A little early but I'll be busy all day tomorrow with work then celebration at the casino!

To my brother:

I love you unconditionally, and - BONUS! - I actually like you now ^_^ You're the best present I've ever been given and the most valuable gift I've ever been blessed to receive. You are not only my sibling but also my best friend. I couldn't be happier if I had hand-picked you myself. It's been 24 years since you invaded the family, and I haven't been the same since, but I wouldn't change a thing.

. . . . 'cept the smoking. I really, REALLY wish you'd quit that.

Happy 24th Birthday ^_^

Love,

Your impossibly wonderful sister,

Sandy


And now, PIC-A-TURES! (Cuz I get a kick out of self-humiliation XD)

( Baby!Sandy - My default expression is born! )

( Baby!Brutha )

( Sandy and Matt - The Kiddy Time )

( Adult!Sandy -- NOT LIKE THAT YOU HEATHENS -- featuring ARGENT! )

- Kysra

Sorry for the subject line, I have become rather engrossed in 10 Years' new album. And the songs are kinda my anthems right now cuz things have not been fantastic in the world of Kysra, but it's not stuff I can complain about as there is no one to blame so instead, I just want to report and vent a little.

As it is, I know my worries are small compared to what a lot of you folks - on my friends list or not - are going through, and I try not to make a blatant habit of going on and on about how stinky my life is sometimes.

( The Calling or Kysra's Guide to Decision-making )

So, I was pretty much decided that that's what I was gonna do - get my teacher's certificate. And since most of the classes I would have to take are offered at night, I figured it would be no big deal to keep working full-time while I did that.

This past weekend, I got my acceptance letters to both the college proper and the graduate school with instructions to get in touch with my assigned advisor (which I did - she hasn't gotten back to me yet though) and schedule my classes (which I've already picked out). Then all I would have to do is register/enroll, pay my tuition and fees, get my Colonel card (which is your ID), and pay for my parking decal.

But nothing is ever simple.

( It's not over till the Kysra goes postal )

So, I'm basically stressed out because I need a job. I bought a new car, I have to be able to make my payments and continue my car insurance. On the other hand, I want to go to school and I need a job where I'll be able to leave at 4/4:30 and if my current boss won't let me do that, I need to be prepared to walk out. I can't be prepared without another job ready for me.

It seems that everytime I make a life-changing decision, I end up in one of these predicaments.

But what really upset me about this whole situation with my boss was the fact that I wasn't asking for shorter hours - I said I would come in early, work through lunch, whatever to make all my time. I wasn't asking to slack off or anything like that. And the managment here has always advertised itself of supportive of going for higher education - I can't tell you how many people here have quit, gone part-time, or continued for the sake of school. One of the HR ladies goes to the U. of Phoenix twice a week at night.

So, I felt upset and let down when I got that email and the vibes from it were so negative. It didn't help that everytime I leave this place lately, I've felt like a wounded dog. I'm just not jiving with this position. I feel as confused and lost as I did when I started.

I wonder when desperation became so familiar? *sigh*

Either way, I'm still looking for another job. I have connections in several places pulling for me - most notably my "Uncle" Wayne (I thought that was so sweet when HE referred to himself as my uncle . .. I've always called him Mr. Wayne - he married my aunt when I was 12, three years after my Uncle Darrel - her first husband - died) who's a field boss at Weatherford.

So, wish me luck. And thanks to everyone who has wished me a happy birthday thus far! You guys don't know how much I needed to feel that love lately ^_^ THANK YOU!

Hopefully, I'll have more happy news tomorrow . . . cuz I intend to post some sibling pics tomorrow in celebration of me and the brother's anti-birthday!

- Sandy

QUICK STATUS REPORT!

1. BOUGHT A NEW CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My brand spanking new Silver Kia Optima has a name and it's aptly Argent. He's a good boy. Loves his momma. Likes to show off, and enjoys the fact that I bathe him every week. ^__^

2. Will be getting back to that Cruise recap THIS WEEKEND or die trying.

3. ZOMG!!!!!!!!!! WILL BE ATTENDING HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!! XD XD XD XD XD And yeah, full intend to use mah license this coming duck season.

4. CHECK THIS OUT: http://www.uwsp.edu/CNR/bow/ I am sooooooo there next year. SO THERE.

5. Fic? What fic? I'm on unofficial hiatus until I find another job.

6. JOB HUNT!

7. I've been an exercising fiend. I walk. I run. I belly dance. I ride a bike (OMG haven't since like pre-teen years!) I MOW THE LAWN with the PUSH LAWNMOWER (this from someone who swore up and down she would never do lawn work. EVER.) and I'm thinking of joining a gym.

8. Coloring book is still a work in progress but I get a little more done every day!

9. AFO (ANIME FESTIVAL ORLANDO) NEXT MONTH!!!!!!!! SQUEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! If you're going, PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO WE CAN HOOK UP!

10. !!! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT !!! In 2010, I will be turning 30 years old and since I've never had a wedding, I thought it would be nice, on my 30th, to not only celebrate my and my brother's births but also my singlehood. So, YOU ARE ALL INVITED to the party. I will have a live band, drinks, dancing, games. It'll be FANTASTIC, and I would be honored if some of you guys from my friends list could attend. You have two years to plan! (So do I!) So please keep the possibility in mind ^_^

More laterz!

- Kysra

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
!!!!!!!!!!angelica_love!!!!!!!!!!

Love ya!

Sandy

Will write really long entry later.

Need punching bag, massage, meditation session, and chocolate. In that order.

*screams in rage*

- Kysra, who cannot believe the fucktards in her state government.

I HATE my job and yes, I am aware this is an old moth-eaten statement - particularly from me (and how many jobs have I had since this lj was created? Like 5?), but it's true.

The new job honeymoon has long been over. I admit I was excited and optimistic for the first few months but that sense of OMGYAY! has faded and is now non-existent. Em pointed out that my main complaints have to do with the atmosphere and this is true. I am a creature extremely attuned to her immediate environment. Whatever character my environment portrays, I portray.

This environment is dead quiet, boring, and antisocial.

But I could LIVE with that; however, the job itself is boring as watching grass grow. I need VARIETY. I need to be allowed to GET UP once in a while. I need a break from the damn computer screen that is ergonomically incorrect. Most days my eyes feel like they are going to melt out of my eye sockets and I have graduated to - difficulty focusing on words and small objects to impossible to focus on words and smal objects. My eyestrain is that bad. I've taken to going to bed early and laying down with an eye mask on most nights to give my abused optics a break.

It doesn't seem to be helping.

And, honestly, I don't feel that I'm learning anything. I'm not really gaining any skills. At least with the other jobs I've hated in the past, I actually got something out of it.

So, I've undertaken the MOTHER of all job searches. This weekend I put out 30 resumes. Today, I'm putting out ten more. And I will keep up the job search until I find the job I'm looking for. I'll even relocate (no farther than New Orleans) if I have to. *sniffs* I wish Shayla was still around. I would love to have a roomie as fantastic as her again. So far I've been called for an interview (which I had to turn down due to salary proposal and location) and I have an interview locally tomorrow.

*sigh*

In addition, I'm also diligently working on the coloring book (which is also contributing to the eyestrain, particularly when I ink cuz it's extreme close work) since there is a definitive deadline for that to be done and prints to be ordered. (I'm gonna try to sell some at the Southdown Marketplace - they hold two crafts markets a year).

And now my mom is talking about t-shirts. I love how she just keeps piling things on me when I'm already BUSY to the point of madness.

The campaign for more money doesn't end there though. I also started tutoring my little cousin in math and I might start a small lawn mowing business (small SMALL mowing business to get me out of the house and exercise more - push lawn mowing, yo).

To that end, I've joined the Louisiana 2 Step program (www.louisiana2step.com) to help keep track of stuff and to keep me informed about community happenings like races and walks and the like.

My BMI was like 31.8 which is categorized as OBESE and I hate that word. And I know I need to lose some weight. My knees have always given me problems but now my hip joints are starting to act up too and I'm like OH HELL NO. And I know it's because of the weight. I KNOW that. So, I'm trying to incorporate more exercise and less sugar into my life.

Speaking of sweet things -- Some ANIME/MANGA that you should REALLY look into:

( Because there is you )

Oh, and my grandmother is fine and dandy after her surgery. In fact, she has done so well, her doctor has continually said he's totally writing an article about her cuz she's 80 years old and he said he's never seen nor heard of someone bouncing back so fast after heart bypass surgery. She only stayed in the hospital for four days then went home and was puttering around, cooking and everything, and the nurses said her bloodwork looked like that of a 50 year old's. (they weren't joking).

She's still not strong enough (and has not gotten clearance) to work in her yard, but she's getting stronger everyday. Her #1 complaint is the glue they used on her incision to keep it closed - it's dry and it pull on her skin and she can't wear a bra cuz it chafes. But she's doing fine regardless and is as feisty as ever.

As for the rest of the family,

* Uncle Mike (honorary) found out he has fungus growing on the outside of his lung and eventually it will suffocate him.
* Cousin Michelle is pregnant again and due on February 3 of next year ^_^
* Cousin Heidi is pregnant and due on January 29 of next year ^_^ ( I just found out last night!)
* Matt's 2 month old truck got side swiped by an idiot going 80 in a 55 while Matt was turning into our driveway on his way home. His insurance paid to get it fixed and it's in the shop now. No one was hurt.
* Mom and Dad will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this year by going on a week-long cruise all alone. I'm still debating on whether to give them a private party or not.

Other things going on in my life,

* Withdrew from Math class because I got so behind (couldn't understand lessons, had to back over and over them) I knew I wouldn't finish before deadline and I'd rather have the W than an F.
* Nearly finished with Economics class - one more lesson to go over and then one more test.
* Got a B on my second Econ test.
* Doubt I'll do more classes towards Engineering - after a lot of soul searching, realized it's not what I want to do. Now looking into Library Science.
* Bought my FIRST EVAH miniskirt to wear at Anime Festival Orlando (www.animefestivalorlando.com) because Travis Willingham is gonna be there and I'm totally joining his fanclub - the Miniskirt Army XD XD XD (www.miniskirtarmy.org) I'm totally wearing my gold heels with that.
* Will be going to JumpCon (www.jumpcon.com) when it comes to N.O. this year - VIC MIGNONA AND TRAVIS WILL BE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!! *fangasm* Anyone wanna come visit with me during that time and be all fangirlish with me??? ^_^_^_^_^_^__^_^_^_^_^_^
* I joined a singles meetup group on meetup.com though I haven't heard back from the maintainer since all members must be approved.


And as for fic,

I've posted a few new things on ff.net. And since I've seen LoveCom, I have a few niggling ficlets in the works - one being Otani-centric and the other being post Risa/Otani ^_^

And I'm always working on Walk on Water and I need to get the next Strange Bedfellows out. oi.

Hope everything is going well with everyone else!

- Sandy

Wow, I am such a LIAR. I still haven't put up a REAL update. I'm so sorry!

So, now that I have a few free minutes at work, I'm giving another one of my mini updates XD

I've been wanting to do a fast/clease for some time now. You might even remember past posts on the subject. Well, Tuesday I thought to myself, "WTF am I waiting for? I should just DO IT."

So, I'm currently in the 2nd day of a 3 day fast. I haven't eaten anything at all for more than 36 hours. And wonder of all wonders, I'm not hungry. When I feel hunger pangs, I drink water. For lunch and dinner, I treat myself to orange juice (for the nutrients/vitamins).

If anything, I miss the process of eating. I never thought of going through the motions as comforting before now. It certainly puts a different perspective on food.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able all I was planning to do. Like, to expedite the cleansing aspect, I was supposed to drink a laxative tea last night but I've been having diarrhea so badly (for the last two weeks - this is not due to the fast), I didn't want to do anything that would make THAT worse. As it is, my body has begun expelling acid (trust me, you'd know what I'm talking about if you were going through it - fire in the hole, FIRE IN THE HOLE!) which is a good thing. And I've already lost some water weight.

But that wasn't the POINT.

The point - for me - was simply to see if I had the will power to DO IT. That and I wanted to see if it would affect my little belching problem.

If this fast goes well (and so far it has), I might do a fast every few months . . . five days instead of three.

As for going back to eating. I've read and consulted enough people to know you just can't have a three course meal even after a one day fast. Your stomach is a delicate organ. You have to treat it very well. So, Saturday will be nothing but fresh fruit - small portions. That shouldn't be too much of a shock to the system since I've been drinking juice.

Then Sunday I'm making a fresh vegetable soup from scratch. That shouldn't be too hard to digest either and it'll help with the bowel situation a little bit too.

Monday, I'll do a lean meat dish. And Tuesday I should be good for whole grains and everything else.

^_^ I can't wait for that soup!

- Kysra

So, during one of my more recent anime binges (it happens more and more often), I went to Best Buy’s lackluster anime section (cuz, really, it’s frickin pathetic), and I came along a title that I’ve been wanting to see but never actually SAW in stores, ya know?

Samurai Deeper Kyo.

Now, keep in mind I have never seen this show further than previews. They didn’t even have the individual Volumes. All they had was the complete series collection (with a free SDK for Gameboy Advance), so after weighing my options, I decided to buy it and yes it did occur to me “What if I don’t like it?” But I didn’t CARE, I wanted it darn it.

So, I’m on like disc 5 of 6 now XD

And I have to tell you, it’s been entertaining, and I have to tell you about this moment I had while watching. Ok.

So, since the very first volume, it had been niggling in the back of my mind that “I know that voice!” But I just couldn’t figure out WHERE I had heard it before. This feeling of recognition only got worse as I got more and more into the series and I wanted to beat my brains out trying to figure out who it was. I even looked at the credits but I didn’t recognize the name so I was like . . . “Ok, it must have been someone I’d heard only once or something." Well, FINALLY, on disc 4, I figured it out and the realization had me laughing my a$$ off.

The dude who dubs Kyo (and his er . . . counterpart – I’ll explain later) is the same guy who did Yugi/Yami’s voice(s) in YuGiOh. The best part???? There was a scene in the earlier episodes where he goes – in Yugi’s voice – “THOSE BOOBS ARE MINE!”

Now, once I realized whose voice I was listening to, I HAD to go back and listen to that part again and all I could picture was Yugi and Seto having a tug of war with Tea and Yugi finally snapping and going, “THOSE BOOBS ARE MINE!” and Seto just smirking and going, “Not anymore.”

XD XD XD XD XD

*ahem* Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

- Kysra, who is obsessed with Kyo now.

Just wanted to drop a line and let everyone know that emaniahilel came out of her surgery just fine yesterday. Louis has been guillotined and she's in some pain but she was aware enough to text me that she was a-ok and ask about my grand-mother who was having open heart surgery (double bypass - originally a triple but the docs decided only two should do the trick once she was opened up) at the same time Em was having Louis out.

Twas a stressful day.

Anyway, for those who care, the grandmother is doing fine as well so far. Kidney function is MORE than excellent. So excellent she was putting out so much fluid her blood pressure dropped to dangerous while we were a visiting. They pumped her with fluid to bring it back up and she was extubated right after we left (this is important because 1st step of recovery after waking is breathing on your own). She should be in her own room and out of intensive care around noon today.

As for Em, I'm not sure when she's getting home. She had to stay overnight at the hospital and she's supposed to call or text me when she's released, so I'll keep you guys posted.

- Kysra

WHEEEEEE!!!

*I* am the one with the short, short hair and the burnt orange choli on top of a black tank and brown skirt.

My MOTHER is in the back corner wearing a glittery black tank, black skirt and some pink and green sashes around her waist.

First, the Prayer dance:



And Now, the Beginner Dance (Mom's in group 1, I'm in group 2):

This bears some explanation - we were divided into three groups of four with one instructor leading each. It was ALL improvisation. In other words, there was no set choreography. We had only to follow the leader using cues we had learned in class. This is why each group is doing something different at any given time. I wish my dad would have been able to get all three groups in the shot. I never did get to see how it all looked.

ANYWAY! The video!




- Sandy

*singing* Oh where, oh where has my free time gone - oh where, oh where can it be?

Seriously, I will have a substantial entry up here soon . . . that and comments/replies, email replies, more art, more stories, just more EVERYTHING; but right now, I'm insane busy trying to get other stuff done . . . like work and finishing up with Girl Scout business, and making plans for the rest of the year (I've got trips to go on, yo), job hunting (ssssshh), and ZOMG coloring book, and just a lot of stuff.

Like my grandmother is having open heart surgery tomorrow so I'll probably spending some time at the hospital.

More cruise stuff will be up as well since a LOT happened on that trip (including Sandy falling in crush with someone).

UPDATES!

1. I won Best Use of Setting in the Anime North Fanfic Contest OMG!!! I sent them "Macabre" the Seto/Tea (if you squint) coat scenario/nightmare oneshot

2. Definitely going to AFO in August with Em. If anyone wants to meet us there please, please, please email me ok?

3. Girl Scout year is officially over but we still have events planned for the summer and . . . Sandy's gonna be a leader of the troop next year (the troop that I was with this year) because Melynda (leader this past year) is gonna be leading a Daisy troop but she offered to be the co-leader for the junior troop as well so we're just essentially switching jobs.

4. HAFLA was awesome! Will have video up on Youtube this weekend for everyone to see! My mom actually took bellydance lessons this term with me, so she's in the Hafla too XD XD XD XD XD XD Y'all will not only get to see my smooth moves but my swanky new burnt orange (I LOVE that color) choli AAAANNNNNDDDD my sex-ay haircut (I donated my hair to Locks of Love).

5. WTF Did anyone else hear about the Robin Hood 2nd season finale. I'm STILL REELING.

6. New Anime I'm in love with: Ergo Proxy, Mushishi, Devil May Cry, School Rumble, and I have re-fallen for Mythical Detective Loki (cuz Loki is HAWT and I find myself charmed by both Freyr and Narugami XD - is it wrong that I'm kind sorta double shipping LokixMayura, KotaroxMayura??????)

7. Started posting on fanlib for anyone interested.

8. Went to a Scout Challenge hosted by Cabella's sporting goods this past weekend. There were about 25 troops, 23 of which were boy scout troops XD Our girls placed 1st in map reading and 3rd place overall (tying with a boy troop so the $50 gift card prize was split between them). They did so well in everything! I was so proud and impressed. (Especially since they had to pitch a tent by themselves, something they had never done before but they DID IT! And they learned 10 different knots in a half hour O.O - we gave each of them two-three knots to learn and they were so ON - every event was timed).

9. There's more but it's just not coming to me. XD

- Kysra

To all the mothers out there:



Happy
Mother's
Day


- Sandy

MORE ON DA CRUISE WEEEEEEEEEE - lessee if I can remember everything XD

( April 12 - Addendum - The one where Kysra and Em find their calling XD )


( April 13 - In which Sandy finds some bling )

( April 14 - In which we were stuck at sea and Sandy began to develop a little crush )

- Sandy, who REALLY wants to go on another cruise.

I SWEAR I will get around to replying to EVERYONE and EVERYTHING. Until then, please enjoy my recollections of the cruise I took with Miss emaniahilel.

( April 11 - The one where we got lost and plans drastically changed )

( April 12 - ZOMG WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY? and HI MR. V! )

MORE LATER.

- Sandy, who wants to go on another cruise like today.

Yes folks I – AM – BACK (though I notably don’t wanna be T_T ). I shall write a long MONSTER LENGTH entry soon to let you know all about my cruise – the fun, the laughs, the sighs, the embarrassments, the near-misses, the klutz attacks, and the LOVE MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.



*ahem*



Oh, and the ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. And just the overall coolness.



I am hereby vowing that should I ever ya know like win PCH or something like that, I am moving to St. Martin. YOU KNOW IT.



And now, because the_sweet hates me and tagged me while I was away . . .



How about a brief introduction for yourself?

*curtsy* I am Sandy aka ghandi (first internet handle, yo XD) aka Kysra – belly dancing, fic writing, anime insane, technical writing, heartless b*tch extraordinaire. And that’s just me when I’m awake. At night I waltz with Batman, play footsy with inanimate objects, conduct eye s*x sessions with random bishounen, and gamble with my life while facilitating my favorite ships.


Fabulous! And what got you into fanfiction to begin with?

Damn that’s one heck of a loaded question. Ok, I shall tackle this chronologically. So, I’m four years old --- ok, too early. Um, well, I’ve always been a “shipper.” Since FOREVER. (First ship ever was Keith/Allura on Voltron . . . they were the answer to my four year old heart. I kept wanting Lotor to actually KIDNAP Allura so Keith would be forced to show some sort of LURVE for her – he came close a few times *grin*).



Stories – continuations of my favorite books/shows/cartoons always existed in my head, but I never really thought of putting it on paper or anything . . . not until I rediscovered anime when I was all of fourteen and going to high school. Robotech would air around the time I was doing my hair and eating breakfast before I had to catch the bus and I fell in love with Rick and Lisa together. Shortly after I found the novelizations and was like completely blown away by the little additions, the characterizations, the mental analyses of the characters’ actions. (I still say to this day that the additional scene of Rick and Lisa trapped in that alley after the ship transformed should have been animated!!! It may well have been and then cut – it needs to be REINTEGRATED!!!) But then I was DISAPPOINTED because his take on the Sentinels arc (which was never animated passed like episode 2) was so full of Lisa/Rick Married!Angst I wanted to SLAP both of them. More than that, however (cuz eventually their love shines true and everyone is HAPPAY), I was TICKED THE CRAP OFF about what he did to Rem (who is just like s*x on a sugar stick cuz he brings all the girls to the yard – seriously.)



So, I – very retardedly – decided, “What the heck? I’m gonna resolve this retarded storyline MYSELF and then decided to write it from an original character’s POV and Dang, I’m awesome, let’s make this character female and completely tortured!!!!!



And I never got passed chapter 1 XD It was useful in that the name of the character in question was named “Kysra” – so now you know where my screen name came from.



Soon after that, I discovered the INTERNET and subsequently The Anime Web Turnpike (the god of the internet to Otaku everywhere --- at least in 1995). There was a little section called “Fanfiction” and me being the curious being I am and anime obsessed, I took a gander and a WHOLE NEW WORLD opened up for me. I was HOOKED – particularly since I had expanded my anime collection to include the Ranma ½ series and Blue Seed. For a few years after that I was merely content to read and keep tabs on my favorite writers not to mention the rec.arts.anime newsgroup (the ONLY place to get your daily Ranma fix x a gazillion) until I began talking to other fans and expanding my own fandoms. It wasn’t long before I got the itch of an idea for a Ronin Warriors based story which – after much sketching and planning – was to sprawl into three books. I got as far as chapter 13 – I think some of you on my friends list were actually THERE for that one – called “The Cenayan Prophecy”. Once my fanfic cherry had been dispensed with, I moved on to Blue Seed and Gundam Wing and you guys know the rest ^_^



I see, so what kind of fanfiction do you like to write?

ANGST!!! No, really, I like writing character centric fics. I particularly like those little snapshot fics where you take a slice in time and just focus on that moment through the character’s mind. However, generally speaking, I tend to start out with a small idea or image then build it up until it’s like a multi-chaptered behemoth of a monster THING. This is what happened to Walk on Water (which was ORIGINALLY supposed to be a one shot).



Because I’m a shipper, I tend to focus on my favorite ships and the characters that make up my favorite ships. Since I’m an incurable realist, whatever romance I might write is almost always tinged with a certain amount of angst. I can only write humor when in a certain fuzzy mood. And believe it or not, gen fics are my way of letting loose and getting AWAY from my usual narrative style. It doesn’t happen often.


Do you find writing easy? Hard? What are the most difficult aspects of writing you struggle with?

I look back on the days when I was getting a chapter a week done (sometimes TWO!) with no shortage of nostalgia. ^_^



And no, I do not find writing easy. Mostly because somewhere along the way I decided that I would be a QUALITY writer. In other words, I wanted to put actual THOUGHT and THEORY at work in my fics. Before I turned this proverbial corner, I must admit that my writing resembled the teeny bopper dribble of today. I would write chaptered fics on nothing more than a whim and let the plot kinda go where it wanted to go no matter how NONSENSICAL it was. Made of You is a prime example. So is False Engagements to a small extent.



Now, I’m sort of at the other end of the spectrum. I agonize over my stories to the point that I sort of freeze the process. It’s quite frustrating. I agonize over characterization, plot, symbols, connections, and the dangling THREADS.



Is it really any wonder that most writers/artists are completely insane?


Write a few sentences or so of your favorite pairing or character.

I cannot possibly pick 1. So, instead I’ll pick THREE (I’m severely limiting this to pairings/characters I’m enthralled with CURRENTLY otherwise, I’d be here for a LONG while):



. . . . two hours later . . .



(I’m totally doing this at work).



Robin/Raven from Teen Titans – (Come on! Who didn’t see that coming????) To be quite honest, I was sort of late getting into TT. I saw bits and pieces but this was the era when Sandy would sleep till like 2 pm on weekends, therefore I missed the vast majority of Sat. morning cartoonfest. Then, later, I was in college/grad. School so I didn’t watch tv much ANYWAY. However, on a whim (as I am wont to do and this will show you how I get into some of the fandoms I get into), I went looking for TT fanfic. At the time though I went with “canon” so I was looking for Rob/Star, Rae/BB stuff. I noticed that most of them had very generic plots and I easily lost interest, and then I saw something about the episode “Birthmark” and how it was Raven centric. So, I tracked it down and found out when it aired again and so began my Rob/Raven fixation.



No one can say these two don’t have a bond. Heck, ROBIN even says it and Robin doesn’t say crap lightly. There’s something between them, some residual tie from when Raven entered his mind. The thing that gets me with these two are little bitty smidgeons of strange behavior. For instance, no one touches either of them as much as they touch each other (I’m serious – I counted!), and that was even BEFORE Haunted. Robin is always the one who expresses concern for Raven first. He’s the first to jump to her rescue when she’s in danger. She’s the first to attempt to save him in the event that HE needs rescuing. Then there was the Beast Within and the way he reacted to BB when he thought it was BB who hurt Raven. Take note of that episode and think “Would Robin react that way if it was anyone else on that bed?” He had CONDEMNED BB before there was any real proof. Further, Robin’s expression and tone when he made the “Take him down.” Order still gives me shivers. This was not a boy after justice. This was a man who not only wanted to smell blood, but to taste it.



The ENTIRE Trigon Arc is like a frickin’ Rob/Rae TREATISE. Seriously. Besides, the whole jock/cheerleader thing is totally outdated and cliché. I much prefer a couple with a CHALLENGE not to mention the potential for MEGA-Angst. That’s R/R right thar. (and they are totally HOT for each other. C’mon, we all know why Robin sleeps with that mask? Raven thinks it’s cool. And the long hair on Nightwing? Yeah, Raven totally digs the long-haired menz, she does – just look at her track record: Aqualad and Malchior. Need I say more?)



Eury and Ayla from Immortal Rain – Why? Well, why the heck NOT? He’s a rogue businessman/bandit/pretty boy womanizer and she’s a smart cookie/girly girl/woman on a mission. Ever since they first . . . . ok maybe not the first time they saw each other but definitely since the first time they SPOKE to each other, it’s been one h*ll of a wild (and mostly funny) ride. Now if only Ayla could stop blaming Eury for her lover’s death (he didn’t do it, or so he says). The last volume released shows them making a somewhat strange peace with each other and I hope that trend continues because they would be good for each other (and Eury has already expressed interest in her AND protected her despite her bad attitude towards him). Ayla might not totally reform Eury, but she’d certainly give him something to work towards. And maybe, just maybe, Eury would help Ayla love again and loosen up a little . . . he would also give her a family full of nutballs but that’s ok – that just means there are more viable babysitters available XD



Shunsui and Nanao - Because no two characters could possible suit each other more than they do. Really, it’s frickin’ fantastic. (I had a hard time choosing between S/N and Zaraki/Unohana which is more like a crack pairing than anything else. Only Unohana can put the 11th members in their place with a SMILE.)



Are there any fanfiction clichés or trends you’re sick of or just can’t stand?

I'm going with obabscribbler and the_sweet on this one: Bashing. I hate, loathe and abhor character bashing.

I shall also add author bashing, fandom bashing, and overall just BASHING. I’m not too keen on the propensity for m-preg or rapefic.

Are you guilty of any fanfiction clichés you hate? Or any other ones?

I don’t think I’m guilty of clichés I hate, but I am guilty of producing works with MANY general clichés. Do I care? No.


What was the first fandom you wrote for, and do you still like/participate in it?

Robotech and Ronin Warriors. Yes, I still like them but I don’t participate any further than reading other folks’ work. I’m particularly enamored with FireStar9mm’s work right now. She’s a fantastic writer and recently started producing quite the body of Sage/Mia/gen RW fanfics. (I pair Mia with EVERYBODY in my head.)



Name your OTPs or most frequently written pairings/characters and explain what it is about them that you love to write.

Robin/Raven – cuz they’ve got loads of chemistry and s*xual tension (not to mention the angst factor and the way they always seem to be on the same page). They also both understand that the job comes first which is more than I can say for other female Titans (no, that’s not a bash, that’s an honest FACT – see “Stranded”, that’s all I’ve got to say).



Garion/Ce’Nedra – for one, they are without doubt CANON (an unusual thing for me to like a canon couple). It was so hilarious to ‘watch’ Garion grow up and just totally dislike Ce’Nedra while simultaneously trying his best to be civil. It was even funner when he first noticed her s*xually. It was MOST AWESOME when Ce’Nedra made her own interest VERY CLEAR and heartbreaking when she admitted she couldn’t be with him (before they both knew who he was). It just got BETTER after they got together officially – another rare thing for canon couples. Their dynamic is very real. Not quite complimentary but they learn as they go along and even when they don’t pull through trials unscathed, they always seem to stick together through the thick of things. Even when they’re at each other’s throats.



Eury/Ayla – See above.



Seto/Tea (Anzu) – My first “real” fic featuring these two, I wanted to be different. I didn’t wanna go the angsty route. I didn’t want to capitalize on Seto’s inherent bastardry. I wanted them to have a harmless little flirtation (cuz that’s how I see their interaction on the show – what little we get. Tea has a thing for men with thrusting pelvises), and at the same time, I wanted to keep them in character. Hence, “Playing Tag” was born. I think these two have great potential for a very successful romance/love match. Not because they are insanely opposite but because they have similar goals and passions. And I don’t think they dislike each other. Seto is a moody little sh*t by nature but I don’t think that means he DISLIKES everyone he meets (there are some he BLATANTLY dislikes but I don’t think Tea is one of them). He just thinks everyone he meets is insignificant. Tea – while ROUGH on Kaiba – is still respectful of him. She genuinely freaks when he’s in danger because that’s just the way she is. I think she’d be the sort to like help Pegasus if he was stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire (after THINKING about running him over and making it look like an accident).



Plus, the s*x would be phenomenal.

What would you call your writing “style”?

Descriptive, emotional, intense, and varied. At least, that’s what I’m aiming for.

Do you read other people’s fanfic? If so, what do you find yourself reading the most?



OMG Are you kidding? Every chance I get I read fic. Generally, I stick to a few select fandoms to check on every day. I have my fav. Authors and usually get references from them. Mostly I stick to reading romance, smut, and the odd hurt/comfort or tragedy fic. I write my own angst. I don’t need to read it in anyone else’s. Right now I’m watching out for: Bleach (Orihime/Ichigo, Shunsui/Nanao, Ukitake/Unohana, Zaraki/Unohana, and Urahara-centric), Teen Titans (Rob/Raven, Arella-centric), Black Cat (Eve/Train ß WHEN SHE’S OLDER PEOPLE!!!), Clannad (Okazaki/Nagisa, Akio/Sanae), Howl’s Moving Castle, Ergo Proxy (cuz I just started watching the series and want to know what the crap is going on), Full Metal Panic (Sousuke, Kaname), Fullmetal Alchemist (Roy/Riza, Ed/Winry, Maes/Gracia, Sciezska/Havoc), Ronin Warriors (Mia/anyone), YGO (Anzu/Seto, Anzu/Honda, Anzu/Bakura), Robin Hood (Robn/Marian), Samurai Champloo (Fuu/Mugen), R.O.D. (Junior/Anita, Maggie/Nenene ß ZOMG SHOUJO-AI!!!!, Wendy/Joker), Saiunkoku Monogatari (Shuurei/pretty much every available man she meets but I still love Shuurei/Ryuuki best, Eigetsu (and Yougetsu)/Kourin), Avatar (Katara/Zuko, Sokka/Toph, Aang/Toph) and yeah, I think I’ll stop there XD

Name one thing you’d LOVE to write, but have been too afraid or shy to do.

I’m not really shy or afraid to write anything. Rather, it’s a question of incapability. I don’t do humor very well so I tend to write less of it. I’ve pretty much written some major taboos like incest, rape, and smut. My aversion to writing yaoi/shounen-ai and yuri/shoujo-ai are less due to shyness or fear and everything to do with the fact that I prefer het (though one day you might see a Maggie/Nenene R.O.D. the TV oneshot from me in the far off future – who knows).


Do you have trouble taking criticism? Or worse yet, do you have the dreaded bloated ego?



I LOVE Criticism. As long as it’s well thought out, sensical, and VALIDATED. If you think something needs work, don’t just tell me “this needs work.” I like details. Gimme examples. I’m not a fantastic writer. I know this. I’m not perfect. I know this as well. I welcome opportunities to make myself better.

When you write, is there anything that helps? Music? Quiet room?

MUSIC. Although being a doodler kinda cuts into the writing inspiration sometimes. It’s much easier for me to produce a picture than a story. Sometimes the drawing impulse wins. But seriously, most – if not all – of my story ideas come from music. I think this is why I tend to favor songs that are very gritty, symphonic, and/or cinematic in theme, nature, and sound. It’s much easier to get into a dramatic frame of mind when you have a dude screaming about how p*ssed he is blaring in your ears.

What inspires you?

Music, life, dreams (as in the case of the Novel-In-Progress). Mostly thought, I am merely my muse’s slave. And Lilith isn’t a nice, sweet, and docile Muse. She’s a mean, vindictive little Victorian lady who takes way too many vacations and spends way too much money. She’s also an incessant flirt after a rich man. She won’t take any less than 20,000 pounds a year.


Lastly, how would you sum up your fanfiction experiences and yourself as a writer?

I bemoan what’s happened to the fanfiction community over the years; but personally, my experience has been a good one. PERSONALLY. I’ve never actually gotten an official flame (really, why doesn’t anyone flame me? Someone once said you’re not a real fic writer until you’ve been flamed. I must be imaginary T_T), and I never take part in bashing wars or any of that rot. And I’ve met some amazingly brilliant and creative people through fanfiction and fandom.



As for my writing, it’s gotten better. I originally started writing fanfic in order to fill in possibilities, then to just have fun and share my love of certain shows and characters, and now I look at fanfic writing as valuable practice within an open forum. I look at my old work and cringe at all the mistakes I made, but I don’t appreciate them any less. We’re supposed to get better with age, after all, and I can almost see the way I’ve grown up, my own evolution, reflected in the words and genres I’ve written for.



It’s been an amazing ride and one that I hope to continue on for the rest of my life. (Cuz no. Not growing out of this hobby o’mine.)

Tag six friends because they’ll hate you for it.



MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA



emaniahilel

kelkatan

estrella_blanca

geniusgirl

blkrose

akemi16

And if you've gotten this far without dying of boredom, you can get updated on my newest faux pas - please do not chastise me. I've been chastised quite forcefully. (This recollection is mainly for my own records in case I EVER forget . . . which I don't think I will. Oi.)

( Adventures in Anaphylaxsis Part II of II )

- Kysra

. . . and this has to happen now.

So, says my aunt.

Let me update you.

There is a cruise I'm scheduled to be on. My mom, dad, aunt, and uncle (along with emaniahilel, Aunt Teetsie, and Paula (whom I don't know)) are scheduled to be on this cruise as well.

Two days ago, my grandmother was complaining about how she felt weak all the time lately. So, as a precaution my aunts and uncles ganged up on her and ordered her to the doctor before we left.

The doc ordered an MRI which showed significant blockage in her Carotid arteries. He then ordered other tests. Today she did a dye test and the orders came down that she has to have surgery. Tomorrow.

As a result mom, dad, aunt and uncle might be canceling. I'm still going but it's like . . . the most stressful vacation ever. And it hasn't even started yet!

To make things worse, I have a flight tomorrow. My fear of flying is well documented. My stomach is tied in knots.

People have the nerve to wonder why I have an anxiety problem

So, please keep my Maw-Maw in your thoughts. Hopefully, she'll have smooth surgery tomorrow morning and be home on Saturday.

Love you guys.

Sandy

EDIT: *grits teeth* All surgery rooms are full tomorrow. FUCK. I think my dad is officially disappointed. They were counting on her going in tomorrow so that she could be home Saturday and they could still make the cruise.

As I shall be leaving on Friday for a weeklong cruise, I would just like to offer a shout out to the folks whose birthdays fall while I'm away.

the_sweet, bewareofdogz, you ladies are made of awesome and I hope your birthdays reflect the many wonderful things you both deserve in life.

Have a very

!!!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

- Kysra

I got nothin.

No, I'm not joking. I thought it was weird that both my federal and state income tax refund checks were being held so I got in touch with my accountant who gave me the IRS phone number. He said he had filed my taxes at the end of February and it was acknowledged on March 13.

So I called and it seems that I'm NOT getting a refund. I'm getting AUDITED.

WTF???!!!!

So, as I'm a paranoid bitch by nature, my blood pressure has gone through the roof, and I'm freaking out cuz MY GOD, I haven't done anything to warrant this. I mean, I fill out my W-2s accurately. I always claim "0" so they'll take out EXTRA from my paychecks and I'm a frickin' OCD record keeper. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN???

So . . . I had to cancel my cruise, just in case. I want that money as a back up. At this point, I can still get a full refund.

Good bye new car and anime cons Y_Y I think I really need to sell my current mattress now . .. for the extra money, just in case. I'll probably put the proceeds in a CD.

Did I mention that most of my old tax documents were destroyed in the flood? yeah, I'm SCREWED.

( The World Hates Me )

- Sandy . . . who may have to disappear after all of this to pull her life back together . . .

First - I can't tell you that. I don't wanna jinx myself XD

Second - OMG the next two weeks are gonna wipe me the hell out but that's ok cuz I'm taking a cruise at the end of them XD

Third - AnimeFestival Orlando's website has been down and they finally got it up with some info about this year's fete. I had a triple strength fangasm (and nearly asphyxiated myself) when I found out Travis Willingham WILL be there. I am SO going to fanstalk him XD And get a hug. And a piccie ^_^

>>>>>>>> http://www.animefestivalorlando.com <<<<<<<<<

As soon as they have info about panels up thar, I'm volunteering to spearhead a fanfic panel. Fer REAL.

Fourth - I cannot believe it but Tressa and cousin Michelle have NEVER seen the Princess Bride. As a good friend and cousin, I shall remedy this in the coming days/weeks/months by getting them both the DVD.

Fifth - If God says the same, I will have 2 out of 3 exams for Econ done this week *pumps fist* I got an 82% on my last one. YAY! (although, I could have done better >-<)

Sixth - I am getting new glasses with . . . . pink frames (OMG WHY?????) My mother could not be more thrilled. Scarily enough they don't look half bad on me. I am also getting a new mattress sometime in the next few weeks. It's already bought and pay for (I have spent over $1000.00 in the last week - on hospital fees, groceries, glasses, and the damn mattress). I joked with the credit lady that I was gonna be broke for my cruise . . .

Seventh - . . . BUT not as broke as I'm gonna be AFTER that cruise because Sandy is . . . . . . . *gulp* Sandy is buying a new car T_T This will be the first new car she has ever had. The first car she will buy all by herself. And because gas prices are a BITCH and because she's not rich and because she has had next to no trouble with her Ford Taurus which is now 8 years old, Sandy is going to buy a Ford Focus Sedan.

*blows out a long breath*

- Kysra, who will be in debt for the next FOUR years cuz she refuses to entertain being so strapped for five.

*kiss, kiss*

My God, I've been AWOL lately yes? So before I begin this entry's recap/newsflash, let me first express a humongous

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to all the fabulous people I didn't get to extend wishes to personally on their special days. I apologize profusely for my absenteeism and belatedness.

Also, I'd like to wish everyone a very

HAPPY BELATED EASTER

- if you celebrate it anyway.

I'm gonna try not to flood you with unnecessary details, suffice it to say my new job is KICKING MY ASS and leave it at that. Well, that and Girl Scouts. Thank God the five meeting string is over and I can now focus on getting Melynda ready for two meetings without me.

But I'm sure you're all sick of Girl Scout news.

So let's talk about anime. As late as I was getting into Bleach, I was even later getting into Fullmetal Alchemist. I mean, I saw like an episode on Cartoon Network while in grad school and my roommate and her boyfriend were into it but it's one of those series' where you have to see it from the beginning or nothing's gonna make much sense. So, I bided my time and got like the first four volumes on dvd over a period of two years.

Then one day like . . . maybe a month ago, I was at the mall killing time before I had to meet my cookie mom to buy cookies and saw that FYE was selling a shitload of anime. It just so happened that they had like EVERY volume of FMA and I was like "SWEET!" so I bought vols. 5-9.

When I got home, I felt like that wasn't enough. I knew I was gonna get hooked badly (most probably outcome) and I wasn't going to watch until I had them ALL. So I went back the next day and bought 10-12 + the movie. I then went on a Fullmetal Binge. Got to vol. 12 and found out THERE WAS ANOTHER VOLUME!!! I was in withdrawal for two weeks before I finally tracked down volume 13; and I am now completely FMA addict. I'm trying to get all the manga now.

I am also now in lust with Travis Willingham (Roy Mustang in the dub) because not only is his voice sexy as sin, he's also fucking hot in person. I think I'll have to join the Miniskirt Army . . . and the Risembool Rangers - my loyalty! It's split!

(Yes, I am a total voice actor fangirl -- ever since my first con, yo.)

Speaking of cons. As I said in a previous entry, I'm pretty sure I'll be going to at least ONE next year (and possibly one this year). A-kon is pretty much a definite for 2009, but now I'm also looking at attending AnimeFest Orlando in August of this year. emaniahilel may also be attending. Anyone interesting in meeting up there? It's August 1-3. Unfortunately, their website is down at the moment so I got nuthin' in the way of more info.

ALSO! If they have another one of THESE, Sandy is going even if she has to sell her body to go.

Speaking of anime, all you otaku people out there had better read this - I know lots of folks who commit piracy (heck, I watch anime on youtube myself but I usually go out and buy the anime dvds as they're released anyway) and I would probably die a slow and painful death if my anime fix was not met.



http://www.activeanime.com/html/content/view/2171/2/

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And now for my Good Friday story:

( It was the best of times . . . )

Fic? I have an FMA short in my head and a WoW related sidestory ready to post.

Pic? Uuuuuhhhhh . . .

^_~ Hope everyone is having a good 2008 so far.

CRUISE IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!

- Kysra