Sims 3

I've recently become obsessed with sims 3 again
And that's not really a good thing considering the fact that the time I'm using to play sims should actually be used foe revision...
But I can't seem to stop myself
( ﾉД`)
Sims 3 is just way too addictive
I guess in a way everyone likes to play god now and again and feel like taking in charge of something

But anyways...
Tomorrow will be the epic day that my braces will be coming off!
＼(^ω^＼)
I actually can't wait because I've had these braces since summer 2009 (so two and a half years ago D=)
I remember so clearly because it was the same year I went to Egypt (actually got braces a few days before we flew off...)
And it was the same year YUI came back from her hiatus and announcing that 'again' will be the opening to a new FMA series, which made be fall in love with the ending, which made me discover SID, which I also fell in love with XD
So yeah...2009 was a pretty good year for me =D

But back on subject XD
It's been so long since I first had braces!
I wonder what it's gonna suddenly be like without them?
I doubt i'll miss them though...XD

Photo is of sims 3 and the blank revision cards that I've made when waiting foe sims to finish loading XD

L'arc~en~ciel!

L'arc~en~ciel is going to be coming to London for their world tour at the O2 arena
The best thing about it is that it's A DAY AFTER MY BIRTHDAY!
I don't know what else to call it but destiny XD
I mean, it'll be my 18th birthday and it would be amazing to be able to see laraku live for it!
It'll definitely be the best birthdays ever (unless I get to go see SID live XD)
I really wanna go but mother is doubting about stuff and won't make up her mind
I guess she does have the right to worry and I should appreciate that she's trying to look out for me but I really want to go!
I'm so desperate and i've heard so many amazing reviews of lives that I really am itching to go to one
And how much better can it be if my first concert would be l'arc~en~ciel?!?
I just hope mother makes up her decision soon because I want to know I've got tickets and then relax and worry about my personal statement (which I am STILL doing...)

Picture is of my funky rubiks cube that I got for €2 when we went to Spain (all those years ago XD)

Exclamation Mark

Jay Chou's new album was released on 11/11/11 to celebrate 11 years of singing (see what he did there? XD)
Was really excited to hear it!
And was not disappointed (except a few exceptions of auto-tuning....(>_<)) but definitely very 'Jay Chou' XD

01. Exclamation Mark

02. Shadow Puppetry

03. Mine Mine

04. How are you

05. Enchanting Melody

06. Super Sports Goddess

07. The World's Not Over

08. Sailors Afraid Of Water

09. Piano Hurt

10. Princess Syndrome

11. Healing Hot Meat Buns

My Reviews on the songs:

01. Exclamation Mark - This was the first song I heard from his new album, when he released the MV (below) for it, was pretty surprised at first because I really did not expect it XD And the MV is pretty cool the way it was animated. And it reminded me a lot of Red Hot Chilli Pepper's 'Californication' (the MV, I mean XD). I wasn't really used to it at first but then the song soon grew on me and I started loving the guitar riffs and the 'rock' feel of the song

02. Shadow Puppetry - The opening of this song had a mysterious feel to it like one of those snake charmers kinda feel (no idea what I'm talking about) but it's definitely very Jay Chou-like song. And then the very chinese-opera-like voice (is it actually Jay Chou's voice? XD) which cracked me up (like he usually does XD) but added a nice effect to the song. And then near the end, I swear the melody is similar to 'Crazy Frog' XD

03. Mine Mine - Definitely my favourite song out of the whole album and absolutely love the MV (below) for it as well <3 The only problem is the use of auto-tuning (which I absolutely hate) and the song would've sound perfectly beautiful without the auto-tuning ruining his voice that sounds so good without it (>_<) But other than that, definitely love the chorus where he sings 'Mine Mine', it's a really sweet and touching song and just one of the things I love about Jay Chou (and his amazing dancing moves in the MV)

04. How Are You - When I heard the piano intro for this song I immediately knew I'd love it (crazy piano freak here XD) and it really is a nice relaxing song to listen to with the piano (and some strings) in the background and Jay Chou's (NORMAL not auto-tuned) voice in the foreground hitting all the right notes and full of emotions <3 Definitely a really sweet and peaceful song to listen to

05. Enchanting Melody - Was definitely surprised. When the intro first started I was seriously wondering 'woah....' but I definitely liked the weirdness of it. And the song really suited the MV (below) that went with it. Apparently the MV is mean to be based on the movie 'Inception' although I've only watched 10 minutes into it and gave up because it really messed with my mind XD But I really like the background music and the weird thing that keeps getting put on repeat - definitely a nice touch to the song making it sound really enchanting-like

06. Super Sports Goddess - Definitely a song you can recognise as Jay Chou's song. Although I'm really not into R&B and those kinds, it's definitely an easy song to listen to and then there's the piano part (yes, I'm an obsessive piano lover XD) which I love. The chorus is definitely easy to remember and sing to, even if you have no idea what he's singing (like me XD).

07. The World's Not Over - Ah....back to my kind (always love hearing guitars and drums), you can tell that it has a bit of western influence in this song. Love the mix of the guitars and the steady drumming in the background along with Jay Chou's voice hitting the high notes. The slow built up to the chorus definitely makes it feel like a kind of nostalgic kind of song or maybe something you'll listen to whilst driving (off to the sunset or something). It definitely has the feeling that it should end up being the song played at the end credits of a movie (which is a good thing)

08. Sailors Afraid Of Water - This has to be my second favourite song of this album! XD It's just so fun (and so's the MV (below) which is just such entertainment to watch). The classic-ness of this is just epic and you definitely feel like you've been through a time-warp back into time, but he cleverly mixes the modern and past. Absolutely love the beat-boxing bit (although I must say Takuya from UVERworld is definitely better XD). The whole song just makes you want to dance and sing along, and I just love how he sings 'come on come on baby' <3

09. Piano Hurt - Just looking at the title and I already love it <3 XD A very clever mix of classic music and rapping/hip-hop-ness. Jay Chou always manages to get everything to work. And then the piano solo bit and my heart just melts at the recognisable tune that fits perfectly with the whole song and doesn't sound out of place at all. All in all definitely love this song (because I'm a crazy piano fan XD)

10. Princess Syndrome - The cute adorable voice in the beginning is just...adorable (>w<) and then it goes to an upbeat intro. Definitely a very loveable melody and brings out the best in Jay Chou and his singing. A very pop/rock song but definitely not boring or dull where you just unconsciously start tapping your feet along. Although I do wonder about the random 'wrraaaap' parts XD The chorus is definitely rememberable and you'll find yourself start humming along.

11. Healing Hot Meat Buns - Sometimes Jay Chou just has the weirdest names for his songs XD But this is definitely a nice song to end the album with. A quite upbeat but relax song that you can listen to just about anywhere. A very easy song to listen to without too much going on and a nice melody repeating in the background during the verses and chorus.

Overall definitely a good album to listen to and definitely meets up to my expectations and more! With a few surprises here and there, but then there's the more nostalgic tunes to remind you that it is definitely Jay Chou. Love the way he mixes Hip-hop R&B with more Rock tunes, giving variety to the album, making it hard to get bored of (but I guess Jay Chou has a variety of songs from all kinds of genres XD). I would like it if he keeps away from the auto-tuning, but other than that, definitely an album to be recommended to others even if they're strangers to C-Pop and if they don't understand mandarin (like me XD)

Jay Chou Official Website (?): http://www.jvrmusic.com/artist/artist-index.asp?id=jay
Jay Chou Facebook News: http://www.facebook.com/jay?sk=wall
Jay Chou Studio: http://www.jaychoustudio.com/

Procrastination..

Is such a bad thing but I can't seem. to stop myself from it...( ﾉД`)
I seem to have slowly lost ny motivation in doing anything at all...
These past few days, all I've been doing is watch jdramas and read (manga or use watpad on my phone)
It's like I'm obsessed to the point where I fins doing anything else is useless OTL
Why have I become like this...?
Surely this is quite a critical time in my life where university applications have to be sent off soon and exams are coming up
*sigh*
Although only just today I've actually gone and forced myself to do some homework, but even that I couldn't last 10th minutes without my mind wandering off and 'forgetting' about doing my homework...
I'm really a pathetic excuse of a human, aren't i? D|

On a high note!
Jay Chou's new album is out today!
And a few of his songs have already been released with MVs, and it's pretty good so far!
Can't wait to hear the whole album!

(^O^)/

P.s. The photo is actually a pumpkin that was carved where I work (part time) a few days before Halloween but I think I forgot to upload the photo of it XD

First Driving Lesson!

Had my first driving lesson today (well just now actually XD) and it was freaky and exciting at the same time XD
I was kinda worried at what my driving instructor would be like at first, but she seems really nice and bubbly so I could relax that she won't be the kind to scream at you when you make the tiniest mistake XD
First she asked me if I had any experience driving anything before, and I really wanted to say yes, I've played mario kart and gran turismo (but I didn't XD)
And then we went through the first procedures before actually driving the car (which I was grateful of because I didn't have to start driving it right away XD)
And had to switch places with her so that I sat at the driver's seat, which seems so scary once you're in it and the stering whell looked big and scary _A_
God knows how she can trust learners to be at the wheel whilst she's at the passengers seat...although she does also have control on the clutch pedal and break pedals
But anyways...
I was finding it quite difficult to remember all the things she were telling me about and was glad that the massive mountain of information soon came to an end
And soon I was having to learn how to drive and stop =S
It was sooo scary at first, like I was kinda freaking out and forgetting what she told me to do, but thankfully she kept reminding me and instructing me on what to do.
And soon I got going at snail's pace - I didn't check at what speed I was going at - but to me it seemed way too fast XD
And I had to swerve around a parked car (which I almost hit DX)
But after 2 more tries I soon got the hang of things I could calm down a bit (it was still hard for me to relax though =S)
And then soon instead of stopping every 5 metres, I was having to drive to the end of the road and make a turn which wasn't as scary at first because there was no car coming, but then after a few turns I saw a car and actually freaked out (which lead me to stall the car XD)
But soon got going again and thought  I was getting the hang of it, until I got to a narrow road and a car was coming in the opposite direction and I started freaking out again at how close the car was....
I stalled a couple of times, and had to be told to accelerate a bit more because I was literally going at 10mph and freaking out about how fast I was going...XD
Soon she taught me how to change gears to 2nd gear and then one of the roads that we repetively went on started becoming way to busy for my liking and I *ahem* almost hit a car as I tried to turn because the car would not turn properly (must be because I wasn't going very fast), and it was way too scary....(>_<)
But despite all that I was having fun especially when I soon had the courage to go up to 20mph (which I was quietly freaking out but was thrilled at how fast/normal pace I was going XD)
And before I knew it, it was the end of my lesson for the day and I was sweating like mad and only when I got home, I found that I was shaking like mad as well...XD
But it was an amazing experience!
And I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for my next lesson next week XD

HOW CRAZY YOUR LOVE

YUI's new album 'HOW CRAZY YOUR LOVE' is out today!
And it is #1 (as expected =D) selling nearly ten times more than second place (which is Kuroyume) with 49.118 copies which is less than her 1st day sale of 'Holidays in the Sun' but still very good! =D
To be honest I wasn't really surprised that this album got #1 because I really do love this album and it has a lot of new elements in it as well as songs that feel nostalgic <3

01. HELLO

02. Separation

03. Get Back Home

04. Lock On

05. U-niform

06. Cooking

07. Rain

08. Goodnight

09. YOU

10. It's My Life

11. no Reason

12. Nobody Knows

13. Green a.live

My review of the songs:

01. HELLO - Was used as the theme tune for "Paradise Kiss" which I've watched recently and made me fall in love with this song all over again <3 And I really love the violin parts in this song (especially the pizzicato parts). It's also a lot of fun to sing and really easy with cute lyrics.

02. Separation - This is my favourite track of this album and I love it when she sings the 'lalaalalala Separation' part XD I don't know why but I just love it <3 It's also quite different from her usual kind of songs, and I like how brass elements were added to the song to make it seem a bit more jazzy. I absolutely love the melody to this, and how YUI sings it <3

03. Get Back Home - This is a more calm and gentle song compared to the two above, and it's a really nostalgic ballad. Where even YUI's voice sounds gentler and relaxing to listen to, making it sound almost like a lullaby until the chorus begins where it starts sounding sadder but still very gentle. This song would be perfect to listen to when wanting to fall asleep (in a good way though XD) as it has a really nice calming effect.

04. - Lock On - At first when I heard this song, I wasn't too keen on it (especially when the brass started playing which totally shocked me), but the more I listen to it, the more I like it. I really like how it starts off slow and then kicks into a more upbeat rock/pop song (but still not too keen on the brass bits). But still, I have learnt to like it and now think it's a pretty good song, and I really love the 'Lock on! Lock on!' parts XD I don't know why....

05. U-niform - This song sounds like a song you would listen to whilst on a big trip to somewhere, maybe for a holiday or something, and has the same feelings as 'Driving Happy Life'. I really like the acoustics in this song, because you can hear it quite clearly and gives off a really easy-going feeling.

06. Cooking - I was really looking forward to listen to this song, and it definitely didn't disappoint XD It sounds like it could be a children's rhyme and has a really simple easy melody (with words which I recognise without looking up the translation). Again it has a easy-going kind of feeling where you could listen to on a rest day and just be lazy.

07. Rain - It sounds like ages since she first released this as a single, and it also seems like ages since I've heard it XD which is good because it reminded me how good this song was. A more rock song compared to the previous two song, and just sounds like your usual YUI rock song, but I really love the piano part in this song.

08. Goodnight - I was disappointed when YUI didn't do another short song in her previous album 'Holidays in the Sun', so I was so happy and relieved to find that this song was less than a minute long XD And I love how it's like a lullaby to lull you to sleep with YUI's voice <3 Also loving the piano accompaniment with YUI's soft voice.

09. YOU - Was so happy when I knew this song would be on this album even though it's the B-side of Hello~Paradise Kiss because I absolutely adore this song and how the melody slowly builds up to the chorus which I find myself always singing to wherever I am XD During the end when all you can hear is the piano and YUI's voice with so much emotion put into it, is definitely my part part of the song.

10. It's My Life - This is a really upbeat happy song which I remember really confused me with the brass parts when it was first released as a single XD But still it's a very fun song that gets you up to dance along, and the brass accompaniment isn't bad at all. You can also hear the happiness in YUI's voice whilst singing this song filling it with full of joy and fun.

11. no Reason - This is another song that has a feeling of nostalgia as well a newness to it. It's very relaxed and another song that would sound great to play when going on a trip somewhere or maybe thinking back on things when on a really happy holiday somewhere. I really love the guitar riff to this song which makes the song more enjoyable.

12. Nobody Knows - This song has to be another one of my favourite songs, and has a hint of a western influence to it from the electric guitar at the start and throughout the song. Absolutely love the chorus of the song and I would love listening to this song live. I don't know why but I love how she sings 'oh baby baby baby' XD And I really like the guitar solo because it's so rare to hear such a guitar solo in YUI's songs and I really do hope she plays it herself at a live.

13. Green a.live - Last track on the album and definitely one of my favourites and I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. It helps finish the album perfectly and leaves you wanting more when the song slowly ends. You can tell YUI put a lot of emotion into singing this song, where it starts off sounding quite solemn and finishes with a really hopeful sound like everything will be alright.

Overall I absolutely love this album and could definitely compete with 'Can't Buy My Love' as my favourite album by YUI XD It has many elements to it both old and new making it a really interesting album to listen to. There's plenty of relaxing, calm songs balanced out with the more rock and upbeat songs, which means that it will take maybe a thousand repeats for me until I start getting bored of it XD 

It just reminds you of who YUI are and where she first started off and how she has slowly grown and improved as a singer, making you feel proud of being a fan and loving the music she makes.

YUI official website: http://www.yui-net.com/
YUI-Lover Fansite: http://www.yui-lover.com/