The Friday Five for July 25 and August 1, 2025, and other News
Aug. 1st, 2025 03:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
supernutjapanThe Friday Five for July 25th
What is...
1. one place you volunteer (or would like to)? Why?
I'd like to volunteer/work at a daycare center - just as a grandma type figure, reading stories, playing with the kids and just being there for cuddles. I'd do this after I "retire" of course. I have enough exposure at present. I'd miss it when I don't. The same goes for petsitting.
2. one book you'd like to see made into a movie? Why?
I'm often disappointed in movies made from books because they are different from what I imagined in my head. I also don't really like movies because they seem so short and also too long. I was excited about the Black Tower series becoming a movie but that was really disappointing. I like TV shows better, but was so disappointed with the Wheel of Time series as well. The financial constraints, talent of people involved, all make it difficult. Plus, there inevitably are differences in the plot and I have to be in the right frame of mind - separate from the book - to enjoy this different plot. Like, for example, Outlander. I think they did a really good job with the Lord of the Rings considering. It's better when I'm reading the book after the movie or show. I think I watched Neverending Story before watching the movie (or I could have never accepted it LOL), the same for the Magicians. On the other hand, I'd love to see some discontinued shows as books - not any author of course - like Carnival Row on Amazon, the Dead Boy Detectives(?) etc.
3. one creature (living, extinct, or mythical) you'd like for a pet? Why?
I'd like a cat. But I'm recently really exhausted from taking care of Hana and would prefer something that could take care of itself that I could meet and talk to regularly, not a pet.
4. one place on Earth you'd like to visit? Why?
Machu Pichu or the cliff dwellings in Colorado.
5. one talent or skill you'd like to develop? Why?
Drawing. But I'm no good at it. I'd love to be better at it so I could draw my own illustrations for readers for my students. Also sewing on a sewing machine. There is something about sewing machines and I... I was fine at school but when I tried to make anything at home, the sewing machine just wouldn't work for me. They don't like me. LOL I'd love to be able to crochet. I know how, and I tried to get back into it a bit a few months ago when Audrey was in a phase, but my eyes get tired really easily and I can't keep track of the stitches - same goes for knitting. But drawing would be the most useful.
The Friday Five for August 1
This week's questions were suggested by [livejournal.com profile] angelich.
1. What is something you collect? Why?
I collect memories. That sounds silly, but I have a very bad memory and writing helps me regulate so I've always had the need to write, and reread what I have written like I do any book.
I also collect information on topics like ADHD/Autism, Cooking, Philosophy, Science, Linguistics and History. Again with my memory. I've learned at a young age that it is faulty, so I need information at my fingertips for when someone might ask me about it, or I can contribute knowledge.
I collect books - not any book. My reason is not just "to acquire" books. They have to be books I want to reread or are good enough to recommend. I sold my Wheel of Time series after reading the last two books by Brandon Sanderson - not just because I was disappointed it wasn't what it should have been, but I didn't think I'd ever reread it again. I did, on a digital version later on, but again have vowed never to reread it. You see? This is why I usually keep the books because I change my mind, because of course what I disliked about it takes second seat and do to the memory issues.
2. If you could make one ice cream flavor, what would the ingredients be and what would be the name?
A new flavor? It's probably out there, but something with peanutbutter. Is there a peanutbutter and jelly flavor out there? I've never seen it here in Japan. Maybe a peanutbutter, chocolate and banana flavor.
3. What can't you go a day without?
Quiet time by myself. Also, usually I need something sweet. I've always had a sweet breakfast. I hate the idea of a salty breakfast of eggs and toast/rice. Don't get me wrong. I like eggs, fish, rice, miso soup and all the other wonderful foods, but I just am not satisfied by it in the morning, no matter how full it makes me. I don't mind it for lunch or for dinner. Just, not breakfast.
4. What position do you sleep in? *back, right side, left side, stomach . . . etc.*
Usually on my left side, because that's facing away from the middle of the bed. I get chlostrophobic and need space to breath. I used to sleep on my stomach, with one leg up and the other down(typical of hypermobility), and before that I used to sleep with my arms above my head but I stopped doing that at some point and now I'm just in fetal position.
5. What is your typical morning routine before work/school?
Now, in the heat of summer, I get up at 6 every other day to take Hana for a walk, then sleep for a while after coming back. Eat breakfast on or around 8. Doomscroll, take a shower, eat lunch, read/go shopping/watch TV/make dinner, have a snack and relax for the last hour, then go to work at around 3:00(if I'm not on holiday like now). It's embarrassing - I really can't do much until after lunch unless I have a class at the daycare. The time I'm the most active with non-work responsibilities is between 12 - 2. That's my magical time of action. Then another hour of rest and snack time before work.
I don't think it used to be like this but recently I seriously don't have any energy at all. I went shopping with Audrey yesterday (I'm on Summer holidays) in the afternoon because she requested I buy a book for her. She was actually surprised I had a spring to my step. I'm thinking it could be the CoQ10 and Feratin. I'm back to being tired again today. We've run out of milk but I couldn't get the energy to buy any, the thought of making dinner is really daunting.(Friday, Aug 1)
I do have a date with my clarinet friend for next Tuesday to look forward to. We are going to meet for lunch. It's a while since we met and we've both been going through a lot so this should be nice.
Aug 4
So, Saturday was nice. Hubby was drinking with his buddy, Alex was also out with a friend, so it was just Audrey and Julian and I. We went out!! Just to a really cheap restaurant where we could get small amounts of various dishes. It is nearby so we could walk there, and on the way home they helped me with some shopping. I have a hard time innitiating these kinds of outings and I kind of had to force myself to do it because I really wanted to eat out and I thought it would be good to get out of my comfort zone - or rather bad to always be chosing the easy way out in that sense. It's hard to explain.
Sunday, Alex went to Niigata with his girlfriend to see the fireworks there. It is a special festival and he won the tickets so this was a big deal. He sent us some pictures and seems to have had a nice time.
I reread the Twilight series. I've noticed I can reread some books without getting distracted, and it seems to help if they are not digital. I remember rereading this series many times when I was younger for the romance and urban legend aspect. Now, I see more neurodivergent traits. I always could relate to Bella, mostly because of how self-depreciating she was and for pretty much all the reasons feminists had a field-day with it and Fifty-Shades. But now, I totally see myself in her mom, Renee, for her "child-like" naivety and perceptiveness - but Bella is quite obviously neurodivergent as is her friend Amanda. Bella has a special brain that cannot be pierced by mind-reader vamps, which Edward describes as being on a different frequency, she is mature for her age and she doesn't fit in with most of the people at her school - only Amanda, who was not nosy and believed in her when no one else did - and of course the vamps and the shapeshifters (werewolves).
I'm in between books again. I have Redwall in my phone, but I realized it is very much like the play that my son did when he was in elementary and I'm not as interested in talking animals at the moment. It's too anime in my head if that makes sense, I've already deduced the plot, and I haven't been able to have much interest in anime (except the classics that I've always loved) recently. I downloaded Hard Times (Charles Dickens) audio book as it was in my want to read list and will try to listen to it when my eyes are tired. I also downloaded the Twilight audio and used it when my eyes were tired, but I tend to fall asleep while listening, so I don't know if I will get far with Hard Times either. I will be going down to the classroom to see what I have in my shelves that I would be able to read. I do like Mistborn (Yes, Brandon Sanderson. He does better with his own work).
Well, that's about it I guess! Better send this off before more days pass.
What is...
1. one place you volunteer (or would like to)? Why?
I'd like to volunteer/work at a daycare center - just as a grandma type figure, reading stories, playing with the kids and just being there for cuddles. I'd do this after I "retire" of course. I have enough exposure at present. I'd miss it when I don't. The same goes for petsitting.
2. one book you'd like to see made into a movie? Why?
I'm often disappointed in movies made from books because they are different from what I imagined in my head. I also don't really like movies because they seem so short and also too long. I was excited about the Black Tower series becoming a movie but that was really disappointing. I like TV shows better, but was so disappointed with the Wheel of Time series as well. The financial constraints, talent of people involved, all make it difficult. Plus, there inevitably are differences in the plot and I have to be in the right frame of mind - separate from the book - to enjoy this different plot. Like, for example, Outlander. I think they did a really good job with the Lord of the Rings considering. It's better when I'm reading the book after the movie or show. I think I watched Neverending Story before watching the movie (or I could have never accepted it LOL), the same for the Magicians. On the other hand, I'd love to see some discontinued shows as books - not any author of course - like Carnival Row on Amazon, the Dead Boy Detectives(?) etc.
3. one creature (living, extinct, or mythical) you'd like for a pet? Why?
I'd like a cat. But I'm recently really exhausted from taking care of Hana and would prefer something that could take care of itself that I could meet and talk to regularly, not a pet.
4. one place on Earth you'd like to visit? Why?
Machu Pichu or the cliff dwellings in Colorado.
5. one talent or skill you'd like to develop? Why?
Drawing. But I'm no good at it. I'd love to be better at it so I could draw my own illustrations for readers for my students. Also sewing on a sewing machine. There is something about sewing machines and I... I was fine at school but when I tried to make anything at home, the sewing machine just wouldn't work for me. They don't like me. LOL I'd love to be able to crochet. I know how, and I tried to get back into it a bit a few months ago when Audrey was in a phase, but my eyes get tired really easily and I can't keep track of the stitches - same goes for knitting. But drawing would be the most useful.
The Friday Five for August 1
This week's questions were suggested by [livejournal.com profile] angelich.
1. What is something you collect? Why?
I collect memories. That sounds silly, but I have a very bad memory and writing helps me regulate so I've always had the need to write, and reread what I have written like I do any book.
I also collect information on topics like ADHD/Autism, Cooking, Philosophy, Science, Linguistics and History. Again with my memory. I've learned at a young age that it is faulty, so I need information at my fingertips for when someone might ask me about it, or I can contribute knowledge.
I collect books - not any book. My reason is not just "to acquire" books. They have to be books I want to reread or are good enough to recommend. I sold my Wheel of Time series after reading the last two books by Brandon Sanderson - not just because I was disappointed it wasn't what it should have been, but I didn't think I'd ever reread it again. I did, on a digital version later on, but again have vowed never to reread it. You see? This is why I usually keep the books because I change my mind, because of course what I disliked about it takes second seat and do to the memory issues.
2. If you could make one ice cream flavor, what would the ingredients be and what would be the name?
A new flavor? It's probably out there, but something with peanutbutter. Is there a peanutbutter and jelly flavor out there? I've never seen it here in Japan. Maybe a peanutbutter, chocolate and banana flavor.
3. What can't you go a day without?
Quiet time by myself. Also, usually I need something sweet. I've always had a sweet breakfast. I hate the idea of a salty breakfast of eggs and toast/rice. Don't get me wrong. I like eggs, fish, rice, miso soup and all the other wonderful foods, but I just am not satisfied by it in the morning, no matter how full it makes me. I don't mind it for lunch or for dinner. Just, not breakfast.
4. What position do you sleep in? *back, right side, left side, stomach . . . etc.*
Usually on my left side, because that's facing away from the middle of the bed. I get chlostrophobic and need space to breath. I used to sleep on my stomach, with one leg up and the other down(typical of hypermobility), and before that I used to sleep with my arms above my head but I stopped doing that at some point and now I'm just in fetal position.
5. What is your typical morning routine before work/school?
Now, in the heat of summer, I get up at 6 every other day to take Hana for a walk, then sleep for a while after coming back. Eat breakfast on or around 8. Doomscroll, take a shower, eat lunch, read/go shopping/watch TV/make dinner, have a snack and relax for the last hour, then go to work at around 3:00(if I'm not on holiday like now). It's embarrassing - I really can't do much until after lunch unless I have a class at the daycare. The time I'm the most active with non-work responsibilities is between 12 - 2. That's my magical time of action. Then another hour of rest and snack time before work.
I don't think it used to be like this but recently I seriously don't have any energy at all. I went shopping with Audrey yesterday (I'm on Summer holidays) in the afternoon because she requested I buy a book for her. She was actually surprised I had a spring to my step. I'm thinking it could be the CoQ10 and Feratin. I'm back to being tired again today. We've run out of milk but I couldn't get the energy to buy any, the thought of making dinner is really daunting.(Friday, Aug 1)
I do have a date with my clarinet friend for next Tuesday to look forward to. We are going to meet for lunch. It's a while since we met and we've both been going through a lot so this should be nice.
Aug 4
So, Saturday was nice. Hubby was drinking with his buddy, Alex was also out with a friend, so it was just Audrey and Julian and I. We went out!! Just to a really cheap restaurant where we could get small amounts of various dishes. It is nearby so we could walk there, and on the way home they helped me with some shopping. I have a hard time innitiating these kinds of outings and I kind of had to force myself to do it because I really wanted to eat out and I thought it would be good to get out of my comfort zone - or rather bad to always be chosing the easy way out in that sense. It's hard to explain.
Sunday, Alex went to Niigata with his girlfriend to see the fireworks there. It is a special festival and he won the tickets so this was a big deal. He sent us some pictures and seems to have had a nice time.
I reread the Twilight series. I've noticed I can reread some books without getting distracted, and it seems to help if they are not digital. I remember rereading this series many times when I was younger for the romance and urban legend aspect. Now, I see more neurodivergent traits. I always could relate to Bella, mostly because of how self-depreciating she was and for pretty much all the reasons feminists had a field-day with it and Fifty-Shades. But now, I totally see myself in her mom, Renee, for her "child-like" naivety and perceptiveness - but Bella is quite obviously neurodivergent as is her friend Amanda. Bella has a special brain that cannot be pierced by mind-reader vamps, which Edward describes as being on a different frequency, she is mature for her age and she doesn't fit in with most of the people at her school - only Amanda, who was not nosy and believed in her when no one else did - and of course the vamps and the shapeshifters (werewolves).
I'm in between books again. I have Redwall in my phone, but I realized it is very much like the play that my son did when he was in elementary and I'm not as interested in talking animals at the moment. It's too anime in my head if that makes sense, I've already deduced the plot, and I haven't been able to have much interest in anime (except the classics that I've always loved) recently. I downloaded Hard Times (Charles Dickens) audio book as it was in my want to read list and will try to listen to it when my eyes are tired. I also downloaded the Twilight audio and used it when my eyes were tired, but I tend to fall asleep while listening, so I don't know if I will get far with Hard Times either. I will be going down to the classroom to see what I have in my shelves that I would be able to read. I do like Mistborn (Yes, Brandon Sanderson. He does better with his own work).
Well, that's about it I guess! Better send this off before more days pass.