Hi all,
I'm in a better spirit this week compared to last and have been somewhat busy.
First let's talk about last week. The first half was rather depressing. There was a slight misunderstanding/miscommunication related to work and that contributed to bringing down my mood. I believe that matter has been peacefully resolved but I need to do something about the situation at work. I'm not satisfied with my current task. Proof reading and research is all well and good, but if you have to do it again and again on the same subject, it gets boring after awhile. Maybe that's why I feel sleepy at work nowadays. Well that's over and done with, so let's move on to what I've been up to for the past 2 weeks:
1. Work.
I need not elaborate on that I think.
2. Reading
I'm almost to the end of "a feast for crows" the fourth book in a song of ice and fire series. I'm dreading the end, because I will have to wait for another 9 months for book 5. This is a good serie, everyone, go read it. It's almost as good as the wheel of time but darker with less magic. I have the uplift saga audio book a science fiction by David Brinn, but the beginning doesn't sound as good as the reviews proclaimed, so I think I'll skip this book and move on to either Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell or Christopher Paolini's Inheritance trilogy. I also saw another book which sounds somewhat intriguing, The saga of the 7 suns or something. What I really want to read though is:
Judas Unchained by Peter F Hamilton
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
The Darkness that Comes Before by Scott R Bakker
Prince of Nothing by Scott R Bakker
and the 3rd book in the series which I can't remember the title
Preferably in audio book format. O, did I mention that the reader of the uplift saga is as boring as the book?
2. Japanese conversation class
The first class is this friday at 10:30, I'm looking forward to it. I hope my instructor knows how to keep me awake. I wish it's a group lesson though. Maybe in later stages they will let us practice with each other. I'm going to record the class with my DAISY player. Speaking of japanese conversation, I finally finished volume 5 of "japanese for today".
3. I met up with Umeta-san last friday, and fun was had. We talked about our winter vacation, work, weather, food, local culture, lucky and unlucky numbers/age, favourite numbers, and in between, Umeta-san explained how to use some words, read to me the contents of the text book I'll be using for my friday class, and the event calendar of the CIFA. So far, I don't see any interesting upcoming events. O, in Japanese culture, the unlucky ages for women is 19, 33, 37 and 60, and for men, 42 and 60 (there is more but I can't remember the others). So, to avoid bad things happening to you when you're at this age, you go for some prayers at the new year for protection throughout the year. Interesting isn't?
4. Another trip to JBL
Last friday, M and I went to JBL to fetch the new DAISY player. It's slightly bigger than mine, a smoother surface, and I'm sure with some extra features since it's supposed to be the latest version, but I'll have to ask M about that.
5. Moss burger
Yay, everyone congratulate me, I went alone to Moss burger and ordered whatever I ordered all by myself, I'm quite proud of that. With head held high, I confidently walked into the place and ordered onipote, moss chicken and spicy moss burger, and it tasted soooo good!
6. Visual basic
I've joined the programming class of trainers corner. We're learning visual basic 6. At the moment, the class is at a standstill because some of us found out we were using a different version of VB from the other participants. O well, I have nothing to say about this course, (shakes head dismissively)
7. Almost to the US
I guess it was my fault. I should have done it earlier. M and I were planning to attend the CSUN conference in LA and maybe drop by in Texas on the way, but I made up my mind too late, and now it's too late. With the hassle of the visa application and all, I won't have enough time, so sad sad, I never learn! Hope to go next year.
8. Chocolates and exercise
I've been eating a lot more chocolates than usual, and less exercise. I resumed jogging today after skipping 10 days! I'll do my best to jog 15 minutes everyday from now on. Did I mention that my colleagues have been giving me lots of bitter chocolates? Keiko-san gave me some nice bitter chocolates from Venuzuela and my sweet wonderful neighbour bought me a box of delicious bitter chocs. So, if anyone wants to give me a present, the ideal present would be a box or boxes of bitter chocolates or an interesting fantasy/science fiction, preferably in audio book format, but first make sure to ask me what book I want. I have a list.
9. A stroll in the morning rain
This morning, M showed me the way to Tazukuri building where my class would be held. I'm pretty sure I can find my way to the ninth floor, but I'm not so certain I can find the office, nevertheless, have no fear, I'll get myself there promptly at 10:30, rain or shine. It rained all morning today, and I think it's still raining even now. The wind was somewhat strong, so i got my hair wet, and came back cold and shivering. It's amazing how fast my hair grows. I trimmed it in December when it was a little past my waist, about 3 inches, and now it's almost to my hips.
10. Upcoming trip
I've signed up for a sightseeing tour to Kyoto next week end. I'll update more on that once I know more details. M will not be going with me, so I'll get the chance to do something daring? hehehehe.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate my dear friend on her successful interview. I wish you all the best and godspeed on your preparationn to Penang. Remember, if you need someone to "bla bla bla" I'm here!
That's all for today. Take care everyone.
FIFA World Cup in 3 months time, Go Brazil!
Hey, bla bla bla!!!! Hahahah, it is always nice reading your blogging. Well, write more and be assured that I will read them. And, sure I will find you for bla bla bla. Well, this time I am offered 12 days annual leaves, which is slightly more than what I am having in the current company. Let's pray that I can save enough money, and save enough leaves to visit you in Japan, how about that?
O yes, I forgot to add, do keep some of those bitter chocs for me!!!! Or, you can always get me new ones, hahahahahahahah!
Hi, this is Derek. Just saw that you updated your blog. I am working here in Dalian in China teaching English and trying to learn Chinese! I have a blog if you want to have a read. It's at http://greatblogofchina.com/ or you can drop me a mail if you like.