“Mamba mentality is all about focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most.” —Kobe Bryant
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Archive for January, 2025
Happy Year of the Snake and Mamba Mentality
Posted in Art, Daily Life, Hobbies, tagged Drawing, Kobe Bryant, mamba mentality, year of the snake on January 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Piano: Anna from When Marnie Was There
Posted in anime, Art, Hobbies, piano, tagged Anna, Ghibli, piano, When Marnie Was There on January 28, 2025| 1 Comment »
Lyrics: I Am Not Alone by Priscilla Ahn
Do you see me all alone in a world I call my own?
Even though I try to be so ordinary
I feel different so I hide, I wish I could be alright
Behind eyes that see the world
Always from the outside
But life is never what it seems
I find the message in my dreams
It’s like a faded memory whispering secrets just for me
So I cry in the night
For something I found in my heart
There’s a star in the sky guiding me home in the dark
If you call out my name, I know I’ll see you again
I’ll remember I am not alone
When I stare into the sky and my feelings pass me by
I will sing a little tune
From when we danced under the moon
Even though I’m on my own, I will know I’m not alone
You have taught my heart to grow
Now my love will carry on
But life is never what it seems
I find the message in my dreams
It’s like a faded memory whispering secrets just for me
So I cry in the night
For something I found in my heart
There’s a star in the sky guiding me home in the dark
If you call out my name, I know I’ll see you again
I’ll remember I am not alone
I’ll remember I am not alone
Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-San (Teasing Master Takagi-san)
Posted in anime, Movies, Uncategorized, tagged review, teasing master Takagi san on January 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Love is an uncertain feeling, while enjoying each other’s company is more tangible. I like the chemistry between the main characters, even though Nishikata’s character feels unrealistic when he’s an adult. Infatuation fades, but finding ways to think about our loved ones and enjoy each other’s company seems more sustainable. Their interaction is a bit like Nagao and Rika’s in Tokyo Love Story. The actress Mei Nagano’s expressions remind me of Milet, and the ending song by Aimei is lovely.
PS: I watched the Netflix series after this movie and learned that it is adapted from a shonen manga. I guess it’s like Densha Otoko, where men who lack confidence in themselves have their fantasies come true.
Beach Boys
Posted in Reflection, tagged Beach Boys, drama review on January 15, 2025| Leave a Comment »
I recently rewatched the old Japanese drama Beach Boys and still enjoy it. The story revolves around people figuring out what they want to do with their lives. Since the drama is from 1997, mobile phones weren’t widely used, and the characters connect by spending time together and paying attention to the little details. Simple expressions or gestures, even in silence, can convey a lot about a person.
Watching this drama reminds me of my teenage school days when I’d sleep over at a friend’s house, play games, and chat about random topics in life late into the night. It would be wonderful to have some screen-free time with like-minded people every now and then.
Security and Major Life Decisions
Posted in Happiness, Reflection on January 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to experience living different kinds of lives? I’ve often dreamed of being a nomad, a musician, or an artist. But the reality is, when we choose one path, others often close.
Like many people, I chose a relatively safe path: study hard, get a good job, and work my way toward a ‘secure’ life. But is that true security?
I believe real security comes from having the confidence that, even if I were to lose everything, I could start over and still create the life I want to live. Given how long lifespans are nowadays, I should reinvent myself from time to time.
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