I usually sleep late because I arrive home late. It takes time to transit around the city, and when you arrive home in the late evening and want to spend some down time, you tend to stay up late. Once in awhile, I choose to sleep hours earlier than usual to get more rest and when I do I find myself feeling more refreshed than usual.
It's different when I sleep too much though-- I get migraines from sleeping long hours.
I track my daily hours of sleep and I've noticed that my preferred sleep time is 8.5 to 9 hours. According to the app I use to track sleep hours, the recommended hours of sleep for people my age is 7.5 hours. I tried 7.5 hours several times and I think I should stick with what my body and mind prefers, if possible.
There's so much I want to do each day, but so little time. Sometimes I wish I had more time each day to do more without having to sacrifice sleep. ... Anyway, early to bed, get the hours of sleep, and don't spend too much time on a digital device before you sleep (or your eyes will feel easily tired) and the next day you will feel fabulous. Provided that you are in regular emotional and physical conditions.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Transit Shots 2
Aww yeah, TTC stops! Can you guess the name of the featured stations?
Actually, I don't remember the name of the non-obvious stations. If you know the answers, feel free to share them!
I really like the outdoor TTC stations. You get a breath of fresh air and it looks fresh early in the morning when few people are there. The only downsides are having to deal with the heat, cold, and extreme Canadian weather.
You may have noticed by now: my transit shots are mostly of stations. The reason is my phone-- it can not take picture of moving vehicles. I tried. It does not do justice to vehicles. Taking pictures of moving buses and trains will need more planning than taking pictures of stations. I will set that activity aside for the future.
Next stop: bus stops.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Transit Shots 1
You know what best time to take pictures of transit stops? Either early in the morning or at night. Here's my collection of Viva bus stops:
The quality of the photos are low because I took the pictures with my phone. It's kind of strange and inconvenient to carry a camera to work when work doesn't require a camera. Maybe one day, I will spend the morning or night parading between transit stations and stops.
The quality of the photos are low because I took the pictures with my phone. It's kind of strange and inconvenient to carry a camera to work when work doesn't require a camera. Maybe one day, I will spend the morning or night parading between transit stations and stops.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Thank you for all the Squirrels
I know I'm nuts about squirrels, but I'm not that nuts about them. Thank you for the squirrels though. :)
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Oh hey, it's October already?!
Hello everyone!
It's October 4 and Nuit Blanche is tonight. I initially wanted to attend but I have work this evening and tomorrow morning. The smart and healthiest choice would be to skip Nuit Blanche and spend whatever time I have between today and tomorrow on sleep. From the looks of the Nuit Blanche 2014 website, there are many more interactive artworks this year. If you end up going to Nuit Blanche, please tell me how it goes. Even better if you have pictures.
I'm still in the middle of figuring out my life, so I spent September exploring a few jobs. On my free evenings, I checked out an anime recommended to me by a friend: Oregairu, also known as Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru or My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU.
Image from Right Stuf!
I thought it would be a typical romantic comedy, but it was more of an enjoyable anti-romcom romcom. Every moment where I thought it would follow a romantic comedy scenario, the main character finds a way to dodge it. It took me awhile to get into it because I'm used to typical romantic comedies. The anime is worth watching for its strategic methods to avoid typical romantic comedy scenarios and its subtle approach to show relationship developments. If you ever have the time, you should check it out.
In other news, there aren't as many posts on my blog these days because of job exploration. I'm learning more about myself and my abilities at different jobs--it's a good experience to power through while you're still young. I think I will be settled with what I want to do by next March.
It's October 4 and Nuit Blanche is tonight. I initially wanted to attend but I have work this evening and tomorrow morning. The smart and healthiest choice would be to skip Nuit Blanche and spend whatever time I have between today and tomorrow on sleep. From the looks of the Nuit Blanche 2014 website, there are many more interactive artworks this year. If you end up going to Nuit Blanche, please tell me how it goes. Even better if you have pictures.
I'm still in the middle of figuring out my life, so I spent September exploring a few jobs. On my free evenings, I checked out an anime recommended to me by a friend: Oregairu, also known as Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru or My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU.
Image from Right Stuf!
I thought it would be a typical romantic comedy, but it was more of an enjoyable anti-romcom romcom. Every moment where I thought it would follow a romantic comedy scenario, the main character finds a way to dodge it. It took me awhile to get into it because I'm used to typical romantic comedies. The anime is worth watching for its strategic methods to avoid typical romantic comedy scenarios and its subtle approach to show relationship developments. If you ever have the time, you should check it out.
In other news, there aren't as many posts on my blog these days because of job exploration. I'm learning more about myself and my abilities at different jobs--it's a good experience to power through while you're still young. I think I will be settled with what I want to do by next March.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
If I Ask
Lately, I've been bitter about life. I dealt with my bitterness by doing nothing. After a stressful week of trouble with sleep and appetite, I wanted to lay on my wonderful bed and stare at the clouds out the window. I hate how I'm doubting the way I live life now. I hate the resounding words on how my life should be from that unpleasant person.
This bitterness is getting between my friends and I. Time and preferences seem to be the leading constrictions between us. I am thankful for their patience and tolerance. I hope we can all still be friends even though we rarely meet.
Manga image from chapter x, page x of "Yamada and the Seven Witches" by and scanlated by.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
No Cons for 2014
No more anime conventions for me this year (not that I've attended one at all so far in 2014). I work weekends and certain weekdays, which most conventions in the GTA are held.
Buggers.
I will try to find anime or manga-related things to post in exchange for the lack of convention reports. In the meanwhile, please have this picture of a turtle.
Buggers.
I will try to find anime or manga-related things to post in exchange for the lack of convention reports. In the meanwhile, please have this picture of a turtle.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Basics from School
I miss school.
School was a place that supposedly prepared me for the real world, but I still haven't learned all my lessons yet. Aside from what is taught in school curricula, the experience of school is what truly prepares you for the workplace. Habits, for instance, is something developed during school to help you survive reality. I know this and yet I still haven't learned my lessons. I think the top 3 habits I've learned in school yet still don't follow are:
1. You need to please others to get ahead, especially your superiors.
When you please people, they want to keep you around. To get good grades in school, assignments and presentations had to follow instructions, be interesting, and be simple. You can risk taking a leap by adding a creative flare or doing things your own way to accomplish a goal, but if it doesn't please the person grading you, you lose. It's not like the comforts of the Internet where you can say no to anything you don't like or want to do, do or say almost anything you want, and go at your own pace. If only the world works that way.
2. Don't ask too many questions and just get the job done.
Guessing what people expect can be tough. I'm one of those people who need orders and details written down as reference before I do something. For example, when preparing dinner, I'm at a loss of what to cook until I receive requests or suggestions. The troubles I encounter and create are usually magnified when habit 1 and 2 are involved. If only I can square root the magnitude of my problems. The worst experience is using the wrong words to convey your message and people become frustrated with you. It can lead to serious issues with a domino effect that come back to you.
3. Your work life and personal life need to cooperate but try to keep them separate.
My attentiveness from my sleep habits and my emotions can cloud my judgement when working. I get cranky and rebellious when I'm tired, which stirs trouble. I don't like to sleep early because there's so much I want to do in my personal life. I downloaded an app that tracks the hours I sleep in attempts to ensure I am rested, but it doesn't help me when I can't sleep due to stress. Sleeping habits aside, the emotional events in my personal life affects the people and my work habits in my work life and vice-versa. I can try to keep it together by putting a wall, but sometimes the wall breaks like a dam. It's worse when stress is involved. When I'm stressed about something from work, I can't sleep. If I don't sleep enough, my judgement is clouded. Clouded judgement at work leads to stressful trouble from work--it's a cycle. I could try to relax, but trying to relax makes things more stressful. I could use drugs to help me sleep, but I personally want to avoid using drugs as a solution.
At least I developed some good habits. My top 3 developed habits from school life are:
1. Don't leave things to the last minute.
The worst thing that may happen is not getting the job done on time when you start too late. Always try to start things early because it gives more time to follow a comfortable pace. I like to allow myself to take time off from work so I can come back to it with a new set of perspectives. What I like most about this habit is it helps with maintaining good work ethics. I admit though--procrastination is always appealing.
2. Meet deadlines.
Like the name of that one Rolling Stones song: time waits for no one. Top this habit up with good habit number 1 and the results are timely quality work. (As long as my bad habits don't kick in.) There are still cases where quality work requires more time, which I respect.
3. Don't take things too personally at work.
Unless they're a close friend or family member, I try not to take things too personally. People who don't like each other can still work efficiently and effectively together when they have a common goal and drive. When I'm angry with someone, I try to find an outlet in my own time in a private location. For example, playing minesweeper in a corner helps me cool down.
Yes, I am very thankful for school. I could dive deeper with the habits I mentioned or even add more habits like networking or taking initiative, but this is all I want to share today. As much as I sometimes wish the workplace had slap on the wrist punishments like school, school's out.
I miss school.
School was a place that supposedly prepared me for the real world, but I still haven't learned all my lessons yet. Aside from what is taught in school curricula, the experience of school is what truly prepares you for the workplace. Habits, for instance, is something developed during school to help you survive reality. I know this and yet I still haven't learned my lessons. I think the top 3 habits I've learned in school yet still don't follow are:
1. You need to please others to get ahead, especially your superiors.
When you please people, they want to keep you around. To get good grades in school, assignments and presentations had to follow instructions, be interesting, and be simple. You can risk taking a leap by adding a creative flare or doing things your own way to accomplish a goal, but if it doesn't please the person grading you, you lose. It's not like the comforts of the Internet where you can say no to anything you don't like or want to do, do or say almost anything you want, and go at your own pace. If only the world works that way.
2. Don't ask too many questions and just get the job done.
Guessing what people expect can be tough. I'm one of those people who need orders and details written down as reference before I do something. For example, when preparing dinner, I'm at a loss of what to cook until I receive requests or suggestions. The troubles I encounter and create are usually magnified when habit 1 and 2 are involved. If only I can square root the magnitude of my problems. The worst experience is using the wrong words to convey your message and people become frustrated with you. It can lead to serious issues with a domino effect that come back to you.
3. Your work life and personal life need to cooperate but try to keep them separate.
My attentiveness from my sleep habits and my emotions can cloud my judgement when working. I get cranky and rebellious when I'm tired, which stirs trouble. I don't like to sleep early because there's so much I want to do in my personal life. I downloaded an app that tracks the hours I sleep in attempts to ensure I am rested, but it doesn't help me when I can't sleep due to stress. Sleeping habits aside, the emotional events in my personal life affects the people and my work habits in my work life and vice-versa. I can try to keep it together by putting a wall, but sometimes the wall breaks like a dam. It's worse when stress is involved. When I'm stressed about something from work, I can't sleep. If I don't sleep enough, my judgement is clouded. Clouded judgement at work leads to stressful trouble from work--it's a cycle. I could try to relax, but trying to relax makes things more stressful. I could use drugs to help me sleep, but I personally want to avoid using drugs as a solution.
At least I developed some good habits. My top 3 developed habits from school life are:
1. Don't leave things to the last minute.
The worst thing that may happen is not getting the job done on time when you start too late. Always try to start things early because it gives more time to follow a comfortable pace. I like to allow myself to take time off from work so I can come back to it with a new set of perspectives. What I like most about this habit is it helps with maintaining good work ethics. I admit though--procrastination is always appealing.
2. Meet deadlines.
Like the name of that one Rolling Stones song: time waits for no one. Top this habit up with good habit number 1 and the results are timely quality work. (As long as my bad habits don't kick in.) There are still cases where quality work requires more time, which I respect.
3. Don't take things too personally at work.
Unless they're a close friend or family member, I try not to take things too personally. People who don't like each other can still work efficiently and effectively together when they have a common goal and drive. When I'm angry with someone, I try to find an outlet in my own time in a private location. For example, playing minesweeper in a corner helps me cool down.
Yes, I am very thankful for school. I could dive deeper with the habits I mentioned or even add more habits like networking or taking initiative, but this is all I want to share today. As much as I sometimes wish the workplace had slap on the wrist punishments like school, school's out.
I miss school.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Canada Blooms 2014
I volunteered with Canada Blooms back in March this year. The botanical displays were fantastic as always and the people were very nice. I took pictures, but the light on my camera gave up on life. The light burned out a millisecond after taking a picture, so I couldn't use a proper flash. Though clean and sharp looking on the camera's screen, all of the pictures turned out blurry when I checked their quality with a larger monitor. My pictures do not do the flower displays from Canada Blooms 2014 justice, but please bear with them:
I found that many of the displays this year were daring. There were plants hung with frames, fashion garments made from recognizable plants, and a mix of hung flowers with glassware. Many of the displays this year took altitude into account too. There were a few that allowed spectators to walk under, while another notable one was like a high mound for people to walk on.
I wonder what Canada Blooms 2015 will feature.
I found that many of the displays this year were daring. There were plants hung with frames, fashion garments made from recognizable plants, and a mix of hung flowers with glassware. Many of the displays this year took altitude into account too. There were a few that allowed spectators to walk under, while another notable one was like a high mound for people to walk on.
I wonder what Canada Blooms 2015 will feature.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Missing Anime North 2014
I will not be attending Anime North 2014 due to schedule conflicts and priorities. I will do my best to attend Anime North 2015!
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Pikmin Quilt
I finished the Pikmin blanket! There was a quilting kit in my basement from the 90s and I wanted to try to make a quilt. My sister was playing Pikmin at the time too, so I decided to make a Pikmin quilt. I am happy with the results.
The blanket is 32 inches by 40 inches, so it is quite small. Some of the squares are not aligned properly. After resewing them on again in attempts to align them, it wasn't aligned. I guess I didn't measure the fabric properly.
I painted the characters on white fabric using Jacquard's Textile Colors. The paint was ironed on, but I haven't tested its resistance to water, soap, or detergent yet. I hope the blanket can handle my washing it!
I painted the characters on white fabric using Jacquard's Textile Colors. The paint was ironed on, but I haven't tested its resistance to water, soap, or detergent yet. I hope the blanket can handle my washing it!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Missed TCAF
I missed the Toronto Comics Art Festival this weekend! I chose not to attend, because I currently don't have spare resources to travel downtown. These be rough times, they are. I hope I have the time and resources to attend Anime North this year. If not, I will wait for Anime North 2015.
In other news, I am working on a Pikmin blanket. I recently put together a new duvet cover to replace my tattered one. While cleaning the leftovers of the finished duvet cover, I found an ancient quilting kit. My sister was playing Pikmin at the time so I decided to make a Pikmin quilt. It should be finished by Saturday.
Yellow Pikmin on the blanket!
In other news, I am working on a Pikmin blanket. I recently put together a new duvet cover to replace my tattered one. While cleaning the leftovers of the finished duvet cover, I found an ancient quilting kit. My sister was playing Pikmin at the time so I decided to make a Pikmin quilt. It should be finished by Saturday.
Yellow Pikmin on the blanket!Monday, April 21, 2014
I was job hunting one morning and I figured I should join the legion of Twitter users. Who knows--maybe the exposure will be good.
I had an old Twitter account from when I was checking out the social network, so I decided to reactivate it. You can find me with the Twitter username solideram. It's easier to post on Twitter than Blogger with my smartphone, so you will find more activity there. I decided to use a smartphone to update Twitter because it is more accessible than my computer or laptop. It also has a camera function to it, so expect pictures from my Twitter account.
No worries: this blog will still be updated because I can share more details and images per post.
I had an old Twitter account from when I was checking out the social network, so I decided to reactivate it. You can find me with the Twitter username solideram. It's easier to post on Twitter than Blogger with my smartphone, so you will find more activity there. I decided to use a smartphone to update Twitter because it is more accessible than my computer or laptop. It also has a camera function to it, so expect pictures from my Twitter account.
No worries: this blog will still be updated because I can share more details and images per post.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Dreams VI
Sea slugs. Sea slugs everywhere!
I had a dream where my house had a sea slug problem, and the sea slug was as quick as a mouse. I couldn't catch it even after setting traps. It left slime all over the house, which was even more creepy.
I had a dream where my house had a sea slug problem, and the sea slug was as quick as a mouse. I couldn't catch it even after setting traps. It left slime all over the house, which was even more creepy.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
DectoFeb
Back in December, I went to watch Puella Magi Madoka Magica -Rebellion. It was part 3 of the movie series. I was excited about watching it, but after watching the movie, I was left astonished at the plot twists.
It was nice to get a movie freebie.
In January, I found an old McDonald toy. A handheld game featuring Shadow from Sonic the Hedgehog series. The toy still works too! I just need to figure out how to change its batteries.
In February, I melted chocolate and reshaped... tried to reshape it into a heart. It broke into pieces before I could eat it. It didn't taste very good. Will I try to melt it into a heart shape again? Certainly.
I wonder what may happen in March. *Checks my schedule.* Looks like there will be more to post this month. :)
It was nice to get a movie freebie.
In January, I found an old McDonald toy. A handheld game featuring Shadow from Sonic the Hedgehog series. The toy still works too! I just need to figure out how to change its batteries.
In February, I melted chocolate and reshaped... tried to reshape it into a heart. It broke into pieces before I could eat it. It didn't taste very good. Will I try to melt it into a heart shape again? Certainly.
I wonder what may happen in March. *Checks my schedule.* Looks like there will be more to post this month. :)
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Tweaking the Blog
You may have noticed by now, but there is a serious lack of entries on anime conventions and manga. I admit it: I lost interest in anime conventions. What, manga too? No. I still read and enjoy them.
In light of my confession, I will be changing the description of this blog. No more will it be: "The blog of a manga and anime convention loving humanoid living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada." By tomorrow, it will be-- something a little different. I have yet to decide a new description.
I love this cool weather we're having.
In light of my confession, I will be changing the description of this blog. No more will it be: "The blog of a manga and anime convention loving humanoid living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada." By tomorrow, it will be-- something a little different. I have yet to decide a new description.
I love this cool weather we're having.
Hello me, where are you?
When you find a lack of updates on this blog, it is because I am trying to sort things out and find myself in the offline world. This is not an SOS: this is serious business.
For awhile now, I was wondering how my presence on the Internet may affect my experiences offline. Will I regret sharing something on the Internet? Will my attitude and what I share online affect my relationship with people I know in person? I asked many questions and the answers came to me in the form of experience. People I am connected with online and in person saw what I shared and noted my attitude; drama ensued and it looked like it was here to stay. People became frustrated with me because of the drama. I became frustrated with myself. I was scared, so I put aside blogging and online networking. I started avoiding people, but I still faced the people involved with the drama. I lost interest in my hobbies, became more reclusive, and spent my days wondering what I should do with my life. I usually don't wonder about the meaning of my life, but when frustrated people continuously ask me questions about my life, such as "what are you going to do with your life?", "don't you want to get married?", and "when do you plan to have kids?", I give into their plan to make me think about my life. I eventually apologized to the frustrated people: my way of trying to end the drama. I didn't apologize with much confidence because I was still scared, anxious, and frustrated with myself. I thought the apology would be enough, but it wasn't; it was only a temporary solution. I felt like I faced my problem, but I also ran away from it. Now its residual outcomes are here to stay forever.
I later decided to get in touch with old and new friends through online networking sites and volunteering. I decided to meet people because I knew how unhealthy it was to be a recluse. I am happy I made that decision.
My next step: finally learning tai chi.
For awhile now, I was wondering how my presence on the Internet may affect my experiences offline. Will I regret sharing something on the Internet? Will my attitude and what I share online affect my relationship with people I know in person? I asked many questions and the answers came to me in the form of experience. People I am connected with online and in person saw what I shared and noted my attitude; drama ensued and it looked like it was here to stay. People became frustrated with me because of the drama. I became frustrated with myself. I was scared, so I put aside blogging and online networking. I started avoiding people, but I still faced the people involved with the drama. I lost interest in my hobbies, became more reclusive, and spent my days wondering what I should do with my life. I usually don't wonder about the meaning of my life, but when frustrated people continuously ask me questions about my life, such as "what are you going to do with your life?", "don't you want to get married?", and "when do you plan to have kids?", I give into their plan to make me think about my life. I eventually apologized to the frustrated people: my way of trying to end the drama. I didn't apologize with much confidence because I was still scared, anxious, and frustrated with myself. I thought the apology would be enough, but it wasn't; it was only a temporary solution. I felt like I faced my problem, but I also ran away from it. Now its residual outcomes are here to stay forever.
I later decided to get in touch with old and new friends through online networking sites and volunteering. I decided to meet people because I knew how unhealthy it was to be a recluse. I am happy I made that decision.
My next step: finally learning tai chi.
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