tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22034178605434826102024-03-14T04:11:52.944-04:00Royal SproutAnd here goes some special text with some special meaning that we all put below our titles.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-5484360843975569722014-01-02T22:52:00.003-05:002014-01-03T12:11:19.370-05:00When is Poop no longer Poop?I was washing mushrooms for making cream of mushroom soup, when it occurred to me that many mushrooms grow in rotting carcases, dying tree trunks, and poop. I made sure to wash more carefully while pondering aloud if my mushrooms were indeed grown in poop.<br />
<br />
To this my roommate reminded me that most industries would use fertilized wood shavings, or just straight up fertilizer. To which I then remarked that a lot of fertilizers were in fact, cow manure- poop.<br />
<br />
But of course, roommate states that after a lot of time, we don't really consider manure poop any more- because it's more like soil. But I'm sure I know many people who think that manure is indeed poop. But then, in nature, a lot of soil used to be poop, and certainly are not poop now.<br />
<br />
So if I take a piece of poop, and leave it to the forces of nature for however long- will it one day no longer be considered poop? If it's still there in a block I'd still look at it and call it poop.<br />
<br />
Is it the odour of poop that gives it the poopiness? Odours are actually remnants of the stomach bacterial action, creating disgusting sulphur-containing compounds, famous example being hydrogen sulphide. Of course, over time, these compounds are broken down by non-gut-out-of-body-in-nature bacteria or dissolved into the surrounding environment. At some point, the stench will be gone, take for example, dried poop- it has no stink! But alas, I still think it is poop.<br />
<br />
So perhaps poop should be better defined by having come out of the intestinal tract of some animal? And since single cellular organisms don't have intestines, we can certainly say that alcohol is not yeast poop!<br />
<br />
But then, if we really think about it, SOIL HAS A LOT OF POOP. After all, a good deal of it it either came from an animal taking a squat or from a dead plant that was eaten by a worm or insect and released after passing through a smaller, but equally real, intestinal tract. But is soil really made of poop? I can't be the only one who finds this thought disturbing. There are young curious children who eat dirt after all.<br />
<br />
Human beings can be pretty interesting about this, our own disgust at poop seems to be a species subjective trait. Many animals, like most pet hamsters, are perfectly ok eating their own poop. Worms eat other animals' poop. Hell, plants get so many nutrients from all sorts of poop.<br />
<br />
So perhaps soil really a bunch of poop and other things and we're all just too squeamish to acknowledge this.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-67795845115618771302013-08-25T21:31:00.000-04:002013-08-25T21:31:01.354-04:00What's the point of blogging anyways?I actually can't answer this question.<br />
<br />
I do it because I know strangers and friends read it. Friends can read it and sometimes we chat. But there's an allure in knowing strangers are reading these words. Hi stranger, hope you are well.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, people seem to differ in their idea of blogs. Some maintain that it is for publicity, others for social networking, and some use it literally as a journal. But I guess in the end we're all just trying to connect with people in a different way.<br />
<br />
I used to write random thoughts down on paper. But it seems weird to just give that piece of paper to people to read, and at the same time I felt like the paper was all lonely just sitting in my room. So then I started blogging. (I also type faster than I write so this helps since I tend to just type down whatever is going on in my mind at the present time- my hands can't keep up with my mind)<br />
<br />
But I always need to keep in mind that because people are reading this, I have to be careful what I write down. Some things I wouldn't mind letting out, but thoughts are quite private some other times.<br />
<br />
Time and time again, I thought it would have been nice to never have told any of my friends about this blog- and to just write to strangers each time. But there's always this gentle hope that one of your friends will see you one day and mention to something you wrote- and golly, what a nice feeling that is.<br />
<br />
<br />Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-62768028787941647722013-04-12T10:48:00.000-04:002013-04-12T10:48:18.448-04:00ASDFJKL;Years ago, in a moment of anger before having to start studying for a test, I typed these letters into the Google. The first search result made me smile.<br />
<br />
Years later, in yet another moment of anger before having to start studying for my finals, I again typed these letters into Google. I was reminded again of why there are just some great and unique people in the world.<br />
<br />
If you haven't searched "asdfjkl;" on Google yet, this is the site I keep referring to: <a href="http://www.asdfjklsemicolon.com/">http://www.asdfjklsemicolon.com</a><br />
<br />
I think it's cute. I considered writing little updates on my life every week to whoever would receive these messages. But considering I'm not so great at doing that on my own blog, you wouldn't be surprised to learn I didn't follow through with that plan.<br />
<br />
But I always marvel that there exists people who try to extend out of the norm, and manage to do so in such an encouraging and simple manner. I find it adorable that there exists this website where I can type away to a real human person and know that it will be read but never replied to.<br />
<br />
It's that same feeling of throwing a message in a bottle out into the waters at a beach, or carving an inspirational quote on a park bench, or even scribbling out your thoughts with permanent marker in washroom stalls.<br />
<br />
This is all, of course, if you ignore the cruder messages regarding human genitalia and depressing world issues that people send out under cover of anonymity.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-86431299293721229282012-12-16T14:08:00.002-05:002012-12-16T14:11:42.749-05:00Cleaning out High School Notes<br />
"Ah the grades used to be so much higher..."<br />
"Wow, I knew a lot more French vocab back in the days..."<br />
"So that's when I first started writing out chemical nomenclature!"<br />
<br />
*Finds notes from Careers class*<br />
"This is the rambling of an idealistic teenager who thought life was going to be easy and that she'd have it all figured out by University... I have failed you me-from-the-past."<br />
<br />
Since high school I've noted quite a few changes in both my academics my modes of written communication, and my overall world-view. I'd like to say that I feel as though I am now more mature in all three sectors, but there is still definitely a kid in me still... well more of a teenager.<br />
<br />
So it goes without saying that my academics have fallen short of my previous copious 100% on math tests in high school. A sad reality but understandable considering the presence of people who are infinitely better than me at complex equations. Hats off to them, we need more logical math in the world, besides, I have the world of science to keep me occupied.<br />
<br />
Seeing some of the first tests where we had to use chemical nomenclature really brought back memories. Looking back the tests now I keep thinking, "haha, that's so easy I could do it in my sleep!" (I actually did do this at some point... dreams where I gave myself chemistry problems to do...) So this all really goes to show that everything is difficult when you're learning it for the first time... no I lied, I got 100% back then too. So science does seem to get progressively harder as we learn more and get into deeper discussions. Sometimes I wonder if that's what I'm looking for in life.<br />
<br />
I used to be a lot more simple minded <strike>in my planning of life</strike> and just assumed everything I was doing would lead somewhere eventually. It's hard for me to talk about my naivety back in the days without mentioning how horrible my History essays were- and I mention History essays because that was the one class in which I had no idea how to write. In English class you use a mixture of poetry and prose, in Science class you use the scientific discourse, and in Math class you use numbers and symbols. To me, History was none of these things. So I stayed vague and unsure- a mode of communication frighteningly similar to the language I used in the reports I wrote for my Careers class. Yes we had a Careers class- they thought it would help us.<br />
<br />
I made so many mentions to "working hard" and "talking to professors"... somewhere along first year I lost that mentality. And I think my vague and unsure language from back in the days when I was first thinking about my future really shows how vague and unsure I am of what I want in the future. I know generally the kind of lifestyle I want, but I have no specifics about getting there. And while many people tell me it's ok and I'll figure it out eventually, at this point in life I'm starting to worry.<br />
<br />
My high school self seemed to believe that I'd have everything figured out in University. Sorry to have failed, me.<br />
<!------><!------>Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-58934227569603907442012-10-27T17:30:00.005-04:002012-10-27T18:00:58.248-04:00InspirationI recently had an extremely inspiring English lecture for my science fiction course. In short, we marveled over the ability of science to be the language by which we see the wonder of our universe. I was quite moved because it was exactly what I always feel when I talk about some cutting edge science. Sometimes I am viewed as slightly ecstatic in my constant emotional swings about how great the world is, but I really do wish to share this feeling of awe that I have about life, the universe and everything.<br />
<br />
It really dawned upon me when we first learned about chemical reactions that we know so much about how atoms and molecules work, but at the end of the day, the atoms and molecules don't think for themselves no matter how we try to personify them. We can calculate the equilibrium points and rates of reactions for various solutions, but when you get some lead nitrate and potassium idodide in solution, they just REACT. Things just happen, sporadically, by chance, but on the macroscopic level we see not such randomness but the overall trend. To even think about two atoms and the unlimited amount of environmental influences on them to react inside a solution... well we may never be able to fully consider EVERYTHING.<br />
<br />
Perhaps size is the ultimate reason for the sublime nature of science, probably why I still sometimes spend hours starting at this: <a href="http://scaleofuniverse.com/">http://scaleofuniverse.com/</a><br />
<br />
Why I love the world:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We will never be able to full understand all of it</li>
<ul>
<li>No matter how big we go, there's always something bigger</li>
<li>No matter how small we go, that had to also have been made up of something</li>
<li>We don't know if the past ends or the future ends or if there's something completely different</li>
</ul>
<li>The thrill that already we know so much of it</li>
<ul>
<li>We've mapped out the majority of our world now pretty well</li>
<li>WE MADE COMPUTERS</li>
</ul>
<li>It might all just be due to chance! Our entire existence might be due to chance!</li>
<ul>
<li>Most people find this thought disturbing, but I think that it just makes life that much more unique</li>
<li>I mean consider the odds that allowed for you to be here right now</li>
<li>And the fact that you beat the odds! </li>
<li>Statistically speaking life is a rarity</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
In the end, I marvel at the eons that caused everything amazing that exists today. Perhaps because it serves as a reminder that I'm insignificant in the broader world, but at the same time, the world would not exist without the masses of fellow insignificant dots like myself. </div>
Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-87247181796647771242012-10-23T21:05:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:07:37.614-04:00Stuff my roommates and I say 2Start date: Sept. 1, 2012<br />
<br />
"Why am I so beautiful?"<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"I tried to make sugar cookies but I didn't put in enough sugar so they turned into biscuits."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"You guys, I just bought three packs of toilet paper... there were three options and I couldn't decide which one to get so I just bought all three."<br />
<br />
"Omgosh I can't stop eating Triscuits, I'm so stressed!"<br />
<br />
"I love our fridge. You know, if you want to get into a relationship, you should get into one with our fridge."<br />
<br />
"I need to stress drink... not alcohol though."<br />
<br />
"You guys have to say more funny things for me to put on my blog."<br />
<br />
*Silence* "... haha? Tee hee... HEE HEE!" <-- Was not me.<br />
<br />
"What should I cook this veggie with?"<br />
"Cook it with shredded beef or pork."<br />
"... hm... No. I'll use a hot dog."<br />
<br />
"I need to go get wine..."<br />
"So go to LCBO"<br />
"I don't have time"<br />
"... but you <i>do </i>have time to play Pokemon?"<br />
"... That's different, I need to catch them all."<br />
<br />
"So there were three brands of pasta and I couldn't decide which brand to get... so I ended up getting all three."<br />
<br />
*Talking about hot celebrities*<br />
"Oh my gosh you guys: Zac Efron."<br />
"... Please stop."<br />
<br />
End date: Oct. 23, 2012<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-57419309510057670932012-10-02T22:28:00.000-04:002012-10-02T22:28:06.915-04:00Too HappyEver have one of those moments when you start laughing about something, and then it snowballs into you laughing at your own laughter? And then everything in the world is suddenly the most hilarious thing and you just can't stop finding the joys and happy within 2m of yourself?<br />
<br />
Currently experiencing that.<br />
<br />
Let me explain that I am perfectly rational still, hence you can't tell my complete nonsensical laughter in this post. (I'm actually doing something similar to: *type type* "LOL!!!" *type* *Giggle* *type type* "hehe... HAAHAHA")<br />
<br />
I just sneezed. It was really funny.<br />
<br />
This isn't the first time it's happened. I tend to have over-reactions to otherwise mild stimuli. Key examples are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Crying uncontrollably in almost every movie during the smallest amount of sadness (Like at the very beginning of Finding Nemo when Marlin loses all he loves and holds dear except the one fated egg)</li>
<li>Laughing at the little things in life hysterically (See sneezing example above)</li>
<li>Crying non-stop when watching the Notebook- literally from near the beginning of the movie to the very end</li>
<li>Having crazy mood swings that often make no sense </li>
<li>Experiencing "high off life" episodes</li>
</ul>
... Going to go ahead and self diagnose with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudobulbar_affect" target="_blank">Pseudobulbar affect</a>.<br />
<br />
Though in reality the chances that I have some central nervous system injury is unlikely. I prefer to think of my overly dramatic expressions of emotions simply as a result of my overly dramatic emotions. It's nice to feel a lot, I've always thought that at the end of the day, your feelings should be what drives you forward. Not to say that if you really hate someone you should go ahead and attack them. Just that if you hate them you shouldn't have to pretend not to for the sake of some social norm.<br />
<br />
(For above example I strongly recommend maintaining pleasant interactions and getting back at them later when they've allowed you into their confidence and you have some nice info to use against them...)<br />
<br />
I never believed in the superego. I just believed in trying to please society... to avoid being an utter shut-out. But hey, if I feel like laughing non-stop, I WILL.<br />
<br />
Though by this point it's really pissing my roommates off and I'd really like to stop... but I can't.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-21865134202401638292012-08-12T19:28:00.004-04:002012-08-12T19:28:56.281-04:00Well I'll beIt's really been quite a while now hasn't it?<br />
<br />
Several things of interest to me have happened lately. Firstly:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKaeVmE6N40/UCg3lKFQZeI/AAAAAAAABoQ/MHUPIX0kwEc/s1600/IMG341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKaeVmE6N40/UCg3lKFQZeI/AAAAAAAABoQ/MHUPIX0kwEc/s320/IMG341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally got my other screen in, making life more multitasking friendly. Game on one screen, work on another screen, and Neblet gets all my social interactions. Considering now not integrating my google talk with my gmail screen any more so that I have less distractions when Neblet isn't on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another thing. The creation of my new semi-public calendar! It's not 100% public as I'd rather not have my calendar searchable on the webz, but I've invited a few people to share it and gave them permission to make changes to it. Generally, these people have access to all my other calendars; making it really easy for us to all connect. Hopefully this won't be just a failure of an idea and actually work out and make our lives easier. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's really all I needed to share. Back to disappearing from the Blogger world for a while.</div>
<span id="goog_291832000"></span><span id="goog_291832001"></span><br />Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-65135081803001727782012-07-02T20:26:00.000-04:002012-10-06T20:19:16.970-04:00Farewell SincerelyI've been coming up with new ways of ending letters recently. It started because I have several friends overseas for the summer, of whom I keep in contact with via emails. I'm actually going to start writing out letters and snail-mailing them over soon.<br />
<br />
In any case, I never really liked ending my letters with 'Sincerely,'... mostly because it was used in the past to denote that it was truly from whoever it said it was from... but really anyone can lie about that. Luckily, today we use something a bit more casual when ending letters between friends. Usually, "Cheers," and "Best wishes", etc. Cheers is always nice, but I'm not always holding onto a cheery drink whenever I read my letters.<br />
<br />
For a time I started using "Shine on!" and other motivating statements. But sometimes it's awkward to end a casual "this is how my week went" letter with something like that.<br />
<br />
So I thought, what would be the best way to end off a letter with a cheerful and optimistic tone? And my conclusion, was food.<br />
<br />
See, the thought of good food always makes me smile. And depending on the tone of my letter, an ending like, "Cheesecake and butterscotch" can either mean, "sugar and sweets and joy!" or "Help me I need comfort food." Also, depending on the type of food chosen, you can end off with a tea time feel (cookies, biscuits, etc) or a fancy flair feel (Lobster, Wines, etc) or a casual friendly feed (pizza, sushi, etc).<br />
<br />
It also helps me search my brain for interesting things I'd like to make, and somehow ends up inspiring me; not necessarily to make food . It's more like, "I should make cheesecake sometime... but I don't have the ingredients... but I want make something sweet and cute... maybe I should get productive and do that... being productive always feels nice... maybe I should finish that application I should be doing. Ya, that doesn't require buying of ingredients but it'll make me feel productive, let's do it!"<br />
<br />
And I realize not everyone's thought process works in that manner, but whenever I feel like doing something that requires a lot of work (like going to the store and buying ingredients, I need to find a less physically extraneous placeholder. So as long as I feel like being productive, I <i>will </i>produce, and being lazily inspired usually ends up making me produce things on the computer.<br />
<br />
In actuality, I'm writing this blog after sending off an email.<br />
<br />
Vanilla and Macarons,<br />
Sprouts<br />
<br />Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-67309679974052957102012-06-08T21:46:00.005-04:002012-06-08T21:47:07.395-04:00Stuff my roommates and I say 1<br />
<div>
A list of interesting things that my roommates say to me and I say back to them. I'm in <i>italics</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Start date: May 24, 2012</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
"Let's make Friday's dresses day!"<br />
<div>
<br />
"GAAAAAH!!! OMGOSH!!! NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! AOEIDKALSKDJFASFLSDAFKJD?!?!?!"<br />
"<i>What's going on?"</i><br />
"THIS KEYCHAIN ISN'T WORKING"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>"How can you not believe in Love but still write it so well?"</i><br />
"Because it's easy to pretend"<br />
<br />
"So I saw your friend and he asked me for a mango, so I gave him a mango, but then he said he didn't actually want it, so I took the mango back."<br />
<br />
"I feel like I should be saying 'I'll see you tomorrow' when she leaves in the morning since I won't see her until tomorrow..."<br />
<br />
<i>"There's no way we only used $26.42 worth of electricity this month..."</i><br />
<br />
"It's sad because all the people in the scientific community are too busy to reproduce, so lots of the really awesome genes die out... this is why the world is populated by so many idiots."<br />
<br />
"Please don't put that on your blog."<br />
<br />
"You're like a flimsy wisp of air that floats around and I'm the rock that refuses to budge."<br />
<br />
End date: June 8, 2012<br />
<br /></div>Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-73813725696127188012012-05-21T22:24:00.001-04:002012-05-21T22:29:21.527-04:00More Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These photos were actually from a while back. I just haven't had the internet to put them up yet. I'm actually rather sad that summer's here with its wonderful blazing heat, it means most of the flowers have completed their blossom. But leaves can be quite pretty too, I'll have to take some photos of that sometime later. Meanwhile, let's look back on that short time period when flowers were everywhere.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXpw5qox99w/T6Vm6MFGxCI/AAAAAAAABjw/qNkhNIOmu2w/s1600/IMG236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXpw5qox99w/T6Vm6MFGxCI/AAAAAAAABjw/qNkhNIOmu2w/s320/IMG236.jpg" title="Purple Flowers" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFxtJBAXrhU/T6VnEDHlmjI/AAAAAAAABik/C67ZI_zTfiM/s1600/IMG237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFxtJBAXrhU/T6VnEDHlmjI/AAAAAAAABik/C67ZI_zTfiM/s320/IMG237.jpg" title="Purple flowers tree" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXdn5MRPO-A/T6VnKkDbzhI/AAAAAAAABis/crhAg28q_14/s1600/IMG238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXdn5MRPO-A/T6VnKkDbzhI/AAAAAAAABis/crhAg28q_14/s320/IMG238.jpg" title="Purple flower close up" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_U7fk-i168/T6VnTkGeAJI/AAAAAAAABi0/aVYnvDEq_nU/s1600/IMG239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_U7fk-i168/T6VnTkGeAJI/AAAAAAAABi0/aVYnvDEq_nU/s320/IMG239.jpg" title="Another purple flower tree" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a day of purple flowers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some other day I was walking home with some friends and as I walked by a particular group of pigeons, I noticed a weird flutter out of the corner of my eye. It was a pigeon with a broken wing trying to 'fly' away from me. The other pigeons were nearby... I'm not sure if they were waiting for the broken pigeon or just confused at the situation. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7PxCyWQw_0/T6VndaKGQ0I/AAAAAAAABi8/TCwhJWCz1as/s1600/IMG243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7PxCyWQw_0/T6VndaKGQ0I/AAAAAAAABi8/TCwhJWCz1as/s320/IMG243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
There wasn't much to do about the pigeon, and to be honest I'm not actually entirely sure if its wing was certainly broken or if it was just really lazy. Mysteries of nature?<br />
<br />Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-68066197925075859092012-05-20T21:38:00.000-04:002012-05-20T21:38:00.958-04:00Small PetI'm going to get a pet budgie. If:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Roommates allow</li>
<li>Can find a nice cage for <$20 </li>
<li>Landlord allows</li>
</ul>
<div>
That is all. </div>Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-67200304791975401312012-05-13T18:22:00.000-04:002012-05-13T18:42:59.712-04:00To Make Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm thinking of picking up an instrument. I've decided that it has to be a more traditional instrument, perhaps I'm getting in touch with my roots? So I've talked to mother and we've worked it down to the following three:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images2.just-landed.com/classifieds/China_Shandong_Qingdao/Classes_Music-Theatre-Dance/Chinese-Traditional-Instrumental-Music-Erhu-Learning-Class-298252-299688so.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images2.just-landed.com/classifieds/China_Shandong_Qingdao/Classes_Music-Theatre-Dance/Chinese-Traditional-Instrumental-Music-Erhu-Learning-Class-298252-299688so.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erhu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
A while ago, we visited a family friend who had one of these. He offered to let me play around with it and I really liked its feel. I've also had an obsession with string instruments in general, playing them seems to be such a fluid movement. Any ways, after half an hour or so of fiddling around with it, I managed a passable major scale. Which is to say, I feel like this can be something that can be learned with practise. The Erhu is also extremely adorable and light weight, not to mention one looks beautifully elegant sitting down and playing it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://web.colby.edu/zgmitche/files/2011/05/pipa-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://web.colby.edu/zgmitche/files/2011/05/pipa-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, my mother had other ideas once I stated my intent of learning another instrument. Traditionally the Pipa is played by women only, and adds a very nice classy elegance to whoever holds it. I suppose in the Chinese tradition it is <b>the</b> instrument for pretty young girls. Which is great and all but my issue with it is that it A. looks like a giant paddle with strings and B. is plucked with pseudo-nails. The nails were the one reason the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guzheng" target="_blank">guzheng</a> was completely out of the question for me. It seems like too much of a hassle to have to put those on every time I'd want to play. Still, I admit I really do like the look and tradition associated with the Pipa.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chinese-flute.com/dizi_images/Chinese_Bamboo_Flute_Plain_With_Painted_End_Caps_Key_Of_F_Small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.chinese-flute.com/dizi_images/Chinese_Bamboo_Flute_Plain_With_Painted_End_Caps_Key_Of_F_Small.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Flute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
So it's not a string instrument this time. But I remember hearing its sound from a friend who played it a while back, and the wooden/bamboo flute has a beautifully rich tone to it. It feels like the wind you blow into it congregates together into a lovely pool of sounds. Also, I feel like with a flute I won't be too limited to traditional music as with the Erhu or Pipa. A flute is also much more portable and can easily be turned into a weapon. Only issue is that I initially wanted a strings, not wind, instrument. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So sometime this summer my mother will be getting me one of these. Sometime by next year I'll hopefully be able to play extremely simple things on it. Now if only I could find a cheap keyboard to bring into the apartment...<br />
<br /></div>Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-57134029816573316092012-05-11T22:06:00.001-04:002012-05-11T22:06:38.732-04:00Why do I BlogI blog because sometimes, I have things to say. Things that I don't want to say in person, just because I never remember to or it never fits any conversation quite right.<br />
<br />
Of course most of what I blog came up from conversations, so really I blog because I want to share interesting things I've said and been told. And when what I want to share goes beyond the regular limit of a facebook status, or perhaps I just want to share it with the internet in general, that's when a blog is needed. And to share that with friends would require much less time since I wouldn't have to rewrite everything for everyone I wanted to tell the same story to. Copy and pasting links take far less time.<br />
<br />
Sometimes just writing to relive the story or to expand on a thought is fun. It's like writing in a diary, but not a private one. It's this strange pseudo-privacy that only the internet can give.<br />
<br />
And sometimes when I'm feeling bored or down or have nothing really better to do, it's nice to just sit down and write whatever comes to mind. It's more for me, but if it were only for me then it'd stay in my head. Things always become more real when it's no longer just in your head.<br />
<br />
<br />Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-38965511794680710782012-05-04T12:08:00.003-04:002012-05-04T12:08:56.737-04:00Internet Withdraw<u>Symptoms of Internet Withdraw</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Going to Starbucks and paying for expensive drinks so you don't feel bad for using the free wifi</li>
<li>Continuously checking phone for texts because you don't have access to IM</li>
<li>Cleaning things because there's really nothing else to do</li>
<li>Stare outside the window and wonder if anything interesting's happening in the virtual world</li>
<li>Constantly have a nagging feeling that you're about to get a really important email... which you won't be able to read until you go back to Starbucks</li>
<li>Do work- offline</li>
<li>Turn the computer's wifi on and off, hoping against hope that some magical connection will be made</li>
<li>Attempt every simple password to neighbouring wifi signals</li>
<li>Start planning out every detail of your day because you got bored of cleaning and staring out windows</li>
<li>Write offline blog entries and planning to publish them once you get to Starbucks... again</li>
</ul>
<div>
So I've just moved into the newest apartment. It's really quite lovely and empty at the moment, but hopefully that'll change soon. Currently am sitting in the Starbucks below the building because (in case you didn't realize already) we have no internet. We will not have internet until May 12th. This is a long time later. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Currently looking into options for dividing off the den of the apartment (which I reside in). My parents have express their displeasure that though I did majority of the work to get the apartment, I somehow ended up with the den rather than a room. But in my mind I feel like it's because I'm the most flexible one out of everyone, and also the one who will voice my issues if I ever feel any. Maybe that's a bit egotistic of me... well yes, it is... I think we all have come to realize that by now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looked up some room dividers: <a href="http://www.oddee.com/item_96925.aspx">http://www.oddee.com/item_96925.aspx</a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My plan at the time is to get a blank Shoji screen:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://catalog.sears.ca/wcsstore/MasterCatalog/images/catalog/Product_271/std_lang_all/27/_p/602_84027_P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://catalog.sears.ca/wcsstore/MasterCatalog/images/catalog/Product_271/std_lang_all/27/_p/602_84027_P.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In my head I've been nursing the idea that we can paint it as a roomies project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
People keep telling me to get some strange curtain contraption. The issue is that the open area of the den is very long so I don't know if the extendable curtain rods would be steady enough. Also the ceiling is bumpy so I can't nail any rods to that... Slightly out of ideas... except for the shoji screen of course. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I should really do some readings before I head back. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-33220761093273082882012-04-27T23:56:00.003-04:002012-04-27T23:56:55.074-04:00OfficialnessLots of people I know have blogs/sites that are like a mini-cover letter. I've been thinking of doing something similar recently...<br />
<br />
Today I finally made a Linkedin. Currently not so sure about what the boundaries between the professional world and the personal world should be.<br />
<br />
I'm at a point where I'm wondering if this blog should be allowed to be tied in with my Linkedin. But I'm not so fond of the idea. Mainly because I do believe in a separation of the working and personal environments. But then, I don't really get extremely personal with what I write here, in my opinion at least.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-71649351220690851582012-04-26T21:45:00.001-04:002012-04-26T21:45:36.132-04:00Gift Ideas in Chapters/IndigoGenerally when you think Chapters and Indigo, you think books and Starbucks. Well at least that what I always thought. But I made a wondrous discovery the other day, they have really neat gift ideas.<div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dk8Bw_WEoKw/T5jKSeJOTII/AAAAAAAABbU/k24wbLEW3Lk/s1600/IMG212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dk8Bw_WEoKw/T5jKSeJOTII/AAAAAAAABbU/k24wbLEW3Lk/s320/IMG212.jpg" title="Memo Clock" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've always wanted my clock to have a <br />"You're late" instead of a number</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z860Qbn2-6E/T5jKSTO5uUI/AAAAAAAABbU/vtboRKg6Oyk/s1600/IMG211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z860Qbn2-6E/T5jKSTO5uUI/AAAAAAAABbU/vtboRKg6Oyk/s320/IMG211.jpg" title="Math Clock" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would use this... but after a while I would need new<br />questions on the clock... white board clock above<br />better I would say</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djGrTBbplTM/T5jKScYwnrI/AAAAAAAABbU/yePYxlv9Fts/s1600/IMG213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djGrTBbplTM/T5jKScYwnrI/AAAAAAAABbU/yePYxlv9Fts/s320/IMG213.jpg" title="Magnet Globe" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's actually really fun to detach and<br />reattach </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJGP9H3TuOI/T5jKSaQ_P9I/AAAAAAAABbU/rL8_GJ7MnuQ/s1600/IMG214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJGP9H3TuOI/T5jKSaQ_P9I/AAAAAAAABbU/rL8_GJ7MnuQ/s320/IMG214.jpg" title="~Infinite amount of journals" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all so pretty </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkKDTHWxuoA/T5jKSas64aI/AAAAAAAABbU/3kBMbGE2lok/s1600/IMG218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkKDTHWxuoA/T5jKSas64aI/AAAAAAAABbU/3kBMbGE2lok/s320/IMG218.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window sill plants?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l90w95IhC-A/T5jKSag5KLI/AAAAAAAABbU/ViarNQ_jkyM/s1600/IMG217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l90w95IhC-A/T5jKSag5KLI/AAAAAAAABbU/ViarNQ_jkyM/s320/IMG217.jpg" title="Peacock collection" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are memo pads, beautiful and exquisite memo pads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RRYQ8MP_rY/T5jKSfWvdGI/AAAAAAAABbU/NoOM1Q0_Tmg/s1600/IMG215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RRYQ8MP_rY/T5jKSfWvdGI/AAAAAAAABbU/NoOM1Q0_Tmg/s320/IMG215.jpg" title="Bucky Cube" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hear they're really difficult to play with</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlTIwQpaAvE/T5jKSaoZIeI/AAAAAAAABbU/jCqTIJaXpYo/s1600/IMG216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlTIwQpaAvE/T5jKSaoZIeI/AAAAAAAABbU/jCqTIJaXpYo/s320/IMG216.jpg" title="Travel Stub Diary" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For all of you who travel a lot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were also a whole bunch of other really nice things, I swear I saw some of the stuff that <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/" target="_blank">Think Geek</a> sells. Specifically <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/on-sale/d2a0/" target="_blank">this</a>.</div>Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-77200405044939529902012-04-19T21:10:00.000-04:002012-04-21T16:19:33.374-04:00Spring is my favourite season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I love it when the flowers are blooming! I love the warm weather! I love the colours in the grass!<br />
<br />
So I took some photos <strike>today</strike> this(these?) week(s?). Apologies for the blurry images, my <strike>camera </strike>phone wasn't the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTbw6NIHS1w/T5C0tE5zBVI/AAAAAAAABXI/97IVWRa8Ngs/s1600/IMG169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTbw6NIHS1w/T5C0tE5zBVI/AAAAAAAABXI/97IVWRa8Ngs/s320/IMG169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdz68nUVWVw/T5C0qCP8RBI/AAAAAAAABXA/CpMCOvdBqvE/s1600/IMG171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdz68nUVWVw/T5C0qCP8RBI/AAAAAAAABXA/CpMCOvdBqvE/s320/IMG171.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I singled out a single flower<br />
These flowers weren't so pretty cluttered together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here're some flower beds:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hDytO75kDI/T5C0UdGFS_I/AAAAAAAABWI/yy-SZL8K4Jg/s1600/IMG206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hDytO75kDI/T5C0UdGFS_I/AAAAAAAABWI/yy-SZL8K4Jg/s320/IMG206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtveC7SkuNo/T5C0fD4GsXI/AAAAAAAABWY/_vCJnVSppuw/s1600/IMG202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtveC7SkuNo/T5C0fD4GsXI/AAAAAAAABWY/_vCJnVSppuw/s320/IMG202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This flower bed wasn't so nice when close up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRHBqjaoXvA/T5C0ZLDkAcI/AAAAAAAABWQ/RniuKkubxhU/s1600/IMG205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRHBqjaoXvA/T5C0ZLDkAcI/AAAAAAAABWQ/RniuKkubxhU/s320/IMG205.jpg" title="Trail of Tulips" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But I thought they were better from afar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Obviously I'm not the greatest photographer, but there's something about seeing a bloom in the warm spring weather that cries out for a picture. Expect more of these types of posts... at least until the dense summer heat starts.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-78775370105530275242012-04-19T19:43:00.001-04:002012-04-19T19:53:57.024-04:00Colour QuizI took this <a href="http://www.colorquiz.com/quiz.php" target="_blank">Colour Quiz</a><br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://www.colorquiz.com/about.php" target="_blank">About the test</a></u><br />
Some psychologists say that depending on your current situation in life certain colours appeal more to you. That's the basis of this test.<br />
<br />
<u>My results</u><br />
<h3>
Sprouts's Existing Situation</h3>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Desperately needs a close relationship with an affectionate and accepting partner; or some other way to be recognized and known.</div>
<h3>
Sprouts's Stress Sources</h3>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
"Looking to stand out in the crowd and wanting to keep her rank and status. her current situation is irritating her because she can't seem to find anybody out there who values the same high standards she does. she is feeling isolated and wants to give in to her carnal urges, but can't bring herself to appear weak in the eyes of others. Wants others to see her unique qualities and character but can't stand to come off as needy, so instead she has an ""I don't care"" attitude and pushing people away. she turns her back on those who criticizes her behavior, but beneath her indifference is a person who is in desperate need of approval."</div>
<h3>
Sprouts's Restrained Characteristics</h3>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Open and emotionally involved in relationships and easily finds satisfaction through sexual activity.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
"Struggles to make her demands clear, but feels ignored. Feels resentful, but acts as if she doesn't care, doing what is necessary to keep peace."</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
"Struggles to make her demands clear, but feels ignored. Feels resentful, but acts as if she doesn't care, doing what is necessary to keep peace."</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Applies tough standards to her potential partner and demands an unrealistic perfection in her sex life.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Current situation is leaving her doubtful and cautions about becoming intimately involved with others.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
</div>
<h3>
Sprouts's Desired Objective</h3>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
"Longs for tenderness and for a feeling of acceptance from a partner. Appreciates things that are beautiful, pleasing to the eye, and stylish."</div>
<h3>
Sprouts's Actual Problem</h3>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
"Wants to be valued and respected, seeks a close and peaceful relationship with a shared respect of each other."</div>
<h3>
Sprouts's Actual Problem #2</h3>
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
Disappointed because her hopes have not come to pass and she fears coming up with new goals will only lead to further disappointment. These conflicting emotions lead to a feeling of anxiety and depression. she tries to escape into a peaceful and calm relationship which offers encouragement and protection from further disappointment.</div>
<br />
<u><br /></u><br />
<u>My thoughts</u><br />
First time reading it I was a bit shocked at the accuracy of this test. Several complications in life right now really do seem to have been reflected by these results. But then re-reading this really made me realize that quite a few statements are also very general and can be applied to other people. Could it be that they're just common problems or am I just looking too much into them?<br />
<br />
Regardless, it was a nice side-track from studying.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-72841476153865959392012-04-18T09:23:00.001-04:002012-04-18T09:23:20.919-04:00Why am I awake right now?The time is 9:10AM.<br />
<br />
I woke half an hour ago.<br />
<br />
There are no classes or anything I have to do today other than readings and for the past week I've been consistently sleeping at 11-1 and waking at 11-12. I slept at 1 again last night and now I'm really confused as to why I'm awake.<br />
<br />
It was one of those strange wake ups, I was having a worrisome dream and suddenly I was aware of myself. I knew I could choose to go back to sleep or wake up. And for some odd reason I opened my eyes and suddenly realized I wouldn't be able to sleep again. I then got up and experienced the symptomatic headache of not having gotten enough sleep, but as I laid back down and closed my eyes, sleep refused to return.<br />
<br />
It might be weird that the first thing I'm doing this morning is writing a post about how I woke up. And I kind of wish there was a purpose to all this... but alas it's probably just going to be one of <i>those</i> days.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-78578989083978988262012-04-16T11:31:00.001-04:002012-04-16T11:31:44.133-04:00StubbornThinking about things, I really realized how much I always want things to go my way. My ego constantly blinds me and give me the crystalline illusion that my way is best.<br />
<br />
Obviously that's not the case for most the time. But I'm so darned stubborn that somehow things always go my way. Which, at the time, is wonderful; looking back, is not so much so.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I'd categorize this as 'regret', things can always be worse, but there's still this occasional nagging feeling that things also could have been better.<br />
<br />
And times like this it's hard to just close my mind off and just let go. Being content is enough, but only sometimes. Yeah, I'm selfish like that.<br />
<br />
It's a nasty habit, and I think I should change it, but I seem to so far only realize it when looking back, and not at the present time. But there's also the thought that always trying to have things my way is how I choose to express myself; I just really enjoy expressing myself (even when it makes no sense). And sometimes stepping down for a moment actually causes me so much mental anguish that it'd probably be better for everyone around me if I didn't. Am I defending myself now? Maybe.<br />
<br />
In the end I think it comes down to confidence, and in some areas I have too much (not all of which is well earned). But though I keep thinking about this, I know that nothing about me is going to change, because I really don't want to change anything. It's just slightly unfortunate, but not yet worth the trouble.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-21136016564363438782012-04-14T17:08:00.000-04:002012-04-14T17:31:46.164-04:00I HAVEN'T WRITTEN ANYTHING FOR TOO LONGBut I really have nothing interesting to say.<br />
<br />
Well a lot of interesting things to say but no time or coherence to actually make sense of them.<br />
<br />
Saw my adorable brother this weekend. I do believe he sees me as a cookie making machine. Which is good since this means my parents automatically are required to go buy ingredients for me. Baking is so relaxing.<br />
<br />
I really can't think of anything else to say. My mind's everywhere at once and so I can't really get anything across to you.<br />
<br />
Purple flowers.Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-20745192743053354712012-04-01T12:17:00.000-04:002012-04-03T21:45:59.787-04:00Yeast Reproduction is romantic<br />
Here's the mating cycle of yeast taken right out of my lecture slides:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nksNOq4zPBU/T2_ViKu9c1I/AAAAAAAABLg/XLXWOwB-oDk/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+3252012+103028+PM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nksNOq4zPBU/T2_ViKu9c1I/AAAAAAAABLg/XLXWOwB-oDk/s320/Fullscreen+capture+3252012+103028+PM.bmp.jpg" title="Yeast Reproduction Cycle" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Scientific Terminology</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Diploid:</b> Having full the full set of chromosomes (one from mother, one from father; or two copies of homologous chromosomes)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Haploid:</b> Having half the full set of chromosome (half the diploid; or one copy of a homologous pair)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Budding: </b>Asexual reproduction by creating a mini-clone of the self that 'buds' off to create a new cell with the exact same genetic make up</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Spore:</b> Th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e 4 haploid cells that are released when the yeast chooses to go with sexual reproduction</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In yeast, the two haploid spore types that are formed during sexual reproduction are called an <i>a</i> cell or an <span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">a</span> cell. You can kind of think of these cells as akin to male and female. These haploid cells are able to reproduce their haploid genome via budding. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mating occurs when one a cell finds another <span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">a</span> cell and the two halves of a full diploid combine together, fusing their membranes and joining their DNA into one. I think the notion that in order to become a full diploid yeast cell, two haploids have to find each other and literally fuse into one, is really quite romantic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To top that off, if a haploid cell has a loss of function mutation in a gene (let's call it gene A), it's overall growth and survival is very limited since they don't have a correct copy of said gene to make up for the one mutation. Now say there's another haploid with a mutation in a different gene (let's call it gene B) but has a functional copy of gene A. If these two haploids mate then they will fuse their genes together so that there are now two copies of each gene. Since one haploid had the wildtype (functional) allele for gene A and the other haploid had the wildtype allele for gene B, the diploid cell will have two perfectly functional alleles for both gene A and gene B! <b>The two haploids complement each other's flaws so perfectly!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, in the case that both haploids have a mutation in the same gene, well, their resulting relationship will also be pretty in-viable... I guess it's all about finding the right match.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-37306126235581063332012-03-29T22:23:00.001-04:002012-03-29T22:23:25.287-04:00Paperwork: My greatest nemesisRecently I've been looking into rentals for the summer and next year. It's been stressful. So stressful that I feel like it's already exam season or something...<br />
<br />
I'm going to go all spazztastic now.<br />
<br />
So two friends and I were planning on leasing a place for a year starting this summer. After many weeks of searching, we finally found a place. Then a whole bunch of paperwork flooded me and I feel like my intense "do things on time" nature kicked into place. Mostly it's the fact that I feel like this stuff is serious now; not just school stuff. It kind of hit me that this is what "adults" deal with.<br />
<br />
Money, and paperwork and all sorts of fun. I feel like I might be taking this too seriously, but then I tend to do that for most things I feel are important. I should really take things more easily.<br />
<br />
But at the same time I feel like my seriousness is the key to all the good things that have happened in my life.<br />
<br />
-Update-<br />
<br />
Stress somewhat gone now. Now to de-stress and study<br />
<br />Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203417860543482610.post-72316184221312627132012-03-25T22:28:00.000-04:002012-03-25T22:28:06.053-04:00Respect to the creator of beautiful thingsI like pretty things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkIKkohEGcQ/T2o8u5kHXBI/AAAAAAAABJQ/gX5NohtBY9s/s1600/IMG159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkIKkohEGcQ/T2o8u5kHXBI/AAAAAAAABJQ/gX5NohtBY9s/s320/IMG159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLKJvj7-gg4/T2o8uwCRp5I/AAAAAAAABJQ/cvMrkEGxx3o/s1600/IMG160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLKJvj7-gg4/T2o8uwCRp5I/AAAAAAAABJQ/cvMrkEGxx3o/s320/IMG160.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's always nice to be walking merrily along and suddenly be struck by inspiration. People are such wonderful creatures with brilliant thoughts and imaginations. We're awesome. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really like admiring other people's creations, especially when they make me feel. Sometimes I'm a bit disappointed that I can't exactly explain my feelings or even describe them adequately, mostly this happens when I'm talking to someone else. But most of the time I'm content to just let the emotions wash over me without the care to focus on them too much. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess that's another reason I really respect artists, they can express themselves and be understood. Somehow they can turn the abstract idea that only they can see into something that can be shared. I respect that, a lot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's only through understanding each other that we an get along in the end, and it's very hard to be understood when you can't explain yourself. </div>
<br />Sproutshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15732769339325421081noreply@blogger.com0