I used to listen to Japanese music more than Korean. Eventually they balanced each other out, but Korean music has become more dominate these past few years. However, I would like to blame it on the availabity of Japanese music compared to Korean music. Despite how popular it is, there aren't that many sites dedicated to providing new Japanese music. The few that are, which I did follow, have now closed. I'm currently in the process of going through my bookmarks and realise that a lot of sites have died. Cleaning it up and finding new resources will be such a chore.
Anyway, I'v recently started listening to Flower. Yep, Flower. I've got nothing against their name, but finding anything related to them is kind of hard. They're one of EXILE's sister groups, three in total, and probably my favourite one. What's unique about these groups is that there are two singers and the rest are dancers. When I first started listening to EXILE and decided to check out their promotional video, I found it odd that only two people were singing and everyone else just danced. It was a foreign concept, acknowledging that these dancers were part of the group. Over time, I thought it was a brilliant idea.
Now I would like to present to you the two songs that I've had stuck in my head this week. Underneath is just a part of the translation that I liked.
Flower - Still
I’m still in love with you
Even if the scenery that I saw together with you that day changes
I continue to shake with love for you
I still remember you
Surely I’m the way I am now because of those days
If possible, I want to tell you “thank you” credit: verduistering @ LJ
(the song begins at around the two minute mark)
Flower - Sakura Regrets
If you live your life alone no one can betray you
Nothing is certain, I know, but I want something to believe in credit: verduistering @ LJ
I used to read a lot as a kid. My favourite series were undoubtedly Harry Potter. My favourite children book author was Ronald Dahl. Despite the numerous books I've read, these two are held close to my heart. [Harry Potter, now and forever more, will be a series of books that will own my heart and soul. Harry Potter has my childhood and will be a story that I will share with my children and grandchildren (if I have them).]
Anyway, I love books, I love the many different worlds that I can experience. I love when they are written right, I'm rooting for the protagonist with everything they do. I love getting lost in a book and not realise how much time has passed because I'm so interested and entertained by the thrilling stories.
As I grew up, I found less time to enjoy this hobby. During high school, the only books I read were the compulsory school books. I had completely abandoned books, and along with it, my imagination. But they have never abandoned me. They were always there, just waiting for me to be ready to pick them up and start again. To pick up where I left off, like old friends.
Since the beginning of this year, I've started to read when I'm not exhausted from university or when I happen to have some spare time. I tend to borrow any books that seems interesting at the Rowden Library. While I was looking for The Hunger Games, I found this poster. Now I'm intend to read all the books on this list. It'll take a while, but I'm still going to accept this challenge.
* I read a lot of fanfiction during high school. Some of them, in my eyes, were worthy to be published as books. It just goes to show how you can find gems in the oddest places.
Music represents different things for all of us, but there's probably always a song that will remind you of a key moment of your past. A song that may be flawed but is precious to you for reasons unknown. Or maybe it's the artist themselves that have spoken to your very soul that endears them to you.
There have only been 2 groups that I care for on a personal level. My interest for them stems further than just their music. Sometimes I think it's unhealthy to care for an artist beyond their music and take an interest to other aspects of their lives; but it's part of the fan culture breed in kpop. The way in which kpop is conducted unconsciously creates this belief that you share a certain bond with an artist. This probably explains why some fans are willing to spend most of their income (if not all) and time on these artists. (I'll stop here or else I'll ramble on. Maybe I'll make a post about my insight of kpop another day)
Anyway, SHINHWA and DBSK are the only groups that I care for on an intimate level. I follow many other groups but Shinhwa and DBSK will always have my loyalty. Sure, things are complicated with DBSK right now, but when they come back, I'll be there to cheer them on. Which is exactly the case for Shinhwa right now.
They have been inactive for 4 years, and in terms of kpop that's a lifetime. Most groups can't survive unless they do continuous promotions in kpop; which I believe is due to the fast-paced and ever-changing world of kpop. Fans have short attention spans because kpop is just saturated with idols right now. If you disappear, another will surely come to replace you. To last in kpop, you need to be unique and stand out among your fellow peers.
And well, Shinhwa definitely fits that criteria at least. But it's what Shinhwa has gone through, together, that has me loyal to them. They will always have my respect and admiration.
This is how my adoration for Shinhwa began.
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I was around 9-10 years old when I was first introduced to Shinhwa. Their existence was made known thanks to my cousins who were into kpop at that time. They shared with me songs from many other groups that are now considered legends by today's standards. However, they were just another idol group back then.
Out of all the songs that I heard, it was Shinhwa's Perfect Man that I took a strong liking too. And that, my friends, is how my love affair for them began. It shouldn't be too surprising when I admit that despite whatever awesome new material Shinhwa may ever release, Perfect Man will stand at the top as my favourite song. It will stand there, full of pride, and serve as a reminder of all the sentimental feelings and memories that is attached to it.
Of course, one song does not warrant undying and unconditional love. (This is probably where the kpop fan culture comes into play). My love for them was cemented when I started having access to their appearances on variety shows and reading articles about them. Through these various medias, I saw for myself their souls laid bear for anyone who cared to see. I saw just how much their group and members meant to them that they went through extremes to protect and save what they deem as the most precious thing in their lives. They fought for everything most groups took for granted and against everyone who didn't believe in them.
It is for their perseverance, music and brotherhood (which is so much more than fanservice) that I hold them with utmost adoration and awe.
Therefore, after 4 years serving their country, they are back. And this girl right here is one freaking happy fangirl.
I was in Vietnam and therefore, that counts as something new.
I was able to experience the thrills and joys of once again being on a motorbike. I have found the courage to cross the busy crowded roads by myself. I have improved my Vietnamese language skills. I have re-connected with my relatives that I dearly love in Vietnam. I have found a little part of myself.
After I came back to Australia, I began wondering how life was quite wonderful in Vietnam. If I didn't take into account of standard living conditions, the communist government, education and careers, then there's a very high possibility that I would move to Vietnam. To live. Pernamently. That was how much I love that country, and it was for one reason only - my family.
I felt like I haven't been able to spend quality time with my family for a very long time. I felt like it's been far too long since we all sat down to have dinner; at the same time and at the same place. In Australia, I was always eating irregulary because of University. As a whole, everyone was doing their own thing - studying, on the computer, television, reading the newspaper etc. But in Vietnam, we were able to be together as a family. Not only that, but with the extended family that I have no seen for ~5 years.
With this vacation, my belief that "my family is my home" has strengthened. I would never be able to pernmently live in another country unless my family is with me. I don't think I'll ever leave Springvale.
Last year in October, I posted some pictures of my room. Since then, I have changed the orientation of my table and bed. But I was still unsatisfied since my problem still remained - I had no storage space. I've finally fixed that problem and I'm a lot more satisfied with my room. I actually sleep in it now.
For a month I've been sleeping in my living room downstairs, on the coach. My sister also slept down there. She's been there since last year during the final months before VCE. She was just too tired to make her way upstairs after late night of studies. You can say that I ended up joining her. I had good reasons after all.
I didn't like my room, and my room probably didn't like me.
I would like to proudly re-introduce my room, in all its (near) glory.
This is my bed. I've finally got some bed sheets for my bed and a quilt set of Felix to cover my pillow and blankets. I only have one clock left. I threw the rest out. Above my bed are a poster of DNA, with information about its replication, that I had since year 10 and a reminder board with a picture from Graduation Dinner and ''Are you depressed?'' quiz.
My lovely table. As you can see, I took down the top half. I didn't like how it covered the light while I worked. I now have a computer in my room, but it has no internet connection. There's a box right next to it, which contains all the decorations that were once on my table. I don't know what to do with them. On the far right is my clothes hanger. My dad got it for me since he was fed up of my clothes lying around.
Here's a picture of my new bookcase. I gave the old one to my brother. You can see the newspapers I've collected over the years on the left. And there's even a clearer picture of the DNA replication. At the top, there's a heart-shaped ear-ring holder with is home to my assorted earring and Harry Potter wands.
Closer up pictures of my bookcase. From the top going left to right: 1. Books, pictures&memories, unpacked Vietnam stuff, more pictures (Polaroid) and candles 2. CDs & DVDs, random, DVD box, random 3. VCE exam folders, UNI text books, paperwork, anything electronic 4. clothes, rubbish bin, more exam folders, VCE work
This is my lovely door and wardrobe. At the top you can a part of my soft toy collection. In the right is a family photo taken when I was about 2-3 years old.
A closer view of my awesome accessory and notice board. I got those lovely blue-pink love heart earmuffs in Thailand. That sheet of random paper is a blood check appointment reminder. Anna, Kim and I got these friendship bracelets which a word on it. Anna got Live, Kim got Laugh and I got Love. While I was at Spotlight I found that wooden lovepiece.
This isn't all of my DVDs and CDs but I just wanted to provide a glimpse. Some DVDs not include are the FRIENDS S1-10, Two and a Half Men S1-6, Forrest Gump, 10 Thins I Hate About You etc. I tend to buy whatever I really really like. I want to support the people who have worked hard to present me with such great gems. To date, I have all of DB5K's Korean work - CDs and DVDs. I will one day be able to declare I have their Japanese work.
I own nearly all of Backstreet Boys' CDs except their latest one. I promised myself that I wouldn't listen to that album until I have it in my hands. I still don't. But I will, eventually.
Same thing with Jesse McCartney - I still need to purchase his first two albums. The other three singles were bought when I was a child back in Western Aus.
