Manga: Saiunkoku Experience

Right after I finished reading Hakuoki I resumed reading Saiunkoku.

Day 1.5
I read 15 pages. It was really fun to read.
 I also understood when Ran says 
"The second meaning of the flower is 'protect my flower', meaning Shurei".
This felt like a huge achievement because it is an abstract idea.
I usually can only understand when speaking about physical things. For example, she went to the store and bought coffee. 

 



Day 1.6
I broke my days streak!
Read 10 pages.
I have less than 20 pages left to read.
I feel like I'm understanding more and more, bits and pieces.
This time it was about Ryuki receiving a gift for the first time.

 


Day 1.7
Read 7 pages of Saiunkoku. 
Understanding more and more.

Day 1.8
Read 18 of Saiunkoku. 
I finished it!
I can't believe it!
I remember when I first started it. 
It was stressful and tiring. 
It was so hard to read just 2 pages. 
And I didn't fully understand. 
Now what should I read? Wah I still can't believe I finished it >\\\<

Day 1.9
New manga!
I Had a hard time choosing between Hakuoki and Saiunkoku. 
I want to read them both!
But I figured Reimeroku has less volumes but... Maybe I should read DBZ? 

薄桜鬼黎明録vol②
Read 12 pages
Quickly got into it. 
Really must start transcribing. 

Day 1.10
Read 18 pages
It's not a chore to sit down and read anymore. I want and need to read. 
Made it to 10 days!
20 more to go!

Day 1.11
Only read 2 pages. 
Really didn't want to read. 

Day 1.12
4 pages. 
Really didn't want to read.
Going to change to Saiunkoku or sailor V.

And~ here is where my streak ended for a couple of reasons. 
Firstly, I didn't feel interested anymore.
My interests was going elsewhere. To some English entertainment. (*Le Gasp* Blasphemy!) 
Secondly, school became very busy and my grades are top priority. 
I am however very proud of my progress and how long I stuck with it. Now when I return to reading it won't feel like a challenge. It will be a habit. Next time I hope to beat my 12 day streak. 

Instead of trying to compete with other learners,  I try to beat my own personal record.

My April Fun Study Materials

April was a very busy month for me because of school, so I didn't do any focus studying for Japanese. I did not have the time to sit down and study grammar, kanji, etc. I thought I wasn't doing anything Japanese, but I realized it's because I immersed so much that it feels normal. I really enjoy listening to drama CDs now and podcasts. I love having it in the background. I can understand a little more of the dialog each time. 

1. What are you watching?

One of my favorite English shows, "My Little Pony Friendship is Magic" has been dubbed into Japanese. I watch it live and raw every Monday when it airs in Japan. Since I know the plot I don't have any need for subs.    

2. What are you listening to?

I got my hands on the Saiunkoku Monogatari fan book which comes with a drama CD. I believe the book has the tracks scripts written down, but I have not looked into it. The first track is really hilarious with all the main characters. The second track is very sad and I cry each time I listen to it. I'm not entirely sure what is going on, but I am guessing a death. 

I also listen to Daily Audio Bible Japan podcast. I have mentioned it before but I will mention it again. It's definitely different time of listening material. The drama CDs are pure entertainment and voice acting, but this podcast is an audio book. It's short and sweet and I can guess which story they're reading from the Bible.