Review: Valkyrie

Valkyrie by Kate O'Hearn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Meh. It was Okay is a good reflection on this one. The characters seemingly felt flat. I had moments of liking some of the main characters, but that didn't seem to last long. The story did not feel like a real world. It was superficial, and sometimes that can be fun. There were moments of fun, but not enough to just make it a fun read. The ending had the only moment I was intrigued by, ALMOST enough of an intrigue to warrant a look at the sequel. I bought this one in a bargain section of a Booksamillion, I am glad a did. I would be curious about it if I didn't read it. I am also glad I didn't spend a lot of money on it. If I found the sequel in a similar situation I dont think I would buy it, but I might flip through at the store to see where it went. If I never find it, no loss.

It has some nuggets of fun. I didn't stop mid-way. I just don't think I would recommend it to someone else. .

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Kitchen Confidential Review

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It really is a window into the world of the Kitchen. It states it reflects only a specific period in time, but the VERY LITTLE experience I have in a kitchen seems to be pretty spot on. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions. I had to read sections to those around me to explain my giggling.

After watching so many hours of Anthony Bourdain on TV I swear I could hear his voice in my head. With that in mind it is also a great look inside Anthony's inner world.

I was particularly excited by the chapter in Japan! The mentions of customs; the exploration of Tokyo; and the descriptions of the food wet my appetite for my trip!


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I picked up this book at Bookateria Two in Ocean City, NJ.  I love picking up books at a used book store, and that is the one that knows my family for years. I am sure after my mom is done reading the book, it will make its way back to the store.

Therapy Homework

I have to come up with at least two (2) mantras!

My personal brand of depression/anxiety has been called the common cold of mental illness by one of my therapists.

So I am thinking my dread and trigger of feeling judged by other people is pretty universal as well.  I mean my logic knows people are most of time just as in their own head as I am in mine.  That knowledge doesn't seem to help in the moment.

My therapist wants me to come up with a mantra to say while I am feeling less than; while I am feeling unworthy of being in public; or while I am feeling too weird.  The initial homework was for just one mantra.

 Then I explained well a little quirk of mine: my most frequent way I talk badly about myself is in French.

My therapist seemed  surprised and asked me if French was a language I spoke at home. It is not. I normally degrade myself in french because I don't want anyone else to know what I am saying.

Which is a bit silly if I think about it.  And reinforces my desire to control how others see me, and also tries to make sure I am not imposing on others.

So my homework changed to finding a mantra in English & French.

I am still looking for what they will be.  Do you have one to share?

Also, I wonder if I am the only one who uses another language like that.

Japan Trip as a Reward

So this big trip I am planning to go on is supposed to be a reward for getting my life and self back together.

So what does that mean? Well I guess I will post the big illuminating letter I wrote to myself/family in a little bit when I feel brave enough.

The line I have been rehearsing is: "I was in the worst shape I have been in physically, mentally, emotionally and I needed time to get better."

All true. But I feel like it was and is so much more.

So now my goals include healthy body; control (or at least acceptance and learn to live with) my depression/anxiety/panic attacks; and figure out my next steps in life.

They are all sound so nebulous. I mean healthy body, I have figured, I can quantify with weight loss, so that is the one I tend to talk about with people. I worry my friends think my goals are just that, and all superficial.

I mean I do want to have some superficial changes. I would love to like the way I look! I would also like to like my aesthetic, and craft a look.

But my goals to me are more deep and hopefully positive and lasting. I am hoping that by completing these goals I will gain tools that will help me not crumble so completely ever again.

Endless Pinterest

I have a tendency to spend a lot of time on Pinterest, it such an easy scrolling time sucker. It does give me ideas that I sometimes act on.

Well I have started a Japan Board, and I want to use it!

I think some posts I might print out to study everyday, or use as motivation.  I think some link/posts I will post here and explore.

I might explore some of my other boards here too.

Start of Spotify Playlist!

Say Sayonara by JOANovARC

I am on full Japan prep mode the day after I got back from my southern trip. Which means I am back to trying to eat healthy and track food via weight watchers; I am back to visiting planet fitness; and I have Japan on my mind all the time!

While on the ellipitcal, I was greeted with this song from a playlist generated by Spotify! It was wedged between two generic pop songs. It inspired me to start my own Japan Playlist on Spotify.

Fun fact though this video of Rockband is the only way that I found the lyrics. Once I get a few more songs on this playlist, I will share it.

Aggretsuko: Season 2

I watched Season 1 of Aggretsuko a while ago. I liked it a lot, but I haven't revisited it for a second showing. So I was slightly worried jumping into season 2 I might not remember the characters and/or plot points from season one.  My big takeaway from Season one was I relate to the inner rage coming out in song form. I have a few playlists call "Fuel the Rage" and "Belt it out."  I also remember thinking I should invest in my own mic. 

Season 2 did a great job of being right back in the swing. 

I related to Retsuko a lot in this season, even though I am currently not working. I did some quick research nothing in depth, and learned a lot. 

Japan Times Article:Sanrio characters in 'Aggretsuko' reflect the realities of life at work — rage included

This article was a cool insight into how the show can be viewed as a modern commentary. It also gave me a little more context into the working culture. 

It also mentioned Office Lady. Which should not have been a surprising archetype character, but one I had never seen before consciously. 

I have learned about Office Man in Kawaii culture from Bijutsu-Kan Gallery in Epcot. The have a great few shelves with various Office Man products and characters. They mention it being a archetype for the common working man of the cities. There is even a mannequin! I only remember the display mentioning Office Man as a character itself, but it makes sense there is a female equivalent. 

While some of the expectations of the Office Lady are different say then the positions I have had in offices it still felt very universal.