[338] Second day ban~ - 2007/05/01 (Tue)

Yeah, the Kansai standard shishkabobs. (^_^)
Dipping 'em in sauce is all you do!? right?
Jab the skewer through the fried food and stick it in the sauce,
and eat it just like that, piping hot!

Various people smoke it in the essences of various fried foods,
but I was brought up on sauce.
This sauce, I just can't help myself.

Even in the city, there are some places that sell them like this,
but of course, the best place is Osaka, at Shinsekai. *

Ah~ when I remember that place, I don't want to eat these. (^_^)

People who like B-class gourmet should check it out.

P.S. Fried food in snack pasteries... Da, dangerous... (^_^)


[ * Shinsekai, literally The New World, is a shopping district just south of downtown Osaka centered around a sort of space-needle-looking thing called the Tsutenkaku Tower. that area has a reputation for being a bit seedy, especially at night, but it sounds like a lot of fun. ]

[337] Bracelet headband (^_^) - 2007/04/30 (Mon)

Yuu Version. (^_^)
Yeah~ I got it from a fan person,
but it fits really well!

Maybe they thought I wanted a ring, hm?
Sorry, Daikon's got it on his head. (^^;)
But, I'm secretly pleased. (^_^)

Tonight I went over to a guitarist friend's house,
and ended up staying the entire night we were training so hard.

If you look at it like that, maybe he's a demon coach. (but not really).

Well, we were still playing along at midnight, so.
Snack cakes in one hand. (bwahahah)

It's dangerous, huh, GW. (^_^)

[336] Celebreation!! - 2007/04/29 (Sun)

I made my bicycle debut. (^_^)
At last I bought a light. (^_^)

The feeling while riding, well, it's a folding bike,
so it's not quite perfect,
but I can go anywhere with a su~i su~i, *
so the bicycle lifestyle is quite pleasant.

The hill roads are still a nightmare, but... (^_^)

Yeah~ I bought it cheap on the net as a test,
but I didn't really need the best one out there. (^^;)

Of course, if I could figure out these gears, I'd be good... (^_^)

P.S. If you go riding for a while, a bicycle is fun.
It's a good idea, it's healthy. (^_^)


[ * sui sui is onomatopoeia for "smoothly, unhindered" the way a good swimmer cuts through the water. i wish we had more onomatopoeia in english... (T_T) ]

[335] Where is my master? - 2007/04/28 (Sat)

That's the impression I got,
so I took a spontaneous picture. (^_^)
He was tied up outside a convenience store,
so it was quite unexpected. (^_^)

Speaking of,
I haven't seen or heard from Hana in a while, huh...
When GW starts, I should go see him for a bit.

There's been a record-breaking pet boom in recent years.
Even around me, there are a lot of people who are raising one thing or other.
The number of pet shops is shooting higher, too,
and so are hotels where pets can stay, and hot springs where you can go in together.
These days there are even massages exclusively for pets.

When I was born, we had cats in the house,
but back then, my parents didn't allow us to keep a lot of pets.
Although, whenever I saw a stray cat, I would pick it up and bring it home. (^^;)
Probably bothered my parents, huh? (^_^)

They'd get angry and say, 'Take it back to where you found it!!'
and, crying, but with the wisdom of a child,
I'd secretly feed it somewhere back behind the school building or something. (^_^)
Every day, I'd give it the remains of my school lunch.
Eventually, the cat became burly and strong, and became a feral cat.

A wise person once said to me,
'Yuu-kun, if you're not careful with animals, it will end badly,
also, animals don't understand human words, okay?'

Deep, isn't it...

To live happily with a lot of pets, or even just one pet,
that's what I wanted. (^_^)

P.S. Thanks for all you words of congratulations.
I think I'd like to go another full year, making each day 'Old-world.' *


[ * remember that word from a while back that meant elegant? when he had his kansai confessionals? yeah, it's that word again. damn thing. (^^;) also, i was reading this at work, and i was having a hard time not grinning like an idiot at the though of cute little school-aged Yuu-kun secretly raising a kitten behind the school building. everyone together now, "Awww!!!" ]

[334] Aye-aye-aye-aye - 2007/04/27 (Fri)

A friend dropped off some provisions for me at this late hour. (^^;)
'Get flabby to you heart's content,'
he said, and then went home, leaving me to my own devices with just that one phrase...

Plus, I'm the only one here to eat it,
and he bought a huge portion. (T_T)
I'll have to just skip two whole meals. (^_^)

And of course I've got some left-overs from breakfast... (^_^)

The photo contest has been announced.
We await 'Travel' from everyone.
I'm thinking I'd like to take a little trip somewhere, too.

If you end up somewhere suddenly,
please take some souvenir photographs. (^_^)

Speaking of, the other day, Tsuka-san
said to me, 'I'm going to enter your photo contest, too. (^_^)'
He was just joking at the time. (^_^)

But maybe he's shooting for victory... (^_^)

We're happily expecting
a bunch of entries this time around.
Please tell me all about your various trips.

Everybody have a good trip...

P.S. F, finally!! It's been one full year!!!


[note: the thing? in the photo? is apparently a "sankaku chokobai" whick means something like triangle choco-bite. don't you think it looks a little suspect?]

And the winners are...

zomg how incredibly late is this!? ... yeah, let's try not to notice. (^^;) anyhow, these are the winners from YOU-kun's 2nd photo contest, which was themed 'Autumn Colors.' The pictures and official page can be viewed here, my translation is below.


Grand Prize
prize: Poster autographed by YOU
contributor: 2 kid's mama-san

YOU's comment: 「That hand as small as the maple leaf, truly darling. It gradually warms the heart. This is a picture that tells of affection for a child.」

Taste of Spring Award
prize: Color YOU poster used for the DARTS National Dance Contest ~Tokyo Prelims~
contributor: Ray-san

YOU's comment: 「A elegant evening. (^_^) Waiting for someone who'll never come and eating a baked potato... It gave me that kind of sorrowful feeling. However, a baked potato in a daikon... Everybody's a root vegetable. (^^;)」

Monochrome Award
prize: Color YOU poster used for the DARTS National Dance Contest ~Tokyo Prelims~
contributor: Luna-san

YOU's comment: 「The peculiar pale pink color is contrasted all the more by the cold. It was probably chilly even while they were taking this photo.」

Chimaera Award
prize: DARTS Original Goods YOU selection bracelet ~earth~
contributor: Shinshin-san

Chimaera Crew recommendation!! The comment is from the president.

President's comment: 「It gave me the sense that humans do not live alone. ~bonds~」

Super Technical Award
prize: Poster from TSUTAYA 8th shot, autographed by YOU
contributor: Kami-san

YOU's comment: 「Um... A maple leaf CM? (^_^) Once again, please will you be my teacher? (^_^) This one continues the streak of wonderful work. I look forward to your next entry, too.」

Honorable Mention
prize: YOU's pick
contributor: Azuki-san

YOU's comment: 「This one made me laugh out loud! The look is the best part!」

Honorable Mention
prize: YOU's pick
contributor: Reion-san

YOU's comment: 「Welcome to the Maple Leaf BAR. That's how this one made me feel.」

Honorable Mention
prize: YOU's pick
contributor: hibiki-san

YOU's comment: 「Ahh... Images of a trip to a hot spring... JEALOUS---」

Honorable Mention
prize: YOU's pick
contributor: Virginie-san

YOU's comment: 「Delicious-looking cherries, can I have one? (^_^) 」

Honorable Mention
prize: YOU's pick
contributor: tsubuan-san

YOU's comment: 「Definitely the Idea Award.」


[notes: congratulations to everybody! these pictures are really great! now, on to the part where i fail: the two posters used for the DARTS tokyo prelims are actually two different posters, not both the same poster. the problem is, i only know one of the words they used to describe them. (T_T) Luna-san will be getting a laid-back pose, while Ray-san will be getting a "hokkori" pose, but i'm really not sure what that means, and google was no help. double (T_T). also, it turns out Virginie-san is one of us! yay virginie-san! why not visit her dA page?]

YOU-kun 3rd Photo Contest - Theme 'Travel'

woo hoo! the moment we've all been waiting for~ (^_^) the official page can be found here if you'd like to take a look. my translation is below.


Contest Period
Postmarked between 5/24/2007 (Mon) and 6/11 (Sat)

Contest Terms
Open to BBS members
Entries restricted to one per member only.

How to Enter
Entries received by mail only. We cannot accept entries sent by e-mail or other means.
Please submit one L-sized photo (89 mm X 127 mm) [this is 3.5 in x 5 in].
Please mail your entry to the address below, enclosing the information requested below (there are no requirements for this piece of paper).

Address
Shibuyayuubinkyokukyokudome,
「 YOU Photocontest 」
Tokyo,150-8681,
JAPAN

------ Requested Information ------

1. Title of Work
2. HP registration ID
3. Name (with furigana)
4. Address
5. Age
6. Occupation
7. E-mail address
8. Contributor name (leave blank if you wish to remain anonymous)
9. A short comment about the work

-----------------------------------------------

Announcement of Results
Winners names and entries will appear in an entry on the YOU*OFFICIAL WEB SITE.
We have prepared wonderful presents for the various prize winners.

Important Points Concerning Your Entries
1. Entries restricted to photos for which the copyright is held entirely by the entrant. The photo should be unpublished and not presented to the public.
2. With regards to the entry itself, in case of collaboration or photos of three or more people, please obtain written permission from the appropriate subject before entering the photo in the contest.
3. Legal quesitons and lawsuits concerning the entered photos, if a dispute arises, the sponsor bears no responsibility except in the case of negligence, intentional or otherwise; the applicant bears sole responsibility.
4. Please note, we cannot return the entries for any reason.
5. All entries become the sole property of the sponsor, under the sponsor's control, and entrants consent to allowing the sponsor to present the photo to the public, and for use in such ways as including in printed matter, an exhibition, or on a web site.
6. The entries will be treated with caution, but if there is some accident, or the entry is lost, please note that, as above, we cannot accept responsibility for this.
7. We will not respond to requests or inquiries about the contest judging. Please refer to the above.
8. Entry is restricted to BBS members. Entries from guests who are not BBS members will inhibit judging.

Concerning Personal Information
The gathering of personal information is for the purposes of this project only, and regarding the photo contest and will be used only for the achievement of that goal only.
Maintainance of personal information will be carried out with the newest, safest, and most accurate practices.
We recognize the importance of protecting the personal information of the individuals participating in the YOU Photo Contest, and we will try to maintain the secrecy of this personal information.
For other instances, we, Chimaera Crew (Company), will comply with the laws regarding care of personal information established in our own country.


[note: so there you go. obviously, Chimaera Crew/YOU-kun aren't bound by my own translation, so if i've gotten something wrong, they'd be bound by their version rather than mine. i've tried to be as accurate as possible. if you've got any other questions, or you'd like something clarified, feel free to leave a comment on this journal or send me an email. have fun, and good luck everybody~]

[333] Until next year~ - 2007/04/26 (Thu)

Sakura-viewing season has ended once more.
This year, I only got to go out and take pictures one time...
Next year, definitely, I'll take a bunch of pictures. (^_^)

This year, anyway, I've got a bit more work to do.
Last year, I didn't take any autumn color photos either,
and of course that was one of my objectives, to,
but above all, this summer,
I want to climb Mt. Fuji. (^_^)

Well, when I said, 'I want to climb Mt. Fuji!!'
to my friends, they cruised along with a light, "Yeah yeah.' (^^;)
I'm not joking. (*seriously*)

Provided that there's time of course.
I secretly aiming for my chance. (^_^)

When you think of Mt. Fuji,
the first thing you think of is hiking, right. (^_^)

P.S. Yesterday, I got a big response from people raising the hands for 'Yakisoba' ~
Of course! Birds of a feather, right? (^_^) *


[ * if you look really close at the cover of yesterday's magazine, you'll see they had an article about yakisoba! how perfect! ]

[332] Walking Friends - 2007/04/25 (Wed)

I discovered a magazine about them. (^_^)
It's not exactly for me now, I guess,
since I bought a bicycle. (^_^)

With this, I'll come out of my shut-in syndrome!!
I could get used to it, I should get used to it...
Yikes, can I really get used to it? (^_^)

It's finally spring,
so wandering around without a care is just fine.
Even in such a familiar town, maybe I'll discover something new.

This magazine, I should try and get ahold of back issues of it. (^_^)

P.S. Actually, I still haven't made my bike debut...
I assembled it, and now it adorns my room. (^^;) I'll have to go out and buy a light soon. (^_^)



[note: oh! i almost forgot! for those of you not on the YOU-kun BBS mailing list, Chimaera Crew sent out a little notice today that their "First DARTS Street Dance Contest ~Sapporo Edition~" will be held the 17th of June in Hokkaido, and that YOU-kun will be making a special appearance, and that tickets are on sale. if any of you lucky punks will be in hokkaido for the festivities and wish to attend, you can visit the Chimaera Crew's website (http://www.chimaera-crew.com/) for information, while the rest of us wither away in our jealousy. (^_^) ]

[331] A spring sleep that knows no dawn... - 2007/04/23 (Mon)

Now it's completely spring.
I'm dozing off in the middle of the day and falling asleep.
Well, I always sleep when it's light outside, but still. (^_^)

Finally, only a week until GW.
Has everybody with vacations decided where they're going?

I want to go somewhere, too...
And take pictures for the photo contest...

Speaking of, the DARTS SHOP in Matsumoto Park
is OPEN now. *

Mmm, there's hot springs there, and I want to go and see Matsumoto Castle. (^_^)

It's in Nagano, though... so of course taking Charinko is a no-go. (bwahahah)
Won't you let me come and have a look? (^_^)

DARTS-san, please!! (^_^)


[ * matsumoto park, in nagano, is situated practically smack in the center of the city and is home to matsumoto castle, a designated national treasure. also, there is a summer taiko festival and some torchlight Noh dramas in the summer time. can i go?
** speaking of photo contests, it occurs to me that i have completely, hideously, and erroneously failed to translate the winners from the last photo contest. gomen, ne! i'll get straight on that. ... one of these days... (busy = sad) ]

[330] The propagation of earphone otakus. - 2007/04/23 (Mon)

Thanks to things like the iPod,
the world seems to be all about
the selling and selling of earphones.

These days, the inner ear type have become mainstream,
but even the high quality earphones in the level of the ones the pros use
seem to be selling quite well.

It's to be expected; probably everyone is of the opinion
that they want to hear the music they like in high quality.

As for me, I'm pretty obsessive audio-ly,
except at home, where I mostly don't listen to anything,
so I don't make too much of a fuss about earphones,
but these earphones in the picture come with a cable winding case,
so they suit me. (^_^) And they're convenient for carrying around.

Man, if you've got things like earphones in your bag, don't they instantly get tangled up?
That's just depressing. (^_^)

Actually, this manufacturer, because they're quite famous for headphones,
they certify their sound.

Mm? I'm fussing plenty? (^_^)

Speaking of, when I introduced headphones a while back,
wasn't there a rush of earphone posts?
Everyone, you can pick up some great stuff out there.

Earphones are serious business, you know.
They even make earphones that conform to the shape of your ear.
But they're 200,000 yen!! or something.

Incidentally, in an era when it seems like everyone has one,
I haven't got an iPod. (^^;)
I had I had one in the early days, but...
When I got my Mac, I couldn't use them together, and it just became a doorstop.

Seems like I was way ahead of my time. (^_^)
Thanks to that, I've got a CD walkman to this very day. (^_^)

P.S. I haven't slept very much for a while, like three days. (^^;)
Occasionally, it's a good thing, not sleeping. (^_^) Usually I oversleep. (^_^)

[329] At last - 2007/04/22 (Sun)

I bought a bicycle. (^_^)
Now I can go on petit trips. (*excitement*)
This is exactly the right season
for wandering aimlessly on a bicycle.
It's the folding type, so I can rinkou too. *

Incidentally, what do you call your bike?
Chari? maybe, yeah? **
I'll call mine Charinko. (^_^)
In Chuubu they say ketta. ***

Probaby you're wondering why call it Chari, hm?
There are all kinds of theories. It's a mystery.

Ah, quickly, right now,
I should go and attach a bike light.
Isn't being without a light illegal...? (*i wonder*)
Plus, I'm half-obliged to register it for crime prevention.
If I don't, I might get myself questioned by the police. (^^;)

It's really a tough world these days... (T_T)

Well, if I ride around on my bike with my camera night after night,
I will without fail be questioned. (^_^)

Ah, in that case... when I'm asked, 'What's your business?'
I can answer, I'm a photographer.' ... (grin)


[ * rinkou, as defined by wikipedia JP, is taking your bike on public transportation. it got it's start from people who would take their bikes to race tracks disassembled and stuffed in futon bags so that they would fit on public buses and stuff.
** this whole paragraph is a hideous series of puns. YOU-kun must be excited indeed. chari (pronouned like char-ee) literally means bicycle, but also the french word cherie, and is a cognate with cherry. charinko in the next sentence can mean bicycle, or the children pickpockets who often use bikes as their getaway cars, and of course starts with "chari."
*** chuubu is a region south and south-west of Tokyo. as for ketta, i don't know. it's the past tense of to kick... i guess.
**** also, everybody's been saying thank you so much all of a sudden. you're very very welcome! (*blushies*) ]

[328] Again, completely wrong... - 2007/04/21 (Sat)

Not the first PV... My first acting performance... (^^;)

Incidentally, a while ago, I was asked,
by a friend,
'That blonde guy in the Another World PV, he looked amazing, is he a new actor?' (seriously)

Uh... Um, that was me, yeah... (^_^)

P.S. If you're going to buy a Nikon, 'Of course it's out of the ordinary, it's a Nikon.'
Just like a commercial... (bwahahah)

Canon and Nikon, SONY, OLYMPUS, PENTAX, etc...
Because there are various manufacturers, the temptation is inexhausible! (^_^)

If you're a woman, probably something light would be best, *
so maybe something like a KDX, a K100D, a D40, or a E410?
Definitely try them out at the counter. (^_^)

[ * what are you trying to say YOU-kun? (^_-) ]

[327] Mm? - 2007/04/21 (Sat)

Something's subtley different... (^_^)
The official Hong Kong version.

Everyone around me tries to read this diary (^_^)
and every once in a while, I get some material.
This, too, I got from a friend a while back.
Thank you for your cooperation once again. (^_^)

When you say Hong Kong, for me
there are memories of my first Asia visit, making the first PV.

Back then, I didn't have an SLR...
If I get the chance, I want to go to
only photogenic towns to take pictures.

And Hong Kong Disneyland while I'm at it, too. (^_^)

P.S. Nikon cameras were recommended by Mori-san. (^_^) *
Even before L.A., it was, 'If I were YOU-kun, I'd definitely get a Nikon~'
Rediculously tempting. (^_^)
Yeah, I do want a Nikon, too, but... Of course I can't buy another one. (^_^)


[ * or possibly tsuka-san, or possibly tsukazaki-san. since i don't know who he's talking about, i have no idea how to pronounce that name. ]

[326] More Sequel (^_^) - 2007/04/19 (Thu)

There are still people who use splendid film though.
I'm completely useless with film. (^^;)
Film truly is difficult.
If you don't properly study up on things like exposure and coloring,
you just plain can't take the photo.

That's why you should never ever say
'Taking pictures with film is no good'
to a professional cameraman.

You should be very very careful to avoid making that mistake.
Incidentally, I only tried the challenge once,
but I couldn't get a photo at all, YES. (^^;)

Since film is analogue,
the gradient of light can be traced infinitely,
but with digital inserting a frame of numbers,
of course there are limits, but there's really no match.

That's what's called the expressive power that photographs have,
and of course with film, you also have a persuasive power in the photographs.

Since people themselves are analogue,
we instinctually find something to complain about.
With listening to music on an old record, too,
but there's a virtue that can't be stated.

As for me, I long for film.
I'm studying digital photo-taking,
and while I'm discovering what kind of pictures I really want to take deep inside,
I want to take pictures with film.

Well, the temptation these days is lenses. (^_^)
For people who are using Canon's SLRs,
I've got the 'EF 50mm F1.8 Ⅱ' lens,
but this one, it's absurdly cheap,
so i's good for all kinds of prints.
For reference, I tried taking a shot of Daikon-kun with the lens attached to Kiss. (^_^)
Incidentally, last time's picture was also taken with this lens.

If you bought the body, but didn't buy a lens,
or you're looking for the next lens to buy,
or you want to take better photos from now on,
or you want to take photos like a pro! (^_^)
I would recommend it to people like that.

So saying, I'll gradually end up as a camera shop's secret agent. (^_^)

Cell phone cameras, compact digitals, SLRs,
there are all kind of ways to enjoy them,
so everybody, please have a great camera life.

If a great photographer is born from this HP some day, that would be amazing.
I'd be happy, but on the other hand maybe a bit chagrined, too. (^_^)

Yeah, yeah, (^_^) I will be presenting myself for that, if I can just get a little stronger,
that's what I'm thinking. Photographs, too, are a way to do that.

I feel like going somewhere totally new with my photo-taking,
and if it were connected to music, that would be great. That's what I'm thinking.

Let's go for it together, hm?

P.S. Life is a journey in search of one's self, I guess...


[note: zOMG YOU-kun! stop it with the novels already! ... well, okay, not really, but still. if i had to do this analogue, as it were, w/out my laptop, i'd have died by now. thank god for digital. (^_^) for those of you who are interested in photography, the lens and camera YOU-kun is so enamoured of are indeed available in the States. the lens he mentioned today is this one.]

[325] The Sequel - 2007/04/19 (Thu)

My camera phone is the norm these days.
I just carry it innocently around with me,
as every camera man knows the importance of doing.
Shutter chances come everyday, you know.

If you think about it that way,
the picture-taking front
is spreading all over the place.
After all, everyone's got a cell phone.

First off, please, try to take pictures of everything.
The scenery while you're on your way to work, your food,
friends, bosses, coworkers, family, pets,
seriously, everything.

If you start taking pictures like that, gradually
you'll grow dissatisfied with the camera on your phone,
and buy your first compact digital. (^_^)

Then, you'll use your compact digital, and start thinking
things like, 'I want to take even better photos,'
and 'I want to take a photo that captures the atmosphere.'
and your wants will grow, until you want a digital SLR. (^_^)

I got into it that way. (^_^)

Well, setting aside the jokes,
with the latest digital SLRs,
since they're so powerfully sensitive, you can take photos
like this one, even in dark places with no flash.
Only by not using the flash can you capture the atmosphere.

People who are worried about it can review the material. (^_^)
Yeah, be tempted. (^_^)

P.S. Have your plans for 'Travel' been decided? It seems a lot of people work for GW.
They've got 9 consecutive holidays..., they could go to Egypt... (*jealousy*)


[note: a) i have no idea what GW is. anyone? (edit: nevermind, we figured it out. arigatou!) b) speaking of travel plans, i'm going to sweden this june! yays~ i'll have my laptop with me, so hopefully there won't be too much of an interruption, but you never know. i may just meet some attractive swedish guys and spend all my time flirting. (^_^) ]

[324] Ah, completely wrong... - 2007/04/18 (Wed)

Half the pictures in this diary taken with an SLR... yeah right. (^^;)
Sorry... Of course, it's been mostly cell phone pictures.

[323] An SLR stroll - 2007/04/18 (Wed)

Being called 'Kiss'
is a cute name,
but don't make light of its serious impression.

Except for when I go out to take pictures with my fighting spirit on,
I mostly use it like this.

When I first bought it, this thing was heavy. (^^;)
Of course I've carried the camera around a whole bunch now.
A stroll together is always a precious treasure. (^_^)

Plus, it's entry level,
so it's absurdly easy to use.
As one would expect, they're everywhere, so there's lots to do.

I would recommend it for people who want a starter digital SLR.
If you look up cameras, they seems endless,
but as an essential minimum, this camera is plenty.

As for me, I can only speak from experience (^^;)
and say, 'It's great for people who want an absolutely great one for their first.'
I didn't understand a thing about cameras,
and was prepared to take the plunge, so I bought a high-level machine,
but thinking back on it now, I should have invested in the lens rather than the body of the camera.

Because you can't take the photo if you haven't got a lens.
Taking a good picture is more important than
having a good camera.
Aah, I want a zoom lens... yeah. (^_^)

Well, with my personality, even if I had bought this one first,
it would have instantly been, 'I want a high-end machine!' (^_^)

Incidentally, I've taken about half of the photos on this diary with this camera.

Even though it's called an Entry Class model,
it certainly wasn't cheap,
but if you're interested in something, it becomes a compulsion. (^_^)

People who are puzzled as to why I bought this machine,
well, these days, various makers are putting forth the effort
for entry class digital SLRs,
so it's good to have a choice in
the sense of touch trying to hold it, the sense of pressing the shutter.
I think that becoming familiar with the feel of it as a photo-taking tool is the best.

Trying out new hobbies is good, don't you think? (^_^)
These days, I've been wanting to go to a mountain to take a photo.
I'll be a hiker. Ah, such an OLD MAN. (^_^)

P.S. It got suddenly cold again, didn't it? Honestly, be carefuly of getting sick.

[322] Once in a while - 2007/04/17 (Tue)

I get to test drive some machinery.
I bought this one recently.

Year by year, with the progress of engineering,
digital things get gradually better.
Plus, they're getting cheaper than I would have thought possible in the old days.

Even this dual effector, intended for beginners,
can be bought fairly cheap.
As something bought as a test, though, this thing is quite useful!

I've written about it before,
but thanks to the progress of PCs, even home recording has become familiar.
Yeah, truly it's a great era to be alive. (*seriously*)

Speaking of evolution, digital camera are just the same, aren't they.
Until recently, SLRs were the highest threshold.
Thanks to the implimentation of digital, they've become extremely popular
with everyone from beginners to pros.

Music, cameras,
the refined sensibility that's stretching across the world is a good thing.

With that refined sensibility, links between establishments of individuals get made,
become chances to study and improve on things from people like myself,
and a basis for making similar things.

If my speech gets slowly more difficult or something,
I'm just getting sleepy. (^_^)

Well, it's spring, so it's time to see how I can challenge myself
with something new, don't you think?
Maybe I'll discover a new me!

I'll just put that up for later use. (^_^)

P.S. That cat, he had a set of eyes, didn't he! (^_^)
They look dignified, like they wouldn't curry favor with anyone. I like that.
Well, they look warm and soft, too. (^_^)


[note: speaking of technology, have you ever lost your flash drive temporarily? i about died!]

[321] The stray cats of Tokyo - 2007/04/16 (Mon)

There are a lot of stray cats in Tokyo, aren't there.
Partly because there are so many people, and so much trash,
there ends up to be plenty of food, I guess.

It's great for blogs and stuff,
but people who take stray-cat-themed photos
must just stumble upon them.

I, too, went out in search of a shutter chance
a while back,
but they proved elusive once again,
and I was unable to take any shots at all.

Plus, I didn't have my zoom lens,
and as soon as I approached them, they fled...

So, when I accidentally got a shot,
I was extremely happy.
Why is it always by chance...?

Wild cat-chans,
endure and be hardy in the megalopolis!


[note: yeah, that last phrase is translated a little loosely, but honestly, the literal translation sounds stupid, so there. also, that kitty? looks a lot like one of the cat-bags we've got at my house.]

[320] Men who can cook - 2007/04/14 (Sat)

are amazing, huh?
Coming across my teacher
has had quite an effect on me. (^_^)

Until then, it was nothing but pasta for me.

Not just the tastiness of his stylish cooking,
but again, the sense of things like
the interior and the tableware was wonderful...

Seriously, shouldn't he open up a store at his house?
That's what I'm always thinking.

Well then, today, I should make something...
It's been a long time since I've made a white stew, I'll make one.

[319] Good news - 2007/04/14 (Sat)

My cooking teacher,
due to unexpected stuff at work,
moved into a new neighborhood.

When I went over for a moving-in celebration,
immediately,
he whipped something up, like,
'Have you eaten yet? I'll make something.'

Soon enough, I was staring as if I was ravenous.
With this, my recepie count has increased again. (^_^)

Some of teacher's other friends came over, too,
and while it stayed strictly Host/Guest,
teacher was waving the frying pan in one hand and some white wine in the other...
Yeah, amazing as always. (*jealousy*)

From the hors d'oeuvre, the main dish,
all the way to finish, a home-made dessert. (*amazing*)

I was firmy satisfied. (^_^)
So saying, I will soon surpass my amateur limitations. Pro, pro. (^_^)

See here, I won't be defeated;
my fighting spirit will boil up and overflow. (^_^)
Of course, I'll remember the cooking I had today perfectly with my eye and my tongue.

Next time, we'll have a cooking showdown. (^_^) *


[ * not to stir up your fan-boy/girl-ish natures, but i suddenly had this vision if YOU-kun in an iron chef outfit... maybe sakai's? ack! too cute~ ]

[318] Oop- - 2007/04/13 (Fri)

I forgot to eat a meal...
Accordingly, I got hungry. (^^;)

Can't be helped... It's already morning,
so should I hold off on the treats? (^_^)

When I got on the scales yesterday,
it was back to that amazingly good feeling. (^_^)
Probably from eating my usual huge meals, huh.

So,
1, Drink water
2, Hip baths
3, Avoid carbohydrates at night
4, Moderation in eating
5, Light weight training
6, Stretchs just after bath time

might be the best thing?

The prescription is
to hold off on the things I overindulge in,
eat light to relieve stress,
and fill my desires that way.

But then, if I hold back too much,
won't I relieve my stress by chowing down?

Even me, when I'm stuck, will fast,
but I always rebound afterwards.

Well, that looks pretty self-important when I write it out,
and my body gets flabby, too, with repeated rebounds.
That's the only part you don't see, the spoiled brat side.

When you're cooking for yourself, you can control your eating habits by yourself,
and, later, your stomach only gets filled with what you make,
so your body weight doesn't fluctuate that much,
but conversely if you eat out more and more, you get more and more flabby.

Sweet things, they're dangerous. (^_^)
For a while, I was into ice cream,
and every day I would have ice cream,
and after a month, I'd grown by something like 5 kilos.*

Diet, it's my eternal theme.
But that's because I'm trying to stave off one of man's great needs. **
Plus, I myself love eating.

When I'm not working, it's that moment that seriously dangerous.
It's probably that 'T H U D' kind of feeling. (^_^) ***

When I write about dieting,
somehow my stomach gets empty again... (bwahahah)

I will quietly go to sleep...


[ * that would be kilograms. 5 kg = about 11 lbs
** man's three great needs: a psychology thing. food, sleep, and bodily functions. i find myself wondering more and more what YOU-kun majored in during his college years...
*** as in the one that happens when you've been running around like a chicken with your head cut off and then suddenly you have nothing to do. ]

[317] Of course - 2007/04/12 (Thu)

One cup, completely intense. (^_^)
I had a little heart burn this morning. (^^;)

Last week was a week's worth of eatings,
and mostly eating out.
I checked the fridge, and there was nothing. (^_^)

Perhaps, in returning to meals, I got a little tipsy,
and with something like, 'Maybe some dessert after a drink?'
I agreed with myself and bought some before I went home.

Even for me, it's a little troubling. (^_^)

Well, but it's the third day of my healthy lifestyle, and the good feelings
are locked down, so next week, I'll only get
a little bit flabby.

I'm trying to get into Slimming Down mode, or something. (^_^)
With early rising, my stomach's circumference will get all shapely.
Such a moment doesn't happen all in one breath.

For a little while, the desserts will have to hold on. (^_^)

Eh? Always overeating? (^_^)


[note: i'm going to have to get a little YOU-kun links page going on here in a minute. there's so many of us daikon-heads hanging out on the intarwebs! http://community.livejournal.com/you_love ]

arigatou

hello all you faithful YOU-kun fans~ i just wanted to thank everybody for stopping by [wait. wait wait wait. you guys think i know what i'm doing? hell. (^^;) ] and do a little link reciprocation. i was checking my hit counter this afternoon, when lo! and behold, i was greeted by this:






that's right, 60 people in one day. talk about a spike. turns out someone over at LiveJournal has discovered that i exist. http://community.livejournal.com/gacktxyou/. as you might imagine from the title, this is a group of people interested in an imagined romance between gaku and YOU-kun, so if you're not into that, you'd probably best not read any of their stories. on the other hand, if you are into it, then by all means, head right on over and join the fun.

[316] Should I eat it... - 2007/04/11 (Wed)

or should I be patient...?

I just happened upon it in the fridge...
Speaking of, how many days ago was it that I went to the convenience store? (^^;)

............,
............,
GYAAAAAAaaa~
The best if eaten by date, it's today-- (bwahahah)

After a great struggle, I ate less dinner, so...

Can't be helped, huh, it's got coffee in it. (^_^)

P.S. Eeh, fear of the Wastefulness Demon kept me from throwing it out. (^_^)


[note: what the heck is that thing? also, there will be a short pause while i attempt to un-addict myself to lost in blue 2. well, not really, i would never give it up, but zomg i love that game.]

[315] Another one - 2007/04/09 (Mon)

After a great struggle, I tried using my tripod. (^_^)
Yeah~ tripods are nice.
Because you can set up the shot precicely.
I'm really glad I bought one. (^_^)

However, I went to take the shot
and there was a bunch of elderly people~.
Not just men, but I saw a lot of women, too.
Everyone looked quite earnest.

Those old men and old women,
they all secretly had their fighting spirit on,
like, If it's like that, I won't let myself be defeated! (^_^)

Today, please, have another drink of sakura-viewing. (^_^)
A toast to our hometown, Japan!!

[314] In one week - 2007/04/08 (Sun)

there's been a complete rebound. (^^;)
Soon, yeah, it'll be POW POW, nothing but bursting. (^_^)
Tomorrow, it'll be health maintenance again...

As for the sakura, I finally went to take a picture.
When I first started taking pictures, it was absurdly difficult.
Of course, I couldn't capture all the emotions I saw with my eye.
Since the chance only comes once a year, though, I put my fighting spirit on. (^_^)

Well, but I'm glad I can feel the short-lived beauty of the sakura
all over again. Living in Japan is great.
They're truly beautiful, aren't they, when they bloom, and when they're falling, too.

I only have this amateur picture, but please, have a drink of sakura-viewing. (^_^)

P.S. Um..., if you think about it,
being really drunk in a hot spring is kind of dangerous. (^^;)
All you good children can refrain from playing copycat, please. (^_^)

[313] Du-Du~n - 2007/04/08 (Sun)

Eating and drinking, eating and drinking, it all comes together in the parfait. (^_^)

Plus, it's so impressive (^^;) you can't even see the whole thing. (^_^)

It- It's gonna blow... (^_^)

Everybody rest well. And be careful of overeating. (^_^)

[312] Drinking? - 2007/04/07 (Sat)

If you're thinking that the street is getting crowded while you're en route,
this day was Friday.

When I went to the store, when I went anywhere, it was full to capacity,
and trying to eat dinner was a pain.

Well, I didn't have any kind of prior reservation,
but anyway, random is the way I prefer it. (^^;)

However, going anywhere in Tokyo, you just get in line...
Stores that are rumored to be tasty quickly become average.

As I was resolved that this was going to be my lucky day,
when it came time for 'I want to go out to eat!'
I wanted to go by all possible means,
but seeing the eternal line, I changed stores. (^_^)

Does anyone go for it and get in line?
As for me, you might say I'm getting senile (^_^) but at my core I'm impatient.
Also, when my stomach is empty, I just can't be patient. (^_^)

Maybe I should go ahead with, 'Taking applications for gourmet restaurants in the metropolitan area with no lines' ?

P.S. I was invited on a mixed bathing tour, so with a dead spirit, I'll start doing sit-ups. (^_^)
Or maybe instead, before we get into the bath, we'll all get smashing drunk. (^_^)

[311] Another discovery - 2007/04/06 (Fri)

When I was organizing my drawers,
I found the manual to Elemennts
and the pen tablet I bought to use with Photoshop. (^^;) *

I was charmed by the 'Easiest in the world to understand'
and wanted to buy it,
but as you might imagine, I didn't use it even one, yes. (^_^)

Having discovered it again after such a long time, I'll have to try and remember.
I'll be studying steadily night after night.

For the time being, from the picture processing the other days, I checked out that site,
and studied it, but I've got a while to go before I'm any good.
Maybe it'll add up. The more you know...? (^_^)

Are there any retouchers in the audience?
Uh..., personal lessons maybe... (^_^)

P.S. There are still places where the sakura aren't blooming, huh?
Somehow, I''ve found a little more motivation. (^_^)


[ * adorable spelling mistakes his own of course. also, that is a WACOM 4, my sister has one, and let me tell you, they are n.i.c.e. ]

[310] How cold, huh? - 2007/04/05 (Thu)

Those of you who've been struck with a cold,
you should warm up with some motsunabe. (^_^)

However, the seriously cold days continue.
I thought spring had finally arrived, but suddenly, we relapsed into winter.
I just put my fan heater away a few days ago, and then I had to take it out again. (^_^)

After yesterday's picture, today I remembered I had something to do.
'Ah, I need to go to the music store.' So I headed out,
but suddenly, it was pouring rain, and the thunder was amazing,
so thanks to that, I got absolutely drenched.

I looked at the sakura blossoms falling in the rain,
and felt both sad and sad I couldn't take a picture. (^_^) *

I want to travel somewhere in search of sakura...


[note: the word i've translated here as "sad" is "hakanai" which actually means "ephemeral" or maybe "transient" or something like that. it refers to the empty sad feeling brought on by buddhist meditations on the short nature of human life.]

[309] Mini LIVE (^_^) - 2007/04/04 (Wed)

My grip still hasn't returned. (^^;)
Has everybody gotten over their muscle pain?

Today, I was thinking that if they hadn't completely fallen already,
I'd go take a picture of the sakura blossoms at night,
but while I was wandering around with my tripod,
it's started to sprinkle. (T_T)

Reluctantly, I gave up and went home.
Plus, the sakura immediately fell, so it was a bit of a shock.

Some kind of viewing party to see the blossoms in the rain with a group of adults,
I was in the mood for participating in a party like that. (^_^)
Eh? Drown it in sake, you say?

I was hoping they'd stay up until the weekend at least...

P.S. The sunburn was the final blow for my skin. (^^;)
This week, I'll do some careful mantainence, including on my body, too.
Today, I hit myself up with an injection of garlic. (^_^)


[note: sorry for the delay, folks. let's just say my poor car is a car no longer. (T_T) ]

[308] Sakura Season - 2007/04/03 (Tue)

How's everybody with muscle pain?
As for me, my whole body is aching with muscle pain. (^^;)

Whenever I go to Shirokane,
wouldn't you know it, the sakura were in full bloom!
Plus, Saturday was the height of it all.

I didn't really come for the early blooming...
But I started with my camera anyway, since the new blossoms where there.

Somehow they'd managed not to fall off until then...
A sakura blossom's life span is short, after all.

At last, spring. (*happy*)

P.S. In Shirokane, I was wearing a green knit hat,
and I kept getting, 'You planning on becoming a leaf with that?'
from people. (^_^)


[ * the title actually means "the sakura bloom" but i wanted to capture the alliteration he uses, so i went with this instead. ]

[307] I'm home - 2007/04/02 (Mon)

I have safely returned home.
Everyone physically healthy?
I'm concerned about the people who were injured.

Even I, when the meet was over, breathed a sigh of relief.
I only bruised my arm. (^^;)
Afterwards, the muscles in my feet started throbbing right away. (^_^)
My throat was throbbing, too. (^_^)

Well, I've been in this kind of Serious Mode all year,
so in Shirokane, I got to take out my loud voice and give it some excercise. (^_^)

Also, to all my teammates, I'm truly sorry...
This time ended with disappointing results,
but let's use this time to reflect, and next year we'll try hard together and aim for the championship.

Aah, it was really horrible... (*reflection*)
Eeeh, being seen like that, and loosing, I hate that.

To the people who participated, please give your bodies a good, long rest this evening.
Also, when we perk back up, let's groan about our muscle pain together. (^_^)

Great job everyone, truly. m(._.)m

P.S. Oh, and there was quite a lot of pinching and poking all over the place. (^_^)

　　　'How's this, feeling good being tender?' (bwahahah)

Eh? No good? Of course... (^_^)

I'm going to sleep for the day soon. (^_^)


[note: i was curious, so i did a little research, and i found this page about the Shirokane ski lodge. it's near Nagano, and is right near some of the 1998 olympic facilities. cool indeed!]