Could Not Put Them Down

I bought Millenium Series Book 2, 'The Girl who Played with Fire' a few years ago. Read a few chapters and put the book down again. I could not see the story line connection. Few years later, when I visited home, I took the Book 1, 'The Girl with Dragon Tattoo' back with me to Japan. I figured out, since it is quite a thick novel. I should reread it, this time, in the correct sequence.

How should I describe the series? I would say that these 3novels will remain my top reading list for many years to come. Powerful in multifarious ways. The story line makes you stop and think about (1) Analysis and consequences (2) The meaning of Mass Media and Journalism (2) Women's rights (3) Violence againt women in Sweden (4) Corruption in the Judicial system consistently, and lastly but not least (4) Free love. There are sanguinary descriptions of violence, especially violent acts directed towards women, which you could not read in the daily newspaper, because those descriptions are censored. However, the author is bold in writing about it.

I would have thought that the author is a woman, if the author's name is not stated on the novel. Elegantly written and provokes you to challange the norms of society (applicable to all societies in the world). The novels will make you think twice about Sweden and Europe's image on gender equality. Of course, in many Asian countries, women's rights are still a taboo. Nevertheless, it is a must read!

Fireworks

Last week America celebrated Independence Day, July 4th.  The Saturday before, Phil and his brothers (mainly his oldest brother) put on a large firework show.  Certain types of fireworks are now legal in Michigan after years of being illegal for sale in the state of MI, largely due to safety concerns of people using the fireworks and I think also because forest fires are devastating occurrences that happen in the state every summer (but for several reasons, not just because of fireworks).

So that evening I went to my father-in-law's house and my parents came a little later, and everyone who came brought some food to share.  When it was dark, they started the fireworks show with a man playing the national anthem on guitar and the first round of fireworks.  The second round of fireworks was in memory for one of my in-laws who died this spring.  The rest of the show was a variety of different fireworks followed by a grand finale.  It is amazing to think that something so small on the ground, when lit, becomes a beautiful explosion of color and shape.  I wanted to share some photos of that.

Many cities across the state perform their own fireworks show.  Some cities have fundraising activities for people to donate money to pay for the fireworks, which can be very expensive.  Some cities send the fireworks off from a bridge or dock, and where I grew up the fire department lit the fireworks from behind the Fire Hall.  Fireworks are something that are enjoyed by so many people so it is nice to find something that many type of people can enjoy together.

I am almost finished with my competition afghan, so when that is finished I will post photos on that!

Water Lily Washi Collage

Few weeks ago, I found this 和紙ちぎり絵(washichigire) a.k.a Japanese paper collage lesson from the newspaper for halfprice. The theme is 'Water Lily to cool your summer' The lesson is designated for beginners, which suits me perfectly. I told my friends about it and they commented,saying that such lessons are for elderly people. I told them that art has nothing to do with age and gender.

The reason I signed up for the lesson is because I wanted to try it.
I did and the photo above is my product. The teachers are of course experts and could just tear the paper according to the size of the photo within seconds compared to me. Nevertheless, I had fun. Of course, the teachers also took the opportunity to promote their lesson curriculum. TO be honest, I am interested. 4 lessons for 5250yen. I think I will sign up for the 4 lessons...

I didnt know much about collage until I took up this lesosn. Did some research and found lots of beautiful collage work displayed on the internet. Originating from the French word 'coller', meaning 'to glue'. A collage is work of art composed of materials like paper, newsprint, photographs, ribbons and other objects attached to a background support, usually a plain paper.

You can even do it digitally if you possess the technology skills. Lastly but not least, art work does not produces social reality but imagination and intensity of passion to explore everything around you through various materials, such as 和紙(washi).

Deer and Cars Don't Play Well Together

Living in Northern Michigan, one becomes accustomed to wild life and the fact that they sometimes dart across the road in front of your vehicle.  Or they stand in the road as you rapidly approach them.  They don't know any better to stay out of the road - they are just interacting with their environment.  I have been very lucky that I have been able to avoid hitting deer with my car - until recently.

Two Saturdays ago, I had left my parents' house about 10:00 pm or so.  I turned onto a road that is very common for people hitting deer with their vehicle.  Icalled in a pizza order real quick and hung up the telephone and put it away.  I saw one deer off to the left side of the road - it never moved and I never came close to hitting it.  Later I see a deer further off the right side of the road - not even close.  Later I look down at the clock to check the time and look up and see a huge deer standing in the middle of my lane.  I knew it is dangerous to swerve - often people lose control of the car.  But I was too slow in applying the brake and I hit the deer going about 55 miles per hour.  The deer hit my hood, flew about 10 feet in the air and I never saw it again.

I was pretty scared.  I pulled off to the side of the road, stepped out of my car and heard a loud hissing underneath my hood and part of the hood was all crinkled up.  I got back in my car and shut it off and called Phil (who luckily was borrowing my dad's car for a few days since we only have one car) and my dad.  A police officer happened to be driving by and he stopped to make sure I was OK and filled out a police report for insurance purposes and called the tow truck for me.  When Phil got there we left and picked up the pizza (I had called to tell them why I would be late) and went home.

Long story short, the insurance company determined that my trusty little car with 245,000 miles on it was fixable and it has been in the shop waiting for parts and work since Feb. 28.  It was finished Wednesday but I am not able to leave work early because I left early Monday for a Dr. appointment and left again early on Tuesday with a severe sore throat.  So I will finally pick up my car tomorrow.  I hope that it is all the way fixed!!

Through it all I learned how to deal with insurance companies and car shops!  I was not hurt at all - the air bags didn't even go off and I didn't really even feel any impact to the car.  But my car sure felt it.  I am glad this ordeal is over.

People have been very gracious in letting me feel not so bad - apparently most of my friends have been through the same experience at least once in their life.  It is one of the costs for living in rural Michigan and loving to drive!

Air Asia X Low Cost Carrier

I took Air Asia, low cost carrier back home from Japan to Malaysia on January 15th night. It is my first experience taking this low cost carrier. Overall, the flying experience was alright except for some setbacks when I was flying back from Kuala Lumpur to Japan.

My check in time was at 1350 and the plane was supposed to depart at 1440. Basically, I still have 45 minutes to stroll to the plane. However, I was told by the officer that for Air Asia passengers, it was the last call. Stunned from the remark, I discharge like a missile to the gate. I was glad that I did not stay for a little longer with my mom and sister. Customarily, if you are riding normal airlines, checking in 45minutes earlier, gives you the chance to be a bookworm. In this case, it was necessary for me to abandon my reading luxury and command my legs to be like Mr. Usain Bolt, the world champion.

Unlike the normal airline services, where you walk on the ‘speed up electric line’ inside the terminal building, Air Asia requires you to be a little adventurous like Indiana Jones too. Be it rain or shine, you are required to walk outside to your airplane. As stated above, I check in at 1350 and reached my plane at 1400, blessed with Mr. Usain Bolt’s similar legs. On top of that, the rain master was kind enough to let me settle comfortable in the plane before giving orders to the clouds to pour and drenched everyone who was walking to the plane after 1400.

Setting apart the setbacks, I was asked by my in-laws about the plane structure, safeties and service. Does Air Asia get full marks for the 3S? I think it depends on the person personally. The plane I rode was a brand new craft. Everything inside is clean. In spite of that, if you have Mr. Usain Bolt and Indiana Jones long legs and limbs, I won’t recommend you to take Air Asia. The seats are restricted dimensions, reserve only for small people. As for the safeties, so far, there is no news about any crashes. Even fancy airlines have their fair deal of airline disasters. Lastly, the services are fairly good. Not the best, I believe there are still rooms for improvements. Therefore, I will give Air Asia a ‘B’ for their performances.

Would I recommend you to ride Air Asia? I dislike their website. It took me more than 3 hours to buy my online tickets 2 days in a row. The destination offers are limited too, but if you have the guts to be a little of Indiana Jones character with Mr. Bolt's speedy legs, why not give it a try? After all, low cost tickets benefit people like me with limited budget. Oh! Ensure you check the weather forecast and carry a raincoat with you too.