^_^v Ari, Jeldine and I baked this flourless chocolate cake in faraway North Campus yesterday.. Haha. Then we met EARLY this morning to decorate it...
So today's my Japanese teacher's birthday! We wanted to write "先生お誕生日おめでとうございます！" but it's too long so we urhhh took a shortcut by writing Happy B'day. Hahaha.=P And we were totally 失礼 in writing just おめでとう on the cake. Hahaha.=X
And I must thank XW for lending me her Onigiri-Chan character.xD Haha. It's a VERY poor representation on the cake though. I must apologise for that.=X Oops. The one I drew on a paper to test out the design was urhhh MUCH cuter. Coughs.
佐藤先生 and バーにーさん in our favourite 百六十四 Greene in East Quad! Haha. =P
Dang I keep getting distracted! I swear I'll post the Japanese Cultural Festival and Tup Tim photos soon!!! =X
Oops! Got to go for class. *waves* cheers *[-witchstone-]*
As you probably found out from the previous post, the university's professors and GSIs [Graduate Student Instructors or Teaching Assistants as they are known elsewhere] have cancelled most classes for the GSI strike demanding better pay and benefits. And my professor sent out this super ambiguous email so when Rongs and I went to check on our class, I took some photos of the strike! It's quite exciting, considering the fact that I've never seen a strike before? Haha.
Sighting the first group of protestors in front of the Department of Mathematics..
They were chanting and marching in circles.
The Department of Psychology.=) They were all carrying signs that told people what they were picketing for. [Picketing refers to them standing outside the buildings and trying to urge you not to enter to support their cause.]
I think this kind of activism is quite inspiring.=) And as my sociology professor put it, it's something that isn't done on a whim, it's actually thought out beforehand about the effects it will have and the impact it can make because work stoppages are not a small thing.
Near the Diag, there were more protestors. Although there aren't that many GSIs, they actually make a huge impact on the school because they are basically the ones who teach you and help you when you need help. They also grade papers and conduct lessons/discussions for their profesors.=)
My Japanese teacher was telling us that he feels it's important for GSIs to be properly paid and to receive adequate benefits because if a university can offer something good for graduate students, they can attract good graduate students to not only conduct research in the university but also teach well in the classrooms to boost the student's academic experience.
Although there are arguments that they are wasting our tuition fees by stopping classes, I think it is important to voice your concerns if you feel you are not getting what you deserve. I think that since Umich is such a rich school, they can totally afford to pay 2000 GSIs more so that they can have adequate resources to survive in Ann Arbor.=)
Coming up next: Japanese Cultural Festival + Tup Tim!
Seeing as my brother so kindly summarised the situation in an email...
So it looks like UMich is going to be partially shut down tomorrow and Wednesday because the Graduate Student Instructors (or Teaching Assistants) are going to strike if the University does not meet their demands for increased pay and health care benefits. Students have been requested not to cross picket lines, as the GSIs are going to line up outside all academic buildings and try to dissuade faculty members from holding class, or students from attending.
Apparently many faculty members are in strong support of the Graduate Students. ... So, if all goes according to plan, many classes will be called off both tomorrow and Wednesday. In fact, the Math Department has already sent out appeals, looking for Math students who are willing to proctor the Calculus midterm tomorrow evening in case all the Math GSIs walk out.
... in an optimal scenario, the entire university should stop all academic activity in support of the GSIs. However, this hasn't stopped many people from complaining that the GSIs are wasting everyone's time and that they are not even full-time faculty, but are simply on their way to their PhDs and do not even pay tuition.
Sadly.. I only have one class cancelled at the moment.(T_T) But I love seeing this sort of activism where people actually try to do something about their rights instead of just complaining endlessly about their sad situations.^_^
Lots of activities coming up in this break between exams.X__x Like South East Asia Night! ^_^ And Senior's Day! And Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow! =) And not to forget, the Michigan Pops Orchestra concert! ^_^ Is everyone trying to stuff the end of term with loads and loads of activities??? X__X
I promise I will post on Saturday's Japanese Cultural Festival soon!!!
cheers *[-witchstone-]*
[music : 手牵手 全星] [mood : -- TIRED] [food : anything but dorm food at the moment.]
don: BOO.=P
Jiamin: Haha. SingPost is definitely more reliable.. But I'm surprised you got the Easter package so fast!! O__O! I'll take a photo of their "gift" soon.=) Hehe. Ahh white bags. I got one remember?? In Japan?? Haha.
cch: That is so unfair! I only have ONE class cancelled! O my sad life..
I found this fabulous video on youtube of the songs 千の風になって & Jupiter by Akikawa Masafumi and Hirahara Ayaka with a short intro in the middle about Jupiter [it's in Japanese with no subtitles so just endure your way through it.=P]. It's wonderful! I LOVE those 2 songs!!! ^_^
Amazing no?? =D =D =D
Anyway, today I had a fabulous time at the Japan Cultural Festival 2008 and at dinner at Tup Tim! ^_^ I'll blog more about it soon, once I'm at my own computer.=P And once I've uploaded the pictures. I love having a car here, all the possibilities of exploring eateries outside of Central Ann Arbor have opened up! ^_^
Yay! And I also got to eat my darling takoyaki and yakisoba!!! BEAMS! ^_^ I was very happy. Haha.
Oh yes. Jiamin! Vivion! I got your present!!! THANK YOU!!! =D =D =D!!! I love the bag! It's very happy looking I agree, but it's a very nice bag!!! And remember all my "I will never get a white bag" grumblings... They've all gone far and away down a very long and distant drain. =X Oops.
Anyway, we're already planning our moving out + taking a trip somewhere process.^_^ At first we wanted to go to Cedar Point, a GIANT theme park in Ohio with 17 rollercoasters, but it won't open till 10 May 2008. (T_T) So Chicago? Toronto? Niagara Falls? Hmm...
I'm looking forward to the days my exams are over!!! Then I can rest for a few days before starting the insane spring term. (T_T) Sigh.
cheers *[-witchstone-]*
[music : 千の風になって Akikawa Masafumi + Jupiter Hirahara Ayaka + Time to Say Goodbye Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman] [mood : ^_^] [food : Pad Thai!!!]
Jiamin: SHHHH.=P
Mom: -____-"
CCH: Omg! The Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo course sounds super interesting!!! *_*!
Today is the official first day of Spring!!! ^_^ March 20th! Note it down in your calendars.=D
The weather today was beautiful! ^_^ Sunny, not too cold... But all thoughts of spring will soon be taking flight because it's supposed to snow all day tomorrow, and all night. Not that I dislike snow or anything. It's just not very spring-like. Hmm.
Anyway, today is also Purim!
From wikipedia:
Purim (Hebrew: פורים Pûrîm "lots", related to Akkadian pūru) is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire from Haman's plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther (Megillat Esther). According to the story, Haman cast lots to determine the day upon which to exterminate the Jews.
Purim is celebrated annually according to the Hebrew calendar on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, the day following the victory of the Jews over their enemies; as with all Jewish holidays, Purim begins at sundown on the previous secular day. In cities that were protected by a surrounding wall at the time of Joshua, including Shushan (Susa) and Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month, known as Shushan Purim. Purim is characterized by public recitation of the Book of Esther (keriat ha-megilla), giving mutual gifts of food and drink (mishloach manot), giving charity to the poor (mattanot la-evyonim), and a celebratory meal (se'udat Purim);[2] other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.
So my very random neighbour is running around in a cow suit because apparently, people wear masks and costumes. Good excuse huh.
All that is some random information about the US! Oh, and I have to mention that they are totally discrimintory against people like me who don't have a Social Security Number.-___-
Anyway, today I came to a sad realisation.
I am no longer as crazy about Gackt as I once was. That is not to say that I am no longer a fan of his. It'd instead be more accurate to say that while I still love his music and all, my "liking level" for him has reached a level that is equivalent to "ember". When I first started out, it was like a fire going strong and steady, with me seeking out new music, new videos, new TV appearances, etc. all the time. Then as time passed, although I continued to collect all things Gackt, new interests sprang up alongside. And naturally, so did new commitments that I picked up along the way. Although the fire continued to burn, there was less and less commitment and time to feed it. I'm sure you know that if a fire has nothing to feed on, it will eventually die out. However, that isn't the case here. Instead, it is at a stage of embers, a state where it can easily be put out, but can just as easily be started up again, with a strong puff of air or a fire starter.
It's not like I don't like Gackt anymore. I'll probably still continue supporting him by buying CDs because I really do like his music. But whether I'd buy all his other products [besides concert DVDs of course..=P] is another matter altogether. And whether I'd continue buying magazines with him on the cover also remains to be seen. It makes me feel happy.. But is that money well spent? I'd rather spend my money on food, clothes, books.. other stuff. And now that I am here, with even fewer opportunities to seek stuff out, and with other stuff to explore and do, it seems like my commitment to Visual Kei is waning slightly. I still love the music, and I still love the look and all the things I've always loved about it, but it just isn't as strong as it used to be.
I don't know if I should be sad about that.
^_^ He's still so goodlooking though.
Ahh. Spring. New season, new beginnings! The growth of life after the death of winter.=) I'm looking forward to all the changes I might face. At the moment though, I still need to decide on a major. *deep tragic sigh*
And study for my econ exam. *gulps* And have I mentioned my Japanese project? O dear.
In honour of St Patrick's Day, this entry will be in green.=)
Having never lived in America, I'd never even HEARD of St Patrick's Day... Okay. I had. But I never knew what it was for and no idea what they did. But now I do!
From Wikipedia:
Saint Patrick's Day (Irish: Lá ’le Pádraig or Lá Fhéile Pádraig), colloquially St. Paddy's Day or Paddy's Day, is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick (circa 385–461 AD), one of the patron saints of Ireland, and is generally celebrated on March 17.
It became a feast day in the Roman Catholic Church due to the influence of the Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding in the early part of the 17th century, and is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland. The date of the feast is occasionally moved by church authorities when March 17 falls during Holy Week; this happened in 1940 when Saint Patrick's Day was observed on April 3 in order to avoid it coinciding with Palm Sunday, and happened again in 2008, having been observed on 15 March. March 17 will not fall during Holy Week again until 2160.
And so it happened that, this year, we got an extended St Patrick's Day Weekend!!!
From Wikipedia:
In many parts of North America, Britain, and Australia, expatriate Irish and ever-growing crowds of people with no Irish connections but who may proclaim themselves "Irish for a day" also celebrate St. Patrick's Day, usually with the consumption of traditionally Irish alcoholic beverages (beer and stout, such as Murphys, Beamish, Smithwicks, Harp, or Guinness; Irish whiskey; Irish coffee; or Baileys Irish Cream) and by wearing green-coloured clothing.
They forgot the fact that you can get GREEN BEER [or green kegs, depending on how much you can drink..=P] on St Patty's Day at all the pubs for cheap! ^_^ It's also a great excuse for everyone to drink until they're merry and then die in a drunken heap until they wake up with a hangover in a daze.=) Great fun isn't it! There have been screaming drunks since Friday night...
From Wikipedia:
Americans celebrate the holiday by wearing green clothing. Many people, regardless of ethnic background, wear green-coloured clothing and items. Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched, though this practice is in fact alien to those who actually come from Ireland.
Since I have no green clothing, I've just been praying hard that no one pinches me..=P I've been lucky so far...
From Wikipedia:
Corned beef and cabbage is the most common meal eaten in the United States for St. Patrick's Day, even though historically, corned beef and cabbage is an American (rather than a traditionally Irish) meal.
In the United States, many people have also made the holiday a celebration of the colour green. These people, besides wearing green on that day, may also stage dinner parties featuring all green foods.
And so today in the dorm, they served corned beef and cabbage! And this rather nice Potato, Meet and Leek soup called Colcannon Soup.=) There were also Sugar Cookies in the shape of Four-Leaf Clovers covered with green sugar sprinkles! ^_^ Yummy!
So next time you're in the US over the March 17 period, and if you're of legal age, you too can take part in the St Patty's Day festivities! ^_^ Wear green, head down to your nearest bar [or pub, depending on which side of the pond you're from] and have your fill of Green Beer!
Whew. Typing in Japanese is hard. (T_T) Haha. But allow me to translate [and add on detail to] what I said up there:
Title: In Japanese please!
During yesterday's Japanese Conversation Table, we all came up haiku because we've been running out of stuff to talk about! [When you talk to each other EVERYDAY about the same things because that's all you can say, it gets kind of frustrating.] Since this is my first time, it really seems like something a child would come up with.
部屋にいる 声聞こえない みなはどこ
Literal translation: I am in a room I cannot hear anything Where is everyone?
Omg! I even managed to haiku it in English with the 5-7-5 rule! MWAHAHA. xD
Also, we sang Kiroro's 長い間 Nagai Aida, which means long distance/space in between. I really like this song, so please watch the Youtube video!
Here it is again.=P
長い間 待たせてごめん nagai aida matasete gomen また急に 仕事が入った mata kyuni shigoto ga haitta いつもいっしょに いられなくて itsumo isshoni irarenakute 淋しい思いをさせたね sabishii omoi wo sasetane
会えないとき 受話器から聞こえる 君の声がかすれてる aenai toki jyuuwaki kara kikoeru kimi no koe ga kasureteru ひさしぶりに会ったときの hisashiburi ni atta toki no
君の笑顔が胸をさらっていく kimi no egao ga mune wo saratteika
気づいたの あなたがこんなに 胸の中にいること kizuita no anata ga konna ni mune no naka ni iru koto 愛してる まさかねそんなこと 言えない aishiteru masakane sonna koto ienai
It's a good song isn't it! ^_^
This morning, I went to participate in the U of M's Center for Japanese Studies' Japan Quiz Bowl as a volunteer.=) Woke up at 7am damnit! X__X! It was really fun! I was a time-keeper in the event [and worked with a judge and scorekeeper]. Lots of high school students from all around Michigan came to take part in the Quiz Bowl [in Japanese and English, testing their knowledge of Japanese and the like]. It was hilarious that no one knew how the word "Karaoke" came about. The question: What is the popular activity whose name originated from the words "silent orchestra"? Ehehe! =D Because sensei told us the answer in the past, we knew the answer!! ^_^ *beams beams* So proud of myself. Haha. But, the answers were actually fairly interesting! Like for example, they asked the students what the highest rank in sumo is and only one person knew. *_*! So impressive!!! Hahaha. Also, the food they provided was AMAZINGLY YUMMY!!! xD xD xD I had this great Japanese salad, and absolutely DELICIOUS granola... And they had sandwiches and loads of cookies and drinks and ... *trails off!* The granola is from Kirkland Springs *makes mental note*. After the quizzes were over, they had a kendo demonstration in the main auditorium! xD xD xD Really interesting stuff!
Next year, I think I just might take part again.=)
Also, I met a lot of other Japanese students and stuff, and people who come as volunteers to Conversation Table and stuff! ^_^ Happy!
Last Wednesday, there was a Japanese tea ceremony demonstration! And there was actually a workshop in the afternoon when I had class!!! (T_T) Because I didn't have time, I didn't go. Isn't that regrettable... At that time, although I REALLY wanted to go, I had a lot of homework so I couldn't. ;_; SO SAD!!!
Next Monday, we're having another tele-conference with the students from Hiroshima's Aki Central [fuchuu = central?] High School! ^_^ I'm really looking forward to it... Apparently, sensei told us that the high school students wish to do a karate demonstration for us! Seems interesting don't you think... I think it's great that we have a chance to communicate with Japanese students through the RC program.=) However, there are only 11 people in class... And about 50 people in the Japanese high school's class... O__O! SCARY!!!
So.. I'm going to work on my individual project for Japanese. See you!
-end translating-
On a quick note: Happy St Patrick's Day everyone!!! ^_^ Don't get TOO drunk..=P
Thank you to everyone who celebrated my birthday with me! And those who wished me a happy birthday as well! Since I don't really know who the masterminds are.. I shall list people in alphabetical order! Hahaha.
Anna Ari Barney-san [=P] Eugene Guo Lu Hiroko Izzy Jeldine JIAMIN! =D Jianxin Johnathan Kai Jian Kevin Lihui Lynn Marie Mel Michelle Rachel Reina Rongsiu Sam Sandra Satoo sensei Steven Ted Xinyi Xiaowei Yuzhen and my brother
The best part after dinner [thanks to my brother! xD Ate a HECK load of food at Sadako's.. So good!] and the SSA meeting [icecream!], I got dragged upstairs because apparently, they had something to "pass to me".. And I was surpised with:
A super delicious absolutely amazing Chocolate Cake from Zingerman's Bakehouse!!!
I love Zingerman's. I've never told you about Zingerman's?? EVERYTHING there is good. Like, I'm not even kidding. This chocolate cake was GOOD. xD Happy!!!
Since Kevin and I have had a longgg extended 4 day birthday celebration, we cut the cake together.^_^" Haha.
With all the chocolatey goodness coursing through us, we took retarded photos!
Hahaha. I find this such an ironic picture..=P [The tallest person is right in front..=P]
I love this photo. It's so hilarious!!! Hahaha.=P Especially since Kevin is doing the totally Kevin pose by not looking at the camera and Rongs is being her supercute self.xD
Photos courtesy of Ted and Facebook as usual.=)
Thanks guys.. ^_^
My teacher was asking me about my resolutions for my 20th birthday. Because in Japan, 20 is the coming of age for adults and so it's time to make new resolutions about being an adult and everything. Haha.. Unfortunately, I haven't thought of resolutions for myself yet so..=S
Time for bed! cheers *[-witchstone-]*
[music : Konayuki Remioromen + Sen no kaze ni natte Akikawa Masafumi] [mood : ^_^ but sleepy] [food : SADAKO'S! And ZINGERMAN'S CAKE!!!]
And so starts my 20th year! With the wonders of Daylight Savings Time, Sunday morning at 2am, all the clocks sprang forward an hour and thus, it's my birthday right now.=)
It's a rather quiet time now on this Sunday night since we celebrated Kevin and my birthdays [and a bit of Pat's..] over the weekend..
Surprising Kevin with his snack box of homemade ikan bilis, honey cornflake crisps, pita chips and so on at midnight on his birthday.. Having a "surprise" party [I knew beforehand already..] just before midnight to end off Kevin's birthday well and apparently to welcome Pat's birthday and somewhat mine.. Being treated to a Mee-Sua Brunch made by Kevin on Sunday morning.. Going for dinner with Kevin and Xiaowei in the evening at Buffalo Wild Wings..
It's been a busy weekend I guess.=) And so a quiet welcome [apart from some excited greetings from the other side of the world on MSN ^_^ Thanks everyone!] for my birthday it is. Apart from some anime and dramas.=)
Joining Joyce and Calissa at this 2 decade mark.. I don't know how I should feel really. Should I feel older? Wiser? More responsible? Or maybe I should enjoy my youth while I can.. I always feel like 19 and 20 are the inbetween stages of nothingness. At 18 you are young and fresh and when you're 21 you're a full-fledged adult. I guess I'm a full-fledged adult in Japan but that's doesn't really count..
Being reflective/contemplative on one's birthday is never a good idea..
I kind of miss everyone who isn't here..
Hmm.. I guess I'll return to a quiet night ahead. Perhaps sleep is in order.^_^
My Emotible!
starry-eyed: filled with such youthful hope and optimism that one's eyes twinkle even when it's dark
Wish List
ie: motivation to save money!
- clothes
- shoes [heels! boots!]
- the perfect tote
- coats/outerwear! [Soïa & Kyo, Burberry...]
- Gackt - nine*nine
- Gackt Photobooks:
1 The Gift The Sixth Day & Seventh Night Tour Document (2004)
2 Crescent Photobook (out of print)
- Cookbooks!
1 Thomas Keller The French Laundry Cookbook
2 The Nobu Cookbook
3 Emily Luchetti A Passion for Desserts
4 Alice Medrich Pure Dessert
- Anime/Manga
1 Rurouni Kenshin
2 xxxHOLiC
3 Tsubasa -RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE-
- Proficiency at Japanese!
- Learn French for Food!
