Fine, I Admit It!

Fine fine fine fine FINE! I'll admit it. There are two anime shows that not only do I find acceptable, I find them exceptional (eh? good play on words, no?) and YES. I'm a fan. I can't believe that I'm admitting to this! In case you're wondering, the two shows are "Full Metal Alchemist" and "Naruto", both introduced to me by my sister. We finished FMA, and are currently working on Naruto. For Naruto, there are currently more than 350 episodes (and counting) that are about 20 minutes apiece. Jenny and I are on episode 62 right now. We started about a week ago. It's just so GOOD! I'm... hmm... addicted? no no, bad connotation... let's say... intrigued.... engaged even. Oh, and I have a crush on a fictional character. He's a ninja. I could show HIM a few new techniques (ooh, scandalous!)... like how to sing or bake plum pudding or synthesize dangerous chemicals (...okay, maybe not so scandalous).

Twists

In the past couple of months, I have become quite well acquainted with the concept behind the popular saying "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." I have also recognized the reality of the cliche (yet very true) saying that "Whenever God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window." I think that many doors which are closed (this one included) have very little to do with God, but rather with human agency; however, I won't get into any deep philosophical discussions today... Anyway, my point is that although part of me is dead, empty, and gone forever (not to be dramatic or anything), another part of me is in the process of awakening. This is a direct result of what seemed to me to be the end of my happiness. I found the strength within me that I never knew existed. New opportunities are now presenting themselves to me, and I keep discovering that life is full and rich and beautiful. Sadness and loss is a crucial part of growing. The other day my family was talking about "the hero's journey" and how we are all on our own hero's journeys. I really like that. From mythology and great literature, we see this repeating pattern: It is the trials, the constant struggles, and the fights they go into not knowing if they'll win, that mold them into heroes. (Hercules, Frodo Baggins, Harry Potter, Don Quixote, Jean Valjean to name a few.) No one exceptional lived a life free from affliction, and often the most exceptional people are the ones with the greatest trials. Although I don't hope to be the next Rosa Parks, I do feel that I'm on my own hero's journey. And who knows where the roads will take me? I choose my own path, and that is a wonderful feeling.

Some of my favorite youtube videos

Note: I do not own or have the copyright to any of these characters, people, authors, writers, artists, their grandmother's cat Fluffy, etc.

This one is AMAZING! It's a condensed Lego version of Victor Hugo's classic, Les Miserables.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0Dn0_gsbA8

This video is near and dear to my heart, for I have a tortoise that I adore. This video is of a tortoise in someone's backyard attacking cats (defending its territory) and it's quite funny to see how persistant it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul0gfCyeiyM

Classic, "Charlie Bit my Finger", the accents totally complete this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

This is an event in debate (and theater) called "Humorous Interpretation". One actor portrays several characters using different voices and body movements. This kid is incredible. He did an adaptation of "The Witches" (by Roald Dahl). I think he was ranked 3rd in nationals in 2007. The total HI is about 10 minutes long, so this video is part one of two.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjR97oeBor4

"It's kinda... catchy..." I present to you Potter Puppet Pals in "The Mysterious Ticking Noise"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0loVd16NIOk

Itunes songs

So I have this giftcard for itunes, except that I don't know what to spend it on! So I've decided that every time I hear a song I want to have, I'm gonna remind myself on my blog. Here it goes

"Toxic Love" from Fern Gully
this song was going through my head today, which is kinda strange, since I haven't seen that movie for years!

"Fever" by Peggy Lee
referred by a dear friend, and I love it!

Adventures in the Canned Fruit Aisle

Okay so it didn't actually happen in the canned foods aisle, but it did happen in a grocery store. For the third time. I was just minding my own business doing regular shopping when this guy approaches me. He doesn't look old, but certainly not with a decent date-ability range. He asks me if I'm shopping (DUH) and how it's going. This is all in broken English mind you. He asks me my name and I tell him and ask him his. I'm just being polite! I give up on finding what I was looking for, and tell him it was nice to meet him, clearly moving on down the aisle. Not more than two minutes later, he comes up to me.
"Are you married?" he says.
I tell him the truth, "No, but I just got over a bad breakup and I'm not looking for a relationship." I should've told him I was married.
He apparently didn't understand, so I try explaining it to him again. "So you're not married?"
"No."
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
"No, but right now I'm focusing on school"
"Do you want a boyfriend?"
"No. It was nice to meet you again for a... second time."
"You are a very nice lady."
"Thank you. You're very sweet. I appreciate that. I really am flattered, but I'm just not interested in a relationship right now. Bye" and I left.

THIS IS THE THIRD *bad word*-ing TIME THAT I HAVE BEEN HIT ON (and asked if I'm married) BY OLDER FOREIGN MEN WHILE MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS BUYING GROCERIES IN A SUPERMARKET!

What exactly is it about me that says "Hello my name is Aly and I'm interested in dating 30-70-year-old foreign men who can't speak English"?! I don't get it!

Thoughts

Life should be lived with passion. Gliding through life with no feeling leaves life meaningless. Although apathy may shield pain, it also drives away joy. To be truly happy, it is necessary to understand how it feels to be truly sad. To feel. I don't think anyone actually reads this blog (which is totally okay with me since I like talking and writing to myself...) so I'll indulge in a moment of self-righteous-patting-myself-on-the-back. I am not weak because I have feelings. I am strong because I have the courage to care.