In light of my current (ostensible) occupation with my English paper, I bring to you this quote, from Laurence Sterne's The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman:

"Of all the several ways of beginning a book which are now in practice throughout the known world, I am confident my own way of doing it is the best -- I'm sure it is the most religious -- for I begin with writing the first sentence -- and trusting to Almighty God for the second."

And with that, I return to the land of Romantic poetry treatises. (One page down, whoo! XD;;)

WHEEE!! Prisoner of Azkaban trailer! With almost as much Snape as Harry but hey, who's complaining? XD (Though *what* is with the sudden appearance of the Hogwarts Chorus? O_o) Is it June yet?? Wanna see Lupin, must see Lupin, wanna see Lupin, must see Lupin ...

... And yeah, I'm really going to work on my paper now. Really. ^_^;;;

I seem to have a pathological inability to accomplish anything without having a deadline breathing immediately and rather dangerously down my neck. Because I had, what, the entire day to write this English paper (barring a couple of hours spent downtown)? And I have, what, a few scribbled notes of outline written? >_>

It certainly does not help that I am not the biggest fan of Blake. I liked the Songs of Innocence and of Experience pretty well, but as for the rest of it ... Certainly there's nothing wrong with him constructing his own personal mythology and restructuring of Christianity (though with a troubling lack of explanation behind them ...), but it does make for some very obscure reading. It's clear that his intent was not to convince others of his wisdom, and as a result instigate practical social actions or something like that. He seems more interested in expressing himself *to* himself, and to his own satisfaction. Your classic artist in an ivory tower. And I have NO idea what he's talking about half the time. >_<

(Take, then, in contrast, Wordsworth, who did much more traveling of the world and wrote directly and specifically on contemporary social issues. I don't know if that makes his poetry better, but certainly more accessible, and applicable to his historical context.)

So, um, yeah. Going to write paper now. Right.

D00d. Had my first in-person critique at the Dragon's Pen meeting today, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I used to imagine it being, way back when. I think it's because I know these people far too well. XD;; So I probably shouldn't expect something similar from my hoity-toity English classes ... But anyway, I now have a focus for editing, and a real push to get to working on original stuff again. Whee!

Plus, there's a holiday tomorrow, which means yay. XD Forget the fact that I have to write an English paper that I know nothing about; I'm ignoring that for the moment. ^_^;

Also -- one more month OMGWANTTHIS.

Dude. Lots of watching of stuff these past couple of days. Love Actually, The Matrix: Revolutions, and some episodes of Loki. XD;;

So, first: Love Actually is a delightful, delightful movie. Cute and funny, with some obligatory "aww" moments, and OMG the casting. XD Hugh Grant consistently amuses me, despite his typical cad persona. In here he was just cute. And seeing Alan Rickman facing off with Rowan Atkinson was worth the price of admission. And of course there was Colin Firth (with super Engrish subtitles!) and Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson (whose roles tend to make me want to give him a hug). The little boy was really amusing, too -- "You mean something *worse* than the terrible agony of being in love??" XD The movie was just too much fun.

Today was a Matrix day, because neko-chan and I got to see the Reloaded DVD, right before we headed to the theater to see Revolutions. A lot of fun, if you go for the excitement and amusement rather than any sort of drama. (I am pointedly avoiding the wankfests discussions about the meaning of the movie(s), as they seem capable of reaching Eva-like proportions.) I don't know; I can't remember the first one very well, but from what I do remember, I liked it better on the whole. ^_^; At least then it didn't feel like the dialogue came off a checklist of Dramatic And Profound Lines For Every Good Action Flick. But still, the action was well-done (though I was squeeing more when Morpheus pulled out the katana than over anything else) and fun to watch. I even enjoyed the, er, homages to Gundam and DBZ. :P And the soundtrack is really cool.

As for the ending, as well as the philosophy of the movies in general ... [highlight] I think I would have preferred some more development of the idea of these renegade programs, or maybe some explanation of the mentality/emotions that allowed the machines to accept a truce that meant a radical restructuring of their existence, or even a closer examination of what it could mean to undertake the attempt to awaken several million people at once to the truth of reality. Not as much of the "Keanu Reeves is Jesus, we're all OK" kind of thing. ^_^;

The previews were cool, though. We got some nice action ones, like Troy and The Last Samurai (starring "Toomu Kuruuzu" XD). And OH! Angels in America! I had no idea they were making a movie of it. And now I really want to see it, and I should really read the play like I've been meaning to for years. ^_^;;

And now, sleepy. I leave you with the equally impressive and inscrutable sight of Viggo Mortenson the would-be j-rocker. XD

My stupid moment of the day:

I have Japanese quiz section every other day. On Mondays and Wednesdays, it's in one building, but on Fridays, it's in another. Having dealt with this scheduling anomaly several times this quarter, one would think I would be used to it by now. However ... Today, as I was rushing out the door, late (as usual), I hustled my bustle and showed up just as the bell rang -- at the wrong classroom. >_> Only then did I realize the problem. So I hiked back to the correct building, up four flights of stairs, and showed up late to my quiz. ^_^;; Fortunately, though, we didn't have class afterwards, so I could take as long as needed. Lucky me. ^_^v;;

I seem to have an issue with directional things. Yesterday after my interview, I needed the lady to show me the way out of the office again, before I could reach the main building. ^_^;; I think the interview itself went well, though; I can't be entirely sure, because I'm not well-versed in employer language. At least I wasn't brushed off with a "We'll be in touch ..." But, either way, I'll find out either by the end of today, or early next week. *crosses fingers*

Oh, and random rec: watch Futatsu no Supika ("Twin Spica"). It's got a really catchy opening theme, but most of all, it co-stars a man who wears a lion head. Played by Koyapii. XD

I have a job interview tomorrow! WHEE!!

Now, to master the fine art of wearing interview-appropriate clothing and shoes that will withstand a cross-campus trek ...

So, today I got back the English test I could have sworn kicked my ass (no, really -- I wasn't just being neurotic and paranoid; I honestly thought I had done it incorrectly), and I got a 4.0. O_o I did better on that than I did on the philosophy test that I was mostly confident about. But really -- we were supposed to give an "expanded answer" for one question from each section, and I realized after I turned mine in that I had completely forgotten to do one in the last section. I think I must have been at the bottom of the pile or something, because it seems like my teacher forgot what her own directions specified. ^_^;

Speaking of English, there was an editorial in today's paper by a guy who had decided in his senior year to drop computer science and become an English major. Forget the fact that the prospect of doing something similar is nearly enough to give me spontaneous apoplexy -- one of the things he said prompts a resounding "HELL YES" from me. He complained that reading isn't viewed as "real" homework, like doing problems or writing a paper. I unfortunately find it to be the same case; even my mother, who will give me much sympathy when she hears I have a paper to write, will tell me response to me saying that I have a substantial reading load, "Oh, that'll be no problem! :D :D :D" It's all worth it in the end, however, when I get those extra points on the test from being able to spout of random trivial details. I'm sure it'd be a useful skill at cocktail parties, too. XD

I saw something else in the paper today that was sort of ... I don't know if I would say "shocking," but at the very least it was unexpected and unsettling. My professor from my Comparative History of Ideas course last autumn quarter -- that wonderful amazing class that's been my absolute favorite so far -- has late-stage cancer and is giving a final lecture on Friday. It's sad, because besides the fact that he was a great lecturer with an astounding depth of thought, I know he did a lot of international travel and work in conflict resolution. And ... I know this is a completely selfish thing, but I want to cling to my personal myth of my insular college experience. You know, where things don't change, or at least not so disturbingly quickly, and I don't have to think about real life and duties, let alone death? I don't know ... I wish I had some answer or profound conclusion to make of this, but ... It's just gotten me thinking. I'm definitely going to the lecture on Friday, though. I'd always figured I could take another class by this professor, even though I wasn't pursuing the minor anymore. I don't quite comprehend that I won't be able to now.

Ha ha, yes, a single philosophy reading and it took me ALL DAY to finish it. Never underestimate the power of familial procrastination. XD;;

I actually enjoyed the reading a lot, though -- William James' "The Will to Believe." Especially in light of the fact that we'd just finished off a set of selections from Wittgenstein, and ... apologies to Wittgenstein, but when I started reading the James piece it was so much more clear and comprehensible I nearly cried. XD;; He has some beautiful turns of phrase, too; particularly this one from when he's talking about the shortcomings of an absolutist stance toward truth: "Objective evidence and certitude are doubtless very fine ideals to play with, but where on this moonlit and dream-visited planet are they found?" *_*

But! I had to laugh at myself when I read this passage on the way that certain 'truths' can actually be brought about by having faith in them; and as an example, he referenced interpersonal relations, and the way affection can meet a preemptory doom through hesitation:

"Whether you do or not [like me] depends, in countless instances, on whether I meet you half-way, am willing to assume that you must like me, and show you trust and expectation. The previous faith on my part in your liking's existence is in such cases what makes your liking come. But if I stand aloof, and refuse to budge an inch until I have objective evidence, until you shall have done something apt ... ten to one your liking never comes."

Romantic advice from my philosophy reading. Oy. XD;;

I also watched Plan 9 From Outer Space last night, which is a craptastic horror (sci-fi?) movie. (Have you seen it yet? We must all watch it over winter break or something.) Saw it with Merry and Sam (+ boyfriend :D) and Pippin (who has a lovely new layout, which btw makes me want a new one ...), so it was great fun.

I had a nice Halloween. Not particularly eventful, but fun. ^_^ I didn't dress up, and we didn't even go to the haunted house like we'd planned -- which might be a good thing, since we'd already watched an excerpt of Juon at the showing and I was sufficiently freaked out for the night. ^_^;; Actually, Pippin and I ended up just hanging out in our Merry and Sam's room. It turns out that Sam's boyfriend had brought his Tarot deck, so he did readings for all of us. (It was a pretty deck, too -- a dragon deck.) I've never had Tarot done to me before, so it was pretty cool. ^_^ I don't really know how it works, and I don't even know if I think it actually does work -- the reading can be fairly easily tailored to fit a person no matter what it is. And while some people might say that's why it doesn't work at all, I think that's sort of the point to doing a reading -- it forces you to figure out *how* everything applies to your life, and just by virtue of that you're seeing a lot of the things divination is supposed to show you. Particularly in the case of the 'advice' card, you would have to figure out why the advice applies to you, which means you have to recognize what your weakness is in the first place. ^_^;

Anyway, so I had my reading done about -- what else? -- my love life. Terribly shoujo manga of me, I know, but I've always wanted to try. XD;; (It was quite an experience, having a reader who didn't know me that well, coupled with a peanut gallery of people who are far too acquainted with me. :PPPP) All but one of the suits I got were wands and coins, which means fire and earth -- a.k.a. passion/excitement and practicality. In light of the question I had, it seems rather fitting. XD;; The fire was mostly in relation to my personal state of mind -- specifically, the knight of wands and six of wands, which was supposed to mean that I am currently feeling eager and confident, and am seeking an idealistic victory or pride. Hmm ... ^_^;; All the cards in relation to my past and surroundings were coins, which was taken to mean that my past actions were characterized by analysis and logic (queen of neuroses, I am~~), and my experiences were not so good. I think the word used was "clingy," and ... it's not too far off a description. >_> The card about how others would act in the future was also a coin card -- I forget which one -- and it was basically a warning that from others I would find a lack of reliability or trustworthiness. In other words, "watch out." ^_^;;

Then we got to the staff about prediction, or, as neko-chan called it, the advice column. XD;; It said that I am the queen of wands, which is whole-hearted and attractive. Err. No, but, hey, that's where I'd *like* to be. :D Also, for how people view me I got my only card of cups. As water, it means people see me as deep, but also perhaps stagnated or tired of the issue. Uh-oh. ^_^;; My big advice card was the only one I got out of the Major Arcana, and it was the Magician -- conscious awareness, action, power, concentration. "Watch what you're doing, but don't think too hard and just DO IT." Yes, I already knew that. ^_^;;

My big prediction card, though? The five of coins -- literally, ill health, hardship, and rejection. @_@;; Um ... I mean, I was told it wasn't an exact prediction so much as the most likely outcome, and that it could be a very temporary thing. And, in the light of all the good advice and nudges forward I was getting before, it almost works -- I'm ready to dive in, it says, and I should keep a level head but not think too hard about things, and I should just take action. How else would you finish off that advice if you were telling it to someone, but with "and you might get hurt or rejected"? So, yeah, it's not so bad. ^_^;

What else ... I'd also had grand plans of writing a fic for Mir's autumn challenge, but, er, that didn't work. I have a good bit of it written, but I guess I should have known better to try to encompass a tankoubon's worth of chapters into the story. >_> But at least I've gotten to writing again, and after I finish this I can get to editing the story I'm submitting to Dragon's Pen (!!). And then ... maybe I can start writing the multi-part fics I was so gung-ho about doing, but which still haven't gotten past the planning stages. ^_^;;

And speaking of writing deadlines ... It has begun. XD;; Good luck to all who are participating~~

Seeing as I haven't been keeping up with entries, what better to start with than a pointless survey? XD

ABC MEME
Age: 18
Boyfriend: nope (ita koto ga nai yo >_>)
Chore You Hate: taking out the trash
Dad's Name: Ronnie
Essential Makeup Item: seeing as I don't wear makeup ... does facial moisturizer count? ^_^;
Favorite Actress: Nicole Kidman
Gold or Silver: silver (an un-Asian choice, I know)
Hometown: Vancouver, WA
Instruments You Play: violin, once upon a time
Job Title: currently unemployed, but I'm the Internet Officer of the ADP and Member-At-Large for Dragon's Pen :D
Kids: I'll amuse myself with hers XD
Living Arrangements: lived with her at home, over the summer for work, and now in the dorm o.o
Mom's Name: Julie
Number of People You've Slept With: >_>
Overnight Hospital Stays: none
Phobia: I'm mildly acrophobic, but if we're talking about what I'm really scared of? I'm a huge pansy in social situations. XD;;
Quote You Like: at the moment, my favorite is from my philosophy professor -- "Subtlety is a luxury for those with time!"
Rude Habit You Have: not saying anything when I'm bothered by someone -- which is not rude in and of itself, except the aggression tends to come out in rude ways ^_^;;
Time You Wake Up: 9:00 to 9:30 ... anywhere from then until noon on weekends XD
Unique Habit: shaking my leg up and down when I'm seated >_>
Vegetable you Refuse to Eat: celery
Worst Habit: sleeping at inopportune times XD;;
X-rays You've Had: all sorts of stuff, even an ultrasound at one point -- ask me about it sometime :P
Yummy Food You Make: oatmeal cookies
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn, the all-powerful goat-fish XD

So, Pitas hiccuped and I lost the past two weeks' entries. o.o Unfortunately Google doesn't have my page cached, so I'm out of luck unless they somehow get recovered. Maa.

Good things lately, though. Bean was up here for a little while for the B'z concert (urayamashii~~), which was cool. ^_^ The first night he was here we went out for Japanese, and I got to satisfy my craving for unagi. XD

In other recent news, the bulk of last Saturday was spent getting her to come along with me and our Merry on a wild foray into the downtown shopping center to try on formal dresses. XD She was a good sport about it, and on the whole it was pretty fun and (hopefully) not permanently scarring. Besides, it's good to branch out and try new things. *pokes and runs away*

I am quite convinced, however, that I am in definite need of a rather immediate reason to wear a dress. Any dress, for anything, be it a party, dance, or dinner. Really -- whatever the occasion, I probably have something that will work, and also that I have not yet worn. I attribute this to my pesky habit of chasing after (and purchasing >.>) pretty things without giving much thought or justification beyond a vague "I'm sure I'll wear this *sometime* ..." And so. Can't blame me for wanting to dress up and look pretty every once in a while. ^_^; Besides, the last opportunity for formal attire fell through, because last on Friday we didn't go out for the birthday dinner as planned. I don't mind, because we all got to stay in and geek together; and besides, it has been much too long since I've had an all girls' night, regardless of what we were doing. XD

In not-so-good news, I was thoroughly trounced by my English test on Tuesday, and also found out that the one day I skipped philosophy section because I was sick, we had a graded assignment. Yargh. It's all right, though; I think this year I'm going to take the route of not-killing-self-for-perfect-grades. For better or worse. ^_^;

Tomorrow's Friday~~ Much love to all. <3