Manga in My Life: Half of My Heart Has Been Returned to Me...

There is one sentence that I would like to utter in the beginning of this special post.

I REGRETTED THE DAY I LEAVE MANGA/ANIME WORLD!!!

Yup, I said it. It was a decision that I made the day I entered Matriculation and which, I regretted so dam* much!

For starter, I been a fan of manga since I was able to read. Approximately, right after I turned five. I used to read cartoons and stuff similar to that and even though my vocabulary wasn't that good, I manage to find it as entertaining (possibly due to my loner nature). My dad never scolded me for reading it but he expressed his concern and brought me story books instead. That is even better because I love reading, and anything would do.

When I was in primary school, I was introduced with Manga by my younger brother. I am sure most of people know what a Manga is so don't bother to ask me. It was 'Naruto'. The kid who have 9 tails fox entitled to him and his incredible journey in order to become a Hokage. I didn't really get the story-line at first but the moment when I begin to understand - I just can't put it down. I always asked my brother what is it mean with this, and what's up with that situation, just to clarify some things and made me understand the story-line that almost no time: I think I could explain it better than him. It felt good whenever I read the manga but kinda su*k that I can't share is with anyone as no girls in my class shares the same interest as I do.

As I entered high school, I was keen of reading Detective Conan, a manga that I accidentally pick up from newspaper stand. Live had never been quite the same for me after that. I fall in love with this world, a world where a brilliant, smart fourteen year old high school detective; Shinichi Kudo gets transformed into a little kid after swallowing a pill that should have been deadly to him. I found it difficult to get out after reading the first volume. You can call me getting 'trapped' but whatever: but it never felt that way for me. All I know was Conan/Shinichi is awesome, and his creator Gosho Aoyama are even brilliant as he's able to come out with such interesting story in solving murder and crimes.

 Then come along Anime such as 'Fruit Basket', 'Haruhi Suzumiya', 'Inuyasha' and many others until finally, when 'Bleach'  first aired on TV3 (Media Prima, Malaysia) around 2007. I just melted. And almost die from falling in love with all of the characters.

When I turned sixteen, my addiction to anime begin. I spend hundreds ringgit just to have the latest copy of 'Bleach', or 'Naruto' or whatever anime that was currently out in the store at that time. I love the way each of the character sounds and dance to every intro's and ending songs (all in Japanese of course, except for the subtitles which are in English). Those were the good times. I know that I had spend much than I could afford but it's my passion back then so, money doesn't really matters to me.

The BlackHole in my life is when I decided to throw away this passion after been accepted to Matriculation. I told to myself that somehow, I have to put this hobby to quit. I need to focus and give more of my concentration on something that really matters: such as STUDY! That was I thought. For a year, I live in a world without total access to manga or anime. I was miserable and beyond repair. I felt like my life are lack of something, and I sure dam* know why. Yet, I was too stubborn to admit and started filling in the gap I felt by reading romance novels. Yup, that was fun too. But deep down in my heart I already know, nothing ever feel the same. Unlike reading a manga.

When I got back after a year, I found that manga and anime wasn't interesting any more. I didn't care when I heard people talking about it and think it as a waste of time. I also make fun to people who still loves manga and cling it to their dear heart. I think that they were trapped, just like I was - in a stupid world created by those mangaka's, when there is a fact that so much things could be done out here: in the real world. I almost forget what it once used to mean to me. I lost my passion and my former self, without fully realizing it.

So where am I heading by telling you all this story of me and reading manga? Well, not exactly anywhere except that now I had found back my root of happiness and I surely won't let it go again. MANGA and ANIME. My pure joy of happiness and one of many reasons that make me the person I am today. I had start picking up 'Naruto' and 'Bleach' manga again and let me tell you; it feels like I am back to the good old times. It has been a while since I been feeling this good.

My heart had finally come HOME.

So, that is it everyone... I am back, with manga and anime by my side and there ain't nobody, not even my upcoming examination could have stop me from reading them. The were my friend, my best old friend and I am going to cherish and treasure them for the rest of my life. I gets easier these days -thanks to the availability of the internet, I could get an easy and early access for manga and anime through on-line.

Someday, I am going to tell my kids about this. They will understand once they read a manga themselves.

Hey, my name is Mimi Said, and I am a Manga OTAKU! ....

True story. Hehe.

10 : My Perfect Ways of Wasting Time

By now, I felt like I had left this blog untouched for months. Although, it's only just a few weeks. :0

The truth is, every time I had the time and my hand wanted to write; my head keep on filling blanks. All the ideas that I had earlier had suddenly disappeared and my mood was gone. That's why, I haven't wrote a single thing since last April. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize for that.

So now that I begin to feel the mood, I best keep my fingers moving. Are you ready for this next topic from me? In this post, I'll be making a list of something I love to call:

Hajimaru-yo! (Let's Begin)

1.) Watching Movies/Dramas/Sitcom/Short Video

Why?
Movies: so many genres out there, you just need to pick. Oh, and they also come from different countries as well. Don't worry, there's no such thing as language barrier: That's why we had English at the first place!

Drama: English Drama/K-Drama/J-Drama/P-Drama/Lakorn/Telenovela are among to be considered.

Sitcom: Once in a while, a good laugh is what we need to release the tension out of our shoulders.

Short Video: You never know what you might get watching these. If you lucky you might get what you needed.I know because I found my favorite horror videos from here. Short Video ranges from entertainment, education, documentary, music, etc. Highly recommended if you went to Youtube: NigaHiga, KevJumba, JackGaps, & Casper Lee. Most of video by these guys are entertaining. Well, sort of.

2.) Singing/Karaoke

Who says that if your voice is not perfect - you can't sing at all?? Who made the rules. NO ONE!. The only person who is stopping you is yourself and probably some complaint by the neighbor. But who cares, sometimes you just need to let it out of you chest - let your voice been heard. That's the way of living and spending you time.

3.) Type or Write Something/Starting on Novel

As far as I realize, there ain't a day where I spend not writing. I make it a habit to write about anything, just to keep my brain and hands moving. It's pretty easy actually, especially  since I had a profound interest in literature even when I was young. But skip all that, writing can come in any forms; writing a note, writing a check, writing your Facebook e-mail and password. As long as you're writing, you're doing just FINE!

4.) Find ways in saving your penny (Money)

Recycle, Sell, Borrow... Whatever you could think off as long as it can help you save a few penny. For example, why do your laundry everyday, when you can just pile them up and wash it all once in a week? In my college, I do my laundry for RM2.00 ( approx. $0.67 USD). I think it's a great way to save my money (i- I can't stand washing my clothes by my own hand), and help me great deal in saving up my time. So, double WIN there. Another great way to save you money is a trick that been thought by old book, or maybe told by your mom is by buying during discount. Since I am a student, and don't have that much money, here's how I do it;

i.) Buying Clothes: If you're from Malaysia, I am pretty sure you are familiar with Year End Sale (YES) slogan. Yup, they held it every year, almost everywhere to start clearing out the stock. They put those crazy discount that you might cry your eye ball out and drive you crazy to shop. My advice is, if you need to buy something, let's make sure that you have a real need for it.Oh, and if you want a discount, try looking from 50% and above. They are more worth it.

ii.) Buying Books: Look out for Book Fair/Book Fiesta/Whatever event that had the word 'Book' ring to it coming to your town. This is where you can save up most of your money. Books were sold at the cheap price and sometimes, hard to believe. The point is, be alert!

iii.) Buying groceries: Just like clothes, there also a time where you could buy your groceries at a cheap price. The key word is, CELEBRATION. This is when those shopping mall will start to reduce the normal price of goods to fits with the people budget and mood for celebration. Just be careful though, you might need some grocery list if you don't want to over-shopped.

iv.) Buying stationary supplies: POPULAR BOOKSTORE. They have everything here. Plus, you can even have 10% discount for each stationary (also depends, sometimes if you're lucky they can range from 15-25%) that you bought. The card is also handy if you want to buy anything else as it provided discount - except for foods. But if you wanted to find some printer ink, or new mouse - I suggested that you start looking in somewhere else (POPULAR BOOKSTORE also have all of these but the price is painfully ridiculous). Start finding a computer shop or even better, PC fair. PC fair have great offer of discount.

5.) Reading

The more you read, the more knowledge you gain - although I'm not sure this is spoken by whom, but anyone can think and agree to it, right? Reading is the best way to keep you entertained and at the same time provided you with unknown knowledge. I enjoyed reading English novels; from horror, romance to comedy. Just recently, I found love in reading Asian literature; Japanese, Chinese and Korean were my favorite. I feel lucky when I found these novels already translated in English. The mood set by an Asian author is different from author from European countries even though both have the same theme (e.g Romance). Perhaps this is due to cultural differences and environment they live in. Even I am an Asian myself (Southeast Asian), there still a huge differences between the literature in my country and other Asian country.

6.) Learning other languages

Since I was a child, Japanese languages had always been a third language for me; the first would be Malay and English. Mainly due to the fact that I love Manga and Anime and whenever I read/watch them, it's hard not to be influenced by the language since it origins from there. But I never done any serious learning (I am just that lazy) but I do learn to sing Japanese song (most of them were Anime OST), with the help of romaji lyrics and a few daily conversation that I learn from my book and internet. Besides learning Japanese, I found Spanish, Russian and Thai as an interesting languages to be learn.

7.) Doing Crossword

Crossword may look like child play but never underestimated it's power. Have you ever realize that for every crossword you had finish, they had a certain theme that you might/not aware of? For example, you may know two or three words related to 'Insect and Bugs', but there still a few that you might miss on. There's a vast definition for a word; don't be too ignorant to start looking it up!

8.) Find a Time for Tea Time!

There's nothing I like best than cuddling with my book while drinking a cup of tea. Yeah, I am a tea lover as long as I remember.I won't let any passing hour without start making myself a cup of tea. My mother taught me that tea is always a better option than a coffee ( no offense for people who loves them). I didn't know it back then, but now I start to look up, I realize why. Tea is rich in antioxidant and some research even say that its great to prevent cancer. Anyway, even though without it's benefit, I can drink tea any other day!

9.) Learn History of the World

I don't really like history when in school, but I did get an A- for it. Haha. Still, it always light me up whenever I heard a history about ancient Egypt  or Japanese culture. I don't know if it is an Asian thing, but I had a weak ankle for East Asian countries history such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese. I also found that my neighboring countries such as Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia had a great history to learn. But I never forget that America, Russia, UK, Spain, Italy, France and many other countries had it own history to tell and I am just waiting for a right moment to discover and learn them all. I know that we were never alone in this world, and by history can justify it!

10.) Eating Makes You Happy

This last perfect ways to waste your time is Eating. Sure, it's something that is done by everyone and animal everyday; but have often we truly enjoys it? Find a way to find happiness in every bite you eat - then the rest will come for you.

That's it everyone, my 10 perfect ways in Wasting Time. Hope you found some benefits in it. Chiao!