Randomness

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do you have a negative opinion of clouds? Are you inclined to regard them as symbols of gloom or malaise, interruptions in what you wish would always be clear blue sky? If so, I'll ask you to revise your view. Consider the fact that in Chinese mythology, there are *xiangyun,* or "lucky clouds" that are harbingers of great blessings. Deities may even ride on them for pleasure. Among the Zuni Indians, the monster known as the Cloud Eater was feared because he devoured clouds that might bring replenishing rain. And modern meteorologists know that white, fluffy cumulus clouds are signs that fair weather is on the way. Armed with these ideas, Pisces, go out in search of your own personal lucky clouds. They're your metaphors of the week.

Actually, I like clouds. Perhaps it's a metaphore. :-? I should be looking for things that might generally be considered bad, but which will herald good? *mulls*

I've done a count, and my Japanese vocab is between 130 and 140 words so far. I'd know twice as many if I'd been sticking to my schedule. In order to keep myself accountable, I'm going to start posting the ten new words I'm learning every week.... *pokes self in the nose* EVERY. WEEK.

New Words:
1. Koohii (koh-hee... drawn out a bit, almost like it's four syllables instead of two)--coffee
2. Heya (heh-yah)--room
3. Pen (Peh-n)--pen (ooh, shocker!)
4. Hon (hoh-n)--book
5. Enpitsu (eh-n-pee-tsu)--pencil
6. Tokei (toe-keh-i)--watch
7. Megane (meh-gah-neh)--glasses
8. Kamera (kah-meh-rah)--camera ('nother shocker!)
9. Terebi (teh-reh-bee)--television
10. Kuruma (koo-roo-mah)--car