Bamf's of the day

I found this today and didn't want to forget how awesome it was to see. Especially after living in Japan where, after my experience at a shelter, I saw animals that were abandoned or reluctantly given up to shelters after the March 11 events because the Japanese authorities were too heartless and thick-headed to allow this in any, let alone extreme circumstances.

Good job, NYC. You make me proud.

some musings~

May oh my, has it been that long? I guess so...

Well, much and more has happened since May and yet it's hard to see it that way when I'm still sitting here at my desk in Japan. JETsetter has seen some action lately in my attempts to keep the blog up-to-date with my experiences here, but even that has been slacking as well. I don't give apologies for the frequency of my blogs, but I will say thanks for reading whenever I do update. Arigats!

That said, I've had the mindset lately to be more spontaneous with this blog. I got into a habit of posting perfectly thought out entries or keeping a series going without interruptions (It's the OCD in me). However, in an effort to combat that, I'm going to go crazy (by my standards) and just post whatever, whenever. My highly organized ways works for me in many regards, but that's exactly why I'm trying to limit it; so it doesn't limit me. I also don't mean to make light of people who are actually afflicted with OCD (I saw an episode of MTV True Life on it back in the day and whoa), but I just imagine myself to have to be mildly afflicted as I do become uncomfortable or distracted when certain things aren't just the way I'd want them. Those of my ilk will understand.

So what has been on my mind lately? That's simple: home. And I mean more than just Miami, I'm talking about America too. Highly relevant nowadays, I've been throwing myself into election season in an unprecedented fashion for me. This genuine desire of wanting the best for my perfectly imperfect country has me longing to be there where the atmosphere is thickest. What? You're surprised Tamba isn't abuzz with talk of American presidential elections? So was I! I mean, doesn't everyone talk about 'Murica all the time? hehe, I kid, I kid. Home has also been on my mind since most of my friends are planning to go home for Christmas, but since I was just home and live farther away than any of them, that's not happening for me.

I can't honestly say I ever imagined myself filling out an absentee ballot, but now I have. Nor did I ever think to be spending Christmas in Singapore, but that is a possibility now too. I mean, have you? Maybe this sounds exciting, but after being away for year, going home and then returning back to the foreignness again, it's not as exciting, but it's part of the experience. I want to be home for many reasons, but especially these two. As an American citizen, I have the privilege to help decide the so-called 'leader of the world' (as so-called by my non-American friends). And Christmas is a time when my heritage comes out and some of the best memories of growing up Cuban come out. I love my hodgepodge Cuban-American Christmases in Miami. It's freaking magical and part of who I am. Yet, for the second year in a row, I'm won't be a part of it. The world is wondrous place, but there really is no place like home.

Speaking of home and how I want to be there, I received my re-contracting papers for JET this past week. I walked up to my desk and found them there on top of my computer. I skipped straight to the back where I knew the question would be waiting, and withing two minutes of walking in, I sealed my fate.

✓ "I have decided NOT to re-contract for the 2013-2014 JET Programme year."

Done and done. I know this may come off as me being in a hurry to leave, but in reality, anyone who's spoken to me about JET will know that two years has always been my intended length of stay and so in reality, the decision was made long ago. This has been the adventure of a lifetime. I've grown as person, learned a lot about the world, and experienced all the things about Japan I dreamed of doing and then some. But as they say, all good things come to end and I know my limit. We're only October and I have all the way till next August to go, but for some reason I am eagerly looking forward to the next adventure, whatever it is.


So that's a small update on me and the what's been bouncing around in my head.
Until next time, here's something to muse on:

"Define what success looks like for you then go after it."

personally, this is me

While I was still in the middle of the movie challenge, my fellow blogger friend posted this very interesting personality test. It's a short survey with questions that reveal the way you think, things you value, and ways you would react to certain situations. Although I'm sure many people would say that these kinds of tests are made in such a way to make anyone feel 'like this is me,' in my opinion this one gets specific enough in its results to claim some validity.

If you're intrigued and amused by these things like I am, then follow the link below to the test to better know you're personality type. My results are also posted, so to those who know me - do you think this is me? I think so.. I've even highlighted some portions of my diagnosed personality that are especially true, whether I like it or not.

Personality Test

Source: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp 

Protector (ISFJ)

We are lucky that Protectors make up as much as ten percent the population, because their primary interest is in the safety and security of those they care about - their family, their circle of friends, their students, their patients, their boss, their fellow-workers, or their employees. Protectors have an extraordinary sense of loyalty and responsibility in their makeup, and seem fulfilled in the degree they can shield others from the dirt and dangers of the world. Speculating and experimenting do not intrigue Protectors, who prefer to make do with time-honored and time-tested products and procedures rather than change to new. At work Protectors are seldom happy in situations where the rules are constantly changing, or where long-established ways of doing things are not respected. For their part, Protectors value tradition, both in the culture and in their family. Protectors believe deeply in the stability of social ranking conferred by birth, titles, offices, and credentials. And they cherish family history and enjoy caring for family property, from houses to heirlooms.

Wanting to be of service to others, Protectors find great satisfaction in assisting the downtrodden, and can deal with disability and neediness in others better than any other type. They are not as outgoing and talkative as the Provider Guardians [ESFJs], and their shyness is often misjudged as stiffness, even coldness, when in truth Protectors are warm-hearted and sympathetic, giving happily of themselves to those in need.
Their reserve ought really to be seen as an expression of their sincerity and seriousness of purpose. The most diligent of all the types, Protectors are willing to work long, hard hours quietly doing all the thankless jobs that others manage to avoid. Protectors are quite happy working alone; in fact, in positions of authority they may try to do everything themselves rather than direct others to get the job done. Thoroughness and frugality are also virtues for them. When Protectors undertake a task, they will complete it if humanly possible. They also know better than any other type the value of a dollar, and they abhor the squandering or misuse of money. To save, to put something aside against an unpredictable future, to prepare for emergencies-these are actions near and dear to the Protector's heart. For all these reasons, Protectors are frequently overworked, just as they are frequently misunderstood and undervalued. Their contributions, and also their economies, are often taken for granted, and they rarely get the gratitude they deserve. 

Source: http://keirsey.com/4temps/protector.aspx 

Finding Your Passion: Guardians want Membership and Belonging

While Guardians would probably not substitute the words "Finding Membership and Belonging" for the Baby Boomer phrase, "Finding Your Passion," these are driving forces behind a Guardian's need to find life satisfaction in their work.

The last Guardian type is the Protector (ISFJ). This is the Guardian least likely to seek positions of leadership since they may feel uncomfortable in the lime-light. They are often seen as the people who do whatever is necessary to keep things running smoothly. They do their best to prevent problems. Like the Provider, they can be attracted to fields in medicine, education or social service. In business, positions that combine some type of social interface with time alone are best for them. If they choose technical positions, they prefer ones with at least some independence, such as electrician, or photographer. Says Patrick, "I was attracted to portrait photography because I am able to help people look their best and celebrate significant times in their lives. I take time to create the best portrait I can."
Finding a place to belong, to contribute to society, and have a sense of security and confidence in their abilities, is key to the Guardian's sense of well-being.

Source: http://keirsey.com/personalityzone/wz19.asp

Women and Romance: Guardian Women

By Dr. Lovegood 

Guardian women look for traditions to start or maintain. They are generally suckers for flowers, cards, chocolates, and the like. They are among the most likely to notice and appreciate signs of status unless these signs are flaunted, such as entrance into an exclusive club and being welcomed by name at a trendy restaurant. Men often appreciate Guardian women who lavishly pamper their partners. 

"Leilah is a Guardian Protector (ISFJ). Guys often didn't even notice her in high school because she was so shy. In college, she had one long-lasting romance. However, her boyfriend turned out to be abusive. Since he would always apologize and she is very trusting and loyal, she stuck by him. The abuse escalated, so she finally left. Now she is dating a man who treats her like a queen. She'd like to marry him, but she's afraid he might change afterward." 

Source: http://keirsey.com/personalityzone/lz21.asp 

Dealing with Stress from Work: Guardians Bearing Up
How do you deal with work-related stress? Each personality type has different stressors and copes in different ways. Better understanding of your own stressors and coping mechanisms can help you reduce the tension and anxiety work stress often creates. When stressed, Guardians usually report being sick, tired, sad, or worried.

The Protector is the most likely to become excessively worried. Their highest skills come from preventing problems, and to do that one must think about what might go wrong and prevent it. But too great an overload can trigger excessive worry. Being forced to face too many new experiences can be daunting to the Protector and cause them to talk about potential catastrophes. They may experience a loss of control and even become impulsive while trying to fix all that they see going wrong. When others see them in this state, it is important to give them help and to lower their expectations about always being able to prevent every problem. Until they release some of their need for control, they will experience high stress. Rest, good nutrition, and treating themselves to peace and quiet will go a long way towards healing their stress. Says Barbara, "I was lucky that I had a boss who could see that I was too tightly wound up and worrying too much. She helped me evaluate what was important and what was not so I could let go of some of the fine details and find a better balance. Work is more comfortable for me now."

Source: http://keirsey.com/personalityzone/wz31.asp

Enlightening as that was about my personality (according to this test), don't be fooled that now you know me and can fit me into a little box. People can always surprise you with their actions despite their general personalities. What I can say is undeniably true about me is:

movie challenge, march 27~31

A Movie That You Wish You Had Seen in Theaters

Office Space (1999). I'm old enough that I could have seen this one in theaters, but the premise probably didn't appeal to my 12-year-old self. However, I did see the movie shortly thereafter thanks to my mom and older brother and thus because it is so awesome, I now wish I had seen it in theaters. Ironically, I feel like Ron Livingston (who plays the main character) somewhat reprises his role in Office Space during his stint on 'Sex and The City' which, if you know how that ends, makes you kind of hate him. Just a quirky observation I had for anyone who appreciates it.









Favorite Movie from Your favorite Director
Truthfully, I like The Prestige (2006) from Christopher Nolan more than Inception (2010) but, I already used that movie for another challenge and thought I ought to credit this amazing movie as well. I was disappointed that it didn't win any of the big awards it was nominated for (instead it one some technical ones) including that of 'Best Director.' A movie by Christopher Nolan guarantees a great story, great actors, something unexpected and kind of a dark atmosphere. There are plenty of great directors out there, but originality is something I really value in a movie experience. That being the case, both of these movies and others he's directed exhibit that quality. [Update: The Batman Trilogy was quite amazing as well. Not as unique a storyline but definitely in the way he interprets it.]




 
Favorite Movie from Your Childhood

Since my childhood is not just a year long and because I couldn't pick just one, Homeward Bound (1993), Now and Then (1995), and The Fifth Element (1997) are some highlights I proudly owned on VHS back in the day. Homeward Bound always made me cry at the end, Now and Then always made me think of good times with friends from elementary school, and The Fifth Element was always the coolest movie ever. As a side note, I love how the posters for these films are just so 90s. I didn't include any animations from my childhood since I did that in last week's part of this challenge, but of course there are many memorable ones there too.

An Inspiring Movie
Dead Poets Society (1989)  is inspiring for the use and application of two words: Carpe Diem (Seize the Day). Teachers can be one of the most inspiring figures in your life. As a teacher, I'll admit that I'm not making any grand efforts to inspire my students. However, I do hope that by merely being here completely of out of my element for the sake of experiencing a different way of life, inspires one of them to do the same (especially in a culture like Japan where they can be extremely hesitant to be put so far out of their comfort zone). In the movie, Robin Williams challenges his students to think differently from the way they've always been told. He wants them to look to the past, to poets in particular, and not see boring stiffs, but realize that some of the most brilliant minds in history were trying to communicate something more about life. Such 'radical thinking' is frowned upon at the boarding school they're at and so trials ensue for both the teacher who is trying to teach something more and the students who listen. This is one I highly recommend.

Your Favorite Movie of All Time
Just like with my Nolan pick, I have already used my first choice for another part of this challenge so I'll give you second place: The Last Samurai (2003). Being a hopeless romantic at heart, What Dreams May Come (1998) is my favorite. However, The Last Samurai speaks to a different yet another core part of myself; my love of Japanese culture. Early on, my love of Japan was inextricably linked to my love of anime. As I grew older, that love expanded to the rest of the culture as well. Perhaps unusual for a youngen to be obsessed with such a foreign land, I would often get the question, "what do you like about Japanese culture?" It wasn't easy to put into words (sometimes it still isn't) but after watching this movie I felt like at least someone shares what I love about it. Tom Cruise's character is forced to live among his captors and finds that he greatly admires their way of life. So much so in fact that he willing joins their cause and adopts Japan as his new home. Since coming to Japan, I was able to visit one of the film's sets: Engyoji temple in Himeji. This is a very beautiful temple in the mountains where, in the movie, Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe have their "good conversations." I was in heaven being there. Definitely one of the surreal moments in life.

My Favorite Scary Movie *Bonus Round*
I don't like scary movies. I used to allow myself to be dragged to them, but that always ended badly for me, so I don't allow that anymore (although, I can be bribed). But long ago, there were a couple of films that scared/creeped me out while still having a good plot and a kind of 'redemption quality' which made me actually appreciate the move instead of trying to forget every scene. The Haunting (1999) not to be confused with House on Haunted Hill (1999) is another, 'the house is trying to kill you' scary movie. Turns out though there was more to it than that. The house was trying to communicate to one of the guests that the ghosts of tortured children were stuck in limbo there and she could set them free because she was the great, great granddaughter of the perp who did the torturing. Thrilling, entertaining, and redeeming all in one nice little package. What Lies Beneath (2000) was more of a thriller, but plenty of scenes in this one creeped me out too. A husband and wife move back to a house he used to live in and weird stuff starts happening to the wife. She thinks she's going crazy until she starts to see signs that this is not coincidence but a message for her to run. Harrison Ford officially became a bad guy forever for me after this movie when you find out he killed a girl in that house and covered it up. He wasn't going to kill his new wife until she started asking questions, but if I were her, I'd want to know my husband was a murderer sooner rather than later anyway, so yeah.

movie challenge, march 22~26

Favorite Documentary

I want to watch more documentaries, but of the few I have seen, Planet Earth (2006) was one that really impressed me. II've always loved animals and grew up watching Animal Planet, so the nerd in me loves nature programs. I also have a bad case of wanderlust, and seeing the amazing places that exist on our blue marble only appeals to that. But back to the documentary, hearing and seeing about new animals is something that genuinely interests me, especially deep ocean stuff. It's not a one-shot documentary though, so if you're interested, give yourself a couple of hours or a few days to watch it all!

Favorite Animation

This one asks too much. Animation, specifically anime (Japanese animation) has been a monumental force in my life. Some of my favorites are Sailor Moon, Dragonball, Rurouni Kenshin, Tenchi Muyo, Escaflowne, Magic Knight Rayearth, Card Captor Sakura, Full Metal Alchemist, Fruits Basket, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Inuyasha, Naruto, Code Geass, Golden Boy, Kite, X, Tsubasa, FLCL, Cowboy Bebop, Soul Eater, Deathnote, Ranma 1/2, The Girl Who Jumped Through Time, anything Ghibli and the list goes on. Then there are the animations that hold a special place in my heart that everyone my age grew up with: all the Disney classics, straight to VHS stuff from Universal, and the Pixar collection that started in the late 90's. I don't need to name titles, I know you all thought of a few anyways. 

That One Awesome Movie Idea That Still Hasn't Been Done Yet

Vampire Crossover Movies. That's right. Everyone says 'blah blah blah Blade would kill Edward in a second' and stuff like that. Well! I say, there should be a movie that crossovers vampires from popular vamp films, gives some sort of plot that pits them against each other, and watch the bloodbath! To make it even more interesting, the vampires should be allowed to retain whatever powers/special abilities that their original movies dictate. It's not going to be that easy to kill Edward if he can read other vamp's minds to predict their moves or just kill them while they sleep during the day. Ohohohohoho!!

The Most Hilarious Movie You've Ever Seen

Maybe it's not the funniest movie of all time, but in recent memory, I can't remember laughing harder or more often than I did while watching The Hangover (2009). I had just come back from Japan and only knew the premise when I walked in so everything was unexpected. Off the wall crazy, wtf moments all over this film. And when you see it with friends who appreciate the same kind of humor, the funnier it is. I saw the second one as well and although it was the same exact plot, it was still funny, but this time a little expected. 

A Movie That You Love But Everyone Else Hates

The Twilight Saga (2008-2012) Yup! If you know me at all, you'd know it was going to be in this list somewhere! I love the books AND the movies which is not something even all Twilight fans can agree on. Although some better acting would have been nice, I'm used to the actors themselves and can't picture anyone else playing their characters. I have no problem suspending belief and accepting stories as they're given to me, so that was not a factor like it was to many skeptics or die-hard vampire lore fans. Basically, I love the movies for what they are: the live-action version of my favorite sappy romance novel series. Problem?

movie challenge, march 17~21

A Movie That Disappointed You the Most

Such potential, such a good story line, amazing actors... and then it falls flat. The preview for Never Let Me Go (2010) had all the things that would excite me about a movie. A unique story, a love triangle, some of my favorite people to watch onscreen, a little bit of a period piece, from a Japanese source. But, since I wasn't able to watch it in theaters I built of even more anticipation for it. Once available, I watched it at home expecting to be blown away. And then I wasn't. It was interesting, then boring, then annoying, a little sad, and then over. *le sigh* I bet the book is better...

 



A Movie That You Wish More People Would've Seen
Like another movie I mentioned, The Prestige (2006) was not a movie I knew anything about, but was just the choice feature of the group outing that particular weekend. Magicians trying to one-up each other is the most basic way to explain this movie, but the way each character is forced to make sacrifice after sacrifice to improve his art made it much more interesting. Wives, lovers, and friends are forced to play a role in their twisted game (and if you remember my reasons for not liking Scarlett Johansson, yes, she is a home-wrecker in this one as well). The movie also has twists and turns all throughout that keep you guessing where the story will go. I say I wish more people would've have seen this, but I honestly don't even know how popular it was back when it came out. I just know I rarely hear people talk about this movie in any related conversations.

Favorite Movie Based On A Book/Comic/Etc.

I feel it's most accurate for me to choose the Harry Potter (2001-2011) series as movies I loved based on the books because I watched the first five movies before I started reading the books. Of course I heard about the books and movies as they were coming out, but at the time I didn't care about anything other than anime series (otaku alert). Anyways, the movies really brought the books to life which, in a series as fantastical as this, was amazing. Only after I read the books did I realize how much was left out, especially in the later movies. This upset many die-hard fans, but I wasn't upset so much about how scenes were executed, but about things left unexplained or that were confusing for the viewers who weren't readers (which was my experience watching the sixth one). The last two movies though were phenomenally adapted from page to screen in my humble opinion (HP fans, don't start with me!). Also, 8-disc blu-ray box set? Yes, please. [Update: the HP Wizards Collection, please and thanks.]

Favorite Movie From Your Favorite Actor/Actress

I love Emily Blunt. I think she is stunningly gorgeous, elegant, and really captivating in her performances. When I saw the preview for The Young Victoria (2009) I thought, Emily Blunt in a period film? (my favorite genre) Sign me up! I have one friend in particular that I drag with me to see movies I get overly excited about from the preview. Usually we're shaking our heads by the end of it, but this time we were holding each other screaming, "Noooo!!!" then "Awwww!!!!" and then "Noooo!!!" again. I think you have to be into period films to like this movie since it requires a bit of interest in history, the patience to comprehend and digest lots of dialogue. Not to mention an appreciation for some old fashioned romance. If this sounds like you, then you're in for a treat. 

 

Favorite Action Movie

I love the Fast and Furious (2001-2011) films (even if Tokyo Drift [2006] was meh). I'll freely admit that it's mostly because I've loved Vin Diesel ever since I saw him in Pitch Black (2000) (yes, in theaters). The other part is because there is an ongoing story between the characters and I just have to know what happens. These are both bonuses considering that they are great action films too. Fast cars, fist fights, hot make-out scenes, and explosions. What more can you ask for? If you haven't seen them, catch up! They're fun movies. On a side note, I found this photo of a box set, but will reserve buying such a set until I can confirm that there won't be a sixth one. And based on the end of the last movie, there had better be a sixth one. Who's with me? [Update: The sixth one is more than just happening; there's a release date! Omg, Letty!!!]

movie challenge, march 12~16

A Movie That You Hate

Picking one was just not enough; I felt the need to elaborate on all three of these movies that I hate. He's Just Not That Into You (2009) is probably when I started to dislike seeing or hearing about Scarlett Johansen. Her characters always seems to be that girl who gets in the middle of relationships because she can (and has no conscious about it either). It's not a likable quality and horribly condoning of that behavior (b-tches and hoes category). I was rolling my eyes throughout most of the movie. So from what I remember, the other character's acted sappy in their portrayal of being 'in love.' Children of Men (2006) was so absolutely pointless. It was another the-world-has-gone-to-hell movie and some schmuck is assigned the most important task ever; He must save the pregnant lady in this case. You watch them go through explosions, battles, blah blah so that the movie can end with him dying and her getting away on a boat to nowhere. I couldn't even finish Closer (2004) because I was so uncomfortable with the manipulation of Natalie Portman's character by Jude Law's character while he's trying to get into someone else's pants. 

A Movie That Is a Guilty Pleasure

The Parent Trap (1998) with a young Lindsey Lohan. I remember the Olsen twins had done pretty much the same movie a few years earlier (It Takes Two [1995]), so for the longest time, I thought the girls in the movie were twins also (who didn't think that, right?). Then Lilo became more popular in other things and I was like, 'oh, it was just her.' I've always thought the film to be a fun, light hearted, and entertaining movie so it's become another one of those that I will tune in to whenever it's rerun on T.V. Now that I think of it, twins separated at birth and finding each other later in life was a popular story line back in the day, huh? So why is this a guilty pleasure? For me, guilty pleasures tend to be things that I enjoy from people I can't stand. Lindsey Lohan is a huge tool now so there you go.


A Movie That No One Would Expect You To Love

Friday (1995). I find this movie hilarious and even after years of watching it, it still makes me laugh out loud. I love Chris Tucker and am sad that he doesn't make more movies. I didn't completely understand this movie when I first saw it (I had a pretty sheltered childhood), so I kept finding it funnier each time I saw it and actually understood the jokes. The first sequel was ok, and I don't even think I saw the sequel after that. I figured that maybe no one would expect me to love this movie because I can't relate to many aspects of it, but what can I say? It's probably why my friends have been like, 'whaaat?' whenever I bust out the whole rap to Gangsta's Paradise in karaoke. haha! Now, "it's Friday, you ain't got no job, and ain't go shit to do!" so go watch it!





A Character That You Can Relate To The Most

This was when I became a fan of Hilary Duff. Her character in The Perfect Man (2005) is just your average girl until you look a little closer. She doesn't worry about being popular and into her own things but attracts people to her anyway (even the cute love interest in the first picture on the right). She's sassy, fun, cerebral, and a little selfish and emotional. These are things that I noticed about the character, but can also relate to the points the plot doesn't emphasize. For example, her compassionate nature as she worries about her mother's happiness or if her well-meaning actions are misinterpreted. So basically, we'd be friends if we met in real life since, you know, I'm awesome.






A Movie That You Used To Love But Now Hate
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). I don't hate the movie as much as I hate the idea central to the plot. In the movie the technology to erase people from your memory exists. I thought this was a great idea when I first saw the movie but have now come to realize that although it would be extremely convenient, it's more important to learn from every interaction you have, good or bad. Your experiences have helped shape who you are and more likely than not, that means they involved other people. If you choose not recall memories and experiences with certain people, that's fine, but you can't literally erase the fact that they were there and thus the impact they had on the experience. Tangent: If you really were able to erase the memory of a person, would you then lose all the personal growth and life's lesson you might have taken from your experiences with them? This is getting off topic from the challenge but lI wonder..

Movie Buff: When Harry Met Sally (1989)
I'll use the phrase my bf used after we finished watching this movie: It's a gem. Even in 2012, I found that I could relate to much of what Sally was feeling all throughout the movie and had had many of the same conversations about the opposite sex that she was having with Harry. Harry's quick wit was hilarious despite how dated some of the jokes were. The film is the quintessential romantic comedy and its situational humor is so cliche but acceptable due to the time it was made, giving it that gem status. This is a perfect movie that describes that person in your life who was just someone at one point but then they became something more. You become a little frustrated in the middle of the story since they seem to refuse to consider that the other could be their perfect match and instead keep dating other people. However, in true love-story fashion, there is a melodrama that turns into an epiphany, and then a happily ever after.