.... and I Will Be Flying On a Broomstick

As far as first experiences go, it is pretty exciting to be on a ferry bound for Osaka. The ferry's name is Sunflower but for some reason, the flower on its side is painted orange and red. In the lobby, on the reception desk, you find a basket filled with colorful rolls of confetti tape. You ask, "What do I do with with these?" "Take one and go to the deck." You're not really sure what to do but you pick one and go anyway. The deck is a cold, dark and windy place. The neon sign in front of you reads "Welcome to Beppu" even though you're leaving Beppu. Talk about irony. From your vantage point on the deck, you see the cars and the city lights. You think you can also make out the dark shapes of mountains in the distance. Up above, the stars and the moon hang onto the night sky. It was a perfect night. Everything is in its right place. Except you, maybe. You make your way to the railings where everyone seems to be gatheri...

Listening tests.. Where we are introduced to indecisive shoppers... Case 1: "Hmm.. Okay then, I'll take the square-shaped clock with the black dial." (You: Ready to circle the answer.) "Oh wait!!! That round one with the white dial looks cuter. Maybe I should buy that one instead." (You: Move to the other answer.) "Oh well, never mind, my friend said he doesn't really like white. So, I'll just take the black one." (You: Oh, god dammit!!)   Where people are forever lost and never get simple directions... Case 2: "Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the fitness center?" "Oh, go straight until you get to the crossroads. Turn left. Go past two traffic lights. Turn left into the third street you see after the second traffic lights. On your right, you'll see a green building." (You: Finally! Pencil poised to choose the answer.)  "That's the bakery. And then turn...." (You: -________-) W...

Once you begin those "sidebar journeys" on youtube, it's like being sucked into a black hole. And say bye-bye (or sayonara or au revoir or ta tar or Zàijiàn or whatever) to the next three hours (or more) of your life.. Anyway, since all my finals and reports are done and dealt with, I think I deserve the right to waste some time.. :D Here are a few songs I came across on one of my "sidebar journeys" and a few posted by facebook friends.. In no particular order.. - The Dreamer by Tallest Man on Earth - Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men - All I Want by Kodaline - I Can't Make You Love Me (Bon Iver Version) - I Love You More Than You Will Ever Know by Never Shout Never - Gonna Get Over You by Sara Bareilles - Freight Train by Sara Jackson-Holma - Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

I once saw a TED video by Josh Sundquist.. He lost his left leg when he was young but later, he became a paralympic ski racer. He said he has these three letters written on both of his skis.. 1MT 1MT It means 1 More Thing, 1 More Time. Whatever you do, do 1 more thing than what others are doing. And do it one more time than you would normally do. It means more hard work but when all's said and done, I believe it will be worth it. So here we go! 1 More Thing, 1 More Time..

8:45 pm. I like turning off all the lights in my room at night and looking out of my 4th floor window. I can see city lights blinking in the distance and their reflections on the water surface. Tonight, only a few lone stars up there. Down here, just a gentle breeze. The silence is much welcome. All in all, it's a quiet night. And moments like these are my favorite here.

Dear Dad, Happy birthday, Dad! Last time I saw you was at the airport. You kept waving at me every time I look back. There was the glass screen between us and I wanted to shout out but I knew you wouldn't hear me. And did you know? In that moment, I just wanted to run back and not board that plane. I hope I can meet you soon. I know you worry about me. But I'm doing fine. I love you and miss you. :)

3 words. 8 letters. It is HOTT.  Yep. With an extra "T". Coz that's how hot it is. -_- Seriously. The heat is unbearable. It's getting to my head.  I can't concentrate on the lectures. I can't bring myself to get any work done. I just wanna stay in my room and sleep all day.  Oh wait. These are just the normal symptoms. ke ke.. :P It's been a long and tiring day. And it's just the start of the week. Geez.. Now, I should probably prepare for my Japanese speaking test tomorrow. I have two reports to finish and a midterm on Thursday. Yet, here I am, listening to "All of me" by John Legend and blogging about my mediocre life. July needs to end quickly so that I can breathe. Enough complaining. Getting back to work. Signing off for now. Over and out.