Greenify Me

Swim Season.

2009-11-11T22:00:02Z

It has ensnared me.

Luckily we have tonight off - a water pipeline broke in front of the UT Rec Center, so they're closed for repairs.
It's a good break considering the fact that we kicked off the season with a whoop, holler, and "GET YER ASS IN THE POOL" routine.

I actually was late to my first practice because I was stuck in a swine flu vaccine line. The shot left my arm a wee bit sore, but nothing major - I always feel sore after shots, and hell, I swam almost half a mile the first day of practice - with butterfly strokes thrown in. ICK. And my leg cramped up terribly, which isn't supposed to happen until LATER in the season. FUDGESICLES.

So now I am just chilling out. Going to work on college apps and the Book Club presentation for Open House.

OH YES. I got my first college acceptance letter! It's to Bowling Green State University, and already I have $5,000 in scholarships for good grades. YES!

Guess What?

2009-11-01T20:13:19Z

I WON IT ALL.

This Is It.

2009-10-30T19:36:51Z

Tonight is Youma Idol. I am so nervous that I feel like eating will make me puke. XD

Prayers for Michael

2009-10-29T20:13:05Z

Mike O'Connell is a 2009 graduate of Central Cathloic High School, and an alumni of the CCHS Glee Club. He's an incredibly devoted individual who loves music, and who worked his butt off for everyone while he was attending CCHS.

Today we all recieved some very devastating news.

Michael was diagnosed with Incinerate's Syndrome. This is a very rare and very dangerous disease - so rare that only five people, now six, have been diagnosed with it in the entire world. Basically, the blood in the body begins to move far too fast, and as such, it generates heat - and subsequently your organs are cooked inside your body.

He has been given a timeline - anywhere from eight months to six years.

He has also been submitted into a experimental research to test some new medicine that could potentially help him, but nothing is certain.

I don't normally ask for prayers often, but please - whether or not you normally pray, please pray for Michael. He really, really needs these prayers, as does his family.

FML With a Wooden Stick.

2009-10-28T21:08:56Z

First, I forgot to study for what should have been a pretty easy religion test. Probably bombed it.

Then, after school when nearly everyone is gone, I discover I cannot unlock my car. Turns out I left my lights on, and the battery died. I couldn't get ahold of my father, who works at a school. Then, while calling my grandparents to come help, my cell phone ran out of minutes - right in the middle of my call.

Then, I finally come home to find Kiba has eaten - and thrown up - nearly an entire bag of my favorite Candy Corn. My ONLY bag.

F.M.L.

I have a new guilty pleasure. X3

2009-10-28T01:40:38Z

And it is called "W.I.T.C.H.".

There used to be this kind of cruddy show on TV, but I'm talking about the original Italian graphic novel series. It's actually pretty darn good - the style of the art is what really hooks me into it. <3

Only 4 more days until my contest....eep.

College Apps = pfuh.

2009-10-25T21:35:04Z

Ugggh....I don't feel like working on them today AT ALL. But I have to because the priority deadline for OSU is next Sunday...

....pfluh.

Warm apple cider is tasty but oh how it burns my throat. Well, it's hoarse from homecoming, so perhaps that's a good thing. Huh.

♪ Sadies Hawkins dance, wearing khaki pants, nothing else better... ♪

2009-10-24T21:16:51Z

:EDIT: Okay, wow. That was the single best school dance I've ever been to. Ever. Period. I had so much fun at that dance, and my date was fantastic. *feels pretty and loved, but also very tired and needs to get off the computer. X3*

Spent the entire morning cleaning up my house for homecoming tonight. I didn't want everyone in my party to be wearing husky hair corsages in addition to their regular ones. X3
I even cleaned my room a bit - not that I never do, it's just that I rarely ever vacuum. It smells like Cranberry-Mandarin Yankee candles now. ^^

Now I'm wearing my dress and just chilling before everyone gets here. We're going to go eat dinner at Applebee's, since it's right by my house and it's probably the cheapest thing around. :)

I'll be posting pictures of my dress and eventually the dance tomorrow afternoon.
(I just realized I have a horribly rude habit of saying 'I'll be posting pictures' of whatever it is I'm talking about, and then I never do. My apologies!)

And my anxiety concerning college has completely vanished and has been replaced with "OMFG I need to get out of this fucking high school RIGHT NOW or so help me I will kill something."

Okay...

2009-10-21T21:23:13Z

...for some odd reason, whenever I scratch my skin, I suddenly break out in hives where I scratch.
Not sure if it's due to the abnormally warm weather, or due to stress, but it's annoying.

College Updates + Swim Season 2009-10 + Homecoming

2009-10-21T02:39:25Z

So finally I've gradually started to lose the college jitters. I owe it partially to the fact that I've been looking at more colleges, with University of Cincinnatti providing the best looking art program thus far. I mean really...it's awesome. Freshman year is all about exposing yourself to the different types of careers in your field (i.e. graphic design, digital design, architecture, ect), which makes it easier if you're undecided. There's also many co-opportunities available, which basically means your sophomore year you could actually be employed by companies to work on projects in cities like New York and L.A. (And here I was worrying about homesickness. XD) It makes becoming a graphic designer/animator a lot easier. Plus a lot of my dad's former students are currently attending, so I'd already have friends there right off the bat who could help me adjust.

I also owe it to <lj user=entropy_in_drag>, who offered some very good advice when I was especially frustrated and anxious. *hugs* Thank you so much. *hugs*

Still, the whole thing still makes me a bit nervous, but that's to be expected. At least I know now what I want to go into - I already crossed music education and performance off my list. I love music, but it's not the career I want - I may change my mind, but for now I'm pretty certain. But I am planning on doing Women's Chorus or Chorus in general no matter where I go, as well as band (TUBA TUBA Wh00t!)

So now I actually have to apply to some schools and continue scoping them out. Fun.
>>
<<
><;

I don't really mind writing essays, it's just I really, really have to suck up to all the schools. Especially UC and OSU...ick. I hate sucking up. And I hate flaunting my talents in order to get into places. But I have to do it, so I'll just have to deal. And the visiting is fun, because I can look into the surrounding areas for good food and shopping to keep me preoccupied at college - only problem there is missing school to visit and such. >_<

Swim Season is coming up fast as well, and I'm pretty excited for that. :D I am so out of shape i will probably experience the same nausea I did at the start of last season, but I have three weeks to get in the water and build up SOME muscles. X3
Thinking of going out for team captain with my friend Shelby, since all the old ones graduated.

I finally bought my dress for homecoming. <3 It's blue with black taffeta and a pretty brooch on the hip. I also bought some blue earrings and a black necklace to match, and some new blue eyeshadow. Yay!

The past few days have been incredible, weather-wise and mood-wise. I've been in a writing mood for my fanfiction, so hopefully I can get chapter 2 out while balancing college apps. And the weather's just spectacular - mid 60s and sunny skies all day yesterday and today. Hopefully it stays that way, since we have a gloomy rainy spell a week back.

Kyaaaaaa!

2009-10-15T18:55:01Z

The boy I asked to homecoming said "yes" finally. o////////o
<3 <3 <3

I am very very happy. X3

Updates on my trip to UC later!

Off to University of Cincinnatti

2009-10-13T20:32:19Z

I wish we could've left a day early to just chill in the city. I would've rather not had a buttload of homework when I'm 3 hours from home, either. But I digress. I hope CCM and DAAP are all they're supposedly cracked up to be - which they will, but...hrm...

I'm actually a little excited. Cinci is supposed to be beautiful around this time of year, plus SKYLINE CHILI!! Best chili macs ever, mmmmf.

I also just found out that Columbus college of Art and Design has both Animation AND Illustration for majors and minors. And those are the two things I really want to go into. :)

I'll also be looking for good bio and English programs, which I'd like to minor in possibly.

...

...I have a stomach ache. ~~Stupid gas.~~

I Can Has Candy?

2009-10-12T21:18:13Z

My LiveJournal Trick-or-Treat Haul
neofeliss goes trick-or-treating, dressed up as Ranka from 'Macross Frontier'.
arythusa gives you 1 orange spearmint-flavoured pieces of taffy.
assyrianwolfess gives you 13 brown vanilla-flavoured pieces of chewing gum.
cherryfox gives you 19 tan chocolate-flavoured pieces of taffy.
crabapplered tricks you! You lose 7 pieces of candy!
crikeyduck gives you 12 light yellow spearmint-flavoured gumdrops.
entropy_in_drag gives you 19 mottled green strawberry-flavoured wafers.
hikaristar007 gives you 12 light orange lemon-flavoured pieces of chewing gum.
hinoai tricks you! You get a wad of paper.
hooxeii tricks you! You lose 49 pieces of candy!
kyoht gives you 14 teal root beer-flavoured gummy bats.
neofeliss ends up with 34 pieces of candy, and a wad of paper.
Go trick-or-treating! Username:
Another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern.

Meme Time!!

2009-10-12T02:48:38Z

(Stolen from cherryfox
01) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
Single, although at present there IS somebody who I am somewhat interested in.

02) What was your dream growing up?
At first I wanted to be a prima ballerina. Then I wanted to be a horse breeder. Then an artist, then an art TEACHER, then an Art/English/Biology teacher, and finally an animator/illustrator. :)

03) What talent do you wish you had?
Mathematics. I always hated how I suck at anything beyond simple math.

04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
Caffeine-free or diet pop. :3

05) Favorite vegetable?
Sweet potatoes.

06) What was the last book you read?
"Jane Eyre", but I never finished it. *fail*

07) What zodiac sign are you?
Leo/Cancer, according to a recent report that states the zodiac signs are one month fast. My Chinese sign is the Ram.

08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
Standard one-piercing ears.

09) Worst Habit?
I pick my nose. XD
But seriously, I also dwell on things too much. I also stress over minor things, and make major things ten times worse, as you all know.

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
Sure, depending on where I was and if I knew how to get there. If not, I'd offer directions and a seat to chat. :D

11) What is your favorite sport?
Horseback riding and swimming. I also love running for fun, and I guess football (but only for the marching bands!)

12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?
Optimistic, generally.

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
Panic. I hate elevators.

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
Eh, you all know I half-dated some immature dork who made a half-hearted threat to me if I refused to date him.

15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
I run. Everywhere. Up and down my house hallways, wherever there is space, lol. XD

16) Do you have any pets?
Two dogs (a husky, Kiba, and a Scottie, Riley), two cats (JoJo and No-Tail), two goldfish (GusGus and Gromit), an African clawed frog (Fifi), and a snail (Louis XVI).

17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
OH HAY.

18) What was your first impression of me?
(oh crap, this is based on people? XD)
You're very organized and devoted to things you love (especially Mew Project.net). You're also an amazing artist and a kind person to talk to. :) You also seem to set goals for yourself and seem to handle things well. :D

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
SCARY AS HELL.

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
My eyebrows, I guess. They annoy me sometimes, espcially if I haven't had them waxed in a while. XD

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
BOTH.

22) What color eyes do you have?
Hazel-y blue.

23) Ever been arrested?
Nope.

24) Bottle or can soda?
Both.

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Save it and/or splurge it gradually on books, movies, CDs, iTunes, clothes, art supplies (I could finally get me a set of complete Copics!!)

26) What's your favorite place to hang out at?
Bookstores (Borders, especially), home, school? lol

27) Do you believe in ghosts?
Not in ghosts, but in the spirits of good nature.

28) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Draw, sing, read, write (or attempt to), or just goof off.

29) Do you swear a lot?
I do, and I'm not proud of it. XD I'm not vulgar though.

30) Biggest pet peeve?
When people act super immature despite their own age, or when people victimize themselves. I've done both, I admit it, but I'm not proud.

31) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Artsy. XD

32) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
Oh god yes. XD

33) Favorite and least favorite food?
Favorite: Spaghetti, Chicken teriyaki, sushi, sweet potatoes, grilled chicken, and good ol' fashioned BBQ!
Least Favorite: Hard-boiled eggs. Salami. XD

34) Do you believe in God?
Yes.

35) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
I JUST DID.

Anyone in my friends list is welcome to do this. <3

HOLY CRAP GUYS I'M A FINALIST IN A KARAOKE CONTEST Owo

2009-10-09T02:19:00Z

Over the course of this past summer, I had already decided to attend this year's Youmacon convention in Dearbourne, MI, and I was hoping to cosplay as Ranka from Macross Frontier. Because in the show Ranka is a singer, I was hoping to be able to do a cosplay skit where I sang and danced. Well, upon scanning the site rules in regards to contests, I was severely bummed to find out that you cannot sing in cosplay.

And then I scrolled down and found about about Youma Idol.

Basically it's a Japanese karaoke contest. You have to sing in complete, perfect Japanese an entire song (most like from an anime), and you had to audition - I mean sending in a mp3 recording and everything. So I decided, "HEY. Let's go for it." XD

Well, I have no recording equipment at all, so I ended up asking Mrs Barrow, my choir director for help. I was totally anticipating her not being willing to do this with me, but to my surprise she was really excited about it and even helped me pick my audition piece. She even said I sang it beautifully, which is a compliment she doesn't give out to many people at all. ///

So on the day we were going to record the piece, I suddenly found myself pulled out of Latin 2 by Mrs Barrow and Mr. Hammody, the head of technology at CCHS. She told me he had some really nice equipment that we could use and that, if I was ready, we could record right then and there. And by "high tech", they meant "the newly rennovated and refurbished CCHS Recording Studio complete with soundproof glass and a real, authentic recording booth." o_o;

So we recorded the song a couple of times and finally found a take that was just right to send in.
Well, in between the time we recorded and the deadline for auditions, Mr. Hammody decided to show practically EVERY teacher I knew the recording, which was...embarassing. XD

I just found out this week that I am a finalist. And they only picked 10 people to participate. I'm in the top ten for a singing contest - that has NEVER happened to me before in my LIFE.

....and now Mrs. Barrow and Mrs. Arter, the head of the IB program at my school and a very kind lady want to go to the convention to hear me perform. They're willing to ignore the potential cross-dressers to cheer me on.

.....

....*JOYGASM*

The "One Week" Meme (Pt.5)

2009-10-01T20:18:06Z

For one week, recommend / share:
Day 1: a song
Day 2: a picture
Day 3: a book/ebook/fanfic
Day 4: a site
Day 5: a youtube clip
Day 6: a quote
Day 7: whatever tickles your fancy

Day 5: A Youtube Clip
Princess and the Frog Behind-the-Scenes Footage

A Ribbiting Romance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92TElvW77ps&feature=channel_page
Leaping Love Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kkv0ydBXp4&feature=channel_page
Disney's Newest Princess: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek7PlzNo6zY&feature=channel_page
"Kiss the Frog" (Actual Full Footage): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqB3ybtYQXI&feature=channel_page

The embedding was disabled by request by the Disney company.
I am such a dork. I've watched these videos at least a DOZEN times, and each time they never cease to thrill me. GAWD. December, just..just PLEASE get here soon!

The "One Week" Meme (Pt.4)

2009-10-01T01:23:29Z

For one week, recommend / share:
Day 1: a song
Day 2: a picture
Day 3: a book/ebook/fanfic
Day 4: a site
Day 5: a youtube clip
Day 6: a quote
Day 7: whatever tickles your fancy

Day 4: A Site
FML.com
(http://www.fmylife.com/)

If you're having a bad day, or are in need of some good humor (perhaps at the expense of others, I belatedly realize), this site and the stories on it will help you realize you could be having it much, much, MUCH worse. :)

The "One Week" Meme (Pt.3)

2009-09-29T21:19:14Z

For one week, recommend / share:
Day 1: a song
Day 2: a picture
Day 3: a book/ebook/fanfic
Day 4: a site
Day 5: a youtube clip
Day 6: a quote
Day 7: whatever tickles your fancy

Day 3: A Book
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Synopsis (courtesy of Amazon.com):
Charlotte Brontë's most beloved novel describes the passionate love between the courageous orphan Jane Eyre and the brilliant, brooding, and domineering Rochester.

The loneliness and cruelty of Jane's childhood strengthens her natural independence and spirit, which prove invaluable when she takes a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall. But after she falls in love with her sardonic employer, her discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a heart-wrenching choice. Ever since its publication in 1847, Jane Eyre has enthralled every kind of reader, from the most critical and cultivated to the youngest and most unabashedly romantic. It lives as one of the great triumphs of storytelling and as a moving and unforgettable portrayal of a woman's quest for self-respect.

I had to read this book for my A.P. Language and Composition class, and I was actually surprised at how much I liked it. I've discovered I actually like novels set in the past rather than current day (with the exception of a few books) simply because the language is much lovelier and the settings more romantic and appealing. The fact that it's set in England in the 18th century was a plus, because I, for some reason, LOVE that time period and LOVE the English countryside. I had the opportunity to go there once, and I'd love to go again. ////

At any rate, I really liked this book, especially its heroined. Unlike some main female characters in Old English romance, Jane is incredibly brave and strong. Sure, she whines and complains when life hits her hard, but who doesn't? She overcomes it; she fights on, and perserveres. And she doesn't let what she wants get in the way of what she actually NEEDS - that is to say, she would like to fall in love and live happily, but knows she won't get there if she sacrifices her own morals or humanity. She's proactive, and in control of what she can handle - I like that. ^^

I also love the romance. It was very subtle, yet completely enthralling. I was totally expecting Jane and Edward Rochester to just go at it likes bunnies, but they didn't - but the foreplay and sexual tension definately kept it going. And their romance was actually pretty realistic as well - it had its sunny spots, but it also had it's dark times and tribulations. Without giving the book away, I will say this; it was a well thought-out, well developed relationship that shows how both characters complimented each other, and I could see it as a long-lasting, passionate and kind relationship.

Mr. Rochester was supposed to be ugly, but I kept picturing him very, very handsome. X3

In other news, eighth grade visits have started at CCHS. You know what that means?! EXPOSITION!!!

The "One Week" Meme (Pt.2)

2009-09-28T21:31:53Z

For one week, recommend / share:
~~Day 1: a song~~
Day 2: a picture
Day 3: a book/ebook/fanfic
Day 4: a site
Day 5: a youtube clip
Day 6: a quote
Day 7: whatever tickles your fancy

GAH I don't know why the image came out so blurry...here's the link to the better image:
www.theanimationblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/princess-and-the-frog-poster.jpg

I haven't been this excited for a movie in a long, long time. SO many great-looking movies are coming out this fall/winter (Sherlock Holmes, Lovely Bones, ect.) but this one is by far my most anticipated. The trailers alone were awesome, but now I've found 2 clips from the actual movie!! EE! They're awesome!!

Dr. Facilier and Naveen are my favs so far. Ray is simply hilarious, and Tiana will definately be gorgeous. Her voice is to DIE for. *spasm*

The "One Week" Meme

2009-09-28T02:31:18Z

For one week, recommend / share:
Day 1: a song
Day 2: a picture
Day 3: a book/ebook/fanfic
Day 4: a site
Day 5: a youtube clip
Day 6: a quote
Day 7: whatever tickles your fancy

Day 1: A Song

I Stand by Idina Menzel
www.youtube.com/user/idinamenzel
Lyrics

When you ask me, who I am…
What is my vision? And do I have a plan?
Where is my strength? Have I nothing to say?
I hear the words in my head, but I push them away.

'Cause I stand for the power to change,
I live for the perfect day.
I love till it hurts like crazy,
I hope for a hero to save me.
I stand for the strange and lonely,
I believe there’s a better place.
I don’t know if the sky is heaven,
But I pray anyway.

And I don’t know
What tomorrow brings
The road less traveled 
will it set us free?
Cause we are taking it slow,
these tiny legacies.
I don’t try and change the world;
But what will you make of me?

'Cause I stand for the power to change,
I live for the perfect day.
I love till it hurts like crazy,
I hope for a hero to save me.
I stand for the strange and lonely,
I believe there’s a better place.
I don’t know if the sky is heaven,
But I pray anyway.

With the slightest of breezes
We fall just like leaves
As the rain washes us from the ground
We forget who we are
We can‘t see in the dark
And we quickly get lost in the crowd

'Cause I stand for the power to change,
I live for the perfect day.
I love till it hurts like crazy,
I hope for a hero to save me.
'Cause I stand for the power to change,
I live for the perfect day.
I love till it hurts like crazy,
I hope for a hero to save me.
I stand for the strange and lonely,
I believe there’s a better place.
I don’t know if the sky is heaven,
But I pray anyway.

When I first found out that Idina Menzel had a solo album, I nearly peed myself. That woman is a goddess in my eyes; she's literally been involved in my life since I was a little girl. I can remember listening to my dad's RENT album on Christmas Day (mom got it for him as a gift) and listening to it to and from ballet class. She was the world's first Elphaba, and the reason I decided one day, no matter what, it would be AMAZING to defy gravity and become Elphaba. (Heck, if art doesn't work for me, I might go into music. X3)

Out of all the songs on her album, this one moves me beyond words. It's powerful, it's moving, and inspiring. It helped me finally get out of that anxiety funk I've been in for god knows how long. And it applies to everything I love - from my fandoms to my real life. And it makes me want to sing my heart out. <3

Feeling Much Better Now...

2009-09-23T00:06:30Z

...thanks to a lovely swimming work-out. I'm kind of riding on the excercise endorphins, but that's a good thing. I need to start working out more anyways, and that'll help me with the built-up stress. Which seems kind of silly to have worried about in the first place now that I think about it.

In other news: Costco. Weirdest. Place. On Earth. EVER. I can't tell if it's a grocery store or a warehouse. o_o;
They had a 36-piece platter of fresh sushi DO YOU KNOW HOW INSANE THAT IS.
And they had books next to frankfurts and sweaters next to side dishes. WHAT INSANITY IS THIS???

...beh. I dislike my LJ icons already. X3

Frustrating

2009-09-22T02:16:09Z

It's really frustrating that I am really nervous and concerned about college.

I should be excited about it. It's my last year of high school, and I should be enjoying it. And I am - I have great classes, awesome teachers, and amazing friends. I'm taking things my own pace, and trying new things, such as driving on my own (First time ALL BY MYSELF TODAY!) and writing/illsutrating my fanfiction.

I should be happy. I have an idea what I want to do - either go into Illustration, Animation, or Graphic Design, or if that fails, Pre-Vet. I should be excited. But the ever-present notion that I'm about to go out into the world, possibly on my own, is somewhat scary.

It bothers me, and I don't know why. Maybe it's because I am afraid of being so far away from my family, even though I know they're only a phone call or drive away. Maybe it's because I'm scared that what I want to do will end up not being what I want to do with my life, and even though I know I can change majors, I feel like that would be admitting defeat. I just feel so uncertain about the whole thing. It's not inhibiting my life any, but it certainly isn't making it any easier.

*sigh*

"Welcome to Canada, eh?"

2009-09-17T23:23:10Z

Princess and the Frog Special Sneak Peek

2009-09-12T17:10:15Z

I couldn't get an embedded link, but take a look at this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRX_LnZ586Q

Dr. Facilier = Oscar Proud from "The Proud Family" omg.

I need a Wii System and I need it NOW.

2009-09-09T23:00:41Z

I've been wanting one for a while now, ever since I got to play Mario Kart and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. I've also been going crazy over the new Rock Band: The Beatles simply because RB is quite possibly one of the most fun video games I've played yet, and because it's the Beatles, who are basically gods of rock.

But then my sister sent me this, and I just about peed myself with shock and happy.

Remember those old Spyro games? Well, they were revamped a year or two back. And HOLY. SCIET. (Hee hee, Latin comes in handy.) They are simply amazing. They have an amazing cast of characters, including David Spade (only for the first ;_; ), Elijah Wood, and Gary Oldman. There's this amazing plot behind it, and WOW...the cut scene animation is just...superb.

But what really hooked me was the ending theme for the final game, Dawn of the Dragon. It's simply beautiful and so heart-felt - I actually feel empowered listening to it.

--

In Government, we got to read Obama's address to the students. It was very good and I liked it a lot, and it just bugs me that people made such a big deal about it. He made a lot of good points on stressing perserverance and effort, and how you cannot define yourself by your failures.

Hell, my dad tells me that all the time. XD

It makes me realize that political parties can be so full of crap. I think I would like to go independant - not because I hate either party (though lately they've been pissing me off quite a bit), but because I share viewpoints from both sides. Plus, if the two main parties continue to devide our country the way they have, I would rather have nothing to do with them explicitly.

Politics make my brain hurt. X3

Spyro makes my brain very, very happy. X3