.

Here’s another Morning Musume favorite (they’re my flavor of the month):

If there’s one word I always associate with Japan, it is cherry blossom or sakura. The cherry blossom is Japan’s national flower. The cherry blossom, considered by the Japanese as the flower of all flowers, is a felicitous symbol. However, cherry blossoms have also been connoted with the glory of fighting to death (falling softly on the battlefield) or the transience of life and beauty (petals are easily swept by a strong wind).

花より団子 (Hana yori dango) – “Dumplings over flowers”; it refers to the preference for tangible goods or practical concerns over elegance and beauty.

花に嵐 (Hana ni arashi) – “Flowers before the storm”; bad luck follows good fortune.

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It’s amusing how conversations can easily flow from “G-shots” (an elective surgical procedure wherein the sensitivity of the G-spot is enhanced) to Marxism, national poverty, then to “sustainable erections.”

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Friendship gets in the way of fulfilling personal promises.

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Behavior does not always dictate identity. Respect of self-identity involves not making quick assumptions, especially regarding a person’s sexuality.

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The reviews look pathetic to me. Well… it can’t be helped. I must abide by the rules. And besides, the rules are practical.

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I hope I get a decent grade in my NS 50 exam. The exam was not easy, but not too difficult either. My NS 50 professor is the type that enjoys giving “realistic” grades. 

I did well in my NS 5 exam relative to my classmates but it was way below my target score. And that’s NOT comforting.

I have become very GC these days. At least I’m just competing with myself.