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海辺のカフカ
begin with the water, end with the whine
22 January 2009 @ 04:55 pm
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me, for you!
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
- What I create will be just for you.
- It'll be done this year. No guarantees when, it will be a total surprise!
- You have no clue what it's going to be.
Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Uh, but if you're my friend, you should kind of know this already.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you have to repost, and repost right away.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
- What I create will be just for you.
- It'll be done this year. No guarantees when, it will be a total surprise!
- You have no clue what it's going to be.
Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Uh, but if you're my friend, you should kind of know this already.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you have to repost, and repost right away.
Current Mood: 
cold
cold20 January 2009 @ 01:11 pm
Current Mood: 
ecstatic
ecstatic04 January 2009 @ 01:02 pm
Hell to the no. So long as it's between people, and so long as it's not harming other people (and I don't see how a marriage could do that), the government needs to stay out. I could see the government invalidating a marriage between, say, a man and his horse, but aside from that? No.
15 December 2008 @ 03:56 pm
Hey, f-list, have you ever thought "Gee, I wish I could hear Eileen whining in Latin"? Well, look no further than ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
faexsomnii.
I am well aware that I have absolutely no life, thank you.
faexsomnii.I am well aware that I have absolutely no life, thank you.
04 November 2008 @ 10:14 pm
Since it's Election Day here, I've been very emotional all day. I've been glued to the computer and the TV today, save for an hour-long phone conversation with Nadia and a short burst of sewing, but in between watching results and reading blogs I've had some time to reflect. (As far as blogs go, I suggest this entry by homasse, because she is one of the most well-spoken people I have ever met, and anything she writes bears reading. This, however, is especially important, and I think she and I share some of the feelings I am about to express.)
I think it's now time to break my unofficial silence about politics on this journal. What is it about Barack Obama that moves me so much? I do like most of his policies, save his position on gay marriage (for obvious reasons), but it's more than mere policies that move me. Never in my life have I been so electrified, motivated, and touched by a public figure--or by anyone living. There is, of course, his stirring speech, his message of change and hope, his personal story that really exemplifies the American Dream to me, but even all that can't explain my feelings. There is my wholehearted rejection of McCain and his policies and the alienation I as a non-straight young woman have felt from the Republican party as a whole, but fear and sadness are not the things that make me tick. I realized tonight that what Senator--hopefully, soon to be President--Obama has done for me was intimate and personal, and can't be traced to any one thing he has said or done, or anything he hasn't.
At one time in my life, and not very long ago at all, I hated my country. It began predominantly in 2004, with the fear-mongering, hate, and lies the presidential campaign was riddled with. I had been discontented before--with the war, with Bush, whom I had disliked since I was nine years old--but it was then that I began to truly hate who we were and what we stood for. As we waded further into a pointless war, as we wasted more lives, as fundamentalists railed against people like me, my hatred deepened. In early 2007 I became very close to three Europeans, all anti-American, and we shared our distaste and broadened it. I started planning to move to Austria for school, and very possibly forever afterwards. In December of last year I was assigned to write an essay, in class, about the American Dream. Overtired and upset, all I wrote was "I am sick of the American Dream. I am sick of America. I am sick." (I was fortunately allowed to retake it, but it perfectly summed up my feelings at the time.)
Then in January Obama won the Iowa caucuses, and I began to think that maybe this man, who spoke so well, who was so different, actually had some sort of chance. I read more about him. I listened to his speeches, drank them up. I read his books. I was absolutely inspired. In late January, I recall sitting in my hotel room at Yale Model UN with Maggie, Meghan, and Liz while all the other delegates were at the dance. We watched the coverage of the South Carolina primaries and ate PBJs. We converted Liz from a Hillary supporter to an Obama supporter, cheered him on, and listened attentively to his speech when he won. For the first time in a long, long while, I felt hope.
I was there through the long, interminable primary season, watching Hillary mudslinging, seeing Obama come out clean and looking better than ever. I nearly cheered when I saw TIME's cover article projecting Obama as the winner of the primaries. I paid close attention to the Democratic National Convention, caring much more about the speeches made there than about the fact that I was about to begin my senior year. I shuddered as John McCain descended into lies and turned into Grampy McWar (homasse's name for him, which I have gleefully appropriated), and was glad there was a candidate running against him that wasn't doing the same thing. I watched the debates, and was amazed by Obama's first-class temperament. I crossed my fingers and held my breath as the race started getting closer to its conclusion, and I am still doing so.
And tonight, I have finally realized something: that hatred I had for this country is gone. It has been replaced by hope. I no longer think that we as a nation are irredeemable. This past year I have come to really appreciate the ideals upon which this nation was founded, and recently, with Obama spreading his message of hope, love, and change, and with people actually rallying to it, I firmly believe that we have a chance to live up to these ideals. Right now, we're in the midst of a horrible war. The economy is in the tank. Racism and prejudice obviously still exist, and they look like they won't be dying out for a good while. As of now, only three states have ended marriage discrimination, and by later tonight the number may dwindle to two. Yet with Obama's astounding intellect, his steady temperament, his honorable ideals, and with the people that share these qualities or are at least striving to do so, I fully believe that we can make the country a better place. I believe that the man who has not descended to petty party politics can unite us all towards a common goal of betterment. I believe that the people whose ways of thinking have necessarily changed because of this candidacy will take a long steps towards not only improving their government, but themselves. I believe that we, as a nation, can try and remove the stain of discrimination and slavery and cast off hatred, both for ourselves and others. I believe that we can change.
I may not subscribe to conservative patriotism: I don't think "my country, right or wrong." Our country is in the wrong right now in its actions and its direction. But the tide is changing. I, liberal as always, am not patriotic for what my country is, but what it can be--because we can be great. Yes, we can. And the greatness is closer to our grasp, now more than ever.
I have just received the news that Barack Obama is indeed the President-Elect of the United States of America, and I am elated. Here is not only a man who can lead our country with confidence and ability, but who has moved the hearts and minds of the people.
Here is the man who did what was impossible, and made me love my country again.
homasse, because she is one of the most well-spoken people I have ever met, and anything she writes bears reading. This, however, is especially important, and I think she and I share some of the feelings I am about to express.)I think it's now time to break my unofficial silence about politics on this journal. What is it about Barack Obama that moves me so much? I do like most of his policies, save his position on gay marriage (for obvious reasons), but it's more than mere policies that move me. Never in my life have I been so electrified, motivated, and touched by a public figure--or by anyone living. There is, of course, his stirring speech, his message of change and hope, his personal story that really exemplifies the American Dream to me, but even all that can't explain my feelings. There is my wholehearted rejection of McCain and his policies and the alienation I as a non-straight young woman have felt from the Republican party as a whole, but fear and sadness are not the things that make me tick. I realized tonight that what Senator--hopefully, soon to be President--Obama has done for me was intimate and personal, and can't be traced to any one thing he has said or done, or anything he hasn't.
At one time in my life, and not very long ago at all, I hated my country. It began predominantly in 2004, with the fear-mongering, hate, and lies the presidential campaign was riddled with. I had been discontented before--with the war, with Bush, whom I had disliked since I was nine years old--but it was then that I began to truly hate who we were and what we stood for. As we waded further into a pointless war, as we wasted more lives, as fundamentalists railed against people like me, my hatred deepened. In early 2007 I became very close to three Europeans, all anti-American, and we shared our distaste and broadened it. I started planning to move to Austria for school, and very possibly forever afterwards. In December of last year I was assigned to write an essay, in class, about the American Dream. Overtired and upset, all I wrote was "I am sick of the American Dream. I am sick of America. I am sick." (I was fortunately allowed to retake it, but it perfectly summed up my feelings at the time.)
Then in January Obama won the Iowa caucuses, and I began to think that maybe this man, who spoke so well, who was so different, actually had some sort of chance. I read more about him. I listened to his speeches, drank them up. I read his books. I was absolutely inspired. In late January, I recall sitting in my hotel room at Yale Model UN with Maggie, Meghan, and Liz while all the other delegates were at the dance. We watched the coverage of the South Carolina primaries and ate PBJs. We converted Liz from a Hillary supporter to an Obama supporter, cheered him on, and listened attentively to his speech when he won. For the first time in a long, long while, I felt hope.
I was there through the long, interminable primary season, watching Hillary mudslinging, seeing Obama come out clean and looking better than ever. I nearly cheered when I saw TIME's cover article projecting Obama as the winner of the primaries. I paid close attention to the Democratic National Convention, caring much more about the speeches made there than about the fact that I was about to begin my senior year. I shuddered as John McCain descended into lies and turned into Grampy McWar (
homasse's name for him, which I have gleefully appropriated), and was glad there was a candidate running against him that wasn't doing the same thing. I watched the debates, and was amazed by Obama's first-class temperament. I crossed my fingers and held my breath as the race started getting closer to its conclusion, and I am still doing so.And tonight, I have finally realized something: that hatred I had for this country is gone. It has been replaced by hope. I no longer think that we as a nation are irredeemable. This past year I have come to really appreciate the ideals upon which this nation was founded, and recently, with Obama spreading his message of hope, love, and change, and with people actually rallying to it, I firmly believe that we have a chance to live up to these ideals. Right now, we're in the midst of a horrible war. The economy is in the tank. Racism and prejudice obviously still exist, and they look like they won't be dying out for a good while. As of now, only three states have ended marriage discrimination, and by later tonight the number may dwindle to two. Yet with Obama's astounding intellect, his steady temperament, his honorable ideals, and with the people that share these qualities or are at least striving to do so, I fully believe that we can make the country a better place. I believe that the man who has not descended to petty party politics can unite us all towards a common goal of betterment. I believe that the people whose ways of thinking have necessarily changed because of this candidacy will take a long steps towards not only improving their government, but themselves. I believe that we, as a nation, can try and remove the stain of discrimination and slavery and cast off hatred, both for ourselves and others. I believe that we can change.
I may not subscribe to conservative patriotism: I don't think "my country, right or wrong." Our country is in the wrong right now in its actions and its direction. But the tide is changing. I, liberal as always, am not patriotic for what my country is, but what it can be--because we can be great. Yes, we can. And the greatness is closer to our grasp, now more than ever.
I have just received the news that Barack Obama is indeed the President-Elect of the United States of America, and I am elated. Here is not only a man who can lead our country with confidence and ability, but who has moved the hearts and minds of the people.
Here is the man who did what was impossible, and made me love my country again.
Current Mood: 
touched
touched01 November 2008 @ 10:59 am
A salaryman turned preta has an adorably enlightening Murakamiesque magically-realistic journey, along with far too many mythological beings for anyone's own good.
Current Mood: 
bouncy
bouncy23 October 2008 @ 05:14 pm
12 October 2008 @ 07:25 pm
seishonagon: Did you see this?http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/opini
It's...it's just beautiful. I'm a little teary, myself.
Current Mood: 
excited
excited07 September 2008 @ 08:13 pm
I finally gathered up the courage to go to the Buddhist temple in Bridgeport today. I'm extremely glad I went, because I had a wonderful conversation with one of the laymen who works there and speaks English relatively well. I've been Buddhist (Shinto-Buddhist, precisely) for quite a while now, and yet I haven't been to a temple since I was in Japan over a year ago.
One of the things he said really stuck with me. "When you eat a meal prepared by someone else," he said, "you owe them. You owe your mother and father, you owe many people...You have to love them. You have to learn how to love them. You must love even the people who hate you." (His implication here, I think, that by loving someone you are repaying them.) His English wasn't the best sometimes, but he got his point across very well, and we spoke for a little over an hour. I came away smiling and feeling very happy and peaceful.
We also spoke about wisdom and compassion, and the difference between wisdom in knowledge. We spoke in metaphors and similes a lot of the time, because Buddhism (like everything) is easier to talk about in that way. Him, on karma: "If you hit the table, it makes a sound!" Me, on the same: "If you kick the wall, your foot will hurt!" He compared many parts of life to an apple tree, which he says is a common metaphor, when I mentioned that if one expects life to be such-and-such a way (as I often do) you are ultimately disappointed and end up suffering. If the tree doesn't grow, or the apples are bad, well...what did you do wrong? Find it and fix it! You may have singlemindedly concentrated on the seed you thought was good, but planted it in sand, or didn't water it, or didn't think of the geography, or had it in the shade of a bigger tree where the sunlight couldn't reach the tree. The tree and its faults or merits are entirely your doing, much like your present life. If something is wrong: what did you do? Find it and fix it!
The room was warm and shady and smelled wonderful. It was also extremely beautiful. I would really like to go there again to one of the dharma lectures they have on Sunday mornings (I went in the afternoon, when it was mostly just monks).
In spite of all my problems, or what might be considered problems, I'm really quite calm and quietly happy right now. Nadia may be troublingly silent and miles away, but I take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and life is good.
One of the things he said really stuck with me. "When you eat a meal prepared by someone else," he said, "you owe them. You owe your mother and father, you owe many people...You have to love them. You have to learn how to love them. You must love even the people who hate you." (His implication here, I think, that by loving someone you are repaying them.) His English wasn't the best sometimes, but he got his point across very well, and we spoke for a little over an hour. I came away smiling and feeling very happy and peaceful.
We also spoke about wisdom and compassion, and the difference between wisdom in knowledge. We spoke in metaphors and similes a lot of the time, because Buddhism (like everything) is easier to talk about in that way. Him, on karma: "If you hit the table, it makes a sound!" Me, on the same: "If you kick the wall, your foot will hurt!" He compared many parts of life to an apple tree, which he says is a common metaphor, when I mentioned that if one expects life to be such-and-such a way (as I often do) you are ultimately disappointed and end up suffering. If the tree doesn't grow, or the apples are bad, well...what did you do wrong? Find it and fix it! You may have singlemindedly concentrated on the seed you thought was good, but planted it in sand, or didn't water it, or didn't think of the geography, or had it in the shade of a bigger tree where the sunlight couldn't reach the tree. The tree and its faults or merits are entirely your doing, much like your present life. If something is wrong: what did you do? Find it and fix it!
The room was warm and shady and smelled wonderful. It was also extremely beautiful. I would really like to go there again to one of the dharma lectures they have on Sunday mornings (I went in the afternoon, when it was mostly just monks).
In spite of all my problems, or what might be considered problems, I'm really quite calm and quietly happy right now. Nadia may be troublingly silent and miles away, but I take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and life is good.
Current Location: kitchen
Current Mood: 
grateful
grateful
thoughtful09 July 2007 @ 12:14 pm
( stuff I need to get for people while in Japan )
If anyone else wants anything, comment! :D (And I do mean anyone on my flist, haha.) I don't know what people want, so help me out. If you don't specify, I'm probably just giving you really cheap chopsticks. 8D
If anyone else wants anything, comment! :D (And I do mean anyone on my flist, haha.) I don't know what people want, so help me out. If you don't specify, I'm probably just giving you really cheap chopsticks. 8D
Current Mood: 
curious
curious15 June 2007 @ 11:24 pm
exhausted15 February 2007 @ 05:21 pm
Post anything that you want, and post it anonymously. Anything. A story, a secret, a confession, a fear, a love -- anything. Nobody will know who you are, so be sure to post anonymously and honestly. Post twice if you'd like. Then, put this in your LJ to see what your friends (and perhaps others who you don't even realize read your LJ) have to say.
Go for it, guys. Go for it.
Go for it, guys. Go for it.
Current Mood: 
calm
calm25 December 2006 @ 10:45 am
Merry Christmas, guys~
Will update later after I eat the Ramen with the awesome chopsticks Ciara gave me. <33
Will update later after I eat the Ramen with the awesome chopsticks Ciara gave me. <33
Current Location: kitchen
15 October 2006 @ 11:16 pm
how much I amuse myself. LOL
ai ashiddo (7:12:55 PM): this song basically dictates my life
ai ashiddo (7:13:02 PM): SILLY GOD DISCO by Gazette
ai ashiddo (7:13:31 PM): I like. went to Joanne Fabrics with some twelve year old and bought a feather boa mostly because of this song.
oh, wow. XDDD
ai ashiddo (7:12:55 PM): this song basically dictates my life
ai ashiddo (7:13:02 PM): SILLY GOD DISCO by Gazette
ai ashiddo (7:13:31 PM): I like. went to Joanne Fabrics with some twelve year old and bought a feather boa mostly because of this song.
oh, wow. XDDD
13 October 2006 @ 11:54 pm
sleepy03 October 2006 @ 09:56 pm
Somebody made me a fansign.
My life is fucking complete.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/m
My life is fucking complete.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c34/m
30 September 2006 @ 12:00 pm
Oh, man. I'm listening to Wonderboy by Tenacious D. It really brings back memories. LOL I haven't listened to it in three years or so. They always used to play it at parties at the Light's house, or that party at the Chase's. <3 It reminds me of being really warm, even though it was cold December and clear, and lying on Bay's bed in a pile of people staring at the ceiling and feeling like haze and smelling something good coming from downstairs.
Also, I held hands with Bay after seventh period yesterday! <3 I was coming out of study hall, and I saw her and Jorge R (who's in my homeroom; he does B2 with me) coming from Latin. I said "Liz L____!" and she said "Eileen L____! Let's hold hands." And we did! Jorge was not at all disturbed, because he knows what Bay's like. X3 Good times, good times.
And I'm going over to Ry's today in a few hours. That'll be some good times. 8D
Also, I held hands with Bay after seventh period yesterday! <3 I was coming out of study hall, and I saw her and Jorge R (who's in my homeroom; he does B2 with me) coming from Latin. I said "Liz L____!" and she said "Eileen L____! Let's hold hands." And we did! Jorge was not at all disturbed, because he knows what Bay's like. X3 Good times, good times.
And I'm going over to Ry's today in a few hours. That'll be some good times. 8D
cheerful