3 weeks with Bells Palsy

So it's been exactly 3 weeks since my face became paralyzed. I remember the first week being really scared and always felt nauseated. The second week I found myself with pains, but tried to stay upbeat and positive about the situation. Week 3...well not much has changed except a very subtle movement in my eyebrow and twitching in my cheek. This week I feel a bit depressed. Maybe it's because I was expecting more improvement by this time. I guess the hardest part for me is not being able to smile. Living day-to-day without smiling is taking its toll on me and it's extremely tiring, physically as well as mentally. Don't know why I'm always so tired and I read about it on another site that most people feel totally drained and that nerve healing takes up a lot of your energy. It's just really really tiring and I sometimes just want to stay in bed all day!

It's 7:45am here and as I'm blogging, I already plan on going back to bed again and gettings some z's. Yesterday, my day was extremely short. I mean, I woke up past 1:30 noon and slept at 1:00am. I even took a couple of hour naps during the day, which made my day even shorter. I never logged onto SECOND LIFE for the first time in ages. I was just too tired.

I'm hoping for more energy today. If I do, I will go to Ikebukuro to pay for my AMEX bill and to the bank to deposit some more money. I am beginning to worry about money since my work has come to a standstill.

Oh, I'm beginning to wonder if I still love my boyfriend. He seems happy though...just not me.

Wednesday

My usual routine always has been going to the gym on Wednesdays. However I have temporarily quit my membership as it doesn't seem I'd be going during my recovery.

I woke up today feeling pretty good when at 11:00, my aunt from the country came to visit. It was totally unexpected and seriously she didn't need to come. I mean there's really nothing she can do and besides my apartment is a total mess. I told her so and she said it didn't matter.

I forced her to stay away from the horrible mess of a living room and kept her in my bedroom where it was marginally acceptable. We talked for a few minutes and then she told me to lie down on the floor and that she was going to give me a good massage.

Well, honestly it was darnright painful and through bursts of saying "ouch" and "that really hurts auntie", I started to get used to the pain and afterwards felt good. Thanks auntie.

She left around 2pm and I was starving by then. As usual, after about 30 minutes of trying to maneuver the food into my mouth and chewing without getting the chunks getting stuck between my gums and mouth, I became exhausted and had to sleep. Eating has never been this difficult!!! Geesh!

I woke up around 7pm to find myself rather feverish. Now I have a slight headache and don't feel all that good. So here's to wishing tomorrow will be a better day free from headaches, unexpected visitors and a better looking face.

Looking at the bright side

Well, it's been about 2 weeks since I've had Bells Palsy. Never heard of it before but since then, I've started reading up on it intensely and visiting forums here and there to find out as much as I could about this illness. I don't even know if it's considered an illness as it's supposed to be more like an injury to a certain nerve, almost like a broken bone.

My first week was frustrating because it didn't seem as though my doctor understood what I was going through. He didn't have many answers, just general ones that didn't make me feel any better. It was like, you have it, you rest and get better in about 2-3 months. That's all. Bye. No follow up appoinment, no advice.,,.,nada.

Reading up on Bells Palsy, I realized there were many things you should and shouldn't do during recovery only through forums on the internet where other people were experiencing the same thing. So here were some important things I should do while recuperating.

I should get lots of rest and listen to my body. I should continue to take my supplements because my body needs it more so at this time in my recovery. I should keep my eyes lubricated at all times to avoid dry eye and permanent injury.

ON the other hand, I shouldn't massage it or try to force movement while recovering as it may cause further damage. I shouldn't stress myself anymore than necessary. I shouldn't be afraid to get a second or even a third opinion.

Well, the thing is, the neorologist I went to gave me absolutely no advice. What's up with that anyway?

All I say is thank God for the internet. I don't trust doctors anymore and they really piss me off sometimes. Not just with this Bells Palsy thing, but even with my panic attacks that sometimes affect me to the point where I have to call the fucking ambulance. Yeah, it feels like a good ole heart attack sometimes.

So I just have to say fuck it and learn to take control of things myself as best as I can. Getting the necessary info and finding ways to cope with whatever I have. Like I said, forums help a lot for both my Bells Palsy and panic attacks. Again, thank God for the internet. I can't say it enough.

One other thing that's been a savior is SECOND LIFE. It's something like MSN, skype and an online community all in one in a virtual world where you can pretty much do anything you like,,,seriously folks, this is cool stuff. The other day, one of my real life friend and I took a trip to the island of Mykonos. We sat on a oceanside bench just chatting. We also went to do some shopping and after that, spent about 15 minutes dancing at a gay club! Cool don't ya think?

If anyone wants to join me in Second LIfe, let me know and I'll send you a personal invite. That way we are instantly connected. Cool don't ya think?

With all the negative things that were getting me down recently, I try to focus on the bright side. This could have been worse...much worse. I've still alive and my friends sent me some beautiful flowers which brought tears to my eyes. I'm having fun in SECOND LIFE and have met some really cool people there. I have more time to talk to my mom on the phone and even my sister called. I have a great slice of delicious cheesecake today, which just made my day. I have a new bag that I just purchased for close to $1000US...yeah I know, see what can be achieved when you have Bells Palsy? Hehehe...

Like I said things could have been worse.

Bell's Palsy

Okay, to be totally honest, I've been hoping things would get better but I guess that's not the case. 3 years ago, I was told by doctors that I have panic disorder, where I sometimes feel like I'm going to die right then and there. I sometimes get heart palpitations and chest pains as well as nausea and other fun stuff. I've been living with it for years now and somehow learned to live with it. It's not fun but it's not the end of the world.Well, last week on Monday I started having neck pains. So I tried to massage the kinks out of my neck and for two days the pain didn't subside. On Wednesday, I started to feel the left side of my face getting a bit numb. I had to buy a new cell phone and had to wait for 30 minutes for them to transfer the service to the new one, so decided to wait at a nearby cafe. Ordered a cup of coffee and a piece of cinnamon toast. I love the cinnamon toast here and was really looking forward to eating it. I really didn't feel that great and forgot to bring with me my anxiety pills. I decided that it was ok since I could just rush home if something happened. The toast and coffee arrived and I opened my mouth to take a bite. However something was wrong. My mouth wouldn't fully open. Some of the cinnamon got onto my upper lip and I found that I could not manuever my tongue to lick it off. I tried taking a sip of water and I found it difficult to keep the liquid inside my mouth. Okay, now I knew something was wrong. I profusely apologized to the waitress telling her that I had an emergency I had to take care of. So I paid and left without touching my coffee and my toast, except for a small bite. I went to pick up my phone and got onto my bike to go home, all the while feeling a bit dizzy and scared that I might get into an accident.This continued throughout the day and was hoping that it was something temporary. I decided to rest and get and early night's rest and wait until morning to see if there are any improvement. When morning arrived, things hadn't improved, in fact it was worse and decided to go to the hospital. I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy, an illness where you usually paralysis on one side of your face. I was given three different pills to take, one being steroids. I started on the regimen right away, however that evening, I had a serious panic attack where my heart was beating double time, I couldn't breathe, and most of my body started going numb. I had my boyfriend call the ambulance and I started to shiver uncontrollably.Anyway, that was a week ago. I went for further testing and it showed that I had nerve damage and that it would probably take 2-3 months for my face to recover.I'm depressed and although I'm positive about the whole thing, I'm so tired. I have pain in my head and neck all the time, my face is totally paralyzed that I hate smiling because it makes me look like a freak, and refuse to meet any of my friends. I have to cut everything into small pieces as I can't really open my mouth too wide. After eating for about 15 minutes, I start getting headaches and feel so tired that I have to lie down. My left eye doesn't close completely so I have to be careful of always keeping it lubricated with eye drops, and on and on and on I can keep going with the things happening to me. It's just so tiring and I just don't feel like doing anything. The doctors don't really seem to know much about the illness and looking at different sites on the internet, it confirmed my suspicion that the doctors really don't know much about it. I know I'm just pitying myself and I have to remind myself that there are far worse things in life and things could have been worse. It's just frustrating to have to try and stay strong after the panic attacks and now this. I'm just really tired...that's all.My head is starting to hurt again and so I need to get some more sleep.

The park, Fridae, and other updates

The other day, I went to the park because it would've been a sin not to leave the house when the weather was so perfect. With a bottle of water in hand, I walked and walked and walked until I realized how big the park was! I took a seat on the grass and just took in the sights around me. People playing frizbee, a girl in her 20s trying to get an even tan for the beach, an older gay man lying in the sun half naked, a couple whispering sweet nothings in each others ears, a mother and daugther bonding over a perfect rose in the rose garden. I could go on and on about what I witnessed that day. Funny how you notice things when you're alone.
Today fridae.com keeps disappearing on me. I don't know but it seems to happen more often these days and it's quite frustrating when you're in the middle of sending an email. Grrrrr.....!!! Who can I complain to for God's sake! Well, I guess that gives me time to update my blog instead. Anyway, enough about Fridae. These days, like I mentioned before, I'm stuck on SECOND LIFE. By the way, if any of you out there get yourself into the SL World, my online name is Shinichi Mathy. Let's meet in the virtual world and have a cup of tea!
Another busy day for me today and a busy weekend I must say. A combination of work and play makes it more so. But hey, next weekend I go to Okinawa for two days. I know it's rather short for a place 3 hours away by plane. But I really need to be at a beach and a nice one at that. Beaches near Tokyo just don't do it for me. Yucky if you ask me! Plus I need to buy myself another annual pass for Disney Sea!!! Yay! I'm so looking forward to the next two weeks! Tonight I originally had a date with my boyfriend, but have to cancel due to work. I hope he's not too disappointed.

Summer is here!

Yep, it sure is and it has come in full force...all the heat and humidity! Hot hot hot! Funny thing is that I don't find it as hot as it used to feel. Maybe it's because I've been to Thailand three times this year, where it was much hotter and much more humid. This year the summer in Tokyo doesn't seem too bad. Even the sky looks clearer with less pollution and smog than previous years. I know it's probably just my imagination or I'm a pathetic hopeful but really, it does look better.

Well, things are going so-so with my businesses. No change except for the fact that I am making a steady stream of income. I'm also hooked on Second Life, an online community in a virtual world of sorts. I'm still confused about my relationship and I'm still constantly trying to lose just a little more weight. Maybe I should consider going on a strict diet of eating nothing and only when I feel a bit lightheaded and dizzy, I should take a bite of cheese, like Emily in The Devil Wears Prada.

So why do I feel so lost once again? I know it must be because of the fact that I'm a selfish person, but I find myself asking, what's left? What else is there to life? Is this it? I also still find myself looking for just one more thing that's relevant in my life...something that has meaning and substance. I also would like to be more successful at something other than what I'm currently doing right now. I feel like I'm going in circles not really getting anywhere. The fact that I'm fantasizing about buying a bigger house in Second Life only confirms the fact that I'm trying to attain a lifestyle I truly desire in a fantasy world. Okay, I'm starting to write in spurts and not making too much sense. I need another block of cheese,. thank you.

Whatever, this is the state I'm currently in, period. I'm living in spurts and doing things that don't really give me any satisfaction. Sex is pretty meaningless and has become a simple pasttime just because I can get it so often and so easily...meaningless sex that is. Love is another matter all together, but I'm not going there today. Don't really have the energy.

On the other hand, I'm doing a load of laundry now and I have to wonder why I find pleasure in doing that. What's wrong here anyway?

Fabulous weekend

I'm looking out the window to see blue skies today.What a welcome sight after weeks of rain and gloom. Today I plan to go bike riding as I want to take advantage of the weather.

Last weekend was a blast! My weekend started Friday night at the Hilton Hotel in Maihama. The weather was cloudy so I didn't get a chance to use the pool. I got the park view this time and I must say I prefer the ocean view. Park view is more like parking lot view in my opinion and I will, from now on, request ocean view at this hotel. I got checked in around 5pm and my boyfriend met me at 7pm. We rode the monorail to Disney Sea where they were having a new show that started today. It's called Bonfire and is based on Japanese summer dance festivals. It was one of the best shows and we loved it! In fact we're going back on Sunday!

We got back to the hotel around 10pm and went to the bar for a drink before going to bed.

The next morning, my boyfriend had to leave for work very early so I stayed in bed until my friend arrived so that we could have lunch together. Then we spent some time at IKSPIARI. I swear, there is nothing to do at this mall. They really need better shops because I find myself getting bored here.

I had to get back home to prepare for a party I had to go to. So I got on the train, voted for our new governor and took a shower at home before taking a cab to the party place. I had a blast and met some really fun people. I ended up getting plastered as usual, went to a karaoke place for an hour before heading home.

A good slice of cheesecake

There's this cafe that I frequent in my neighborhood and they're famous for their cheesecake. However it's not that great and I never order it. So on this day, since I was with a friend who wanted to eat dessert, I wanted to try out this cafe I always wanted to try.

The cafe was very retro and the owners were an old couple as were all of the customers. I really liked the atmosphere of the cafe and they had cheesecake! So we ordered a slice each and I'm happy to say we were pleasantly surprised! This was one of the best cheesecakes I had here in Japan! Yummmmmm!!!!! It was served with a slice of kiwi and drizzled with honey. What a beautiful combination!

I will definitely come here again maybe this weekend! The coffee was just so-so and we would have to go to the other cafe for coffee. But for cheesecake, this is the place to go.

IKEA

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends these days is to spend a day at IKEA. It's a huge interior shop from Scandinavia with very reasonable priced furniture, a Scandinavian restaurant and cafe with prices to match! I had to go and buy a lamp for the smallest room in my apartment and it cost only 690yen!!! Unbelievable! One of the things I love about going here though is seeing the look on my partner's face. He loves this place and he seems happiest when we're browing the aisles. Just looking at that face puts a smile on my face.

For lunch we had the grilled tomatoes with couscous, a healthy combo. I also chose this assorted plate which had all my favorites! I couldn't resist having a glass of wine to go with my meal and I was lightly buzzed afterwards, which only served to put a skip and hop into my shopping feet.
Right after IKEA, we went to Costco and bought a couple of bottles of wine and a case of tomato soup. And yes, we are people who actually use up everything we buy!!! An entire case of soup is devoured within a month! Soup all the time you say? Not really. We just get creative and use the soup for other things such as a risotto, a light sauce to go with pasta and other things we can conjure up with our creativity.

Last week I went to renew my passport. It's hard to believe 10 years has gone by since my last one. I look so different now, especially my hair. Back then, my hair was longer, bleached a cheap brown color and fat on my cheeks. You know, it wasn't as though I was fat back then. In fact, I think I had less fat around my tummy. I guess it was baby fat or something because my face is much rounder...a feature I really disliked during those years. Now I'm much older and I am praying for some of that fat again to be injected into my face like collagen.

I got my picture taken at the passport agency and I have to tell you that my picture was not a good one. In fact, it's the ugliest picture I've ever taken for something so official. My face looks uneven, blotched and tired. My hair is a mess and I swear I look so disheveled like something out of LOST. So for the next 10 years, I have to look at that hedious picture and others would probably have to look at it too. Oh well, can't do anything about it anymore I guess.

So here I am at another Starbucks in Shinjuku. This one I like because it's really empty and lots of chairs to choose from. It's raining today...in fact raining the entire week I think. I really can't wait for summer to arrive. I not saying I welcome the sweltering heat of summer. I just can't stand the gloominess of the rainy season and having to take an umbrella with you everywhere you go.

This guy from Taiwan was supposed to meet me at 11:30am today for lunch. Well, it is now almost 12 noon and I called him only to hear from him saying he had just left. The nerve!!! Why couldn't he have called me to tell me he was going to be late? Never met this guy...just this guy from Fridae who wanted to meet for lunch. That's one demerit for this person. Now I would consider forgiving this guy if he's really gorgeous or sexy.

Okay, so I'm sitting here still waiting for his call. I swear I could have been doing something else more productive.

Desperate

I was watching Desperate Housewives last night on DVD. In fact I was so engrossed that I ended up watching four episodes. After watching TV for over 160 minutes, I felt depressed for some strange reason. Don't even ask me why because I really don't know why. I just felt sad and depressed. I think I know the reason but I don't think I'm ready to face the truth. There are major problems in my life and I have to try and fix them one by one. But i'm just not ready it seems.

My life seems out of control and just one big mess!

Universal Studios Osaka

Another week goes by and here I am blogging once again. It's been a nice and exciting week for me. On Saturday, I left for Osaka with a friend of mine. We took the highway bus to Osaka, a very long 8-hour ride. We check into the Osaka Hilton. It was a very nice hotel and I was upgraded to the deluxe room. I can't wait to make it to Gold VIP and get upgraded to an executive room. Almost there. Anyway, a light dinner with my friend and we go to sleep to look forward to a day at Universal Studios Osaka.

The highlight of the day was Hollywood Dream: The Ride! It's a roller coaster that's 4-across and your feet doesn't even touch the floor. Yeah, I know it sounds weird but it works! Your seated inside very comfortable seats and so deep back that your legs are floating in the air. Then you choose your preferred music from 5 selections. Your music starts and you are coasting around the Hollywood area in your car! Yep, that's what it feels like. Riding in a car! Wish it was a bit longer, but that's ok. I love the ride!

For lunch we went to Lombard's Landing. I always wanted to eat here and I was so happy that my friend chose this place. It's probably the best place to eat in the park and I wasn't disappointed. I just wish there were some ala carte selections instead of set menus. I started off with these country-style pates which were delicious.

Clam chowder came next and then I had the steak for the main course. Everything was perfect. You also get unlimited amounts of hot piping bread but that's too much carbs! The lunch ended with a delightful strawberry tart and coffee.

We ended up staying the entire day. I had some coffee with another friend to came to meet us at around 4pm. I was so happy to see her as I didn't see her for quite some time. She's such a nice person and I love her so much. Our bus left at 11:40pm and I was so tired that I fell asleep as soon as we boarded the comfortable buses. A very nice trip indeed.

Wednesday

You know, Wednesdays are those days I so look forward to. It's the one day of the week that I actually make time to go to the gym. It's a beautiful day with not a cloud in sight. I had to skip my haircut appointment today because I had a sudden work appointment. So my haircut is postponed until tomorrow.

After working for about an hour, I headed down to the gym and took an aerobics class, a weight workout and some chest exercises. That's all I had time for but it felt good to work out. Then I came home and did a bit more work and went to have some dinner with a friend and then to see a movie. Today we saw a movie called ZODIAC. It was too serious for me and I felt drained after watching it. It wasn't bad, just tiring. Too much details to follow and a very unsatisfactory ending in my opinion.

I rode my bike back home and the moon and stars were out...a rare thing in Tokyo. On a balmy night like tonight, there's really nothing better than leisurely riding my bike listening to music on my iPod.

Busy week

Well, it's been 5 days since I've been back from my trip to Bangkok...my third trip this year. I'm back working and juggling various projects once again. I have to say things are going well for me this year and I really can't complain. I'm making more money than ever but finding myself wanting more. Would I ever be satisfied with the amount I'm earning? Well, it's good to reach for the stars right? Nothing wrong with that I suppose. I do have to find a good balance though.

It's getting warmer as the days go by and we are supposed to be into the rainy season starting today, my least favorite season of the year here in Japan. I have to go and buy some rain-proof shoes tomorrow. I always say I will and end up not buying any. I find myself settling with sandals or flip flops and avoiding going anywhere fancy during this time.

I'm on a low-carb diet again since I've gained about 2 kilos during my trip. Is there a way to keep my weight down during a holiday? It's pretty difficult sticking to a low-carb way of life especially in an Asian country when every meal is accompanied by rice or noodles. Oh, and mangos...I always overeat them! Binge on them actually!

Okay, have to work. So many things to do today.

DAY 4 Bangkok

Today my boyfriend is arriving in Bangkok. Also I have a hangover so I'm taking it easy this morning. I have some mangoes in my room again and leave for the mall for some food. Today I choose the Emporium and their brand new food court. Again, it's not that cheap but it's comfortable and pleasant to be there.

I choose the spanakopita from the Greek food restaurant for appetizers which were actually pretty good. Only thing is I wish they warmed them up. Taste good but cold.

The Chinese noodles were just okay and I only ate half again. I wasn't that hungry anyway and my hangover was refusing to budge. After eating, I rushed back to my hotel to get ready to welcome my boyfriend's arrival. He arrived sometime around 4pm. We didn't do much as he just got in. We went to Carrefour and Tesco. In the evening we had dinner with my friend Bas and Kenji from Japan at Greyhound Cafe at the Emporium. It was my first time there and although the menu was heavy on carbs, there was one dish I particularly enjoyed, which was a typical appetizer eaten on hot days.

Day 2 & Day 3 Bangkok

Day 2

Got up early this morning and decided to try the breakfast so I quickly washed my face and went down to the dining room to see what they had. The variety was small but adequate. Breakfast selections consisted of ham(weird tasting), sausage(tasted like fish), fried eggs, fried rice and noodles, soup, pancakes, toast and fruits. The pineapples were sweet and refreshing. Coffee was okay but I never did like Thai coffee too much. I really didn't have much this morning. Everything sort of tasted strange to me except for the fruits preserves, eggs and fruits. After breakfast, went to pick up some tickets for the drag show for next week. Afterwards, went to Siam Paragon to get some lunch. While eating my Pad Thai, I was struck with utter loneliness eating by myself so decided to call my friend in Japan. I swear my phone bill is going to be outrageous. I felt better after hearing a familiar voice and after hanging up, went to use the internet since there was a net cafe right upstairs of the food court.

The rest of my day consisted of buying a book at Kinokuniya Bookstore, watched a Spanish movie, bought some mangoes at the supermarket and noodles at Carrefour for dinner.

By the way, I had no idea the movie was Spanish and as soon as the movie started, I panicked. However there were Thai and English subtitles and it really was a great movie. The movie was Pan's Labyrinth and although gruesome, it was entertaining.

Most importantly, there was this amazingly handsome guy modeling at Central World department store. I stayed and watched for about 5 minutes before forcing myself away because if I stayed any longer, I would've started to get horny and would have to go to Babylon or somewhere to release my horniness.

DAY 3

Decided to skip breakfast today and just had some leftover mango pieces. Had lunch at Emporium today. There are two food courts here, an expensive one and a cheap one. I chose the expensive one because I wanted to relax and there's always less people there compared to the cheaper food court. It took me a while to decide what to eat and finally decided on Vietnamese noodles. I only ate half though because I didn't really care for them.

For dessert, I had this white chocolate cake. Again it was just ok and a bit too heavy for me. My friend Kenji called today and so we're meeting later on. I know he'll want to have coffee and cake so I decide to eat only half.

Kenji and I go window shopping today. After two hours of walking around, it's time for coffee and cake. We decide on Secret Recipe which is supposed to be a famous cake shop in Malaysia. We had the caramel cheesecake and kiwi cake. They were both good and surprisingly I loved the kiwi cake! I have to come back here and try the others as there were a few more I wanted to try.

Kenji and the kiwi cake!

After a 30 minute rest back at the hotel, Kenji and I meet for dinner at Telephone Bar. Then it's straight to DJ Station for a night of reckless abandon. It's funny how many people I met tonight. I lost Kenji halfway and he told me later on that he went home because he was sleepy. I thought he took someone home but he said that he didn't because his dick was sore and at the moment, under construction. This guy gave me a ride back to my hotel. Isn't he just sweet?

I was totally plastered and can't remember how many drinks I had. Oh well, had a blast!

Bangkok arrival

My cab driver was funky hat. Doesn't speak a word of English but somehow we managed to communicate via gestures and making strange faces.

My hotel room at The Bedrooms. Nicer than I expected. Very reasonable price.

The elevator hall with comfortable seat but no air conditioner so too hot to sit.
It must be just for decoration.

The trains in Thailand. Took a snapshot to show my boyfriend later.

Okay Chinatown, here I come. I'm ready to explore your nooks and crannies in this hot and humid weather. With all this crazy traffic, Bangkok really needs some crosswalks.

Delicious spring rolls for lunch.

Green curry fried rice which was just amazing! Didn't know rice could taste so divine!

The Banatoffee cake. It was a little too rich for me. The top is butter cream and that's just way too much butter.

I had enough of the Banatoffee at this point. Why can't they use fresh whipped cream instead?

Bug and Bee, which is always open...like 24 hours a day!

My flight to Taipei

This was my second trip to Bangkok this year. In fact, I'm going again next week. No, I'm not crazy...just crazy about Bangkok and mangoes! Due to it being Golden Week in Japan, it was tough to get tickets. So for the first time in my life, I took a China Airlines flight to Bangkok. This time my boyfriend and I splurged and went business class. The tickets were actually a bargain. The flight left very early in the morning so I had to get up at 5am so that I could take the 6am limousine bus to Narita. I arrived quite early as there was very little traffic to the airport so I got to use the small lounge they had. It was clean and comfortable with some breakfast items. However it just seemed really dead and quiet. In fact it was so quiet the person at the other end of the room could probably hear you fart! Not that I farted or anything, but it really was that quiet.

The flight was via Taipei. The first sector, I was seated in an old aircraft with old-style business class seats. They were comfortable though and my flight was not full. The flight attendants were very nice and couteous and the service was good. After getting a glass of water, we took off.

We had salmon, shrimp and squid for appetizers. They tasted extremely fresh and even the squid was tender. This appetizer was the perfect way to start a meal and boy was I hungry.

I chose the seafood dish for my main course. I swear, this was one of the most delicious entrees I've had on an airplane. Yummy!

For dessert, I chose the sherbet and fresh fruits. I actually wanted to try the cake, but we will be served lunch again on the next sector. Although I wanted to eat the entire thing, I only had a couple of bites and asked the flight attendant to take my tray away. I'm not sure if I'd be able to eat my next meal!

Flight to Bangkok, Thailand

My boyfriend and I debated on whether we should go to Hokkaido or to Bangkok for his birthday and decided on Bangkok because it was mango season and due to the fact that its not that expensive. My present to him would be his hotel accomodations at deluxe hotels and meals during the trip. Its probably the most expensive present Ive ever bought for anoyone in my entire life but hey, I can afford it and I love him and he certainly deserves it.

Today I fly to Bangkok on China Airlines business class and Im looking forward to the flight.
I get up real early for the flight as I have to be at the airport at 7:30am so I leave home at 5:30am to take the train to Shinjuku for my limousing bus at 6:15. I felt so sleep and barely alive as I started nearing the bus station, a good friend of mine was waiting there for me. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised and shocked at the same time. He said that he got up really early and hardly slept because he wanted to see me off. That was so nice of him and I think I fell in love with him that instant.

My bus ride was uneventful. I got to the airport and checked in. Got some last minute stuff at the airport and went to rest in the lounge. It was a very nice and quaint lounge and I had a piece of bread with coffee. I really wish they had some decaf at Japanese airports.

Boarded my flight to find the business class cabin seats really wide and nice looking, but seat pitch very small. However no one was sitting next to me so it was comfortable. Welcome drinks were served(just had water), and then meal service began. The meal was actually quite nice and the main entree was surprisingly high quality and tasty. I had the seafood with XO sauce and the sherbet for dessert, which was a refreshing end to a tasty meal.

Transit in Taipei. One of the ugliest transit areas ever. Absolutely no atmosphere and felt like I was detained in a sort of eerie dungeon.

Boarded our new plane which was really nice. New seats. An overweight woman sat next to me, but was a pleasant person. The meal was again, fabulous especially the salad appetizer. I loved it. Arrived in Bangkok on time and after a quick immigration check, took a taxi to my hotel. I swear my driver did not speak a word of English and we had a really difficult time finding our hotel. Ended up having to call the hotel for directions.

Finally got to the hotel, gave the driver a big tip, and checked in. Lobby was nice and fresh, the room was quite clean and modern in design, but on the small side. But it was more than I expected and I love it here. Carrefour is next door and open until 24:00. A 7 minute walk to the closest BTS station, but I love the local flavor around here and the food stalls that line the sidewalks are a profusion of colors and smells thats exciting and interesting. This is actually what I was hoping to experience on this trip. To experience some local flavor and to feel what its like to not be in the center of things as if I live here. I do not regret this experience.

Took a shower and went to the Emporium to buy some necessities and food. Had a light dinner in my room and went to bed.

A kernel of popcorn

The other night I went to see a movie at the theater. Before heading in to get a seat, I had to go to the restroom. As I was peeing, I noticed a kernel of popcorn in front of me just laying there on top of the urinal. Funny thing is that it was the most perfect specimen of popcorn I've seen in ages. Perhaps it's because of the fact that I'm forever on a diet and I don't eat much popcorn even though I love it. That kernel of corn was the perfect size and looked absolutely delicious I might've eaten it if there was no one else around...but maybe not.

Well, as I kept staring at that delicious looking morsel, memories of my past rushed through my head like a hurricane. I remembered the time when my friends and I used to get a huge bucket of popcorn and watch a double feature because we really had nothing better to do. Or the time when I was once happy with my ex and he used to take me to the movies all the time. He never forgot to buy a huge bucket for the both of us even though we never managed to finish it. And there was a time where I used to take my mother to the movies with me. She would tease me for liking popcorn so much but then she would end up eating most of it. Oh, and the movies with my two nephews, me sitting in between them with our bucket of popcorn as Andrew, the older one, would continue to tell me what the movie is all about because he's seen it like a hundred times.

Who would have thought that a single kernel of popcorn would bring back so many memories of my past.