with private interests - like using the company car, or snagging a fry or two while manning the mcdo french fry deepfry, or having the company pay your phone bills.
then we were asked if we had any special dreams, ambitions. i want to be able to help other people but it's a job that doesn't exactly bring in money. but i guess that if i really set my heart on it, i should be able to find a way to reach that goal, even if it seems really far and hard to attain at this time.
~0~
i am taking a break from my mister donuts part-time job today. i started last thursday and worked until sunday. the times ranged from 6-11pm or 8-11pm. my work is basically to clean the oven trays, make muffins, clean the donut trays, scrub the kitchen floor, line the yeast products up on trays (my favorite part), then help in the clean-up once the shop closes up. i get a ten-minute break every two hours. i get a free donut (one that is priced not higher than 126 yen) and a free drink.
my second day there, the assistant shop manager let me take home these Beard Papa type donut balls - chocolate, strawberry, and powedered sugar each with different custard or cream fillings. these were their new products. i was kinda surprised when he asked if i wanted to take them home for my dorm mates. hehe. it is a waste though that once the shop closes, they throw out all the unsold donuts - straight to the garbage bag. we can partake of some if we want but they should be eaten in the store. we're not allowed to take them home. but it really is a waste - to throw all that food away...
i've mostly gotten used to the job already. saying "otsukaresama" when entering the store, going through the appearance check, then saying "saki ni shitsurei shimasu" before preparing to go home. i'm learning a few bits and pieces about japanese work customs. plus, i think i'm absorbing a bit more japanese vocabulary. ^o^ ganbarimasu!
the shabu shabu set up was basically the same as the sukiyaki with three steel pots places strategically on the long table. as opposed to the sukiyaki where there was a sort of sweet soy sauce and egg, this time there were two types of sauces - soy sauce and sesame sauce (which was a gravy-like color and had a pretty distinctive taste). there were pickled radishes too! my favorite ^o^ as in the case of the sukiyaki, we put udon into the soup nearing the end of the meal. dessert was fresh strawberries and kiwi. i ate more than my fair share.
while we were eating, we were asked to introduce ourselves. before the meal, okaasan had told the exec. director that i was a vegetarian, so when it was my turn for the self-introduction, he said, "Ah yes, it's the vegetarian's turn." Amid the laughter that followed suit, okaasan said that it was a good way of distinguishing myself. she also said that every year, there would be at least one Muslim in the dorm and that this year was a rare exception. only, instead of having someone who couldn't eat pork, someone who couldn't eat meat and seafood took that place. kinda ironic in a way. ^o-
~o~
we talked about a japanese call center company in readings in social sciences today. the call center wasn't like the customer service types in manila. it was more of a hotline for helping people who had lost their keys, needed plumbing work done, had their houses broken into and needed the glass replaced, etc. from this newspaper article, we were asked if what we thought about mixing company with private interests - like using the company car, or snagging a fry or two while manning the mcdo french fry deepfry, or having the company pay your phone bills.
then we were asked if we had any special dreams, ambitions. i want to be able to help other people but it's a job that doesn't exactly bring in money. but i guess that if i really set my heart on it, i should be able to find a way to reach that goal, even if it seems really far and hard to attain at this time.
~0~
i am taking a break from my mister donuts part-time job today. i started last thursday and worked until sunday. the times ranged from 6-11pm or 8-11pm. my work is basically to clean the oven trays, make muffins, clean the donut trays, scrub the kitchen floor, line the yeast products up on trays (my favorite part), then help in the clean-up once the shop closes up. i get a ten-minute break every two hours. i get a free donut (one that is priced not higher than 126 yen) and a free drink.
my second day there, the assistant shop manager let me take home these Beard Papa type donut balls - chocolate, strawberry, and powedered sugar each with different custard or cream fillings. these were their new products. i was kinda surprised when he asked if i wanted to take them home for my dorm mates. hehe. it is a waste though that once the shop closes, they throw out all the unsold donuts - straight to the garbage bag. we can partake of some if we want but they should be eaten in the store. we're not allowed to take them home. but it really is a waste - to throw all that food away...
i've mostly gotten used to the job already. saying "otsukaresama" when entering the store, going through the appearance check, then saying "saki ni shitsurei shimasu" before preparing to go home. i'm learning a few bits and pieces about japanese work customs. plus, i think i'm absorbing a bit more japanese vocabulary. ^o^ ganbarimasu!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
kimchi
the dorm's weekly dinner was held today instead of monday, to coincide with the arrival of 6 koreans who are here for a week or so to tour the kojima company and catch a glimpse of japan. so what else did we have for dinner but kimchi! kimchi cooked with mushrooms and pork, kimchi as a side dish, and oden (japanese stew). dessert was chips and traditional crackers. when we were asked to introduce ourselves, i was surprised to find out that the koreans spoke english quite well. i'm not implying that they don't speak well but their accents didn't have the usual korean accent. some of them had lived in america and australia before. out of the six of them, only one could speak japanese so he acted as translator which was quite interesting to observe. one of the guys was cute! haha. geeky cute - eyeglasses, wearing a tie and suit, pre-med student, and tall. ^o^ lolz. the conversations weren't particularly interesting, just the usual stuff.
it was sort of bonding time for the kojima dormers though. after waving goodbye to the koreans while saying annyeong hikeseyo, we trudged back into the kitchen and cleaned dishes. we (kanittha, boe, nancy, and i) then just sat at the table, munching Calbee chips with kimchi (like nachos and salsa), and chatted - about how fast time passes by, about having to go home in may, about cute korean guys, about having to give speeches the day after (for nancy and kanittha - about their favorite stores), and some ordinary stuff. it closely resembled my "coffee table" scene. it was a nice feeling, just sitting there, enjoying each other's company.
it was sort of bonding time for the kojima dormers though. after waving goodbye to the koreans while saying annyeong hikeseyo, we trudged back into the kitchen and cleaned dishes. we (kanittha, boe, nancy, and i) then just sat at the table, munching Calbee chips with kimchi (like nachos and salsa), and chatted - about how fast time passes by, about having to go home in may, about cute korean guys, about having to give speeches the day after (for nancy and kanittha - about their favorite stores), and some ordinary stuff. it closely resembled my "coffee table" scene. it was a nice feeling, just sitting there, enjoying each other's company.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
the unconscious working
i think there might be some truth to the saying that we work out problems in our dreams, problems that can either be conscious or unconscious. you see, the thing is i had a dream last night - i'd say it was a weird one because it was unexpected. it was something i thought i had already gotten over...or maybe i haven't yet. it's like i sort of inhibited my emotions, kept them hidden and covered - repressed, that's the word. last night, they sort of just popped out and it's making me question certain things. although the dream has me sort of confused, i can say that i've resolved whatever emotions that were involved in it. yet, in the living conscious world, i still have some demons to deal with.
~o~
today i went out with Patricia and her host mom. We had lunch at this cozy Italian restaurant (Marino). We had the "spinach" course. Soup, spinach spaghetti, spinach & sausage pizza, spinach risotto souffle, topped off with dessert (a choice of cakes and puddings). It was yummy and filling. I loved the tangy taste of the grapefruit ruby juice ^o^
We then headed for Arimatsu, which is this avenue filled with Edo-type houses and is famous for tie-dying. There are kimonos, silk handkerchiefs, neckties - quite pricey though, which is expected as the process is quite lengthy and intricate. First, the design is carved on plastic (as if to make a mold), then the design is put on silk or cloth, which is sewn together so that it's one big roll (like a rolled carpet), then it's dyed. Afterwhich, the thread is pulled out so that the cloth gets soft and crinkly and the design is made visible. There are different ways of sewing the cloth together so that the effect on the stretched out cloth is different. It was pretty interesting.
~o~
yesterday, emma slept over as there wasn't any hot water at her host family's. She gave us Godiva chocolates! Yum. After the French lesson, she talked with eric. It was cool, the conversation - if only for being able to listen to Cantonese as i couldn't understand most of it. I did catch a few words though. It's really interesting how people can communicate using sounds that seem so utterly alien to me. Emma and i talked about music - chinese, japanese, and english songs.
Then, she asked me what type of guy i liked. She asked what language do you want him to speak? I was sort of stunted by that question. I don't know. Before, i always thought it'd be cool to marry a foreigner. But recently, i've realized how important communication is. There are just certain things that you cannot express using a foreign language - the colloquial stuff. Boe once mentioned that although she's open to the idea of having a Japanese boyfriend, Indonesian guys are still better cause somehow you're on the same wavelength in terms of culture and language. But i don't know. I don't really have a list written up with regards to which guys i like. I just want someone i can talk with on a wide variety of topics. Someone who'll be willing to listen to my philosophical thoughts and weird ideas.
~0~
Happy Valentines' Day!
~o~
today i went out with Patricia and her host mom. We had lunch at this cozy Italian restaurant (Marino). We had the "spinach" course. Soup, spinach spaghetti, spinach & sausage pizza, spinach risotto souffle, topped off with dessert (a choice of cakes and puddings). It was yummy and filling. I loved the tangy taste of the grapefruit ruby juice ^o^
We then headed for Arimatsu, which is this avenue filled with Edo-type houses and is famous for tie-dying. There are kimonos, silk handkerchiefs, neckties - quite pricey though, which is expected as the process is quite lengthy and intricate. First, the design is carved on plastic (as if to make a mold), then the design is put on silk or cloth, which is sewn together so that it's one big roll (like a rolled carpet), then it's dyed. Afterwhich, the thread is pulled out so that the cloth gets soft and crinkly and the design is made visible. There are different ways of sewing the cloth together so that the effect on the stretched out cloth is different. It was pretty interesting.
~o~
yesterday, emma slept over as there wasn't any hot water at her host family's. She gave us Godiva chocolates! Yum. After the French lesson, she talked with eric. It was cool, the conversation - if only for being able to listen to Cantonese as i couldn't understand most of it. I did catch a few words though. It's really interesting how people can communicate using sounds that seem so utterly alien to me. Emma and i talked about music - chinese, japanese, and english songs.
Then, she asked me what type of guy i liked. She asked what language do you want him to speak? I was sort of stunted by that question. I don't know. Before, i always thought it'd be cool to marry a foreigner. But recently, i've realized how important communication is. There are just certain things that you cannot express using a foreign language - the colloquial stuff. Boe once mentioned that although she's open to the idea of having a Japanese boyfriend, Indonesian guys are still better cause somehow you're on the same wavelength in terms of culture and language. But i don't know. I don't really have a list written up with regards to which guys i like. I just want someone i can talk with on a wide variety of topics. Someone who'll be willing to listen to my philosophical thoughts and weird ideas.
~0~
Happy Valentines' Day!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
little superhero girl
Little Superhero Girl
(sung by Corrinne May)
I feel like a little girl
Trying to conquer the whole wide world
Everybody wants a piece of me
And i just don't know where to turn
I've got work piled up to my head
All i want to do is jump into bed
And wash away my troubles with lemonade
Play hide and seek with the boy next door
Take a trip to Singapore and
Imagine how i'll make the world a better place
All I need is a good disguise
One where nobody can recognise
That I'm feeling so small
All i need is a secret weapon
I've gotta have faith
Zapping monsters into outer space
I'm gonna be a superhero
If I were a little girl
Trying to clean up the whole wide world
I'd kick the bad boys back to school
Teach them fighting's just not cool
I'd give every kid a teddy bear
Turn starving people into millionaires
Break glass ceilings with dynamite
sprinkle a little sugar and spice
Turn the bullies that terrorize
into pink poodles that bark,
But don't bite
All i need is a good disguise
One where nobody can recognise
That I'm feeling so small
All i need is a secret weapon
I've gotta have faith
Zapping monsters into outer space
I'm gonna be a superhero
Little superhero girl, little superhero girl
Save me
Little superhero girl, little superhero girl
Save me from myself
I feel like a little girl
Trying to conquer the whole wide world
everything in its time
Everything in its time
(sung by Corrinne May)
Sometimes i wonder what lies ahead
How long till my hunger is fed
They say it's hard to make it in this part of town
so many people on this merry-go-round
Some folks try astrology
Some turn to crystal balls
To find an answer
To get through it all
I just fall on my knees and i try to pray
in the silence i can hear Him say
The river runs and the river hides
Out to the ocean and under the sky
I promise you, the answer will come
Hold on to patience and watch for the sign
Everything in its time
I often feel like i'm two steps behind
Somebody must have moved that finish line
There are a thousand reasons why i should give up
But i'm stubborn in the things i believe
Coz the river runs and the river hides
Out to the ocean and under the sky
I promise you, the answer will come
Hold on to the patience and watch for the sign
'cause maybe there's another plan
One i still can't see
A little surprise, like your love in my life
Funny how time changes how we see
There are a thousand reasons why i should give up
But i'm stubborn in the things i believe
The river runs and the river hides
Out to the ocean and under the sky
I promise you, the answer will come
Hold on to the patience and watch for the sign
Everything in its time
Everything in its time
out of whack
that is how i am right now. i am out of whack. i do not know why. i cannot pinpoint the exact reasons. i just feel as if i am on this neverending roller coaster of ups and downs. mood swings maybe. somehow i feel as if i have so much to think about and at the same time, i feel as if i'm giving myself an unnecessary hard time. (>.<) i will try to just jot down the things that are running through my head right now.
--> "Forget peace for now. We have to show them we’re strong," a steadfast Golda Meir decides, and before your mind returns to the screen, it would have to first delicately pick apart the true meaning that incendiary statement. (the movie Munich)
Read that from Lanz Leviste's article in Young Star. Proving oneself, avenging oneself is a big deal for human beings. I was thinking about this last night and i thought of the "madapa ka sana" phrase (lit. i hope you fall flat on your face). We seem to initiate our own karma, not being able to wait for events to run their natural course, resulting in a destructive continuous cycle. In order for peace to be possible, so many different principles and ideals have to be laid out and dissected. The thing is fighting for something you truly believe in gives one a sense of fulfillment. The problem is that "what is worth fighting for" varies from culture to culture, person to person. Thus, terrorism is honorable for some because religion is their reason for living. It all boils down to pride i think. People don't want to lose to other people, as is seen in bragging (we always want to say something to shut the person up) & revenge (you hurt me, i'll do something to hurt you too). Can't we just let go...isn't it possible...to just leave everything to God? To not take strikes to our pride so hard? Forgiveness is such a layered concept. Being strong shouldn't mean striking back at the people who hurt you. Instead, shouldn't it mean forgiving? Because it takes so much more will, energy, patience, and emotion. It involves a stronger inner battle. There is a right way to be strong. I strongly believe in that.
-->Talked to eric last night. He was telling me about wanting to see a Napoleon exhibit in Kobe and was guilty of dragging Kanittha to it as she didn't seem to have much interest. The point is that Kanittha apparently said "エリカなら、何でも知ってる" (erika knows everything) at that time. eric replied that that was impossible.
I am not bothered by eric's reply. ironically, i'm a bit wary(?) of kanittha's comment. of course, i'm flattered in a way. i didn't know that she thought of me that way so i was a bit surprised. in retrospect, i guess i realize that what i do has effects on people. That how i comport myself shows what kind of person i am. The small things, seemingly meaningless actions accumulate to form a bigger picture of who i am. And it is through those actions and conversations that i show people who i am. i used to be scolded before because i had such airs. i still do at times but i try to be more conscious of it. i guess it's because of the way eric said it or brought it up that i felt that i didn't deserve that compliment. of course, i'm not saying that i know everything but sometimes it just makes you happy to bask in a little praise. last night, it was like it was snatched away and it left me a bit disconcerted, dangling and lost. it might not make a lot of sense but that's the state i'm in now...
kind of brings back snatches of the conversation last night: being overly confident (自信) and knowing your limits (自量). there's a thin line that separates these two similar yet different concepts.
--> "Forget peace for now. We have to show them we’re strong," a steadfast Golda Meir decides, and before your mind returns to the screen, it would have to first delicately pick apart the true meaning that incendiary statement. (the movie Munich)
Read that from Lanz Leviste's article in Young Star. Proving oneself, avenging oneself is a big deal for human beings. I was thinking about this last night and i thought of the "madapa ka sana" phrase (lit. i hope you fall flat on your face). We seem to initiate our own karma, not being able to wait for events to run their natural course, resulting in a destructive continuous cycle. In order for peace to be possible, so many different principles and ideals have to be laid out and dissected. The thing is fighting for something you truly believe in gives one a sense of fulfillment. The problem is that "what is worth fighting for" varies from culture to culture, person to person. Thus, terrorism is honorable for some because religion is their reason for living. It all boils down to pride i think. People don't want to lose to other people, as is seen in bragging (we always want to say something to shut the person up) & revenge (you hurt me, i'll do something to hurt you too). Can't we just let go...isn't it possible...to just leave everything to God? To not take strikes to our pride so hard? Forgiveness is such a layered concept. Being strong shouldn't mean striking back at the people who hurt you. Instead, shouldn't it mean forgiving? Because it takes so much more will, energy, patience, and emotion. It involves a stronger inner battle. There is a right way to be strong. I strongly believe in that.
-->Talked to eric last night. He was telling me about wanting to see a Napoleon exhibit in Kobe and was guilty of dragging Kanittha to it as she didn't seem to have much interest. The point is that Kanittha apparently said "エリカなら、何でも知ってる" (erika knows everything) at that time. eric replied that that was impossible.
I am not bothered by eric's reply. ironically, i'm a bit wary(?) of kanittha's comment. of course, i'm flattered in a way. i didn't know that she thought of me that way so i was a bit surprised. in retrospect, i guess i realize that what i do has effects on people. That how i comport myself shows what kind of person i am. The small things, seemingly meaningless actions accumulate to form a bigger picture of who i am. And it is through those actions and conversations that i show people who i am. i used to be scolded before because i had such airs. i still do at times but i try to be more conscious of it. i guess it's because of the way eric said it or brought it up that i felt that i didn't deserve that compliment. of course, i'm not saying that i know everything but sometimes it just makes you happy to bask in a little praise. last night, it was like it was snatched away and it left me a bit disconcerted, dangling and lost. it might not make a lot of sense but that's the state i'm in now...
kind of brings back snatches of the conversation last night: being overly confident (自信) and knowing your limits (自量). there's a thin line that separates these two similar yet different concepts.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Little World
we went to little world today. at first, i thought it was a display of scaled down models of world wonders and tourist spots. it turned out to be a small park with traditional houses of different countries. okaasan had been there 15, 16 times already so she pretty much knew the place inside and out ^0^ the weather was very cooperative - sunny and warm. there were only the four of us though - eka, me, lucio, and boe - as the rest had gone traveling (with B having to go back to thailand to make a new ID).
the european areas were nice. i loved the souvenirs there most. Got little fairytale characters carved in wood from the German area. Had lunch there, frankfurter sandwiches for them and potatao salad for me. Okaasan told us how Germans (well, Europeans in general) are very particular about bread, as Asians are about rice grains. She went on to tell us about Christmas cake in Japan being strawberry shortcake while in Germany, it was a loaf of bread filled with fruits. From the way she described, it seemed very filling. Okaasan used the Japanese word "urusai" (which means noisy) to describe how Germans treat bread. I was very puzzled and asked Boe when we were on the way back to the station. Turns out that, "urusai" can also be used to mean very particular. That certainly cleared things up.
Italy and France didn't have anything particularly special. Hmm, the French traditional costume reminded me of Holland (you'd just have to add wooden shows and it'd be the Holland traditional costume) and the milkmaid who balances milk bottles on her head. For the East Asia area, the Korean houses reminded me of Jewel in the Palace. There were these old straw houses meant to be farmers' houses. It really resembled the drama set. From the Philippines, there was a jeepney by the entrance (^_^)V
That was my day. In more or less three hours, i was able to see different traditional houses from various parts of the globe. Not bad at all \(^o^)/
the european areas were nice. i loved the souvenirs there most. Got little fairytale characters carved in wood from the German area. Had lunch there, frankfurter sandwiches for them and potatao salad for me. Okaasan told us how Germans (well, Europeans in general) are very particular about bread, as Asians are about rice grains. She went on to tell us about Christmas cake in Japan being strawberry shortcake while in Germany, it was a loaf of bread filled with fruits. From the way she described, it seemed very filling. Okaasan used the Japanese word "urusai" (which means noisy) to describe how Germans treat bread. I was very puzzled and asked Boe when we were on the way back to the station. Turns out that, "urusai" can also be used to mean very particular. That certainly cleared things up.
Italy and France didn't have anything particularly special. Hmm, the French traditional costume reminded me of Holland (you'd just have to add wooden shows and it'd be the Holland traditional costume) and the milkmaid who balances milk bottles on her head. For the East Asia area, the Korean houses reminded me of Jewel in the Palace. There were these old straw houses meant to be farmers' houses. It really resembled the drama set. From the Philippines, there was a jeepney by the entrance (^_^)V
That was my day. In more or less three hours, i was able to see different traditional houses from various parts of the globe. Not bad at all \(^o^)/
Friday, February 10, 2006
to hold eternity in your hands
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.
~William Blake~
The movie that Yan-san and I saw today ended with that quote. Hakase no Aishita Suushiki (the mathematical formula that the doctor loved). A doctor of math that is. The movie is basically about a young single mom who goes to work for Hakase as a cleaning lady. She is hired by a woman who is believed to be Hakase`s older sister but is in fact his lady love. What is interesting is that Hakase has a memory span of only 80 minutes. The first time he meets the cleaning lady, he asks her the size of her feet. 24 the girl answers. 24 is 4! (factorial), meaning that 1x2x3x4=24. That conversation happens every single day. Hakase talks through numbers and formulas. His suit has little sheets of paper pinned all over, reminding him that he has an 80-minute memory span. He draws a picture of the cleaning lady and pins it to his left sleeve.
One day, he asks for her birthday. February 20, 2-20, 220. He takes out his watch and on the back the number 284 is engraved. 220=284 he says.
220 = 1+2 +4+5+10+11+20+22+44+55+110 = 284
284 = 1+2+4+71+142 = 220
Thus, the divisors of 220 when added together equal 284 and vice versa. They are amicable numbers (友愛数). Even numbers have friends.
Hakase loves children. He calls the landlady`s son Root (as in square root) because his head is flat like the top of a square root. The story revolves around how Hakase, the landlady, and Root are able to find a certain meaning in life thru their relationships.
In one scene, Hakase asks the landlady to draw a line. The line you drew, he says, has a start and an end. But in reality, there should be no end. A line is endless, infinite but it is limited by the paper. What is limitless and infinite, he says, is hidden by the finite. Thus, to see the infinite and believe in it, we must use our hearts. Not seeing it does not mean it does not exist. Probably like his memory. He may not remember it but it doesn`t mean that he isn`t capable of feeling.
It was a good movie. Got me interested in math ^0^ Hehe. Some people have so much passion about something that it just flows out to other people. Such people would make wonderful teachers - living, breathing, sharing their passion.
It is the temporality and fleetingness of life that make it more memorable and meaningful. I believe that we all try to catch a bit of infinity, never wanting to let it go...
hiroshima
we arrived at hiroshima at around 6pm. The first thing i noticed was that there weren't any ticket wicket machines. There were actual people collecting the ticket stubs from us! We took the tram (yes! there is a tram in Hiroshima ^o^) to the hotel. It was snowing then. Small snowflakes falling down. Pretty scene. Entered the right hotel but wrong bldg (we should have gone into the first building which was located three minutes away from the tram stop). Tricia navigated and i just followed. Was just too tired.
Then, in the hotel room (which i loved! it smelled so nice and was so warm and cozy), we discussed our plans for the next day. Time schedules and all. Then off we went in search for dinner. We ended up having a good simple meal at a Chinese eatery. We sat by the countertop as it was the only table. I had kimchi fried rice and egg soup, while Tricia had curry fried rice. It was yummy! Like a homecooked meal. And the customers seemed friendly with the owners of the place so it gave me a comfy feel.
The next day, we headed out at around 810. Deposited our baggage in the coin lockers at JR then went off to the Peace Memorial Park. The A dome was being tested or something coz there was scaffolding. But it was a monument to that tragic day. There were statues of doves and women carrying children. The museum was ordinary. I expected something more. It was sad and some of the things on display made me cringe (like hair and nails or photos of burnt victims). It's just that it is a thing of the past. And yes, the message it wants to give is to not let the same thing happen again. Let us promote peace. But i feel that it's not enough. Because we do not live in the past so somehow we cannot relate. There must be some way to send a stronger message out to people. Coz there are so many incidents of nuclear testing and human rights violations in these times. It seems like we haven't learned our lesson from the Hiroshima incident at all.
In the afternoon, we headed out to Miyajima by ferry. I finally got to see the floating torii. It was only semi-floating at that time as it was low tide. It looked so majestic and imposing. We headed for the ropeway first (which is like a cable car). Hiroshima and the bay, it sort of looked like Hongkong. From the peak of the mountain, you could see so many different islands. It was quite a scene! ^o^
We went to the Itsukushima Shrine afterwards and while taking pictures with the torii as backdrop, an old man (ojiisan) accosted us, offering to take a picture of the both us. We took him up on his offer and took his picture for him later on. He started chatting with us then, asking where we were from, and talked to me about Corregiedor and his travel plans for the next few days. He told us to study hard and to take care. We met him again at a different part of the shrine and he bought these amulets (to help students in their studies) for me and Tricia. He even hit me lightly on the back when i refused at first. It was a funny incident. Interesting how on trips you meet certain people. Some who are creepy, some who make you laugh - people you only see once but whom pop into your thoughts every once in a while.
We bought souvenirs afterwards - these maple-leaf shaped cakes with cheese, red bean, custard, macha, and choco fillings ^o^
I liked Hiroshima the best out of Nara and Osaka. Possibly because, it was the right mix of old and new, of the historical and the current. The lifestyle seemed laidback enough. It sort of reminded me of movies set in old Shanghai.
It was a fun and tiring five days. I will have to watch my budget for now. Hehe. But i am looking forward to the next trip!
Then, in the hotel room (which i loved! it smelled so nice and was so warm and cozy), we discussed our plans for the next day. Time schedules and all. Then off we went in search for dinner. We ended up having a good simple meal at a Chinese eatery. We sat by the countertop as it was the only table. I had kimchi fried rice and egg soup, while Tricia had curry fried rice. It was yummy! Like a homecooked meal. And the customers seemed friendly with the owners of the place so it gave me a comfy feel.
The next day, we headed out at around 810. Deposited our baggage in the coin lockers at JR then went off to the Peace Memorial Park. The A dome was being tested or something coz there was scaffolding. But it was a monument to that tragic day. There were statues of doves and women carrying children. The museum was ordinary. I expected something more. It was sad and some of the things on display made me cringe (like hair and nails or photos of burnt victims). It's just that it is a thing of the past. And yes, the message it wants to give is to not let the same thing happen again. Let us promote peace. But i feel that it's not enough. Because we do not live in the past so somehow we cannot relate. There must be some way to send a stronger message out to people. Coz there are so many incidents of nuclear testing and human rights violations in these times. It seems like we haven't learned our lesson from the Hiroshima incident at all.
In the afternoon, we headed out to Miyajima by ferry. I finally got to see the floating torii. It was only semi-floating at that time as it was low tide. It looked so majestic and imposing. We headed for the ropeway first (which is like a cable car). Hiroshima and the bay, it sort of looked like Hongkong. From the peak of the mountain, you could see so many different islands. It was quite a scene! ^o^
We went to the Itsukushima Shrine afterwards and while taking pictures with the torii as backdrop, an old man (ojiisan) accosted us, offering to take a picture of the both us. We took him up on his offer and took his picture for him later on. He started chatting with us then, asking where we were from, and talked to me about Corregiedor and his travel plans for the next few days. He told us to study hard and to take care. We met him again at a different part of the shrine and he bought these amulets (to help students in their studies) for me and Tricia. He even hit me lightly on the back when i refused at first. It was a funny incident. Interesting how on trips you meet certain people. Some who are creepy, some who make you laugh - people you only see once but whom pop into your thoughts every once in a while.
We bought souvenirs afterwards - these maple-leaf shaped cakes with cheese, red bean, custard, macha, and choco fillings ^o^
I liked Hiroshima the best out of Nara and Osaka. Possibly because, it was the right mix of old and new, of the historical and the current. The lifestyle seemed laidback enough. It sort of reminded me of movies set in old Shanghai.
It was a fun and tiring five days. I will have to watch my budget for now. Hehe. But i am looking forward to the next trip!
osaka
osaka. stayed two nights at osaka. the first day, we just walked around. Starting from nanba, we walked till shinsaibashi and then walked for an hour or so looking for America Village (AmeMura). One shop stood out at Nanba - a shop especially for dogs. But they didn't sell dog food or leashes. They sold carriages and clothes and bonnets. All for dogs!! I didn't know whether i was more exasperated or amused. They also have some pretty good bread shops. We stopped at Cookhouse for dinner. Their churro-like donut was really good. Gave me the kick of sugar i needed. Shinsaibashi is just this long line of shops. It looked like Osu but it was so much longer and more packed. There was a Disney store and an Agnes B store (which made me think of Nancy), a Hello Kitty store (where i took a picture with Hello Kitty. Hehe).
There are parts in Osaka where the buildings are old and the streets are kind of dirty (kind of like a Chinatown scene) and then there are parts where there is endless activity, where the buildings are designed so uniquely, you just want to stand there and gape. The transportation is more organized i think with JR and subway lines close to each other. It's pretty extensive. The subways seem to be wider though. I liked the subway train on the Chuo line. It was designed in such a way that the train walls were curving outward. It was so cool! Kind of felt like i was in some kind of space vessel. ^o^
The first night we had dinner with Raf and Mark (his Thai friend who's currently studying in Petersburg, Canada). We had dinner at Baku, an Asian-themed restaurant at the top floor of the Yodobashi-Camera building at Umeda station. That was where i saw my first Comme Ca shop. I chanced upon its website when i was doing research for a midterm paper for Sir Cheng Chua's history class.
By that time, we three girls were really tired. At Nanba, we had seen these giant parfaits and smoothies. Qian wanted to get them but we trudged off to check out the other shops. So after the meal at Baku (where i had singaporean yakisoba. i like the version with bihon better), we chanced upon a cafe offering sundaes. We looked at each other and there was silent agreement. I got chocolate brownie, Tricia has cheescake, and Qian had red bean. Just heavenly! There is nothing like sugar to get you up and going again. Haha. ^o^
The next day, we went to Universal Studios. Some of the rides allowed me to recall my trip to Universal Studios Florida when i was younger. Like the Back to the Future ride. Or the Shrek ride (i didn't get on but i thought of Flinstones). The Spiderman ride was cool. The Backdraft thing was scary. Fiery flames and chemicals - explosive combination. The Terminator thing was pretty interesting too. I loved the Snoopy Studio though ^o^ Seeing a lifesize Lucy sitting by her counseling booth, Charlie Brown in front of his house...it just made me smile. Qian and I got on the Snoopy roller coaster (which was like the sneaker ride at Enchanted Kingdom). I wish i could've bought the entire store. Hehe. There were cookies and chocolates and wafers in Snoopy tin cans. One was even shaped like a dog dish.
We headed back to the hotels after that. We had decided to meet at 730, but in the end, i went to Nanba by myself. Got new shoes (coz the ones i bought had holes in the soles) and two pink panther shirts. I ate omelette rice for the first time (Japanese people seem to love it). It tasted good. Fried ketchup rice covered by this big omelette and topped with more ketchup. I can make that on my own sometime. My omelette would surely be disformed though. Hehe.
On the last day, we went to Osaka castle. Patricia bought octopus balls but i think they were sort of raw on the inside so it was sort of icky. The castle is a museum. I wish they had left the original rooms, to see what life was like before. It would have been more interesting then, for me at least.
After that, we rushed to the JR station to catch the shinkansen for Hiroshima. We missed the first one and decided to catch the next one. Tricia ended up getting on with me waiting by the platform. She had stopped to buy a bottle of water and we ended up missing each other. We met at Okayama station. When she sat down beside me, we both sighed in relief. And of course, had sugar boosts. Beard Papa cream puffs (which cost around 63 pesos here) and Meiji chocolate. What is it with girls and sweets? Haha.
The shinkansen is very fast. It looks like a plane. Well, the seats at least. I was sort of disappointed at first. Probably because i was expecting some kind of European train with beds and cafes. Of course, that would be for three- day trips maybe. Hehe. But the shinkansen impresses with its speed. It just zooms, zips through tunnels, and is smooth. Not bumpy at all. It is also very punctual. To the dot. I find that hard to believe.
And that was my Osaka trip ^0^
There are parts in Osaka where the buildings are old and the streets are kind of dirty (kind of like a Chinatown scene) and then there are parts where there is endless activity, where the buildings are designed so uniquely, you just want to stand there and gape. The transportation is more organized i think with JR and subway lines close to each other. It's pretty extensive. The subways seem to be wider though. I liked the subway train on the Chuo line. It was designed in such a way that the train walls were curving outward. It was so cool! Kind of felt like i was in some kind of space vessel. ^o^
The first night we had dinner with Raf and Mark (his Thai friend who's currently studying in Petersburg, Canada). We had dinner at Baku, an Asian-themed restaurant at the top floor of the Yodobashi-Camera building at Umeda station. That was where i saw my first Comme Ca shop. I chanced upon its website when i was doing research for a midterm paper for Sir Cheng Chua's history class.
By that time, we three girls were really tired. At Nanba, we had seen these giant parfaits and smoothies. Qian wanted to get them but we trudged off to check out the other shops. So after the meal at Baku (where i had singaporean yakisoba. i like the version with bihon better), we chanced upon a cafe offering sundaes. We looked at each other and there was silent agreement. I got chocolate brownie, Tricia has cheescake, and Qian had red bean. Just heavenly! There is nothing like sugar to get you up and going again. Haha. ^o^
The next day, we went to Universal Studios. Some of the rides allowed me to recall my trip to Universal Studios Florida when i was younger. Like the Back to the Future ride. Or the Shrek ride (i didn't get on but i thought of Flinstones). The Spiderman ride was cool. The Backdraft thing was scary. Fiery flames and chemicals - explosive combination. The Terminator thing was pretty interesting too. I loved the Snoopy Studio though ^o^ Seeing a lifesize Lucy sitting by her counseling booth, Charlie Brown in front of his house...it just made me smile. Qian and I got on the Snoopy roller coaster (which was like the sneaker ride at Enchanted Kingdom). I wish i could've bought the entire store. Hehe. There were cookies and chocolates and wafers in Snoopy tin cans. One was even shaped like a dog dish.
We headed back to the hotels after that. We had decided to meet at 730, but in the end, i went to Nanba by myself. Got new shoes (coz the ones i bought had holes in the soles) and two pink panther shirts. I ate omelette rice for the first time (Japanese people seem to love it). It tasted good. Fried ketchup rice covered by this big omelette and topped with more ketchup. I can make that on my own sometime. My omelette would surely be disformed though. Hehe.
On the last day, we went to Osaka castle. Patricia bought octopus balls but i think they were sort of raw on the inside so it was sort of icky. The castle is a museum. I wish they had left the original rooms, to see what life was like before. It would have been more interesting then, for me at least.
After that, we rushed to the JR station to catch the shinkansen for Hiroshima. We missed the first one and decided to catch the next one. Tricia ended up getting on with me waiting by the platform. She had stopped to buy a bottle of water and we ended up missing each other. We met at Okayama station. When she sat down beside me, we both sighed in relief. And of course, had sugar boosts. Beard Papa cream puffs (which cost around 63 pesos here) and Meiji chocolate. What is it with girls and sweets? Haha.
The shinkansen is very fast. It looks like a plane. Well, the seats at least. I was sort of disappointed at first. Probably because i was expecting some kind of European train with beds and cafes. Of course, that would be for three- day trips maybe. Hehe. But the shinkansen impresses with its speed. It just zooms, zips through tunnels, and is smooth. Not bumpy at all. It is also very punctual. To the dot. I find that hard to believe.
And that was my Osaka trip ^0^
Sunday, February 05, 2006
first stop : nara
today was the first day of our five-day trip. took the regular trains to nara, took about 3 hours. good thing we didn't get lost during the train switching. arrived in nara at around 2pm. had to wait til 3 before we could check in though.
i like nara better than kyoto. it has an old city appeal. avenues lined with small shops that close at around 730. it has this rustic feel to it. ^o^ there really are lots of deer, well-fed and healthy. they surround you when you buy deer food (cracker-like things). and did you know that deer made such weird noise? like patricia said, they sound like dolphins.
i got to see the big wooden Buddha. The temple housing it was really grand and initimidating. When i saw it, i was like Wow! it looked like an imperial palace - the court at least. The Buddha was so big and impressive. From the pictures, perhaps because of the lighting, it looked like it was radiating.
Afterwards, we went to a shrine and from there, you could see Nara (and even Kyoto i believe) from a bird's eye view. At that time, the sun was beginning to set so it really was lovely.
We had dinner afterwards at an udon shop, that was typically Japanese. I had seaweed udon and Patricia had tamago udon. Steaming and hot! ^o^ We stopped by Kohikan afterwards, the first i saw here in Japan. Overall, today was fun! I loved walking around the quaint little shops, cozy restaurants and bakeries, souvenir shops. That said though i wouldn't want to actually reside here. I still prefer big cities but it's nice to get away from the rush and noise once in a while.
- -watching Rondo now ^o^
i like nara better than kyoto. it has an old city appeal. avenues lined with small shops that close at around 730. it has this rustic feel to it. ^o^ there really are lots of deer, well-fed and healthy. they surround you when you buy deer food (cracker-like things). and did you know that deer made such weird noise? like patricia said, they sound like dolphins.
i got to see the big wooden Buddha. The temple housing it was really grand and initimidating. When i saw it, i was like Wow! it looked like an imperial palace - the court at least. The Buddha was so big and impressive. From the pictures, perhaps because of the lighting, it looked like it was radiating.
Afterwards, we went to a shrine and from there, you could see Nara (and even Kyoto i believe) from a bird's eye view. At that time, the sun was beginning to set so it really was lovely.
We had dinner afterwards at an udon shop, that was typically Japanese. I had seaweed udon and Patricia had tamago udon. Steaming and hot! ^o^ We stopped by Kohikan afterwards, the first i saw here in Japan. Overall, today was fun! I loved walking around the quaint little shops, cozy restaurants and bakeries, souvenir shops. That said though i wouldn't want to actually reside here. I still prefer big cities but it's nice to get away from the rush and noise once in a while.
- -watching Rondo now ^o^
Thursday, February 02, 2006
the 2x2 test
*Granting* Char's wish ^o^
*2 names you go by:
- Erika and Kaka
*2 parts of your heritage:
- I would say Chinese and Filipino
*2 things that scare you:
- Cockroaches!
- On a more serious note, uncertainty.
*2 of your everyday essentials:
- Conversation (includes prayer) - Laughter
*2 things you are wearing right now:
- the earrings Ama Lourdes gave me
- the jeans i bought on sale at marks & spencers
*2 of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment)
- ayaka hirahara 平原綾香
- carrie underwood
*2 favorite songs (at the moment)
- little superhero girl by corrinne may
- posible by rivermaya
*2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love)
- free-flowing conversation (ranging from the asinine to the thought-provoking)
- mundane things that are made special: like when both of you are sitting by the kitchen counter drinking coffee. one is reading the newspaper, the other is preparing for a project presentation, when for one flicker of a second, you catch each other's eyes and smile... then, the world starts moving again. Simple things like that. May seem sentimental but i live for the small things.
*2 truths
- i love chocolate (esp kitkat) and that big wafer ice cream bar they have here in japan
- i am truly blessed to have the life that i am living now. Thank you Lord.
*2 of your favorite hobbies
- reading books
- watching movies while munching popcorn (the white cheddar cheese variety from chimara!)
*2 things you want really badly
- world peace (i don't think it's quite possible though)
- i want to master japanese and french and study korean
*2 places you want to go on vacation
- europe
- anywhere by the sea. i just want to stare at the waves and feel the sea breeze. anywhere
where nature is abundant ^o^
*2 things you want to do before you die
- understand the purpose of my existence
- tell everyone i love that i love them
*2 ways that you are stereotypically a dude/chick
- my accessories, hair pin, shoes, & bag have to complement my outfit (takes me hours >0<)
- i can't help but drool over shoes and skirts
*2 things you are thinking about now
- making a new blog (for my japanese language entries)
- train ticket prices and train routes
*2 stores you shop at
- powerbooks!! and Bayo
*2 people i would like to see take this quiz
- angel and nini
*2 names you go by:
- Erika and Kaka
*2 parts of your heritage:
- I would say Chinese and Filipino
*2 things that scare you:
- Cockroaches!
- On a more serious note, uncertainty.
*2 of your everyday essentials:
- Conversation (includes prayer) - Laughter
*2 things you are wearing right now:
- the earrings Ama Lourdes gave me
- the jeans i bought on sale at marks & spencers
*2 of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment)
- ayaka hirahara 平原綾香
- carrie underwood
*2 favorite songs (at the moment)
- little superhero girl by corrinne may
- posible by rivermaya
*2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love)
- free-flowing conversation (ranging from the asinine to the thought-provoking)
- mundane things that are made special: like when both of you are sitting by the kitchen counter drinking coffee. one is reading the newspaper, the other is preparing for a project presentation, when for one flicker of a second, you catch each other's eyes and smile... then, the world starts moving again. Simple things like that. May seem sentimental but i live for the small things.
*2 truths
- i love chocolate (esp kitkat) and that big wafer ice cream bar they have here in japan
- i am truly blessed to have the life that i am living now. Thank you Lord.
*2 of your favorite hobbies
- reading books
- watching movies while munching popcorn (the white cheddar cheese variety from chimara!)
*2 things you want really badly
- world peace (i don't think it's quite possible though)
- i want to master japanese and french and study korean
*2 places you want to go on vacation
- europe
- anywhere by the sea. i just want to stare at the waves and feel the sea breeze. anywhere
where nature is abundant ^o^
*2 things you want to do before you die
- understand the purpose of my existence
- tell everyone i love that i love them
*2 ways that you are stereotypically a dude/chick
- my accessories, hair pin, shoes, & bag have to complement my outfit (takes me hours >0<)
- i can't help but drool over shoes and skirts
*2 things you are thinking about now
- making a new blog (for my japanese language entries)
- train ticket prices and train routes
*2 stores you shop at
- powerbooks!! and Bayo
*2 people i would like to see take this quiz
- angel and nini
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
because there's homework to be done...
Got this from camie ^o^
1) using your current first initial, choose a different name for yourself:
ezra. instead of ka, people would call me Ez. no reason in particular for choosing the name, just thought it sounded more glamorous. though i like my name better because it seems to give off a sense of "familiarity." haha. it should after 20 years ^o^
2) if you were born outside of your era, when would you want to be born and why?
17th century probably. where english women had to learn waltzes and foxtrots. when all they were concerned about was marrying well. i think i still have a Pride and Prejudice hangover.
3) if you ran a store, what would you sell/have?
Books definitely. And cakes and pastries with coffee. A shop with round tables for easy discussions and probably French music.
4) what part in a movie would you love to play?
best friend to someone - the one who gives advice, whacks the person on the head so that he/she will wake up from his/her reverie, the sidekick.
5) in your opinion, why do people suck?
because they think only about themselves.
6) if you had your own state, what would you put on your new quarter?
ONE. Peace is possible.
7) what's the oldest article of clothing you own?
the green jersey i wear to sleep. it used to be a nightgown
8) what piece of furniture have you replaced the most?
dining kitchen chairs i think
9) what instrument do you wish you could be great at?
violin. i stopped after half a year. i was too sensitive, come to think of it. it was also a bit far from home. i also wish i were better on the piano
10) record, tape or CD?
CDs. though records are able to generate a more sentimental atmoshphere. emotions just tend to be emphasized.
11) what do you think would be the best concert ever?
the kind that nini saw. a concert with percussion and traditional instruments. a fusion of the traditional and the modern
12) what is the best part of your favorite movie(s)?
when prince brat yells to the whipping boy: Don't leave me alone. I command you. Don't leave me alone! (from Prince Brat and the Whipping Boy)
when Lucy meets Mr. Tomnus (not sure of the spelling) again after he's de-frozen by Aslan (Chronicles of Narnia)
13) what do you think is the most over-rated candy ever?
...can't think of any...
14) if you were writing out your will, who would you give your music/book collection to?
my sisters probably. or to a library
15) what do you collect?
books, CDs, keychains, bookmarks
16) what is broken that you have, that you wish was fixed?
the snow globe with a small angel inside it. i wish i could see "snow" in the snowglobe again
17) what do you do when you're home sick?
i usually become quiet, sit on my futon, and cry a bit. othertimes, i write emails and listen to music. I call home.
18) story behind your username?
i love pastel colors. since everything i tried was taken, i decided i'd like to have a username that somehow combined all the colors i liked. plus, at that time, i like the word "swirling." gives me the image of a big lollipop.
19) current favorite article of clothing?
the light blue sweater i borrowed from ama. easy to mix and match. plus it keeps me warm.
20) line from the last thing you wrote for someone?
probably take care and God bless. it's what i always write at the end of emails.
21) a famous person you have met?
jose mari chan. does arroyo count?
22) favorite way to waste/spend time?
surfing the net, reading books
23) last thing you bought yourself?
ice cream waffle. blueberry and banana bagels. choco melon bread. white socks. hair pins. all that today. that's a lot. =P
1) using your current first initial, choose a different name for yourself:
ezra. instead of ka, people would call me Ez. no reason in particular for choosing the name, just thought it sounded more glamorous. though i like my name better because it seems to give off a sense of "familiarity." haha. it should after 20 years ^o^
2) if you were born outside of your era, when would you want to be born and why?
17th century probably. where english women had to learn waltzes and foxtrots. when all they were concerned about was marrying well. i think i still have a Pride and Prejudice hangover.
3) if you ran a store, what would you sell/have?
Books definitely. And cakes and pastries with coffee. A shop with round tables for easy discussions and probably French music.
4) what part in a movie would you love to play?
best friend to someone - the one who gives advice, whacks the person on the head so that he/she will wake up from his/her reverie, the sidekick.
5) in your opinion, why do people suck?
because they think only about themselves.
6) if you had your own state, what would you put on your new quarter?
ONE. Peace is possible.
7) what's the oldest article of clothing you own?
the green jersey i wear to sleep. it used to be a nightgown
8) what piece of furniture have you replaced the most?
dining kitchen chairs i think
9) what instrument do you wish you could be great at?
violin. i stopped after half a year. i was too sensitive, come to think of it. it was also a bit far from home. i also wish i were better on the piano
10) record, tape or CD?
CDs. though records are able to generate a more sentimental atmoshphere. emotions just tend to be emphasized.
11) what do you think would be the best concert ever?
the kind that nini saw. a concert with percussion and traditional instruments. a fusion of the traditional and the modern
12) what is the best part of your favorite movie(s)?
when prince brat yells to the whipping boy: Don't leave me alone. I command you. Don't leave me alone! (from Prince Brat and the Whipping Boy)
when Lucy meets Mr. Tomnus (not sure of the spelling) again after he's de-frozen by Aslan (Chronicles of Narnia)
13) what do you think is the most over-rated candy ever?
...can't think of any...
14) if you were writing out your will, who would you give your music/book collection to?
my sisters probably. or to a library
15) what do you collect?
books, CDs, keychains, bookmarks
16) what is broken that you have, that you wish was fixed?
the snow globe with a small angel inside it. i wish i could see "snow" in the snowglobe again
17) what do you do when you're home sick?
i usually become quiet, sit on my futon, and cry a bit. othertimes, i write emails and listen to music. I call home.
18) story behind your username?
i love pastel colors. since everything i tried was taken, i decided i'd like to have a username that somehow combined all the colors i liked. plus, at that time, i like the word "swirling." gives me the image of a big lollipop.
19) current favorite article of clothing?
the light blue sweater i borrowed from ama. easy to mix and match. plus it keeps me warm.
20) line from the last thing you wrote for someone?
probably take care and God bless. it's what i always write at the end of emails.
21) a famous person you have met?
jose mari chan. does arroyo count?
22) favorite way to waste/spend time?
surfing the net, reading books
23) last thing you bought yourself?
ice cream waffle. blueberry and banana bagels. choco melon bread. white socks. hair pins. all that today. that's a lot. =P
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