Movies like Cloverfield, Sweeney Todd and Juno are helping to restore my faith in the movie industry.

Movies like Meet the Spartans are not.  Please stop making them.

Good luck finding someone who can even come close to matching Heath Ledger, one of the best actors ever.  RIP Heath.

I love video games to death, but they do NOT need to be made into movies.



There are more things to be said, but there are people out there who can say them better than I can.  Cheers, and here's to a good '08.

Sincerely,

clowmusings

I took a break while doing some homework to go to the official Smash Bros. Brawl website off of a whim, and found out that the game has been delayed YET AGAIN.  This time until March 9th.

Yes, I'm well aware that Nintendo has been notorious for delaying games because they weren't happy with them.  I'm also all for delaying the game if it means that it will be better and more fun to play.

That doesn't mean I'm not at least a little disappointed...given that this was originally supposed to be out December 3rd, and it was getting so close to the first delayed date of February 10th...

Oh well, the silver lining that I can take from this news is that a) I will have more time to work on FFIV DS and No More Heroes and b) I'll be saving myself $50 during a week that I also plan on buying Professor Layton and Apollo Justice (whose release date was actually pushed FORWARD...hint hint Nintendo).

....

At the risk of sounding more and more like someone with no life, I'll shut up now.

ah, finally a weekday where I didn't have to get up early~

School has been pretty enjoyable for me so far.  Once I got my issue with my Japanese straightened out, there hasn't been anything to stress me out (that'll be later in the semester).  All of my classes have been pretty easygoing with just a quiz here and there, and my Meteorology lab doesn't even start until the 14th.  Quite nice compared to my past semesters. ^^;;

The only thing worrying me some is money, but that's normal, so it isn't a pressing issue.

Well, since I have no school or work, I figure I'll kick back by playing some Wii Sports, then I'll start watching the episodes off of the Heroes boxset I bought on Friday.  Waiiii~

My first day back at State, class-wise was fine.  I got to both classes on time, got the usual first-day routine, got the syllabuses.  No problems there.

No, my beef today was with the Wolfline buses.

Since I have a huuuuuge break (5 1/2 hours) between English and Meteorology, I decided to take the bus to Richard's apartment on Gorman to eat lunch with him and chill until he had to go to work at 2:30.  No problems there, I had a nice time talking with him and I left the apartment about 5 minutes after he did to catch the bus back to main campus, where I would then catch another route to swing by my dad's office to talk to him for a bit and print out my notes for Meteorology (my printer was being a prick and wouldn't print correctly).  Then around 3:45 I'd head back to main campus to go to class.

I walked out to the bus stop at 2:15.
The bus didn't come until 2:50.  To add insult to injury, THREE of the same bus came within 5 minutes of each other.  So, when I'd been hoping to be at main campus by 2:30, I now arrived at 3.  But, I did still have enough time to catch the bus to Centennial to print out my notes and spend a little time with dad, although not as much as I had planned.  I decided to chance it.

This decision ended up being a disaster.  For one thing, the route I was taking (Southeast Loop) came 10 minutes late...and then when we were finally on the bus, it proceeded to break down no less than FOUR times...the last time for good on centennial parkway.  I walked to Centennial, had about 5 minutes to print my notes, and then had my dad drive me back to main campus.

I know I should really be expecting things like this by now...the first few weeks are terrible getting around campus.  Way too many people think they can drive to their next class instead of walking or taking the bus (WRONG), and bus drivers are getting adjusted to the swing of things.  However, this does not mean that I should have to wait 30 minutes for a bus, and as for mechanical issues...the buses this year are brand-new.  No excuses for that one.

The one thing that made my journey at least a little humorous was this little quote from the bus driver when the bus broke down for the final time:

"Sorry guys, this bus ain't stayin crunk so we'll have to get another one."

Time for me to get prepared for classes once again...*sigh*  I hate how stressful the beginning of the semester always is for me.  Books and tuition to pay for, changing my work schedule, getting used to waking up early again...ugh.  I've already had to change my work schedule twice and will probably end up changing it for a THIRD time because of things that have come up just in the last week. 

I'm taking 10 hours this semester to prepare myself for diving back full-time into the fray spring semester.  I'm only working 20 hours a week now, but I'm a little worried that it's still too much...the classes I'm taking are all different and time-consuming in their own little ways.  All I know is that I'll be buuuusy.  here's my class schedule:

Mondays: ENG 221, MEA 130
Tuesdays: FLJ 301
Wednesdays: ENG 221, MEA 130
Thursdays: FLJ 301
Fridays: ENG 221, MEA 135

So, yep.  A literature class, a science class with a lab, and my 3rd level Japanese.  Please pray for me~

To close, a meme I found from sakura_merquise.  Doing it mostly just b/c I'm bored and I thought people might find it interesting.

Well, here it is, finally: My thoughts on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Enjoy!

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

( General thoughts )

 

Just got back Tuesday afternoon from a 2-day trip to New Bern with Richard.  Can't say I was bored there that's for sure ^^;;

While we were there, his parents picked up a bunch of alcohol for us because he told them I hadn't had any in awhile.  I still haven't had any yet b/c Richard had a seizure later on that evening, which scared the hell out of his brothers and me.  I had to drive him back to his parents' place so he could get some sleep. 

The next day, we ate breakfast in downtown New Bern and walked around for awhile.  We stopped so he could get an oil change and a car wash, and then we drove home.  On the way back, he surprised me greatly by giving me a promise ring.  *happy happy*


Unfortunately, the ring is too big, so we'll have to get it resized.  Not like it's a big deal though.


I haven't seen Harry Potter yet *I had to work last night*, but I'm planning to see it pretty soon.  If it comes anywhere close to Transformers, I'll be happy.  Same for Deathly Hallows.

After seeing what Nintendo had to offer at E3, I know at least 5 games I'll be preordering.  Phantom Hourglass, Smash bros. Brawl, Super Mario Galaxy, Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii will drain me of my dinero. Damn you Iwata and Miyamoto.

Thursday: Did nothing all day until Richard and Aaron picked me up to go see Pirates 3 at North Hills at 9:15, mostly b/c they had more screenings than Crossroads did.  Although a lot of people have slammed the movie for being too long, there actually weren't really any parts where I thought the movie dragged on.  I actually enjoyed this one more than Dead Man's Chest.

Friday-Saturday:  Well, turned out I was able to go both Friday and Saturday after all <3.  I had a lot of fun while I was there; I saw a lot of people I haven't seen in awhile, saw some nice costumes and music videos, witnessed a cute moment at the opening ceremonies (awwww, Satsuki Yukino was soooo cute~), and of course raided the dealer's room once again.  Right now, I'm having a fun time trying to practice my Nihongo playing the Japanese release of FFXII: Revenant Wings, and snuggling with my Light plushie =3

Sunday: I had work in the morning, so couldn't go to the con today...so after work I did nothing but finish cleaning my room to prepare for my grandparents staying to attend Andrew's graduation.

I have an exam at 9 am tomorrow, but I am defying logic and staying awake for now.

I may be tired as hell come tomorrow night at work, but hey. When you have the rest of the week off from work, great weather, and a brand spankin' new Wii to play, it won't matter too much. =)

Normally, I'd be a little upset that work only gave me 12 hours this week. Normally.

BUT, last week was spring break for all the lovely Wake County young'uns...which spelled out long nights and much frustrations among Target employees everywhere. So instead of looking at it as getting no money, I think I'll take it as a mini-vacation of some sort. This week I have time to:

1) Go over to State when I don't have class and figure out what classes I'll be taking next semester;

2) Get further in the DS games that I have neglected lately due to having no time;

3) Use some of the gift cards I received over Christmas (finally);

4) Work on my kanji database project;

5) Watch a lot of the new Japan spring animes

6) Spend quality time with Richard...no bitching about work, just enjoying our time together and doing fun things.


Yep, this week looks to be a good one.

EDIT: Well, getting sick and calling out for 6 of those 12 hours doesn't really make me feel better....grrrr.

something interesting...this further confirms that 日本人 are the craziest, yet most innovative people on the planet.

read more | digg story

I have Final Fantasy VI Advance.  All is now right in the world.

I only got to watch the last 10 minutes of the Super Bowl, but from what I heard it sucked anyway, so I'm  glad I was earning money instead.

Finally got to see The Prestige last Saturday with Richard and his roommates.  It was very good, but not excellent.  Of course, when the two main characters are assholes, that makes it a little harder to like.

LOST is finally back from hiatus!  We got a Juliet episode, which was nice because we got to see a little more about how she got to the island.  However, I pray to God that from here on out, the focus is not going to stay on Jack, Kate and Sawyer.  I'm OK with Jack and don't care much for Kate.  Sawyer is the only one that I can stomach for too long.  I want to see the rest of the castaways again dammit >.<

And I have tomorrow off for the first time in quite awhile.  Yay~

Richard and I were supposed to go to Blue Ridge to see The Prestige tonight.  And up til about 8, we were still going to go...until we stopped on Sci-Fi.  Heroes was on.

Needless to say, we spent the next 2 hours watching Heroes reruns instead.  Neither of us had seen a lot of the show...but now I think I'll be buying the first season DVD when it comes out.  Just a lovely show.  Hiro is my favorite character, not only because of his Japanese-ness but his personality.  I only wish I didn't work most Mondays so that I could see the new episodes now that it's back from hiatus...

I finally got to try out Twilight Princess (Wii version) the other day.  It was mind-blowingly awesome.

I only wish I didn't open Sunday, so I could be one of the throng at Target who will be trying for a Wii.  I could spend forever on that game.

Maybe I'll lose track of time playing tomorrow so I get snowed in and won't have to go to work.  I can always hope, can't I?

Had a fun, eventful weekend with Kyle and Richard.  Even if it was just for one day, it's always nice to see friends that you haven't seen in awhile, just to remind you that they do exist. 

Yesterday, saw a whole new geeky side of Richard's roommates.  A huuuge controller just for playing arcade games on your computer ^^;;;  But they did  have fun with Mortal Kombat and House of the Dead 2....

Richard and I also watched the Dead or Alive movie.  Unless you like terrible plots and hot girls, skip this one.  I want those 1 1/2 hours of my life back.

...In anime news, Death Note has been licensed *sobsob*  My favorite fansub group dropped the project, so I might consider watching the show raw from now on.  I've heard some rumors that they're planning to air DN on Adult Swim at some point.  Maybe anyone who hasn't seen this wonderful anime will be exposed to its majesty ^_^

CRYING SECTION.

Ever really cried your heart out?: of course...I'm a girl.
Ever cried yourself to sleep?: yep
Ever cried on your friend's shoulder?: maybe once or twice...
Ever cried over the opposite sex?: yeah, not recently though
Do you cry when you get an injury: not anymore
Do certain songs make you cry?: yep

HAPPY SECTION.

Are you a happy person?: hmmm...I'd say so
What can make you happy?: Somebody I haven't talked to in awhile surprising me, being with Richard...lots of things
Do you wish you were happier?: sometimes, but then I think it would be boring to be happy all the time *lol*
Is being happy overrated?: no way...one of the best feelings of the world is when you're happy
Can music make you happy?: very much so

LOVE SECTION.

How many times have you had your heart broken?: once
Has anyone besides your friends and family ever said 'i love you' to you: yes ^_^

HATE SECTION.

Who do you actually hate?: I don't hate anyone...I just strongly dislike some people
Ever made a hit list?: no, and I don't plan on it
Have you ever been on a hit list?: I sure hope not o.o
Are you a mean bully?: definitely not
Do you hate George Bush?: I don't hate him like almost everyone else does...I will say I hate his arrogance.

SELF ESTEEM SECTION.

Is your self-esteem extremely low?: not super low
Do you believe in yourself?: these days I do
Are you good looking, do you deny you are?: it's mostly up to other people to decide that...I personally think I'm just moderately attractive ^^;;
Do you wish you can be someone else?: nope, I'm too used to being lil ol me

HAVE I....

[ ] done crack.
[ ] done opium.
[ ] done PCP.
[ ] done prescription narcotics for recreational purposes.
[ ] huffed air-duster.
[ ] been to a rave.
[x ] ridden in a taxi.
[ ] jumped a ramp with a bike.
[ ] been dumped.
[] been used.
[] shoplifted
[ ] ran from the cops.
[x ] been in a room of your school that you could get suspended for being in
[ ] been fired.
[ ] been kicked out of a movie theater
[] been in a fist fight.
[ ] got hit by a car
[ ] fired a real gun.
[ ] snuck out of the house.
[ ] been arrested.
[ ] gone in a mosh pit.
[ ] stolen something from your school.
[ ] Celebrated New Year's in Times Square.
[ ] Gone on a blind date.
[x] had a crush on a teacher
[ ] celebrated Mardi-Gras in New Orleans.
[ ] been to Europe.
[ ] been to Australia
[ ] been to Hawaii
[x ] skipped school.
[ ] thrown up from drinking.
[x] played 'clue'.
[x] had a sleepover.
[ ] gone ice skating.
[ ] been cheated on.
[ ] had your tonsils out.
[x] driven a car.
[ ] Totaled a car.

DO YOU.. (right now)

[x] feel loved by my friends
[x] feel lonely
[x] feel happy.
[ ] hate yourself.
[x] have a dog.
[x] sing along with your music.
[ ] Dance around your room in your underwear.
[ ] listen to Hawaiian Music.
[x] listen to rock
[ ] listen to punk
[ ] listen to hip hop
[ ] listen to rap.
[ ] listen to country.
[x] listen to reggae.
[x] listen to techno.
[x] listen to hardcore.
[x] listen to pop.
[ ] listen to r&b.
[x] listen to jazz.
[x] listen to indie
[ ] listen to christian music
[x] listen to bands that can't be put into a category
[x] have hobbies
[ ] skateboard
[ ] play an instrument
[x] have slippers.
[ ] wear boxers.
[ ] wear eyeliner.
[x] like the color blue.
[x] like the color pink.
[ ] like the color red
[x] like the color green
[x] like the color black
[x] like the color purple
[ ] like neon colors
[x] like to read
[x] like to write.
[ ] have long hair.
[x] have medium length hair.
[ ] have short hair.
[ ] have a laptop.
[ ] have a pager.
[x] have a cellphone


ARE YOU

[x] bored.
[x] happy.
[ ] upset
[ ] Hawaiian
[x] brunette
[ ] a redhead
[ ] Samoan.
[ ] Pinoy.
[ ] Korean.
[ ] French
[x] American
[ ] Italian
[ ] Black
[ ] Mexican.
[ ] Asian
[x] a Christian
[ ] a Muslim
[x] Polish
[ ] Irish
[x] German
[ ] Austrian
[ ] Other.....
[ ] Norwegian
[x] No clue.
[ ] a Hindu
[ ] a scientologist
[ ] agnostic
[ ] satanist
[ ] religiously confused
[x] short.
[ ] average in between short and tall
[ ] tall.
[x] realistic
[ ] talking to someone.
[ ] IMing someone.
[x] scared to die.
[ ] buzzed
[ ] high
[ ] caffeinated
[ ] annoyed.
[ ] hungry.
[ ] thirsty.
[ ] on the phone.
[ ] in your room.
[ ] drinking something.
[ ] eating something.
[x] ticklish
[x] listening to music


LOOK AT ME.

What is your current hair color?: light brown-blondish
Whats your natural color?: lark brown-blondish
What color are your eyes?: blue
Current Piercings?: my ears
Straight Hair or Curly: straight

CURRENTLY WEARING.

What shirt are you wearing?: red NC State shirt
Shorts: no shorts, but pink pj pants with sheep on them
Shoes?: white slippers
Underwear?: white with a ladybug on the back
Necklaces: the necklace that Richard gave me for Christmas

THIS OR THAT.

Rock or rap: rock
Coffee or Hot Cocoa: cocoa
Wild Night out or Romantic Night: definitely romantic
Chocolate or Vanilla: chocolate!!
Hummer or Sports Car: sports car, no question
History or Science: history....ewwww science
Sleep in or Early to rise: sleep in
Beach or Boardwalk: beach
Night or Day: I'm a night owl
High School or college: college, it's more flexible and you can have more fun
California or Florida: Florida by default, since I've never been to California

HAVE YOU EVER.

Hugged someone?: umm...yes...hasn't everybody?
Been on the phone until the sun came up?: nope
Put a song on repeat for more than an hour?: ehehe yeah
Laughed so hard you almost peed your pants?: you betcha

THE LAST.

person you talked to in person?: my momma
person you talked to online?: Caleb
person you hugged: Richard <3
person that called you: my dad
drink?: green tea
laugh?: yesterday
last time you had a shower?: a few hours ago

RANDOM.

Do you like surveys: most of em
What kind of shampoo do you use?: Aussie
Do you get along with your parents? why yes I do
Are you old enough to vote?: yep
Do you have mental breakdowns?: nope
Did you ever tell your parents you didn't feel good so you didn't have to go to school?: when I was a kid

CURRENT.

-Current Mood: tired
-Current music: Linkin Park - Somewhere I Belong
-Current hair: down like it is 99% of the time
-Current Annoyance: it's cold....pretty weak of me yes
-Current Longing: to be at a point in my life where I'm fully independent
-Current Thing I Ought To Be Doing: sleeping
-Current Windows Open: AIM window, myspace
-Current desktop picture: Watanuki and Yuuko from xxxHoLiC
-Current Favorite Music Artist?: FLOW
-Current Book: Amy Tan - Saving Fish from Drowning
-Current CD in stereo: none

I started back at State today.

My morning started out very badly, mostly b/c I was stressing over having to call out of work.  Being the crazies they are, Target scheduled me to come in this morning, even though I'd had my new availability turned in on time (since then I've filled out a new one so they can't give me any BS).  I HATE calling out of work.  I guess it's because I don't want to disappoint my managers and make the others work twice as hard.  Or maybe it's that I like getting a paycheck.

Either way, I woke up 2 hours before I was supposed to and just laid in bed freaking out.  At 7:30 I finally did get up the will to call out, and things were better after that.

Nihongo 202 looks like it'll be a lot of fun.  Of course, any class with Tai-sensei is fun ^.^  But I can already tell that I will be doing a LOT of studying this year, the class is speeding up pace-wise and we'll be learning a lot more sentence structures and kanji.  But I have some good friends in the class, I love Japanese, and hell - I want a career in Japanese so I want to love it ^_^

http://www.animazement.com

I haven't registered yet, but I think I will soon.   Just seeing that guest list makes it worth it for me.  I've always wanted to see Kikuko Inoue and Satsuki Yukino in person....

I just hope that Sasuga Bookstore comes this year so I can splurge on artbooks, like I failed to do last year. ^^;;

Momofuku Ando, inventor of instant noodles.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6237013.stm

Rest in peace Ando-sensei.  You will be forever remembered for providing countless masses of broke college students a cheap, semi-tasty way to fight off starvation.  You will be missed.

For whatever reason, I've been thinking a lot about relationships. How different they can be, and why people enter and leave them.

Richard and I get along fabulous b/c we are faithful to each other, never fight, and share some of the same interests. But there are people out there who cheat on each other like crazy, fight at least once a week, and have nothing in common, yet they are still happy with each other in the end.

And there are some people out there who are just fine with floating from friend to friend, or partner to partner, and think nothing of committing. Something like that is totally foreign to me.

There's people who are decades apart and people from different sides of the globe that can share their lives together.

Not really a reason to post, just something I thought I'd stick up here for others to think about =)