Pillows Are Too Soft

Last week's duel was between Karou Kozue and Ohtori Kanae.   The feeling of alienation that brought Kanae into the ring was no match for the desperation of Kozue.  The black ring dissolved to ash as Kanae fails to move on to the next round. 

Round 1, Duel 7:

Chu-chu versus Kunihiko Ikuhara

Yes, our final two brackets our the INSANE-O CRAZY DUELS!!!  Chu-chu is our cute animal mascot, some even say IS representative of Ikuhara (or Akio, depending on who you're talking to).  Chu-chu loves to eat, stare aimlessly, and defend Anthy to the best of his under one-foot ability.  Chu-chu has body swapped with Saionji and wielded a small kendo stick but has also attempted to utilize a fork as an offensive instrument.  Kunihiko Ikuhara is the animation director and lead "let's do this!" guy for Utena.  While the show is full of symbolism, Ikuhara sheds very little light into what it should be leaving it open for the viewer's interpretation.  Ikuhara has dressed up as Sailor Mars (as he was animation director for Sailor Moon) so we'll assume that his preferred weapon is magical.  Who will progress to Round 2?

Convention Adventures

So last year, I did something that I haven't done in quite some time: I went to Anime Weekend Atlanta.

Okay, I didn't go for all of it.  I ran up with a friend to go to the ball and we came back home.
Much fun was had.  We ordered our pretty dresses.  Did our pretty hair.  Did our pretty makeup (at Waffle House on the way).
When we got there..  It was WAY bigger than I remember.  Man, there's people crawling all OVER this thing.  I think we got lost twice just walking through the hotel, that's not even counting the fun driving adventures to be had in the car as I tried avoiding returning to the interstate after finding the hotel.  On a side note, I should really stop driving in Atlanta.
We really lucked out in getting lost because we ended up getting there just in time to pass some patrons with pre-purchased tickets for the ball who had been turned away for not being dressy enough.  They passed their tickets along to us and in we went!
All kinds of people asked us to dance!  Excitement for me and my husband because he wasn't the one having to dance.  I believe this is what we call a "win-win."

(Dancing with a sharp Mako | Dancing with the best partner I had all night, best moves and best conversation)

Then, this gal was having some spaz out about asking some dude to dance.  Meh, that's what the night is about.  My friend and myself are too old to care about young embarrassment and things like that.  My friend went over to ask the guy for this young lass because hey, worse he can say is no.  Which he did, but he did come over and talk with her which was cool enough of the guy.  Then he went to talk with more girls and the lass starts fawning about how she can't believe my friend just went up and talked to him like that.  Eh?  What's that matter?  Oh, the guy's a famous voice actor?  Who's he play?  Lass gives character name that we've never heard.  

...Well, now I've gotta figure this out!  So I go over and compliment his outfit (cause it's pretty awesome looking) with the sharp intent of listening to his voice and play "name that character" in my head.  Nothing, man.. who is this guy?

Approach some fangirls that were talking to him previous to me and just flipping ask.  Again, another name that I don't know.  COME ON!  He's got to be in something I've heard of if he keeps getting surrounded by women?  Oh.  He's Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist.  Um, oops?

And that's the tale of how I met Vic Mignogna, on accident.

Weddings

What happened to all of those weddings that people say happen all the time in your twenties?  My husband's about to turn 30 next week and, other than our own, we've been to three.  

What are the rest of y'all doing?  Having your romantical dramas or just cool not being married.

You guys in the drama department, I'm in no rush to see you guys get married.  

I'm seriously in a need to celebrate some of you guys settling down.  

Some of you that I've met and you were already married.  Disappointed on one hand and still don't get why you're married on the other.  Seriously, especially my military couples that only knew each other a month before getting married.  I don't get that.  But whatevs.

Dissatisfied when I couldn't have been there for weddings of couple friends that I met after they were married.  

Someone get married soon so that I can celebrate it.  More weddings of friends please.  Or maybe I just want to celebrate in general.

Brussel Sprouts

I love brussel sprouts.  They're so good.  Steamed.  Marinated in lemon juice.  Covered in Cheese.
I found a wonderful recipe for parmesan-stuffed brussel sprouts.
Sadly, I'm the only person who enjoys eating brussel sprouts in this house.  So last week, I did my crazy mom thing and bought brussel sprouts to prepare with dinner.  No surprise when I was the only one eating them at the dinner table.  So I packed them up to eat for lunch the next day.
The other ladies came in as they always do for lunch in the teacher's lounge.  One at a time.  Out of four other women, each one said the EXACT same thing as they sat down to the table.
"What are those?"   Brussel sprouts.  "Oh, I've never seen them before.. or at least, never seen anyone EAT them before."
Just me.  Me and brussel sprouts.  Can't even make my parmesan-stuffed brussel sprout recipe for a school potluck.

Dream Interpretation

Toss out your dream dictionary!

How shocking it is to me that people actually request assistance interpreting their dreams.  Most requests that I received were mostly people seeking reassurance of their normality.  I can understand that. 

But in the case of "I walk into a spider's web... Google search: dreams, spiders, web"

No.  The answer you find their isn't the answer that your subconscious is trying to tell you.  That's someone else's meaning of spiderwebs. 

When looking to interpret your dream, list out items that called out the most to you during your dream (dream journaling can help).  Stop and think about what those key elements mean to YOU. Not to a web author.  Not to your friend.  What do they mean to you?  You'll find often that you're meaning and a "dictionary" meaning don't match.  Don't worry because your meaning is the right fit for you.

When I work with people on dream interpretations, I avoid from my opinions and perceptions and act as a guide in helping them work to their ultimate answer.  

Now, reoccurring dreams.  Those actually sometimes are more difficult.  I never truly understood what one I had meant until a friend offered her opinion.  

You don't need a dream interpreter, but rather a dream guide.  Someone who can help you to decipher what your dream means to your subconscious.
I love to share my dreams. I find them incredibly interesting and more times than not, my friends are there.  Just because I share my dream with you, does not mean I'm looking for interpretation.  I'm just simply sharing.

Creepypastas

Last week my husband introduced me to creepypastas with this YouTube video.  Actually, I had known of these tales before just never under the term of creepypastas.

Creepypastas are those creepy campfire stories.  The creepy urban stories you tell friends at slumber parties to creep everyone out.

The video had me so unnerved that I couldn't finish watching it until I had some daylight to keep my sanity.  I did read an epic long creepypasta that same night suggested by a friend.  I have read many creepypastas since at the suggestion of others.

While "Penpal" is extraordinarily well-written, Slenderman frightens me the most.  While Slenderman is the most unrealistic of everything I've been through, something about it freaks me out.  I think it's the idea that you're helpless against it.  If you see it, you're done for.  

What's a creepypasta that gets you unnerved?

Chosen By The Black Rose

Last week's duel was between Mitsuru Tsuwabaki and Shinohara Wakaba.   The impatience that brought Mitsuru into the duelist's arena was also his downfall again Wakaba.  The black ring dissolved to ash as Tsuwabaki fails to move on to the next round. 

Round 1, Duel 6:

Kaoru Kozue versus Ohtori Kanae

Kaoru Kozue is Miki's twin sister and Ohtori Academy's number one skankity slutslut.  Ohtori Kanae is daughter of the headmaster and engaged to Akio.  Kaoru fights using Miki's épée and her desire to keep Miki's attachment to her from fading or changing.  According to all official information that I can find, Kanae uses a rapier but considering that all of the Black Rose duelists take their sword from someone who means something to them, I've always gathered that she utilizes a weapon from Akio.  Who will move on to Round 2?

Bat Affleck

Last night I was minding my own business, strolling around the Internet reading creepypastas, when it happened.  It happened so fast that it didn't really set in at first.  I read it.  I kept going.  I didn't even register what I had read.  And then, the Internet BLEW UP!

Ben Affleck will be the next Batman.

I've seen the reactions of others.  From the upset to the cheery to the indifferent. I seriously love me some Batman.  I might have named my daughter after a character.  Maybe.

So what's my take on the matter?  I'll choose the wait and see for now.  If this turns into Batman & Robins (Clooney, Thurman, Schwarzenegger, O'Donnell, etc.) then I'll be upset and never watch it again.  

Man, why did they make that film?  They really killed a good thing.

How To Throw A Child's Party

I love to celebrate.  I enjoy throwing parties.  When you're throwing a party for a child, things are different than your average party planning.

Plan for the child

Too many times people get wrapped up in making sure that the guests or parents of other children will have things to do.  It's not their party, this is celebrating your child.  Focus on activities they'd like to do.  

Plan developmentally appropriate activities

If you're doing a theme party, you don't have to do every activity that you find on the Internet that fits your theme.  Find activities that your child can do and will enjoy doing.  This will put less stress on your child and you as they play.

Invite friends of your child

Don't get caught up in having everyone under the sun in attendance.  Inviting friends of your child allows for fewer activities planned as they'll simply spend most of their time simply enjoying the company of friends.

But, the adults are bored

It's your child's birthday.  Would you rather have to split yourself between enjoying the moments with your child and entertaining adults?  Focus on your child and the party will come together smoothly.

I've got to feed everyone!

Plan for the party to occur during a time that's generally in between meals.  Provide light snacks and drink.  Then, families can do lunch or dinner after the event.  Don't over-stress yourself worrying about preparing a filling meal for every person that may or may not show.

Someone didn't come!

Don't focus on the people that didn't come.  Help your child to appreciate the fun and the people that are there spending time with you.

You're not MarthaStewart

It doesn't have to be perfect.  It doesn't have to be huge.  It doesn't have to have matching table cloths.  Roll with it.

Plan ahead

Think about what you're organizing and putting together.  Get a little done every day and you'll have more time to enjoy the moments of the party.

Have a weather plan

If it's outdoors, try to include in the invitations details of what the inclement weather plan is.  Without this, people will look at grey clouds and keep their children at home.  Plan party activities for the outdoor party that could be moved indoors.

Simple is fun

My daughter's first birthday had a room filled with pink balloons.  You don't have to recreate every amazing idea that you saw on Pinterest.  

Keep it kid-friendly

I shouldn't have to say this but: Alcohol has no place at a children's birthday party.  If you'd like to have Jell-O shots with your friends, get a sitter and do it then.

Take pictures
LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURES!  Memories for when they're older and for family not able 

Short and sweet

Kids have short attention spans and get moody.  No need for a party over two hours.  Anything more than that and you'll have irritated children and parents (mostly because they're kids are becoming moody).

But someone is on the way

Again, this is your child's party.  Your initiation gave clear start and end times.  Why should your child and other guests suffer to wait for the single person that couldn't be on time?  

KamikazeFinn

For curious minds that have asked, KamikazeFinn is the picture that you see when I update Dragon's Wife.  Various artists that I have met over my years, from livejournal to Gaia Online have bestowed upon me visual interpretations of my avatar.

 

She is not visual of any of the characters that I have stories posted for in there.  At the beginning of each month, I cycle out the current picture of KamikazeFinn to a new image.  I have 10 images so far, two more and I could have one for each month of the year!

So who exactly is KamikazeFinn?  KamikazeFinn is me.  Short and simple.  KamikazeFinn is a username created from blending the title of a manga, Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne, with my favorite character from said manga, Fish Finn.  The avatar images are NOT pictures of Fish Finn from Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne, but of KamikazeFinn.

Fish Finn from Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne

Why Attend Open House?

"I went to meet and greet, so I'll skip open house."

The information presented at meet and greet to the information presented at open house are really quite different. What we tell you at meet and greet gets us through the first couple of weeks while the open house has information for the whole year through.  It also demonstrates to the teacher that you are serious about your child's educational experience.

"I didn't go to meet and greet so why go to open house?"

Then we really, really want to see you!  We want to know everything that we haven't had a chance to clarify first-hand with you.  Your child's name spelling, pronunciation, is their listed birthday correct (we get a lot of typos coming through and we try to catch them all).  We also want to know your questions, comments, concerns, and expectations.

"I went to open house last year so I won't go this year."

It's a new school year, new teacher, new grade, and maybe even a new school.  School policies, procedures, curriculum, and more can change over the summer.  

"My other child had this teacher last year, so I don't need to go."

As noted in the previous answer, things can change.  Even if it is the same teacher, maybe there is something she allowed last year that isn't going to fly this year.  The fact that they've had you as a class parent before can also show them that you encourage and support her while also being a class parent "expert" of their stylings to help demonstrate to new parents your confidence in them.

"I have to work/college."

Understandable that you cannot attend.  If you are unable to attend, email your child's teacher explaining how you regret not being able to attend while asking if they would mind sending you any relevant information.  It's cool, we'll do it for you guys. :)

Sight Room

Sight words, sight words, and more sight words!  Anything and everything to learn sight words.  Now we're transforming our little one's bathroom into a place of learning too!  Each morning, there are two new sight words written in dry erase on the mirror.

Also written on the fish tank for double exposure.  Thursday night, all of the words make a guest appearance for a sight word bath!

I know, kind of creepy looking but we're having a hoot!

Deeper, Go Deeper

Last week's duel was between Sonada Keiko and Takatsuki Shiori.   The courage that brought Keiko into the duelist's arena was no match for the determination Shiori carried with her.  Black rose petals fell as Keiko fails to move on to the next round. 

Round 1, Duel 5:

Mitsuru Tsuwabuki versus Shinohara Wakaba

Mitsuru Tsuwabuki is a fourth grade student with the desire to become Nanami's brother allowing her to use and abuse him.  Shinohara Wakaba is Utena's best friend with love for the student council vice president, Saionji, leading to a terribly jealous relationship with the Rose Bride, Anthy.  Despite the chosen image, Tsuwabuki wields Nanami's scimitar and dagger accompanied by the impatience to grow up.  Wakaba wields both Saionji's katana partnered with the removal of all that limits her.  Who will progress to Round 2? 

App Spotlight

Kumo Lumo

The price: Nada!

The category:  Games (sitting between my iMahjong and Munchkin Level Counter)

The rundown: You control a cloud and use tools such as rain and lightning to destroy or build things.  Don't run out of rain or you'll dry up!

Overall:  Super cute and super fun!  I downloaded it for me earlier this week and the next day my daughter was asking for it on her digital device.

Beware the super cute adverts floating around!  Even the advertisements are adorable!

Obligatory Friends

What?  People you have to be friends with?  No one does that!

Hahaha! Wrong!  Especially you silly married people you.  If you have a spouse or are dating then you have your obligatory friends.  The dude you have to hang out with because you wife enjoys hanging with his significant other and vice versa.  

That doesn't mean that every couple that hangs out has an obligatory friendship.  When I met my best fem friend, her boyfriend and my husband were friends.  We actually skipped the obligatory stage and just simply became friends.  

Some people escape the obligatory phase and eventually become close and good friends.  I've had some of those.  They grow on you.

And then there are the ones that never do.  The ones that you forever just put up with in the name of your spouse.  Well, maybe not forever.  Either the mutual friend dumps the person or they move or something prevents leaving the awkward "I'm forced to hang out with you" period.

I used to think for the longest time that it was just females that did this dance.  That maybe guys just got along together easily than ladies did.  My husband has recently put me in my place on that.  I won't name who or whatever's as it won't matter once they've moved on from the obligatory stage but it's kind of adorable in an odd way to observe this from the outside.  The attempts to find similarity, the awkward moments of silence, the almost pitiful glances to his phone for something else to do/check if its time yet to leave.  I feel bad but at the same time it's almost a little cheer of "it's not me!"

The interesting thing about being a parent now too is the fun moments of this being spent with parents of other children as Harley plays with favored friends from school.  It's like dating strange people that you'd never normally be around but you're all doing it for the benefit of another.

Stress of Kindergarten

I'm trying to find my strength to make it through my daughter's kindergarten year.  I knew that the expectations of kindergarten students were high but I didn't ever really realize before how high they really were.

Even everything that I did with my daughter this past summer and we still get hit for items such as this on the second week of school.  Thank goodness I know so many other kindergarten teachers that I can question the normality of this expectation in only the second week of school.

For where we live, it's the normal expectation.  For the school that I teach in, the kindergarten teachers see those papers in a different light.  "Didn't follow directions" becomes "I need to review the skill with this student."  "Needs practice" becomes "I need to remember to remind my students to do this and how to."

I'll continue to supplement her academic learning at home.  That I don't mind and had always intended on doing.  I also sent in her agenda copies of the supplemental work that my daughter and I did together practicing the skills.  

Who knew kindergarteners were expected so much so fast?  Not even me.  I feel overwhelmed by it all.  This is a huge jump at the start of the year from where I even leave off with my students in pre-k.  I'm thrown into this world of her reading, writing, performing simple math, helping her build strong morals and healthy habits.  It's all so much.  I wish that it could all slow back down.  

Hide and Sight

Sight words, sight words, so many sight words!  Trying all sorts of fun ways to teach sight words.  My daughter's favorite one is Hide and Sight.  

I hide the sight words around the yard, then she runs out to find them and we review each sight word.  Afterwards, we take them in for sight match!

If she tells me what they are without my help, she gets to keep her sight card!  

Project Completed

Thank you to everyone that donated or helped to find donors for our classroom project.  People like you truly make a difference in the lives of others.  

Now, school fundraisers are already out and ready for your attention!  These fundraisers help to support these schools.  We look to you, our local communities, to support education.  Everything we do, we do to better the community.  Even if you only buy one thing from your child's fundraiser catalogue, that can still help more than nothing.  

My daughter's selling coffee, tea, and cookie dough.  My school should be getting our fundraiser soon... I wonder what it will be!   

The Way For You Has Been Prepared

Last week's duel was between Kiryuu Touga and Souji Mikage.  The well-practiced moves of the master playboy were overcome by the precision of this young professor.  Red rose petals fell as Touga fails to move on to the next round. 

Round 1, Duel 4:

Sonada Keiko versus Takatsuki Shiori

Sonada Keiko  is a driven and energetic student with a love for the student council president, Touga.  Takatsuki Shiori is Juri's childhood friend with an inferiority complex.  Keiko wields Touga's katana and a desire for independence of Nanami.  Shiori wields both Juri's rapier and a sadistic jealousy of her.  Who will progress to Round 2? 

Anime Review

Panty and Stocking With Garterbelt

Genre:  Comedy, Action

Summary: Two angels kicked out of heaven defeat demons to earn enough points to return to heaven.  

Overall:  It's truly a unique show if ever I saw one.  The animation is a mix of clumsy clutter while simultaneously unique eye candy.  The content is mind numbingly stupid yet brilliantly thought out.  It's presentation is cutting-edge, in your face!  

Recommendation: I've completely watched it from start to end and can't find the words to say if I like it or not.  It's a unique ride that truly reflects current animation.  Not simply Japanese animation, but animation worldwide.

Travel Shadowbox

About a year and a half ago, my husband and I went on a vacation to Blue Ridge Mountains.  I loved the trip so much!  We stayed in an adorable cabin on private property, went gem mining and fishing and putt-putt golfing, and even bumped into a college buddy and her now-husband on happenstance!  

We came home with lots of gems from out gem mining experience.

Now, we want to keep all of these beauties but don't want them mixed with other gems.  These are special from our vacation.  I finally purchased a shadowbox to place them all in.  This one I did not print a background picture, but painted it.

Then, using a hot glue gun, I stuck some of the gems to the board in the shaped of a heart.  I recommend not gluing your fingers like I did for this step.

I know, a little wonky looking but they're gems.  You end up the best shape that you can.  Dump the remaining rocks freely into the frame space.

Write in there when and where these gems were acquired and then frame it all together prettiful!

SHINY!  To the wall with you!  I'm thinking the hallway would be a nice home for this.

What Would Megan Do?

I love my friends.  They help me to achieve the best of me that I can be. 

It never occurred to me that I could be an inspiration to them.  That people sit back and think of me when they are in situations and wish to be as I am.  

They help me to be as comfortable and confident as I am.  It is amazing to learn that the inspiration that I give to others is because of what you ALL give to me in return.  From my friends' smiles to the happiness of my students, from the love and support of my family to the respect of parents of my school.

Your smiles and your happiness are what inspire me to give that to you all in return.

The saying goes "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."  It applies to more than careers.  Live as you love to and you will lead a happy and fulfilling life. 

It you're working to please everyone else, you'll find that you aren't happy and that you can't please everyone.  I'm not saying ignore everyone else's feelings but you seriously can't please everyone and there is no pleasing some people.

A Child's Dream

My students need your help!

I want to make sure my students have the materials they need to succeed. So I've created a classroom project request at DonorsChoose.org, an award-winning charity.

I'm asking for donations of any size to help my kids. For the next week, any donation you make to my project will be doubled! If you know anyone who is passionate about education, please pass this along. Your donation will brighten my students' school year, and you'll get photos and thank yous from our class.

Here's my classroom request:
A Child's Dream

To have your donation matched dollar for dollar, enter the match code INSPIRE on the payment screen. This awesome match offer lasts through August 11, 2013.

Ticket Shadowbox

I've been holding on to my daughter's first movie ticket and every ticket since for this project.  It's a TICKET BOX!

I purchased a shadow box, slapped in a cute background picture, and then filled it with her movie tickets, play tickets, circus tickets, and park tickets.  We've only been to a few things but I think it's a great thing that can be added to as she grows.  She loves it, I love it, and my husband thinks that I'm a nut.

Enter the Black Rose

Last week's duel was between Kiryuu Nanami and Kaoru Miki.  The calculating and precise movements of the student genius were no match to the ferocity and determination of our favorite queen bee.  Blue rose petals fell as Miki fails to move on to the next round. 

Round 1, Duel 3:

Kiryuu Touga versus Souji Mikage

Kiryuu Touga is the student council president and master playboy.  Mikage is a professor of the Mikage Seminar, master manipulator, and willing to go to any means to achieve results.  Touga's preferred weapon is the katana.  Mikage's preffered weapon is the sabre.  Who will progress to Round 2?

Poll is open until next Saturday when the victor will be announced and the next set of opponents is unveiled.

Book Review: Graceling

Title: Graceling

Author: Kristin Cashore

Category: Young Adult, Fantasy

 Summary: "In a world where people born with an extreme skill—called a Grace—are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone."

Favorite quote:   "Wildcat, no one can control you." (or something like that, I have the book back)

The review: As you might could tell from my favorite quote, the writing didn't leave a profound impact on me.  While the world itself was of incredible build and the idea of the Graced was awesome, some points didn't get as flushed as they should.  The big "reveal" doesn't suck your breath away and even the villain's villainous act is kinda "meh, okay?"  The logic for LI to be immune to villain's Grace made no sense to me.  I did love Po.  He may not have been MC but he's definitely mine. 

Would I recommend this book for read: Actually, yes.  The world and idea of the Graced is so cool that it would be interesting to share the idea of these with others.  But, I've heard Fire is stand-alone so I'll read that and tell you if I'd point people to one or both.