[453] Gya~ No sleep... - 2007/08/30 (Thu)

Somehow the invites are piling up. (^^;) When I got home and wrote in my diary from the last one, I got another call from a different friend...

'What's up~' ... (^^;) My weak will couldn't turn him down. (^_^) Well, he said he only wanted to go drinking... (^_^)

Yeah, plenty of time until morning...

Incidentally, going back to the Ginza talk, I was rejected by everyone in that place, like, 'What are you talking about now?' (*massive (^^;) *)

Woah... Said like that, Ginza is a core artist street.

But Ginza does have a vague sort of Kyoto feel...

I'll have to list in in my Areas to Explore. (^_^)

P.S. It's raining today...

[452] Well isn't that a good name? (^_^) - 2007/08/29 (Wed)

Lately I've been pursuing the morning life, but I can't seem to get completely used to it, and my mood hasn't really been that good at all. Well, when you're born in the pattern, you're a vampire for life, I guess... I should be happy to be getting healthier, I suppose but. (^^;)

So, I'd been groaning in anguish front of my machines all day, when I got a call from a painter friend of mine in the evening with an invite.
'What's up?'
"Ehhh, I'm working, for some reason... (^^;)"
'(^_^) Well don't get cooped up in that house. Have you been to my Ginza gallery yet?'

By nature, I think of the arts as a means of expressing oneself. Music, painting, photography, they're all things that communicate something. And of course there's acting and performances.

So then, thinking that something from a different genre could be attractive, the normally stay-at-home me went out. (^_^)

Frankly, I was wondering why he would choose this location, since his place has no relation to 'Ginza' (^_^) but contrary to what you might expect from a celeb street with famous brand names all lined up, it's quite a deep street.

There are little galleries everywhere on that street, and CANON and NIKON galleries, (^_^) and lots of old Showa era buildings, and also my favorite Apple Store is there, so it was pretty much packed with stuff I wanted to stop and oogle. (^_^)

Actually, it's a maniac street... I've just been misunderstanding it until now. (^_^)

However, the world of paintings is truly deep inside... You'd probably say they're the so-called indie painters, so I was a little surprised at the really large number of people who had opened one-person exhibitions. Looking at the various works, I got a little power back. (^_^)

In the middle of a tour of the street from my friend, we stumbled upon some photographs, and I had to pin one down, like, 'Oooh, I need to take this picture' (^_^)

Next time, I'll have to come in secret, by myself. (^_^)

P.S. Summer's already over...


[note: the title doesn't really make much sense until you find out that the sign in the picture, from what i'm assuming to be his friend's gallery, says Yuu Gallery.]

[451] The moon~♪ It left it left~♪ - 2007/08/29 (Wed)

So what the heck was all that rain doing!!! (*angry*) All that waiting, and I don't get to see the total lunar eclipse...? The next one is in 2010? ... (T_T)

So, that last post was a little self-important sounding, but I'm constantly telling myself do stuff, too. (^^;)

Although, if things do get really hard, it's okay to flee. If you don't know whether you like it or not, try putting it down for a while. If it holds your attention, and it seems like you really do like it, you can pick it back up again.

Also, thinking back on the time that you put it down after returning to it, you'll repent, like, 'I really should have kept this up...' During the time you put it down, your abilities fall off, and there ends up being no contest between your retired self and if you had continued even a little bit longer, so then you realize, 'It's hard now, but I'd regret it if I retired.'

Going like that, when you get to something that's hard again, you'll hesitated about running away, like, It's hard now, but I'd regret it if I retired...'

You'll probably repeat the same mistakes, though. But if you truly like something, want to do something, Even if you have put it down, it's okay to go back to it again.

Because we only get one lifetime, facing forward even if you get dispirited, never completely giving up for all those years, believing in yourself and walking down that path, I think that has a lot of merit.

So I tell myself. (^_^)

I'll always be an otaku. Music, cameras, audio, cables and PCs until I die. (^_^)

P.S. I bought this Lightroom book, and I'm going to study untiringly. (^_^) I recommend this software as simple and easy to use. The inevitable pro endorsment. (^_^)


[you may notice the paragraphs a little different today. i've decided to quit going line-for-line with my translations. since the english and the japanese don't correspond one for one, things end up getting jumbled from line to line, or even across lines, so it's confusing for me. i think it'll be a little more pleasant to read this way. (^_^) ]

[450] Many Congratulations - 2007/08/27 (Mon)

Thanks.
So soon since one full year. Has it already been three months...?
I'm a little weak from all the heat around here. (^^;)
I'll have to get a little fighting spirit on.

However, speaking of things not being that cool,
I've been up and moving all morning, and I'm pretty exhausted.
Just the rays of the sun, and I'm knocked out. (^^;)
Everyone, seriously, be careful not to overdo it.

I also went to a LIVE for the younger scholars today.
The Indies these days, no matter what genre, are really great, aren't they.
Each time I go to a LIVE, I start thinking
I've got to concentrate more on daily diligence and less pride myself.

What's that phrase? 'Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger'?
Except that I don't think there's any point in just continuing blindly.
I'll pursue things that I like, things that I want to do, right up until the end,
but I don't think going further than that is important, you know?

Occasionally, when I get tired of something, or start to give up,
or something gets too hard, or I want to cry, or I get dispirited,
I might not be able to continue any more, but that's human nature.

But, I think that if it's something I like, or something I want to do, I'll overcome all those problems.
Doing it like that, I feel like I'll continue through any kind of situation,
and become a master at being human.
Well, a master otaku, you might say. (^_^)

I know everyone has their own field of interest,
but together, let's aim to be masters.

Well then well then, it's been a long journey already, and I hope you enjoy what's to come~

[449] Machine Sensei International (^_^) - 2007/08/2 (Sat)

At last, a consultation with my American friends. (^_^)
'I kinda wanted to start a home recording thing...' they said.
Well, I can give advice as much as I'd like,
but my language abilities, uh, I'm really not that good at speaking. (^^;)

My friend is of the Windows camp, so he uses freeware stuff,
and seemed to want to keep it pretty simple to use,
so of course Pro Tools is pretty simple recording software,
and you can open the data in the studio as it is,
so I figured a little performance, even with my words, would be quick,
but it turned into yet another course on home systems. (^_^)

Even my friend was pretty happy about it over there, with a 'Too easy!''
but he's obsessed with freeware to the last... (^^;)

For the time being though,
I left him with the thought, 'If you buy it, you can learn from people who use it. (^_^)

Somehow, it's been nothing but words like this lately...
Seriously, eventually I'll just become a support center. (bwahahah)

Hobbies (?) too crosses national borders... (^_^)

P.S. Thanks to the languages, I was in crazy full operation for a while... On the verge of a freeze-up. (bwahahah)


[i don't know why i find this particular post so adorable, but i'm pretty sure this is the post that makes me swoon. nerd? me? puh-SHAW. (^^') ]

[448] Udonsuki - 2007/08/25 (Sat)

Udonsuki has become an unusual feast in Tokyo.
Even now, how many years has it been...
It was so good, I unintentionally overate. (^_^)

But as far as my body weight goes, I feel splendidly good to say that it dropped.
Well, I changed my staple food to brown rice, and ate nothing but noodles
every day for like two weeks. (^_^)

It was simply overeating that caused the sudden body weight increase. (^^;)
As my body got lighter, my health slowly got better. (^_^)
Already, I've been able to kiss my summer heat fatigue farewell.

Of course now I fear that 'Autumn Appetite,'
but I'll have to get my fighting spirit on and fight against it. (^_^)

After I climb Mt Fuji...
When should I go, huh...?

P.S. Everyone else should go make good summer memories, too~

[447] Endless Greed (^_^) - 2007/08/24 (Fri)

This week seems to be a rush of new camera equipment announcements.
Man~, it's giving me daily anguish. (^_^)

Well, with digital goods, evolution is quick,
so it can't really be helped I guess...
Supressing this boiling greed is a serious task though. (^_^)

First, I should get my my lenses in order, rather than the body.
So I tell myself daily. (^_^)

Man, truly, there is no end to it.
I'll be jealous of people who buy stuff from now on. (bwahahah)
I'll just have to stick with this camera until I use it to within an inch of its life.

For the time being, I'll look at the stars and meditate. (^_^)
Do not buy... Do not buy... (bwahahah)

[446] Penguin Feelings - 2007/08/22 (Wed)

Man oh man, I'm all over the appliances right now,
but in the old days, you could just hook up that red, white, and yellow cord anywhere, right. (^^;)

Even now, I'm right in the middle of setting up the TV at my friend's house,
putting together his home theater system, playing purchase consultant,
it's current status: town electrician. (^_^)

Yeah, I hear it a lot,
'YOU robots, I want one machine for the whole house.' (^_^)

Usually, what you know very well is only what you're interested in,
but I'm still not very touched by Windows. (^_^)

In this world, we're awash with information thanks to the net,
and you can eventually investigate every little thing that holds your interest,
so it's an intolerably pleasant enviroment for mania. (^_^)

So, this world has become so convenient,
but we have to be more careful with the natural world (*pushy*)
so I saw, watching 'Happy Feet.' (^_^)

I've watched documentary films about 'Emperor Penguins' before,
but occasionally, there were double scenes with that movie, *
and if penguins really think about things like this, it must be fun,
that's the kind of feelings I had.

With the latest CG, the quality was high, and didn't they nail stuff like
the tufts on those penguins and the atmosphere of the south pole. **

Also, watching stuff like that makes me want a penguin or something. (bwahahah)
People in need of some healing please definitely check it out.


[ * as in two scenes with the same kind of footage, i'm assuming...
** literally the tuftiness of the penguins... ]

[445] Mac-sensei... - 2007/08/21 (Tue)

My friend got an old iBook from someone,
so once again I was commissioned for setup. (^_^)

'I'd like to do some home recording on this thing if I can...'
he said... Pretty harsh for a 4~5 year old PC...
First things first, I instructed him on the simplicity of GarageBand.

Man~ the speed on the Macs now is seriously different.
It was slow right from start up, it was really irritating,
like I was laying down and getting up over and over. (bwahahah)
This was the norm until not so long ago, but still...
Having been aquainted with Intel, I already can't go back. (^_^)

Back then, I didn't even want to look at the PCs for Dummies books,
I was so machine-stupid,
but now I'm a completel Mac otaku. (^_^) *

Anyway, I was trapped until morning...
Everyone, please get some rest. (^_^)

P.S. I've been in Status: Support Center lately. (^^;)


[ * well, it's actually pasokon no pa no ji, which literally means The "Pa" in Pasokon" and seems to be a PCs from the beginning sort of tutorial/tip book series. also he was literally "machine tone-deaf." ]

[444] Over-drinking... - 2007/08/20 (Mon)

I forgot to take a picture of the curry. (^^;)
By the way, I got perfect marks from my teacher. (*so proud*)

Of course he's a master, so the instant he ate it,
he said, 'Hey, you used seafood. I like it.'
Using the fish to add flavor, he saw right through my plan.
Maaan, as usual, he's got a great tongue. (^_^)

Everyone here has their own home recepies, too, huh~
I'll be using this as a reference from now on, thank you. (^_^)
I use tomato juice a lot.
You cook it together with your base on the first day until it dissolves,
when you eat it on the second day, you stir-fry the new ingredients and add them in.
Doing it like that, it looks good and tastes good.
Yesterday, I stir-fried some broccoli, mushrooms, italian tomatos, and eggplant
with the curry powder and salt and pepper.

And for the senses, I dissolved some curry roux in a delicious vegetable soup,
and topped it with some curry-flavored stir-fry vegetables.
People who like stir-fried stuff, definitely give it a try.

P.S. Oh yeah, have some watermelon. (^_^)
It's really hot, isn't it~


[zomg could i be any hungrier!? stop making me hungry yuu!]

[443] Cooking at home - 2007/08/19 (Sun)

Wow, everybody likes a surprising variety of characters.
I think there are a lot of people who like the standard Disney and Kitty characters.
Lately, the fad is for Banao stuff, right? (^_^) *

Until I started getting stuff from everybody
character stuff didn't interest me that much,
but now, I've got all the details. (^_^)

So, not to change the subject, but actually, I'm making curry at the moment. (^_^)

Man, my cooking master said to me 'I'd like to try some of YOUkun's curry'
so I ended up saying, 'Well, I can make some for Sunday!'
and I got my long-lost fighting spirit on the other day and made some. (^_^)

I usually just get lazy and go with the commercial roux (^_^) **
but this time around, I went and bought the spices and made the real thing.

First off, I laid the foundation parts, and then cooked them together.
The more you cook it together with the curry, the tastier it becomes.

I might have written about this before,
but to me, whether the curry is tasty or not
also tells whether you'll be able to make a delicious hodgepodge soup
with the curry power you didn't put in the roux.

Stir-fry your ingredients and maybe toss in some water,
if you make it thinking you'll end up with a delicious soup,
your finished product will be entirely different.

Eh? This time?
Maaan, I have a feeling it's going to be really good. (^_^)
I made a double soup with meat and seafood.
And I think I'm going to mix in some mushrooms after this too.

Ah, my stomach was empty right in the dead of night... (bwahahah)
Maybe I'll just take a little sample. (^_^)


[ * bana-o, sort of like we would say Banana-Man. you may remember him from the center of the Supernatch disc on post #438...
** roux is curry sauce made from a mixture of butter and flour ]

[442] Ronkey~ - 2007/08/18 (Sat)

The bunny is wearing a monkey costume. (^_^)

I was thinking about it recently,
and the business of so-called Fancy Goods,
is quite refreshing, isn't it.

Not just because it's kawaii, but the items make you feel better, no matter where you are. *
Among their benefits is character posts,
but this, too, heals through laughter.

If you think about it that way,
I'm contributing to the world of Fancy Goods. (^_^)

Daikon-kun contributes to me, too, though. (bwahahah)

Everyone, do you have a favorite character?


[ * kawaii being "cute." also, the title is usaru in japanese, which is a cross between usagi (rabbit) and saru (monkey), hence ronkey. ]

[441] It's so hot~ - 2007/08/17 (Fri)

I want to jump in the water fountain... (^_^)

Man oh man, there were some surprising bites at the soumen post, it's great. (^_^)
Of course you're right, the difference from iced noodles is the thickness...
Incidentally, I had soumen today as well. (^_^)

I've got plenty of nutrition locked away in my belly, (bwahahah)
so malnutrition isn't really a concern for now.

If I don't lighten up quick, climbing Mt Fuji will have to wait. (^_^)

Has anyone here climbed it before?
I heard that this year the temperature is high even at the summit,
but I wonder what it must feel like...
Is it a calm journey to the top?

Haaa, now my chest is throbbing...
It's like first date, so to speak. (^_^)

So then, Billy, Billy. (^_^)

P.S. I just love snapping photos, of course. That feeling of duplicating one chance encounter, you've got to be fast on things like that. You can only duplicate the light of that one place, that one time. Those chance meetings are great, aren't they...

[440] So nice, Soumen~ ... - 2007/08/15(Wed)

Man, lately, I've been eating nothing but Soumen. *
Whenever I feel like I'm suffering from the summer heat...
It's strange, but I can't just leave them alone. (bwahahah)

When I was a child, my parents always overcooked the soumen,
and I didn't like the limp texture,
but when I make them myself,
they're tasty once more. (^_^)

You boil them quickly, and then shock them in ice water to hold them,
and then garnish with shredded green onion and grated ginger and it's finished.

It's really good on hot days.
For people suffering from the summer heat, it's easy to eat.

This month is already half over... -5 kilos, I've gotten quietly impatient. (^^;)
I'll have soumen tomorrow, too... (^_^)

P.S. Even now, I don't understand the differene between these and iced noodles. (^_^)


[ * soumen is the noodle pictured. it's made from wheat flour. the title in japanese is 'ya~ren so~men~' where yaren is an odd way of saying 'oh my!' so it's like 'oh my! noodles!' ]

[439] A Musician's Ears are His Life - 2007/08/15 (Wed)

I got this from a friend,
a soft earpick for the 21st century.

Using it feels like a cross between an ear pick and a cotton swab.
It feels softer than it looks.

I've been completely in the cotton swab camp lately,
but a little scratch with an ear pick feels good every once in a while.

For a man, it's something everyone longs for once, an ear pick while you're sleeping in somebody's lap. (^_^)
Well, that's not very attractive. (^_^)

P.S. Why is it that when you pick at your ear, your mouth hangs open... (^_^)

[438] Supernatural Continues!! - 2007/08/14 (Tue)

My friend who hooked me on Supernatural lent me this. (^_^)

Man~ I still haven't watched it,
but I'm nervous already. (^_^)

Ah, I should watch it late at night again, yeah...
Another midnight viewing...

It's right at O-bon season, so it feels right, you know? (^^;) *

Well then, be very careful of accidents.
I'll be staying inside until the heat wave passes. (^_^)


[ * because o-bon is the festival of the dead. also, i can't remember if i've mentioned this before, but it's cute, so i'll mention it again. yuu always refers to this show as Supernatch. ]

[437] Eet's blood, would yooo laik some? (^_^) - 2007/08/13 (Mon)

So then... It's already time for lingering summer heat in this part of the world, is it...
But, there's still a long ways to go, you know, with the heat going all the way to boiling.
Maaan, these are the kind of days when you can't be seperated from your air conditioner. (^_^)

I've done frequent live tests so far,
had all kinds of effects show or not show,
and nothing's quite had that decisive blow,
but this time, I'd like to introduce you to a drink that can't be undone just like that. (^_^)

That's right, we have here in the photograph 'tomato juice.'
Well, by all rights, I wanted to go with the blood of a beautiful woman, but you know how it is. (^_^)
Now tomatos, these are seriously effective.

If I go back, my grandfather, before he died, used to drink some every night after his bath,
so that probably influenced me.
Even now, it's been imprinted on my mind that tomato juice is good for your health.
Thanks to that, it's one of my favorites.

I think there are a lot of people who don't like tomato juice,
but it is truly effective.
If you drink it every day, after about a week, your skin will be completely changed. (^_^)

When you wash your face and things like this, your skin will be smooth,
and slippery, and entirely exceptional. (*amazing!*)

Speaking of, my grandfather's skin was nice you know...

People concerned about the effects of licopine should try it out.
However, if you're watching your salt, I would recommend the salt-free variety.

Those of you who aren't blood-sucking vampires, definitely check it out. (^_^)

P.S. When I tried thinking about it really well, it is O-bon isn't it...
Everyone taking it easy? (^_^)


[notes: he wrote the title with a funny accent, so let's all pretend to say the title with our best vampires voices, shall we? also, yes, he's already mentioned o-bon once this year. different parts of japan celebrate it during different months of the year. also, i suppose i shan't be checking out the tomato juice, seeing as i am, in fact, a blood-sucking vampire. there, i've said it. my secret's out. (^v-v^) ]

[436] It's a little belated, - 2007/08/12 (Sun)

but how's everyone keeping up in the heat?

Things are so hot around here,
I'm completely melting. (^^;)

Man, seriously, every day is like a sauna in this state.
I go out for even a little bit, and it's so dazzling that I get dizzy.

With this kind of heat, going outside is really troublesome...
Eh? I'm always like that? (^_^)

Ah, maybe it's been too long since I've wanted to go for a swim. (^_^)

P.S. Eveyone, don't forget your water supply when you go out!

[435] The New iMac - 2007/08/11 (Sat)

Has everyone seen the goods already?
As for my people, my friend went out straight off and bought one.
Of course the brainwashing was done by me. (^_^)

My friend was wanting to buy a replacement for his home recording machine,
so when he asked me what PC he should use,
I said, 'How many years ago did you get that G4 desktop?'
When it comes down to it, 'Intel' is absolutely good,
so we set out specially for Akiba. (^_^) *

Maaan, when we actually saw it, the screen was HUGE, and the design was so stylish! **
And the body and the keyboard and everything was absurdly thin. (^_^)
When the price there turned out to be 160,000 yen, it was 'Buy.' ***
I'm a little bit jealous of my friend, actually. (^_^)

So, he bought an Mbox (a home recording machine) and some other stuff,
and then we went back to my house for the setup.

And of course, since it's the latest model, the software isn't really compatible,
so troubles kept popping up. (^^;)
With both of us in a staring contest with the English language (since music software is generally foreign-made)
we somehow managed to arrive at normalcy.

Last time, setup by myself was quite troublesome,
so perhaps as result, this time it was over in one day.
Well, we didn't get to sleep, but still. (^_^)

It was good... I've gotta keep up my reputation as Mac-sensei. (^_^)

Well then everyone, be careful in the heat and have a nice weekend.

P.S. A little bit of 'Wanting Sickness' cropped up. (^_^)



[ * that would akihabara, the electronics MECCA(!) of japan. how many people would i kill to go there? let's just say there'd be so many bodies that actually getting there would begin to preset certain physical impracticalities.
** the design was literally kakkoii. just thought you'd like to know how to describe something you find irresistably stylish. i have often heard the word used in reference to myself gackt.
*** a little over US$1300. ]

[434] Sticker - 2007/08/09 (Thu)

I made a bunch of them. (^_^)
A little self-promotion. (^_^)

At any rate, I should give it to everyone as a present, maybe.
There's always photo contents and dance events.

If I end up doing it, please stick them in conspicuous places along your way. (^_^)
Of course if we never finish the dances and things, it won't work. (^_^)

Today, a musician friend of a professional web designer came to visit,
and we had another Mac lecture. (^_^)
As soon as he saw Lightroom, he wanted it badly.

He's originally from the Windows camp,
but thanks to me, he's transitioning little by little to the Mac camp. (^_^)

'Photography, design, music, and of course Macs.'
'Plus, since it's an Intel Mac, you can use Windows on it.'
Every round a brainwashing. (^_^)

From now on, people who bought a PC definitely get a new iMac. (^_^)
They're really nice.

Eh? Me?
Yeah, for work use I want a Mac Pro,
but I can't replace everything, software and everything else.
Frankly, it'd be overwhelming. (^^;)

So for now, it won't become a 'wanting sickness,' so we can relax. (^_^)

P.S. I'm trying to be adult about climbing Mt Fuji.
Anyway the summit is probably congested with mountain climbers or something.
Well then, I'll climb it someday I guess...


[oh man, i definitely want a yuu-kun sticker!]

[433] Lightroom Purchased!! - 2007/08/09 (Thu)

It was released a while ago,
but the other day my friend recommended it,
so I finally bought the thing.

This software, is called the film-developing software,
and works like the darkroom you use for film.
You can alter luminance and color and stuff, and for the pictures that I like,
it brings perfection one step closer.

Having bought a digital camera for the time being, this is the perfect developing software to go with it.
Well, if we want to talk about things I don't need, I don't need this,
but I tried out the personal version, and I'm pleased with it,
so with one word from my friend, 'The pros use it,' I was defeated. (^_^)

In actuality, if you do too much retouching and mixing,
you can do plenty of work with this software.
Really, I like Photoshop CS3, too. (^_^)
At any rate, the Elements that I bought a while back doesn't work with the Intel Macs.

I do recommend it for people who own digital SLRs.
If you're interested, you should try downloading the personal edition.

P.S. A new iMac's been released.

[432] It's been a long time - 2007/08/08 (Wed)

...since I've been on stage.

A while ago, I was given the chance to MC at some live events and things,
and that Furumoto Shinnosuke was going to be on stage,
so I went immediately to see him on opening day.

Because the stage a big theatre of the hall class
to the point where it's basically a small hut with a 100-seat capacity,
I go to see it periodically,
but no matter what, for me, I get to see the atmosphere and the minute expressions of the actors,
so I like the small hut method.

This time, too, it was the small hut of Shimokitazawa's 'Drama' *
so I saw the performance close up, and the various things were done with skill. (^_^)

Lives and stages are both that way,
but that first day nervous feeling hadn't gathered. (^_^)
Man oh man, it was really nice to watch.

The normal everyday things, normal happiness,
I'm still having deep thoughts about it.
Also, it made me feel like I can try even harder.

There's a public performance in 12 days, so interested people should definitely check it out.


[ * shimokitazawa being a ward of tokyo. ]

[431] Fi, finally... - 2007/08/07 (Tue)

I made my assistant's debut. A camera man's.
So I say, but I was just helping a camera man friend take some photos. (^^;)

Man~ how many times have I experienced the pro scene with people who can take photos,
but for my first time on the taking a photo side of the pro scene, I was absurdly nervous!
And I wasn't even the one taking the photos. (^^;)

While not quite understanding the photography terminology and machinery,
I was setting the stroboscope, and exposing the reflex board, *
Today was a day of serious learning.

It was also a day of free sweating, wasn't it? Seriously hot.

Well, for the future, I'll aim to be a musician who takes photos with a singing and dancing camera,
and spend my days in diligent study. (^_^)
Still some way to go, and the way is an endless distance. (bwahahah)

Thanks to my friend for giving me precious experience!!
Keep me in mind for next time, too. (^_^) I'll study anything, anything!!

P.S. It's been a long time since I stepped on a scale, and I'm plus 5 kilos... (ugh)
It definitely came back in a month. (T_T)


[ * i'm not sure this is the right term. the things i know about cameras is only what it takes to operate a kodak point and shoot. (^^;)
also, could this title BE any more ironic... doumo sumimasen for the delay ladies and gentlemen, it was like 95 degrees inside my house, so i decided not to be there myself. the air conditioner was fixed this morning, though, and as you can see i'm playing catch up, so tomorrow should be back to our regular schedule. arigatou! ]

[430] Oi! Kitarou! - 2007/08/06 (Mon)

I got this from a friend. (^_^)
Everyone should definitely try some demon candy.
Only one, they're hot... (^_^)

Make no mistake, there's a surprise when you open them and there's a surprise when you eat them. (^_^)

When I was a child, everyone did imitations of Father Eyeball all the time,
but of course I don't have that kind of voice anymore. (^_^)

Still though, if you never try just because it's unusually challenging... (^_^) *

So, everyone together now, YES!

'Oi! Kitarou!!' (^_^)

P.S. Ferris wheels... Sweet fleeting memories...


[ * wow, that was a loose translation. more like "And still, I wouldn't want to try to do the unusually challenging, but..." but that reads kind of wanky, don't you think? also, yes, this is the same eyeball papa from the earlier post. as one loyal reader (^_^) informed us, it's from a manga/anime called Ge Ge Ge no Kitarou! about a little half-demon boy whose father was killed but managed to come back - as his own eyeball. (insert inevitable joke about keeping an eye on things here.) ]

[429] Yet again. - 2007/08/05 (Sun)

Have some more melon. (^_^)
Lately I seem to have all sorts of connections with melon. (^_^)

Not to continue the amusement park talk,
but maaan, of course ferris wheels are good, aren't they!? (^_^)
Plus, if you hold on to each other on a first date, there's none of that nervous feeling. (^_^)

Locked in together like that, soon, you start to wonder what would be a good thing to say... (^^;)

As the type to try and make a confession in a place like that:
'I- I--- I like---- I like------ y...'
"Mm? What's the matter?"
'I like watermelon, how about you?' (^^;)
It's bound to become a pretty confusing conversation. (^_^)

Maaan, I was so innocent back then... (bwahahah)

I'm going to be soaking in memories of summer for a while, huh... (^_^)

P.S. Please, be very careful of heatstroke, and have a good weekend.


[the faux confessional was a play on words. in japanese the word you use to say "i like you" is suki, and the word for watermelon is suika. i tried to give it the same flavor in english.
edit: oh yes, i forgot the email from the other day. like three days ago. anyhow, the site that the link takes you to is the HP for "hosho" which the email purports to be "a new concept in the meaning of dignity" or some such thing. also there's a new PEERAGE store opening at the shinjuku mitsukoshi alcott　featuring PEERAGE of new york stuff. ]

[428] It's a fine art explosion. (^_^) - 2007/08/03 (Fri)

I discovered this at a friend's house. (^_^)

Man oh man, the dear thing...
It was in a CM a long time ago. (^_^) *

When I was a child, I couldn't see how it was the sun,
so the tower of the sun was a mystery,
but to my child's mind, I understood it as I liked:
'Oooh... Did the fine arts have an explosion?' (^_^) **

If you say, The World Fair Commemoration Park, that's Expo Land.
If you say Expo Land, is there anyone in Kansai
who hasn't had a date there at least once? (^_^)

Other than that, Hirakata Park, Nara Dreamland (closed)
Kobe's Portopia Land (also closed) were good places.

What's everyone's favorite amusement park ride?
Roller coasters, of course, right?
I enjoy stuff like Nagajima Superland's White Cyclone,
and Fujikyuu Highland's Fujiyama.

And of course there's the ferris wheel, right...? (bwahahah)

Definitely go for some summer memories. (^_^)

P.S. I received this from the friend who has the tower of the sun. (^_^)


[ * this 'dear thing' is the taiyou no tou, or tower of the sun, which is a giant art structure erected for the 1970 Osaka world fair.
** er... no, i don't really get it either. ]

[427] Have a present (^_^) - 2007/08/02 (Thu)

This was in a jar. (^_^)
Just a little evil... *

Wondering whether I was damaged by the rays of the sun yesterday?
I was completely felled. (^^;)
As usual, I have no immunity to sunlight. (^_^)

But, really, nature is good.
I felt quite healed by the walk through the woods.
People are best in nature of course.

Living in the city,
you think a clean atmosphere and clean water are just luxuries.

I want to live in the countryside some day...
A shut-in in the sticks. (^_^)

Heeey, that would make an awesome book, don't you think? (^_^)


[ * the kanji on the thing is choi warui chichioya, which mean just a little evil father. also, once again, my apologies for spotty updates. we have an order in for a new air conditioner, but it is currently 85 degrees farenheit in my house. my brain, she is leaking! (X_X) ]

[426] It is summer, huh~ - 2007/07/31 (Tue)

Man oh man, it is so absurdly hot today
it's like yesterday's rain was just a lie.

Today I'm out photograph-taking with some camera friends.
So I say, but we're all being done in by this heat,
and we're spending longer resting than we are taking photographs. (^^;)

By chance we found a spot connected to the net,
so I'm doing some mellow writing while we're on a break. (^_^)
Incidentally, those of us that remain are succumbing to a car. (^_^)

Man~ but the snap is difficult~ *
We can't find a place that will become a great picture, so everyone's struggling hard.

So then so then, I should probably get everyone going soon and get out of here. (^_^)

P.S. In all this sunlight, I forgot about skin car. Sunburns are skin's great enemy.


[ * as in the snapping of the shutter. ]