My Tackey, My Sadame...

Saturday, May 10, 2008,

**updates on 'other stuff' w/my life...**

Happy Mother's Day tomorrow!

Hey, y'all...How r you guys doing this morning (or evening)? lol Well, I'm at a small college using the comps, as I promised a couple of my fangals I'd be on gmail to chat with them. ^_^ And, since it's Mother's Day tomorrow for me, my hubby decided to take me to a video game store for me to buy the Nintendo DS for me as my gift. ^_^ So cute! He knew I wanted one but, of coz...not as badly as I want the Wii. But, since he can't afford the Wii right now, maybe it'll be for my Xmas gift this year...who knows. hehe I'll have to remind him about it. lol

Anyway, I'd better go now before the college will close on me. It's now 12:40pm. I'll tell all about what movie I saw on Monday's entry. Sorry I'm unable to blog on here tom.

I just want to say "Happy Mother's Day!" to all the mothers out there in the fandom...and ESPECIALLY to Takki and Tsu's mothers. Gosh, if it weren't for your beautiful sons, I'd probably would've never known who they were. Arigatou gozaimashita (so much) for bringing into the world such beautiful, bright, intelligent, hard-working, loving, down-to-earth, handsome, and cute sons for us all to love. ^_^ *cries happy tears* I can't thank you enough. *bows*

*REIKO*

11:43 AM

Friday, May 9, 2008,

**T&T new cd singles: KOI UTA covers!**

Found out on Stephichan & Dorothy's blogs this morning

(http://stephichan01.blogspot.com)(http://blog.takitsuba.info)

that J-net and Avex updated w/the cd covers! *kyaaaaaaaa*

http://www.avexnet.or.jp/tackeytsubasa/index.html

Here's basically what they said:

Tackey & Tsubasa’s New Single will be the a double-A-side with the ending song of NTV Tuesday drama “Osen”, the first T&T love ballad “恋詩-KOIUTA-”(kanji for Love-Poem) and Waseda Academy’s CM song “Progress”. The single will be released in three forms: With “Love” as the concept - the 恋盤(Koiban), With “Poem” as the concept, the 詩盤 (Utaban), and the regular edition with the bonus track.

=======

恋盤（KoiBan）〈Limited Edition〉　【CD+DVD】 [CDJapanAmazonHMVShinseido]

2008/6/4 AVCD-31460/B　¥1,680 (tax incl.)

Concept disc with “Love” as the keyword.

It comes with KoiUta KoiBan MUSIC CLIP DVD.

Special:

KOIUTA Original 恋文 (Lyrics card)

CD Track List:

1. KOIUTA - Tackey & Tsubasa
2. PROGRESS - Tackey & Tsubasa

DVD Content: KoiUta KoiBan MUSIC CLIP (Drama Style)
=======
詩盤（UtaBan）〈限定生産盤〉　【CD+DVD】 [CDJapanAmazonHMVShinseido]
2008/6/4 AVCD-31461/B　¥1,680 (tax incl.)

Concept disc with “Poem” as the keyword.
It comes with KoiUta UtaBan MUSIC CLIP DVD.

Special:

KOIUTA Original Music Score

CD Track List:

1. KOIUTA - Tackey & Tsubasa
2. PROGRESS - Tackey & Tsubasa

DVD Content: KoiUta UtaBan MUSIC CLIP (Acoustic Version)
=======
Regular Edition　【CD】 [CDJapanAmazonHMVShinseido]
2008/6/4 AVCD-31462　¥1,260 (tax incl.)

The bonus tracks are the CM song for the Bandai Namco Game 'Family' Series, “Glory Day”, and “Yakusoku -Last" which had been revealed at T&T's Best Tour.

Special:

1. Bonus Track:「GLORY DAYS」
2. Bonus Track:「約束-Last-」
3. Karaoke version of KoiUta and PROGRESS

CD Track List:

1. KOIUTA - Tackey & Tsubasa
2. PROGRESS - Tackey & Tsubasa
3. Yakusoku-Last- - Tackey & Tsubasa
4. GLORY DAYS / タッキー&翼
5. KOIUTA-karaoke-
6. PROGRESS-karaoke-
=======
Oh god, I can't wait to hear them now! *squeeee* I love jkt B's cover to tell you the truth, as I love how Takki looks on this one. ^_^ jkt C is 'pink' in color...cute. (my fav. color) And jkt A is okaaay, I guess. lol (jus my opinion)

**SPEED RACER OR IRONMAN?**

Well, today my hubby is off from work so we're thinking of seeing another movie again. Don't know whether to see the new 'Speed Racer' movie or 'Ironman'. Speed Racer starts today in the U.S. *can't wait!* I'll let you all know 'what' movie I've seen tom. (if I can get to a comp)

Heard good reviews about these 2 so...I'm tied between the two. But, if you ask my opinion as to 'which' movie I'd like to see more, it's 'Speed Racer' just because it was originally a Japanese animated cartoon when I was growing up, now turned into a movie (not animated). Pretty cool...and looks like there'll be LOTS of action in it (well, Ironman too...hehe). Check out the official sites for both movies:

http://www.speedracerthemovie.com

http://www.ironmanmovie.marvel.com

Now to grab some delicious movie theatre butter popcorn, a hotdog, and a Recee's chocolate...and I'm good to "GO Speed Racer!" lolol :P

*REIKO*

9:06 AM

Thursday, May 8, 2008,

**Link to new mag scans...and Mich's banner**

Before I start, let me share Mich's cute/kakkoii-looking banner from her site. *thank you, Mich, for letting me do so* Oh gosh, these bit of pics on her banner are so SWEET. (pics taken from new WU 0806 mag) Oh my lord, how can anyone get even more good-looking as they get older. *dies* Even no matter how 'young' he is (compared to ME), he still is simply GORGEOUS. I loved Mich's banner so much I just had to share hers on here. lol

You can also grab the latest scans of WU, Duet and Potato (0806) off of Dorothy's site: (thanks again, Mich, for the link to her blog) But, I'd ask permission first from Dorothy if you're gonna use her scans elsewhere.

http://blog.takitsuba.info/

Omg, I'm TOTALLY gonna buy ALL 3 mags this Fri. or Sat. from Sanseido bookstore. This time around, all mags were just cute/kakkoii/gorgeous. (and partially colorful too I might add...*laughs*) Yeah, it's the Potato one that's quite 'colorful'. Takki's shoot, one page was super gorgeous (a sidepose portrait again of him) and he's wearing a bright pink shirt with jeans. But, other than that, Duet and WU are 'WOW'. @_@ All shot on-location outside. Pretty cool~ And Tsu's was nice too. His hair grew out a bit more (like it like that now) and he finally shaved...*yaaaay* lolol No hige showing.

**REIKO'S LONG-AWAITED ENTRY ON DORAMA DVD BOX SETS**

(just put off writing about it lol)

Hey everyone... Thought I’d do a long-time posting on my dvd box sets I received back in April but never had the chance to write about it. Been so busy w/my ‘real’ life that I hardly have much time for this blog. I always feel like I’m lacking time whenever it has to deal with Takki or T&T. *sigh* I’m so bad a fangirl. *whacks self*

Ok...I don't have much pics but, only took of the shippment with my digital camera. Hope you don't mind. Also hope you don't get bored reading. Here's my story:

Well, I remembered the day I was anticipating, waiting (which seemed like ‘ancient’…lol) for days…months...for my Takki dvd box sets to arrive via HMV…and my last order with the Premium Live Jkt B dvd.

First of all. Let me make it clear that I’ve learned not to go with HMV anymore. Yep, you heard right. I’ve decided to no longer go with them, no matter how ‘cheap’, reasonably priced, whatever the items-situation may be. From now on, I’m going with cdjapan ALL THE WAY. See, I thought I’d try them out again since I went with HMV before, although I forgot ‘what’ I’ve bought in the first place, the first time. lolol :P God, that’s pretty bad considering I always remember ‘what’ and from ‘where’ I’ve bought things, esp. when it deals with T&T and Takki stuff. (HMV must be that bad; and yes, you’re right…lol) Anyway, saw a notice from Mr. Postman on my door that he arrived but no one was home, obviously. So, had to go back down to the post office and pick up my box.
Turns out, it was a small-to-medium sized one. I thought, “Oh. I guess there’s no poster with the Jkt B from HMV.” It’s ok. In my mind, I figured since I already had the poster (and nicely/tightly rolled, I might add) from cdjapan, I didn’t care whether this one (if there was one) would’ve been folded or not. Turns out that it was folded…IN HALF. (hides in Takki’s arms) Gosh…I hate to think of any Takki or T&T poster folded…but that’s the way HMV packs or ships their goods. (shakes head) But like I said. I didn’t care anyway because I already had the same poster from cdjapan and it wasn’t folded. It was really, nicely done (rolled tightly).

Lesson learned: I’m not going with HMV anymore

I learned my lesson well and should’ve heeded Glenda’s advice when I read a posting she commented once on the forum about them. Good thing my box sets weren’t bent or anything. I mean, I used to hear all kinds of stories with fangirls in the past about HMV and how bad they were with their shipping process and everything, but I never thought they were this bad until my recent shipment in April. I mean, the box was in tact. It’s just, I didn’t like the way the poster came, that’s all. Well, for me, no HMV. I’m back with cdjapan again. Yes, they were ‘cheap’ or reasonably priced as I had a 25% discount with my order, along with adding points to the total price too. Still. Sometimes, there’s the old saying: “Cheap is cheap”, and that’s what you get.

When I first braved trying buying online after the ‘Venus’ cds, I went with cdjapan. As time went by, I thought they were kinda ‘pricey’ with their items, esp. since HMV (and other places) were slightly cheaper and more reasonably priced. Not to mention, my husband didn’t like the idea cdjapan charged twice with the shipping process due to the fluctuation of currency. I first get charged the day the item has been released. Then, two weeks later (or a month later) I’d get charged again. little more for the best quality when it comes to handling your goods when they’re shipped to you. I dunno…some people may differ, but to me, I’d much rather go with cdjapan. It’s the best way; honest.

(Reiko's dvd box sets; front of dvds)

(back sides to dvds)

Anyway, ever since my shipment, I never braved opening my Yukinojo Henge dvd box set yet. It’s still with the cellophane on it. lol Oh gawd, how bad does that sound. Am I a ‘true’ collector or what? lol :P One of my closest uncles told me that true collectors who collect nostalgic stuff (that’s worth a lot of money) tend to not open their items. They’re left in tact with the wrapping still around it. It is worth more that way. I’m just afraid of opening the darn thing because the box is so nicely made. lolol :P (not because I’m an avid collector who doesn’t open stuff) Am I dumb or what…hahahaha~

(inside dvd case; 1st two dvds)

(inside dvd case; 3rd dvd)

But I have opened my Satomi Hakkenden dvd box set. Took pics of the inside and of the cds but, that’s about it. There’s no booklet or anything. It’s ok as I know it’s only a ‘regular edition’ dvd; not a limited one. I have a hunch the limited version has the colored booklet and I know it also comes with a random, collectable crystal beaded strap.

I’ve seen Dithers’ blog and long ago she once mentioned about getting a Shino strap. Lucky her! Wished I was that lucky in randomly landing things. So far, whatever random collectable cards that came with the X-Dame and Samurai cds, I only ended up with Tsubasa cards. No Takki or unit ones. Oh well. Maybe some day, I’ll be lucky and land myself a Takki card; who knows. =_=

NOTE TO ALL TSUBASA & TAKKI FANS:

Anyone willing to trade me a Takki card for a Tsu card from either the Samurai or X-Dame cds (or both)? They’re FREE from me! I’m serious. I’m willing to trade anyone both my Tsubasa cards for Takki cards, FREE. Just let me know. ^_^ Msg me on the forum or here on my cbox and we’ll talk more. No need payment whatsoever; gosh, it’s only a card. I’m that desperate. lolol j/k j/k But seriously…no payment and no strings attached. Both cards are kept in pristine, mint-condition. Meaning, no bents or anything of the sort.

Anyyyway...lol Back to my story.

I haven't watched the Satoken dvd because I already have the Engl. subbed vers. on VHS tape. My father (back when it aired in Hawaii) taped it for me and send it over to my house. He knew my favorite actor was acting in a samurai-type dorama and asked me if I wanted him to tape it for me. Of coz, I said 'sure!' because after all, I still don't see this dorama done w/Engl. subs anywhere. And. Since this subbing was done professionally through the Hawaii tv station (hired professional Engl.-Japanese translators) the subs were really good. Easy to understand and easy to follow.

Anyway...I still have yet to figure out how to transfer the VHS footage onto a blank dvd-rom disc for myself to keep. Then, I can start posting an entry on the forum for upldg for everyone. I'll either have to a) wait until I go home to Hawaii to use my father's vhs-dvd unit to copy it or b) go to the university library Media Center to use their units. They also have vhs-dvd units hooked up to all MAC comps. I've never tried doing this yet as it'll take me time to figure out 'how' to go about doing the transfer. (new to this) Hope it'll work once I've started. Maybe I'll try going this weekend or something and dedicate several hours at the university playing with it. *crosses fingers it'll work* Wish me luck...lolol

But with my Yukichan dvd, I don't have to watch the box set version because I already bought a copy once from a Japanese dvd rental store where I live.

One day, as my hubby and I were visiting Costa Mesa Mitsuwa market on our LA journey, we always stop by this place before heading home. Anyway...I now make stops by this dvd rental store whenever I see doramas with Takki in them or T&T tv shows or whatever. (now that reminds me I need to grab Takki's bangumi on dvd disc) Now that I know they bring in copies for purchase, omg! *squeeee* And since they're copies taken from the actual showing on tv, it's cheap; a whoping $6 bucks...BIG DEAL. lolol :P But the copies are great; sharp and clear. That's how I was able to grab Takki's last epis of Zubari n'stuff on dvd. (If anyone wants copies, let me know and I'll hjsplit the clips and post the links onto MF) So, yeah...I had the Yukichan dvd too even before the box set was released. Since LA gets live feeds from Japan (i.e. NHK, TBS, etc.), I think that's how this store was able to make copies of Yukinojo Henge before the box set was out for public sale.

And then...my T&T Premium Live Jkt B dvd.

(inside jkt B)

(1st 2 pages of booklet)

(3rd page of booklet)

Still never watched anything from this yet. Only opened it to take pics of the booklet. lolol Nothing much to the jacket inside, really. Inside looks the same as Jkt A dvd. The only difference was the booklet. (and nothing much to this booklet either...junk) Oh well...but I SO need to watch it ne? lolol :P I haven't finished watching 'the Making of' offshot footage from Jkt A dvd yet, let alone even started watching the backstage footage parts to this one. *sigh* =_= So much dvds to watch, so little time. (for me)

Do you know I still haven't watched my One! dvd yet either? *whacks self* I guess I'm not much of a Broadway-show type of person to sit the whole way of one. I'd much rather watch Enbujo if you ask me. (sorry Takki!) *bows* Promise I'll watch it anyway. (just for YOU)

Well, thought I'd just share a little of my story when I received the dvd shippment back in April from HMV.

*REIKO*

1:00 PM

Wednesday, May 7, 2008,

**Doctor & dental visit with my daughter...shopping...

and 'random stuff' w/my life**

Well, on Tues., May 6, I was unable to chat with my two fangirl friends as we're always chatting on a daily basis. (try to w/my schedule-time permits myself and if no appointments) Took her to her doctor's as she needed to get a physical and immunization shots to get ready for Kindergarten this fall (Aug. or Sept.).

My daughter needed to have her immunization shots and a full physical before entering a child into Kindergarten as it's a requirement to enter into elementary school, by law with the State of California. (mandatory)

I thought she'd end up crying or wincing but nope...she was such a brave little soul and weathered the pain very well. She even watched the nurse stick all 3 needles too I might add; something which I could never do as a mother for myself whenever I'd give blood if I'm sick or something. Yes, she's a LOT braver than I am when it comes to shots. lol :P (I tend to 'look away' when a nurse injects my arm w/a needle) I can never watch those things. Maybe that's why I'm not a nurse or doctor...hahahaha~ I can't stand the sight of blood with surgery. (yuck) If it's a cut or needles or something, I'm fine with that. But with surgery of any kind, omg...put me in another room, thank you. -_-

Then, this morning (Wed., May 7), she had her first dental appointment near where we live. Filled out all the paperwork that needed to be done at the office and sat in the waiting room for the nurse assistant to call her name. While waiting, filled out a comment thing for their comment box. That's a good thing they have this, then they can readily assess any positive (or suggestive) feedback on the place. =D I noticed there was a small room in back where young toddlers and older children could play. (there were even 2 video game machines!) Gosh, where was this when I went to the dentist at her age? -_- *no fair!* lolol She's so lucky. Kids are spoiled these days, I swear. (everything and every place is all geared 'kid-friendly')

Finally, the nurse called on her. She and I went into a small room in back. Waited for the doctor to come so I could discuss her record/health info. Nurse took her in back for x-rays while I spoke w/her dentist. After we talked for a bit, he took me in back to see the rest of the place where they all work. Wow! Such a large dental practice, and with a very, large flat-screen TV too on the wall for the children to watch!!!! O.O I was like, "Waiiit a minute. I go to a very expensive, top-notch, 'Best of San Diego for leading cosmetic dentistry' practice for grown-ups and even my place doesn't have a large, flat-screen TV. -_- *NO FAIR* lolol Even though the dentist I go to has tv's in every corner space (with earphones) for patients to watch while getting their teeth done/cleaned, still. There's no large, flat-screen TV. Lucky! ^_^ Well, at least ours has digital cable so I can watch anything, including movies.

As I walked behind to where the patients (children) were getting their teeth done, I saw my daughter getting her x-rays done. She seemed to be sitting very still in the dentist chair, so that's good. =D I tried prepping her for this day all week so she'd know what to expect. She also has a Dora the Explorer book about going to the dentist. I guess all the hw paid off. lolol (so-to-speak)

Nurse came to the waiting room and called on me and I sat in a little room again in back. She told me she did very well and was a 'pro'. They had no problems with her. I was so relieved to hear that, as I was worried wondering whether she'd stay still or not, cry, or what. Thank goodness, I always end up worrying for nothing. (like I said, I'm always a worry-wart of a mother) lolol :P Doc also said I need to book her appointments every 6 mos. for regular check-ups and the like. They'll send me a reminder-notice in the mail for her next appt. No cavities and she has a healthy set of teeth and gums. *yaaaay* ^_^

Well, to sum up everything too, both paperwork for both places had been filled out to give back to the Kindergarten school she'll be attending. Hopefully, this will be enough and she'll be all ready and good to go. I think about the only thing she needs to do again is get her eyes checked 'again' (2nd time; dunno why) from the doctor's office. I hope they don't see that she'll need to have glasses or something. She had to read a poster w/letters and numbers (lge & sml) while covering one eye w/a plastic spoon-like-thing. She read out some numbers/letters for the nurse but, when she got down to the really, small letters/numbers, she couldn't make out what they were. (and even I could see them clearly standing from where she was) I wasn't sure whether if she really didn't see them...or she needs to have glasses or something. (hope not) Oh well...

Then...on Tues., after her shots, I took her to the local, nearby mall for some lunch at the food court. Ordered my daughter some Italian food (spaghetti) as she wanted to eat that. Reminded me of Takki's pasta CM...so cute! She ended up getting all the marinara sauce all over her chin area. Looked like a pasta-gotee. lolol :P I ordered myself some good Chinese food where they cook on a large Wok stove in front of you while you wait for your food. Ate noodles w/tofu & veggies with their special Ghenghis soy sauce...mmmmm! It was delicious!

After we ate lunch, we went into a children's store for some 'ideas' on summer clothes for her. Didn't buy anything yet as I've decided to wait. I wanted to hit the Victoria's Secret store instead.

Omgosh, I first went to VS and bought myself two, cute, cotton summer dresses to lounge around the house in. One of them is cutesy (kinda sexy) and has hearts all over it. The other one is dark pink in color with stars at the very bottom of the hemline and reminds me of something you'd wear when you're pregnant. lol *covers mouth* Sorry...but, it is very roomy, has pockets on both sides, and it's flowing in front. But, both of them are very comfortable to wear though. They're not 'revealing', sexy or anything of the sort. (that's saved for shhhh...in my special drawer in our bedroom where I keep those types of baby doll stuff and thong panties...^_~) I just wanted some comfortable lounge-wear to wear around the house for the summer. I can tell this will be one, hot summer again... -_- (gotta 'beat the heat' somehow)

With my purchase, I got to pick some cute, pink flip-flops for free. They said w/any 'Pink' line purchase, you get to choose one pair of flip-flops for free. Pretty cool, huh? I saw more styles I wanted to get but, I'm gonna wait until my mother-in-law sends me some Mother's Day money in the mail. (didn't get it yet; both my mother & she always sends me money for MD)

Then, took her to ride the carousel. There's a large carousel in the middle of the mall and she always loves riding on it. She likes going upstairs to the top. lol

After a bit of riding (and getting myself dizzy at bit...lol), we went to one last store for denim shorts for myself. Bought a really nice one this time with a design on the back pockets and it's a darker denim color, which I prefer. It's so comfortable too so, it's good. It's also not one of those short-shorts either...eewww. Don't like those as 1) I don't match, 2) you can see my cellulite in back of my legs, and 3) too short-short reminds me of those sluts at the beach. >x<>

Anyway, I want to later on buy myself a lighter denim color of the same design shorts too from the same store. I'll just have to wait.

Now, one last thing. I have a 'pending' skinny jeans from the same place...yikes! It'll cost me a freakin' $69.99 bucks (USD) for it of all things. *falls down* But, hey...I deserve to get myself some nice clothes though as I hadn't updated my summer wardrobe since, what...last summer. lolol (maybe 2 summers ago, don't remember) -_- But, I put the jeans on 'layaway' with them. They said I can also pay off the entire thing in one lum sum if I wanted later on; whichever is easy for me. It's a dark denim and it's a simple one. It fit me perfect and I've noticed that since I'm very short in height, wearing skinny jeans with heels makes me 'look' taller. Oh...and the store also does alterations for free if you purchase from them. Pretty cool huh? (no need to bring in the reciept either)

Well, just thought I'd share in what I bought myself the other day as I finally needed to buy 'other' stuff other than T&T stuff. lol

Oh! Speaking of which, I pre-ordered myself T&T's upcoming 3 cds from cdjapan. God, it hurt my wallet but, when you think about it, it's not becuz I've got from now until June to try to catch up, 'money-wise'. lol :P And since cdjapan won't charge my card yet, I've still got some time to deposit money into my bank acct. lolol (well, maybe that Mother's Day money...hmmmm~) ^_^

Sorry this entry was 'boring' for y'all but, this was my 1st entry on here w/out any Takki or T&T pics. lol Wellllll...mayyyybe just ONE...ne? lol (couldn't resist)

(Isn't this pic cute like Takki's saying, "Oiiii...get ur own pasta!")

And gosh, already Takki's new bangumi is on Epi 4 and I still have yet to d/l Epi 1. -_- And as for the new WU 0806 scans...omg~ (see Mich's site)

http://www.takki.us/ (Her new header/banner is soooo cute & kakkoii!!)

Ohh...and btw, wanna make a shout-out to all the girls that have left me msgs on my cbox (i.e. Stephichan, Miron, sannah, Rasha, loonykat, Simone, mabo, qwe, Sara, Emilie, moni_chan, and many others. Don't think I never read them or noticed. I did. Just hadn't had the chance to respond back on there so wanted to say it on here instead, "Thanks for all your msgs and for dropping by!"

*REIKO*

11:43 AM